Monday June 11 Ag News

Nebraska Delegation Writes EPA Regarding Aerial Surveillance Program

The Nebraska Congressional delegation today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson again requesting a written response to questions concerning EPA’s use of aerial surveillance. The delegation first wrote Jackson on  May 29th requesting information on the flyovers, but EPA has not responded.

Today’s letter also states representatives from the offices will not attend a closed-door meeting called by regional EPA officials until Jackson provides a response to the delegation’s questions, because the public has a right to know the answers.

The full text of the letter signed by Sens. Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson and Congressmen Jeff Fortenberry, Adrian Smith and Lee Terry is below:

Dear Administrator Jackson:

On May 29, 2012, the Nebraska delegation wrote to you seeking answers to a series of questions regarding EPA’s use of aerial surveillance inspections on farms and ranches.  We note that these questions were simple, direct, and predictable.  The letter requested a response within 2 weeks, by no means an unreasonable period.

Having received no response from your office, we reiterate the request for information concerning EPA’s use of aerial surveillance and request a written response to each question from you not later than June 15, 2012.  For your convenience, the questions are again attached.

As noted in the original request, the Nebraska delegation wrote to you because farmers and ranchers have many serious concerns and questions, including many concerning privacy and freedom from unnecessary surveillance.  The delegation had only limited information regarding the surveillance, which it sought to confirm or correct by soliciting specific answers directly from you.  In addition, the letter posed detailed questions that Region 7 staff could not fully answer.  In short, the delegation sought a public airing of all issues related to any surveillance activity undertaken by EPA.  Finally, we note that since the request, concern with aerial surveillance has deepened and now extends well beyond Region 7. 

In light of these facts, a comprehensive, written, and public response to the aerial surveillance questions is needed.  While we understand that Region 7 staff has organized a briefing for certain members of the media and invited representatives from Congressional offices to attend, such a meeting cannot substitute for a written response to the questions in the May 29 letter.  Accordingly, we have instructed our staff not to attend this meeting.  Instead, we would be willing to meet upon receiving the information requested in the May 29 letter.  We look forward to receiving your written response.



IANR Opening Office in China for Joint Research and Faculty, Student Exchanges

A new University of Nebraska-Lincoln office in Beijing will open up new possibilities for joint research and faculty and student exchanges between the United States and China.

UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will officially open an office in ceremonies Monday (June 11) at China's State Administration of Grain (SAG), a national administrative agency with the mandate for all issues in post-harvest grain management, including responsibility for control of national grain distribution, providing guidelines for development of the grain industry and administering national grain reserves.

A Nebraska delegation that included representatives from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture visited Beijing twice in the past year to negotiate the opening of the office. In addition to potential research opportunities with the State Administration of Grain, IANR's new office and collaborative agreement with SAG will provide access to a network of leading Chinese university and state partners for student and faculty exchanges as well as for joint research efforts in areas where UNL is strong, including agricultural biosciences, food science and technology, engineering and water sciences, to help solve significant challenges ahead for food and natural resource security.  The agreement also will allow the State of Nebraska to seek out Chinese agri-business opportunities for Nebraska companies and individuals who need assistance with building relationships in China.

Those from Nebraska attending the opening are Ronnie D. Green, NU vice president for agriculture and natural resources and Harlan vice chancellor of IANR; Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture; and Stan Garbacz, agricultural trade representative for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

"We are tremendously excited to be launching what we believe to be a unique and unprecedented relationship with the SAG and the greater Chinese agricultural system," Green said in remarks prepared for the ceremony. "This will provide a platform to work together on important agricultural problems in a coordinated and synergistic way with multiple collaborating groups in China, adding to our already significant relationships with China Agricultural University, Northwest A&F University, and Xi'an Jiaotong University."

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture hopes to expand opportunities for businesses with current relationships and work to identify new prospects for expansion of business and commercial ventures in the world's most populous nation.

"We have a vision of working side by side with the university to boost relationships for Nebraska companies. The synergy between research and investment could be a very exciting new scheme for Nebraska in China," Ibach said.



Johanns Statement on University of Nebraska

Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) issued the following statement on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources opening an office in Beijing, China. The office will promote student and faculty research in the areas of agriculture biosciences, food science and technology, engineering and water sciences, and food and natural resource security. Additionally, the partnership allows the State of Nebraska to assist Nebraska companies and individuals as they pursue agri-business opportunities in China.

“Today’s announcement represents an exciting opportunity for Nebraska agriculture,” Johanns said. “China is a growing market in the world economy, and this office will help Nebraska continue to explore new opportunities for research in agriculture, as well as open doors for Nebraska’s agri-business community.”

China is Nebraska’s fourth largest trading partner and one of the state’s fastest growing markets, having more than doubled during the past five years with a 36% increase in 2011 alone. Combined exports totaled more than $380 million last year, up from nearly $279 million in 2010.



SENATORS INTRODUCE AMENDMENT TO HELP FARMERS, MAIN STREET

Today, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo and Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns filed an amendment to fulfill Congressional intent by providing an explicit exemption from margin requirements for non-financial end-users that qualify for the clearing exemption.  The amendment is identical to H.R. 2682, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 370 to 24.   

Since the Dodd-Frank conference took place, there has been a debate over whether non-financial end-users are exempt from margin requirements.  Then-Chairmen Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) acknowledged the language for end-users was not perfect, trying to clarify the intent of the language with a joint letter.  Certain regulators have interpreted the statutory language as requiring them to adopt rules that impose margin requirements on all uncleared swaps, regardless of who the counterparties are. 

“Non-financial end-users from manufacturing to energy to farming rely on financial risk management tools like derivatives to manage the unique business risks associated with their day to day operations,” Crapo said.  “Our economy benefits from this type of risk management activity in the form of less-volatile business activities, and in turn, lower prices for consumers.  The Senate needs to affirm Congressional intent by passing this amendment to ensure that regulators do not divert productive working capital from our economy into margin accounts that would impair economic growth.”

Johanns said, “Farmers, ranchers and businesses using the financial markets to guard against risk is the type of responsible business practice we should encourage.  Instead, they may be subject to far-reaching and unintended consequences of a very flawed law.  Our amendment strives for much-needed clarity by allowing businesses to manage their risk and put their capital to good use, often creating more American jobs in the process.”



Johanns Praises “Reform-Minded” Farm Bill

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today spoke on the Senate Floor to voice his support for the Senate’s “reform-minded” farm bill. The bill reduces the deficit by $23.6 billion and streamlines or eliminates many federal programs. Johanns also expressed his hope that an open amendment process will help to make the bill even better and win bipartisan support in the full Senate.

Below are excerpts from Johanns’ remarks:
-    “This bipartisan bill reduce the deficit by $23.6 billion because of changes to every title and elimination of nearly 100 federal programs overall. It shifts farm policy further away from dependence on income support and instead it focuses on risk management.”
-    “Good farm policy does not end with a good farm bill. Our farmers and ranchers also deserve a more constructive regulatory environment and a fairer tax system. So while I support the bill, I hope we can get some amendments pending to make a good bill a better bill. This is so important that I led a letter with 43 other senators asking for an open-amendment process. I look forward to the debate and to passing a very reform-minded farm bill.



Goss’s Wilt of Corn Confirmed in Multiple Locations across Nebraska
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, UNL Extension Plant Pathologist

Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight was confirmed in numerous corn samples this week received from counties in south central and eastern Nebraska.

Plant wounding due to recent severe weather and history of widespread disease development of Goss’s wilt across the state are likely to blame for the seemingly early development of the disease in corn fields again this year. The disease can develop at any time during the growing season, but it has not typically developed this early in eastern Nebraska. Its impacts on yield are worsened the earlier it develops during the plants’ growth stages and the more leaf area that is affected by lesions. Development of the disease now on susceptible hybrids could have devastating impacts on yield if the disease continues to worsen in those fields.

The disease does not appear to be widespread at this time, but scouting is recommended, particularly in high risk fields, to determine if disease has developed and to what extent. To date, Burt, Hall, and York are the only counties from which samples were received with Goss’s wilt. In addition, a few of the corn plants were systemically infected by the bacterium, which can ultimately lead to plant death, stand loss, and greater yield loss. Most of the plants submitted had larger, advanced lesions and were approximately at the V6 growth stage.

The initial infections could have occurred recently during one or severe weather events that Nebraska experienced. In approximately 2006, the disease was confirmed in western Nebraska, northeast Colorado, and southeast Wyoming. It has also been confirmed in more than 60 Nebraska counties all across the state since then, and Goss’s wilt has become important in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Since its reemergence, the disease has also been confirmed in Ontario and Manitoba provinces in Canada, and as far south as the northern panhandle of Texas.

Scouting for Goss's Wilt
Fields should be scouted with special attention paid to:
-    hybrids that are sensitive to Goss’s wilt,
-    fields with a recent history of the disease, and
-    fields that have plants that have been injured (due to hail, high winds, sandblasting, etc.).

When trying to make a diagnosis, look for two key features of the disease:
-     Freckles – Also known as discontinuous water-soaked spots, these “freckles” appear as small dark green to black spots on the edges of spreading lesions. While some lesions may lack this symptom, those expressing it most likely have Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight, as it is the only known pathogen to cause the symptom. Freckles may be more evident when backlit by bright light, such as the sun. Be careful to avoid confusing these “freckles” with the development of secondary fungal growth in the centers of lesions that give the surface a dusty appearance as they grow and produce spores on dead leaf tissue.
-    Ooze – Also known as bacterial exudate, “ooze” occurs when bacteria are secreted on the surface of lesions. When fresh, it may appear sticky and brown, but once dry, it gives the leaf a glistening or sparkling appearance. Be sure to check the bottom side of the leaf carefully, as well, as the exudate may be washed away by rainfall or overhead irrigation.

Identifying both of these characteristics is a likely indication that the corn plants have Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight. For Goss’s wilt testing, you can submit samples to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.

Management
The most effective disease management is with the selection and use of Goss’s wilt resistant hybrids and crop rotation to reduce the amount of overwintering inoculum (bacteria). However, several products are being evaluated in an effort to identify ways to reduce losses due to the disease.

Some bactericides are labeled for use in corn, but limited testing has been completed on corn and the Goss’s wilt pathogen. However, when considering the application of these or any pesticides, consider that some products are contact products that will not be absorbed and moved systemically in plants. Contact products are unable to provide curative activity for the infections that are already inside plants. (This is In contrast to the foliar fungicides that have been used more commonly on corn during recent years. These foliar fungicides often have systemic activity and can  provide both curative and protective activity against fungal diseases like gray leaf spot.) However, the contact products can provide protection from new infections for one or more weeks, but will be washed off by rainfall or overhead irrigation and their protective properties lost. Some products also may be cost prohibitive, particularly considering that they may require multiple applications for long-term protection of leaves. But, there may be some potential value for a timely application(s) to slow disease progression.



Rapid Corn Syndrome Leads to Twisted Whorls
Greg Kruger, UNL Cropping Systems Specialist

The warm winter and early spring brought a new twist to Nebraska corn fields, many of which were planted well ahead of normal this year. The warm conditions coupled with several nice showers (for a fortunate few) have meant corn plants developing well ahead of schedule.  These temperatures have led to fast growing corn plants and, in a few situations, plants growing beyond their “capacity.” In fields where corn is growing too rapidly, growers are seeing plants with twisted whorls and nitrogen deficient leaves. Additionally, plants will often appear to be crinkled due to rapid leaf expansion. While these symptoms are specific to corn, similar problems can develop in fast-growing soybeans.  Generally, the rapid growth and development does not have a significant effect on yield, especially on a field scale. However, occasionally, individual plants will have trouble with new leaves unfurling from the whorl, causing localized yield losses.  For more information see this recent article in the Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management News,  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2012/0607elmorelicht.htm.



Why "Rootless" Corn is so Prevalent in Drier Areas this Year
Tom Hoegemeyer, UNL Professor of Practice, Department of Agronomy

There are many reports of “rootless corn syndrome” extending from western and central Nebraska to Indiana. While there are many contributing causes, most of them relate to soil moisture at and during the first four weeks after planting. Let’s think about the development of corn roots, then consider the “rootless” issues.

Rootless corn
When a corn seed germinates, the first structure to emerge is the radical, followed by two to five seminal roots. The radical is oriented more or less randomly (except up), depending on the direction of the kernel tip. The early developing seminal roots orient themselves downward (in response to gravity). A day or so later the coleoptyl and mesocotyl, the shoot, emerges and orients itself upward. Depending upon hybrid and soil conditions, the seminal roots branch and take up moisture and nutrients for the developing seedling. Shortly after emergence, the nodal (or crown) root system begins to develop. It is these nodal roots that become the permanent root system. More roots develop from successive nodes as the plant develops.

However, if the soil next to the root node is dry, hard, cloddy, or otherwise inhospitable when the first ring of roots is attempting to develop, there will be little effective growth. Often the tissues trying to develop into roots look like little “warts” of hard tissue at the node. Typically, if sufficient moisture is available below, the seminal roots and radical allow the first three or four leaves to develop. However, as the plants grow taller or with the first wind, the plants will have insufficient anchorage to stand.

Causes of Rootless Corn Syndrome
Lots of conditions have been observed to cause this rootless appearance, most of them related to weather or planting. Planting too shallow (less than 1.5 inches) can be a problem, especially if heavy rain compacts or erodes the soil. When disc openers were first used on planters, rootless corn syndrome was labeled “max-emerge disease.” This was because disc openers enabled farmers to plant in wetter soil conditions, which resulted in furrow sidewall smearing or compaction. This sidewall area can become hard and dry, causing nodal roots, if they develop, to grow parallel to the planted rows. More often, there is little nodal root development and plants lodge at the 3- to 5-leaf stage. Dry weather and wind are usually involved, especially on the Great Plains.

Management
If pivot irrigation is available, planting at 2-inch depths, followed by timely, moderate irrigation can often prevent the problem. An issue that was pointed out by Emerson Nafziger of the University of Illinois is that the root crown and nodal roots can be “set high” due to rapid growth in warm soils. When the tip of the shoot (coleoptyl) emerges from the soil and light strikes it, the nodal roots form where the growing point is at at that time, usually about ¾ inch to 1 inch below the surface. If soil conditions are not suitable, the roots at the first node fail to develop properly. If corn grows very rapidly in warm soils, the tips of the coleoptiles do not stop growing at night, and by the time light reaches them, the growing point (and this root node) are already near the soil surface. Because of the unusually warm spring in 2012, this may have contributed to the situation this year.

Pivot irrigation and/or cultivation are probably the only management tools available. However, cultivators are no longer available on many farms, and irrigation is not universally available. If rain or irrigation provides moisture to the soil surface, after the plants lodge, many plants will form nodal roots and “stand themselves up.” However, these plants may not form fully normal root systems and may be vulnerable to heat/moisture stress and nutrient deficiencies, even under good growing conditions. There is also increased risk of lodging in the fall.

Adjust Planter to Avoid Problem Next Year
In reviewing the increase in "rootless" corn reports this week, UNL Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Greg Kruger agreed with Dr. Hoegemeyer that the problem often relates back to planting depth and noted:

The reason that rootless corn is often “patchy” across a field is because the planter is properly calibrated for parts of the field, but in areas of heavy soils, compaction, or in other areas that may push the planter units up, the seeding depth is too shallow for root development.

Ultimately, the true test of rootless corn would be to dig the plants and look at the root systems. Root systems will often appear underdeveloped for the size of the plant and the brace roots will generally not be developing like they should be.

If you find yourself victim to rootless corn, next year add a little more down pressure or set the planter one notch deeper.

When soils in the top inch become hot, very dry, loose, and granular, especially after dry winters or springs and following soybeans, rootless corn can develop, This can occur regardless of crop rotation or tillage, but especially if soils dry rapidly to tilled depths



Potato Leafhoppers Get an Early Start in Alfalfa
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Potato leafhoppers have arrived early this year and are starting to injure alfalfa in many areas. These tiny, yellowish-green, wedge-shaped insects often blow in from the southeast in late spring through mid summer. They can stunt alfalfa growth and are especially damaging to new seedlings.

An early symptom of leafhopper damage is a triangular or V-shaped yellow or purple area at the tip of alfalfa leaves. This discoloration is caused by a toxin the leafhopper injects into the alfalfa plant as it sucks out plant juices. As feeding continues, the entire plant can turn yellow and growth may stop.

Scouting and Management
Starting now, check fields at least weekly for leafhoppers before symptoms appear, watching for signs before symptoms appear and there is some degree of loss. If you detect leafhoppers early and they are still present, insecticides can kill them easily. You may need to spray a couple times, though, since leafhoppers can migrate from other fields and reinfect your sprayed field.

However, if your alfalfa already is yellow and stunted, do not spray. Instead, mow your alfalfa to remove affected plant tissue and stimulate new growth. Unmown plants might not grow much more all year, lowering yield and potentially leading to stand loss over winter. In  fields seeded this spring, after mowing spray insecticide when regrowth begins to protect growth. In established fields, don’t spray automatically. Instead, scout new regrowth at least weekly for leafhoppers. If they reappear, use insecticides before much damage occurs.

Information on threshold levels and insecticides is available at local extension offices.



False Chinch Bugs Reported in Southeast Nebraska
Bob Wright, UNL Extension Entomologist

We are receiving reports of false chinch bugs (Nysius spp.) damaging soybeans in Gage County and alfalfa in York County. These insects usually build up in the spring on winter annual weeds in the mustard family, such as penny cress. As these plants mature or are killed by herbicide in the field, the false chinch bugs migrate to nearby crops.  Often they are concentrated on field borders or on a few plants. Large numbers of false chinch bugs feeding on new growth can result in wilting and sometimes death of the portion of the plant fed upon.  If large numbers of false chinch bugs are injuring plants, often a border treatment is sufficient to control them.  Kansas State University has a good fact sheet on false chinch bugs at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/entml2/mf3047.pdf. 



Novozymes Applauds UN report on Growth of Renewables – Encourages Government to Stay the Course

Novozymes, the leading producer of enzymes that turn biomass into biofuels, today praised a new study which confirms that renewable energy use and investment is growing. Global renewable energy investments rose 17 percent to $257 billion--setting a record, with China in the lead followed by the U.S., according to the report from the United Nations energy research group, REN21.

“Renewable energy is working - and the gains we see in use and private investment prove it. Domestically-made renewable options like biofuels are reducing prices for consumers at the pump, suggesting why - even in these tough economic times - renewables are gaining momentum. To keep that momentum, we must stay the course," said Adam Monroe, president of Novozymes North America. "This study demonstrates policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard are working and encouraging private investment. To continue that investment and commercialize this industry, we need those policies in place."

In 2010, renewable energy supplied an estimated 16 percent of global energy consumption and approximately 20 percent of global electricity production. Renewable capacity now comprises about 25 percent of total global power-generating capacity. In the U.S., renewable energy accounted for 11.8 percent of primary energy production in 2011 vs. 10.9 percent in 2010.  Liquid biofuels comprised about 3 percent of transportation fuel globally in 2011.

Novozymes recently inaugurated a new enzyme manufacturing plant in Blair, Nebraska, a $200 million investment in America’s future to support the growing biofuels industry. The facility created 400 construction and 100 permanent jobs.

Global production capacity of ethanol from cellulose is estimated to reach about 15 million gallons in 2012 and 250 million gallons in 2014. A recent study by Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows that using less than 20 percent of the United State’s available agricultural residues could produce more than 18 billion gallons of ethanol every year, replacing 16 percent of gasoline consumption by 2030. This would create 1.4 million jobs.



April Pork Exports Remain Strong; Best Month of 2012 for Beef Exports

April exports of U.S. pork were up slightly in volume (183,618 metric tons) from a year ago and 4 percent higher in value ($509.2 million), keeping 2012 exports ahead of 2011’s record pace. Through the first four months of the year, pork exports stand 6 percent higher than last year in volume (781,676 metric tons) and 16 percent higher in value ($2.17 billion), according to statistics released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

April was the strongest month so far this year for U.S. beef exports, despite a decline of 8 percent in volume (94,734 metric tons) compared to last year. April export value was $469.6 million – 9 percent higher than a year ago. From January through April, beef exports were up 6 percent in value to $1.72 billion despite a 10 percent decline in volume (361,122 metric tons).

Pork export value per head slows slightly, but still on record pace
On a per-head-slaughtered basis, April pork exports equated to $57.69 – down slightly from the first quarter of this year but still more than a dollar higher than in April 2011. For the first four months of this year, exports equated to $58.84 per head.

April exports of pork muscle cuts equated to 24 percent of production, 27.7 percent when including both muscle cuts and variety meat. These ratios were roughly the same as April 2011 and slightly lower than the first quarter of this year.

Individual market highlights for U.S. pork included:
-    Though April was the slowest month this year for exports to Mexico, volume was up 30 percent over April 2011 and value was 18 percent higher. Through April, 2012 exports to Mexico were up 19 percent in volume (207,095 metric tons) and 18 percent in value ($377.4 million) over last year’s record pace.
-    April exports to the China/Hong Kong region were the second-largest so far this year, pushing results for the first four months of the year one-third higher in volume (154,884 metric tons) and 84 percent higher in value ($312.8 million) than the same period in 2011. However, exports to this region have slowed considerably from the peak volumes shipped in the final months of last year.
-    January-April exports to Japan were down slightly in volume (161,933 metric tons) from last year but were 14 percent ahead of 2011’s record value pace at just under $700 million.
-    Composed almost completely of muscle cuts, April exports to Russia were the strongest in more than six months. This pushed Russia’s 2012 results 20 percent higher in volume (25,903 metric tons) and 28 percent higher in value ($78.7 million) than a year ago.

The recovery of South Korea’s swine herd from the 2010-2011 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has caused U.S. exports to slow from last year’s record pace. Through April, exports to Korea were down 31 percent in volume (67,061 metric tons) and 20 percent in value ($192.7 million) from a year ago. For perspective, however, it is important to note that other than 2011, these results still outpace any other year’s exports to Korea by a wide margin and were nearly double the volume shipped in the first four months of 2010.

“Considering the recovery of domestic supplies in markets such as Korea and China, pork exports have performed remarkably well through the first four months of the year,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “Despite fierce competition in Japan, we have increased our market share further this year and nearly topped $700 million in value. USMEF marketing efforts are also contributing to growth in the Western Hemisphere markets - especially in the processing and retail sectors - with Mexico leading the way. Even in our Latin American markets that are quite price-sensitive, U.S. pork is appealing to more customers than ever before.”

Beef export value maintains solid pace; export value per head soars
Though beef export volume has slowed somewhat from the record pace of 2011, higher export value has been achieved in nearly every major market. Export value per head of fed slaughter has been especially strong, reaching nearly $233 in April (compared to $203.70 a year ago) and averaging $210.77 for the first four months of the year.

April beef exports equated to nearly 14 percent of production when including both muscle cuts and variety meat, and 11 percent of production for muscle cuts only. These ratios were roughly even with April 2011 but higher than in the first quarter of this year.

Individual market highlights for U.S. beef included:
-    April exports to Russia were the largest of the year, pushing 2012 exports 20 percent higher in volume (24,024 metric tons) and 92 percent higher in value ($100.5 million).
-    Exports to Japan slipped by 10 percent in volume (40,131 metric tons) through April but still achieved an 8 percent increase in value to $265.4 million. A Food Safety Commission review of the 20-month cattle age restriction on imports of U.S. beef continues, though no definite timeline is in place for easing of this regulation.
-    Led by soaring results in Chile and substantial increases in Guatemala and Peru, exports to Central and South America were up 38 percent in volume (11,257 metric tons) and 87 percent in value ($42.9 million) through April.
-    Though exports to Korea remain lower for the year, April exports were higher than a year ago and the strongest of 2012. Through the first four months of 2012, exports to Korea totaled 47,135 metric tons (down 28 percent) valued at $220.5 million (down 22 percent).
-    Exports to the Middle East remained strong with value up 15 percent to $108.4 million through April and volume down just 2 percent to 47,340 metric tons. This is an especially solid performance considering the recently weakening currency in Brazil, the region’s leading beef supplier.

It is important to note that April results are not likely to reflect any change in market access or consumer behavior as a result of the recent BSE case in California, which was announced April 24.

“We are pleased that nearly all of our trading partners took a science-based approach to the situation and imposed no changes in market access for U.S. beef,” explained Seng. “But when May results become available, we’ll see some impact from the suspension imposed by Saudi Arabia. We also expect to see a temporary decline in Korea, where some negative consumer reaction was apparent. USMEF is working on several fronts to minimize the impact in Korea, and the situation is far better than it was four years ago when the market first reopened to U.S. beef. However, BSE is still a very sensitive issue in that market.”

Weak April results for lamb exports
U.S. lamb exports were down 31 percent in volume (4,243 metric tons) and 16 percent in value ($8.2 million) through April, due in part to weak demand in the Caribbean. April volume (948 metric tons) was down 55 percent from a year ago while value was down 48 percent to $1.8 million.



Conserve Energy in Swine Facilities
Managing swine farrowing facilities to maintain a thermally comfortable environment for both sows and piglets is challenging. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explains how using localized heating to create a microclimate for piglets can reduce mortality rates and overall energy consumption.

"Conserving Energy by Using Localized Heating in Swine Housing" (PM 2089V) is available to download from the Extension Online Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu/.

"Swine farrowing rooms have animals with very different thermal needs in close proximity," said Jay Harmon, professor and ISU Extension agricultural engineer. "Creating microclimates in farrowing facilities using heat lamps or heat mats can improve the health and comfort of piglets while also conserving energy."

This publication provides an overview of research conducted by Iowa State University. Case study results show a lower piglet mortality rate and lower lamp breakage rates for 175 watt heat lamps versus 250 watt heat lamps. The lower wattage lamp also consumes less electricity, thereby improving energy efficiency. Additional topics include management of variable output heat lamps, heat mats and sizing propane gas brooders.

"As they grow, the temperature preference of piglets decreases and they need less localized supplemental heat," said Hongwei Xin, Iowa State University professor in agriculture and biosystems engineering. "Gradually reducing supplemental heating to meet their changing needs can improve overall energy efficiency."

For more tips on energy efficiency around the farmstead, visit http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu or follow @ISU_Farm_Energy on Twitter.



Earlier Floor Trade Open OK'd
Open Outcry to Start at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday Ahead of USDA Reports

CME Group Inc. has received formal approval to start open outcry trading early Tuesday ahead of a government crop report.

Open outcry trading will start at 7:20 a.m. CDT, instead of 9:30 a.m., which will remain the standard start time for most days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scheduled to release its monthly supply and demand crop report Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. CDT. CME will also start open outcry trading early on several other crop report days through the end of the calendar year.

The exchange's request was subject to a 10-day waiting period by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The waiting period ended Friday, and the CFTC listed the request as "certified" on its website.

The change follows the exchange's expansion of electronic trading hours, which means the market will be trading as the report is released for the first time. Floor traders said their business would be hurt if only the electronic trading platform is open when USDA reports are released.

The USDA is currently weighing whether to change the release times for the crop reports, and is soliciting public comments on the matter.



Individuals Selected To Moderate Discussions On Food Production, Popular Culture And Science At The Food Dialogues: Los Angeles, June 20-21

Laura McIntosh, George Motz, Michael Olson and Michael Specter will moderate the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance's Food Dialogues event entitled, "Lights, Camera, Food: Perceptions and Realities of Farming and Ranching in America," on June 20-21, 2012.  Four separate discussions – held over two days – will bring together entertainment movers and shakers, chefs, academics, large restaurant operators, journalists, local leaders and farmers and ranchers for in-depth conversations about food.  California Secretary of Agriculture, Karen Ross, has confirmed her participation as well.

George Motz, documentarian, host of Travel Channel's Made In America, and director of the Food Film Festival, will moderate Hollywood and "Vine": The Intersection of Pop Culture and Food Production, a live-streamed discussion about the portrayal of food and agriculture in popular culture on Wednesday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Urban farm expert and host of the syndicated Saturday Food Chain radiotalk show, Michael Olson will moderate Meeting of the Minds: Touring Hollywood's Urban Farm, on Wednesday, June 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PDT at Wattles Farm in Hollywood.  This discussion, which will examine the role urban farms play in the communities where they operate, will be live-Tweeted and taped for future online broadcast.

Long-time The New Yorker journalist, and Denialism author, Michael Specter will lead a panel of leading scientists and academics, farmers and ranchers and thought leaders through a discussion about the role science and technology play in agriculture.  University of California, Los Angeles provides a backdrop for the live-streamed event, The Great Debate: Science, Technology and Food, on Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT.  Secretary Ross will also participate in this panel discussion.

Host and executive producer of Bringing it Home with Laura McIntosh, Laura McIntosh will moderate The REAL Chef Challenge: Understanding How Food is Grown and Raised at Animal (restaurant).  On Thursday, June 21 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. PDT., farmers, ranchers, chefs, and others will discuss how food sourcing impacts how they grow, raise, buy and serve healthy choices for people everywhere.  The event will be live-Tweeted and taped for future online broadcast.

"The involvement of such expertise sets the stage for dynamic and productive discussions at the events and online," said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.  "We are both thrilled and honored to have Secretary Ross, Laura McIntosh, George Motz, Michael Olson and Michael Specter on board."

All panel discussions taking place at the event entitled, "Lights, Camera, Food: Perceptions and Realities of Farming and Ranching in America," will be available online (either live streamed or taped) at www.fooddialogues.com. Additionally, individuals with a Twitter account can follow all of the panel discussions by following @USFRA using #FoodD.

About The Food Dialogues
USFRA recognizes that Americans have important questions about our food and how it is produced. We have all become invested in knowing more about where our food comes from and how it was grown and raised – and how it impacts our personal health.  USFRA helps farmers and ranchers answer consumers' and influencers' questions, including the tough ones, about food production.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012
-    Hollywood and "Vine": The Intersection of Pop Culture and Food Production, Live-streamed (www.fooddialogues.com), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT.
-    Meeting of the Minds: Touring Hollywood's Urban Farm , 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PDT.  Follow this panel discussion on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD to participate in a live-Tweeting of the event activities as they happen. This event will be taped and content from the panel will be available in late June 2012.

Thursday, June 21, 2012
-    The Great Debate: Science, Technology and Food, Live-streamed (www.fooddialogues.com), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT.
-    The REAL Chef Challenge: Understanding How Food is Grown and Raised, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. PDT. Follow us on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD to participate in a live-Tweeting of the event activities as they happen. This event will be taped and content from the panel will be available in late June 2012.

For additional information about USFRA and The Food Dialogues events taking place in Los Angeles, visit www.fooddialogues.com. 



NMPF and IDFA Oppose Senate Farm Bill Amendment Legalizing National Sales of Raw Milk

The two organizations representing America’s dairy farmers and dairy foods companies jointly announced their opposition today to a proposal in the Senate that would allow the interstate sales of raw milk.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has introduced an amendment to the 2012 Farm Bill, No. 2180, that would allow the direct sale of raw milk and raw milk products across state lines, “greatly enhancing the chances that people will become sick because of increased consumption of unpasteurized milk,” the two groups said in a letter sent to members of the Senate.

“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health tools. To compromise or reduce its use through this legislation is not just bad politics – it’s a huge, inhumane step backwards, and one that will cause sickness and death,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF.

Federal law currently prohibits the interstate sale of raw milk, but allows states individual discretion to regulate raw milk sales within their borders. Several states in recent years have liberalized sale or distribution of raw milk, even as the product has been repeatedly linked to serious illnesses from coast to coast.

“The link between raw milk and foodborne illness has been well-documented in the scientific literature, with evidence spanning nearly 100 years, said Connie Tipton, President and CEO of IDFA. “Raw milk is a key vehicle in the transmission of human pathogens, which is why its consumption has been opposed by every major health organization in the United States, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.”

Kozak said that lawmakers have to keep in mind that “nearly two-thirds of all outbreaks associated with raw milk or raw milk products involve children. It is the responsibility of our nation’s leaders to make decisions to protect the health of the American public, most especially, those who are minors and are unable to make fully informed decisions that could have profound consequences for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Tipton said that “While consumer choice is an important value, it should not pre-empt public health and well-being. Legalizing the sale of raw milk and raw milk products to consumers, either through direct sale or through cow-share programs, represents an unnecessary risk to consumer safety. Therefore, we ask that you oppose Amendment No. 2180.”

The Senate is expected to begin debating this and other amendments to the Farm Bill this week.



Vilsack to Host Discussion in Iowa on Surging Demand for American Agricultural Exports

On Tuesday, June 12, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will speak to guests at the Partnership Arthur Davis Conference Center in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, about how the continuing demand for American food and agricultural products abroad has led to the three best consecutive years for U.S. farm exports in our nation’s history. Vilsack will also highlight a report released earlier today by the White House Rural Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture which notes progress that has been made in the agricultural economy and details steps the Obama Administration has taken to help strengthen the farm economy and support jobs in rural America.

U.S. agriculture continues to be a bright spot in America's economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation's competitiveness. Under the Obama Administration, U.S. agriculture accounts for 1 in 12 American jobs, provides American consumers with 83 percent of the food we consume, ensures the Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most other countries, sustains a year-over-year trade surplus, supports record incomes for farm families in rural parts of our country, and is helping to support local and regional food systems as well as renewable energy markets. Just a few weeks ago, USDA forecast 2012 farm exports to reach the second highest level on record, after 2011, making the past three years the strongest collective performance in our nation’s history.

Iowa’s agricultural export success has played a major role in this American success story. Last year, Iowa exported a record $7 billion in agricultural products. Thus far in 2012, Iowa’s farm exports show a 15-percent gain over last year’s record total. Overall, Iowa’s farm exports support the state’s strong employment rate (Iowa’s unemployment rate through April was 5.1%) and nearly 60,000 jobs on and off the farm.



Expanding Farm Credit Opportunities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

Today, American agriculture is thriving. Farm income is strong, and we are in the three best years for agricultural exports in history.

The prosperity of our agriculture sector is driving the economy forward, creating jobs, and ensuring that Americans have the most affordable food supply of any developed nation. At USDA, we're committed to supporting the farmers and ranchers who are creating this success.

One issue that is always critical for farmers and ranchers is access to credit – in particular for those who are just starting out or who have smaller farming operations.

While producers have been able to increase their bottom line over recent years, startup costs are often high to enter the agriculture sector. Land costs, equipment and other expenses to purchase or operate a farm can quickly add up and many simply don't have access to the commercial credit necessary to get started.

That's where USDA's Farm Service Agency steps in to help. The agency offers direct loans for farm ownership or operations, and also works with commercial lenders to provide guaranteed loans for farmers and ranchers. For beginning farmers and ranchers, USDA provides affordable credit, including loans under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and Youth Loans.

Ultimately, we're able to help many borrowers transition to commercial credit

Since 2009, USDA has made a record amount of farm loans through the Farm Service Agency – more than 128,000 loans totaling nearly 18 billion dollars. We've increased the number of loans to beginning farmers and ranchers from 11,000 loans in 2008 to 15,000 loans in 2011. In fact, more than 40 percent of USDA's farm loans now go to beginning farmers.

In addition, we have increased lending to socially-disadvantaged producers by nearly 50 percent since 2008 as we work to ensure that all Americans have access to the programs and services offered by USDA.

Finally, we're taking new steps to ensure flexibility in our programs. Just last month, USDA invited public comments on a proposed rule that will make "microloans" of up to 35,000 dollars available for new farmers, using simplified applications with half of the traditional paperwork burden.

Small farmers often rely on credit cards or personal loans, which carry high interest rates and have less flexible payment schedules, to finance their operations. The goal of this microloan program is to better meet the credit needs of small farm operations, beginning farmers, and returning veterans.

America's farmers and ranchers are the best in the world. By further expanding access to credit, USDA will help a new generation of farmers out-produce the world and ensure the strength of an American agriculture sector that drives our economy, creates jobs, and ensures the most secure and affordable food supply in the world.