Monday June 25 Ag News

Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors Hold Policy Meeting

Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors met Tuesday, June 19, 2012 to review the proposed interim polices created by Nebraska Cattlemen members at the past Midyear meeting held June 8, 2012 in Atkinson Nebraska.

Of the six member based NC committees, three passed resolutions that were then taken into consideration at the Board of Directors meeting. “Once the Board of Directors approves the resolutions they are then forwarded on to the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual meeting as interim policy where members will then be able to consider and discuss each in-depth”, said Jim Ramm, Nebraska Cattlemen President.

The three committees whose policies were up for discussion at the Board of Directors meeting were; Animal Health and Nutrition, Brand and Property Rights, and Marketing and Commerce.

The following are brief overviews of resolutions that were approved by the Board of Directors as interim policy.

Antimicrobials – AHN R 2012 - Interim
    - Cattle and beef producers need access to antimicrobials in a timely manner to maintain healthy animals and prevent diseases.  Nebraska Cattlemen supports judicious us of antimicrobials by cattle producers and supports risk assessments, government approval procedure, and guidance rules that are based upon peer reviewed sound science from the appropriate species.

Nebraska Brand Inspection Laws and Fees – BPR R 2012 - Interim
    - Due to needed updates in brand inspection laws, Nebraska Cattlemen will seek legislation that will update and better reflect the current industry as well as resetting fees to keep the inspection system viable.

Environmental Protection Agency Aerial Surveillance – BPR R 2012 - Interim
    - Nebraska Cattlemen asks for the immediate cease of aerial surveillance being conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the blatant violation of private property rights of businesses, residents and adjoining businesses and residents.

Futures Commission Merchants Insurance – MC R 2012 - Interim
    - Due to the effects of the bankruptcy of CME clearing member MF Global, Nebraska Cattlemen urges the development of an insurance program for Futures Commission Merchants (FCM’s) that would protect the value of excess customer funds on deposit in futures margin accounts.

Trichomoniasis Directive – AHN 2012
 - Due to an inconsistence in rules regarding Trichomoniasis, Nebraska Cattlemen will work with APHIS in their current authority to develop a program for interstate movement relative to Trichomoniasis.

If you would like to see the language of each interim policy or directive in its entirety, please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen at 402.475.2333.



Decision Issued on Nebraska’s Water Quality Standards

EPA has completed its review of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s new and revised water quality standards. The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to review water quality standards every three years and submit revised or new standards to EPA for review and approval.

The approved standards include new and revised surface water criteria to protect aquatic life and human health; new and revised public drinking water supply criteria; numeric nutrient criteria for lakes; and new use designations for four lakes.

“We value the state’s commitment to protecting its waters by establishing water quality standards and adopting numeric criteria that significantly increase environmental protection of Nebraska’s lakes, rivers and streams,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA. The Agency is working with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands of our water resources.

EPA’s June 22, 2012, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA’s review and the basis for this action. The decision letter is available at www.epa.gov/region7/newsevents/legal/. 



Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Meeting Scheduled for July 2 in Lexington, Neb.
EPA Region 7 representatives will host a public informational meeting for livestock producers about the Agency’s inspection program for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on Monday, July 2, in Lexington, Neb. EPA Region 7’s inspections are part of an increased national emphasis on ending harmful discharges of pollutants from CAFOs into rivers and streams.

“It is important for EPA Region 7 staff to be out in the countryside so we can educate communities about EPA's job and how inspections support the agency's duties," EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks said. “That’s why outreach efforts like this one are so important in obtaining the overall goal of protecting human health and water quality.”

Topics at the meeting include selection of CAFOs for inspection, aerial overflights to assess CAFOs, winter feeding areas, manure stockpiling and nutrient management plans. There will be an opportunity for attendees to interact with EPA officials during a question-and-answer session.

WHAT: Meeting about EPA’s inspection program for CAFOs
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2012
WHERE: Holiday Inn Express, 2605 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, Neb., 68850      
WHO: EPA Region 7 representatives attending this event will include Josh Svaty, senior adviser to the regional administrator; Stephen Pollard, CAFO compliance and enforcement coordinator; and Trevor Urban, senior CAFO inspector.



Johanns Writes U.S. Ag Secretary Supporting Nebraska Emergency Drought Assistance

Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging prompt action on the Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee’s request to “authorize emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land in all counties that meet the appropriate drought conditions and to give prompt consideration to future requests.”

Johanns said, “USDA’s State technical committee has looked at the conditions and recognized the serious need. It’s my hope Secretary Vilsack will swiftly approve the request to open this land. I expect more of these requests to come in as the summer progresses and will continue monitoring the situation to ensure our farmers and ranchers receive the assistance they need."

Producers in Morrill and Sheridan counties have requested early release of CRP acres for haying and grazing as a result of drought conditions.  Other counties are in the process of gathering data and could make similar requests to state FSA offices.

CRP lands are voluntarily set aside for conservation purposes. The lands can be released for haying and grazing after the primary wildlife nesting season which typically ends July 15. Nesting, however, occurred earlier than normal this year due to a mild winter and warm spring. Nebraska is requesting to allow grazing immediately. This authority has already been approved in Wyoming which has the same typical nesting season end dates.

The Nebraska FSA Committee has five members representing a variety of agriculture operations in Nebraska. The members are appointed by the Administration. The USDA State Technical Committee is chaired by the State Conservationist and includes the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, various other state agencies, agriculture producers, and land and wildlife management experts.

The full text of the letter is available HERE... 



Western Nebraska Catches Brunt of Hot, Dry Spell; Pastures Suffer
For July, Expect Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation
Al Dutcher, UNL Extension State Climatologist

Blistering heat invaded western Nebraska June 17-19, with highs exceeding 100°F across portions of the Panhandle, southwest, and west central Nebraska. On June 18 McCook reached 109°F, the warmest temperature recorded in the state this year. Wind speeds were consistently in the 20-30 mph range, with gusts over 40 mph. Along the Kansas-Nebraska border, potential evapotranspiration rates exceeded 0.50 inches per day during this period.

Unfortunately, rainfall was not as widespread as the heat. Scattered showers and thunderstorms dropped pockets of rain across the state during the past week, with the best coverage occurring across eastern Nebraska June 20 when a cold front pushed southeastward through the state. Isolated pockets of 0.75-1.25 inches were reported in the Columbus, Fairbury, and Omaha areas, but 0.25-0.50 inch was more commonly reported across southeast and east central Nebraska.

The exceptional heat and lack of significant moisture has resulted in a further expansion of drought conditions across western Nebraska. With the June 14 rain, conditions in south central, east central, and southeast Nebraska improved some. (It should be noted that rainfall occurring after 7 am June 19 was not included in the current U.S. Drought Monitor depiction. Localized pockets within regions classified as experiencing drought may have conditions that are better or worse than currently indicated on the map.

Pastures have declined rapidly across western Nebraska with the continuous heat and lack of moisture. Cool season grass production declined rapidly during the past two weeks and warm season grasses have not responded well to the lack of moisture. With corn quickly approaching reproduction, heat and precipitation will be critical.

Short-term weather models (less than 14 days) indicate widespread heat for western Nebraska June 24-27. Highs of 100°F or more are likely in the Panhandle, western Sandhills, and southwest Nebraska. Even if 100°F plus temperatures are not realized, temperatures in the upper 90s will be widespread. Eastern Nebraska will likely average about 5-8 degrees (F) cooler during this period.

All of this heat will be in response to an upper air ridge building over the central Plains region. Precipitation will develop along the periphery of this upper level ridge. The best moisture chances will be across extreme northern Nebraska until cooler air pushes southward during the second half of next week. During the first week of July, models hint at increasing rain chances, but ultimately the position of the central Plains high will dictate where thunderstorm activity develops.

July Forecast
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has issued its July forecast and it is definitely not positive regarding heat and precipitation. It indicates above normal temperatures for Nebraska in July and below normal precipitation for the eastern three-fourths of the state, with the eastern one-third having the greatest liklihood for below normal precipitation. An area of below-normal precipitation extends from eastern Nebraska east-southeast toward the southern half of the eastern Corn Belt.

Even through the CPC doesn’t assign a July precipitation trend for western Nebraska, there are no indications that an extended wet spell is on tap. In fact, the U.S. Drought Monitor authors have projected that the drought conditions will continue during the mid-June through mid-September period, with expansion likely across areas of the state currently depicted as experiencing no dryness issues.



How Does Hot, Dry, Windy Weather Affect Corn Plants Now?
Thomas Hoegemeyer, Professor of Practice, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture

This time of year the growth rate of corn plants always amazes me. In all but replanted, and very late planted fields, we have already determined the number of kernel rows. (This usually occurs at about the 6- to 8-leaf stage). This year most areas had sufficient moisture, although in some parts of variable fields, you see corn plants “rolling” and looking gray in the afternoon. These stressed plants will likely produce ears with 12-14 rows, while the same hybrid with better moisture will produce 16-20 rows—a yield constraint by the time it is knee high.

Most fields are now at the 12- 16-leaf stage and 10 or so days to tassel emergence. The plants in these fields are in the process of determining number of kernels per row, and/or ear length. The more stress the plants feel, the fewer florets (potential seeds) will form lengthwise on the ear, resulting in fewer kernels. What happens to the developing florets now and until 10 days after pollination is absolutely critical to yield. Photosynthesis (sugar production) and making that sugar available to the florets of the ears at this stage will keep potential kernels from aborting. Drought stress will dramatically slow or even shut down photosynthesis. If you see severe leaf rolling, those leaves are not contributing to sugar production.

Estimating Soil Water Use and Irrigation Needs
A 60 mph view tells us that the plants are growing extremely rapidly—and that that rapid growth is using an amazing amount of water, if it is available. (Some areas of the state didn’t accumulate much subsoil moisture over the winter/spring.) You can see daily estimates of crop water use, including estimates for the previous three and future three days, at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/gdd-etdata .

On extreme days, we are using 0.4 to 0.5 inches per day in many locations. While we seldom have many consecutive days of extreme water use, we may have three to four extreme days before temperatures and wind speeds decrease, bringing ET rates back to more normal levels.

Remember that as the plants grow above the ground, the root system is expanding below the soil. When corn is at the 16-leaf stage, we recommend using a rooting depth of 2.5 ft to schedule irrigations. At the silk stage, use a rooting depth of 3 ft and at the blister stage, use 3.5 ft. With varying stored soil moisture, varying growth stages, and varying ET rates across the state, it is imperative to monitor soil moisture to schedule your irrigations.

When figuring your well’s capacity, a good conversion factor to remember is that 450 gallons per minute applies 1 acre-inch of water every hour. If your well pumps 900 gpm, you are applying 2 acre-inches every hour. This equates to 144 acre-inches every three days. For a 133-acre pivot, you can apply about 1.1 inches of water every three days. Calculate your application capacity and keep in mind how much stored soil moisture you have when scheduling your next irrigation.

Looking for that Million Dollar Rain
On dryland acres in Nebraska, we are already seeing crop damage in areas that missed out on the big rains last week. Corn in these areas is showing reduced growth, both in height and leaf area. The worst spots are already turning brown and dying. Even if we get significant rain soon, we already have yield loss accumulating. If we see rains in these areas by tasseling, we can still get good silk emergence and yields. If not, yields will deteriorate rapidly.

I have seen “head high” corn make over 150 bushels per acre if rainfall occurs before pollen shed. I have seen total losses where it doesn’t.

The “drought tolerant” hybrids may prove their worth, and all the breeding and improvement in silking vigor and pollen-silk interval apparent in most corn hybrids (compared to those available 20 years ago) will be invaluable this year. No-till and minimum tillage techniques save a couple of inches of water, and may make the difference between a crop and no crop in these areas. (See G2000 Tillage and Crop Residue Affect Irrigation Requirements.)

In most areas of Nebraska it has been several years since we’ve had this level of stress. Moisture conservation practices, residue, crop rotation, weed control, and good long-term soil management may really pay off this year.



Managing Soil Water with Higher than Normal Temperatures
Gary Zoubek, UNL Extension Educator in York County

We have had plenty of hot dry winds so far this season, a big change from last year. In comparing 2012 crop indicators in the York with those from last year, we’re seeing a number of increases:
-    Average high temperatures for May and June 2012 were almost five degrees (Fahrenheit) higher than in 2011, while the low temperatures were up nearly one degree.
-    Humdity for the same period averaged about 6% less than last year.
-    Average wind speeds have been slightly higher than last year, about 0.65 mph. I would have guessed it to be more than that.
-    Reference ET has averaged about 0.298 inch per day in 2012 compared to 0.254 in 2011. That’s an increase of 0.31 inch of potential ET per week, compared to 2011.

The crop is also ahead of schedule compared to last season. We’re seeing tassels on some of the earliest planted corn. Last year much of the earliest corn was between knee and waist high at this time. With the earlier growth, the crop coefficients used to estimate crop water use are higher at many sites than they were at this time last season. Many of the early planted corn fields in the area are entering a time of high water use. Water use rates increase with the size of the crop and when air temperatures are high, we have low humidity and windy conditions. Due to high water use rates, it’s important to avoid stress during the reproductive stages. (See NebGuide G1850, Irrigation Management for Corn.)

Managing Soil Water
While some water stress during early vegetative stages has little influence on yields, water stress during silking will result in the greatest yield reduction. Irrigation applications should increase to match crop ET, however, it is important to not completely fill the soil profile. Depending upon the system capacity and soil type, leave some room for potential rainfall events. Why pay for some water that hopefully mother nature will provide? Water requirements will remain high during the early reproductive stages until dough stage. During this time kernels are growing as the plant transfers dry matter to the grain. Water use rates decline beginning with dough stage as a result of shorted days, cooler temperatures, and lower solar radiation.

Monitoring Soil Water
No matter what stage your crop is in, it’s important to monitor soil water status with some type of sensor or soil probe. Yield can be reduced by having either too little or too much water at critical growth stages. (See the NebGuide Plant Growth and Yield as Affected by Wet Soil Conditions Due to Flooding or Over-Irrigation, G1904 ).



Goss’s Wilt of Corn Continues to Develop across Nebraska
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, UNL Extension Plant Pathologist

Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight continues to be reported across the state. The disease has been confirmed in samples from more than 12 counties scattered across the corn-growing areas of the state. Not all fields are affected and the disease severity and incidence in the affected fields ranges from barely detectable to up to 30% of plants showing symptoms. Disease symptoms are not always evident from the road. At this stage it may be necessary to actively search for symptoms in the field.

Most of the fields appear to have one or more factors in common, putting them at elevated risk for Goss’s wilt development.

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
-    Fields planted with corn after corn
-    Fields with plants that have been injured (due to hail, high winds, sandblasting, etc.).

Plants that were wounded by hail during the past month, particularly at or prior to V6 growth stage, are displaying the most advanced disease severity. Early development of disease symptoms tends to have the greatest impact on yield.

This year, systemic Goss’s wilt also has been confirmed in plants from numerous fields in eastern Nebraska. Systemic Goss’s wilt is a more severe phase of the disease where the bacteria move in the vascular tissue throughout the plant. Plants affected early by systemic disease are much more likely to die prior to ear development. Systemically infected plants may have little to severe foliar disease. A cross-section cut through the stalk may reveal discoloration of the vascular bundles, indicating the pathogen is present. Systemically infected plants may develop individually or in clumps in the field. The symptoms of systemic Goss’s wilt are NOT unique to this disease. They may mimic those caused by other diseases, especially those caused by bacteria, such as bacterial stalk rot. Co-infections with one or more pathogens also are possible.

Symptoms
Remember to look for two key features of Goss’s wilt when trying to make a diagnosis:
    Freckles — Also known as discontinuous water-soaked spots, these “freckles” appear as small dark green to black spots on the edges of spreading lesions (Figure 3a and 3b). 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. But, 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, the ooze 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 and for more information, see the UNL NebGuide, Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight of Corn.

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). Unfortunately, some seed companies are reporting that resistant hybrids may succumb to the systemic wilt phase of the disease. While there is evidence that crop rotation and fall tillage may offer some reduction in overwintering bacterial inoculum and subsequent disease severity, they will not eliminate the disease, particularly in fields hard hit by a wounding event, such as hail.

Currently, research trials are evaluating several products to identify how to reduce losses from the disease. The UNL Corn Pathology laboratory does not have any results from experiments testing the effects of foliar products on active disease infections where lesions are already obvious. Limited data are available on the use of a bactericide early after inoculation and infection and results were summarized in the June 9 Crop Watch article, Goss's Wilt of Corn Confirmed in Multiple Locations across Nebraska.



Midsummer Crop Diagnostic Clinics Offered near Mead

Agribusiness professionals and crop producers will take a close-up look at field conditions, research and techniques at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's midsummer Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics July 17-18.

The UNL Extension clinics begin each day with 7:30 a.m. registration at the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead and start at 8 a.m. Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building. Participants can attend one or both of the clinics as subject matter will be different each day.

Keith Glewen, UNL extension educator said, "Benefits of the Crop Management and Diagnostic Clinics include one-on-one attention, on-site plot demonstrations, interaction with other participants, discussions about cutting edge research and an opportunity to earn continuing education credits through Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program."

Topics on July 17 include:  No plant left behind: the impact of phosphorus placement on early season growth and yield of corn, soybean aphid management in the 21st century, in-field insecticide/herbicide/fungicide interactions, soil carbon sequestration in corn and soybeans, row configuration and plant populations for corn and soybeans, and crop scene investigation – hands-on plant diagnostics.

Six Certified Crop Adviser credits (crop management – 2.5, pest management – 2, soil and water management – 1, and nutrient management – .5) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

July 18 clinic topics include achieving higher corn yields and the importance of hybrid selection for intensive management systems, in-season nitrogen application, using crop canopy sensors, corn breeding and genetics: what "we've" done – where are we going?, optimizing soybean management, using technology to make irrigation scheduling easier, and Nebraska aquifers: understanding our groundwater resources.   

Six Certified Crop Adviser credits (crop production – 3, soil and water management – 2, and nutrient management – 1) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost for one clinic is $160 for those registering one week in advance and $210 after. Cost for both clinics is $270 one week in advance and $320 after.

For more information or to register, contact the ARDC CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit the Web at http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml.

A late season Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic will also be held on Aug. 30

Late season topics include: switchgrass for bioenergy, sensing – canopy reflectance and sidedress nitrogen applications, the power of Hybrid Maize – late season validation, how cornstalks can bring value back to Nebraska, corn and soybean disease ID and management, and herbicide resistance, timing, and control recommendations for winter annuals.

Nine Certified Crop Adviser credits (pest management – 3, crop production – 2.5, soil and water management – 2, and nutrient management – 1.5) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

UNL Extension is in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



New Publication Illustrates Energy Used in Row Crop Production

Each year, approximately three-fourths of Iowa’s farmland is planted with corn or soybeans. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach shows the proportions of energy used to grow a typical corn or soybean crop in Iowa.

“Energy Consumption for Row Crop Production” (PM 2089W) is available to download from the Extension Online Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu.

“Due to the fact that so many Iowa farmers raise corn and soybeans, a quick review of the energy inputs used for row crops is helpful for managing farm energy expenses,” said Mark Hanna, ISU Extension agricultural engineer.

This publication gives an overview of annual energy consumption for corn and soybean production. Energy use typically falls under one of three categories: field operations, fertilizers and pesticides or artificial drying. For example, diesel fuel consumption is required to plant crops, but total consumption can be reduced with less aggressive tillage.

Nitrogen fertilizer application rates can be adjusted to meet the needs of the corn crop while avoiding excessive fertilizer application. Though chemical inputs such as fertilizer and pesticide are often considered an indirect energy expense for the farming operation, the manufacturing processes used to produce them require large amounts of energy.

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

The Farm Energy publications are part of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials being developed through the ISU Farm Energy Initiative. The purpose is to increase farmers’ awareness of opportunities for improving efficient use of farm energy. The initiative also will help farmers and utility providers to explore opportunities to reduce farm energy demand and to improve overall profitability in a rapidly changing energy environment.



ISA Statement on Senate Farm Bill
Dean Coleman, Humboldt, IA, President of the Iowa Soybean Association

“The Iowa Soybean Association, with the full participation of our five-member Farm Bill Study Team, has closely followed and been actively engaged in the crafting of the 2012 Farm Bill.

“ISA members weighed in on several proposed amendments as the bill moved toward passage by the U.S. Senate. We were successful in helping defeat several amendments that would have made all checkoffs voluntary and forced labeling of any product with GMO ingredients. We also opposed efforts to reduce Market Access Program trade assistance funding, believing that the current bill’s consolidation of conservation programs will make that funding more efficient.

“As the Farm Bill moves on to the House, the Iowa Soybean Association will continue to remain in close contact with our elected leaders. This includes meeting directly with House members July 11 when discussions are set to convene in the House.

“ISA’s Farm Bill Study Team believes that we’re a long way from concluding conversations on the Farm Bill. As a result, we’ll continue to examine proposals and programs with the input of our more than 10,000 members to ensure that the legislation effectively serves the needs of Iowa’s soybean growers and their customers.”



National Milk Producers Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona’s Immigration Law:
Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

The Supreme Court today struck down a significant portion of Arizona's effort to prosecute and deter illegal immigrants, but left one key part of that state’s laws intact.

The mixed high court ruling, along with the recent executive order by the Obama administration to stop the deportation of some younger, undocumented individuals, fully illustrates how that, regardless of which path is chosen, the few options for immigration reform remain controversial and divisive.  At the same time, these developments also show how critically necessary it is to resolve the immigration policy conundrum, especially for farmers and other employers concerned with maintain and recruiting a workforce.

The court upheld the law's directive that state and local police may check the immigration status of people they stop when they suspect them of lacking legal authorization to be in the United States. The justices unanimously stated that federal law already requires immigration officials to respond to status checks from local authorities, and therefore federal immigration law does not preempt this section of the Arizona law.

However, much of SB1070 was overturned as interfering in the federal government’s role as the sole arbiter of immigration law.  In a 5-3 ruling, the court said Arizona in effect had tried to set up a parallel enforcement system that punished illegal immigrants more harshly and interfered with congressional authority over the nation's borders. The court rejected parts of the state law that made it a state crime for illegal immigrants to seek work, to fail to carry immigration papers, and that authorized warrantless arrests of people suspected by state and local police of committing deportable offenses.

This decision highlights the need for continued efforts to reform federal immigration laws, and NMPF will continue to work with regulators and lawmakers to create workable solutions for dairy farmers and their workers.



US Gas Prices Drop 15 Cents in 2 Weeks

The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has dropped 15 cents over the past two weeks.  That's according to the Lundberg Survey of fuel prices, released Sunday, which puts the price of a gallon of regular at $3.48.  Midgrade costs an average of $3.65 a gallon, and premium is at $3.77.  Diesel dropped 13 cents to $3.78 a gallon.



The National Search For The 'Faces of Farming and Ranching' Is On!

When it comes to today's agriculture, there are many examples of great farmers and ranchers all over the country doing wonderful things to bring food to the table for those around the world. But few of those farmers and ranchers are recognizable by consumers, mainstream media and influencers. In fact, the pictures and perceptions of farmers and ranchers often do not match reality.

USFRA wants to change that.

At USFRA's Food Dialogues event in Los Angeles last Thursday, the organization announced it is looking for the "Faces of Farming and Ranching" to help put a real face on agriculture and shine a light on the heart, personalities and values that are behind today's food.

"USFRA has started a movement to bring more farmers and ranchers together to answer people's questions about how their food is grown and raised," said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.  "Many voices are leading conversations about food – and often leaving the people who grow and raise our food out.  We need to find the best people to be part of these conversations and represent the real farmers and ranchers of America."

USFRA is looking for standout farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement with others and who are actively involved today in sharing those stories. Farmers and ranchers who raise a variety of foods differently, at differing scale and in all areas of the country are encouraged to apply as it is important to show American agriculture and all of its diversity.

Entries will be accepted through September 8, 2012 at www.FoodDialogues.com. Ten to 15 finalists will be announced at the November 2012 Food Dialogues event in New York City. This national announcement will open a public online voting period where visitors can vote for their favorite candidates. Those votes will be factored into the decision to determine "The Faces of Farming and Ranching."

Winners will be announced in early January 2013 based on votes and the recommendation of a panel of judges.

The public will get to know the USFRA "Faces" winners through national media interviews, advertising and public appearances. For their time, they will receive a $10,000 stipend as well as a $5,000 donation to their preferred agriculture-related or local charity in their name.

"We want America to see the real faces of farming and ranching," said Stallman. "This is an excellent way for those within agriculture to step up and showcase to the country what these hard-working farmers and ranchers are really all about."

Entrants will be required to submit an online application and include a home video of less than three minutes that describes themselves and their farm or ranch. More details are available at www.FoodDialogues.com.



Ukraine Harvests 3% of Crop

Ukraine harvested 584,000 metric tons of grain on 354,400 hectares, or 3% of the total area to be harvested, with the average yield of 1.65 tons a hectare to June 25, the agriculture ministry reported Monday.  The ministry said on June 29 last year the grain harvest was 900,000 mt on 316,000 hectares with the average yield of 3.16 mt a hectare.  Winter barley harvest to date was 300,000 mt on 170,000 hectares, or 23% of the total area to be harvested, with the average yield of 1.78 mt a hectare compared with 2.86 tons a hectare a year ago.  Ukraine planted spring grains this year on 8.9 million hectares, 17.1% more than a year ago. The total grain planted area this year, including winter and spring grains is 15.9 million metric tons, the same as last year.



Frost, Drought Affect Russia Crop

Russia's agriculture ministry expects the country's grain harvest this year to fall to 85 million metric tons, from 94.2 mmt in 2011 because of damage to crops by unusually severe frosts in winter and the current drought, Agriculture Minister Nikolai Fedorov said in Moscow Monday, according to Russia's government press service. Fedorov said Russia's domestic grain consumption in the 2012-2013 marketing year would be 72.7 mmt, and including the grain left over from the previous marketing year, the country's grain export potential would be 20 mmt.  In the current marketing year Russia's grain exports are expected to total about 27 mmt, including 20 mmt of wheat.



Global Milk Production on the Rise

Buoyed by rising milk production in India, total global milk output is expected to rise by almost 3 percent to 750.1 million tonnes in the current calender year, United Nation's body FAO has said.

World production of milk is estimated at 730.1 mt in 2011, Food and Agriculture Organization said in its latest Food outlook report.

"World milk production in 2012 is forecast to grow by 2.7 percent to 750 mt. Asia is expected to account for most of the increase, with output in India, the world's largest milk producing country, forecast to rise by 5.2 million tonnes to 127 million tonnes," FAO noted.

Dynamic domestic demand is the main engine stimulating growth in India, which is largely absent from the international market for dairy products, it added.

As per India's National Dairy Development Board, the country produced 121 mt of milk in 2010-11 fiscal, which comprised about 17 percent of global production.

According to the government data, the per capita milk availability rose to 281 gm per day in 2010-11.

On global milk trade, demand for dairy products is pegged to grow by 4 percent to 52.7 mt in 2012 from 50.7 mt in 2011, FAO said.

Asia will continue to be the main market, with additional demand expected to come from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Singapore, it added.



It’s Time to Visit Nebraska’s County Fairs
NE Gov. Dave Heineman

Summer is a great time to visit fairs and festivals held across our state. Nebraska’s county fairs offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of our state and highlight the agricultural heritage, achievements and talents of Nebraska producers, youth and hobbyists.

Nebraska is home to 90 unique county fairs that offer a variety of experiences and traditions for families that feature livestock show competitions, demolition derbies and championship rodeo competitions. No matter what your age, there is something for everyone at the county fair, which includes the diverse culture that makes Nebraska unique.

As Governor, I have the opportunity to personally visit many county fairs and the thing that stands out the most about the county fairs I have attended is the participation from our 4-H and FFA youth.  Each year, 4-H provides our young people the opportunity to gain important life skills that help them become productive, capable, responsible and compassionate individuals. In Nebraska, one in three age-eligible youth in all 93 counties participate in 4-H programs. By participating in 4-H, our young people are learning how to be responsible citizens.

Our FFA youth are no different. There are over 6,600 FFA members participating in 143 FFA chapters across the state. Through their involvement in FFA, these young people are truly following the FFA motto of learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve.

I continue to be impressed with the citizens of our state. For those participating in county fair events, their determination, dedication and drive learned through fair projects is superb. Young people work on and share projects in a wide range of interests, from rocketry, technology, wildlife, photography, woodworking, and more. Thousands of others invest significant time and energy in learning to care for livestock.

County fairs offer our young people the opportunity to showcase their achievements of the past year, while also offering fairgoers an opportunity to experience family friendly entertainment – from tractor pulls, to pie-baking contests, concerts and musical performances.

If it’s your first visit to a fair, or whether you are a regular participant, I encourage you and your family to visit one of Nebraska’s county fairs this year. A complete listing is available online from the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers at www.nebraskafairs.org.

The more than one million people who attend Nebraska’s fairs and festivals each year can attest to the quality of life Nebraska has to offer. Our county fairs and festivals are an opportunity to experience the traditions and culture that make Nebraska a great place to live, work and raise a family.