Friday July 6 Ag News

Temple Grandin and Hugh Whaley to headline “Beef Industry Day”

The second annual “Beef Industry Day” will be held Thursday August 16th, 2012 at the Howells Ballroom. “Beef Industry Day” is bringing some of the most important names in the industry together for a day learning and networking. Russ Vering of Central Plains Milling says, “We've changed the format of the day from last year and we are very excited about the lineup of speakers.”

This year Temple Grandin will be headlining the day session. Ms. Grandin is a best selling author, has had a movie made about her life and her designs revolutionized cattle handling facilities and beef processing plants.

In the evening the main speaker will be Hugh Whaley, General Manager, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. Nebraska Governor Dave Heinemann will also be present during the event. The evening includes a social hour at 6:00pm, steak supper at 7:00pm followed by Hugh Whaley.

For a full listing of times and events during Beef Industry Day, visit www.centralplainsmilling.com. 

To purchase tickets for Beef Industry Day, contact Amanda at (402)986-1400 prior to August 10th.



Taiwan Millers to See New Wheat Crop and Supply Chain Efficiency in U.S. Visit

Four Taiwan flour milling managers will be in the United States July 15 to 27 to learn more about the new crop of hard red spring (HRS), hard red winter (HRW) and hard white (HW) wheat and observe U.S. wheat quality control standards. U.S Wheat Associates (USW) is sponsoring the trade team with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), state wheat commissions in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Nebraska and private exporters.

“Flour millers in Taiwan prefer U.S. wheat and buy an average of about 80 percent of their total imports from American farmers,” said USW Country Manager Ronald Lu, who is traveling with the team. “It is still very important for these managers to see for themselves the effort that farmers, wheat breeders and grain handlers take to produce a reliable supply of high-quality wheat for the Taiwan market.”

The millers are all from member companies of the Taiwan Flour Millers Association (TFMA) based in Taipei. TFMA imports wheat on behalf of all 26 Taiwanese flour mills and has been a loyal customer of U.S. wheat producers for many years. On average for the past five years, Taiwan has imported about 33 million bushels (910,000 metric tons) of U.S. wheat each year.

This team will essentially follow the U.S. wheat supply chain backward from the port to university breeding programs. The journey starts in Portland, OR, with visits to Columbia Grain, the Wheat Marketing Center and Federal Grain Inspection Service offices. Hard white wheat is featured in scheduled visits to several breeders, farmers and processors while grain handlers demonstrate the efficiency and quality control that helps make the U.S. the most reliable wheat supplier in the world.

The trip will also help inform a healthy bread promotion in Taiwan that USW is conducting with other U.S. agricultural organizations through the USDA FAS Global Broad-Based Initiative program (See “Building a Whole Wheat Foods Market through Global Broad-Based Initiative Program” below). USW is providing technical assistance and education to Taiwanese millers and bakers to help them produce better-quality, better-tasting whole wheat products.



New Residue Testing Procedures Announced by FSIS

With the announcement by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of new methods with increased efficiencies for testing residues in meat products, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine veterinarian James McKean urges pork producers to review their operational and management decisions regarding drug usage.

"Pork has had minimal violative antimicrobial residues for many years,” McKean said. “Knowing about this new testing procedure and program will help producers maintain that level of results.”

Through its national residue program, FSIS tests for the presence of chemical compounds, including approved and unapproved veterinary drugs and hormones, he said. The new high-efficiency multi-residue methods for veterinary drugs will allow screening for a range of compounds including legal and illegal drugs.

“The testing will include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and growth promoters, and unlike in the past, a sample may be analyzed for multiple compounds,” McKean said.

For example, previously, FSIS would have collected 300 samples from 300 cows and tested for one chemical at a time. Now, one sample can be tested for up to 55 pesticide chemicals, nine kinds of antibiotics and various metals, and eventually will be able to screen for more than 50 other chemicals.

“This is why it’s important for producers to read and follow all withdrawal times; properly clean out feeders, water lines ―  and in some cases, floors ―  after the use of medicated feeds or water, and be sure to consult with your veterinarian if questions arise,” McKean said. “Paying attention to these practices helps ensure the supply of safe meat products to consumers, and it’s also consistent with the ‘We Care’ and ’PQA Plus’ initiatives of the pork industry.”



New ISU Swine Farm Manager Sees Opportunity

Although just a few years older than most of his employees, new Iowa State University swine farms manager Jacob Myers said he's excited to be able to work with a younger generation in developing their pork industry skills. As a 2005 Iowa State graduate in animal science, he was pleased to return to his alma mater in a capacity that built on his experience and education.

"I've owned pigs, custom fed hogs for a local producer for two years and worked for Iowa Select Farms as a finishing supervisor for four years," Myers said. "I have raised hogs in just about every facility possible so I can understand challenges of larger and smaller scale farms."

He said this job is a unique position that offers challenges and occasions for improvement.

"One of my expectations is to maintain the positive traditions that ISU is known for," he said. "This includes student involvement in and on the farms, our commitment to research with faculty and staff, and maintaining a high health herd status."

In the two months since the Maxwell native started work (his first day was April 25) he already has seen success. During the 2012 World Pork Expo in early June, the swine teaching farm exhibited two class winners and the champion Berkshire gilt. The farm also was named Premier Exhibitor for the third consecutive year.

His goals for the farms include increasing biosecurity, increasing production through more efficient use of available space, and expanding opportunities for students to be involved in production practices and decisions. He said student employees are as important to the swine farms operation as the pigs themselves, and wants to see the students succeed.

"Family is very important to me and I see our student employees as family on our farms," Myers said. "I hope to encourage them to make life decisions that are well thought out and put themselves in position to succeed. All they have to do is add hard work and honesty to the equation."



ASA Comments on House Ag Committee’s Proposed Farm Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture yesterday released the draft Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM), the House version of the Farm Bill, which would trim $35 billion in spending from agriculture, conservation, and nutrition programs over 10 years as compared to current law. American Soybean Association (ASA) President Steve Wellman, a farmer from Syracuse, Neb., releases the following statement on the legislation:

"ASA is very pleased to see the House’s progress on the farm bill, and we appreciate the leadership from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson in releasing this draft. We are encouraged to see the House Agriculture Committee moving toward mark-up next week, as ASA continues to strongly urge Congress to finish the farm bill this year. ASA knows that the budget challenges facing the nation are indeed serious and we remain committed to a bill that bears agriculture’s fair share of deficit reduction responsibilities.

"With regard to commodity policy, the House proposal would offer farmers a choice between two commodity programs: a target-price program or a revenue-based program. A key priority for ASA throughout the farm bill deliberations has been to ensure that commodity policies do not distort farmers' planting decisions, and we look forward to working with the House to ensure that soybeans are treated equitably and that planting decisions would not be distorted by farm programs offered under the House bill.

"ASA supports a number of provisions throughout the House proposal, including reauthorization and funding of important trade and market development programs, reauthorization of agricultural research programs, and the focus within the conservation title on working-lands conservation and a gradual reduction of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. While no mandatory funding is provided, we are glad that ASA's Energy Title priorities, the Biobased Market Program and the Biodiesel Education Program, are reauthorized. Finally, we are pleased to see the House bill include H.R. 872, which will ensure that farmers aren’t required to obtain duplicative permits for pesticide applications."



NMPF Praises House Agriculture Committee Leadership on Inclusion of Dairy Policy Reforms in Farm Bill Draft

The draft farm bill language released yesterday afternoon by the House Agriculture Committee includes the key components of the Foundation for the Future dairy policy reform package that was developed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)  over the past three years

In preparation for an Agriculture Committee markup next week, Committee Chairman Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), along with Ranking Member Rep. Colin Peterson (D-MN), released the provisions of the entire farm bill, including the dairy legislative language.

“The primary elements of NMPF’s comprehensive dairy reform package are incorporated into this legislative draft, for which we are grateful,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “The bill reflects the best-possible outcome for America’s dairy farmer community, which is in great need of a better federal safety net than what we have now.” Last month, the Senate passed its own version of the Farm Bill, which also included the dairy reform legislation supported by NMPF.

“We would like to thank Rep. Lucas and Rep. Peterson for working so diligently over the past year to craft a bipartisan bill that not only provides a vastly-improved safety net for producers, but also saves taxpayer money. NMPF looks forward to working with Reps. Lucas, Peterson, and the other committee members in building support in the House of Representatives for this legislation.”

The House farm bill draft contains the major elements of the Dairy Security Act (DSA), which evolved from Foundation for the Future. It was introduced last autumn in the House by Reps. Peterson and Mike Simpson (R-ID) and was included in Sen. Richard Lugar’s (R-IN) farm bill plan. The core of the DSA is a margin insurance program that protects farmers from dire economic conditions caused by either low milk prices or high feed costs. The margin insurance program replaces existing dairy programs, including the MILC and Dairy Product Price Support programs. Farmers will have the option of signing up for the margin insurance program; if they choose to do so, they will then be enrolled in the Market Stabilization program through which they may be asked to periodically alter their milk output when worst-case conditions appear.

"We believe the approach the House Agriculture Committee is taking will generate broad, bipartisan support for the farm bill," Kozak concluded. "The bill allows dairy farmers to better manage their risks, in a deliberate approach that offers a superior safety net, reduces government involvement in our industry, and positions our entire industry to compete in a global marketplace. It saves money compared to existing programs and will be affordable and convenient for farmers to use. Critically, it treats all farmers equally, and doesn’t produce regional or size-based outcomes that are inherently discriminatory.”



Mandatory Funding Cut from Farm Energy Programs in House Ag Farm Bill

The chairman and ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee on Thursday released a "discussion draft" of a new farm bill that would eliminate mandatory funding for programs authorized under the legislation's energy title.

The House version put out by Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Colin Peterson (D-MN) – the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, or FARRM ‑ reauthorizes most key farm energy programs that would otherwise expire when the current five-year farm policy law expires Sept. 30, and did provide discretionary funding for those initiatives. However, discretionary authorization is subject to annual appropriations, a tough sell for any program in a time of fiscal restraint.

The House Agriculture Committee is expected to mark up the FARRM proposal next week, though when the bill may come to the House floor remains uncertain.

The Senate adopted a proposed 2012 Farm Bill that would provide $8.75 billion in mandatory spending over the five-year life of the farm bill (2013-2017) for energy programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).

The Lucas-Peterson bill would provide only $45 million a year for REAP, compared to $68.2 million in the Senate version, including $48.2 million annually in mandatory funding. The House bill also bars USDA from spending REAP money on blender pumps, an approach pursued by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as a way of expanding the market for higher-blend ethanol.

BCAP under the House proposal compares similarly with that detailed in the Senate bill, with the House version providing $75 million in funding annually. That's more than the total $58.6 million budgeted annually in the Senate version, but $38.6 million of the Senate amount would be mandatory.

The House measure would kill collection, harvest, storage and transportation (CHST) payments under BCAP. The payments drew criticism for creating "unintended consequences" in market competition among particle board manufacturers and biomass-to-energy conversion facilities. An internal USDA report also said the CHST program failed to show how it would reduce dependence on foreign oil by accelerating the biofuels market.

Another USDA farm energy initiative taking a cut under the House proposal, the Biomass Research and Development Program, would be authorized $20 million annually through FARRM, while the Senate bill would provide not only $30 million in discretionary funds, but $26 million in mandatory funding each year.

Other provisions of the House proposal would amend the Biorefinery Assistance, which provides loan guarantees for the construction or retrofitting of biorefineries that enable the commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, to eliminate grant authority for demonstration facilities.

The bill would amend the Biobased Markets Program to expand the definition of 'biobased product" to include certain domestic forest products with mature markets under USDA’s BioPreferred Program. This definition makes those products, including pulp, paper, and wood pellets, eligible under federal procurement guidelines for renewable products.

The bill would also repeal or end authorizations of the Repowering Assistance Program, the Biofuels Infrastructure Study, the Renewable Fertilizer Study, the Rural Energy Self-sufficiency Initiative, and the Forest Biomass for Energy Programs.

As for conservation programs that could facilitate the growth of energy crops, both the Senate bill and the FARRM proposal consolidate the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) into the Environment Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The House proposal would maintain EQUIP at the $1.75 million annual level authorized in the expiring farm bill, while the Senate version would authorize at a slightly lower level.

In both the House proposal and the Senate bill, the current 32-million-acre cap under the Conservation Reserve Program acreage would eventually be dropped to 25 million acres.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-OH, offered a "marker" bill in the House two weeks ago that would provide more than $12 billion in mandatory funding for farm energy programs. Kaptur is expected to try and offer her measure as an amendment if and when the FARRM bill comes to the House floor.



Poultry Groups Seek Reauthorization, Mandatory Funding for REAP in Next Farm Bill

The lack of mandatory funding for farm energy programs in the House farm bill proposal is expected to disappoint a number of agricultural interests, not the least of which is a coalition of poultry organizations representing growers in 12 states that recently called on House leaders to not only reauthorize the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), but to provide the program "with sufficient mandatory funding."

A product of the 2002 Farm Bill, REAP offers grants and loan guarantees to help "agricultural producers and rural small businesses improve their profit margins by cutting energy bills with energy efficiency and renewable energy," the groups said in a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, D-OK) and Ranking Minority Member Colin Peterson (D-MN). "REAP is one of the few Farm Bill programs that offer direct benefits to the nation’s poultry and egg producers."

With the elimination of mandatory funding under the FARRM proposal issued by Lucas and Peterson this week, the groups will have to try and make their case through friendly House Agriculture Committee members when the panel marks up the bill, likely next week. Or they will hope an amendment supporting their cause if and when the new farm bill comes to the House floor.

The poultry groups cite "lasting benefits to poultry growers across the country," including cuts in energy costs through efficiency measures like improved insulation, lighting and ventilation. They say poultry growers reduce energy use through REAP funding by 30-40% and have their bottom line protected from volatile energy costs.

"The increased income resulting from REAP comes not from continuing government payments but from lasting reductions in energy bills," the letter says.

The groups also cite particular assistance the program offers poultry growers in colder regions who can use REAP funding to build biomass heating systems that supplant the use of expensive heating fuels that "can push producers to the brink when prices rise."

REAP, they say, "is a unique farm energy program because it offers all agricultural sectors and in every state new opportunities to use a wide range of modern energy technologies."

But they also note that REAP is oversubscribed, with program applications far exceeding available resources, "creating intense competition for funds and leaving many opportunities for energy savings among poultry growers untapped."

The groups tell Lucas and Peterson, "The federal government should respond with an increased commitment to this unique federal public-private partnership."

The letter, which was copied to members of the House Agriculture Committee, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), calls on the ag panel "to renew [REAP] and provide the necessary mandatory funding to maintain the program’s growth and successful momentum.”

Signing off on the letter were the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, the Poultry Federation (Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri), California Poultry Federation, Georgia Poultry Federation, Kansas Poultry Association, Louisiana Poultry Federation, Mississippi Poultry Association Inc., North Carolina Poultry Federation, South Carolina Poultry Federation, Tennessee Poultry Association, Texas Poultry Federation and West Virginia Poultry Association.



Informa Pegs US Corn Crop at 13.641 BB, Soy Crop at 3.161 BB

U.S. farmers will harvest 13.641 billion bushels of corn in 2012 and a U.S. soybean crop of 3.161 billion bushels, according to projections made by private analytical firm Informa Economics, sources said.

Informa also estimates corn yields at 153.5 bushels per acre, based on harvested acreage of 88.9 million acres. Soybean yields are estimated at 42 bushels per acre, based on harvested acreage of 75.3 million acres.

Informa's corn yield is 1.4 bushels below its previous forecast, but almost 10 bushels below Informa's early season yield forecast. Informa's current corn yield is 12.5 bushels below the 166.0 yield assumed by U.S. Department of Agriculture in its June supply and demand report.

Informa's July state yield forecasts were reduced in nearly 20 states from Informa's early season trend with Kansas reduced the most, down 30 bushels. Other states where yield reductions from trend were near 20 bushels were Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, Informa said in the report according to traders.

Informa reduced yields between 5 and 10 bushels from trend in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

The July 1 soybean yield at 42 bushels an acre is down 0.7 bushel from Informa's previous forecast and would be 0.5 bushel above last year. Informa tempered its yield forecast for several states due to this season's below-average start, Informa noted in the report, traders said.

Informa noted conditions have been notably dry and warm in the eastern corn-belt as well as in the southern part of the western corn-belt. The Mid-South also has been dry and warm, stressing soybeans especially in Tennessee where 33 percent were rated in poor to very poor condition, Informa noted in the report, traders said.

USDA is scheduled to release its supply and demand projections July 11, 7:30 a.m. CDT.



Get the Facts! 2012 Corn Fact Book Tells Amazing Story of Ag Innovation

Information on America's family farmers and the positive contribution they make to the nation's economy is now just a click away as the 2012 edition of the Corn Farmers Coalition's Corn Fact Book is now available online.

The educational publication, funded by corn checkoff programs in 14 states, is being widely distributed in Washington in support of a major educational campaign that includes print, radio, online and large scale messages in public transit stations. It is now available to the general public... http://www.cornfarmerscoalition.org/fact-book/. 

"The Corn Fact Book provides the hard data about the corn industry not often presented to urban audiences, but it also gives real insight into the family farmers who make agriculture a thriving, vital part of our nation's economy and culture," said National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer. "This publication celebration the amazing advances farmers have made in growing more while using fewer resources and inputs. It is the modern-day success story of U.S. family farmers, demonstrating what we can all achieve together through hard work and dedication."

Centered on key facts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, this publication chronicles how farmers have used generations of knowledge and married it with modern technology and innovation to provide plenty or corn for our expanding list of uses.

As public interest increasingly focuses on sustainability, the Corn Fact Book details the incredible advancements that allow U.S. farm growers to produce more using fewer inputs year after year.  Using new techniques and technologies, corn farmers have managed to decrease soil erosion by 44 percent in two decades, using 37 percent less energy per bushel, while producing 20 percent more corn per acre than anywhere else in the world.

"We are proud to be farmers and to be growing crops on the same land my great grandfather did," said Kyle Cantrell, a Nebraska family farmer featured in the Corn Fact Book. "Our hope is to pass on the land to our children and that they will continue the family tradition of caring for the land and improving our stewardship with each generation."

The facts show that the efforts by family farmers to improve their environmental footprint are paying off. Thirty-two percent less water is needed to produce a bushel of corn and emissions produced in growing and harvesting a bushel of corn has dropped 30 percent.



ASA, USB, USSEC Participate in International Oilseed Producer Dialogue

Farmer-leaders and staff from ASA, the United Soybean Board (USB), and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) participated earlier this week in a meeting of oilseed producer groups from around the world to discuss items of common concern to oilseed producer organizations, and to plan coordinated action on several topics. Officially called the International Oilseed Producer Dialogue, this was the 15th annual meeting of oilseed producer groups. This year’s meeting was hosted by the United Kingdom’s general farm organization, the National Farmers Union, near London. USB’s Global Opportunities Committee also provided funding support for the conference. In addition to representatives from the U.S. soybean family, attendees represented French, German, and UK rapeseed growers; Brazilian and Paraguayan soybean producers; Canadian canola and soybean growers; Australian canola growers; and Malaysian palm oil producers.

Delegates adopted a declaration stating their unified positions on a number of items, including:
-    support for comprehensive trade liberalization and improved market access;
-    increased research and investment in agriculture;
-    the need for timely, science-based reviews and approval systems for biotechnology, along with reasonable tolerances and low-level presence thresholds;
-    support for new uses, including biodiesel, and expressing the position that there is a need for more robust science before Indirect Land Use Change assumptions can be reflected in renewable energy regulations;
-    our groups will engage with those responsible for the food chain to support sustainable development efforts that are results and science-based.

U.S. soy family participants included ASA President Steve Wellman, Vice President Ray Gaesser and CEO Steve Censky; USB Chair Vanessa Kummer, Vice Chair Jim Stillman, and Global Opportunities Chair Laura Foell; and USSEC CEO Jim Sutter and Director of Global Issues & Alliances Brent Babb.



ASA President Visits Berlin to Speak About Biotechnology Commitment

ASA President Steve Wellman traveled to Berlin June 28-29, with the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA) and soybean farmers from Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, to discuss the future of biotechnology with German industry and government representatives. Together, the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay supply nearly all of the soy consumed in Germany and the European Union (EU).

Wellman and the ISGA farmer representatives explained the modern biotechnology is widely used in soy production for very sound environmental and economic reasons. They noted that the future of soybean production will include a number of new biotech traits and, to ensure future supplies of soy products, it is important that the EU system of approving these traits function in a science-based, timely and transparent manner. The group also encouraged other practical measures, such as the adoption of a realistic threshold level for EU-unapproved biotech crops in food and feed.



Biofuels Industry Reacts to Legislation Aimed at RFS Cellulosic Requirements

Leaders of the nation's biofuels industry quickly condemned this week legislation from an Arizona congressman that would restrict the EPA's establishment of annual volumetric requirements for modify cellulosic ethanol under the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

The measure from Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) would require EPA to base the amount of cellulosic ethanol to be added to the nation's transportation fuel supply on actual production numbers.

EPA, which is already lowering its annual requirements from the amounts set in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, has still aimed their requirements above industry production as a means of pushing the growth of the cellulosic requirement, as called for in the 2007 law.

Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol, said Flake's bill "is to pander to oil companies that are desperate to repeal the RFS because several cellulosic biofuel projects are scheduled to break ground or begin production within the next 18 months."

He said that Flake's attempt in "re-legislating the RFS" ignores the intent of the standard to be "forward-looking policy, not [policy that] reflects actual production, after the gallons have been made."

Citing the EPA's downward adjustment of the cellulosic targets demonstrates the "flexibility" provided by the RFS and said the standard "is designed to help serve as a catalyst for future production, not to reflect what has been done in the past."

An official with a trade group that represents a number of advanced biofuel firms said the RFS "has enabled innovative U.S. companies . . . to move as rapidly toward commercialization of cellulosic biofuels as possible."

Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the industrial and environmental section at the Biotechnology Industry Organization, said a "wave of innovation" generated by the RFS "has encouraged additional companies to research and develop other advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biobased products. These companies are investing hundreds of millions of dollars and producing new jobs in areas of the country that need it most."

Erickson said the oil industry is "now trying to change the RFS regulations to prevent new cellulosic biofuel biorefineries from being built and other advanced biofuels from reaching the market. These interests know full well that the biorefineries under construction and opening around them are not phantoms, but real-life competitors."



Researchers: Biofuels, Done Right, Can Make 30% of U.S. Transportation Fuels by 2037

Two University of California-Berkeley researchers say that properly developed biofuels could make up 30 percent of nation's transportation fuel supply in 25 years.

In an article published on the website of TheScientist earlier this week, Heather Youngs, a bioenergy research analyst at the Energy Biosciences Institute at Berkeley, and Chris Somerville, director of the institute and a professor of alternative energy, said that U.S. dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable. They say that with world population expected to grow to more than 9 billion later this century, carbon emissions will increase and conflicts will increase over land use and agriculture emanating from the growing need for feed and energy sources.

Biofuels could be a key solution if crops that produce biofuels are improved, the researchers say.

"Conversion of biomass is currently the most cost-effective route to produce renewable liquid fuels, and contributes 78 percent of the total renewable energy worldwide," the article says. "At present, liquid biofuels are derived primarily from plants that are also used for food and feed, such as corn and sugarcane, raising concerns that the industry may not be sustainable in the face of expanding demand for food, feed, and fiber.

"However, efforts to grow biofuel crops on land unsuitable for food and feed crops, to increase biomass yield, and to facilitate the conversion of biomass to liquid fuels may change that mind-set," the researchers say. "With continued improvements, we believe that biofuels can be produced on a large enough scale to meet roughly 30 percent of the demand for all liquid transportation fuels in the United States within 25 years ‑ more than four times the current contribution of roughly seven percent."



Vilsack on the Codex Alimentarius Commission's Adoption of Standards for the Veterinary Drug Ractopamine

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today regarding the Codex Alimentarius Commission's adoption of standards for ractopamine on July 5th:

"After five years of hard work by the Codex Commission, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and our federal agency partners, the United States welcomes the Commission's adoption of standards for the veterinary drug ractopamine. This action by Codex affirms the pre-eminent role of science in setting international standards for food safety.

"Currently, American producers face trade restrictions due to unjustified bans on the use of ractopamine, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and used safely in the United States for 12 years as well as 25 other countries. These standards provide clear guidance to countries about safe use of ractopamine, which promotes lean meat production.

"Codex is an inter-governmental body created by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization of the United Nations, and is recognized as the international standards setting body for food safety by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Establishment of international standards for veterinary drugs like ractopamine are important since many countries rely on science-based food standards to ensure that the food they are importing is safe. U.S. agricultural exporters benefit and consumers worldwide benefit when countries adopt international standards.

"Consumers can rest assured that their food is safe, and exporters have greater certainty about the criteria they must meet in the international marketplace."



New Safety Guidelines Developed for Two-tank Anhydrous Ammonia Wagons

 Size and capacity of farm equipment keeps getting larger and fertilizer equipment is no exception. Each year in Iowa approximately a billion pounds of nitrogen is applied as anhydrous ammonia. As equipment has gotten larger, many dealers are now using multi-tank systems with two anhydrous ammonia tanks mounted on to a single wagon running gear.

With anhydrous ammonia under pressure, safety is always a concern when plumbing and working around application equipment. “Plumbing for a multi-tank system presents unique challenges,” according to Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension ag engineer. “Valve location and selection are important decisions impacting safe use. As an example, valves meant to provide excess-flow protection should not be oversized.”

A new set of voluntary guidelines for plumbing multi-tank anhydrous ammonia systems has been recently developed by a coalition of state government, academia and industry representatives. “As the use of multi-tank systems increases, tank owners should benefit by having these voluntary guidelines. These suggestions from government, academia and industry experts should help applicators review their practices,” said Max Smith, Smith Fertilizer and Grain, Knoxville, Iowa.

“Safety is an important component in maintaining the anhydrous ammonia application industry for Iowa corn production,” according to Kevin Klommhaus, feed and fertilizer bureau chief at IDALS.

The guidelines, including sketches of suggested plumbing configurations, can be viewed under the news section at www.agribiz.org. The guidelines are voluntary, but dealers and applicators with multiple-tank systems are encouraged to consider the recommendations as equipment is readied for the fall application season. 



Farm and Food Ambassadors volunteer as spokespeople for agriculture

Fifteen Iowa soybean farmers have stepped forward as volunteer spokespeople on the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA’s) Farm and Food Ambassador team.

The goal of the program is to empower ISA members to more effectively communicate issues important to their organization and farming. They participate in workshops to hone interview skills, increase their confidence in public speaking and interpersonal communication and become more proficient in using social media to converse about farm-related issues.

“There’s never been a more opportune time for farmers to join the conversation about food and farming,” says Aaron Putze, ISA director of communications and external relations. “Farmers are knowledgeable, credible and authentic and have firsthand perspectives on many issues that are of interest to a growing audience of consumers, public officials and media.”

Putze says many issues drive the public’s heightened interest in agriculture including the economy, weather, human health and well-being and environmental quality. Add to that news about global population growth and you have a robust mix of topics that impact every household.

“People respect and value the contribution farmers make to the dialogue because, at some level, farming intersects with each of these issues,” Putze adds. “That places farm families in a unique position because they can bring their firsthand knowledge and experience to the conversation.”

ISA Farm & Food Ambassadors include: John Askew, Thurman; David Ausberger, Jefferson; Barry Christensen, Lime Springs; Jim Fitkin, Cedar Falls; Lindsay Greiner, Keota; Mark Jackson, Rose Hill; Julianne Johnston, Parkersburg; and Dan Roeder, Ida Grove.

Also: Adam Schmidt, Kanawha; Randy Souder, Rockwell City; Kenny and Leanne Sutter, Pleasantville; Pat Swanson, Ottumwa; Roger Van Ersvelde, Brooklyn; Tom Wall, Iowa City; and Roger Wuthrich, Bloomfield.

The Ambassadors have met for two day-long sessions in Ankeny and are already reaching out in ways that are as unique as each individual’s personality and communication style. Some have hosted farm tours and participated in panel discussion about food trends while others have facilitated media interviews, submitted letters to the editor and begun blogging. Together their mission is to make a positive and lasting impact, specifically with fellow Iowans, on behalf of all Iowa farmers.



CHS Expands South American Fertilizer Capabilities

CHS Inc., the United States' leading farmer-owned cooperative, announced today it has purchased 50 percent ownership of Andali, a provider of fertilizer storage and blending services based in Paranagua, Brazil.

"CHS strategic investment in Andali supports our global fertilizer growth aspiration," said Stefano Rettore, senior vice president, CHS South America. "CHS will have secure, long-term access to fertilizer capacity for current and future demand allowing us to serve rapidly developing corn and soybean production."

This investment will allow Andali to further develop its industrial capacity on a national scale with improved and expanded services and efficiencies.

Rafael Vaccari Goncalves, recently appointed CEO of Andali, welcomes CHS investment. "Andali and CHS share common values. With this investment Andali is going to be well-positioned to deliver high quality fertilizer services to customers throughout Brazil," said Vaccari Goncalves.

CHS currently has a service agreement with Andali, part of its extensive supply chain capabilities. "CHS sources fertilizer from 20 countries and has the global expertise, connections and customer focus to expand fertilizer sales in this important geography," said Rettore.

In May, CHS announced it had purchased 25 percent ownership of TCN, a Brazilian logistics company and also signed a long-term agreement with TCN, securing export terminal access at the Port of Itaqui, Sao Luis, Brazil.



Reducing Pain at the Pump for Americans
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

As Americans joined family and friends to celebrate America’s independence, tens of millions took to our highways and Interstates – and I know that gas prices were on the minds of many.

President Obama understands the impact gas prices can have for families, and he is committed to an “all of the above” energy approach to solving our nation’s energy challenges – including reducing pain at the pump.

That includes developing the homegrown biofuels that save Americans money at the gas station and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

The fact is biofuels can have a significant impact on gas prices for Americans. For example, one Iowa State University study has shown that the use of ethanol to help power our cars and trucks suppresses gas costs by as much as $1.37 a gallon.

Over the past three years, the Department of Agriculture has played a key role in carrying out the President’s energy strategy, making historic investments into the research and development of ethanol, biodiesel and advanced renewable fuels.

Since 2009 USDA has supported more than 130 biodiesel and ethanol projects that are currently producing 3.7 billion gallons of fuel per year. That’s enough fuel – in equivalence to gasoline – to keep 5 million vehicles on the road every year.

USDA coordinated five regional research centers to work on the science necessary to ensure profitable biofuels can be produced from a diverse range of feedstocks in every part of our nation.

USDA invested more than $320 million to accelerate research on renewable energy, including genomic research on bioenergy feedstock crops and development of biofuel conversion processes.

And under President Obama the Environmental Protection Agency recently eliminated the last Federal hurdle standing between consumers and an increased, 15-percent ethanol fuel. This will help further boost our renewable fuel capacity, give the American consumer a real choice at the pump, and help create even more sustainable rural jobs that can’t be exported.

With accomplishments like these and results across the Administration to innovate advanced fuels, it’s no surprise that we’re importing less oil today. In fact, in 2011 America imported about 45 percent of our oil from foreign countries – down from about 60 percent in 2005.

Home-grown renewable energy is one part of that success, and we won’t let up in helping further promote the development of advanced renewable energy – to bring down gas prices for families, to increase America’s energy capacity, and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.