Tuesday July 24 Ag News

Soybean Field Days Fuel Opportunities for Nebraska Soybean Farmers

Nebraska soybean farmers and farm managers can get the latest in production-practice research, as well as a chance to win some fuel, by attending Nebraska’s annual Soybean Management Field Days, held Aug. 14–17 on four Nebraska farms.
The Nebraska Soybean Board, national soy checkoff and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invite farmers to bring as many of their fellow farmers as they can find to this free event. That’s because the more people they bring, the better their chances are to win up to 300 gallons of B5 biodiesel (a blend of 5 percent biodiesel with 95 percent petroleum diesel).
Two B5 biodiesel drawings will be conducted at each of the four field days, one for repeat attendees and one for folks who are new to the event. Each repeat attendee will receive one entry for each new soybean farmer attendee they help register. Those soybean farmers will also have their names entered one time each into a drawing for biodiesel. Winners of biodiesel need not be present to win.
“We want farmers to bring a neighbor or two,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “If the repeat attendees bring a truckload, they can be placed in the drawing for biodiesel several times, which is a nice incentive to attend this field day.”
University of Nebraska extension agents and industry consultants will address several topics, including soybean seed treatments; row spacing and seed rates; soybean-variety development and breeding-advancement; and soil fertility options for soybean production. The soy checkoff is sponsoring the Field Days as a part of its Land-Grant College and University Technology and Information Transfer, a soy-checkoff-sponsored program that helps provide soybean research results to farmers. 
“The Soybean Management Field Days provide an excellent opportunity for soybean farmers to see research being conducted in their own backyard and have discussions on topics and issues that are very relevant to soybean production across the state,” says Keith Glewen, University of Nebraska extension educator.
Registration begins each day at 9 a.m. One-hour sessions rotate from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All attendees will receive free lunch and an opportunity to receive certified crop adviser credits.
Farm locations include the Tim Rowe farm in Lexington (8-14), the Bob Kracl farm in O’Neill (8-15), the Keith Pillen farm in Platte Center (8-16) and the Hotovy farm in David City 8-17).
“We’ve always been extremely happy about the turnout and end results of the previous field days,” says Bohuslavsky. “We look forward to this being another successful year for us.”
For official contest rules and information on the event, visit http://ardc.unl.edu/soydays.



Feeding Value and Pricing Drought-Stressed Corn Silage
Larry Howard, UNL Extension, Cuming County

One option for salvaging damaged, dryland corn is as corn silage to feed ruminant animals.  This information covers issues in pricing drought-stressed corn silage.  Producers must not begin harvesting grain corn for silage before properly notifying their insurance agent; failure to do so may result in substantial reductions in coverage and payments.  Individual protocols related to paperwork and reporting is at the discretion of the insuring agency and the USDA RMA.  Producers are strongly encouraged to contact their agent when planning for the disposition of drought stressed crops.

First, consider “Does drought-stressed corn silage have the same feed value as normal corn silage?”  Unless it is severely drought damaged, low yielding corn has about the same silage feeding value as normal corn.  Silage from barren corn stalks will have as much as 80% of the feed value of silage from normal corn and silage from corn yielding 40 bushels per acre or more will have 100% of the feeding value of silage from normal corn.  Dry matter yields will be less.  You can set aside some rows of corn to determine yield and discount for corn silage value.

Second, consider “What is standing corn worth for feed?”  Be certain to agree whether the buyer or seller is going to pay the harvest costs.  Harvest and transportation costs can be rolled into the price of standing corn; however, they are easier to manage when separated from cost of corn.

Third, consider “So what price should I set for this corn?”  Several spreadsheets can help you and are the best way to calculate a price.  They calculate price for as-fed or dry matter.  They can include harvest costs and feeding value discount in the price calculation.

Guidelines for developing a price
First, a rule of thumb is a ton of as-fed corn silage is worth five to six times the price of a bushel of corn or nine to 10 times the price of a bushel of corn if it is delivered to the bunker or pile.  Another rough rule of thumb is that standing corn is worth about one-third of the price of alfalfa hay.  This rule is difficult to use since alfalfa quality and price can vary widely.

There are several methods for arriving at a total weight of corn silage.  One is to run all of the corn silage across a scale.  Portable scales are useful too.  Another way is to calculate the total volume of the corn silage and multiply by a silage density factor.  The “book” factors however were developed for normal corn silage.  Density of drought-damaged corn silage will differ.  A third method is to determine tonnage harvested.  Leave random areas un-harvested, then cut these areas and weigh them.  Use this sample to determine the tonnage per acre.  Buyers and sellers should agree on the way to determine tonnage harvested before chopping actually begins.

Valuing drought-injured corn for livestock feed is one way a crop producer can try to recover some production costs. There may be a high demand for forage in some parts of Nebraska, thus prices in the guidelines and spreadsheet calculations are just a starting point.  Supply and demand will influence the actual prices buyers and sellers agree.

Resources
The UNL Extension NebGuide, The Use and Pricing of Drought Stressed Corn, G1865, covers how to identify drought stress corn, estimate potential yield, select for forage or grain harvest, and establish prices.  You can find this under http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1865/build/g1865.pdf

A corn silage pricing spreadsheet is available on the University of Wisconsin Extension website under Economics... http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/silage.htm.



Howard Attends National County Agents Meeting in South Carolina

Larry Howard of West Point, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator in Cuming County, attended the 97th Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) that was held in Charleston, South Carolina, July 13-21, 2012.

Larry has completed the first year of a two year term as Regional Director on the National Board. The board provides leadership and overseas the mission of the NACAA.  Larry represents the twelve states in the North Central region and also attended their respective state meetings throughout the year.  Nebraska is represented on the National Board once every twenty four years.

While at the conference, Howard gave several presentations during workshops conducted the regional meetings, professional improvement seminars and workshops in various agricultural program areas, committee meetings, general business sessions, voting delegate session, educational exhibits, poster sessions, awards presentations, a commercial trade show, and a one day professional improvement tour on the Georgetown Plantations River Cruise.

Howard, who was accompanied by his wife Mary, was one of fourteen Extension Educators, nine spouses and one administrator who attended the NACAA Conference from Nebraska.  Mary participated in the full week of spouses activities that included educational workshops, tour, general session and evening programs.

The 98th Annual NACAA conference will held in Pittsburgh, PA in September, 2012.



Public Hearings Scheduled at the Upper Big Blue NRD

The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors have scheduled a Public Hearing for the FY2013 Budget on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 7:30 p.m., and a Special Public Hearing for the FY2013 Tax Request for Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  Both of these hearings will be conducted at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District office building located at 105 N. Lincoln, York, Nebraska.  The proposed budget for FY2013 continues to include safety measures for protecting District citizens and enhancing the delivery of quality services.  The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these Public Hearings.



Workshop and Farm Tours Scheduled for Veterans who want to Farm or Ranch

In the last 10 years, almost a million of our military’s servicemen and servicewomen have come from rural communities. As these veterans return home, they bring with them an opportunity to employ their passion, discipline, and sense of service to revitalize America’s small farms and rural communities.

This spring the Center for Rural Affairs along with partnering organizations presented several workshops and farm tours to provide Veterans interested in starting their own farms or ranches with advice and resources.

Due to overwhelming participation in those successful workshops and tours, and high demand for more, we are currently planning farm tours and workshops for veterans and the public through the summer and early fall.

Farm tours in Kansas and Nebraska with established farmers will demonstrate successful systems and strategies. All tours will be handicap accessible, free of charge and lunch will be provided at no cost.

“While some veterans return home to jobs, many are returning to rural areas where jobs can be scarce,” said Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs, who is managing the project. USDA's Risk Management Agency awarded funding to Center for Rural Affairs and its partners to introduce new veteran farmers and ranchers to various areas of agriculture. 

According to Starkweather, the long-term goal for this project is to help new veteran farmers and ranchers successfully establish farms and ranches in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Missouri.

Farm tours will be held throughout July and August; a final workshop will be held in combination with a farm tour in Scottsbluff on August 17.

Farm Tour Locations Details:
Nebraska
Tuesday, August 7
Bluestem Farms, 9:00 a.m. - noon (multi-market produce farm), Madison, Nebraska
Mike Krueger Farm, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (commercial cattle and grain farm, AgrAbility client)
Pierce, Nebraska

Tuesday, August 14,
West Blue Farm morning (organic field grains, direct-market cattle and poultry, farm-transition to beinner), Milford, NE
Del Ficke Farm afternoon (commercial cattle and grain farm, farm partnership with sons, AgrAbility client), Milford, NE

Friday, August 17 - Workshop/Farm Tour combination
Workshop 9:00 a.m. - noon
North Platte NRD Office
100547 Airport Rd, Scottsbluff NE

Farm Tours - afternoon
Mitchell Valley Farm (organic practices, produce & small grains, CSA marketing)
Victory Hill Farm (goat dairy & cheesemaking, pork, chevon & eggs, marketing at farmstand and farmers' markets).

Kansas
Tuesday, July 31
Edgerton/Lawrence area: Gieringer's Orchard (pick-your-own and farmers' market sales of fruit and vegetables), Soaring Eagle Organic Farm (chickens and cattle, organic grains), Pendleton Country Market (vegetables, bedding plants & cut flowers sold at CSA and farmers' market), Red Tractor Farm (meat goats, vegetables, eggs), Lawrence Farmers Market tour.

September 19 and 20
Atwood/St. Francis area: tour of High Plains Food Cooperative member farms: “online farmers market” selling produce, meats, and other farm products into the Colorado Front Range

The workshops are free of charge to veterans, and lunch will be provided at no cost. Registration is requested for meal counts by calling the Center for Rural Affairs at (402) 617-7946. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Farm Credit Services are sponsoring the meals for attending veterans.

Individual assistance is available by contacting the Farmer Veteran Coalition at info@farmvetco.org or (530-756-1395, farm business and veteran benefits) and the Center for Rural Affairs at info@cfra.org  (402-687-2100, farm programs).

Additional information on the workshop agendas and later farm tours is online at www.cfra.org/veteran_farmers_project.



Fortenberry Announces Town Hall Schedule

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry will meet with constituents throughout eastern Nebraska during the month of August.  He has constituent town hall meetings planned in Lincoln, Norfolk, Fremont, Oakland, Blair, Plattsmouth, and Nebraska City. A policy forum regarding America’s role in global nuclear security, co-hosted by Rep. Fortenberry and Rep. Lee Terry, will be held in Omaha.

A listing of the Congressman’s schedule follows.  Members of the media are welcome to attend any of the following events.

Tuesday, August 7
5:15 pm, Lincoln Town Hall Meeting, Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 South 14th Street

Wednesday, August 8
11:30 am, Fremont Town Hall Meeting, Christensen Field – Main Arena Meeting Room, 1710 W 16th Street
5:15 pm, Norfolk Town Hall Meeting, Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Office, 609 Norfolk Ave.

Thursday, August 9
11:30 am, Oakland Town Hall Meeting, Oakland City Auditorium – Rosen Room, 401 N Oakland Ave.
5:15 pm, Blair Town Hall Meeting, Blair City Council Chambers, 218 S 16th Street

Monday, August 13
11:30 am, Plattsmouth Town Hall Meeting, Plattsmouth VFW, 510 1st Ave
5:15 pm, Nebraska City Town Hall Meeting, UNL Kimmel Education and Research Center (Kimmel Orchard), 5985 G Road

Tuesday, August 14
1:30 pm, Policy Forum - “America’s Role in Global Nuclear Security”
(featuring keynote address by Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Commander of USSTRATCOM, and remarks by Dr. David Kay, former UN Chief Weapons Inspector)
The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Joyce Mammel Assembly Hall, 2825 Y Street, Omaha  



Iowa Growers Association, Corn Checkoff Announce Director Election Results

New farmer leaders for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) were elected in early July. Directors for the ICGA will bring grassroots policy issues forward and directors for the ICPB will work on market development, education and research.  Both organizations will continue to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.

(Re-elected directors are indicated with a star.)

Iowa Corn Growers Association
District 1 – Dean Meyer, Lyon County
District 2 – Gary Woodley, Wright County*
District 4 – Steve Anthofer, Audubon County
District 5 – Dennis Friest, Hardin County
District 6 – Jerry Mohr, Scott County*
District 7 – Carl Jardon, Fremont County
District 8 – Kyle Phillips, Marion County*
District 9 – Kurt Hora, Washington County*
At-Large – Pam Johnson, Floyd County*

Iowa Corn Promotion Board
District 1 – Gary Small, Buena Vista County*
District 2 – Deb Keller, Wright County*
District 4 – Larry Klever, Audubon County*
District 5 – Kevin Rempp, Poweshiek County*
District 7 – Trevor Whipple, Fremont County
District 8 – Donald Hunerdosse, Warren County

Don Elsbernd, a corn farmer from Allamakee County and a director for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), was also elected to the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) governing Board.  He joins two Iowans already serving on the Corn Board: Pam Johnson from Floyd and Bob Bowman from DeWitt. 



2012 Iowa Farmland Leasing Workshops Begin

More than half of Iowa farmland is rented, and that percentage continues to increase due to the changing demographics of farmland owners. The overall average of typical Iowa farmland cash rental rates increased $38 an acre from 2011 to 2012. These large increases, volatile grain markets and the effects of drought on current production will have a major impact on those making leasing decisions for the coming production year.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is conducting farmland leasing workshops at many locations in Iowa during July and August. Workshops are designed to assist landowners, tenants and other agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership, management and leasing agreements.

“The 2012 meetings will focus on issues related to drought, land values and rental rates, including using CSRs and other tools for determining a ‘fair’ cash rent,” said Ann Johanns, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Other topics will include the impact of erosion on land values, implications of the proposed Farm Bill and other issues that will impact the next year in agriculture.

Each workshop attendee will receive a 100-page booklet of useful materials about farm leasing arrangements, Johanns said. Workshops will last approximately 2 ½ hours and will be led by Iowa State University Extension farm management specialists.

The Leasing Meetings page (www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html) lists available meeting dates, locations, and registration information. Locations will be added as they become available, or contact any county extension office to find the nearest meeting location. The Leasing section (www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wdleasing.html) of Ag Decision Maker also provides useful materials for negotiating leases, information on various types of leases, and lease forms, Johanns said.

“Knowing the latest information and where to find the best resources will make decisions easier for you and your clientele. Look to ISU Extension and Outreach and Ag Decision Maker for leasing information this summer,” Johanns said.



Take Precautions When Feeding Drought Damaged Corn as Silage

When a corn plant is stunted, or not growing normally, nitrates can build up in the plant. Typically, nitrogen that is taken up by the corn plant is converted to amino acids ― the building blocks of protein ― but in the stressed plant this conversion does not occur. And that’s why producers need to know how to handle and feed drought-damaged corn in silage form, according to Steve Ensley, of Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine (VDPAM) department.

“The nitrate level can be high enough in stunted plants that if harvested as silage the nitrate can be toxic to livestock that consume the silage,” Ensley said. “The most common problem is when drought stressed corn is green chopped and fed to livestock without going through ensiling.”

Ensiling will lower the amount of nitrate in the plant. Nitrogen availability to the plant, which will depend on recent rain, fertilizer applied and other factors, will affect the level of nitrate in the plant. If producers are planning on making silage from drought damaged corn, the only way they can be sure about the level of nitrate is do some sampling and testing of the corn silage before feeding.

“Producers have several options to help determine whether nitrate toxicity might be a problem,” Ensley said. “Assess the corn field that will be harvested to determine how much of the field has stunted corn that’s not developing a normal ear. Take samples either by taking grab samples of silage cut by a forage chopper or by cutting several entire plants by hand that represent the various types of corn in the field.”

A quick test that will screen for the presence of nitrates in stalks without having to chop the stalk can be done by ISU Extension beef and dairy specialists. A drop of diphenylamine in sulfuric acid on the surface of a stalk split in two will turn a blue-black color if nitrate is present. However, this does not provide a concentration of nitrate. Availability of this screening test varies. In some cases, the screening test may be a part of drought meetings where the beef or dairy field specialists are present.

Other options include getting a representative sample of several stalks and performing a strip test, which can help determine the concentration of nitrate by sending in a sample. ISU Extension beef and dairy specialists also will have capability for this, but due to the time required to prepare the sample for analysis the availability will be more limited than the screening test. Samples also can be sent to commercial feed analysis labs, or your veterinarian can send samples to the Iowa State veterinary diagnostic lab.



Wean Calves Early to Reduce Pasture Demands

Cow-calf producers should consider weaning calves now to help reduce the demand on pastures and get cows in better condition prior to winter, according to Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Calves as young as 90 days old can successfully be weaned, however most early weaning programs focus on calves 100-120 days of age,” Schwab said. “Early weaning has advantages for both the calf and the cow.”

Removing calves reduces the nutrient requirements on the cow by 30 to 50 percent, allowing the cows to maintain their body condition on less feed. If cows aren’t already cycling, early weaning can make them return to estrus sooner and improve pregnancy rates. Cows also have more time to increase their body condition prior to the cold winter weather.

“Early weaned calves are no more prone to health, nutritional or environmental problems than calves in conventional weaning programs,” Schwab said. “Calves weaned early and started on a high concentrate ration may have higher marbling at harvest.”

Early weaning does require good weaning management. Producers need to focus on their facilities, nutrition, health and management with young calves.
-    Early weaning requires a well-drained, excellent fenced lot with at least 100 square feet per head at weaning time, and 400 square feet per head after the weaning period has ended. 
-    Bunks and water tanks should have an 18-inch throat height. 
-    It helps to wet down dusty lots prior to weaning and during the days that the calves are walking the fences to reduce the dust irritation to the respiratory tract. 
-    Butting feed bunks against the fence line will help reduce the amount of fence walking calves do. 
-    Remember to start calves on feed slowly and spread the feed out so all calves can eat at the same time. 
-    Adequate clean, fresh water is also critical for success.

Schwab encourages monitoring young weaned calves closely and checking temperatures of lethargic ones as needed. Early diagnosis of sickness and treatment is important to reduce serious health problems. Calves should be vaccinated at least 14 days prior to weaning to allow time for immunities to develop. Fly control is also important.

Feeding early-weaned calves
Young calves can handle a simple diet provided it is of high quality and palatable. Hay alone is not adequate to meet their nutrient requirements. Light calves weighing 200-300 pounds need a ration that contains 14 to17 percent crude protein and 70 to 80 percent total digestible nutrients. Within seven to 10 days after weaning, calves should be consuming 2.5 to 3 percent of their body weight daily. But remember, keep them slightly hungry so sickness is easier to detect at feeding time. Creep feeding the calves for a couple weeks prior to weaning will help with the transition to dry feed.

By-product feeds such as corn gluten or soy hulls can be incorporated into starting rations. Both provide highly digestible fiber. Corn gluten also adds protein to the ration. Soy hulls ad bulk to the ration similar to oats. It is suggested to limit soy hulls to 15 to 20 percent of the grain mix or corn gluten to no more than 30 to 50 percent of the ration so that energy is not diluted.

Many producers assume that early-weaned calves are lighter in weight and not as marketable, but numerous studies have shown that early-weaned calves fed concentrate diets in confinement have body weights equal to or greater than those of conventionally-weaned animals at the normal weaning time. Early weaning may not work for all producers, but in years with drought stressed pastures and short feed supplies, early weaning is one management tool to control feed requirements and costs.



Vilsack praises biodiesel for role in revitalizing rural economy
     
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said yesterday the thriving business of biodiesel in Iowa is driving innovation and revitalizing the rural economy. He called it a shining example of resilient American agriculture.

Vilsack made his remarks during a meeting with Iowa biodiesel and farm industry representatives at the Soy Energy biodiesel production facility in Mason City, Iowa.

“This is the resilient face of agriculture we see here today,” Vilsack said, flanked by Soy Energy plant workers. “Biodiesel plants like this one are getting America back in the business of manufacturing. They are creating jobs and revitalizing the rural economy.”

The Iowa Biodiesel Board thanked the Secretary for his remarks and for his steadfast support of biodiesel.

“Iowa’s leadership in renewable energy production shows what we as a nation are capable of in building energy security and green jobs, and we’re equipped to do even more,” said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

Those in the meeting with Vilsack expressed their desire to see finalized an Environmental Protection Agency recommendation to increase biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard-2 (RFS-2). The EPA has recommended an increase from 1 billion gallons this year to 1.28 billion gallons in 2013. This represents a modest increase from the record production last year of nearly 1.1 billion gallons, and puts the industry on a steady growth trajectory.

Vilsack expressed his support and said he would continue to be vocal on the RFS.

Soy Energy, LLC employs about 40 people, and is a “multi-feedstock” plant, meaning it is capable of producing biodiesel from many different fats and vegetable oils. This includes the corn oil left over from ethanol production.

“Feedstock diversity is one of biodiesel’s greatest strengths, and Soy Energy’s technology capitalizes on that with the flexibility to choose which resource makes the most sense at any given time,” said Jeff Oestmann, CEO and general manager of Soy Energy. “I am passionate about what biodiesel can contribute to this nation, and proud that our business is a part of the solution to energy security, economic growth and environmental concerns.”




NCBA Hails House Passage of Youth Labor Legislation

The Obama Administration’s Department of Labor (DOL), April 26, 2012, withdrew its proposed rule regarding youth in agriculture. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), along with an overwhelming majority of congressional leaders, doesn’t believe pulling back the proposed rule does enough to provide certainty to America’s farm and ranch families. Consequently, Congressman Tom Latham (R-Iowa) introduced the Preserving America’s Family Farm Act (H.R. 4157), which today passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote.

NCBA President J.D. Alexander commended passage of the legislation. He said the administration’s proposed rule could have restricted, and in some instances totally prevented, America’s youth from working on family farms and ranches.

“This is a victory for farm and ranch families throughout the country. This ridiculous rule would have prevented the next generation of farmers and ranchers from acquiring skills and passion for this very noble profession. It also would have restricted urban kids from working on farms and acquiring a solid work ethic and enthusiasm for this very diverse industry,” said Alexander. “We absolutely have to have a sensible regulatory environment in Washington, D.C. We should not have to worry about negligent rules being promulgated by out-of-touch regulatory agencies. It is unfortunate that we need legislation to prevent these nonsensical regulations, but with this administration’s track record, it is necessary to trust but verify.”

H.R. 4157 prohibits the Secretary of Labor from finalizing or enforcing its previously proposed rule, which would have prevented youth from engaging in day-to-day farm and ranch activities. Alexander said the administration’s action to withdraw the rule showcases the importance of farm and ranch families being engaged in decisions being made inside the Beltway. He said this legislation goes a step further and ensures this rule does not resurface in the future.

The legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The legislation (S. 2221) currently has 44 cosponsors. Alexander said he encourages the Senate to bring S. 2221 to the floor and pass it sooner rather than later.

“We appreciate the administration listening to U.S. agriculture and pulling this rule. However, it is essential that farm and ranch families are afforded a level of certainty that this rule will not come up again in some form of fashion,” said Alexander. “We need this legislation.”



USFRA Looking for the Faces of Farming and Ranching

At the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance's recent Food Dialogues event in Los Angeles, the organization announced that it is looking for the "Faces of Farming and Ranching" to help put a real face, and even "heart," on agriculture. A proud affiliate and board member of USFRA, the National Corn Growers urges interested farmers to consider this opportunity.

"I've met a lot of corn growers with inspiring stories to share about what they do and the passion that helps make their stories more meaningful," said NCGA Chairman Bart Schott, a grower from North Dakota who also serves as USFRA vice-chair.  "This is a terrific opportunity to help them share their personal story with new, larger audiences while helping highlight agriculture's continuous commitment to improvement. Now is the time to raise our voices and tell our real story."

USFRA is looking for standout farmers and ranchers, farming-ranching couples and/or families who are proud of what they do, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement with others and are actively involved today in telling those stories. As USFRA is committed to showing the incredible diversity within American agriculture, farmers and ranchers from different commodity groups, production practices, sizes and geographies are encouraged to apply.

Entries will be accepted between now and September 8, at www.FoodDialogues.com. Ten to 15 finalists will be announced at the November Food Dialogues event in New York City. This national announcement will open a public online voting period where visitors will be invited to 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.

Those winners will serve in multiple high-visibility roles on behalf of USFRA, participating in a number of activities including national media interviews, advertising and public appearances. For their time, they will receive a $10,000 stipend as well as a $10,000 donation to their preferred agriculture-related or local charity in their name (charities must be pre-approved by USFRA). They will also receive professional speaker/media training.

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