Thursday August 9 Ag News

Cuming Co Pork Producers Fundraiser for Wisner Pilger FFA at Fair

Each year the Wisner-Pilger FFA chapter hosts a corn and soybean plot just west of the high school in Wisner.  After the students do yield checks and host a plot tour, the grain is sold and the money is used for scholarships.  But just as the drought has affected the vast majority of area fields, it has also affected their plots and it appears the plots will be a total loss. 

In an effort to help maintain these scholarships, the Cuming County Pork Producers will donate a portion of their proceeds from their fair food stand to the Wisner-Pilger FFA Scholarship fund.  You are invited to buy a smoked pork loin sandwich Saturday afternoon and evening to benefit this cause.  The sales of Smoked Pork Loin sandwiches from 4pm through Saturday evening will go to the Wisner-Pilger FFA Scholarship Fund. 



Focus on Fire Prevention for 2012 Harvest

Nationwide, combine and tractor fires are believed to have caused tens of millions of dollars in property losses each year. Harvest is a prime time for agricultural fires, even when the weather has not been warm and dry. This year, the normal harvest dryness will be intensified since Iowa has been experiencing drought conditions. The potential for agricultural fires also is increased above normal, warns Chuck Schwab, agricultural safety specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

"The three parts of any fire -- fuel, oxygen and ignition source -- are in Iowa's agricultural fields," said Schwab. "Fuel sources such as husks, leaves, dust and grains are always present when harvesting, and so are many sources of ignition found on combines, trucks and other vehicles that include exhausts, hot engine compartments, bearings and electrical wiring."

Schwab said there are several ways farmers can minimize the risk of harvest time fires:
-- Clean stalks and debris from the combine often. How often depends upon the wind and field conditions.
-- Monitor tractors for similar buildup of dry materials that are a fuel source for fires.
-- Watch closely when trucks and other vehicles enter those fields with dry materials. The catalytic converter located on the underside of these vehicles can easily serve as the ignition source.
-- Carry a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
-- Using fire extinguishers

Carrying a fire extinguisher in these vehicles might make the difference. Be prepared for combine fires by carrying two ABC-type extinguishers -- one in the cab and one at ground level. Use a 10-pound extinguisher in the cab or operator's station and a 20-pound size nearer to ground level. Tractors and other vehicles can have one ABC-type extinguisher and the size depends on the space available.

"Make sure the extinguishers you have on your vehicles are ready and fully charged for use," Schwab said. "Just having the extinguisher is not enough; you should know how to use it effectively."

Ideally it is best to have practiced putting out a fire with an extinguisher in a controlled training session before confronting an actual fire, according Schwab. However, that is not always possible, so he suggests remembering the acronym PASS when using any portable fire extinguisher. PASS stands for
-- P -- Pull the pin in the fire extinguisher handle. This allows you to squeeze the handle and release the extinguishing agent.
-- A -- Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. If the spray is not directed at the base, then the chance of extinguishing the fire is lost.
-- S -- Squeeze the handle firmly to start the flow of extinguishing agent. Starting and stopping extinguishing agent flow is controlled by squeezing the handle.
-- S -- Sweep the fire extinguisher back and forth -- not too fast or too slowly because it does make a difference in how effective you'll be in extinguishing the fire.

Not all fire can be extinguished by an individual with a portable fire extinguisher. A large 20-pound fire extinguisher does not contain an infinite supply of extinguishing agent. These portable extinguishers only last a few minutes at most and that means the time to control the fire is limited. A fire extinguisher can be effective when properly used if the fire is discovered early, when it is still small.

Fires that have been discovered too late or that have grown too big for a fire extinguisher to handle require a different response. Call for professional help during the first sign of fire. Instead of fighting the fire, retreat to a safe distance and wait for the professionals. In some cases, farmers barely have enough time to exit the operator station before the fire can trap them. Avoid getting caught or trapped by a large fire while trying to extinguish it.

"Personal safety must be the top priority and the equipment that is on fire secondary," said Schwab. "Make smart decisions about safety as you choose to fight or flee a fire. The value of that equipment that is on fire is never worth your life."



Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces New Opportunities for Small Meat and Poultry Processors

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced today that Ohio will be the first state to participate in USDA's Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program. Under this program, Ohio's small, state-inspected meat processors will be able to ship their products across state lines. The cooperative interstate shipment program will expand economic opportunities for America's small meat and poultry processors, strengthen state and local economies, and increase consumer access to safe, locally-produced food.

"This agreement allows a small processor in Ohio to sell products to neighbors in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, and beyond," said Deputy Secretary Merrigan. "Expanding market opportunities for meat from local processors makes these small businesses more viable, while also ensuring that participating establishments have robust food safety systems in place to produce safe food for consumers."

Under the cooperative agreement, small, state-inspected businesses with 25 or fewer employees will be allowed to sell meat products across state lines. Meat products produced in selected establishments will be subject to the same regulatory sampling programs as those established in the Federal inspection program.

The Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program was established by the 2008 Farm Bill. In 2011, USDA finalized regulations to allow state employees to administer federal regulations and use federal marks of inspection at selected establishments. Prior to the establishment of this program, state-inspected businesses could only sell products within their state.



Up-and-Coming Grower Leaders Get Taste of Leadership at Its Best

Growers are gathered this week in Greensboro, N.C. for the first session of the National Corn Growers Association Leadership Academy, co-sponsored by Syngenta. Upon completion of the program in January, the participants will join more than 500 colleagues who have graduated from this program in the past 26 years.

At the meeting, participants will get up-close look at NCGA from President Garry Niemeyer, who is also a Leadership Academy alumnus. Farmers will take part in media training and public speaking exercises as well as association management skill building. In addition, the class will look at future trends that will impact the industry and a comprehensive economic forecast from futurist Bob Treadway.

"As a Leadership Academy graduate, I have a deep appreciation for the confidence and skills attendees develop in such a short time, and of the ability of Syngenta and other presenters to hone in on what is most needed," Niemeyer said. "As NCGA president, I am excited to see new leaders who want to take on an active role in the association. When these volunteers come together, you can feel their passion for the industry. It is heartening to know that such strong farmer leaders will carry on our mission well into the future."

This year's class includes Ben Augustine (Wisc.), Jed Bower (Ohio), Jay Fischer (Mo.), Tom Haag (Minn.), Rod Hahn (Colo.), Jerome Hawkins (Ind.), Jeff Jarboe (Ill.), Casey Kelleher (Wisc.),  Jason Kontz (S.D.), Lou Lamoreux (Ill.), John Linder (Ohio), Ray Allan Mackey (Ky.), Douglas Noem (S.D.), James Raben (Ill.), Mark Scott (Mo.), Daniel Wesely (Neb.), and Roger Zylstra (Iowa).

The second phase of the Leadership Academy runs March 18-20 in Washington and will cover public policy, lobbying, parliamentary procedure and visits to Capitol Hill. Additionally, it will offer an intensive media training course new to the program. Adding to the work done in this program, NCGA continues its more advanced leadership training program in September, also co-sponsored by Syngenta. Advanced Leadership Academy provides intensive leadership training to a handful of well-qualified applicants.



Global Food Price Index up Six Percent

The FAO Food Price Index climbed six percent in July 2012 after three months of decline.  The Index, which measures the monthly change in the international prices of a basket of food commodities, averaged 213 points, up 12 points from June. That was still well below the peak of 238 points reached in February 2011, however.  The Index's sharp rebound was mostly driven by a surge in grain and sugar prices. International prices of meat and dairy products were little changed.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 260 points in July, up 17 percent, or 38 points, from June. That was 14 points below its all-time high of 274 points in April 2008.  The severe deterioration of maize crop prospects in the United States following extensive drought damage pushed up maize prices by almost 23 percent in July.  International wheat quotations also surged 19 percent amid worsened production prospects in the Russian Federation and expectations of firm demand for wheat as feed because of tight maize supplies.



Gasoline Avg. Higher Than Year Ago

The average price of gasoline is now higher than it was a year ago for the first time since late April.  The national average for retail gasoline was $3.662 per gallon Thursday, a penny higher than it was on this date in 2011.  Analysts expect prices to continue to rise through Labor Day because of refinery and pipeline issues that have affected supplies.

Meanwhile, oil prices are higher after China reported disappointing economic news. That's renewing speculation that the government will do more to help China's economy improve.  Benchmark oil rose 13 cents to $93.47 per barrel in New York. Brent crude gained 67 cents to $112.81 per barrel in London.

Natural gas prices are up 5 percent on a smaller-than-expected increase in U.S. supplies.

Iowa Gasoline Prices on the Rise; Crude Oil Spikes
As of Tuesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.59 across Iowa according to AAA. This is $.12 higher as compared to last week and down $.02 from one year ago. The national average on Tuesday was $3.65, up $.13 from last week's price.

Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were up $.08 on the Tuesday report with a statewide average of $3.82. One year ago diesel prices averaged $3.90 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel average is $.02 per gallon lower than the national average of $3.84.

Wholesale ethanol prices fell this week by $.06, closing at $2.57. The price of Mid-Grade Blend in Iowa (10% ethanol) closed at $3.51 per gallon, up $.12 from last week's price and down $.02 from one year ago.

Natural Gas prices in Iowa fell $.23 from last week's report, ending the week at $2.99 / MMbtu.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at www.energysavers.gov and at www.fueleconomy.gov. Weekly and monthly fuel reports will soon be available on the Departments website at www.iowaagriculture.gov.



‘FACES OF FARMING AND RANCHING’ ENTRY DEADLINE NEARS

The national search for farming and ranching ambassadors is underway, but with an upcoming deadline of Sept. 8, time is running out to submit an entry.  Through “Faces of Farming and Ranching”, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) aims to identify a handful of standout farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement and help show the dedication, passion and care that goes into the food on our grocery store shelves, market stalls and eventually on our dinner tables.

“We’ve received strong entries from around the country, but we know there are more out there,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “There are so many farmers and ranchers who do amazing things to grow and raise food and who truly exemplifies U.S. agriculture. We strongly encourage them to apply. This is one way we can add a true American farmer and rancher voice to the portrayal of our community in mainstream media and pop culture, and contribute to an accurate perception in the minds of many consumers.”

USFRA continues to look for entries from farmers and ranchers who raise a variety of foods differently, at differing scale and in all areas of the country.

Entries will be accepted through September 8, 2012 at www.FoodDialogues.com. 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.

Entrants are 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.




Mycogen Seeds Introduces 31 New Grain Corn Hybrids for 2013

Mycogen Seeds is introducing 31 new grain corn hybrids for the 2013 growing season, including 16 new Dow AgroSciences REFUGE ADVANCED powered by SmartStax hybrids.

“Growers planning for next year can count on these new grain corn hybrids to bring a unique combination of competitive performance, advanced technology and overall value to their farming operations,” says Hank King, corn portfolio marketing leader for Mycogen Seeds.

Featured new grain corn hybrids
    2R158 is an 83-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid with strong roots and great stress tolerance. Its semi-flex ears support variable plant densities in high-yield environments. This hybrid performs best at moderate to moderate-high plant populations.
    
    2J238, an 86-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, performs best under conventional tillage systems. This hybrid has very good fall health and plant intactness to support delayed harvest. It has solid stalks and roots to support aggressive plant densities.
    
    2R288 is a 90-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid with strong stalks and roots. This hybrid offers a semi-flex ear type that supports a wide range of plant densities for consistent yield performance. It is a good choice for early planting and provides stress tolerance for lighter soils.
    
    2T388 is a 95-day REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid that performs best at medium to medium-high plant populations. This hybrid is a good option for areas with high Goss’s wilt pressure and soils with high pH. It provides consistent ear development and reliable yield performance.
    
    2P487, a 97-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, has fast drydown to allow for early harvest, and is adapted to a wide range of soil types, environments and management practices.
    
    2T498, a 100-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid, is high-yielding and widely adapted for a wide range of soil types and environments. It is a good choice for early planting, as it has strong emergence and early vigor for all reduced tillage applications.
    
    2A557 is a 103-day tall REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid that provides very good tolerance to northern corn leaf blight and Goss’s wilt. This hybrid is a stable performer with exceptional drought-stress tolerance across a wide range of soil types and environments.
    
    2R549, a 104-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid that has consistently girthy ears that fill to the tip. It is a strong choice for all crop rotations or continuous corn in areas with medium-high to high populations. It is a medium/tall hybrid with excellent yield potential.
    
    2P659 is a 108-day REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid that delivers consistent yield performance over a wide range of cropping rotations. It offers tolerance to gray leaf spot and is a good choice for eastern and central growing areas. This hybrid is to be planted at medium-high to high plant densities for best results.
    
    2V717 is a 111-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid that performs well on marginal soils and will show a positive response to higher planting populations. It has a flex-ear style that adapts to a wide range of plant densities across the central Corn Belt.
    
    2H729 is a 111-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid that responds well to high-management practices. It performs best in corn/soybean rotations and provides consistent, girthy ears down the row. This hybrid should be planted at medium-high to high plant densities for best results.
    
    2P719 is a 112-day REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid and a top choice for delayed harvesting. It produces consistent, girthy ears down the row and has excellent standability. It is a short plant with medium ear placement.

“Mycogen Seeds is committed to continued development of innovative products to help our growers get the most from their farms,” King says. “Our sales and agronomy team is also readily available to help growers place the right hybrids on their acres to maximize yield potential.”