Friday September 7 Ag News

Nebraska ag groups push for a Farm Bill Now

Nebraska agriculture organizations, initiated by the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association, have come together to put pressure on the U.S. House of Representatives and Congress to pass a Farm Bill – and now.

At the Nebraska State Fair, the corn checkoff board and growers organization came together to educate and advocate for showing support for a 2012 Farm Bill. Fair goers had the opportunity to sign their name on a large banner, as well as take handout cards with contact information for Nebraska’s federal representatives and the House Ag Committee.

“This year has given us plenty of uncertainty due to a drought that has plagued the nation and the implications can be seen across many facets of agriculture,” said Tim Scheer, farmer from St. Paul and Nebraska Corn Board chairman. “But as a farmer, one certainty that I am asking for is a Farm Bill.  Whether you are a food producer or food consumer, you should be asking for the same.”

Scheer said that efforts at State Fair and the upcoming Husker Harvest Days are to educate those about the Farm Bill and ask them to take action by signing the Farm Bill Now banner, calling their congressional representatives and signing the petition on FarmBillNow.com. They can also easily Tweet their representatives with the #farmbillnow hashtag and write a message on their Facebook page.

The current Farm Bill is set to expire this year. Collectively Congress has yet to pass a Farm Bill, although a version has been passed by the Senate. A version has yet to be passed by the House.

“Time is running out for action on the Farm Bill,” said Carl Sousek, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “Congress will only be in session a few days in September and then the “lame duck session” following the November elections.  I ask that you visit with your Senator or Congressman, thank them for their past work and ask them to press for passage of a Farm Bill.”

In addition to efforts at State Fair and Husker Harvest Days, a joint letter of support from over a dozen agricultural organizations in the state has been signed that encourages legislators to pass a Farm Bill that reauthorizes disaster assistance, streamlines conservation programs, provides sound risk management programs, and continues the priorities in foreign market development.

For you to take action, please join these ag organizations at the Ag Commodities Building (booth #8) during Husker Harvest Days, September 11-13 to sign the banner and go to www.farmbillnow.com.



UNL's ARDC Celebrates 50 Years with Sept. 23 Open House

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead will celebrate 50 years of research and education with a Sept. 23 open house.

The public is invited to attend the open house that includes tours, exhibits, presentations, food, fun and learning from noon to 5 p.m.

In the past 50 years, the ARDC has been involved in many advances in agriculture. The open house will celebrate those accomplishments and its future.

Activities, exhibits and presentations are planned that visitors of all ages will enjoy, focusing on UNL research, education and extension.

Those attending will have the opportunity to take bus tours throughout the center and disembark at select stops to learn more and visit with faculty and staff involved in the research. Tour stops will focus primarily on crop and livestock production, research and technology. Other tour stops include: buffalograss research, honeybee research, remote sensing aerial robotics demonstrations and fire equipment reconditioned for rural fire districts by the Nebraska Forestry Service Fire Shop. Tour participants can learn about the history of the research site by touring a load line used during the Nebraska Ordnance Plant.

UNL Extension and local 4-Hers will provide hands-on activities for children, 4-H will provide LEGO-based robotics demonstrations and the Midwest Dairy Association will have Annabelle the cow for kids to milk.

There will be a session with the Backyard Farmer panel, as well as presentations that feature a historical look at the ARDC. UNL Extension will provide a live Beef Value Cuts demonstration. The public will be able to sample the chuck roll cuts after the demonstration and learn about recipes and resources.

Ag commodity organizations also will be present.

Free lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. RSVPs are requested and appreciated for planning purposes. Other refreshments include cupcakes and UNL Dairy Store ice cream and samples provided by commodity groups.

To RSVP for lunch, visit online at ardc.unl.edu, call 402-624-8000 or email dpittman1@unl.edu. Schedule and directions are also available online.

This celebration will kickoff UNL's celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act this year. UNL will be "Celebrating 150 years – Growing a Healthy Future" with a week of activities Sept. 23-29. For more information visit http://landgrant.unl.edu/.



Take Precautions to Avoid Fires This Harvest Season

With almost all of Nebraska under high fire danger, it's important farmers take extra precautions with harvest underway across the state.

Cleaning and maintaining equipment is key as is being prepared in the event a fire does happen, said Paul Jasa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension engineer.

The first thing farmers should do is to identify and monitor potential hazards on the combine, said Joe Luck, UNL Extension precision agriculture engineer.

This includes:
– doing a "dry run" of the combine before entering the field to listen for worn bearings or moving parts and check for any over-heated bearings. Push/pull shafts and sheaves often to check for worn bearings.
– Checking wires and wiring harnesses for damaged insulation to prevent an electrical short. If there have been problems with blown fuses, try to find the source of the problem instead of constantly replacing the fuse. Exposed wires could be causing the short and creating sparks which could start a fire.
– Never putting in a fuse with higher capacity than those recommended as the wires may overheat and start a fire.
– As harvest continues, those outside the combine should listen and watch for potential problems.
– If using other equipment (grain cart or rotary mower) in the field during harvest, also keep an eye on it for possible problems.

During harvest it's important to clean debris from the combine at regular intervals. Be sure to:
– Clean any area where chaff or plant material accumulates often, especially those near moving parts
– Check areas around the engine, exhaust manifold, fan shrouds, fuel/oil tanks, and chaff spreaders to ensure they are free of debris. Using a leaf blower or compressed air tank is an easy way to remove debris material that builds up on the combine.
– Closely monitor any belts that are frayed or worn as they can produce enough heat to start a fire.
– Any time you think you smell smoke, stop and examine the combine completely. Chaff and plant materials may smolder for some time before an actual fire starts, sometimes even after the combine has been shut down.

It's also important to take precautionary measures and be prepared to respond if a fire does occur. This includes:
– When harvesting on windy days, if possible, start on the downwind side of the field. This way, in case a fire does occur, at least the wind will carry it away from the standing crop.
– Consider carrying a water tank with a pump to the field and always keep a fire extinguisher handy.
– Some growers keep a tractor with a tillage implement close by to till a fire break if necessary.
– Most recommend keeping at least two fire extinguishers with the combine at harvest – one in the cab and one accessible from ground level. Check your fire extinguishers annually to ensure they are charged properly and always remember proper extinguisher use. Stand a few feet from the fire and aim at the base/source with a sweeping motion.
– If a fire does occur, always remember that your personal safety is the most important thing. Don't put yourself or others in any unnecessary risk. Always call 911 as soon as you notice a fire, then try to put it out.



IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION ELECTS OFFICERS

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recently held its annual board elections at its September 6 meeting. Mark Jackson of Rose Hill took his seat as president with Brian Kemp of Sibley elected as president-elect. Wayne Fredericks of Osage was chosen as treasurer and Rolland Schnell, Newton, was elected secretary. Tom Oswald, Cleghorn, was also elected to the executive committee.

Jackson looks forward to working the next year with his fellow directors.

“As I start my year as president, I remind everyone of our very dedicated farmer-leader board of directors,” Jackson says. “From the soybean fields of Iowa to locations around the world, the Iowa Soybean Association is known for its leadership. Along with our talented staff of professionals, we will continue efforts to improve the soybean farmers’ long-term profitability. Research, policy regarding regulations, the environment and market development are key focus areas, along with an extended list of related efforts.”

ISA directors also reelected Dennis Bogaards of Pella and Jim Andrew of Jefferson to represent Iowa on the American Soybean Association (ASA) board of directors.

Joining the board at the September meeting was Dennis Lindsay, who was recently elected to represent District 3. Lindsey farms near Masonville, where he raises corn and soybeans. He has served for 10 years on ISA’s On-Farm Network and volunteers in leadership roles in numerous organizations in his community.

He replaces Kermit Allard of Cedar Falls, who has been active in ISA for many years, working in many capacities, and has been a member of the board since 2010.

Several other directors were recently reelected to three-year terms. They are Brian Kemp, of Sibley, representing District 1; Dean Coleman, Humboldt (District 2); Benjamin Schmidt, Iowa City (District 6); Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney (District 7); John Heisdorffer, Keota (District 9); and Ron Heck, Perry (at large).

Also continuing to serve are Curt Sindergard of Rolfe, representing District 1; Wayne Fredericks, Osage (District 2); Scott McGregor, Nashua (District 3); Sheila Hebenstreit, Jefferson, and Delbert Christensen, Audubon (District 4); Randy VanKooten, Lynnville, and Rolland Schnell, Newton (District 5); Ed Ulch, Solon (District 6); Delbert Westphalen, Atlantic (District 7); Cliff Mulder, Pella (District 8); Mark Jackson, Rose Hill (District 9); Jim Andrew of Jefferson, Roy Arends of Alexander and Tom Oswald of Cleghorn (at large).



Iowa Cattlemens Association Bull and Heifer Evaluation Programs

Iowa seedstock producers can enroll both bulls and heifers in the evaluation program which is managed by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. The ICA Bull Evaluation Program has focused for nearly 30 years on improving genetics for Iowa's commercial cattle producers. The quality this past spring was reflected in record sales prices that were paid for both bulls and heifers.

Consignment and private reservations for fall-born and spring-born bulls will be taken through Sept. 30; while heifer reservations can be made through Nov. 18. Both dates can be extended if pens are not full. "The superior genetics that come from this program will again be offered to commercial cattle producers at three sales across Iowa in spring 2013, says Kellie Carolan, ICA's seedstock manager.

Each year, progressive breeders in the Midwest enter more than 300 bulls and 120 open heifers into the program for comparison and benchmarking. "The value of the ICA evaluation program is producers can compare their genetics to other producers through a program that has been in operation for 29 years," Carolan says. "This is an excellent opportunity to get important performance information on your seedstock without having to tie up lot space."

The fall bulls will be fed and evaluated at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, while the spring bulls and open heifers will be delivered to the Van Meter Feedyard near Guthrie Center. Bulls and heifers will be evaluated through the feeding period, and need to meet strict selection criteria to be eligible for an ICA sale and be worthy of the ICA 'Symbol of Excellence.'

Carolan says those sales will be at auction barns in Bloomfield on March 18; in Dunlap on March 22; and in Tama on May 3.

"As an ICA bull consignor you have the opportunity to open another market for your seedstock. The ICA bull program has a long reputation of offering elite genetics to commercial breeders and other purebred producers," she says. Newer or smaller seedstock producers may want to use private reservations as a cost-effective way of gathering ultrasound and performance data on their herd, while reserving the right to take their stock home after the evaluation.

Details for program requirements can be found at the ICA website, www.iacattlemen.org. Look for Bull and Heifer Program under the ICA Programs tab. You can also contact Carolan for more information at Kellie@iabeef.org, or by calling 515-296-2266.



Informa Expects USDA U.S. Corn Yield Forecast 119.8 bu/acre

Private analytical firm Informa Economics on Friday said it expects the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cut its forecasts for this year's U.S. corn and soybean crops due to drought, according to traders.

Informa said it expects the USDA, in a monthly supply-and-demand report due on Wednesday next week, to forecast a national corn yield of 119.8 bushels an acre and total production of 10.310 billion bushels, according to traders.

The USDA last month estimated the U.S. corn crop at 10.779 billion bushels, using a yield of 123.4 bushels an acre.

Informa's corn-yield estimate was lower than forecasts issued by some other private firms this week. On Wednesday, brokerage INTL FCStone predicted an average corn yield of 121.4 bushels an acre.

Informa said it expects the USDA to forecast national soybean production of 2.639 billion bushels with a yield of 35.4 bushels an acre, traders said.

The USDA last month estimated soybean output at 2.692 billion bushels with a yield of 36.1 bushels an acre. The USDA is scheduled to release updated figures on Wednesday next week.

Analysts have cut their forecasts for the corn harvest due to the worst U.S. drought in decades, which intensified as the corn crop went through its crucial pollination phase in July. Drought worries pushed corn and soybean futures to record levels this summer.

But soybean crops in some regions benefited from rains that picked up in August. INTL FCStone on Wednesday raised its yield forecast for the soybean crop to 36.7 bushels an acre, from its forecast last month of 36.2 bushels an acre.



Possible Relaxing of U.S. Beef Restrictions in Japan a ‘Positive Step Forward’ 

In a significant step toward lifting restrictions on U.S. beef and improving trade relations between the U.S. and Japan, a panel of Japanese experts recommended raising the age limit on cattle whose beef can be accepted for importation to 30 months from 20 months.

According to a report released by the panel, raising the age limit “posed little risk and its impact on human health would be negligible.” The panel recommended the age increase to 30 monthsto Japan’s Food Safety Commission, which will host a public comment period on the proposed policy change. 

“NCBA is encouraged by the recent announcement from Japan regarding U.S. beef imports. This is a positive step forward in the process toward improving trade relations with Japan, and we encourage Japan to continue basing its decisions on internationallyrecognized science based standards, such as those established by the World Organization for Animal Health,” said NCBA Vice President Bob McCan. “The top priority for America’s cattle producers is raising healthy cattle. The U.S. beef community has collaborated with and worked with animal health experts and government to put in place multiple safeguards and standards so that the United States continues to produce the safest, highest-quality beef in the world.”

The report applies only to beef from the U.S., Canada, France and the Netherlands. Currently, all beef from France and the Netherlands is banned, while only beef from cattle 20 months old and younger is accepted from the U.S. and Canada. 

According to Kent Bacus, NBCA’s associate director of legislative affairs, increasing exports of U.S. beef into Asian markets is critical to the growth and sustainability of the U.S. beef cattle industry, since96 percent of the world’s population lives outside the U.S.

“We not only support basing trade agreements on science-based, internationally recognized animal health standards, but we are committed to adhering to those standards and holding our trade partners to those standards as well,” said Bacus.

Last year, Japan was the third-largest export market for U.S. beef, after Mexico and Canada. In the first half of 2012, Japan rose to become the second-largest export market, with Japanese consumers purchasing $476,002,000 of U.S. beef.



New Goodyear Tire Contains U.S. Soy

U.S. soybean farmers can now add soy-based tires to the growing list of new uses for their crop. Recently, the United Soybean Board (USB) and Goodyear announced field tests for a new tire that uses U.S. soy oil as a partial replacement for petroleum.

Goodyear, one of the world’s largest tire companies, says the tires could use 7 million gallons of soy oil annually when in full production. The company says the new soy-based tires may offer consumers 10 percent longer tread life and a greener alternative to those manufactured solely with petrochemicals.

"The soy checkoff welcomes the opportunity to partner with Goodyear in bringing this tire to the market," says Russ Carpenter, a soybean farmer from Trumansburg, N.Y. and chair of the USB New Uses program. "The checkoff constantly looks for ways to improve the value of soy oil to U.S. soybean farmers and this new tire highlights soy’s versatility in the marketplace."

The partnership between USB and Goodyear began two years ago after a spike in crude oil prices prompted Goodyear to evaluate petrochemical alternatives and propose research exploring soy oil’s potential in its products.

"Goodyear is committed to caring for the environment and communities, and use of soy oil proves to be another way to accomplish this goal," said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear’s chief technical officer. "Consumers benefit through improved tread life, Goodyear gains with increased efficiency and energy savings, and we all win whenever there is a positive impact on the environment."

If testing runs smoothly, Goodyear says the new soy-based tires could be available for purchase in as early as 2015.




Beverage Milk Sales Lowest Since 1984

(AP) -- Sales of milk as a beverage have dropped to the lowest level in nearly 30 years.  Experts say consumer habits are shifting toward sports drinks, bottled water and bottled tea and away from milk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says beverage milk sales were about 6 billion gallons in 2011, less than half the level from the early 1980s.  The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board says sales of yogurt and other dairy products have offset the decline of beverage milk.



USGC to Conduct Global Sorghum Assessment

The U.S. Grains Council will be conducting a comprehensive global sorghum assessment over the course of the remaining calendar year. The assessment will cover issues including a competitor analysis to derive the optimal way to market U.S. sorghum's competitive advantage and new opportunities for U.S. sorghum market expansion.

The assessment will include on-the-ground Council teams in key export markets in China, SEA, Colombia and the EU. Argentina, Australia, Ukraine, Sudan, and Thailand will also be assessed as competitors.

Currently, the U.S. dominates market share for the global sorghum trade. The assessment will allow the Council to better understand and engage markets that haven't traditionally used sorghum, or may benefit from using sorghum in a different manner. Ultimately, this will allow the USGC to more effectively lever producer funds to market U.S. sorghum around the globe.



Egyptian and Libyan Buyers to Learn More about U.S. Wheat Quality, Reliability

Government officials and executives with trading and flour milling companies from Egypt and Libya are traveling in the United States Sept. 6 to 14 to learn about the U.S. wheat production and marketing system and to strengthen commercial relationships with the U.S. wheat industry. The visit is sponsored by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Kansas Wheat Commission.

“Because each country must import wheat, both Egypt and Libya make it a policy to provide bread for their people at a very low cost,” said Hesham Hassanein, regional marketing and special projects manager with the USW regional office in Cairo, Egypt.  “We want to help prove to both government officials and private buyers that they can rely on the United States as a wheat supplier by demonstrating first-hand the distinctive qualities of U.S. wheat and by building trust in the U.S. supply chain and inspection procedures.”

The members of this team are all directly involved in wheat buying or flour milling. The team includes the newly appointed head of Egypt's Central Administration of Plant Quarantine which is responsible for certifying the acceptance of incoming grain cargos.  The team also includes the owner and general manager of an Egyptian trading and flour milling company with annual trading volume of more than 1.2 Million Metric Tons of wheat.  The Libyan members of this team include two general managers of major private milling companies operating at the east side of Libya with combined daily milling capacity of 1,600 Metric Tons.

Although Egypt is the world's largest wheat importer, the amount of U.S. wheat purchased each year can vary greatly.  The landed cost of U.S. wheat is often higher than wheat from the nearby Black Sea region but Hassanein said quality is also important to both private and government importers.  In Libya, the complicated public-private wheat acquisition and subsidy system present similar challenges and opportunities.  Libya has only purchased significant quantities of U.S. wheat in two of the past 10 years, but the interim government is trying to stabilize the country and feeding its people is a priority.  The key to competing in these important markets, Hassanein said, is to constantly emphasize the value elements associated with U.S. wheat and the unique features of the U.S. grain marketing, inspection and quality assurance systems. 

The team will start its visit with a briefing by USW staff and representatives from local wheat industry organizations at the USW Headquarters Office in Arlington, VA. After private meetings at the Egyptian and Libyan embassies, the team will learn about world wheat supply and demand and USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). Meetings with private wheat exporters at the North American Export Grain Association rounds out the team’s Washington, DC, visit.

The team then travels to New Orleans, LA, to observe grain inspection and ship loading at an export elevator. In Kansas City, MO, the officials will see how U.S. wheat prices are discovered at the Kansas City Board of Trade and learn more about the integrity of U.S. wheat inspection at the FGIS Technical Center. In Manhattan, KS, the team will get more information on wheat production and uses from the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas State University’s International Grains Program and AIB International.