Tuesday September 18 Ag News

Get The Most From Grazing Corn Stalks
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

Corn harvest is moving along in most areas and cows are starting to graze the stalks. Grazing corn stalks during fall and winter has many benefits.  It can save over a dollar a day per cow compared to feeding expensive hay.

But as Bruce Anderson has shared, the way you manage grazing of stalks by your cattle can have a big effect on its success.  For instance, maybe you have a goal of feeding as little protein supplement as possible while winter grazing.  Then you must make sure you have enough acres so your stocking level can be light enough so cattle can select just the higher quality plant parts to eat.  And whenever the grain and husks are gone, move to a fresh field.  Or, maybe you use stalks just as a filler to keep cows from bellowing while you limit feed corn, distiller’s grains, or other more nutrient dense feeds.  Then high stocking levels and unrestricted access might be best.

Another strategy might be to stretch winter stalks as far as possible.  In that case, restricting animal access to small areas at a time by strip grazing until nearly all the grazable stalks are gone might be best.  Be careful, though, about forcing cows to eat the lower stalks.  They won’t get much protein or energy from lower stalks but the nitrate levels might be dangerously high.

Whatever your strategy, consider carefully what kind of nutrition animals are getting from the stalk pasture so you neither underfeed nor overfeed expensive supplements.

Be sure to provide salt, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A free choice at all times.  And once all the grain is gone, cows need about half a pound per day of an all-natural protein to meet nutrient needs.  Stalk season is here, so make wise decisions to use them best.



Cuming County 4-H State Fair Carcass Results

The Nebraska State Fair recently released the results for livestock carcass contest according to UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County, Larry Howard.  In the Swine Contest, Darby Doernemann of Dodge placed 8th place while sister Erin placed 15th, both receiving purple ribbons.

Complete results for Cuming County 4-H exhibitors are:
Purple: Darby Doernemann, Dodge; Erin Doernemann, Dodge.
Blue:  Darby Doernemann, Dodge; Colby Heller, Wisner x2; Blake Guenther, West Point; Elizabeth Karnopp, Oakland; Jared Bourek, Dodge.
Red:  Nathan Groth, Beemer x2; Elizabeth Karnopp, Oakland x2; Kiley Guenther, West Point; Tiffany Plagge, West Point.
White:  Jarett Sindelar, Wisner x3; Heath Schroeder, West Point; Erin Doernemann, Dodge; Jamie Plagge, West Point; Megan Groth, Beemer; Jared  Bourek, Dodge x2; Dylan Ludwig, Wisner x2; Allison Guenther, West Point.



Emergency Loans Available From Farm Service Agency

Family farmers in two Nebraska counties are eligible to apply for low interest FSA Emergency (EM) loans due to physical losses caused by hail and high winds that occurred on July 25 through July 26, 2012.  Those Nebraska counties are:  Burt and Thurston.

These two Nebraska counties became eligible for this assistance because they are contiguous to one or more of the nine Iowa counties that were designated as an Administrator’s Physical Loss on September 17, 2012 by Juan Garcia, Administrator of the Farm Service Agency.   

Family farmers interested in finding out if they are eligible should contact the Thurston County FSA Office at (402) 846-5655, the Wayne County FSA Office at (402) 375-2453, or their local FSA office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Emergency loan applications are available and must be submitted through the local FSA county office from any applicant who qualifies for a physical loss from this disaster in the counties.  To qualify for an EM loan, an applicant must be an established family farm operator; provide evidence of having suffered a qualifying physical loss; be unable to obtain suitable credit from a source other than FSA.  The low interest loans may cover up to 100 percent of their actual losses, up to a maximum amount of $500,000.  The applicants must show ability to repay the loan and the loan must be adequately secured.  FSA loans for physical losses may be used to repair or replace the property that was damaged or lost.  The September interest rate for EM loans is 2.125%.  The deadline for submitting applications is May 17, 2013.

In addition to the EM loan program, FSA has other loan programs and disaster assistance programs which can be considered in assisting farmers to recover from their losses.  Please contact your local FSA Service Center or access additional information about FSA Disaster Assistance and Farm Loan programs at www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl.




Nebraska State Grange State Convention Highlights

    The Nebraska State Grange held it’s annual meeting at the Riverside Inn in Grand Island, September 14-15-16, 2012.

   The Nebraska State Grange Delegates passed resolutions favoring; Requiring Lawmakers to take some time to repeal overly restrictive and unnecessary laws; asking USDA to implement more effective stratagey to decrease fraud in the SNAP (Supplimental Nutrition Assistance Program);  banning of the sale of fireworks designed to float in the air while still burning; the repeal or modification of the 2011 Nebraska law on Guardianship Regulations.

    There was a tour for those who were able to arrive by 11:30 on Friday, Sept. 14.

Grangers met at the motel and went together to Bosselmans,”Grandma Max” for lunch and then traveled together to Hastings to the IMAX theater where they enjoyed the museum and watched a movie about Tornado Chasers or Stars.

    State Grange President, Joe Fryman of Blair NE. in his address, stressed the need to promote membership, and present a positive image of the Grange as an organization.  The National Grange is building a new website that will include every Grange and should be finished by the end of the year.  Nebraska Grange Membership Director, Edgar Hicks, has organized a new Grange. Carver Grange, in Omaha, increasing the membership in the state.  President Fryman mentioned that this has been a difficult year both because of the weather and the political gridlock that has held up the passage of any Farm Bill.  He urged Grangers not to sell themselves short.  We don’t have so many members or so much money but we do make a difference in our communities and we need to seek every opportunity to serve in our areas and continue to make our world a little better.

     The bi-annual election was held and the following changes were made; Ted Doane of Waverly was elected President, replacing Joe Fryman of Blair, who wished to retire; Joe Fryman was put on the Executive Committee to replace Ted Doane.  Jim Peterson of Blair, was elected to the office of Steward and Bobbe Dietz, of Broken Bow, was elected Flora of the Nebraska State Grange.

     The speaker for the noon Lunch was Dwight Baldwin, President of the Iowa State Grange, and Treasurer of the National Grange, representing the National Grange.  MC was Kevin Cooklsey of the Custer County Grange.  Community Service awards were presented by Chairman, Sandra Dunkel , of Broken Bow.  !st place, $100, went to Elkhorn V.E. Grange; Second plane, $75, went to Custer County Grange, Broken Bow; 3rd place, $50, went to Geneva Grange and 4th place, $25, went to Seward Grange.

   In the afternoon Phyllis Tooker , Family Activities Chairman, of Ralston NE. did a workshop on “Decorating Foods with Sugar Sheets”. Sheets of frosting that can be cut in shapes and put on cakes or cup cakes.  These come in whole sheets or cut in various designs.

    The banquet was Saturday eveing, The MC was State President, Joe Fryman of Blair, and the entertainment was David Seay from the Nebraska Humanities Council with his program titled “Train Songs and Tales of Western Rails”.  Seay sang and played a variety of railroad songs and tales of the expansion of the railroads toward the Western boarder of Nebraska in the mid 1800’s.  He told stories and sang using banjo, harmonica, whistles and sing-alongs.  He also told of his difficulty in arriving on time as he was held up by construction on the interstate clogged with football traffic and getting a speeding ticket  when trying to make up for lost time. Despite all that he presented a very enjoyable program.

     The Distinguished Service Award was presented by Kevin Cooksley, State Grange Vice President to Phyllis Tooker , of Ralston for all of her years of service to the local and State Grange, for her past work as the wife of State President, Norm Tooker, and all her years of service as Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Family Activities Committee.

Two Scholarship winners were honored; Garrett Tooker thanked the State Grange for his scholarship and all the ‘Cool” things that it helped him do as he works toward his degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Ethan Renner sent a letter of thanks as he is on the football team, as well as studying to be a Chiropractor at Midland College, and had a game that evening,

    Program Director, Darlene Janing, Geneva, asked Ruth Peterson, Blair Ne, read a “Pen In Hand” entry by Phyllis Tooker about Grandma’s secret recipe, that she would only share with her daughters but not the daughter-in-law.  Darlene also announced that there were 37 pictures entered in the photo contest.  !st place went to Sandra Dunkel of Weissert Grange.

   The Sunday Morning Memorial Service was directed by State Chaplain, Gwenda Cogswell of Friend Ne.  Four deceased members were honored this year with a picture projected on the screen and a brief bio of each one.

     For the Church service, Chris and Cindy Ogle and their family of daughters did an interpretation of God Bless America in American Sign Language.  Following that, Chris and Kenna sang a duet made popular by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans, “New Again”.

     The Program Director’s time was a slide show by Joe and Tammy Fryman of their trip to China last spring.  There were many differences in culture and life there.  There are no food regulations or restrictions.  Food vendors are everywhere selling anything and you can eat at your own risk.  There are no building codes.  Buildings are slapped together any-which way with no thought to safety.  The houses are small and primitive except for the very rich.  There are no wild animals or birds, the only birds are pets in cages.  Bicycles are the main transportation.  All citizens are required to retire at age 60.  There is much less smog in China since it was cleaned up for the Olympics.

    Phyllis Tooker gave the report for the Family Activities Committee: 6008 dictionaries were given to 3rd graders; there were 45 handmade ‘Toys for Tots” for children going into foster care; and 44 items for premature babies.  The auction of baked goods and craft items brought in $1,588 and the proceeds from the country store were $100.



Public Comment Sought on Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Response to Report on CAFO Permitting and Compliance Program

EPA is seeking public comment on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) response to EPA’s initial findings from its informal investigation of IDNR’s permit and compliance program for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).  IDNR submitted its response to EPA on Sept. 11, 2012, which outlines a number of actions to improve its animal feeding operations program.

“Transparency and public involvement are important components of this process and we need to hear from those that are affected by our decisions,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “We look forward to receiving feedback on the IDNR response.”

On July 12, 2012, EPA released a report outlining its initial findings, which identified deficiencies in IDNR’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program that the state agency will need to correct.  Among other findings, EPA found that IDNR does not have an adequate program to assess whether unpermitted CAFOs need NPDES permits. The findings also note that IDNR must clarify its authority to issue NPDES permits to confinement (roofed) CAFOs that discharge.  EPA also found that in a number of cases involving Clean Water Act (CWA) violations, IDNR failed to take timely and adequate enforcement actions, and assess adequate penalties.

EPA’s investigation was carried out in response to a petition for withdrawal of the NPDES program authorization from IDNR that was filed in 2007 by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Sierra Club and the Environmental Integrity Project.  Federal regulations allow interested parties to file these petitions when they are concerned that a state is not meeting the minimum NPDES program requirements.

The 30-day public comment period on IDNR’s response and proposed actions begins today and ends Oct. 17, 2012.

EPA will consider public comments in its assessment of IDNR’s proposed actions to address deficiencies identified in EPA’s initial findings.  IDNR’s response and EPA’s initial report are available at www.epa.gov/region7/water.  A link to the public notice, which describes how to submit comments, is available at www.epa.gov/region7/public_notices.



Boswell: Need to Bring Farm Bill to a Vote

Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA-3) Monday issued a statement reiterating his support and calling for increased urgency for a five-year farm bill. Boswell was among the first members to sign a discharge petition seeking to force a vote on a new farm bill.

"As I have been saying long we before we started this process, Iowans and our entire country are depending on Congress to do its job and pass a long-term farm bill. The Senate passed their version back in June and the House Agriculture Committee had a bill ready for debate in mid-July -- both advanced with bipartisan votes. Every major agricultural group is demanding a five-year bill be immediately passed, including the American Farm Bureau, the National Corn Growers and the American Soybean Association.

"It is incredibly sad that some are frightened by Tea Party pressure groups like Club for Growth and want to wait until after an election instead of doing the right thing for our country and the people who help feed and fuel us. There is absolutely no excuse for House Republican Leadership to continue this stonewalling in order to appease the extreme wing of their party while our farmers and ranchers continue dealing with the disastrous, long-term effects of this season's drought. Our producers need certainty in facing these uncertain times and kicking the can down the road or pushing it off to the lame duck session is failing farmers, processors, vendors and consumers alike. We need a long-term farm bill and we need it NOW."



King Rallies With Iowans for "Farm Bill Now"

Congressman Steve King released the following statement after joining several Iowans at the "Farm Bill Now" rally that was held in Washington last week. The rally was aimed at helping to build momentum behind the effort to get a Farm Bill passed by Congress.

"I was pleased to attend the rally and join members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Farm Bureau in calling for swift action on the Farm Bill," said King. "For weeks I've been working with House leaders and rank and file members of both parties to try to build a bipartisan coalition to get the bill to the House floor, get it passed, and get it to Conference with the Senate.

"We passed a Farm Bill out of the House Agriculture Committee with significant bipartisan support in July. We knew bipartisan support was necessary to get the bill through the committee, and I worked with Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Peterson, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Committee to get that done. After it passed the Committee, we knew we'd need that same kind of bipartisan support to move the bill to the House floor and get it passed. Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi is encouraging her Caucus to oppose the bill because of its reforms of fraud and abuse in the SNAP program, making it difficult to get support from the other side of the aisle.

"Apparently, in the weeks leading up to Election Day, Nancy Pelosi sees a political advantage in opposing this bill and whipping a 'nay' vote. But the Farm Bill is too important to play politics. Our farmers and producers need the certainty that comes from a long-term Farm Bill, and they need it now.



King Receives "Ethanol Champion" Award

Congressman Steve King released the following statement late last week after receiving the "Ethanol Champion" Award from Growth Energy. Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol, and presents this award to members of Congress who have an excellent voting record on critical ethanol issues.

"Last week I again had the privilege to shake the hand that pumped the first gallon of ethanol back in the '70's. We have come a long way since that first gallon. Congress has made some big decisions that helped open the doors for renewable fuels. Today, around 24% of the domestically produced gallons pumped into our cars are from corn based ethanol. I am deeply honored to receive this award and look forward to many more successful years with our joint efforts and cooperation."

Congressman King received the "Ethanol Champion" Award from Chris Bliley, Growth Energy; Amanda Taylor, Iowa Corn Growers Association; Rick Schwarck, Absolute Energy; Lynn Phillips, POET - Coon Rapids; Guy Hartwig, Syngenta; Lucy Norton, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association; and Kelly Hansen, POET Biorefining – Hanlontown.



Organic Berry Farm Earns IFB Renew Rural Iowa Award

Sawmill Hollow, the country's first aronia berry farm located in Missouri Valley, is this month's Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa entrepreneur award winner.

The organic berry operation is a unique family farm run by Vaughn and Cindy Pittz and their son, Andrew. In 1997, the Pittzes planted 207 aronia berry plants and have since expanded the farm to 26 acres and more than 13,000 plants. The berries, also known as black chokeberries, can be made into a variety of products, including syrup, sauce, powders and wine.

After looking into a number of value-added ideas, ranging from Christmas trees to pumpkin patches, the family found aronia berries offered the best potential. "My duty, and every multi-generational farm needs this, is to add something to what came before you," said Andrew about capitalizing on his dad's farm knowledge and developing a new product for the area and the state. "This is a high-value, niche product that we can track from field to its final form. We wanted to put out a national product, from the heartland, that can tell the story of where it came from."

The business is a benefit to Iowa's ag industry and to the Missouri Valley economy with its annual festival. Sawmill Hollow's fifth annual North American Aronia Festival was held this past weekend, featuring children's activities, wine tasting, recipe contest, farming and gardening workshops and more.

"This farm really shows the diversity of what can be grown on the hills here, outside of corn and soybeans," said Lynn Stamp, Harrison County Farm Bureau president. "And their festival supports the local economy and establishes our area as a tourist destination."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an Iowa Farm Bureau Federation initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. To learn more, visit www.renewruraliowa.com.



Women Landowner Event Scheduled for Sept. 28

Iowa Learning Farms and the East Pottawattamie Soil and Water Conservation District will co-host a women landowner event on Friday, Sept. 28, from noon to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Carson Community Center and includes a complimentary lunch.

Attendees to this educational event will hear presentations from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship loan program coordinator Tony Toigo and Tonya Meyer-Dideriksen with the Women, Land and Legacy project. They also will visit the Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Station.

The Women, Land and Legacy project, established in 2004, helps agricultural women come together to converse, listen and become empowered to act on their landscape and in their community.

The Conservation Station is a mobile learning center that travels across the state teaching all Iowans how they can help to improve water quality and keep Iowa’s soils in place — building a Culture of Conservation. Visitors to the Conservation Station can learn why Iowa’s water and soils are precious and how to help preserve these natural resources for future generations through demonstrations, pictures, interactive displays, video and sound. The Conservation Station’s rainfall simulator demonstrates the effects of rainfall on different land surfaces. Water runoff and subsurface drainage are collected in clear jars to show what is coming off the various landscapes, both agricultural and urban.

The event is free and the public is invited to attend, but an RSVP is recommended and seating is limited. Please call the East Pottawattamie SWCD office, 712-482-6408, to register for this event. The Carson Community Center is located at 316 S. Commercial St. in Carson, Iowa.



Survey Finds Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Sparking Significant Increases in Student Participation, Impact across the Midwest

Following the release of national data, new data shows that Fuel Up to Play 60 is seeing significant increases in student participation, engagement, awareness and impact across the Midwest. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program created in partnership with the National Dairy Council and the NFL, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, and provided by the Midwest Dairy Council in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

The 2011-2012 Fuel Up to Play 60 Utilization and Impact Survey interviewed 1,954 program advisors and school administrators, representing 1,557 schools, in Midwest Dairy’s 10-state service area. In its second year of a national roll-out, the Fuel Up to Play 60 program encourages students to eat healthy, be active and make positive, healthy changes in their schools. The survey results show Midwestern schools involved in the Fuel Up to Play 60 are making substantial progress and have seen marked increases over the 2010-2011 school year on a number of fronts, including:
-    70 percent of respondents think the program is helping students make healthier food choices (up from 57 percent in 2011).
-    59 percent say it is helping increase the amount of time students are physically active at school (up from 54 percent in 2011).
-    65 percent of respondents believe Fuel Up to Play 60 positively influences their school environment (up from 58 percent in 2011).

“We’re thrilled that the results of the 2011-12 Fuel Up to Play 60 Research and Utilization Survey are extremely positive,” said Molly Pelzer, RD, LD, senior vice president of Midwest Dairy Council. “The results confirm Fuel Up to Play 60’s status as the premier program to address child health and wellness in schools.”

Nationally, the Fuel Up to Play 60 program serves nearly 73,000 enrolled schools, reaching approximately 38 million students across the country, including more than 12,400 schools and 5.5 million students in the Midwest. Sixty-nine percent of enrolled educators nationwide believe the program is positively influencing their school environment and sixty-five percent say it helps them achieve their school wellness goals. Seventy percent of enrolled educators nationwide believe the program is helping students make healthier food choices, and 62 percent say it is helping increase the amount of time students are physically active at school. And, the study found a correlation between the presence of an adult champion and higher program activation and engagement.

In partnership with committed adult stakeholders, youth leaders help students implement changes in their school environments. Fuel Up to Play 60 activity at Midwestern schools has included everything from making over school meals to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat and fat-free dairy foods to forming school fitness and walking clubs to adding grab-n-go breakfast options for students to fuel up before starting their school day. Because of their efforts, students have won local and national rewards, including visits to their schools from NFL players and prize packages that further aid in achieving their school’s health and wellness goals. Read more about Fuel Up to Play 60 success stories from Midwest schools.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Ambassadors will be sharing real-life program successes at Nutrition + Physical Activity Learning Connection Summit taking place September 18-19 in Washington, D.C. Midwestern students selected to participate in the conference include Alejandro Guadarrama, a National Fuel Up to Play 60 Ambassador from Waukegan, Ill., and Kylie Kasprick, Minnesota’s Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Ambassador from Maple Grove, Minn. The Summit, hosted by the GENYOUth Foundation, will explore the connection between nutrition, physical activity and learning.

Joining the Fuel Up to Play 60 team is easy, fun and gives students the freedom to be creative about their personal and school goals, in addition to winning exclusive prizes like NFL merchandise and a trip to the Super Bowl. For more information or to sign-up, students, parents and educators may visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com, Fuel Up to Play 60 Facebook page or www.midwestdairy.com. 



CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 19 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 3.320 million pounds (1,506 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and 357,149 pounds (162 metric tons) of butter, to customers in Asia, Central America and the Middle East. The product will be delivered September 2012 through February 2013.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 85.7 million pounds, butter totaling 57.4 million pounds and anhydrous milk fat totaling 123,459 pounds. The product will go to 34 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 2.046 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 97,400 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



Ethanol Futures Fall to Lowest Since July

Ethanol fell to the lowest level since July as corn, the main ingredient used to produce the fuel additive, fell the most since May. Bloomberg News reports that futures slipped to the lowest level since July 2 as corn sank as much as 4.4 percent. Ethanol supplies rose to a six-week high in the week ended Sept. 7, Energy Department data show.

"Corn is off pretty hard and ethanol is tracking it pretty closely," said Chris Wilson, an analyst at Atten Babler Risk Management LLC in Galena, Illinois. Crush margins are still under intense pressure with a return in production, he said.

Denatured ethanol for October delivery fell 8.8 cents, or 3.6 percent, the most since Jan. 12, to $2.344 a gallon at 1:31 p.m. on the Chicago Board of Trade.

In cash market trading, ethanol fell 7.5 cents to $2.415 a gallon in New York, 7 cents to $2.345 in Chicago, 8 cents to $2.405 in the U.S. Gulf and 5.5 cents to $2.515 on the West Coast, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.



Nitrogen Costs Narrow

As has been the case the last several weeks, nitrogen fertilizer prices seem to moving in opposite directions, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of September. Anhydrous is moving higher while urea is continuing to move lower.  For the sixth-straight week, the only fertilizer in DTN's survey that was higher of any significance was anhydrous. With a fall fertilizer application rapidly approaching, the nitrogen fertilizer was 8% higher compared to the second week of August and had an average price of $832/ton.  Two other fertilizers were slightly higher compared to a month earlier. MAP had an average price of $671/ton while UAN28 was at $386/ton.

Leading the way lower once again, like it has many times in recent months, was urea. The nitrogen fertilizer was 7% lower and now has an average price of $605/ton. Urea's price has now dropped $161/ton since Memorial Day.  Also somewhat lower was 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer declined 5% compared to a month earlier. 10-34-0 had an average price of $631/ton.  Three other fertilizers were also less expensive but just slightly lower. DAP had an average price of $631/ton, potash $621/ton and UAN32 $426/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.66/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.67/lb.N.

Two of the eight major fertilizers are still showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 6% higher while urea is 2% higher compared to last year.  Four fertilizers are actually lower in price compared to September 2011. UAN28 is 2% lower UAN32 is 3% lower, potash is 4% less expensive and MAP is 8% lower.  Two remaining fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. DAP is now down 10% while 10-34-0 is now 20% less expensive from a year earlier.



NCGA Joins Effort to Oppose California's Biotech Labeling Mandate

Citing numerous concerns about a fundamentally flawed ballot measure, the National Corn Growers Association has joined a large and broad coalition to oppose California Proposition 37, which, if approved by voters in November, will require labeling of some food products sold in that state that contain genetically engineered ingredients.

"We have several good reasons to oppose Prop. 37," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer.  "First and foremost, while requiring a specific label about genetic modification, this added information says nothing about food nutrition, dietary requirements or food safety. And it does nothing to educate consumers about what biotechnology really means. While some tout this as a 'right to know' it actually will lead to more confusion that will cost farmers, consumers and California taxpayers at a time the state and its citizens cannot afford it."

In addition, it is important to remember the benefits of biotechnology. The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and the National Academy of Sciences and other similar institutions have determined that food made with ingredients derived from modern biotechnology is at least as safe as, and in some cases safer than, food that has not been made with such ingredients. And biotechnology helps agriculture sustainability. Farmers can grow more food per acre, using fewer inputs like pesticides on a per-bushel basis.

"Healthier, stronger seeds are an important building block of a good harvest in the fall," Niemeyer said. "In a year of drought and heat, that can especially be the case. Our crop this year would have been much worse off if we were using the same corn we used a generation ago."

Niemeyer pointed out also that even those who support labeling of so-called GMO foods should oppose this law because of its  significant exceptions.  For example meat, milk and eggs from livestock fed GMO feed are exempt, as are foods served in restaurants, or wines produced with modified yeasts. Further, foods that do not even include GMO ingredients will have to be labeled, if they are processed in plants that also make foods that contain GMOs, similar to current warning labels about manufacturing plants that process soy, wheat, nuts, and other foods. Food companies will either be forced to change all labels or reformulate with higher priced ingredients, the costs of either action will be passed on to consumers.

"We understand that some people are uncomfortable with biotechnology," Niemeyer said. "That's why we have an agriculture and food system that is diverse. The fact is, thanks in great part to the Internet and other services, consumers already have the ability to find foods that meet their preferences, even those produced without genetic modification."



Audience Participation a Priority at Antimicrobial Use, Resistance Symposium

Advanced technology and a highly interactive format will take the “A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use & Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose” symposium in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 13-15, to a heightened level of participant involvement. The symposium, developed by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, will not only deliver the latest research findings and serve as a platform where experts in the field of antimicrobials—public, animal and environmental health—can share information but will encourage attendees—medical doctors, veterinarians, policy makers, organization leaders, livestock and poultry producers, academics, researchers and consumers who have a vested stake—to engage and provide feedback about this issue.

“With individuals from across the spectrum participating in the symposium, it is critical that we capture the information provided by the symposium’s speakers plus the knowledge, concerns and solutions brought forth by participants,” explains symposium Co-chair Dr. Jennifer Koeman, Director of Producer and Public Health for the National Pork Board. “To that end, a highly advanced, robust feedback management system will capture points of consensus and concern, working toward a collective path forward.”

Dorman explains that symposium facilitator Daniel Stone—a corporate change consultant—will develop a list of questions which will be posed to symposium participants who are at tables in groups of eight to 10. Each group will be comprised of individuals from all disciplines at the symposium: animal health, public health, environmental health, policymakers, university and corporate research and production agriculture.

Participant comments and reactions to facilitator Stone’s hot-topic questions will be collected, synthesized and integrated on the spot.

Symposium participants will be a part of the same table after each of the first three sessions. They will be assigned at a different table after the fourth session when they will be grouped with individuals within their own professional discipline.

“A moderator will be at each table and ensure that each participant is heard,” states symposium Co-chair Leah C. Dorman, DVM, Director of Food Programs, Center for Food and Animal Issues, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “We’re dealing with a complex, important issue, and an open environment is necessary so all points of view—science and ethics-based—can result in meaningful interaction.

“Facilitator Daniel Stone can distill information like no other. Add the use of a technologically advanced, robust feedback management system and this symposium will take sharing of concerns and consensus to a new level. The symposium’s White Paper should be quite dynamic.”

Seating to the “A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use & Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose” symposium in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 13-15, is limited and individuals are encouraged to register early. Those who register by Oct. 15 qualify for an early bird registration discount, making registration $345/person.

To register for or to learn more about the Nov. 13-15, 2012, “A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose” symposium, please go online to www.animalagriculture.org or call 1-800-237-7193.



NCBA Accepting Applications for Public Policy Internship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for a spring 2013 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is Oct. 19, 2012.

“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and cattlewomen in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.”

The full-time internship will begin Jan. 14, 2013, and end May 10, 2013. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.

“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from the estate tax to food safety, the environment and more.” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.”