Friday November 9 Ag News

NEBRASKA’S NOVEMBER 2012 CROP PRODUCTION

Based on November 1 conditions, Nebraska’s corn crop is forecast at 1.27 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last month and 17 percent below last year, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  Yield is forecast at 139 bushels per acre, down 3 bushels from last month and 21 bushels below last year.  Acres to be harvested for grain, at 9.15 million, are 5 percent less than a year ago.

Soybean production is forecast at 203 million bushels, unchanged from last month but 22 percent below last year.  Yield is forecast at 41 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month and the lowest since 2003.

Sorghum production is forecast at 4.02 million bushels, up 16 percent from last month, but still 39 percent below a year ago and the smallest since 1953.  Yield is forecast at 67 bushels per acre, up 9 bushels from the previous month but 27 bushels below last year.  

Sugarbeet production, at 1.38 million tons, is up 7 percent from 2011.  Potato production is forecast at 9.8 million hundredweight, up 25 percent from a year ago.

Iowa:
Corn  production  is  forecast  at  1.90  billion  bushels for  the State,  down  19 percent  from  last  year.   Based  on conditions as of November 1,  Iowa’s 2012 corn  for grain yield was  forecast at 139 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel per  acre  from  the  October  forecast.    As  of  October  28, 95 percent  of  corn  acres  had  been  harvested,  one month ahead of the five-year average.

Soybean  production  is  forecast  at  409  million  bushels, down  14  percent  from  last  year.    Based  on November  1 conditions, yields are expected to average 44.0 bushels per acre,  up  1  bushel  per  acre  from  last  month,  but  down 7.5 bushels  per  acre  from  2011.    As  of  October  28, 97 percent of  soybean  acres had been harvested, 2 weeks ahead of the average pace.
 
United States:
Corn production  is  forecast at 10.7 billion bushels,  up  slightly  from  the October  forecast  but  down 13 percent  from  2011.    This  represents  the  lowest production  in  the  United  States  since  2006.    Based  on conditions  as  of  November  1,  yields  are  expected  to average  122.3  bushels  per  acre,  up  0.3  bushel  from  the October forecast but 24.9 bushels below the 2011 average.  If  realized,  this  will  be  the  lowest  average  yield  since 1995.   Area harvested for grain  is forecast at 87.7 million acres,  unchanged  from  the  October  forecast  and  up 4 percent from 2011.

Soybean production  is  forecast at 2.97 billion bushels, up 4 percent from October but down 4 percent from last year. Based  on November  1  conditions,  yields  are  expected  to average  39.3  bushels  per  acre,  up  1.5  bushels  from  last month  but  down  2.6  bushels  from  last  year.  Compared with  last month,  yield  forecasts  are  higher  or  unchanged across all States except for Oklahoma and Texas. Area for harvest  is  forecast  at  75.7 million  acres,  unchanged  from October and up 3 percent from last year.



World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
United States Department of Agriculture - 11-09-12

WHEAT: 
Projected U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2012/13 are raised 50 million bushels this month. Exports are projected 50 million bushels lower reflecting the slow pace of sales and shipments, and an outlook for increased foreign competition.  Projected U.S. exports are lowered 25 million bushels each for Hard Red Winter (HRW) and Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat.  Projected all-wheat imports are unchanged, but imports are projected slightly higher for HRW wheat with an offsetting reduction made for SRW wheat imports.  The projected range for the 2012/13 season-average farm price is narrowed 10 cents on both ends to $7.75 to $8.45 per bushel.

Global wheat supplies for 2012/13 are projected 1.9 million tons lower.  Beginning stocks for 2012/13 are lowered 0.3 million tons.  Higher 2011/12 feed and residual disappearance in EU-27 and lower production for China account for most of the reduction in global 2012/13 beginning stocks.  Higher 2011/12 production for Pakistan and lower exports for Australia raise 2012/13 beginning stocks for both countries and partly offset the reductions for EU-27 and China.  

Global wheat production for 2012/13 is lowered 1.6 million tons.  Production is reduced 2.0 million tons for Australia as continued dryness during grain fill in October further reduced yield prospects in western and southeastern growing areas.  Production is also lowered 0.3 million tons for Turkey based on the latest confirmations that cool, wet weather during the early growing season delayed development, increased disease problems, and lowered yields in the country’s central growing region.  Small increases are made in production for Pakistan, EU-27, and Algeria.

Global wheat trade is raised for 2012/13, reflecting the continuation of strong shipments from the Black Sea region and India, and the growing competiveness of wheat from the EU-27.  Exports are raised 2.0 million tons for Ukraine, 1.0 million tons each for EU-27 and Russia, and 0.5 million tons for India.  Partly offsetting these increases is a 1.5-million-ton reduction for Australia with the smaller expected crop and the 1.4-million-ton reduction projected for U.S. exports.  Imports are projected 2.7 million tons higher with increases for China, Egypt, EU-27, Israel, Kenya, and Mexico.

Global wheat feeding for 2012/13 is lowered 2.5 million tons with reductions for EU-27, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, and India.  Small increases in expected wheat feed use for Egypt, Israel, and Japan limit the global decline.  World wheat ending stocks for 2012/13 are projected 1.2 million tons higher with increases for the United States, Pakistan, China, and Egypt.  Lower stocks are projected for Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Australia.  At the projected 174.2 million tons, global stocks remain 46.0 million tons above the recent low in 2007/08.
 
COARSE GRAINS: 
U.S. feed grain supplies for 2012/13 are projected slightly higher with small increases forecast for corn and sorghum production and higher projected corn imports.  Forecast corn production for 2012/13 is raised 19 million bushels with a 0.3-bushel increase in the corn yield to 122.3 bushels per acre.  Sorghum production is forecast 4 million bushels higher, also on a higher yield.  Projected corn imports are raised 25 million bushels reflecting expectations for more shipments, particularly into the southeastern feed market which ordinarily relies heavily on supplies from the eastern Corn Belt.  Corn food, seed, and industrial use for 2012/13 is raised 17 million bushels with higher use projected for sweeteners and starch.  Corn ending stocks are projected 28 million bushels higher at 647 million.  The season-average farm price for corn, at $6.95 to $8.25 per bushel, is projected 20 cents lower at the midpoint, mostly reflecting a lower-than-expected September price and the continuation of weakness in cash and deferred futures prices over the past month.

Global coarse grain supplies for 2012/13 are projected 1.8 million tons higher with larger corn carryin stocks for EU-27 and Mexico, and higher corn production in the United States.  Corn production for 2011/12 is raised 0.9 million tons and 0.6 million tons, respectively, for EU-27 and Mexico.  Additional increases for South Africa, Guatemala, and Brazil boost global corn production 2.7 million tons to a record 880.5 million for 2011/12.  Global coarse grain production for 2012/13 is raised 0.9 million tons with a number of largely offsetting foreign changes made this month.  

Global 2012/13 corn output is raised 0.7 million tons to 839.7 million.  Despite the sharp drop year-to-year, 2012/13 production is projected to be the second highest on record supported by record high foreign output.  Corn production is raised 0.6 million tons for Guatemala, 0.5 million tons for Russia, and 0.4 million tons each for Indonesia and Turkey.  Corn production is lowered 1.0 million tons for EU-27 and 0.8 million tons for Mexico.  Sorghum production is raised 0.4 million tons for Argentina, but lowered the same amount for Mexico.  A 0.2-million-ton increase in EU-27 barley production is mostly offset by small reductions for Argentina and Algeria.  EU-27 oats production is lowered 0.3 million tons, but rye production is raised a similar amount. 

Global 2012/13 corn imports are raised 2.8 million tons with increases for EU-27, United States, South Korea, and Mexico.  Russia corn exports are raised 0.3 million tons for the 2012/13 marketing year.  Also supporting higher 2012/13 marketing year imports are higher 2011/12 marketing year exports for Brazil and South Africa, up 2.0 million tons and 0.3 million tons, respectively.  (The 2011/12 marketing years for Brazil and South Africa run through the end of February 2013 and April 2013, respectively.)  Sorghum imports for 2012/13 are raised 0.2 million tons for Mexico with exports for Argentina raised the same amount.  Barley imports for 2012/13 are raised 0.5 million tons for Iran supported by increases for EU-27 and Russia exports.  Global corn feeding is raised 3.1 million tons with increases for EU-27, Indonesia, South Korea, Guatemala, and Russia.  World corn ending stocks for 2012/13 are projected 0.7 million tons higher at 118.0 million.

OILSEEDS: 
Total U.S. oilseed production for 2012/13 is projected at 91.4 million tons, up 3.2 million from last month due to higher soybean, peanut, and cottonseed production.  Soybean production is forecast at 2.971 billion bushels, up 111 million from last month.  The soybean yield is forecast at 39.3 bushels per acre, up 1.5 bushels as several states show the benefit of late-season rainfall.  Soybean crush is raised 20 million bushels to 1.56 billion based on increased soybean meal export prospects.  Soybean exports are raised 80 million bushels to 1.345 billion reflecting larger supplies and the strong pace of sales through October.  Soybean ending stocks are projected at 140 million bushels, up 10 million from last month.  

Soybean oil supplies for 2012/13 are raised this month as increased production more than offsets lower beginning stocks.  Soybean oil domestic use is projected at 18 billion pounds with biodiesel use projected at 4.9 billion pounds.  Soybean oil stocks are raised 250 million pounds to 1.52 billion on increased supplies.

Prices for soybeans and products are all reduced this month.  The U.S. season-average soybean price range is projected at $13.90 to $15.90 per bushel, down 35 cents on both ends of the range.  The soybean meal price is projected at $455 to $485 per short ton, down 15 dollars on both ends of the range.  The soybean oil price range is projected at 51 to 55 cents per pound, down two cents on both ends.

Global oilseed production for 2012/13 is projected at 462.1 million tons, up 4.4 million tons from last month.  Global soybean production accounts for about 75 percent of the increase with larger crops projected the United States and Ukraine.  Increased harvested area and yields are projected for Ukraine as harvest nears completion.  Global rapeseed production is raised due to larger crops in EU-27 and Belarus.  Other changes include increased sunflowerseed production for Ukraine which is more than offset by reductions for Argentina and EU-27.  Indonesia palm oil production is increased for both 2011/12 and 1012/13 based on increased area and yield projections.

Global oilseed trade for 2012/13 is projected at 114.7 million tons, up 2.4 million with increased soybean exports projected for the United States and Ukraine.  Soybean imports are raised for several countries including China, Taiwan, EU-27, and Turkey.  Global oilseed crush is raised 3.3 million tons to 392.4 million with higher projections for soybean crush in China, the United States, and EU-27, higher sunflowerseed crush in Ukraine, and higher rapeseed crush in China and Belarus.  Increased crush results in higher projections for global vegetable oil and oilmeal production, trade, use, and stocks.  Vegetable oil stocks are raised 2.5 million tons to 15.3 million with Indonesia palm oil stocks accounting for about half of the increase.
 
LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY: 
The forecast for 2013 red meat and poultry production is reduced from last month, largely reflecting lower beef and pork production.  However, the broiler production forecast is raised slightly.  Lower cattle placements in second-half 2012 are expected to result in lower steer and heifer slaughter in first-half 2013 as fewer fed cattle are available for slaughter.  Pork production is forecast lower than last month on slightly lower expected weights.  Broiler production is forecast slightly higher in the first quarter of 2013 as the hatchery data points to a smaller-than-expected reduction in birds for slaughter.  Turkey and egg production forecasts are unchanged from last month.  For 2012, the red meat and poultry production forecast is raised from last month as higher broiler and turkey production more than offsets lower red meat production.  September broiler production was higher than expected and the production forecast for the fourth quarter is raised.  The beef and pork production forecasts are lowered for the fourth quarter.  Fed cattle slaughter is forecast slightly lower although cow slaughter is expected to remain near third quarter levels.  Hog weights are reduced as weights have recently fallen below year-earlier levels.  Turkey and egg production changes reflect data through September although hatching egg production is forecast higher for 2012.

Beef imports and exports are reduced for 2012 based on the pace of trade, but are unchanged for 2013.  Pork exports are raised for 2012 and 2013.  Poultry export forecasts are raised for both 2012 and 2013 on strong sales to a number of markets.   

Cattle prices are raised for both 2012 and 2013, reflecting tight supplies of fed cattle through the end of this year and into 2013.  The hog price for fourth-quarter 2012 is reduced slightly on current prices, but the forecast for 2013 is unchanged.  Broiler prices are raised for both 2012 and 2013 as demand has been stronger than expected.  

The 2012 milk production forecast is raised on higher estimated milk per cow in the third quarter, but production forecasts for the remainder of 2012 and 2013 are unchanged from last month.  Fat basis exports in both years are reduced largely on lower butterfat exports, but skim solids export forecasts are raised, largely due to whey protein product sales.   

Cheese prices are forecast lower in 2012, but the forecast is unchanged for 2013.  Butter prices for both 2012 and 2013 are lowered as butter stocks are forecast higher than last month.  Nonfat dry milk is forecast higher for both years. The whey price forecast is unchanged for 2012 but is raised for 2013.  The Class III price for 2012 is unchanged, but the Class IV price forecast is lower on weaker butter prices.  For 2013, higher whey and nonfat dry milk prices push the Class III and Class IV price forecasts higher.  The all milk price is forecast at $18.50 to $18.60 per cwt for 2012, unchanged from last month, but the forecast for 2013 is raised to $19.10 to $20.00 per cwt.



Tax Provisions, Farm Bill are Priority in Lame Duck Session

Addressing several key tax provisions that affect farmers and ranchers and passing a farm bill are Nebraska Farm Bureau’s top priorities heading into the lame duck session of Congress that begins the week of Nov. 12. “With the elections behind us it’s time to move forward and address the key issues that are creating financial uncertainty for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Among Farm Bureau’s top priorities are numerous tax provisions set to expire at the end of the year, including estate taxes, capital gains taxes, personal income tax rates, renewable energy tax credits and many other tax deductions that affect many farmers and other small business owners.  Without action federal estate taxes will increase from the current rate of 35 percent up to 55 percent and drop the current $5.1 million per person exemption to $1 million. “When you consider the increase in the value of agriculture land over the past few years and the realities of an estate tax rate increase and reduction in exemption amount, what we’re really talking about is significantly growing the number of farm families that could be forced to sell part of their farm upon death of the owner just to pay federal estate tax,” said Nelson. 

Another tax provision of concern deals with rates on capital gains taxes, where the rate will increase from 15 percent to 20 percent without congressional action.  Capital gains taxes hit farmers and ranchers particularly hard because farms and ranches are reliant on large investments in land and buildings that are generally held by an individual for a long period of time over which the value of the assets can increase significantly. “Capital gains taxes effectively make it more difficult to transfer farm land from older farmers to younger farmers,” said Nelson.  Older farmers account for the capital gains tax they will pay when selling their land and the capital gains tax is then reflected in the land price to be paid by the younger farmer. “It simply makes it more challenging on the next generation of farmers and it’s important we stay at the 15 percent rate.”

According to Nelson, passage of a 2012 Farm Bill during the lame duck is still a priority for the organization in light of the drought and the fact the 2008 Farm Bill expired at the end of September.  While the authorization for current programs expired, most of the commodity programs are not affected until next spring.  “We need a farm bill that will restore some of the critical, non-program crop disaster programs that will aid livestock farmers coping with one of the worst droughts in recent history and we need a farm bill that is based on a strong crop insurance program that helps farmers deal with managing their risk,” said Nelson.



New Blender Pump Opens up in Jackson

New blender pumps are now open in Jackson at the Jackson Express.  The grand opening of the blender pumps will be held Friday, November 16 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  The new blender pumps are located at 400 West Elk Street in Jackson.  Discounts of $0.85 on E85 and $0.30 on E30 will be given during the grand opening.  These discounts are applied to flex fuel vehicles only.

Blender pumps such as this one are located at approximately 60 locations in Nebraska and offer a variety of renewable ethanol fuel blends.

This station will offer unleaded, E10, E30, and E85.  Jackson Express is getting the ethanol to blend from Siouxland Ethanol, one mile from the retail location.  “Using a locally produced, homegrown fuel is one way to help the local economy,” said Taylor Nelson, one of the owners of Jackson Express. 

One in ten Nebraska motorists currently own a flexible fuel vehicle which can run on any blend of ethanol and gasoline, up to E85, and they don’t even know it.  “Blender pump openings, such as this one, are one way we can inform consumers about flex fuel vehicles and using higher ethanol blends.” Said Kim Clark, director of biofuels development for the Nebraska Corn Board.  To confirm if a vehicle is flex fuel, drivers can check their owner’s manual, their gas cap, look for the flex fuel emblem on their vehicle or visit the website www.ne-ethanol.org/e85.

“More and more blender pumps that offer higher ethanol blends are popping up in the state,” said Clark.  “Ethanol saves motorist money at the pump.  Last year, ethanol saved Americans in the Midwest over $1.60 at the pump.”

“Consumer choice and ethanol fuel availability are a high priority with today’s gas prices,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board’s Administrator.  “When flex fuel drivers fill up on E85 and other ethanol blends, they’re strengthening Nebraska’s economy, making our country more energy independent and going easier on the environment,” Sneller said.

Blender pumps that offer higher ethanol blends are helping the nation move past the E10 blend wall.   To find a list of retailers that offer E85 and other mid-level ethanol blends visit the Nebraska Ethanol Board website at www.ne-ethanol.org or check the Nebraska Corn Board website at www.nebraskacorn.org.



Nebraska's first E15 location to drop fuel prices for two hours this Wednesday

The first location in Nebraska to offer E15 at the fuel pump is giving drivers a high-octane price break during its grand opening.  E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% ordinary gasoline, will be available for just $2.15 per gallon. E85 fuel will also be discounted to just $1.85 per gallon during the two-hour promotion.

The ethanol discount promotion will be held Wednesday, November 14 for two hours only from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Uncle Neal's Country Convenience Store at 2705 S. Plum Creek Parkway in Lexington, at the entrance to Wal-Mart.

Uncle Neal's was a recipient of a $40,000 grant from the Nebraska Corn Board to establish four flex fuel pumps.  The Lexington pumps dispense ordinary unleaded, E10, E15 and E85. This is the first location in Nebraska to offer E15, a fuel blend recently approved for use in all 2001 or newer gasoline-powered passenger vehicles, including cars, pickups, vans and SUVs.

E85, with 85% ethanol and 15% ordinary gasoline, can only be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).  One out of ten Nebraskans drives an FFV.   To determine if you're driving a Flex Fuel Vehicle, check your owner's manual. 

Most FFVs also have a badge or insignia on the rear of the vehicle denoting that it is a Flex Fuel Vehicle. A Flex Fuel Vehicle can operate on any blend of ethanol and gasoline up to and including 85% ethanol.  In other words, FFV drivers can also choose to fill up with E15.

"Higher blends of ethanol such as E15 and E85 give consumers even more choice at the pump and help improve America's economy and energy security," said Kim Clark, director of biofuels development for the Nebraska Corn Board.  "As more flex fuel pumps that offer E15 become available across Nebraska and the nation, we expect to see a considerable increase in ethanol consumption—and that bodes well for Nebraska's ethanol industry, America's corn farmers and our nation as a whole."

The promotion in Lexington is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board, Dawson County Corn Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Association and others.



World Food Prize Laureate Bertini is Heuermann Lecturer Nov. 15

World Food Prize Laureate Catherine Bertini is the Heuermann Lecturer Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Hardin Hall Auditorium, 33rd and Holdrege, in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Topic of her 3:30 p.m. public lecture is "Where America Must Lead: Ensuring the World Can Feed its People."  A 3 p.m. reception in the Hardin Hall lobby precedes the lecture.

Now a professor of public administration and international relations at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Bertini also is co-chairwoman of the Global Agricultural Development Initiative of The Chicago Council of Global Affairs.

For 10 years she was chief executive and the driving force behind reform of the United Nations World Food Programme. She was honored for her work in 2003 as a World Food Prize Laureate.  

Under her leadership, WFP's institutional changes were cited by the U.S. government and the WFP's 36-government board as models of UN reform that placed the food aid agency in the forefront of international agencies in efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and income.

Heuermann (pronounced Hugh-er-man) Lectures in IANR focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.  They're made possible by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.

The lecture streams live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu, and all Heuermann lectures are archived at that site shortly after the lecture.  Heuermann Lectures are broadcast on NET2 World at a date following the lecture.



IFB to Feature Temple Grandin at 94th Annual Meeting

Members of the state's largest grassroots farm organization will gather with renewed vigor to hear nationally-acclaimed animal welfare expert, Temple Grandin, keynote the 94th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Dec. 4 and 5 at the newly- remodeled Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines.

Governor Terry Branstad has also declared Dec. 2-8 as 'Iowa Farm Bureau Week' to honor the many accomplishments and contributions of the 94-year-old grassroots farm organization.

"This year our annual meeting theme, 'People, Progress and Pride,' celebrates the accomplishments, challenges and potential of our many diverse family farmers. Today's responsible farmers are strong members of their communities and are focused on the future; they're always looking for better ways to provide safe food choices for today's consumers, so they embrace innovation and the expertise of others," said IFBF President Craig Hill. "That's why we're bringing together a diverse, high caliber group of speakers like Dr. Temple Grandin, noted animal welfare expert and livestock-handling equipment designer, who also consults for firms such as Burger King, McDonald's, Swift and others."

Temple Grandin's challenges as an autistic young woman and the unique perspective it gave her with animals was profiled in the 2010 HBO Emmy Award-winning movie, "Temple Grandin," starring Claire Danes. Since the movie's success, Grandin's perspectives and livestock facility designs have won international acclaim.

Another nationally-recognized keynote speaker will provide unique insight for attendees, Dr. Lowell Catlett. The 'futurist' economist and engaging speaker will take the stage at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to discuss 'Food for the Smart Planet.' Dr. Catlett helps national and international organizations do futuristic planning on the impacts of technology on careers, lifestyles and the economy.

The author of numerous books, Dr. Catlett also works with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior, Defense, Education, Energy and the World Bank.

In addition to innovative speakers, the 94th IFBF annual meeting also features several 'hands-on' educational seminars to help Farm Bureau members navigate challenging markets, rules and regulations as well as the most current best management practices for water quality. This year the access to expert advice from noted leaders has been expanded to include three separate sessions on Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Also, Iowa's best and brightest young farmers will take the stage for the IFBF Young Farmers Discussion Meet Dec. 4, competing for the state title and a John Deere X320 riding lawn mower and the chance to advance to the national competition, January 13-16, in Nashville.

IFBF President and Milo farmer, Craig Hill, will address members and special guests on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 8:30 a.m. The organization will celebrate the contributions of dedicated Farm Bureau members with a recognition banquet Tuesday, Dec. 4, at noon and a young farm leaders' achievement luncheon on Dec. 5.

Farm Bureau's voting delegate session and elections will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5. The following directors are up for re-election this year: IFBF District 1 board member Carlton Kjos, District 3 board member Phil Sundblad, and District 5 board member Morey Hill and Vice President Joe Heinrich.

Members can register for the 2012 IFBF annual meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices. For a complete listing of events and activities, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.



Ag Committees Members Win, Lose and Draw on Election Day

Both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are likely to see several new faces in the 113th Congress, set to be sworn in after the first of the year.

Current Senate Agriculture Committee members Sen. Bob Casey (D.-Pa.) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) won their re-election bids. In other Senate races of note, Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, and Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat from North Dakota, will join the chamber next year. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) held on to his Senate seat in a close race against current Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.). On the House side, Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa) defeated Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), and Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) defeated his Democratic opponent, Christie Vilsack. House Agriculture Committee members Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), Bill Owens (D-N.Y.) and Christopher Gibson (R-N.Y.) all held on to their seats, while Reps. Bobby Schilling (R-Ill.) and Joe Baca (D-Calif.) were defeated, and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.) is holding on to a slim lead in a race still too close to call.

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), House Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and House Ag Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) were all reelected. (Senate Ag Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) was not up for reelection in this cycle.) More election night results are at www.google.com/elections or www.farmpolicy.com.



ASA Calls for Quick Passage of Russia PNTR in Lame Duck Session

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and more than 500 fellow members of the Coalition for U.S.-Russia Trade urged both chambers of Congress as well as President Barack Obama to approve legislation graduating Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act, and enacting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the world’s ninth-largest economy, which was admitted as a member of the World Trade Organization less than three months ago.

“For nearly eighty days now, all of the other 155 members of the WTO have been able to fully access Russia's market liberalizations, including new rules related to services, science-based animal and plant health, and intellectual property protection - but U.S. businesses cannot,” wrote the Coalition in the letter. “For nearly eighty days now, U.S. business has had no voice in the WTO's rules-based system to engage Russia regarding any of its policies that may be inconsistent with the obligations it has undertaken as a WTO member. Without PNTR, the United States has no enforceable rights and no recourse in the Russian market.”

Home to more than 140 million consumers and a fast-growing economy, Russia last year imported more than $770 million in U.S., meat, poultry, egg and dairy products, which require soybean meal as feed in the production process. That total contributed to more than $25 billion in soybean exports overall in 2011-2012, making soy the largest U.S. farm export.

“As the global economy expands and the world’s appetite for soy grows, we must continue to broaden our trade horizons and create opportunities for U.S. farmers to compete with their counterparts in other countries,” said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb. “Establishing PNTR with Russia helps American farmers compete in one of the world’s largest and most promising economies. We look forward to next week’s vote on this issue in the House and encourage the Senate to do the same during the lame duck session so that this legislation may be quickly enacted by the president.”

ASA Calls for Quick Passage of Russia PNTR in Lame Duck Session
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and more than 500 fellow members of the Coalition for U.S.-Russia Trade urged both chambers of Congress as well as President Barack Obama to approve legislation graduating Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act, and enacting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with the world’s ninth-largest economy, which was admitted as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) less than three months ago.

"For nearly eighty days now, all of the other 155 members of the WTO have been able to fully access Russia's market liberalizations, including new rules related to services, science-based animal and plant health, and intellectual property protection - but U.S. businesses cannot," wrote the Coalition in the letter. "For nearly eighty days now, U.S. business has had no voice in the WTO's rules-based system to engage Russia regarding any of its policies that may be inconsistent with the obligations it has undertaken as a WTO member. Without PNTR, the United States has no enforceable rights and no recourse in the Russian market."

Home to more than 140 million consumers and a fast-growing economy, Russia last year imported more than $770 million in U.S., meat, poultry, egg and dairy products, which require soybean meal as feed in the production process. That total contributed to more than $25 billion in soybean exports overall in 2011-2012, making soy the largest U.S. farm export.

"As the global economy expands and the world’s appetite for soy grows, we must continue to broaden our trade horizons and create opportunities for U.S. farmers to compete with their counterparts in other countries," said ASA President Steve Wellman. "Establishing PNTR with Russia helps American farmers compete in one of the world’s largest and most promising economies. We look forward to next week’s vote on this issue in the House and encourage the Senate to do the same in the lame duck session so that this legislation may be quickly enacted by the president."



Value of Agricultural Trade Continues to Rise

According to recently released trade statistics from the World Trade Organization, global agricultural exports reached $1.66 trillion in 2011, accounting for just over 9 percent of total world goods trade. The report also emphasized how fast the agriculture sector is growing, with the value of agricultural trade increase 20 percent from 2010 to 2011.

Roughly 20 years ago, world agricultural exports totaled just $415 billion and rose slowly during the 1990s to $551 billion by 2000. The next decade saw exports jump dramatically to $1.37 trillion in 2010.




Informa Hikes 2013 Planting Estimates

Private analytical firm Informa Economics on Friday raised its outlook for U.S. corn, soybean and wheat plantings in 2013, traders said.

Informa, a closely watched crop forecaster, pegged corn plantings at 97.7 million acres, up from its October estimate of 97.5 million acres, traders said. The firm projected soybean plantings at 80.1 million acres, up slightly from its October forecast of 80 million, and raised its wheat plantings outlook to 57.1 million from October's 56.8 million estimate.

If Informa's planting projections are realized, farmers in 2013 will harvest a record 14.641 billion bushels of corn, assuming they abandon a normal number of acres and produce trend-type yields, according to the firm. Farmers will harvest 3.46 billion bushels of soybeans and 2.2 billion bushels of wheat, assuming normal abandonment and trend-type yields, Informa said.

The firm forecast 2013 all wheat yield at 45.4 bushels an acre, which, if realized, would be 0.9 bushels an acre below 2012. Informa also estimated 2013 winter wheat seedings at 42.5 million acres, down 50,000 from its October forecast.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday estimated farmers in 2012 will harvest 10.725 billion bushels of corn, 2.971 billion bushels of soybeans and 2.269 billion bushels of wheat. The department estimated farmers in 2012 had planted 96.9 million acres of corn, 77.2 million acres of soybeans and 55.7 million acres of wheat for harvest.

Informa also issued estimates for cotton, keeping its forecast for 2013 plantings steady at 10 million acres and saying output could reach 14.7 million 480-pound bales. Farmers planted 12.36 million acres of cotton for harvest in 2012 and produced 17.45 million 480-pound bales, according to the USDA.



National Grange to hold 146th Annual Convention

The National Grange will hold its 146th Annual Convention Tuesday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov. 17 in Boise.

The Grange, America's oldest nonprofit organization advocating for agriculture and rural America, boasts a membership of more than 160,000 people and more than 2,500 local Grange chapters across the United States.

Delegates from the 34 State Granges, as well as Grange members from across the country, will gather to discuss more than 130 resolutions, passed in states and sent to the National Grange for consideration to become policy for the organization. Resolutions that pass then become policies for the National Grange, which then advocates on those measures to elected officials and government agencies for its members.

National Grange President Ed Luttrell will open the convention with his annual address at 2 p.m. (Mountain Time) Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Boise Centre. Luttrell will focus his attention on the need for our nation's legislators to pass fiscally responsible policies, to work toward resolution related to a Farm Bill and other key issues.

The address and other convention events is open to the public.

Grange members who attend the convention can receive the Seventh Degree, the Order's highest level and enjoy fellowship with other Grange members. Everyone can participate in workshops and discussions on topics related to agriculture and rural America.

Several Granges will receive awards for community service, deaf awareness and other programs the Grange supports, and 31 Granges will be honored as Distinguished Granges on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

The entire schedule for the convention is available at the National Grange website under Events.  



Cost of Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Up Slightly This Year

The retail cost of menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings increased less than 1 percent this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

AFBF’s 27th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.48, a 28-cent price increase from last year’s average of $49.20.

“At just under $5 per person, the cost of this year’s meal remains a bargain,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas. “Our diverse farm and ranch families are honored to produce the food from our nation’s land for family Thanksgiving celebrations. During this holiday season, I am encouraging farmers and ranchers to reach out to consumers in-person or through social media, to answer questions about the food that they grow or the livestock and poultry they raise.”

The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. There is also plenty for leftovers.

The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at $22.23 this year. That was roughly $1.39 per pound, an increase of about 4 cents per pound, or a total of 66 cents per whole turkey, compared to 2011. The whole bird was the biggest contributor to the final total, showing the largest price increase compared to last year.

“Thanksgiving Dinner is a special meal that people look forward to all year,” said John Anderson, AFBF’s deputy chief economist. “Most Americans will pay about the same as last year at the grocery store for a turkey and all the trimmings. A slight increase in demand for turkey is responsible for the moderate price increase our shoppers reported for the bird,” he said.

Savvy shoppers may pay even less for frozen tom turkey compared to AFBF’s 155 volunteer shoppers who checked prices at grocery stores in 35 states.

“Turkeys may still be featured in special sales and promotions close to Thanksgiving,” Anderson explained. “Anyone with the patience to wait until the last minute to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving could be rewarded with an exceptional bargain,” he said.

In addition to the turkey, a combined group of miscellaneous items, including coffee and ingredients necessary to prepare the meal (onions, eggs, sugar, flour, evaporated milk and butter) increased in price, to $3.18. A dozen brown-n-serve rolls also increased slightly this year, up 3 cents to $2.33.

Items that showed a price decrease from last year were: a half pint of whipping cream, $1.83, down 13 cents; a 14-ounce package of cubed bread stuffing, $2.77, down 11 cents; three pounds of sweet potatoes, $3.15, down 11 cents; one gallon of whole milk, $3.59, down 7 cents; fresh cranberries, $2.45, down 3 cents; one pound of green peas, $1.66, down 2 cents; a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix and two nine-inch pie shells, $5.53, down 2 cents.

A one-pound relish tray of carrots and celery remained the same at 76 cents. Anderson noted that despite retail price increases during the last year or so, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation.

The slight percentage increase in the national average cost reported this year by Farm Bureau for a classic Thanksgiving dinner tracks closely with the organization’s 2012 quarterly marketbasket surveys and the government’s Consumer Price Index for food (available online at http://data.bls.gov/).

Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals, such as spending $50 and receiving a free turkey. Shoppers with an eye for bargains in all areas of the country should be able to purchase individual menu items at prices comparable to the Farm Bureau survey averages. Another option for busy families without a lot of time to cook is ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meals for up to 10 people, with all the trimmings, which are available at many supermarkets and take-out restaurants for around $50 to $75.

The AFBF survey was first conducted in 1986. While Farm Bureau does not make any scientific claims about the data, it is an informal gauge of price trends around the nation. Farm Bureau’s survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.



USDA Orders New Testing on Organic Food

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that periodic residue testing will begin next year on organic food in an effort to ensure producers are not using prohibited pesticides, genetically modified organisms or other substances.

Only a small number of private, USDA-accredited testing agencies have been performing routine testing on farms since the USDA first implemented regulations governing organic food production in 2002 and that's because there is little guidance in the regulations covering why and when testing should be performed.

Organic food producers must get an initial inspection before being certified to produce organic food, according to USDA regulations in place now, but no periodic testing is mandated, despite demands from Congress when it approved a law in 1990 that ordered the creation of organic standards. It took the USDA 12 years to craft the regulation to implement the 1990 law.

There are only 93 accredited agents to perform residue testing and that's not nearly enough to perform yearly tests on each of the roughly 30,000 organic food producers worldwide that sell in the U.S., so the USDA said it is mandating that agents test a minimum of 5% of the farms or production facilities they are contracted to monitor.

It will be up to the private agents which of the 5% will be tested each year, according to the USDA. The USDA said it will not specify which places must be tested in order to reduce costs and to provide flexibility to the testing agents.

"Certifying agents are knowledgeable about the risk factors affecting the operations it certifies," USDA said, "therefore, it is appropriate for a certifying agent to determine what operations should be tested under this action."

The USDA said the new testing requirements will protect the integrity of the organic food industry. Periodic residue testing, the agency said, will discourage the mislabeling of organic food that consumers buy in supermarkets.

It was an audit performed by the USDA's inspector general that the USDA said prompted its decision to mandate periodic testing. Auditors interviewed four of the agents that monitor organic food producers in the U.S. and found that none of the agents was conducting periodic testing.

Organic standards in the U.S. are contained in a complex set of regulations that are different for different products, but generally ban the use of many pesticides and other synthetic substances like arsenic. Genetically modified organisms are used to produce most of the corn and soybeans grown in the U.S., but organic farmers are not allowed to use them.

The Organic Trade Association, a group representing organic food producers in the U.S. and Canada, said Friday it was pleased with the new USDA rule.

"This additional testing will help certifying agents identify and take enforcement action against farms and businesses intentionally using prohibited substances or methods," the group said in a statement.



Bayer HealthCare's Baytril® 100 (enrofloxacin) Injectable Approved by FDA for Control of BRD in High-Risk Cattle

Cattle producers and veterinarians now have a new option for control of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD. Baytril® 100 (enrofloxacin) Injectable, manufactured by Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for control of all four major BRD pathogens.

With the latest approval from FDA, Baytril 100 is the first and only fluoroquinolone approved for treatment of BRD and control of BRD in high-risk cattle, providing flexibility in treatment protocols. Cattle producers and veterinarians now can rely on Baytril 100 for the treatment of BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis in beef and non‑lactating dairy cattle; and, for the control of BRD in beef and non-lactating dairy heifers less than 20 months of age at high risk of developing BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni and M. bovis.

BRD has a significant health and economic impact on cattle operations across the country. Particularly susceptible are cattle at high risk of developing infections due to stress from travel and co-mingling with other cattle.

Specific high-risk factors for cattle can include:
-    Transportation with animals from two or more farm origins
-    Extended transport time with few to no rest stops
-    Environmental temperature changes of ≥30°F between locations, within a
-    24-hour period upon arrival
-    Exposure to wet or cold weather conditions
-    Excessive shrink (more than would be expected with normal load of cattle)
-    Stressful arrival processing procedures, such as castration or dehorning
-    Exposure within previous 72 hours to animals showing clinical signs of BRD

"Producers need options available when it comes to managing the welfare and health of their cattle," said Dan Thomson, DVM, Ph.D., Beef Cattle Institute, Kansas State University. "With the approval of Baytril® 100 for control of BRD in high-risk cattle, there is greater flexibility for the management of BRD — whether it is a metaphylaxis or treatment scenario."

In the lab, Baytril 100 kills 97 percent of the key BRD-causing bacteria in one to two hours1,2 in vitro.* In a clinical field study, Baytril 100 demonstrated statistically significant control of BRD in high-risk cattle in a 14-day study3.

"With the option of Baytril 100 as a control tool for BRD in high-risk cattle, producers and veterinarians can treat their cattle more efficiently to kill BRD and help the calf's immune system get back to work," said Todd Firkins, Livestock Category Manager, Food Animal Products, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health division.

Available in 100 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL bottles, Baytril 100 has been a choice for many bovine veterinarians and cattle producers since its introduction in 1998 and is the largest-selling, single-dose antibiotic in its class. The first FDA-approved fluoroquinolone antimicrobial for use against BRD, Baytril 100 is a proven and effective BRD antimicrobial.

For more information about Baytril 100, call Bayer Veterinary Services at 1-800-422-9874.



BASF launches new Advanced Weed Control online resource

BASF has launched a comprehensive new resource to help farmers develop effective weed control programs – the Advanced Weed Control website (advancedweedcontrol.basf.us). Created by BASF with input from farmers, this resource arms farmers with the latest expert information, recommendations and insights on effective weed control based on geography.

“Farmers told us that herbicides are increasing in importance for their operations, especially due to the rise in glyphosate resistant weeds,” said Dan Westberg, Ph.D., Technical Market Manager, BASF. “And, that herbicide effectiveness for the weeds on their farm is top priority. The Advanced Weed Control website provides information to help growers achieve clean fields – which translates to higher yields.”

The website combines maps and simple prompts to help visitors evaluate BASF weed control solutions based on their geography, weed pressure and crop. This information is enhanced with informational videos from local agronomists and weed scientists to develop a comprehensive, sustainable weed control program.

“Weed control isn’t one size – or herbicide – fits all anymore,” said Westberg. “BASF provides the most herbicide sites of action in the industry, which can be tailored with the Advanced Weed Control online resource to address the key weeds farmers are facing.”

Visitors to the site will find product and weed control strategy recommendations that combine to build an effective program, such as application tips for herbicide stewardship and maximum performance or prioritizing fields for a preemerge residual herbicide to manage tough weeds.



NEW “GMO INSIDE” CAMPAIGN DENOUNCES CORPORATE DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN THAT DEFEATED CALIFORNIA'S PROP 37

A new coalition, focused on the right to know whether or not foods are genetically engineered, today denounced the millions of dollars  poured into anti-Prop 37 efforts by major corporations. The corporate campaign, financed by agribusiness, food and chemical giants such as Monsanto, Dupont, Dow, Coca Cola and Kellogg’s, was designed to misinform and deceive the public about the cost of labeling.

“Corporations may have misled voters in California about GMOs, but they can’t change the fact that over 90 percent of Americans support the labeling of foods with genetically engineered ingredients,” said Alisa Gravitz, CEO of Green America. “The GMO Inside campaign will make it possible for all Americans to find GMOs in the food products in their homes and communities, label them, and switch to non-GMO foods instead.  The campaign will show corporations that people will not complacently serve as lab rats for the testing of genetically engineered foods.”

"We are disappointed but not deterred by this defeat," said John W. Roulac, CEO and founder of Nutiva—world's leading organic superfood brand. "GMO Inside was created to catapult the energy from the fight for Prop 37 to the next level. Our goal is to bring greater awareness to consumers nationwide about the dangers of GMOs and educate on what they can do to make a change."

The GMO Inside campaign launched today on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/GMOInside; Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/GMOInside; and Pinterest, http://www.pinterest.com/GMOInside, and is signing up supporters at www.GMOinside.org.  GMO Inside steering committee members include Food Democracy Now!, Green America, Institute for Responsible Technology, Foodbabe, Nature's Path and Nutiva.

The GMO Inside campaign will provide Americans with actions they can take in their homes, grocery stores, and communities to call attention to genetically engineered foods.  It will provide tools and resources for Americans to find the GMOs in a wide-range of products and brands on grocery shelves, and give people organic and non-GMO alternatives. It will also create communities of people who are concerned about GMOs and who will support each others’ efforts to label GMOs and avoid products containing them.