Wednesday December 12 Ag News

Beef Short Course 2012-2013: Drought Management Strategies for Cow/Calf Producers
Larry F Howard, Extension Educator, Cuming County

The drought of 2012 reduced forage supply and has produced many challenges for cow/calf producers.  The 2012-2013 Beef Short Course will focus on management strategies that will help producers work through and develop plans for their cow/calf enterprise.  The presentation by Rick Rasby on December 13 will focus on feeding strategies.  Dr. Richard Randle will address managing body condition and difficult births at calving.  The programs on January 17 and 24, 2013 will feature Drs. Jerry Volesky and Bruce Anderson addressing range and pasture conditions depending on winter and spring moisture.  All programs will be aired on NET2 at 7:00 p.m. central time.  If you do not receive NET2, the programs will be available on our beef website http://beef.unl.edu. Following are the dates, topics, and presenters for the Beef Short Course.

NET programs
December 13, 2012 – Winter Feeding Considerations for the Beef Cow Herd – Rick Rasby, Beef specialist, University of Nebraska
December 20, 2012 – Managing Calving – Dr. Richard Randle, Extension Veterinarian, University of Nebraska
January 17, 2013 – If the Drought Ends: Grazing and Forage Options – Dr. Bruce Anderson and Dr. Jerry Volesky, Pasture and Range Specialist, University of Nebraska
January 24, 2013 – Grazing and Forge Options with Continuing Drought – Dr. Bruce Anderson and Dr. Jerry Volesky, Pasture and Range Specialist, University of Nebraska

Nutritional Quality Of Corn Stalks
Are your corn stalks providing all the nutrients your cows need?  Corn production has changed.  More efficient combines lose less grain.  Corn hybrids stand up to pests and weather, avoiding ear drop.  Crop production practices provide just enough fertilizer and water.

Do these changes affect corn stalk grazing?  Ten to fifteen years ago, about four percent of the corn grain was left behind in the field due to downed ears and combining losses.  Today it’s about half that, or about one pound less grain per acre for the cows to consume for every bushel harvested.

The rule of thumb for when you should start feeding protein supplements while on corn stalks is when you no longer see grain in the manure.  With less grain in the field these days, protein is needed earlier.  Most cows likely already need it this winter.  The usual rate is about one-half pound of actual protein per cow per day, preferably from natural sources.

What about energy?  As long as there is grain, your cows are usually fine.  Same holds true for the husks.  Surprisingly, husks are high in energy, usually over sixty-five percent TDN.  But once the husks have been eaten, trampled, or blown away, it gets more difficult.  Leaves tend to be in the mid-fifties for TDN, which is about the same as what the cows require.  But stalks themselves may be ten points lower.  So cows eating a fair amount of actual stalk will lose weight and body condition, even with protein supplements.

Winter is hard enough.  Don’t make it any harder on your cows, by ignoring supplements when needed.



Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference Announces Impressive 2013 Program Line-Up

The Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference has announced its program for the 2013 event, which features a special presentation of the Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar, an industry trade show and tremendous fundraising auction.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association (N.A.M.A.), the Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Neb., February 5 and 6, 2013. The event is designed especially for alfalfa producers, livestock/dairy producers and others who are involved in alfalfa production, purchasing, hay feeding or processing.

The featured presenter for the 2013 event will be Dr. Dan Undersander, professor of agronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Over the course of the two days, Dr. Undersander will present a variety of sessions, which are part of the Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar developed for the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance. Key topics addressed will include managing drought effects, trace mineral impact, pest management, alfalfa in rotations, and contract harvesting.

Additional presentations will include information from soil water/irrigation and animal nutrition experts and a panel discussion featuring a mix of alfalfa producers and purchasers from across the nation.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Undersander for this year's event. His sessions will be extremely valuable to alfalfa producers and purchasers as we head into an uncertain season in terms of weather and markets," said Barb Kinnan, executive director of N.A.M.A. "We have two jam-packed days of information, education, and innovation—all designed to help hay and livestock producers improve production, performance and profitability. This is game-changing stuff that alfalfa producers and purchasers will not want to miss," Kinnan said.

A large alfalfa industry trade show and fundraising auction are also included during the two-day event. A new event this year, the "Forage Olympics", will pit teams of alfalfa producers and other conference participants competing in timed events such as hay strapping, stacking square bales and rolling large round bales.

Registration includes admission to all presentations and programs, a Tuesday afternoon reception, dinner Tuesday evening, admission to the large alfalfa industry trade show and the opportunity to bid in the fundraising auction that takes place Tuesday afternoon. The auction features a wide range of items including seed, harvesting equipment, supplies and other valuable products and services.

Registration is $10 per person in advance (tickets must be purchased by noon, February 1, 2013) and $20 at the door. Participants under the age of 18 are admitted at no charge. Registration is available online at www.AlfalfaExpo.com. For more information, call 1.800.743.1649 or visit www.AlfalfaExpo.com.



CENSUS COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR NEBRASKA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska will soon have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities by participating in the 2012 Census of Agriculture.  Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them.

“The Census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation,” said Dean Groskurth, Director of USDA NASS, Nebraska Field Office.  “It’s a critical tool that gives farmers a voice to influence decisions shaping the future of their community, industry and operation.”  The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures, and other topics.  This information is used by all who serve farmers and rural communities from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses and trade associations.  “Your answers to the Census impact farm programs and rural services that support your community,” Groskurth said.  “So do your part and be counted when you receive your form, because there’s strength in numbers that only the Census can reveal.”

In 2007, Nebraska farmers and ranchers reported over 47,000 farms spanning across 45.5 million acres.  This showed a three percent decrease in the number of Nebraska farms from the previous Census in 2002.  Nebraska had 3,369 operators of farms with less than five years of operating experience in 2007, three percent less than 2002.  The 2007 Census of Agriculture revealed that only 3,353 operators were under the age of 35, an 11 percent drop since 2002.  While beginning farmers are often faced with hurdles such as acquisition of land, in contrast, farmers nearing retirement are challenged by the transition of land to future generations.  In 2007, there were 13,062 operators in Nebraska aged 65 and up, eight percent more than in 2002.  This telling information and thousands of statistics are only available every five years as a direct result of producer responses to the Census.

NASS will mail out Census forms in late December to collect data for the 2012 calendar year.  Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013.  Producers may use a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, to complete the Census, or return their forms by mail.  Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.




2013 Iowa Pork Congress to be held Jan. 23-24 in Des Moines

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) will hold the 2013 Iowa Pork Congress Jan. 23 and 24 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The nation’s largest winter swine tradeshow and conference will be held in Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. Pork Congress hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 23 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24. The Iowa Pork Foundation’s annual Kickoff Reception and Auction will be held at Hy-Vee Hall on Jan. 22 and the IPPA Youth Swine Judging Contest will be held in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Jan. 24.

“Pork Congress encompasses every aspect of the pork industry and I encourage anyone involved in pork production to make plans to attend,” said IPPA President Bill Tentinger, a producer from Le Mars. “The tradeshow, seminars, social functions, youth activities and networking opportunities always attract thousands of people from around the Midwest and we’re hoping for another great turnout this year.”

Nearly 300 companies will exhibit in spacious Hy-Vee Hall and several will be introducing new products. IPPA will welcome attendees to the Pork Information Plaza where guests can visit with producer leaders and representatives from the National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and other affiliated organizations.

A wide range of seminars will be held at no additional charge. Topics include animal health, sow housing, pit foaming and swine reproduction. Attendees can get updates on regulations and nuisance cases, public policy and an industry economic outlook. Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech University will address transition management in the keynote presentation. Producers can obtain or renew their PQA Plus and TQA certifications, and a certification session for confinement site manure applicators is being offered.

“We understand the importance of continuing education and strive to give producers the information that will allow them to be more successful,” said IPPA Iowa Pork Congress Committee Chairman Derrick Sleezer, a pork producer from Cherokee. “We have a good mix of seminars and some of the best presenters available for this year’s show.”

Registration
Registration is currently open for the 2013 Iowa Pork Congress.  The pre-registration deadline is Jan. 10, 2013, and IPPA members can attend the tradeshow and conference at no cost by registering early. Interested persons can register now at iowaporkcongress.org or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine.

IPPA members can attend at no charge by registering online or by completing and submitting the form by the deadline. Non-IPPA members can save $5 off of the normal $10 admission cost by registering online by the deadline. Registrations will be accepted after the deadline through each day of the show, but the cost will be $10.

Those who pre-register can avoid lines and quickly pick up their pre-printed name badge and credentials at the Pre-registration desk the day of the show.

For more information, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.



Field Crops Featured at Practical Farmers of Iowa Annual Conference in January

How can cover crops, strip-tillage, tile drainage systems, small grains and woodchip bioreactors benefit the soil and enhance production in corn and soybean systems? Come find out at Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2013 annual conference, “Soil and Soul,” taking place Jan. 10-12 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.

Several sessions at this year’s event — which celebrates the vital role that soil plays in sustaining life — focus on field crops and management strategies for both conventional and organic systems that can save time, boost profits and build soil health while protecting water quality.

The “Cover Crops 101” session, offered in partnership with Iowa Learning Farms, will benefit farmers thinking about planting cover crops for the first time as well as veteran cover crop growers. Rob Stout, an ILF farmer partner who farms near Washington, Iowa, will teach practical ways to add cover crops to corn and soybean systems and integrate them into no-till systems. Plant physiologist Tom Kaspar, with the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, will share the latest research on how adding a small grain cover crop can improve soil quality while reducing soil erosion and nitrate leaching.

“I like what cover crops do for the soil,” said Stout, who has been farming for 35 years and planted tillage radish, oat and clover cover crops this fall. “When you get good growth from the cover crop roots it makes the soil looser. There’s also less erosion and cover crops increase organic matter. Soil is the real deal when it comes to raising crops, so anything we can do to improve soil is good — and cover crops make sense from a soil standpoint.”

The conference is open to the public, and registrations are being accepted now. Those who pre-register by Jan. 2 will save $10 per day. Register online at http://practicalfarmers.org/events/annual-conference.html or by contacting Patrick Burke at patrick@practicalfarmers.org or 515-232-5661. Special rates are available for students and PFI members.

Other field crop sessions at the conference, several offered in partnership with ILF, include:

    “A Whole-Farm Approach to Conservation for Corn and Soybeans.” Attendees will hear a panel of five experts speak on different technologies and management strategies for minimizing nitrogen loss and nutrient runoff. Speakers include Matt Helmers, agricultural and biosystems engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach; Dan Barker, assistant scientist in the agronomy department at Iowa State; Randy Hoyt, co-owner of Controlled Drainage Systems in Jefferson; Dan Jaynes, soil scientist with the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment; and Keegan Kult, watershed management specialist with Iowa Soybean Association.
    “Making Organic Small Grains Profitable.” Klaas Martens will focus on how to make small grains more profitable. Martens farms 1,400 acres of organic corn, soybeans, small grains, field peas, winter peas, dark red kidney beans and edamame soybeans in upstate New York.
    A breakfast meeting on Saturday, Jan. 12, on “Value-Added Row Crops,” taught by Klaas Martens.
    “Willow Lake Farm: A Case Study in Conservation.” Farmer Tony Thompson, who owns or rents nearly 3,500 acres of row crops and almost 1,000 acres of remnant prairie in southern Minnesota, will discuss his experiences with conservation tillage, drainage water management and bioreactors, among other practices.
    “Organics: Latest Research, Market Update.” Kathleen Delate, professor in the departments of agronomy and horticulture at Iowa State, and Tim Daley, a production economist with experience in the soybean industry, will offer an overview of organic row crops as well as in-depth discussion of organic research results and the economics, production potential and soil benefits of organic crop production.
    “Successful Strip-Till Management and Beyond.” Dave Nelson, and ILF farmer partner and part of a six-generation family farm in north-central Iowa, will discuss how strip-tillage can affect net income and the conservation benefits of strip-till over conventional tillage.
    “Precision Farming and Organic Crops.” Farmer Jacob Bolson, of Knutson Family Farms in Hubbard, will speak on the benefits and practicality of precision agriculture in organic production.
    The conference will also feature keynote speaker Elaine Ingham, chief scientist at the Rodale Institute and a world-renowned microbiologist; 18 other in-depth workshops covering topics in horticulture, livestock, local foods and beginning farmers; nine additional Saturday morning breakfast sessions; up to six in-depth “U-Pick” sessions organized around topics suggested by guests during conference registration; and three short courses on composting, farm finances and tractor handling and operation, taking place on Thursday, Jan. 10, and the morning of Jan. 11.

To access the full conference program, registration details or to register online, visit http://practicalfarmers.org/events/annual-conference.html.

Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2013 annual conference is supported by several major sponsors, including AgVentures Alliance, Albert Lea Seed, Bio-Till, Calcium Products, Inc., Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iroquois Valley Farms, Klinkenborg Aerial Spraying, Inc., the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University and Maschio Gaspardo.



CATTLE RANCHER TO BE FEATURED ON ANDERSON LIVE ON DECEMBER 13

This Thursday, December 13, the Anderson Live show will feature Kansas cattle rancher Debbie Lyons-Blythe who met with one consumer to answer her questions about how cattle are grown and raised. This segment was made possible through a partnership US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance developed with Anderson Live. The consumer, Rebecca, a twenty-four year old recent college graduate, who also recently relocated to New York City from Florida, talked extensively with Lyons-Blythe about why and how they grow and raise America’s food.  You can tune in by going to AndersonCooper.com to check their local listing for the show.  It will also be posted on www.fooddialogues.com.



October Pork Exports Set New Monthly Record; Beef Export Value also Strong

U.S. pork exports set new monthly records in October, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), reaching 218,132 metric tons (mt) valued at $607 million. Export volume was 9 percent above last year and broke the previous monthly record of 217,080 mt set in November 2011. Export value exceeded $600 million for the first time, breaking the previous high ($597.85 million, also from November 2011) by 1.5 percent.

For January through October, U.S. pork exports were 3 percent ahead of last year’s record pace in volume (1.875 million mt) and 6 percent higher in value ($5.24 billion).

Beef exports also posted solid results in October, with export value ($496 million) increasing 10 percent over last year despite a 4 percent decline in volume (101,447 mt). This was consistent with this year’s January-October pattern, which has seen an 11 percent decline in volume (951,886 mt) compared to 2011 while export value ($4.6 billion) remained 2 percent ahead of last year’s record pace.

“With pork production at a very high level, the U.S. industry is relying on a strong performance from the international markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “We not only achieved that, but also maintained an excellent per-head return for producers.”

Seng added that in the beef complex, volume continues to struggle compared to last year but export value is very strong.

“Considering the economic headwinds we face in several markets, beef export value is holding up extremely well – especially on a per-head basis,” he said. “For livestock producers who are facing some very tough obstacles, the export markets are truly a source of optimism.”

Outstanding month for pork in nearly every major market
October pork exports accounted for 23 percent of muscle cut production and 27.4 percent when including variety meat. For January-October, these ratios were 23.6 percent and 27 percent, respectively. This was slightly higher than last year for muscle cuts (22.9 percent) and steady with last year’s percentage of total production exported. On a per-head-of-slaughter basis, October exports equated to $55.95 (compared to $57.93 in October 2011). For January through October, the per-head average increased 3.5 percent from a year ago to $56.14.

Several major pork export markets posted their best performances of the year in October, while others recorded their highest totals in several months. These included:
-    Mexico, with its best month since January 2012, took 56,282 mt valued at $108.5 million. This pushed the January-October totals to 499,724 mt (+16 percent from the same period last year) valued at $928.5 million (+12 percent).
-    Exports to Japan were the largest since March 2011, totaling 45,084 mt valued at $188.1 million. The January-October volume total was down 5 percent to 389,446 mt, but value was 4 percent ahead of last year’s record pace at $1.68 billion.
-    Russia posted its largest total since May 2010, with 13,278 mt valued at $38.9 million. This pushed the January-October results to 86,566 mt (+30 percent) valued at $247.6 million (+20 percent).
-    Exports to South Korea, below the record-setting totals of 2011 for most of this year, rebounded in October to 14,050 mt valued at just over $37 million – the best performance since March 2012. January-October totals remained well below last year (119,786 mt, -26 percent valued at $340 million, -19 percent), but these results still exceed corresponding 2010 levels by 73 percent. Korea’s domestic pork production was severely impacted by foot-and-mouth disease in 2011, boosting demand for imported pork. Production rebounded strongly in 2012, so a year-over-year decline in U.S. exports was anticipated.

Strong October totals were also recorded in Canada, Oceania, Central and South America and the ASEAN region. Export volume to China/Hong Kong was down 36 percent from last year’s record total, but posted the best performance since April 2012. Through October, exports to this region were still up 10 percent in value at $716.89 million, but volume was 3 percent behind last year at 352,125 mt.

“Pork exports to China/Hong Kong are not expected to match last year’s fourth quarter surge,” Seng said. “But that makes the global results in October all the more impressive, illustrating the diversity of our export destinations.”

Canada, Japan stand out for October beef exports
October beef exports accounted for 10 percent of beef muscle cut production and 12.6 percent when including variety meat. This compared to 11 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively, in October 2011. For January-October, exports accounted for 9.8 percent of muscle cut production and 12.7 percent including variety meat – down from 11 percent and 14.2 percent during the same period last year. Export value per head of fed slaughter was 6 percent higher than a year ago, both in October ($222.03) and for January-October ($214.51).

Individual market highlights for U.S. beef included:
-    Exports to Canada were the largest since August 2011, totaling 19,129 mt (+35 percent from a year ago) valued at $123.2 million (+66 percent). This pushed the January-October totals to 144,754 mt (-9 percent) valued at $952.8 million (+11 percent).
-    Japan continued its strong recent performance with October exports of 12,829 mt valued at $91.8 million. This was up only slightly from last year’s volume but 25 percent higher in value. For January-October, export volume was steady at 134,036 mt while export value surged 24 percent to $898 million.
-    Exports to Russia were record-large in October, totaling 11,702 (+70 percent) valued at $41.5 million (+55 percent). For January-October, exports to Russia climbed 15 percent in volume (73,625 mt) and 28 percent in value ($283.7 million).
-    October exports to Central and South America were up just 1.5 percent in volume (2,211 mt) but increased 15 percent in value ($10.1 million). For January-October, exports to the region totaled 28,397 mt (+33 percent) valued at $109.3 million (+65 percent). Chile – the leading value market in the region for U.S. beef – recently announced resumption of beef imports from Paraguay, which has been out of the market for about one year due to foot-and-mouth disease. However, other strong growth markets for U.S. beef in the region include Peru, Guatemala, Panama and Honduras.
-    Exports to Taiwan, which have been on the rebound since the recent adoption of a maximum residue level (MRL) for ractopamine, posted the best monthly performance since December 2011 at 3,759 mt (+25 percent) valued at $23.4 million (+34 percent). January-October totals remained far below last year, but the strong October results suggest a promising finish to 2012.

Exports to leading volume market Mexico continued to struggle as high prices have negatively impacted Mexico’s total beef consumption. Exports to Korea have also been well below last year’s pace, primarily due to record-high domestic beef production. This has impacted demand for beef imports not only from the United States, but also from other suppliers such as Australia and New Zealand.

October lamb exports slip in volume but increase in value
Lamb exports in October were down 9 percent in volume from a year ago to 1,346 mt, but still achieved a 4.5 percent increase in value to $2.44 million. For January through October, exports were down 28 percent in volume (11,396 mt) and 15 percent in value ($22.1 million). Volumes were lower to all destinations, but export value increased to Canada ($4 million, +17 percent) and the Dominican Republic ($443,000, +20 percent).



NWS: River to Fall to 9 Feet at St. Louis by Dec. 30

(AP) -- Water levels on the drought-plagued Mississippi River are expected to keep dropping over the next several weeks, according to a new forecast Wednesday that comes amid worries that barge traffic soon could be squeezed along a key stretch of the vital shipping corridor.

The latest outlook by National Weather Service hydrologists shows the river at St. Louis falling to about 9 feet deep by Dec. 30 -- a day later than earlier predicted -- and by a half foot more by Jan. 9, barring significant rainfall. The Coast Guard has said further restrictions on barge traffic are likely if the river's depth dips to 9 feet.

The river depth in St. Louis as of Wednesday was about 12 feet.

Months of drought have left water levels up to 20 feet below normal along a 180-mile stretch of the river from St. Louis to Cairo, Ill. The problem was worsened last month when the Army Corps of Engineers cut the outflow from an upper Missouri River dam by two-thirds, meaning far less Missouri River water flows into the Mississippi.

Barges on the Mississippi already are carrying lighter and more frequent loads, and some operators say they'll halt shipping if they face more restrictions from reduced water levels.

Barge industry trade groups say a prolonged stoppage of shipping on the Mississippi could have an economic impact reaching into the billions of dollars, with the movement of agricultural products, coal, petroleum and other goods reliant on river for transit.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/07/2012

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 824,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 34.61 million gallons daily.  That is down 11,000 b/d from the week before.  The four week average for ethanol production stood at 818,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.54 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at an even 20 million barrels. That is a 3.6% increase from last week and the highest level of stocks since the last week of June.

Imports of ethanol showed 12,000 b/d, down significantly from last week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 356.5 million gallons daily.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.71%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.494 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 91,961 metric tons of livestock feed, 81,984 metric tons of which were distillers grains.  The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal.  Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.29 million pounds of corn oil daily.



OPEC Keeps Output Target on Hold
(AP) -- OPEC ministers agreed to keep their daily crude production target unchanged at a meeting Wednesday. But in a sign of internal rivalries, they failed to reach consensus on a new secretary general, a post sought by Saudi Arabia, Iran and resurgent oil-power Iraq.

The agreement to leave the production ceiling at 30 million barrels a day was expected. Actual output, however, is a million barrels higher because some countries produce above their limits.

The 12-nation Organization of the Petroleum Producing Countries is expected to continue breaching the ceiling, despite a plentiful world supply of oil. Robust U.S. production and anemic world demand due to flagging economic growth have further contributed to pushing crude inventories unusually high.

OPEC predicts even less demand for its oil next year in part because of weak economic growth in consuming countries — something the organization said was the "biggest challenge facing global oil markets in 2013."



U.S. Tractor Sales Up in November

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," says the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for November 2012 were up 11% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were up 2% from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 21%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 9% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 30% for the month.  Combine sales were up 1% for the month.

For the first eleven months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 9% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 9%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are up 15%, while 4-Wheel Drive tractors are up 13% for the year.  Sales of combines for the first eleven months totaled 8,896, a decrease of 0.7% over the same period in 2011.



NCGA Grower Leaders Gather to Cement Bonds, Set Course for 2013

Starting today, dozens of corn growers who are respected leaders in their industry and actively involved in the National Corn Growers Association are gathering in St. Louis for a round of meetings to discuss the issues that will affect farmers heading into 2013. Many growers from states in the northern and western Corn Belt are braving difficult weather conditions and delaying preparation for the upcoming growing year to attend these meetings.

"The December action team meetings help our organization explore upcoming issues and begin developing policy recommendations while providing a face-to-face forum for grower leaders to share ideas and build relationships," said NCGA President Pam Johnson, a grower from Floyd, Iowa. "As team members meet, some for the first time, they cement the bonds that will help us move forward on a variety of issues and create cohesive leadership that draws upon the varied experiences inherent in a grassroots organization."

The NCGA's six action teams and committees define, implement and measure program actions in their areas of expertise - trade policy and biotechnology, ethanol, public policy, production and stewardship, research and business development, and grower services.  By specializing in a particular subject area, the growers develop a more intricate and intimate understanding of the issues their teams cover.  This deeper knowledge allows the team members to serve as both experts and advisers helping to guide the organization's activities in a hands-on manner while maintaining the nuanced oversight that leads to success.



Internet Bullies Not So Cheery
Rick Tolman, CEO, National Corn Growers Association

General Mills, the maker of Cheerios and other foods, is catching grief from a small group of Internet bullies because of its use of genetically engineered ingredients.  Oddly and ironically enough, these social media loudmouths have chosen a product that is predominantly made from oats, a commodity that is not genetically modified. But of course, Cheerios was not targeted because it may contain GMOs, but because it is the most popular cereal brand General Mills produces and they are trying to bully General Mills into an anti-GM stance.  Over on the Facebook page for Wheaties, there's no GMO mention. Likewise at the Lucky Charms page.

One of the comments over on Facebook about the GMO labeling issue is that "The people have spoken." The fact is, the people have spoken, but these extreme activists have not listened, nor are they listening now.  While there is no doubt that consumers do want transparency and to be informed and farmers and others want to provide it, forcing a few complicated and misleading words on a label isn't the smartest approach.  And that is why, when California recently had a chance to require labeling, it said, "No, thanks." As fun as it can be for Midwesterners to poke fun at California (and I say this as a California native), they made the right decision in this case.

The preponderance of scientific information is more than clear. Advanced plant breeding using the modern tools of biotechnology is safe and a huge benefit to consumers, farmers, the poor and to the world in general.  The United States has the best food safety system in the world and the efforts of narrow-minded Internet bullies should not deter us from continuing our system of labeling and oversight based on the principles of sound science.

It may be a trite or cliché comparison, but the ignorance shown by Internet bullies in the Cheerios campaign of focusing on a grain (oats) that has no genetic engineering seems to me to reinforce the fact that this emperor has yet to realize it has no clothes - and no facts or science, for that matter.