USDA Crop Production 2012 Summary - Jan 11, 2013
Corn for grain production is estimated at 10.8 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the November 1 forecast but 13 percent below 2011. The average yield in the United States is estimated at 123.4 bushels per acre. This is up 1.1 bushels from the November forecast but 23.8 bushels below the 2011 average yield of 147.2. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 87.4 million acres, down slightly from the November forecast but up 4 percent from 2011.
Soybean production in 2012 totaled 3.01 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the November 1 forecast but down 3 percent from 2011. United States production is the seventh largest on record. The average yield per acre is estimated at 39.6 bushels, 0.3 bushel above the November 1 forecast but 2.3 bushels below last year's yield. Harvested area is up 3 percent from 2011 to 76.1 million acres and is the third highest on record.
Sorghum grain production in 2012 is estimated at 247 million bushels, down 4 percent from the November 1 forecast but up 15 percent from 2011. Planted area is estimated at 6.24 million acres, up 14 percent from last year. Area harvested for grain, at 4.96 million acres, is up 26 percent from 2011. Average grain yield, at 49.8 bushels per acre, is down 1.3 bushels from the previous forecast and down 4.8 bushels from last year.
All cotton production is estimated at 17.0 million 480-pound bales, down 1 percent from last month but up 9 percent from 2011. The United States yield is estimated at 866 pounds per acre, up 73 pounds from the December 1 forecast and up 76 pounds from last year. Harvested area, at 9.43 million acres, is down 10 percent from last month and down fractionally from last year.
Rice production in 2012 is estimated 199 million cwt, up slightly from the previous forecast and 8 percent above 2011. Planted area is estimated at 2.70 million acres, up slightly from 2011. Area harvested, at 2.68 million acres, is up 2 percent from the previous crop year. The average yield for all United States rice is estimated at a record high 7,449 pounds per acre, up 32 pounds from the previous forecast and 382 pounds above the 2011 yield.
USDA Grain Stocks - Jan 11, 2013
Corn stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 8.03 billion bushels, down 17 percent from December 1, 2011. Of the total stocks, 4.59 billion bushels are stored on farms, down 26 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 3.44 billion bushels, are down 1 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance is 3.74 billion bushels, compared with 3.84 billion bushels during the same period last year.
Soybeans stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 1.97 billion bushels, down 17 percent from December 1, 2011. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 910 million bushels, down 20 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 1.06 billion bushels, are down 14 percent from last December. Indicated disappearance for September - November 2012 totaled a record high1.22 billion bushels, up 30 percent from the same period a year earlier.
All wheat stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 1.66 billion bushels, down slightly from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 400 million bushels, down 1 percent from last December. Off-farm stocks, at 1.26 billion bushels, are up slightly from a year ago. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance is 445 million bushels, down 8 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Durum wheat stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 61.0 million bushels, up 27 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 36.7 million bushels, are up 50 percent from December 1, 2011. Off-farm stocks totaled 24.3 million bushels, up 3 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance of 7.44 million bushels is down 53 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Barley stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 158 million bushels, up 14 percent from December 1, 2011. On-farm stocks are estimated at 72.6 million bushels, 31 percent above a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 85.3 million bushels, are 2 percent above December 2011. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance is 38.9 million bushels, 8 percent above the same period a year earlier.
Oats stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 73.1 million bushels, 8 percent below the stocks on December 1, 2011. Of the total stocks on hand, 26.0 million bushels are stored on farms, up 4 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 47.1 million bushels, down 13 percent from the previous year.
Grain sorghum stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 139 million bushels, down 8 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 17.3 million bushels, are down 38 percent from December 1 last year. Off-farm stocks, at 122 million bushels, are down 1 percent from a year earlier. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance from all positions is 131 million bushels, up 44 percent from the same period in 2011.
USDA Winter Wheat Seedings - Planted Acres Up 1 Percent - Jan 11, 2013
Winter wheat: Planted area for harvest in 2013 is estimated at 41.8 million acres, up 1 percent from 2012 and 3 percent above 2011. Seeding began last August but by the middle of September was behind the 5-year average as producers waited for improved soil moisture levels. However, by the end of October, seeding had progressed ahead of last year and the 5-year average. More acres were seeded this year due to the early row crop harvest and higher prices.
Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat seeded area is about 29.1 million acres, down 2 percent from 2012. Acreage changes from last year are mixed across the growing region. Growers in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas planted significantly more acres this year while large acreage decreases occurred in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, and the Dakotas. Widespread drought conditions and lack of moisture continues to be a concern across much of the HRW growing area.
Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat seeded area is about 9.42 million acres, up 16 percent from last year. Increases from last year are estimated in most SRW growing States with North Carolina producers seeding a record high area.
White Winter wheat seeded area totals nearly 3.27 million acres, down 2 percent from 2012. Planted acreage in the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) is down from last year. Planting got off to an average start but by the middle of October was behind the 5-year average in all three States. By November 13, seeding was virtually complete in the region.
Durum wheat: Seedings in Arizona and California for 2013 harvest are estimated at 170,000 acres, down 31 percent from 2012 and 15 percent below 2011. Planting has progressed well in both the San Joaquin Valley and Imperial Valley. No major problems with the crop have been reported.
USDA World Ag Supply and Demand Estimate Update - Jan 11, 2013
WHEAT:
Projected U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2012/13 are lowered 38 million bushels this month. Feed and residual use is projected 35 million bushels higher as December 1 stocks, reported in the January Grain Stocks, indicate higher-than-expected disappearance during September-November. Seed use is raised 2 million bushels based on the winter wheat planted area reported in Winter Wheat Seedings. Projected exports for all wheat are unchanged; however, Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat exports are lowered 25 million bushels and Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat exports are raised 25 million bushels based on the pace of sales and shipments to date and the increasing competitiveness of SRW wheat in world markets. All wheat imports are also unchanged, but small adjustments raise projected HRW wheat imports 5 million bushels and reduce Hard Red Spring wheat and Durum imports by a combined 5 million bushels. The projected range for the 2012/13 season-average farm price for all wheat is lowered 10 cents at the midpoint and narrowed to $7.65 to $8.15 per bushel, based on prices reported to date.
Global wheat supplies for 2012/13 are projected slightly lower based on reduced production prospects in Argentina and lower reported production in Russia. Argentina production is reduced 0.5 million tons with lower expected harvested area and yields. Heavy December rains have increased expected area losses and harvest reports also suggest lower-than-expected yields. Russia production is lowered 0.3 million tons based on the latest government reports that reduce yields slightly.
Global wheat exports for 2012/13 are reduced slightly. Projected exports are lowered 0.5 million tons each for Argentina, Australia, and Canada, but raised 0.5 million tons for Russia and 0.2 million tons for Ukraine. Imports are raised 0.2 million tons for Iran. Feed and residual use for Russia is lowered 0.5 million tons as available domestic supplies tighten. World wheat ending stocks for 2012/13 are projected slightly lower with increases for Australia, Canada, and Iran mostly offset by reductions for the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.
COARSE GRAINS:
U.S. 2012/13 feed grain supplies are increased slightly with higher corn production more than offsetting a reduction for sorghum. Harvested area for corn is lowered 346,000 acres, but a 1.1-bushel-per-acre increase in the estimated yield boosts production 55 million bushels. Sorghum harvested area is nearly unchanged, but a 1.3-bushel-per-acre decrease in the estimated yield lowers production 9 million bushels.
Projected corn use for 2012/13 is raised with higher expected feed and residual disappearance more than offsetting reduced prospects for exports. Feed and residual use is projected 300 million bushels higher based on September-November disappearance as indicated by December 1 stocks and on higher expected beef, pork, and poultry production. Corn exports are projected 200 million bushels lower reflecting the slow pace of sales and shipments to date and increasing pressure from larger supplies and exports for South America. Corn ending stocks are projected 44 million bushels lower at 602 million. The season-average farm price for corn is unchanged at $6.80 to $8.00 per bushel. While stiff competition has limited U.S. corn exports, higher domestic disappearance leaves the balance sheet historically tight and is expected to support continued strong and volatile prices well into summer, particularly in the domestic cash markets.
Other 2012/13 feed grain changes this month include increases in projected sorghum, barley, and oats feed and residual disappearance as indicated by the December 1 stocks. Sorghum exports are projected 35 million bushels lower with feed and residual use projected up 50 million bushels. Oats exports are lowered 1 million bushels, based on the pace of sales and shipments to date. The season-average sorghum farm price is raised 20 cents at the midpoint to $6.70 to $7.90 per bushel. The barley farm price is projected down 5 cents at the midpoint to $6.10 to $6.70 per bushel on lower reported prices for malting barley. The projected oats farm price range is narrowed 5 cents on each end of the range to $3.60 to $4.00 per bushel.
Global coarse grain supplies for 2012/13 are projected 2.9 million tons higher mostly reflecting the larger U.S. corn crop and increased corn production for South America. Paraguay corn production is raised 1.1 million tons on a higher projected yield, which is in line with historical yield and production revisions this month. Brazil corn production is raised 1.0 million tons on higher expected yields with favorable December rainfall across the southern growing areas. Argentina corn production is raised 0.5 million tons as lower harvested area is more than offset by higher expected yields. Heavy rains and flooding in November and December delayed planting and reduced area prospects. Since then, clearing weather, the absence of threatening heat, and abundant soil moisture have set the stage for strong year-to-year yield increases, particularly in the central growing region. Partly offsetting these increases are reductions in corn output of 0.5 million tons for Russia and 0.1 million tons each for the Philippines and Serbia. Changes for Russia and Serbia reflect the latest government estimates. The smaller expected crop in the Philippines is based on the latest assessment of typhoon damage in December.
Changes to 2012/13 global coarse grain exports, in the aggregate, are small this month, but increases in 2011/12 and 2012/13 local year corn exports for South American countries have substantial implications for U.S. corn exports during the 2012/13 September-August marketing year. Exports for Argentina are raised 0.5 million tons for 2011/12 and 1.0 million tons for 2012/13. Exports for Brazil are raised 0.5 million tons for 2011/12 and 1.5 million tons for 2012/13. With the local marketing years in both of these Southern Hemisphere countries running from March through February, increases in both years weigh against U.S. export prospects for 2012/13. Similarly, in Paraguay, where the local marketing year runs from January through December, corn exports are boosted 0.6 million tons and 0.5 million tons, respectively, for 2011/12 and 2012/13, also reducing prospects for U.S. corn exports during the current marketing year. EU-27 corn exports are also raised 0.5 million tons for 2012/13.
Global corn consumption for 2012/13 is raised 5.6 million tons mostly on the increase in U.S. corn feeding this month. Consumption is raised slightly for Paraguay, but lowered slightly for Russia and Serbia. Global corn ending stocks for 2012/13 are projected 1.6 million tons lower with lower expected stocks in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Stocks are raised for Paraguay with the larger projected crop.
OILSEEDS:
U.S. oilseed production for 2012/13 is estimated at 92.7 million tons, up 1.4 million tons from last month. Larger crops for soybeans, sunflowerseed, and peanuts are partly offset by reductions for canola and cottonseed. Soybean production is estimated at 3.015 billion bushels, up 44 million bushels based on increased yields and harvested area. The soybean yield is estimated at 39.6 bushels per acre, up 0.3 bushels from the previous estimate. Soybean crush is raised 35 million bushels to 1.605 billion bushels reflecting higher projected domestic soybean meal consumption and increased soybean meal exports. Soybean meal domestic consumption is raised in line with projected gains in meat production, especially for pork and poultry. Soybean exports are unchanged at 1.345 billion bushels. Soybean ending stocks for 2012/13 are projected at 135 million bushels, up 5 million from last month. Soybean oil balance sheet changes include increased production, exports, and ending stocks.
The projected range for the 2012/13 season-average soybean price is lowered 30 cents at the midpoint and narrowed to $13.50 to $15.00 per bushel. The soybean oil price is forecast at 49 to 53 cents per pound, unchanged from last month. The soybean meal price is projected at $430 to $460 per short ton, down 10 dollars on both ends of the range.
Global oilseed production for 2012/13 is projected at a record 465.8 million tons, up 2.8 million due to increases for soybeans, cottonseed, peanuts, and sunflowerseed. Global soybean production is projected at 269.4 million tons, up 1.7 million with gains in the United States and Brazil only partly offset by a lower projection for Argentina. The Brazil soybean crop is increased 1.5 million tons to a record 82.5 million reflecting record area and improving yield prospects. Higher projected yields are the result of favorable moisture throughout the center west and southern growing areas. The Argentina soybean crop is projected at 54 million tons, down 1 million mainly due to lower projected area resulting from excessive moisture throughout much of the central growing area. Other changes include increased cottonseed production in China and Australia, and increased sunflowerseed production in India and the United States.
Global oilseed trade for 2012/13 is projected at 115.3 million tons, up slightly from last month. Increased soybean exports for Brazil are offset by a comparable reduction for Argentina. Higher soybean meal exports mainly reflect increases for the United States and China. Soybean meal consumption and imports are projected higher for several countries including Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, and Iran. Global oilseed ending stocks are projected at 66.6 million tons, down 0.3 million from last month as reduced soybean stocks in Argentina and China are only partly offset by higher stocks in Brazil and the United States.
LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY:
The 2013 forecast of total red meat and poultry production is raised from last month, reflecting greater beef, pork, broiler, and turkey production. Beef production is raised from last month based primarily on heavier carcass weights. USDA will release its Cattle report on February 1, providing an indication of producer intentions for heifer retention in 2013 and feeder cattle availability. USDA’s December 28 Quarterly Hog and Pigs report estimated that the pig crop for the last half of 2012 was about the same as 2011, while indicating producers plan to farrow 1 percent fewer sows the first half of 2013 relative to 2012. However, continued growth in pigs per litter in 2013 is expected to more than offset the decline in intended farrowings. Coupled with slightly higher expected carcass weights, the 2013 pork production forecast is raised from last month. Broiler production is raised as higher forecast broiler prices and lower forecast soybean meal prices are expected to enhance sector profitability. Hatchery data are pointing toward higher-than-previously forecast production and bird weights have increased. Turkey production is higher based on current hatchery data and expectations of lower soybean meal costs. The egg production forecast is raised on hatchery data. Estimates for 2012 beef and pork production are raised slightly based on late-year production data, but the estimates for poultry are unchanged.
The forecast for beef exports in 2012 is raised based on recent trade data but is unchanged for 2013. The import forecast is lowered for both 2012 and 2013 as global supplies of beef are expected to remain relatively tight. Pork export forecasts for 2012 and 2013 are raised from last month based on expected greater availability of pork and continued firm demand. Broiler export forecasts in 2012 and 2013 are unchanged from last month. Turkey export forecasts for both 2012 and 2013 are higher this month.
Cattle prices for first-quarter 2013 are raised, reflecting current demand conditions for fed cattle. Hog prices for 2013 are forecast lower based on larger expected hog supplies. Broiler prices for 2013 are raised from last month on expected demand strength. Turkey prices are lowered as production is forecast higher. Egg prices are lowered from last month. Prices for 2012 are adjusted to reflect reported December estimates.
The milk production forecast for 2012 is increased based on a slower decline in cow numbers and greater output per cow in the fourth quarter. Milk production for 2013 is raised as the decline in cow numbers is dampened from last month. Fat-basis imports for 2012 and 2013 are raised on higher butterfat and cheese imports, but skim-solids imports for 2012 are reduced on lower casein imports. Fat-basis exports are unchanged for 2012, but the forecast for 2013 is raised on greater expected cheese and whey sales. The estimate for 2012 skim-solids exports is reduced on lower nonfat dry milk (NDM) exports but the forecast for 2013 is raised.
Butter and cheese prices for 2013 are lowered based on current price weakness and weaker expected demand. NDM and whey prices for 2013 are forecast higher on current price strength. The Class III price forecast is reduced as lower forecast cheese prices more than offset the higher whey price. The Class IV price is lowered as the forecast decline in butter prices more than offsets higher NDM prices. The all milk price forecast is lowered to $18.85 to $19.65 per cwt. Product and milk prices for 2012 are adjusted to reflect reported December estimates.
NEBRASKA’S 2012 CROP PRODUCTION
Corn for grain production in Nebraska based on year-end surveys is estimated at 1.29 billion bushels, down 16 percent from 2011 and smallest production since 2006, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Yield of 142 bushels per acre is up 3 bushels from the November forecast, but still 18 bushels below last year. Farmers harvested 9.1 million acres of corn for grain, down 5 percent from 2011.
Soybean production for 2012 totaled 207 million bushels, down 21 percent from 2011. Yield, at 41.5 bushels per acre, is down 12.5 bushels from a year earlier and the lowest since 2003. Area for harvest, at 4.99 million acres, is up 3 percent from 2011.
Sorghum for grain production in 2012 is estimated at 3.5 million bushels, down 46 percent from 2011. Yield, at 59 bushels per acre, is down 35 bushels from a year earlier and the lowest since 2002. Area harvested for grain is 60,000 acres, down 10,000 acres from a year ago and the lowest sorghum for grain acreage since 1937.
Hay production totaled 4.07 million tons in 2012, down 28 percent from a year earlier. Area harvested is 2.57 million acres, up 4 percent from 2011. The average yield, at 1.58 tons per acre, is down 0.69 ton per acre from 2011 and the lowest in 36 years (1976). Alfalfa production is down 28 percent from a year earlier and all other hay production is down 27 percent.
IOWA GRAIN PRODUCTION 2012
Corn for grain production in Iowa during 2012 is estimated at 1.88 billion bushels, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service annual Crop Production 2012 Summary report released today. This estimate is down more than 1 percent from the November 1 forecast and 20 percent below 2011. This is the lowest production since 2003. Iowa's corn for grain yield is estimated at 137 bushels per acre, 2 bushels less than the November 1 forecast and 35 bushels below 2011. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 13.7 million acres, unchanged from the November 1 forecast and equal to 2011. Corn planted for all purposes in 2012 is estimated at 14.2 million acres, up less than 1 percent from 2011.
Corn for silage production is estimated at 4.88 million tons, up 19 percent from 2011. The silage yield estimate of 15.0 tons per acre is 5.5 tons per acre lower than 2011. Producers harvested 325,000 acres of corn for silage, 125,000 more acres harvested than in 2011.
Soybean production is estimated at 414 million bushels in 2012, up 1 percent from the November 1 forecast, but down 13 percent from 2011. This is the lowest production since 2003. Iowa soybean growers averaged 44.5 bushels per acre in 2012. This is 0.5 bushel above the November 1 forecast, but down 7.0 bushels from the 2011 yield. The harvested acreage of 9.30 million acres is 1 percent above the 2011 estimate. Soybean planted acreage, at 9.35 million acres, equals the 2011 planted acreage.
All hay production for the state is estimated at 2.81 million tons, down 19 percent from the 3.46 million tons produced in 2011. Producers averaged 2.47 tons per acre, down from 3.04 in 2011. All hay harvested acres is estimated at 1.14 million acres, unchanged from the previous year.
Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures production is estimated at 2.12 million tons, down 24 percent from 2011. Producers averaged 2.9 tons per acre. Harvested acres decreased by 11 percent from last year, to 730,000 acres. Iowa producers seeded 115,000 acres of alfalfa in 2012, up 35 percent from the previous year.
Other hay production is estimated at 697,000 tons, 4 percent above the previous year’s production. Producers averaged 1.7 tons per acre, down from 2.1 tons per acre in 2011. Harvested acres of other hay, at 410,000, is up 28 percent from the previous year.
NEBRASKA DECEMBER 1, 2012 GRAIN AND HAY STOCKS
Nebraska Corn stocks in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 957 million bushels, down 18 percent from a year earlier and the lowest in ten years, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Of the total stocks, 570 million bushels are stored on farms, down 22 percent from 2011. Off-farm stocks, at 387 million bushels, are down 11 percent from last year.
Soybeans stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 140 million bushels, down 30 percent from last year and lowest since 2003. On-farm stocks, at 42 million bushels, are down 33 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 98 million bushels, are down 29 percent from 2011.
Wheat stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 47.5 million bushels, down less than 1 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 3.8 million bushels, are up 9 percent from 2011 while off-farm stocks, at 43.7 million bushels, are down 1 percent from a year earlier.
Sorghum stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 3.6 million bushels, down 57 percent from 2011 and the lowest since 1953. On-farm stocks, at 700 thousand bushels, are down 59 percent from a year earlier and the lowest on record. Off-farm stocks, at 2.9 million bushels, are down 56 percent from last year and the lowest since 1956.
Hay stocks on Nebraska farms totaled 3.05 million tons on December 1, 2012, down 29 percent from a year earlier and the lowest since 1957.
IOWA GRAIN STOCKS
Iowa corn stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 1.56 billion bushels, down 20 percent from December 1, 2011, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Grain Stocks report released today. Fifty-eight percent of the total stocks were stored on-farm. The September - November 2012 indicated disappearance totaled 543 million bushels, 19 percent less than the 670 million bushels used during the same quarter last year.
Soybeans stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 338 million bushels, down 20 percent from the 423 million bushels on hand December 1, 2011. Forty-three percent of the total stocks were stored on-farm. Indicated disappearance for September - November 2012 is 115 million bushels, 15 percent more than the 100 million bushels used during the same quarter last year totaled.
Oats stored in all positions on December 1, 2012 totaled 5.62 million bushels, 6 percent below the stocks on December 1, 2011. Of the total stocks on hand, 1.1 million bushels are stored on farms, down 8 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 4.52 million bushels, down 5 percent from the previous year.
NEBRASKA 2013 WINTER WHEAT SEEDINGS UP FROM LAST YEAR
Nebraska's winter wheat seedings for the 2013 crop are expected to total 1.48 million acres, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Seedings are up 7 percent, or 100,000 acres, from last year.
Topsoil moisture supplies were very short in western counties as the planting period began with much of the major growing area in the D4 – Exceptional drought category. As of December 30, 2012, winter wheat crop conditions rated only 14 percent good and excellent, compared to 74 percent good and excellent a year earlier.
Cow/Calf Drought meeting Jan 15 in Albion
A drought strategies for cow/calf producers meeting will be held on Tuesday January 15th, 6pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Albion. Pre-register by calling the Boone County Extension Office at 402-395-2158.
Temple Grandin is Heuermann Lecturer Jan. 15
"Improving Animal Welfare and Communication with the Public" is the topic when Temple Grandin, animal sciences professor at Colorado State University and a world leader in understanding animal behavior and designing livestock handling facilities, is the Heuermann Lecturer Jan. 15.
Her 7 p.m. lecture in the Hardin Hall auditorium on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, 33rd and Holdrege is free. A short reception follows the lecture.
Grandin has had a major impact on the meat and livestock industries worldwide through her research, development and outreach on use of low-stress, behavior-based livestock handling techniques and design of animal handling facilities.
Half the cattle in the U.S. and Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. Her other professional activities include developing animal welfare guidelines for the meat industry, and consulting with McDonalds, Wendy's International, Burger King and other companies on animal welfare.
She is the author of numerous articles and 10 books, including "Livestock Handling and Transport" and "Thinking in Pictures."
Born autistic, Grandin is a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America and the recipient of numerous awards. In 2010 she was in Time magazine's listing of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World."
Heuermann Lectures in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL are 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 lectures are archived at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu shortly after the lecture, and broadcast on NET2 World at a date following the lecture.
PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO LENRD GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AREA RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (“District”) will hold a public hearing in compliance with Section 46-743 of Nebraska Revised Statutes on January 17, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center at 601 East Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk, Nebraska. The purpose of the hearing is to take public comment on proposed amendments to the District’s groundwater management area rules and regulations to designate Quantity Subareas and to modify the District’s enforcement provisions. The geographic area impacted by the modifications to the District’s enforcement provisions is the entire District. The geographic areas which will be considered for inclusion in the Quantity Subarea management areas are:
- Township 22 North, Range 1 West (Union); Township 23 North, Range 1 West (Warnerville); and Township 23 North, Range 2 West (Battle Creek), all in Madison County, Nebraska.
- Township 25 North, Range 2 West (Cleveland); and Township 26 North, Range 3 West (Clover Valley), all in Pierce County, Nebraska.
- Township 25 North, Range 2 East (Hancock); Township 25 North, Range 3 East (Brenna); Township 25 North, Range 4 East (Plum Creek); Township 26 North, Range 2 East (Chapin); Township 26 North, Range 3 East (Strahan); Sections 25 through 36 of Township 26 North, Range 4 East (Hunter); and Sections 25 through 36 of Township 27 North, Range 3 East (Wilbur), all in Wayne County, Nebraska.
The District is considering all or a portion of the following controls for adoption in the Quantity Subarea management areas, which are described in more detail in the draft rules and regulations:
(a) An allocation of the amount of ground water that may be withdrawn by ground water users for agricultural purposes;
(b) A system of rotation for use of ground water for agricultural purposes;
(c) The installation of devices for measuring ground water withdrawals for agricultural purposes;
(d) Limit or prevent the expansion of irrigated acres or otherwise limit or prevent increases in the consumptive use of ground water withdrawals from water wells used for agricultural purposes;
(e) The use of best management practices, including no irrigation for agricultural purposes during the offseason;
(f) Mandatory educational requirements; and
(g) That new or replacement water wells to be used for domestic or other purposes shall be constructed to such a depth that they are less likely to be affected by seasonal water declines caused by other water wells in the same area.
The full text of the proposed controls and draft rules and regulations is available at the District’s office located at 601 East Benjamin Avenue, Suite #101, in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Any interested person may appear at the hearing and present written or oral testimony concerning this matter. Individuals with disabilities may request auxiliary aids and service necessary for participation by contacting the District by January 15, 2013. Testimony relevant to the purposes of the hearing may also be submitted in writing (prior to the close of the hearing) to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District, 601 E Benjamin Avenue, Suite #101, P.O. Box 1204, Norfolk, NE 68701.
Platte Valley Cattlemen January 21 Meeting
The next meeting of the Platte Valley Cattlemen will be Monday January 21st at Wunderlich's in Columbus. Social hour is at 6pm with the meal at 7pm. This is also the membership meeting, so everyone is encouraged to attend and renew their membership and bring a guest that may be interested in joining. NE Cattlemen EVP Michael Kelsey and other staff and officers will be the guest speakers and provide an informational program that night.
Items to remember
$500 college scholarships are available to qualified students. Stop by the Platte Co Extension office in Columbus to pick up an application.
The PVC annual banquet is set for Saturday, February 23, at Platte Co Ag Park.
2013 Beef Feedlot Roundtable to be held Statewide Feb 19-21
The schedule for the Beef Feedlot Roundtalbes for 2013 have been set. The series starts on Tuesday Feb. 19th at the Gering Civic Center, then Wednesday Feb. 20th at the Phelps County Extension Building in Holdrege, and wrapping up on Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point. Each program starts with registration at 7:45 am, an introduction at 8:15am, and the first presentation at 8:30am. The programs will be wrapped up by 3:00pm.
The day is broken into two focus areas. The morning session looks at feedlot economics and nutrition. Jim Robb with the Livestock Marketing Info Center will disucss market outlooks and issues related to formula pricing, UNL Feedlot Nutrition Specialist Galen Erickson will talk about ways to offset high priced grain, UNL Animal Scientist Terry Klopfenstein will hit on cow confinement issues, and at each location there will be a producer and industry panel on adapting to the current environment.
Just before lunch there will be a beef industry upate from the Nebraska Beef Council and Nebraska Cattlemen.
After lunch the focus shifts to animal welfare and health. Temple Grandin from Colorado State University will highlight animal welfare challenges facing the beef feedlot industry, Dale Grotelueschen from Pfizer Animal Health will discuss the differences between generic and brand name parasite control, and UNL's Matt Luebbe will provide a feedlot research update.
Pre-registration is requested on or before Feb. 14th. Cost is $30 if pre-registered, or $40 at the door. Contact your local UNL Extension Office or Deidra McCarthy at the Panhandle Reserach and Extension Center at 308-632-1260 for more information.
NDA ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF FORMER U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY PAULSON TO 25TH ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S AG CONFERENCE
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. will speak at the 25th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference, to be held Feb. 12-13 in Kearney. Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said today that Paulson, who now chairs The Paulson Institute at the University of Chicago, will participate in a dialogue with Governor Dave Heineman about the future of U.S. economic competitiveness, the role of foreign investment in generating opportunities for Nebraska, and the prospects for enhanced trade and investment with China, in particular.
“We are extremely pleased to have Secretary Paulson join us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary ag conference,” said Ibach. “His international insight, particularly related to China, will add a great deal to conference discussion about Nebraska agriculture’s future.”
The Paulson Institute is a nonpartisan institution that promotes sustainable economic growth and a cleaner environment. Its initial emphasis is the United States and China – the world’s two largest economies – including programs that aim to promote cross-investment between the two countries. At the Governor’s request, Ibach is serving as a member of the U.S.-China Agricultural Investment Experts Group established by The Institute and recently traveled to China to participate with Secretary Paulson in an agribusiness investment workshop.
“I have been impressed by Nebraska leaders’ efforts to capitalize on economic opportunities internationally and especially in China. As China becomes a consumption engine for foodstuffs, the opportunities for American farmers and processors will only multiply,” Secretary Paulson said. “I welcome the chance to join the Governor and Nebraskans in a dialogue about how to leverage the state’s agricultural strength to forge mutually beneficial economic partnerships.”
Mr. Paulson served as the 74th U.S. Treasury Secretary under President George W. Bush.
Other speakers at the Conference this year will include: Dr. Roger Beachy, with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center who will discuss the future of biotechnology, and how new research and policy considerations may influence opportunities for Nebraska; Tyson Redpath, with The Russell Group, who will discuss the effects of state animal welfare laws on interstate commerce; Dr. Ronnie Green, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who will discuss a UNL analysis of Nebraska’s position within the United States as a food producer now, and in the future; Jerry Hagstrom, with the Hagstrom Report, who will provide an analysis of current activity in Washington, D.C., that could affect Nebraska agriculture; and Nebraska Climatologist Al Dutcher, who will provide an overview of current and forecasted weather conditions.
Ibach reminded the public that NDA is still accepting registrations to the Conference, with early deadline set for Jan. 29. Those interested in attending can register by calling NDA toll-free at (800) 831-0550 or by going online at www.agr.ne.gov.
The Conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about the issues facing Nebraska agriculture. A $100 registration fee covers participation at the entire Conference. More information, including the schedule and online registration is available at www.agr.ne.gov.
Uganda Work Positioned to Make Fertilizer Use More Profitable for Poor Farmers
Small-scale farmers around the world often don't have the financial means to use enough fertilizer to maximize their net returns per acre.
These farmers with an average of only about five acres must first cover expenses just to survive.
Enter a Ugandan soil research team from the National Agricultural Research Organization and Makerere University led by soil scientist Kayuki Kaizzi with technical support from University of Nebraska-Lincoln soil scientist Charles Wortmann.
They have developed a way for these farmers to greatly improve profitability of fertilizer use.
"They may not be putting on enough fertilizer to achieve full yield potential, but the idea is for them to be able to achieve the best returns on their small investment," Wortmann said.
The team conducted field research to determine nutrient response for 15 crop nutrient combinations. These crops included corn, sorghum, upland rice, drybean, soybean and peanut.
Some crop-nutrient combinations were more profitable than others. For example, application of at least a low rate of nitrogen to upland rice or to drybean was much more profitable than other fertilizer uses. It was also apparent that rate of application was important to profitability, Wortmann said.
"Yield increases are less with lower rates of fertilizer but net returns on the small investment that they can afford are substantially increased," Wortmann said. "This gives them more profit, improving their financial situation so they can increase fertilizer use every year until they reach a point some year where they can apply rates that return maximum net return per acre."
Fertilizer use recommendations for Nebraska are made for each crop-nutrient combination to maximize net returns per acre. The findings in Uganda indicated a need for a more complex recommendation system that could maximize net returns on the small investments in fertilizer use for severely finance- constrained situations, Wortmann said.
"There was a need to determine the crop-nutrient-rate combinations that maximize net returns," he said. "This implied a need to consider all 15 crop nutrient response curves and their shapes simultaneously."
To enable this complex decision process, Jim Jansen, former UNL graduate student from Fordyce, Neb., worked with Wortmann to develop an Excel-Solver decision tool. Jansen has since graduated with Master of Science degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy from UNL.
The tool, called the Uganda Fertilizer Use Optimizer, considers the 15 crop nutrient response functions and determines the crop-nutrient-rate combinations that are expected to maximize net returns on investment. It runs in Excel and is similar to the UNL Water Optimizer tool (http://agecon.unl.edu/wateroptimizer).
The tool considers the land area to be planted to each crop, expected grain prices, the costs of fertilizer use and the financial capacity of the farmer for fertilizer use.
The output includes the fertilizer rate for each crop and the expected effects on crop yields and net returns.
"The net returns on investment were often greater than twice as much as when fertilizer was applied to maximize net returns per acre," Wortmann said. "The greater profitability with the decision tool is expected to gradually enable finance constrained farmers to break out of poverty and increase fertilizer use to the point of maximizing net returns per acre."
This alternative approach to fertilizer use was introduced to government and non-government Extension staff in Uganda in August 2012.
Two training events were conducted with 60 participants. Participants learned of the approach and underlying principles, use of the tool and how to work with farmers in making recommendations. Additional training is planned.
The team hopes to get funding so they can expand this work to 12 other countries in the future.
This work is funded by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa and INTSORMIL with technical support from UNL.
Iowa EPC to Discuss Impaired Waters, Enforcement Actions
The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission will discuss the most recent draft of the state's impaired waters list and a new rule that clarifies enforcement options at its Jan. 15 meeting.
The meeting will be held in the Wallace Building auditorium, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, instead of the usual location in Windsor Heights.
The DNR will present commissioners with the state's 2012 draft list of 482 impaired waterbodies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires the biennial report as a comprehensive summary of water quality in the state.
"The list is tied to Iowa's water quality standards," said John Olson, DNR environmental specialist senior. "Making the list does not necessarily mean the river or lake has a severe impairment like a stream running with open sewage. Most of the time making the list is more like an early warning system, indicating potential water quality problems exist or are developing."
Some impairments, however, can be more severe, such as frequent algal blooms that prevent recreational uses at lakes. Pollution-caused fish kills also remain a severe impact of concern. The most typical impairments for lakes are algae and turbid or cloudy water. A high level of indicator bacteria is the most frequent impairment in rivers.
The draft 2012 list will be available for public comment until Feb. 28. The DNR will consider public comments and submit a revised draft to the EPA for review and final approval.
In other action, commissioners will be asked to approve a new rule that clarifies the variety of compliance and enforcement options the DNR considers in response to a potential violation of state law or rules. The DNR has used procedures similar to proposed Chapter 17 for many years, and this rulemaking simply formalizes this practice. The new chapter is intended to meet the DNR's responsibility to protect public health and the environment, while, at the same time, providing regulated entities and the public with transparency, clarity, consistency and fairness in addressing potential violations of Iowa's environmental statutes and rules.
The meeting will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the first of two public comment periods. The second public comment period will be from 2 to 3 p.m. and limited to comments on the Chapter 17 rules. Other appointments on the agenda include referrals to the Attorney General at 11:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m., and discussion of Chapter 17 rulemaking at 3 p.m.
Dinner at 6 p.m. will be at the Savery Hotel, 401 Locust St., Des Moines. On Jan. 16, the commission will meet with the Natural Resources Commission from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the fourth floor conference rooms of the Wallace Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines.
The members of the commission are David Petty, Eldora, Chair; John Glenn, Centerville, Vice-Chair; Mary Boote, Des Moines, Secretary; Dee Bruemmer, Davenport; Nancy Couser, Nevada; Cindy Greiman, Garner; Brent Rastetter, Ames; Max Smith, Knoxville: and Joanne Stockdale, Okoboji. The director of the DNR is Chuck Gipp.
Iowa Soybean Association announces 2013 Farm and Food Ambassador team
Twenty-one Iowa soybean farmers have stepped forward as volunteer spokespeople on the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA’s) Farm and Food Ambassador team. The goal of the program is to empower ISA members to share messages and issues that are important to their organization and farming.
This year’s ambassadors include: Roger Wuthrich, Bloomfield; Roger Van Ersvelde, Brooklyn; Jim Fitkin, Cedar Falls; Kyle Maas, Duncombe; Justin and Jennifer Dammann, Essex; Dan Roeder and Jolene Riessen, Ida Grove; Tom Wall, Iowa City; David Ausberger, Jefferson; Adam Schmidt, Kanawha; Lindsay Greiner, Keota; Andrew Yoder, Leon; Barry Christensen, Lime Springs; Tim Couser, Nevada; Pat Swanson, Ottumwa; Julianne Johnston, Parkersburg; Tom Vincent, Perry; Randy Souder, Rockwell City; Chuck White, Spencer; and John Askew, Thurman.
Ambassadors share their message in many ways, including hosting farm tours, submitting letters to the editor and visiting with consumers at the Iowa State Fair and Iowa Games events.
“I am an ambassador because I believe it is important to tell agriculture’s story,” says Barry Christensen, an ambassador who farms near Lime Springs. “I want to have those open conversations about my farm and welcome the public to see for themselves.”
In addition to talking to consumers, the ambassador team also communicates with state legislators and industry leaders.
“Most people are two generations or more removed from the farm, and this holds true at the statehouse,” says Jolene Riessen of Ida Grove. “I feel that it’s my job as an Iowa farmer to visit with legislators and help them understand the impact of the legislation they write on my farming operation. I believe these folks need to understand the importance of agriculture to Iowa’s economy.”
Midwest Dairy Meetings Scheduled in South Dakota
Midwest Dairy Association has scheduled two South Dakota Division District Meetings so that dairy producers can hear from their board representatives and staff, and ask questions about the $.15 per hundredweight dairy checkoff. Producers from farms north of Highway 14 are invited to the meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the Best Western Ramkota Inn in Watertown. Producers from farms south of Highway 14 are invited to the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Royal Fork in Sioux Falls, behind Empire Mall. Both meetings begin at 11 a.m. and include lunch. Current dairy producers are eligible to attend. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-642-3895 by Jan. 24.
Midwest Dairy’s meeting report will focus on how dairy demand grew in 2012. Among the tactics contributing to the increase were the checkoff’s work with partners like Domino’s and McDonald’s, that made plans for extra promotion spotlighting farmers in the face of the severe drought. New partnerships with Taco Bell and Quaker Oats are also being outlined. Two subjects that have generated recent discussion – fluid milk consumption and the new school meal guidelines – are also on the agenda.
The national checkoff’s board has recently approved $14 million in funding to address fluid consumption. The checkoff funds will be paired with more than $80 million in partner investments. New school meal guidelines have triggered additional focus on expanding dairy opportunities in schools, even as milk remains a key component of each school meal.
In addition to national efforts, the report will explain how Midwest Dairy programs are carried out in South Dakota. Examples included partnerships with South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, promotion of chocolate milk at marathons, school funding and State Fair activities.
Iowa Pork Producers to hold annual meeting Jan. 22
The Iowa Pork Producers Association will hold its 2013 annual meeting on Tuesday, January 22, in Des Moines.
More than 100 producer/delegates from around the state will receive annual survey results, hear IPPA committee and national reports and special presentations. Outgoing IPPA President Bill Tentinger of Le Mars will deliver the state of the association address.
Delegates also will consider six resolutions during the meeting submitted by the IPPA Board of Directors, IPPA past presidents and county pork organizations.
The resolutions address the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, animal well-being audits, labor availability, packing plant unloading practices and the school lunch program.
IPPA producer/delegates will meet at 10 a.m. at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. IPPA also will recognize outstanding county and individual efforts in promotion and education during the awards luncheon.
The annual meeting will conclude with the passing of the gavel from Tentinger to 2013 IPPA President Greg Lear, a producer from Spencer.
Educational seminars a key part of 2013 Iowa Pork Congress
Several educational business seminars and certification training sessions are being offered by the Iowa Pork Producers Association at the 2013 Iowa Pork Congress. The event is being held Jan. 23 and 24 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines and all of the educational opportunities are offered at no additional cost to registered participants.
Hog farmers will be able to learn about new government regulations, animal health issues, swine housing and swine reproduction. There's a session for niche producers and the National Pork Producers Council representatives will provide a public policy update. Dr. David Kohl of Virginia Tech University will discuss farm business management transition in the keynote address on Jan. 23. Pork Congress attendees also can attend PQA Plus® and TQA® certification sessions, as well as confinement site manure applicator training.
The following is a complete schedule of seminars, training sessions and facilitators...
Wednesday, Jan. 23
Seminars
● Iowa Regulations & Nuisance Case Update
Eldon McAfee - Beving, Swanson & Forrest
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
● Talking Animal Health
Part I - PRRS Control Measures
Dr. Cameron Schmitt - Pipestone Vet Clinic
Part II - The Future of Antibiotics
Dr. Jim McKean - Iowa State University
10:30 a.m. - Noon
● Evaluating Sow Housing Decisions
Pork Industry Panel
12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
● "Transition Management in the Wild World of Global Economics"
Keynote Presentation
Dr. David Kohl - Virginia Tech University
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
● Show Me the Money: Economic Outlook
Dr. Steve Meyer - Paragon Economics, Inc.
3:15 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Training Sessions
● Pork Quality Assurance Plus® Certification
Dr. Matt Swantek - Iowa State University
10 a.m. - Noon
● Transport Quality Assurance® Certification
Terry Steinhart - Iowa State University
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 24
Seminars
● Progress on Pit Foam
Dr. Steve Hoff - Iowa State University
Dr. Charles Clanton - University of Minnesota
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
● Lauren Christian Endowed Lecture on Swine Reproduction
Part I - Differences among commercial farms with high and low sow longevity
Dr. Billy Flowers - North Carolina State University
Part II - Strategies for improving swine reproduction
Dr. Jason Ross - Iowa State University
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
● Building Media & Community Relations
Laurie Johns - Iowa Farm Bureau
Noon - 1 p.m.
● Dissecting D.C.: Pork Policy Update
Dallas Hockman - National Pork Producers Council
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
● Feed Management & Records for Niche Producers
Dr. Matt Swantek - Iowa State University
David Stender - Iowa State University
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Training Sessions
● Confinement Site Manure Applicator Certification
Jeff Prier - Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Angela Rieck-Hinz - Iowa State University
10 a.m. - Noon
All seminars and training sessions are held in the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. Seminars are funded by the Pork Checkoff. The Iowa Pork Congress is open to all pork producers, allied business partners and others involved in the pork industry. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 23 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24. Admission at the door is $10. For more information, contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at (515) 225-7675, (800) 372-7675 or visit http://www.iowaporkcongress.org/.
Pork Quality Assurance® Plus Update to Integrate “Take Care”
Pork producers are naturally good animal caregivers, and part of this success is due to long-standing partnerships with herd veterinarians who help guide their decisions on judicious antibiotic use to best protect animal and public health. In the upcoming update of the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) program, slated for release at World Pork Expo, the historical Take Care Use Antibiotics Responsibly program will be fully integrated into the section on responsible antibiotic use.
Antibiotics are one tool that producers and their veterinarians can use at the farm level to help ensure herd health, said Jennifer Koeman, director of producer and public health for the Pork Checkoff. “The newly updated section on antibiotics is designed to provide producers with a more integrated and comprehensive approach to responsible antibiotic use in the familiar context of PQA Plus,” she said.
New for 2013
In addition to the changes in antibiotic information in the PQA Plus program, you can expect a few other changes, while some things will remain the same.
• Good Production Practices: Changes – reflecting the inclusion of the We CareSM initiative – will expand on practices related to the public health ethical principle and help establish environmental stewardship. Worker safety practices and other tools for continuous improvement also will be included.
• Testing: The addition of a testing component will add credibility to the pork industry by displaying a commitment to continuous improvement and education. The open-book test will consist of no more than 25 questions related to animal well-being and pork safety. Participants will be able to miss three questions.
• Online Certification: While first-time certifications must be obtained through face-to-face training with a PQA Plus advisor or trainer, individuals who wish to renew their PQA Plus certification will be able to do so online. Individuals will have to contact their PQA Plus advisor to set up and verify the online certification process. PQA Plus certifications will remain valid for a three-year time period.
• Site Assessment: Site assessments are a crucial part of the PQA Plus certification program. Site certification shows a producer’s commitment and interest in producing a safe, high-quality product while promoting animal well-being and a safe environment. Upon completion of a site assessment, a producer must submit a corrective action plan for all non-compliances and follow-up with the PQA Plus advisor in order to receive site assessment status. The frequency of site assessments will remain at the three-year renewal time frame.
• Trainers/Advisors Certifications: Trainer/advisor certifications will continue to be conducted face-to-face. This group of individuals is receiving extensive instructions and information needed to effectively instruct producers.
Checkoff Offers Tools to Help Producers If a Crisis or Emergency Hits
The Pork Checkoff recently introduced two new tools to help pork producers in the event of a crisis or emergency on their farm. The Farm-level Crisis Response Plan template and Emergency Action Plan, provide customizable, step-by-step guides to help producers be prepared and stay on track in their commitment to providing a safe, quality product.
"Whether you have a large or small farm, you can never be too prepared for a crisis or emergency,"said Derrick Sleezer, a pork producer from Cherokee, Iowa, and member of the National Pork Board. "The two new Checkoff-funded tools allow producers to fill in the blanks and tailor each plan to his or her operation, providing a clear plan of action in an otherwise challenging time."
The Farm-Level Crisis Response Plan template provides a framework for evaluating the risk of on-farm crisis situations, identifying prevention measures and responding effectively should a crisis occur. The electronic planning tool outlines five crisis response steps, as well as how to assess the intensity level of a crisis.
The plan includes guidance in assembling, preparing and activating a crisis team; assessing areas of vulnerability; determining the most important communication audiences; capturing information needed to make timely, accurate decisions; and taking steps to control the situation using hour-by-hour checklists. The tool is designed for confidential use and is available through a downloadable version at pork.org/farmlevelcrisisplan or as a desktop version.
The Emergency Action Plan is a valuable tool to reduce the impact of an emergency on a producer's farm. The electronic tool provides an outline for producers to create a customized plan for their operation, including operation information, site contacts, a hazard plan and a maintenance/training calendar that can be customized for each farm site and hazard type. Also designed for confidential use, two versions are available - the downloadable version available at http://eap.pork.org or as a desktop version.
Mississippi Water Levels Expected to Sustain Barge Traffic Through January
This week the Army Corps of Engineers indicated that the Mississippi River will be able to sustain navigation through the end of January for towboats and barges at a 9-foot draft. The Corps attributed the good news to successful work to remove the rock pinnacles and the release of additional water from the Carlyle Lake Reservoir to augment water depth on the mid-Mississippi.
While this is very good news, the waterways industry continues to express concerns that low water restrictions could re-emerge and the uncertainty of long-term water levels creates costs and inefficiencies for shippers that must make logistical decisions weeks in advance. The waterways operators are urging the Corps to provide assurances that all options to maintain navigation remain on the table.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) remains engaged with the Corps, waterways industry, and Congress to ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to maintain necessary water levels and that sufficient funding will be provided for the Corps dredging and maintenance activities for the duration of FY13 and future years.
U.S. Beef, Pork Exports Dip Slightly; Lamb Rebounds
U.S. pork exports for the first 11 months of 2012 continued to exceed the record-setting pace of 2011, the value of beef exports remained slightly above 2011’s record levels despite continued lower volumes and the value of lamb exports in November bounced back from an otherwise slow year, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
With only one month yet to be recorded for 2012, pork exports continue to top 2011 levels by 2 percent in volume (2,075,974 mt) and 5 percent in value ($5.8 billion), while totals for November declined 7.7 percent in volume and 5.4 percent in value versus last year. It is important to note, however, that November 2011 ranks as the second-best month in history (behind October 2012) for U.S. pork exports.
Mexico continues to perform as the United States’ top pork volume destination, with November’s totals up 7.2 percent in volume and 4.6 percent in value, pushing the 11-month totals to 550,408 mt (up 15 percent) valued at just over $1 billion (up 11 percent).
Although exports to Japan are trailing 2011 volume, they could still eclipse the $2 billion mark this year, with value up 3 percent through November and volume down 6 percent.
Other top pork markets in November were Canada (up 15.3 percent in volume and 17.1 percent in value), South Korea (up 26.4 percent in volume and 8.5 percent in value), Russia (up 100 percent in volume and 78.7 percent in value), and Central/South America (up 21.1 percent in volume and 10 percent in value).
With U.S. production declining in 2012, beef exports fell a modest 1 percent in value on a 13.3 percent drop in volume in November. For the year, volumes are down 11 percent (1,043,151 mt) but the value of those exports is $5.05 billion – still 2 percent above the record-setting value pace of 2011.
Canada (up 18.5 percent in volume and 37.8 percent in value), Hong Kong (up 18.8 percent and 62.6 percent in volume and value, respectively), Russia (up 19 percent in volume and 4 percent in value) and Central/South America (up 42.4 percent in volume and 56.3 percent in value; including record exports to Chile, up 119 percent) were the top-performing beef export markets in November. Export value to South Korea increased nearly 6 percent on a slight decline in volume.
“Volume has been an issue for beef exports all year,” noted USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “That continued in November, but an appreciated value of those products has helped the industry hold its own in a challenging year.”
Beef exports to price-sensitive markets like Mexico are down this year, but the value of exports to premium markets like Japan (up 19 percent for the year) and Canada (up 13 percent) continue to grow even as volumes remain low.
Another positive for beef exporters is the rebound of the Taiwan market, which was once a top five U.S. beef export market but was hindered for most of this year by ractopamine-related barriers that have since been resolved. In November, the value of beef sales to Taiwan jumped 13.7 percent over last year on slightly reduced volumes. For the year, exports to Taiwan are down 48 percent in volume and 40 percent in value, but recent numbers are encouraging for 2013. Pork exports to Taiwan, however, continue to be affected by Taiwanese restrictions on products with ractopamine residues.
“There is no question that rising production costs and slowing economic growth have kept buyers on the sidelines or moved them toward less expensive options,” said Seng. He noted that higher domestic meat production in certain markets (such as Korea, Japan and China) also have affected exports this year. Market access issues – such as Indonesia’s tighter import quotas aimed at boosting domestic production and Saudi Arabia’s closure due to BSE – have also impacted exports.
“While volumes are lower, the quality and reputation of U.S. red meat products have helped support higher values, and that is not a statement that most of our competitors in the international marketplace can make,” he said.
Year-to-date, U.S. pork exports account for 27 percent of total production (23.5 percent for just muscle cuts) and the per-head export value is $56.12 – up 3 percent from last year. Beef exports account for 12.6 percent of total production (9.8 percent for just muscle cuts) with a per-head value of $214.64, up 5 percent from last year.
The value of exports was the positive news for the U.S. lamb industry in November. The volume of American lamb sales internationally has been down throughout the year: declining 27 percent for the first 11 months and 22.3 percent in November. While the value of those exports also has been down for the year (-13 percent), it jumped 12.4 percent in November on the strength of strong sales to the top lamb export market, Mexico.
National Farmers brings grain, livestock risk, profit, dairy future to forefront in K.C.
National Farmers announces its Jan. 28-31 Connect to Profit convention, co-locating with AG CONNECT Expo & Summit at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.
The events combined provide important 2013 marketing and risk management insights from National Farmers professionals for dairy, grain and cattle producers, cutting edge ag technology and information, and an opportunity to see the array of ag equipment from major companies worldwide.
Jan. 28, members will kick off convention and National Farmers hosts a Social Media and Agriculture Panel, with speakers from ag business, ag media, and National Farmers, including the 2farmgirlz Facebook personalities, dairy service representatives in the Upper Midwest. Member producers will also hear from National Farmers Vice President Paul Riniker, a Greeley, Iowa, livestock and grain producer.
Jan. 29, the Grain Division workshop will address anticipated market circumstances, and the importance of combining risk management, marketing and crop insurance for 2013. Guest speakers include U.S. Commodities President Don Roose and AgAssure/National Farmers Crop Insurance’s Chris Webb. National Farmers Senior Grain Marketing Analyst Pete Lorenz will explain why using all the ag financial products together in grain operations matters in the current economy.
In the evening, National Farmers President Paul Olson updates members during his keynote address, and the Dairy Division presents awards to producers for each region.
Jan. 30, the Dairy Division will host a panel discussion addressing the near-term future, called, “Dairy Farming in 2015: Challenges and Opportunities.” Speakers and topics will include:
· Joe Paris, dairy consultant, The Future of Large Western Dairies
· Jim Wedeberg, dairy pool director, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, The Future of Organic Dairy Farming
· Gene Paul, ag policy analyst, National Farmers, The Future of the Capper-Volstead Act
· Dr. Richard Levins, professor emeritus, University of Minnesota, The Future of Family-Sized Farms
· Brad Rach, dairy director, National Farmers, panel moderator
Two National Farmers Livestock Division leaders, Director of Operations Pat Lampert and Risk Management and Senior Cattle Marketing Negotiator Jeff Rose, both national board members, will lead an AG CONNECT Master Class at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 31, “Earning Cattle Profits During Risky Times.” The seminar (Session TH10) covers risk management from packer contracts to hedging, steps in developing a risk management program for cattle enterprises and beef quality and yield grades.
For more information, please visit nfo.org, and click on the KC Convention logo to go directly to the National Farmers convention site for information and online registration.
MAP and FMD Extended; Farm Bill Battle Continues
As the clock struck midnight, a gridlocked 112th Congress -- unable to pass a new Farm Bill -- punted into the new year. As part of the "fiscal cliff" package enacted late in the evening of New Year's Day, the 2008 Farm Bill was extended with minor changes to Sept. 30, 2013. This included USDA's key export promotion programs -- the Market Assessment Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development program (FMD) -- which were reauthorized at current levels through the end of the fiscal year.
Prospects for a new Farm Bill in the 113th Congress are uncertain. The good news is that export promotion initiatives, including MAP and FMD, enjoy broad bipartisan support.
Given the federal government's difficult fiscal situation, however, Congress remains deadlocked over the Farm Bill's big ticket items, including USDA's major nutrition, commodity, and crop insurance programs. MAP and FMD are among a broad range of relatively uncontroversial Farm Bill programs that are caught in the crossfire. But that does not lessen the impact of uncertainty on cooperators, including the U.S. Grains Council, that utilize these programs to build and defend global markets for U.S. agricultural products.
While the U.S. Grains Council does not lobby, it has worked closely with allied farm organizations to spread the good word about the success of U.S. agricultural exports and their important contribution to American jobs and economic growth. MAP and FMD are part of a proven public-private partnership that has helped make the United States the world's top agricultural exporter. Both global markets and global competition are growing rapidly. The future is bright -- provided that we are prepared to compete to win the battle for export share.
NOPA December Soy Crush Seen Rising on Strong Product Demand
Soybean crush rates for December are expected to climb to 161 million bushels, as domestic processing surged amid robust demand for soy products, according to a survey of industry analysts.
The National Oilseed Processors Association, in its monthly soybean crush report, is projected to say the crush jumped from a solid November pace of 157.3 million bushels.
The association's report--which includes only data from members--is scheduled to be released Monday at 7:30 a.m. CST.
The increase in the pace of crushing will push processing just shy of the record crush for December at 164.4 million bushels set in 2009.
Robust domestic and export demand for soymeal and soyoil coupled with strong processing margins gave crushers the incentive to push processing up near 100% of capacity, analysts said.
Analysts' estimates on the December crush ranged from 159.1 million bushels to 162.0 million bushels.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture acknowledged the strong crushing pace in a closely watched supply and demand report released Friday. USDA raised its estimates for annual crush rates by 35 million bushels to 1.605 billion bushels. The increase follows the USDA's 10 million-bushel increase last month.
The USDA cited higher projected domestic soybean meal consumption and increased soybean meal exports for the crush increase.
The boost in domestic soybean meal consumption was in line with projected gains in meat production, especially for pork and poultry, the USDA said in the report.
Meanwhile, analysts expect an increase in soyoil stocks in December to 2.592 billion pounds, from 2.385 billion pounds in November. Estimates ranged from as low as 2.500 billion pounds to as high as 2.700 billion pounds.
Soyoil stocks are seen rising, reflective of a faster crush pace in December.
MF Global Customers Get More Money
Customers of bankrupt securities firm MF Global Holdings Ltd. (MFGLQ) will get a significant chunk of money back in coming months, according to projections made by a trustee in a court filing made public Thursday night.
Trustee James Giddens, who represents customers of the failed firm's brokerage unit, said in the filing that MF Global customers in the U.S. who invested on domestic exchanges could receive up to 93 cents on the dollar of their cash back, according to the filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.
That payment, an increase from the current estimated payment of about 81 cents on the dollar, stems from a December agreement Mr. Giddens reached with the U.K. bankruptcy administrator for MF Global's London unit and the trustee for MF Global's parent company, Louis Freeh.
Mr. Giddens's filing also projected that customers of MF Global's U.S. brokerage who invested overseas would see their payments increase to 47 cents on the dollar, with a potential future payment that would increase their overall recovery of assets to a range of 68 cents to 74 cents on the dollar.
Customers of the failed brokerage firm run by former New Jersey Governor and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) Chairman Jon S. Corzine lost cash that they left at the brokerage firm when MF Global collapsed in October 2011. Various trustees have been working to recover assets since then.
Also Thursday, a group of MF Global creditors filed a plan of liquidation for the failed brokerage firm. The proposal outlined a plan to pay back creditors of MF Global's general estate within a year, and should restore the accounts of brokerage customers to 100% within months, according to a person familiar with the ad-hoc group.
The Thursday night U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan filing was made by an ad-hoc group of creditors led by Silver Point Capital, Cyrus Capital Partners LP and Knighthead Capital Management LLC. Those creditors own about 65% of MF Global's $2.2 billion in unsecured debt, according to the filing.
If the creditors' plan materializes, the $1.6 billion shortfall once reported in customer accounts will all have been paid back. Earlier in the week, the U.K administrator also outlined plans for increased payments for MF Global's overseas customers. A bankruptcy judge will sort out the various plans and determine how much various customers and creditors will receive.
U.S. Tractors Sales Were Strong Throughout 2012
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," says the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for December 2012 were up 12% compared to the same month last year. A total of 178,215 tractors were sold last month, which compares to 162,057 sold in December 2011. For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were up 13% from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 3%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 18% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 45% for the month. Combine sales were down 1% for the month.
For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 9% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 9%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 16%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 16% over 2011. Sales of combines for twelve months totaled 9,820, a decrease of 0.8% over the same period in 2011.
Astute Buyers Take Advantage of the Marketing Year’s Lowest U.S. Wheat Prices
USW Market Analyst Casey Chumrau
U.S. wheat customers are moving aggressively to snap up high-quality U.S. wheat at significantly lower prices than just a few weeks ago.
As of Nov. 29, 2012, U.S. wheat commercial export sales for 2012/13 were 10 percent lower than 2011/12 sales to date with every wheat class running behind last year’s pace. However, competitive U.S. wheat prices prompted the strongest sales numbers so far this marketing year in December. After adding nearly 2.6 million metric tons (MMT) in exports, total 2012/13 U.S. commercial sales of 19.1 MMT are now just 3 percent below last year to date. In addition, soft red winter (SRW) is now 17 percent ahead of last year’s sales pace and durum sales are 3 percent higher.
The world wheat market pays close attention to buying decisions by Egypt and, in December, its government buying agency turned to the United States for the bulk of its imports. In one month, Egypt purchased 707,000 MT of U.S. SRW, hard red winter (HRW) and white wheat. The country had purchased a total of 150,400 MT from the U.S. in the first six months of the marketing year.
Several other countries increased imports from the United States in December. Excellent relative value spurred Turkey to buy 142,500 MT of SRW, HRW and durum. It was the country’s first U.S. wheat purchase in more than 18 months. Germany nearly tripled its 2012/13 purchases in December and doubled last year’s year-to-date sales, going from 10,900 MT to 30,900 MT. Thailand entered December with year-to-date sales running 2 percent over 2011/12. But thanks to 73,500 MT purchased last month, 2012/13 U.S. wheat sales to Thailand are now 20 percent greater than at this point last year.
Traders are reporting that China is also looking to the U.S. to help bolster wheat supplies. Demand for western style wheat foods is growing there and Chinese imports of high protein wheat have increased over the past several months. Indications are the move down in U.S. wheat prices is apparently attracting the attention of China’s buyers once again.
It remains to be seen whether or not increased demand for U.S. wheat and on-going concern about next year’s winter wheat crops (see “Wheat Industry News,” below) encourage a reverse in the month-long futures price slide. For now, more U.S. wheat customers are taking the opportunity to acquire high-quality U.S. wheat at the best values of 2012/13.
Groups Launch Agriculture Workforce Coalition to Address Labor Needs
Organizations representing a broad cross-section of agricultural employers today announced the formation of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC). As the unified voice of agriculture, the AWC’s goal is to seek legislation that ensures America’s farms, ranches and other agricultural operations have access to a stable and skilled workforce.
In particular, the Coalition, recognizing that existing programs and previous proposals have proved unworkable, is putting forward a framework that includes both an earned adjustment in status for current experienced farm workers and a program to ensure that producers continue to have access to a workforce as current agricultural employees move on to other jobs. A key to the framework will be ensuring that it meets the needs of all of agriculture—both those employers with seasonal labor needs and those who provide year-round employment opportunities.
American agriculture as we know it would not be possible without the contributions of more than 1.5 million hired workers each year. Beyond the farm gate, each of these workers supports two to three full-time jobs in the food processing, transportation, farm equipment, marketing, retail and other sectors. Ensuring that farmers, ranchers and growers have access to the workers they need to maintain their productivity and competitiveness will help support continued growth in employment across the economy and in areas far removed from farm country.
Additional information on the AWC can be found on its website: www.agworkforcecoalition.org.
“The continued production of labor-intensive agricultural crops and products in the U.S., ranging from dairy and livestock to fruit, vegetables and tree nuts, cannot be accomplished without vitally important labor provided by skilled and experienced farm workers,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. “Without people to work on America’s farms and ranches, pick the crops or milk the cows, all other issues in agriculture become irrelevant.”
“We have an unprecedented opportunity now that Democrats and Republicans are having a serious conversation about the critical need for immigration reform—an opportunity that cannot be wasted,” said Tom Nassif, president and CEO of Western Growers. “Agricultural employers have come together as never before in lock-step and agreement about a workable proposal that will serve the needs of farmers, workers and the American people. The time for immigration reform is now.”
“This coalition framework proposal will help American agriculture achieve a market-based, flexible agricultural worker program that makes sense for everyone,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “It’s important for workers, farmers and especially consumers that we have a legal, stable workforce in place. It’s time to move the discussion forward and find a solution. It’s time to meet agriculture’s labor crisis head on.”
“After seven years of hard but fruitless work on this issue, dairy farmers have a rare opportunity in 2013 to achieve a comprehensive solution to the immigration policy challenge. We see our participation in this coalition as the best chance to shape federal policies that will ensure farm employers’ continued access to both existing and future dairy workers,” said Jerry Kozak, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation.
“Having a stable and viable workforce has never been more critical for our nation’s fruit and vegetable industry, and we must continue to fervently educate lawmakers about all of agriculture’s crucial labor needs,” said Tom Stenzel, president & CEO of United Fresh Produce Association. “At this critical time, the AWC brings together the nation’s leading agriculture organizations, delivering our messages with a strong, unified voice, to work with Congress for forging a landmark farm labor solution.”
“Apple growers face a labor crisis and need immigration reform to ensure American apples are harvested each year. Each apple – over 20 billion - must be picked by hand. Apples are grown in 36 states and play a critical role in our rural economy, creating jobs and returning millions to local business. Apples are also a cultural icon in our national heritage,” said Nancy Foster, president & CEO of the U.S. Apple Association. “The old adage, ‘As American as apple pie,’ will be obsolete unless this labor crisis is solved because we will import our fruit and export our jobs.”
“Nursery and greenhouse crops are among the highest value crops still produced in America. They bring economic and environmental benefits and jobs to the communities where they are grown and used. But their production is very labor-intensive,” said Michael Geary, executive vice president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. “No issue is more important to our growers than Congress acting—smartly and soon—to ensure a stable and legal farm workforce.
“NCAE members have worked for immigration reforms to assure stability of our current agricultural workforce and allow new workers to join us. US domestic production of food, ornamentals, and other labor-intensive crops is dependent on immigrant workers,” said Frank Gasperini, executive vice president and CEO of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. “Our economy, security and health benefit from robust domestic agricultural production. Our workers will benefit from safe, free movement and job choices that would derive from updated federal immigration policies. Our current H2 visa programs are badly flawed and poorly administered, we need a new model. NCAE is proud to be part of the large industry coalition represented in the AWC, and we look to our elected officials to take action in 2013 to assure the future of domestic labor-intensive agriculture in the form of immigration reforms which allow current workers to remain and provides a workable program for new arrivals.”
“American agriculture has come together to support a common-sense plan that will provide needed stability to our agricultural labor force – both seasonal and year round - and will help ensure America’s food production remains at home,” said Chalmers Carr, USA Farmers president. “After years of work, we have a proposal that addresses the labor needs of all sectors of the agriculture industry.”
“The need for able and willing agricultural workers goes beyond state boundaries. It’s a critical issue for our nation,” said Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “As a coalition representing all sectors of agriculture from across the country, we’re seeking a bipartisan solution that will provide the workforce that American farmers need to continue growing and harvesting abundant, safe and healthful food for our country.”
"It takes many hands to feed America," noted Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen. "We know that all too well in California. One of every five gallons of milk comes from our state. We must have access to a stable, legal workforce including our current, experienced workers."
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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