Friday January 4 Ag News

Senator Fischer Sworn-in, Given Committee Assignments

Senator Deb Fischer was officially sworn-in as a United States senator in the U.S. Capitol by Vice President Joseph Biden Thursday at a ceremony that marked the start of the 113th Congress and Fischer's six-year term.

In a statement released following the ceremony, Fischer said, "I am committed to working with my colleagues – Republicans and Democrats – to restore America's fidelity to her constitutional principles.  This requires policies that limit the size of government, revitalize our ailing economy, and respect the liberties and hard-earned money of American taxpayers. The road ahead requires tough choices, and I will cast my votes solely on the merits of policies and their impact on Nebraskans and the nation."

Fischer was also assigned her Senate committees in the areas of Armed Services; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; Small Business; and Indian Affairs.



Soybean Field Day Results Shared at January Programs

The 2012 growing season marked the second year of replicated field research conducted at the Soybean Management Field Day sites.

The January Soybean Management Field Day Research Update sessions will provide the latest information and yield results gathered from on-farm field day locations.

Dates, times, locations and phone contact include:
– Jan. 29, Noon - 3 p.m., UNL Extension Office, O’Neill, 128 N. Sixth, Suite 100, 402-336-2760
– Jan. 30, Noon - 3 p.m., Dawson County Fairgrounds, Lexington, 1000 Plum Creek Parkway, 308-324-5501
– Jan. 31, Noon- 3 p.m., Wunderlich’s Catering, Columbus, 304 23rd St., Columbus (on Highway 30), 402-563-4901
– Jan. 31, 6- 9 p.m., Hruska Memorial Public Library, David City, 399 Fifth St., 402-367-7410

The field days and the research updates are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are funded through checkoff dollars. The United Soybean Board, through soybean checkoff investments, is committed to making your checkoff pay off.

The August 2012 Soybean Management Field Days provided an opportunity to hear experts share their knowledge and experiences as they relate to soybean production, marketing and management. Replicated trials were conducted at the four center pivot irrigated field sites. UNL faculty will share and discuss yield results collected from the field day sites at the upcoming research update sessions.

A complimentary meal is included. To RSVP or for more information, contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 800-852-BEAN, UNL Extension at 800-529-8030 or the respective host UNL Extension office at the number listed above.

Funding for this effort was provided by the Nebraska Soybean Board.




A Platform for Nebraska Agriculture’s Future
Governor Dave Heineman

The 25th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference will be held February 12-13 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. I invite all Nebraskans to attend this event and participate in discussions that focus on the future of the state's number one industry.

The theme for this year’s conference is “A Platform for Nebraska Agriculture’s Future.”  The conference will challenge the farmers and ranchers, agribusiness representatives, and policy and business leaders in attendance to think about some of the key policies and practices that will drive agriculture in the coming decade.

Kicking off this year’s conference will be Dr. Roger Beachy, with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Beachy will discuss the future of biotechnology, and how new research and policy considerations may influence opportunities for Nebraska.

There has been a great deal of discussion in Nebraska and across the nation the past few years about livestock production practices and livestock welfare in general.  We will have two speakers who will address this topic – Tyson Redpath and Dr. Ronnie Green.

Tyson Redpath is with The Russell Group of Arlington, Va. He will discuss the effects of state animal welfare laws on interstate commerce.  Dr. Ronnie Green, vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will discuss a UNL analysis of Nebraska’s position within the United States as a food producer now, and in the future.

We’ll also hear from Jerry Hagstrom, with the Hagstrom Report.  He’ll provide an analysis of current activity in Washington, D.C., that could affect Nebraska agriculture, including the status of the farm bill, results of activity related to the federal budget and overall deficit, and other federal action that may influence the future for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

In addition to these policy issues, we will focus on the near-term outlook for drought in the state. Nebraska Climatologist Al Dutcher will provide an overview of what to expect. This information will be valuable to our farmers and ranchers as they work to determine what actions they can take in their operations to lessen the drought’s impact.

Agriculture is an important part of our economy and as we celebrate this 25th anniversary of the Governor’s Ag Conference I look forward to hearing from our speakers and discussing the important issues that will challenge agriculture in the months, years and decades ahead.

I encourage Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders to attend, as well as all Nebraskans because each one of us has a stake in the future success of this industry. Registration information is available on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.ne.gov or by calling 1-800-831-0550.



ISU Extension Offers Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators on seven different dates and locations in February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification, but anyone using dry or solid manure as a nutrient resource,” said Angie Rieck-Hinz, coordinator of the Manure Applicator Certification Program. “This year’s program features information about how to put a value on using dry/solid manures in your cropping system.”

The workshops are free to attend and open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa DNR to meet manure applicator certification requirements.

Register for one of the workshops by calling the number listed with the selected site. Workshop locations and dates are:
-    Feb. 5, Branding Iron Restaurant, Thompson. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 641-584-2261 to register.
-    Feb. 6, Sioux County Extension Office, Orange City. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 712-737-4230 to register.
-    Feb. 14, Community Building, Ellsworth. This meeting starts at 9 a.m. Please note new location and start time. Call 515-832-9597 to register.
-    Feb. 15, Heartland Museum, Clarion. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 515-532-3453 to register.
-    Feb. 18, Washington County Extension Office, Washington. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 319-653-4811 to register.
-    Feb. 19, Adair County Fairgrounds, Greenfield. Please note new location. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 641-743-8412 to register.
-    Feb. 28, Buena Vista County Extension Office, Storm Lake. This meeting starts at 1 p.m. Call 712-732-5056 to register.



Northey: 23 Farm to School Chapters Across Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said that five year old Iowa Farm to School program now has twenty-three chapters operating across the state that reached an additional 13,000 students in 2012.

"We are excited about the interest in the Farm to School program and the growth we have seen in the number of chapters and the programs those chapters are offering," Northey said. "We are pleased to see more students enjoying fresh, local foods while learning about the farmers that grow our food."

The Iowa Farm to School Program began in 2007 and is managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The goals of the program are to link elementary, secondary, public and non-public schools with Iowa farmers; provide schools with fresh and minimally processed Iowa-grown food for inclusion in schools meals and snacks; and encourage children to develop healthy eating habits.

The twenty-three Farm to School Chapters have undertaken a variety of activities, such as local food procurement programs, that are personalized to meet their district's individual needs. Approved chapters are eligible to receive up to a $4,000 start-up grant to support activities that help achieve the program goals. Chapters can be found in schools of all size across the state, including small schools, such as the Pekin School District, to the larger metro schools such as those in Des Moines and Iowa City.

To help promote Iowa growers and the specialty crops they produce, the Department has also created an online Fruit and Vegetable Farm Directory. The directory is available to anyone looking for Iowa grown fruits and vegetables.

The Department has also partnered with the Iowa Department of Education to create a unique online "bid sheet" to help simplify the process schools go through to find locally grown foods. This "bid sheet" not only saves schools valuable time and energy in finding Iowa-grown foods, but also provides a new marketing opportunity for fruit and vegetable growers.

The Iowa Farm to School program offers a variety of ways for schools to get involved. Ongoing initiatives include "A is for Apple" which help make locally grown apples available in schools, and "A Garden is the Way to Grow" that support the establishment of school gardens. Other initiatives such as "Wrap Your Own-Iowa Grown" promote the purchase of locally-grown vegetables and products to create Iowa grown wraps.

In 2013 the Department is planning to continue to offer opportunities for schools to engage in farm to school through new efforts such as the "Growing Together" project, which will target FFA chapters.

"We hope other schools interested in starting a chapter will contact the Department and help us reach even more students with fresh, Iowa grown fruits and vegetables in 2013," Northey said.

Schools or communities interested in learning more about the Iowa Farm to School program can visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov and click on the "Farm to School Program" link under "Hot Topics."



Update on Mississippi River Lower Water Levels

The American Soybean Association, the waterways industry, agriculture industry partners, and other stakeholders continue to closely watch water levels on the Mississippi River and work to prevent a severe disruption in barge traffic. In response to concerns raised by industry stakeholders, the Corps of Engineers expedited issuance of contracts to begin removing rock pinnacles in the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Ill. Due to the drought and historical low water levels on the river, the rock pinnacles have emerged, reducing the depth and width of the shipping channel used by barges. Normally, the Corps would not have started the rock removal work until January and would not have finished until late February. The expedited process is expected to result in the first phase of work being completed in 30 days and provide 1.5 feet of additional depth in the shipping channel.

The Corps also announced that it released water from reservoirs located on the Kaskaskia River south of St. Louis to support navigation over the rock pinnacles, providing up to an additional six inches of depth in this critical reach of the river.

ASA and other industry representatives attended a briefing from the White House Domestic Policy office on Dec. 20 to get an update and discuss additional options.

The Corps and the waterways operators have different views on the ability to maintain the 9-foot channel depth without the release of water from Missouri River reservoirs. The depths will depend on a combination of factors over the next few weeks, including whether it rains, if portions of the river north of St. Louis freeze and reduce water flow, if a predicted warming trend melts existing snowpack, and how fast the rock removal work proceeds.

Release of additional water from the Missouri River is strongly opposed by interests in that region, including governors, farmers, residents, and Indian tribes. The Corps has indicated that new releases from the Missouri River are not under reconsideration at this time.



ASA Welcomes Cochran, Thanks Roberts for Service as Senate Ag Ranking Member

Canton, Miss., soybean farmer and American Soybean Association (ASA) President Danny Murphy welcomed Senator and fellow Mississippian Thad Cochran to his new post as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today.

“A former Chairman and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee for more than three decades, Ranking Member Cochran has been a tireless advocate for American agriculture,” said Murphy. “ASA has worked closely with the Ranking Member throughout his tenure on the Committee, including during his service as Chairman from 2003 to 2005. He has been a strong leader on risk management, export, conservation, food aid, and agricultural research programs important to all farmers, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him and his staff as Ranking Member.”

Announced on Thursday, Sen. Cochran takes over the ranking membership from Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, who had held the position since 2011.

“Senator Roberts has worked diligently in the interests of soybean farmers and rural America for the past five years, and ASA owes him many, many thanks,” Murphy said. “His bipartisan work as Ranking Member alongside Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow on the farm bill and countless other pieces of legislation has had a direct impact on the success and profitability not only of soybean farmers, but all of agriculture. Our farmers have seen unprecedented success under his watch, and we thank him for his dedication and look forward to working with him on the committee for many years to come.”



Aderholt to Chair House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee

The House Appropriations Committee announced that Rep. Bob Aderholt (R-Ala.) will take over as chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee in the new Congress. Rep. Aderholt will replace previous chair Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.).  The Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee is responsible for writing the annual appropriations bill that provides discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.



USSEC Chairman’s Report: 2012 Year in Review

"Market development milestones, record setting purchases of soybeans, new free trade agreements, and severe drought conditions that continue across much of the country … all were defining moments for America’s soybean farmers in 2012," said U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Chairman and ASA Executive Committee member Randy Mann. "While there were both planned and unexpected events that shaped the year for U.S. soybean farmers, some had an immediate impact while others will have lasting affects well into 2013 and beyond."

Events of significance in 2012 included:
-    Agriculture leaders from China committed to purchasing 492.3 million of U.S. soybeans, setting a new volume record with an estimated value of $6.7 billion, during signing ceremonies co-hosted by USSEC in Des Moines and Los Angeles. Read more.
-    The U.S. Soy Family came together with 450 Chinese soy processors, importers and end users to celebrate the accomplishments of the U.S. soy industry in China over the last 30 years. The ceremony marked the transformation of China from being a net exporter of soy, with an underdeveloped animal agriculture sector in 1982, to the world’s largest importer of soy, with a vibrant and modernizing animal agriculture sector that consumes nearly 25 percent of all soy grown in the U.S. Read more.
-    U.S. grower leaders, soy family representatives and soy trading company executives traveled to Barcelona for the 2nd Annual Sustainable Trade Conference. Read more.
-    USSEC hosted the first Forum for Sustainable Supply of Grains and Oilseeds for the Americas in Puerto Vallarta. The event drew a large audience with more than 80 top executives from international soy trading companies, U.S. exporters and U.S. grower leaders to discuss key issues affecting the oilseed and grain trade in North and South America. Read more.
-    USSEC brought together for the first time a large group of soy protein commercial decision makers from throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asian Subcontinent for a commercial conference and the launch of a new international marketing office. Read more.

"While we enter 2013 with a focus on the drought’s impact on U.S. waterways, I am confident that the tremendous growth and relationship building we experienced in 2012 will continue into the new year," said Mann.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/28/2012

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 807,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 33.89 million gallons daily.  That is down 27,000 b/d from the week before.  The four week average for ethanol production stood at 822,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.6 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 20.2 million barrels. That is a decrease from last week.

Imports of ethanol showed 87,000 b/d, up from last week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 357.8 million gallons daily.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.47%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.236 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 90,064 metric tons of livestock feed, 80,292 metric tons of which were distillers grains.  The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal.  Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.2 million pounds of corn oil daily.



Bledsoe named new chief operating officer of National FFA Organization

Joshua Bledsoe of Raleigh, N.C., was named chief operating officer of the National FFA Organization Friday. Bledsoe will manage major FFA operations and lead the overall execution of the 557,318-member organization’s strategic plan, reporting directly to CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong.

Bledsoe has previously served as the state agricultural education leader and state FFA advisor for North Carolina and has accumulated 15 years of progressive leadership and management experience within agricultural education. He has been a key member on numerous national and state FFA boards and committees, and is a member of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education, among other professional organizations.

As COO, Bledsoe will lead key FFA organizational units, including education; convention and events management; partner services; information technology; marketing, communications and brand management; and merchandising and customer fulfillment.

As the North Carolina State Agricultural Education Leader, Bledsoe provided leadership and overall coordination for agricultural education within the state. He was charged with leading an 11-member state agricultural education team and ensuring professional development opportunities for teachers. Bledsoe also developed and maintained close working relationships with local, state and national agencies and organizations. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Bledsoe earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in agricultural education.

“Josh’s experience as a state FFA leader, in the classroom and as a former FFA state president, brings the National FFA Organization a wealth of knowledge, relationships and passion for FFA and agricultural education,” said Dr. Armstrong. “With Josh on our leadership team, I’m confident we will move FFA and agricultural education forward aggressively.”

Bledsoe will relocate to Indianapolis with his family to begin the new role on Feb. 18.



Mosaic 2nd Quarter Net Up 0.8%

A slowdown in fertilizer shipments to Asia weighed on Mosaic Co.'s fiscal second-quarter earnings, although overall profit edged higher on a significant tax benefit.

The Minnesota-based fertilizer company, one of the world's largest potash and phosphate fertilizer producers, reported second-quarter operating earnings fell 30%. The decline was due mainly to lower phosphate volumes and prices, the company said.

Despite that pressure, net profit climbed 0.8% thanks to an income-tax benefit of 42 cents a share.

Even amid strong U.S. demand, the market for potash and fertilizer has been under pressure in recent months by prolonged contract negotiations with buyers in India and China, who have insisted on lower prices.

The company slashed its global potash shipment forecast to 55 million to 57 million tons for 2013, down from a prior forecast of 58 million to 60 million, and cut its phosphate shipment forecast to 63 million to 65 million tons, down 1 million. The company in November had cut its second-quarter potash and phosphates sales volume expectations, pointing to weaker demand.

Still, the company has said it believes that customer demand is simply delayed, adding that the long-term prospects for fertilizer remains positive.

In the latest period, phosphate net sales -- the company's biggest source of revenue -- were down 19% at $1.8 billion as sales volume shrank about 6.3%. Net sales in the potash segment fell 7% to $780 million as volume sank about 17%.

For the quarter ended Nov. 30, Mosaic reported a profit of $628.8 million, or $1.47 a share, up from $623.6 million, or $1.40 a share, a year earlier.

Net sales sank 16% to $2.54 billion, driven by lower phosphate and potash volumes and lower phosphate prices.



Hormel Buys Skippy Peanut Butter

Hormel Foods Corp agreed to buy Skippy, the iconic U.S. peanut butter brand, from Unilever Plc for $700 million, adding the well-known kids lunch staple to a portfolio that includes Spam canned meat.

The deal also helps Hormel, struggling with rising livestock feed costs, expand beyond meat products and gives it a bigger global presence, including in markets such as China where Skippy is the leading peanut butter brand, reports Reuters.

Hormel shares rose 6 percent to $33.82 - their highest ever - before easing a little to $33.37 in late morning trading on Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange.

Consumer goods conglomerate Unilever said in October it was selling the Skippy line, as it shifted its focus to higher-growth food brands such as Knorr and Hellmann's, and fast-growing personal care products such as Dove, Lux and Rexona.

Analysts, at the time, expected Skippy to fetch around $400 million.

Skippy, which dates back to the early 1930s, is the No.2 U.S. peanut butter brand after J.M. Smucker Co's (SJM.N) Jif. It had annual sales of $300 million in 2011 and Hormel expects it to contribute $370 million this year.

The Skippy business will add modestly to Hormel's fiscal 2013 results and add between 13 cents and 17 cents per share to 2014 earnings, the company said.