Monday January 14 Ag News

Nebraska Dairy Convention Scheduled for March 12

A South Dakota dairy producer who traveled with his wife on a mission to Haiti is the headline speaker at the 2013 Nebraska Dairy Convention on Tuesday, March 12, at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk.

Dave Hansen was featured in a recent Midwest Dairy Association video that emphasized how dairy plays an important role in feeding the world.  His presentation, and the crowning of the new Nebraska Dairy Princess, will take place during the convention banquet at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m.

The convention includes a trade show that runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and informational sessions throughout the day.  The Nebraska Holstein Association meets at 11 a.m. and the Nebraska State Dairy Association Annual Meeting takes place at 12:30 p.m.

The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests.  Special room rates are available at the Norfolk Lodge and Suites by calling 1-800-230-4134.  Questions about the convention can be directed to Rod Johnson, Nebraska State Dairy Association, at 402-261-5482 or rod@nebraskamilk.org.  Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available at nebraskamilk.org. The deadline to register is March 2. 



NE Divison - Midwest Dairy Seeks Princess Candidates

Young women interested in advocating for Nebraska’s dairy community are encouraged to run for the next Nebraska Dairy Princess title.  The contest, sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association’s Nebraska Division, is planned for Tuesday, March 12, in conjunction with the Nebraska Dairy Convention in Norfolk.

The Nebraska Dairy Princess reaches out to consumers to help them understand the important role dairy products play in a healthful diet, and provides information about how dairy farmers care for their cows and the resources used to produce milk.  Her appearances include meetings, demonstrations, promotions, presentations, radio and television interviews, passing out trophies and ribbons, school visits and parades.

Candidates must be at least a high school junior and not yet 26 years old, be personally active or have a parent, guardian or grandparent active within the Nebraska dairy cattle industry, and have never been married.  A $750 scholarship is provided to the winner and a $250 scholarship is awarded to the runner-up.

Judging for the title is based on personal interviews, presentations and application materials. Complete information and the application, which is due by Friday, March 1, are available at midwestdairycheckoff.com.

Additional information may be obtained from Julie Meier, contest director, at 308-390-9338 or julie.meier@thrivent.com.

The outgoing Nebraska Dairy Princess is Emma Lammers, daughter of Joe and Kathy Lammers of Hartington. 



Sowing the Seed for Fresh Ag Policy
Senator Mike Johanns
Last year’s attempt at a new five-year farm bill to replace the expiring policy was uprooted when the clock ran out.  While I was pleased with the Senate-passed legislation, it never made its way to the President’s desk. The result was a last-minute extension of the current policy enacted in 2008 for yet another year.

While this development was far from ideal, the alternative—reverting to policy from the 1940s—was a much worse option for farmers, ranchers and consumers.  The archaic policy would have been difficult for the Department of Agriculture to implement, and could have impacted producers’ planting decisions and grocery store prices.

The one-year extension has no impact on the existing crop insurance program, which is quickly becoming farmers’ favorite method of managing risks. It also authorizes disaster assistance for livestock producers, which expired in the last quarter of 2011, and protects consumers from volatile prices for milk and essential foods that would have been triggered by the 1940s ag policy.

Now, Congress must refocus its efforts, building upon momentum generated last year to finally pass a five-year reform-minded farm bill that provides for better risk management and improved trade opportunities while at the same time, reducing the deficit. We did this in the Senate last year, and I am optimistic we can do it again in 2013.

Legislation last year would have saved between $23 and $35 billion. The Senate-passed version achieved this by ending direct and countercyclical payments, simplifying and streamlining conservation programs, trimming nutrition spending and curbing fraud and waste.  It also increased emphasis on the crop insurance program, which has proven to be a better use of tax dollars than the historic, costly ad hoc disaster assistance packages for farmers faced with weather-damaged crops.

The Senate passed a strong farm bill with an encouraging demonstration of bipartisan commitment to improve outdated policy and save taxpayer dollars. This is, at the very least, a strong foundation to resume talks for a new, reform-minded and fiscally responsible five-year farm bill this year.

While momentum is on our side, we cannot let any grass grow under our feet.  The sooner we start, the quicker we can move forward with a final bill.

Chairwoman Stabenow and Chairman Lucas of the Senate and House Ag Committees have indicated they are making this a priority in 2013. I am optimistic that all of this can get done in a way that serves our farmers well and saves the taxpayer’s money.

America’s farmers and ranchers feed and fuel the world.  They continue to be a bright spot in an anemic economy, and it is important that we give them the certainty they need through up-to-date ag policy.



Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act

Each year, local Farm Service Agency offices publicizes information pertaining to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act.  The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 became effective on February 2, 1979.  It requires any foreign person who:
·  acquires or transfers any interest other than a security interest in agricultural land to submit a completed FSA-153 to the Secretary of Agriculture not later than 90 calendar days after the date of acquisition or transfer, or
·  held any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land on February 1, 1979, to have submitted a report to the Secretary not later than August 1, 1979.

The information required by the Secretary should be reported on the enclosed FSA-153.  Additional copies of this form, which you are encouraged to give to clients who are foreign persons owning, acquiring, or transferring agricultural land in the United States or its territories or possessions, may be obtained from your local FSA office.  Return the completed FSA-153 to the same office.

Any foreign person who holds, acquires, or transfers any interest in agricultural land, who the Secretary of Agriculture determines did not submit FSA-153, or who knowingly submitted a report that was incomplete, misleading, or false is subject to civil penalty of not more than 25 percent of the fair market value of the land on the date the penalty is assessed.

FSA-153 is analyzed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, to develop reports for the Secretary of Agriculture and the agriculture department in each State.  Completed FSA-153’s and the analysis shall be available for public inspection at the Department of Agriculture located in Washington, DC.

If you have questions concerning the Act, please contact the your local Farm Service Agency office or USDA Service Center.  



A New Look for Ag Decision Maker Website

Ag Decision Maker, one of the most visited Iowa State University Extension and Outreach websites, has a new look. The decision-oriented agricultural business website now showcases new and emerging issues within farm management. While the design of the Web page has changed, the Web address www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm and the Ag Decision Maker purpose, to provide up-to-date information from agricultural economists at Iowa State University and other Midwest universities and institutions, remain the same.

Ann Johanns, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and editor of Ag Decision Maker, said the site is designed for farmers, lenders, farm managers, agriculture instructors and others involved in agriculture. She urges them to visit the redesigned website. "The site offers a wide range of business information on marketing, leasing, land values, legal issues, costs and returns, new business development, and many other topics,” Johanns said.

Website Features
The Ag Decision Maker website provides assistance in a variety of ways.
-    A six-page business newsletter is provided monthly that contains information and analysis of current business and economic issues.
-    More than 430 information files provide information and analysis for finding solutions to many of the decisions facing farmers and agribusinesses.
-    Many of the information files have decision tools for online computation. Figures can be entered into the spreadsheet to analyze individual situations and save the analysis as a file with personal records.
-    Teaching activities are provided for use in the classroom.
-    Voiced media presentations offer further details on some information files.

Information Updated Regularly
Outlook and profitability files on the website are updated on a monthly basis to show profitability for various crop and livestock enterprises. These files as well as links to the Iowa Farm Outlook newsletter, USDA reports and weather information can be found on the Outlook and Profitability page.

AgDM posts timely tips throughout the month on the AgDM blog and through its Twitter feed, @ISU_AgDM.

The Ag Decision Maker website currently has more than 3,200 visitors per day. These visitors spend a total of 500 hours on the site every day.

Visit the site at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm and bookmark it for future reference. Monthly email notification of new information posted to the website is available at no charge. Visit the “email sign-up” link on the homepage for the online form, or email agdm@iastate.edu.



Soy Aquaculture Alliance Elects Executive Committee

Elections were held during the December 3rd board meeting of the Soy Aquaculture Alliance Board of Directors. Serving as chairman of SAA for a second term is Duane Dahlman of Marengo, Ill. Set to return as vice chairman is George Martin of Nebo, Ky. New to the executive committee for 2013 is John Wray of Ottawa, Kan. Wray will serve as the Secretary of SAA. Delbert Westphalen, Atlantic, Iowa, was chosen to serve a second term as treasurer for the SAA.

"The Soy Aquaculture Alliance is a new organization and I look forward to serving my second term as chair. The goal of SAA is to create partnerships that will help the aquaculture industry grow. Since this is a new organization, we will be focusing our efforts in the upcoming year on getting the word out there that U.S. soybean farmers want to help support the aquaculture industry," said Dahlman. "As a soybean farmer, I am committed to developing diverse markets for the products I grow. With the demand for global aquaculture increasing so rapidly, we are committed to meeting the increased demand for aquaculture feeds," Dahlman continued.

SAA was developed to ensure a safe supply of affordable seafood for America and an abundant supply of the highest quality soybeans and soybean ingredients for the aquaculture feed industry. Comprised of both private industry and a number of Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs), SAA is working to make US soybeans the most widely trusted and commonly used aquafeed ingredient.

"The Soy Aquaculture Alliance relies on strategic guidance from our volunteer board members, who represent both the U.S. soybean farmers and the aquaculture industry. By working together, both groups feel we can advance the cause of the aquaculture industry and meet the increasing demand for seafood products and the soy-based feeds necessary to produce those products," Dr. Steven Hart, SAA Executive Director explained.

For more information about the Soy Aquaculture Alliance visit www.soyaquaalliance.com. 



Ethanol's Political Landscape of Changes and Opportunities 

The political landscape in Washington changed with the November elections, including that for ethanol.  In the past few months, Congress has seen fewer corn advocate members added to the freshman class and also to key committees such as the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  In addition, shortly before Christmas, the White House announced the departure of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.  It will be critical that the National Corn Growers Association use all opportunities to educate the new players on the importance of biofuels.

"The upcoming year could be a challenging one for ethanol advocates," NCGA President Pam Johnson said.  "At the same time, we see many new legislators and regulators coming to power. With fewer leaders from corn producing states, education and grassroots action will be essential to successfully defending the Renewable Fuel Standard."

A request to waive the RFS was denied in 2012, but NCGA expects that issue to come under attack again.  Rep. Fred Upton, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has already signaled a plan to put the RFS on trial this year.

NCGA will also wait to see who is nominated as the new head of EPA.  NCGA had a solid working relationship with Administrator Jackson, who worked to advance E15.  This will decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil while offering consumers a wider range of fuel choice.  NCGA is looking forward to continuing this work with the new administrator.

"Last year, the EPA chose to deny requests to waive provisions of the RFS based upon the 2012 corn crop," said Johnson. "While this decision kept provisions in place for a time, we can expect more requests of the same nature should stocks remain low in 2013. We cannot rest upon our laurels and assume those in leadership positions understand the importance of biofuels. Again, I must stress the importance of grassroots activism, coupled with educational efforts, in maintaining the RFS and support for ethanol."



Annie’s Project Courses Offered by Iowa State University Extension

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering Annie’s Project courses at nine locations this winter. The course, offered by the Value Added Agriculture Program, aims to educate women on risk management aspects of farming so they can be more fully involved in their farm operations.

The Annie’s Project course takes place in six 3-hour sessions. Course curriculum covers five areas of agricultural risk: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Women will learn more about:
-    Financial ratios, balance sheets, budgeting, enterprise analysis and business planning
-    Human communication and management styles, and insurance needs
-    Legal issues, estate laws, property title, food safety and employee requirements
-    Marketing plans and access to market information
-    Production tools, farmland leasing, USDA programs and soil maps

“The goal of Annie’s Project is to empower women to take active leadership roles in their farming operations,” said Marsha Laux, Annie’s Project state coordinator and extension program coordinator with the Value Added Agriculture Program. “Like any venture into a new enterprise in agriculture, this requires careful planning and use of the right tools and strategies.”

Winter 2013 Annie’s Project Course offerings
    Algona: Sessions will be held Thursday nights, Jan. 17 - Feb. 28, at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Kossuth County Office at 1121 B, Hwy 18 E, Algona, from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, contact Carrie Gatton at 515-295-2469. Algona Brochure (PDF).

    Carroll: Sessions will be held Tuesday nights, Jan. 8 – Feb. 12, at the Harold Bierl Community Building, Carroll, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Julee Grell at 712-792-2364 or Shane Ellis at 515-520-0601. Carroll Brochure (PDF)

    Fort Dodge: Sessions will be held Monday nights, Jan. 14 – Feb. 18, at the Career Education Building, Room 110, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, contact Sue Schmitz at 515-832-9597.

    Guthrie Center: Sessions will be held Monday evenings, Feb. 4 – March 11, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 4 and March 4 classes will be at the Farm Bureau Hall, 203 N 4th, Guthrie Center. The remaining classes will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Guthrie County Office, 212 State St., Guthrie Center. For more information, contact Mary Ebert at 641-747-2276. Guthrie Center Flier (PDF)

    Marshalltown: Sessions will be held Tuesday nights, Feb. 5 - March 12 (with March 19 as snow date), at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Marshall County Office at 2608 South 2nd St., Marshalltown. For more information, contact Amy Pieper at 641-752-1551. Marshalltown Brochure (PDF)

    New Hampton: Sessions will be held Tuesday nights, Feb. 5 – March 19, at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Chickasaw County Office at 104 E. Main St., New Hampton, from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, contact Danielle Day at 641-394-2174.

    Oskaloosa: Sessions will be held Thursday nights from Jan. 24 - March 7, at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Mahaska County Office at 212 N I St., Oskaloosa, from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, contact Natalie Spray or Bob Wells at the extension office.

    Red Oak: Sessions will be held Thursday nights, Jan. 17 – Feb. 28, at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Montgomery County Office at 400 Bridge St., Suite #2, Red Oak, from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information, contact Stephanie Langner at 712-623-2592.

    Waukon: Sessions will be held Thursday nights, Feb. 7 - March 21, at the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank Community Room, 201 West Main St., Waukon, from 6 - 9 p.m. Contact Julie Christensen at 563-568-6345 or Kristen Schulte at 563-547-3001.

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Registration may be done online at https://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/annie/quickregister.html.



Vilsack to Stay as Ag Secretary

Tom Vilsack will keep his job as head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a second term under President Barack Obama, White House and USDA officials said Monday.

Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, led the USDA during the worst drought to hit American farmers since the 1950s. He has been criticized for his staunch support for corn-based ethanol. Corn prices rose to record levels last year as drought conditions scorched fields across the country.

Obama has faced criticism for not nominating more women and minorities to cabinet positions in his second term. On Monday, Obama expressed commitment to diversity and said he's not finished with the lineup for his second term.

Vilsack was the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, before being elected to the Iowa state senate. He then served two terms as the governor before Obama chose him to lead the USDA.



Vilsack Highlights Unlimited Opportunity in Rural America, Challenges American Farm Bureau Members and Producers to Pursue New Partnerships

During an address today to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the unlimited potential of rural America, and also challenged rural Americans to embrace a proactive message that highlights this opportunity for the rest of the nation.  Vilsack urged farmers and producers take advantage of innovation, job creation partnerships and to share their story of a modern, innovative, inspiring rural America to new audiences.

“Rural America is leading innovation in this country today,” said Vilsack. “Rural areas can benefit tremendously through the bioeconomy, whether producing cutting-edge new products or advanced biofuels from crops and plant products. We are learning more about what can be made from wood and forest products. We are discovering groundbreaking medical benefits associated with many homegrown products – and much more.”

Vilsack said that there is unlimited opportunity to grow the rural economy by harnessing the potential of this work. He highlighted a number of ways in which USDA is working to create new markets for innovation.

“At USDA, my goal in the coming years is to work with our partners to promote rural investment through research and collaboration. We must create new agricultural products that provide a renewed opportunity for the next generation of American farmers,” Vilsack said.  “We are particularly focused on developing new foreign and domestic markets and promoting conservation and recreation in our rural communities. We must also continue to strengthen the biobased economy.”

Secretary Vilsack outlined the valuable role research plays in boosting crop production.   Farmers and ranchers grow more than ever before, with today’s corn farmers growing four times as many bushels per acre as farmers just sixty years ago.

Vilsack noted that USDA under the Obama Administration has pursued new markets at home and abroad for U.S. commodities, with cumulative 2009-2012 exports reaching $478 billion – the best four years in history. He noted President Obama’s efforts to secure new trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

The Secretary highlighted how USDA’s efforts have boosted local and regional marketing opportunities The number of farmers markets in America increasing by 67 percent compared to 2008. Additionally, more than 200 regional food hubs are in existence today.

USDA, said the Secretary, has taken steps to monetize the tremendous conservation efforts going on across rural America. USDA is taking steps to create new ecosystem markets to help landowners earn revenue for conservation, while giving companies increased options to meet regulatory requirements. At the same time, USDA is pioneering new uses for forest products by funding research into nanotechnology to develop new plant-based construction materials.

Vilsack said that USDA is continuing to support growth of a new biobased economy, creating a “USDA Biobased Product” label that links manufacturers of more than 25,000 plant-based products with buyers. It is promoting production of feedstocks to be converted into biofuel, and through research and loan support is promoting the development of new-generation refineries. The Department is also working with the Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration on ‘drop in’ biofuels that can supplement traditional fossil fuels used to power ships and planes. 

Vilsack set new goals for USDA in the remarks, promising the Department would build on its successes since 2009 by establishing more local and regional markets and food hubs, assist additional companies in producing biobased products, establish additional conservation certainty agreements and take steps to strengthen ecosystem markets.

Vilsack also challenged Farm Bureau members to aggressively tell the story of a modern, innovative and inspiring rural America. “Rural communities, organizations and leaders must reach new audiences to strengthen the understanding of the agricultural sector,” Vilsack said. Citing the recent failure by Congress to act on a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill, he challenged rural America to ensure its voice is more clearly understood in Washington and around the country.

Vilsack said that USDA will continue taking new steps to help rural communities strengthen their economies, while providing a chance to regain population. “I’m going to do all I can this year to work with Congress and secure the sort of comprehensive, long-term Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will continue growing the rural economy. But I need the help of those across rural America to reach out, to expand partnerships and to tell the story of the modern and innovative rural America that provides so much to our nation.”



USDA Announces Speakers for the 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced speakers for the 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum, "Managing Risk in the 21st Century," Feb. 21-22 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will present the keynote address, followed by guest speaker former Senator Thomas A. Daschle, currently a senior policy advisor with DLA Piper. USDA Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will present the 2013 U.S. Economic Outlook for Agriculture. In addition, a distinguished panel of speakers for the Feb. 21 plenary session includes: Bryan T. Durkin, Chief Operating Officer, CME Group; David Baudler, President of Cargill AgHorizons; and Scott H. Irwin, Laurence J. Norton Chair of Agricultural Marketing, University of Illinois. Mike Adams, AgriTalk Radio host, will moderate the panel.

The Forum's dinner speaker on Feb. 21 will be Adam Sieminski, Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), addressing the, "U.S. Energy Market Outlook."

A program schedule and registration are available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum.

On Feb. 22, Chief Economist Glauber will moderate a panel titled, "Crop Insurance: A Global Perspective." Panelists include Yves Salmon, Advisor to the CEO, Groupama SA – Paris, France; Olivier Mahul, with the World Bank Group; and John Drakeford, with Aon Benfield, an English insurance company. The discussion will focus on the role of crop insurance in risk management, reinsurance, and the changing face of the U.S. and foreign crop insurance.

Among the 25 breakout sessions are other risk-management sessions and 85 distinguished experts in the fields of international trade, forestry, conservation, transportation, energy, nutrition, local foods, and food safety. The Forum continues to feature the traditional USDA commodity supply and demand and food price outlooks.

USDA has hosted the Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government, and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making. Attendees are expected to include members of farm organizations, food and fiber firms, academia, foreign governments, and the news media.

Individual speakers' topics and biographies are available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum. Registration is $375 until Jan. 22, 2013, and $425 thereafter. Plenary speeches will be Webcast after 6 p.m. EST on Feb. 21, and breakout session speeches and presentations will be posted online after 6 p.m. Feb. 22.



12 spots open for college students to travel to Brazil, study global agriculture, international marketing in National FFA Organization’s I-CAL program

Collegiate FFA, a program of the National FFA Organization, is now accepting applications for its 2013 International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership (I-CAL) program.  FFA will take 12 college students pursuing degrees in the agricultural field to Brazil this spring, tentatively scheduled from May 19-June 1.

The trip will allow selected students the opportunity to study global agriculture and international marketing. Students will learn about current international trade and cultural issues and gain awareness of how international markets for agricultural products operate. Upon completion of the program, students will give educational presentations to local groups and organizations about their experiences.

The I-CAL program was developed as a partnership with the U.S. Grains Council and the Grains Foundation. Students do not have to have prior FFA experience to apply.  The deadline for I-CAL applications is 5 p.m. EST Jan. 30. Applicants  can learn more about the program and download an application form at www.FFA.org/Collegiate.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 557,318 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,498 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.



Russia Grain Exports Down
Russia exports of grain fell in the first six months of this marketing year because of the poorer harvest in 2012 caused by drought, the economic development ministry reported Monday.  The country exported 12.932 million metric tons of grain between July 1, the beginning of the current marketing year, and Dec. 31, compared with 16.909 million tons in the corresponding period last year.  The ministry said Russia exported 970,000 tons of grain in December, including 630,000 tons of wheat and 210,000 tons of corn.

In November, the agriculture ministry raised its forecast of Russia's grain export for this marketing year, which runs to June 30, to 15.5 million tons from the previous estimate of 10-12 million tons.  The agriculture ministry expects this year's grain harvest at 71.7 million tons in clean weight. In 2011, Russia harvested 94.2 million tons of grain and exported 27.2 million tons in the 2011-12 marketing year.



Merging Values, Technology to Feed the World

With the world’s population projected to reach more than 9 billion by 2050, the challenge of feeding a growing global population is daunting. Nevertheless, current trends and research show that meeting this challenge is doable.

This year’s National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s Annual Conference, April 15-17 in Louisville, Ky., will focus on two key factors—technology and values—that need to marry to make feeding the world’s growing global population a consumer-acceptable reality. Speakers at NIAA’s Annual Conference “Animal Agriculture’s Vision to Feed the World: Merging Values and Technology” will address and delve deep into these two key areas. General topics include:
·         Meeting the demand for food through  technology and knowledge
·         Using technology and values to tackle catastrophic disease events and natural disasters
·         Translating and communicating advancements in agriculture to consumers

“The past two conferences brought these two topics—technology and consumer values—to the forefront, and we need to examine the best ways to merge the two for the benefit of consumers, animal agriculture and a growing hungry world,” states Dr. Robert Fourdraine, co-chair of NIAA’s Annual Conference.

Fourdraine explains that speakers will share innovative technologies—those available today and others in the pipeline—that can advance food production and will navigate challenging and emotionally charged issues tied to food production. Speakers will also present information that unpins the need to communicate with consumers in transparent, consumer-understood, consumer-friendly words and terms so consumers feel informed.

He points to a 2012 “Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology” survey that posed the question “What is your overall impression of using animal biotechnology with animals that produce food products such as meat, milk and eggs?” The top two reasons given by those comprising the 51 percent who were “neutral” or “unfavorable” to animal biotechnology being used were “don’t have enough information” and “don’t understand the benefits of using biotechnology with animals.”

“We in animal agriculture must remain focused on the big picture of providing safe, affordable protein to consumers in our nation and throughout the world, keeping technology and communicating the ‘how’ to consumers as priorities,” Fourdraine

“If you’re involved in animal agriculture, this conference is the place to be, as it brings all species together and gets to the heart of our need to help feed the world.”

NIAA’s Annual Conference kicks off Monday, April 15, with an all-day optional tour. The conference’s General Opening Session starts at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, followed by Committee and Council Meetings. Additional Council Meetings will take place on Wednesday, April 17, with the conference wrapping up by 4:30 p.m. with the Closing General Session.

Attendees are also attend a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Symposium that starts Wednesday afternoon, April 17, and concludes Thursday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. April 18. The FMD Symposium will zero in on fostering a new preparedness paradigm and facilitate conversation among public and private sector stakeholders.

You can learn more about NIAA’s Annual Conference or the FMD Symposium or to register for either or both, please go online to www.animalagriculture.org or call NIAA at (719) 538-8843.