Thursday January 17th Ag News

Rural Mainstreet Index Remains Healthy:  Bankers Expect Modest Impact from 2013 Drought

After declining during the summer drought, the Rural Mainstreet economy in January remained above growth neutral for a fifth straight month according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state area.   

Overall:  The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral, dipped to a still solid 55.6 for January from December’s healthier 60.6.  Over the past three years the RMI has averaged 55.8.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said, “Our survey results indicate that the Rural Mainstreet economy continues to expand at a moderate pace. Rural, agriculturally dependent communities in the region appear to have shed the negative impacts of the 2012 drought.”

However, some bankers expect the national economy to weigh on the region. According to Dale Bradley, CEO of The Citizens State Bank, in Miltonvale Kan., “A downturn in the overall economy will also affect our farm economy. I expect both to be negative for 2013.”

Likewise, Jim Eckert president of Anchor State Bank in Anchor, Ill., reported that small town businesses are signaling that the recession is not over.

Farming: After rising above 80 for two straight months, the farmland-price index slumped to a still healthy 71.5 from December’s 82.5 and November’s 83.9. This is the 36th consecutive month that the farmland-price index has risen above growth neutral. The farm equipment-sales index declined to a solid 63.8 from 67.0 in December. “Despite continuing drought conditions in much of the region, growth in farmland prices, cash rents and farm equipment sales remains strong,” said Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton.

Jeff Bonnett, president of Havana National Bank in Havana, Ill., reported, “The drought had little impact since most of our crops are irrigated and farmland that is not irrigated is covered by disaster crop insurance programs.”

Bryan Grove, president of American State Bank in Grygla, Minn, said,“ Although 2012 was much drier than normal in our region of northwest Minnesota, crops were excellent, resulting in great financial progress for agriculture producers. Subsoil moisture is depleted and 2013 will require timely rains.”

This month bankers were asked the impact of continuing drought conditions on the Rural Mainstreet economy. “Contrary to my expectations, more than 60 percent of bankers anticipate only a moderate negative to no impact if the drought continues for 2013.  Furthermore, approximately 80 percent of bank CEOs report the drought has had no impact on farmland prices,” said Goss.

When asked about sustaining economic damages from a continuation of the drought for 2013, a majority, or 50.8 percent, expects livestock producers to be the most negatively affected. Approximately 38.1 percent of the bankers anticipate that crop farmers will sustain the largest negative impacts. Approximately 11.1 percent of Bank CEOs expect business linked to agriculture and ethanol producers will experience the most negative impacts by a 2013 drought.

Banking: For the third time in the past four months, the loan-volume index moved below growth neutral.  The index plummeted to 39.0 from December’s strong 62.1 and November’s weak 47.8. The checking-deposit index advanced to 78.1 from 75.8 in December, while the index for certificates of deposit and other savings instruments rose to 42.2 from December ‘s 40.2. “Banking data appear to indicate that the 2012 drought did not weaken, to any great extent, the financial positions of farms and businesses in the region,” said Goss.

Hiring: January’s hiring index slipped to 52.4 from 53.5 in December. “New hiring in the region continues at a modest pace,” said Goss.

Confidence:  The confidence index, which reflects expectations for the economy six months out, was unchanged from December’s 55.5. “Bankers are reporting healthy current economic growth and expect this growth to remain strong for the first half of 2013,” said Goss.

Home and retail sales: The January home-sales index slipped to a solid 55.6 from 61.3 in December. The January retail-sales index tumbled to 44.5 from December’s 59.0.

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included.

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, president of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, Neb., created the monthly economic survey in 2005.
 
Nebraska: 
For the first time since September, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet economy moved into negative territory. The January RMI slumped to 48.8 from December’s 57.4. The farmland-price index slipped to 66.2 from 84.6 in December. Nebraska’s new-hiring index sank to 47.1 from December’s 54.2. Rick Clements, president of American Exchange Bank in Elmwood, said, “Higher crop prices and crop insurance revenue coverage with low interest rates have made land prices increase dramatically.”

Iowa:
The January RMI for Iowa slipped to 59.0 from December’s 63.6. The farmland-price index declined to 75.4 from December’s 84.2. Iowa’s new-hiring index for January dipped slightly to 53.2 from December’s 53.9.  Jim Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora reported, “Strong earnings, working capital and net worth increases are still the norm, thus the continued increase in land values in Central Iowa.”



NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN’S CLASSIC Feb 18-24 in Kearney

The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic features an increase in bulls and heifers offered at the 2013 sales, plus, two new sales and events have been added to the week-long schedule of events.

The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic will celebrate the 22nd Annual event February 18-24, 2013 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney.  The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic will feature over 500 head of bulls, bred heifers, heifers, embryo packages, semen packages, horses, dogs, steers, antiques and much more. The Classic has a unique Market Place area that features over 50 exhibitors. Other special events at the Classic will include a Beef and Wine Tasting on Wednesday, Feb. 20th at 5 p.m.

The Classic will showcase a tremendous line-up of bulls, bred heifers, fancy open show heifer prospects and an elite offering of genetics in the Royal Ice Sale during the week. Monday, February 18th kicks off the Classic with the Feedlot Sort, Speed Penning and Team Roping. Tuesday, February 19th   features the  Ranch Horse Competition and Sale. There will also be a cattle dog demonstration and dog breeders on display. Cattlemen have the opportunity to buy a working dog or puppies at the Classic.  The events continue throughout the week during the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic.

The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic is the event for cattlemen of all ages. The Classic features something for everyone. The event has grown into much more than bulls and heifers selling. The Classic has two new events for youth this year. Thursday, February 21st will be FFA Day at the Classic. All FFA Chapters in the state of Nebraska are invited to attend. The FFA day will include several events in the morning, lunch, educational speakers and more. The Classic, Farm Credit Services, the Nebraska Cattleman Foundation and the Fence Post will be presenting a $1,000 and $500 Chapter Cash Scholarships. These cash awards will be presented to two Chapters that attend.

The Classic will hold the 1st Annual Prospect Steer Sale on Thursday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m.. 4-H and FFA youth have the opportunity to win over $2,000 in awards with these steers at the Classic. The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic is starting a unique opportunity for youth with this event. Youth purchasing these steers have the option to compete for $4,500 in scholarships. The Prospect Steer Scholarship Program will include a record book, educational tours and interviews for the youth that participate in this program. All youth need to check out this new unique event and program for youth.

The Classic has added a new “Unique Cattlemen’s Auction” on Friday, February 22nd to the evening events. The Classic will sell a few antique items at this Auction. These items will include a Chuck Wagon, a Buckboard Wagon and other cattlemen antiques.

The Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic has a tremendous week lined up for cattlemen of all ages. For complete details go to www.necattlemen.com or follow us on Facebook or give Ronette Heinrich a call at 308-627-6385.



EPA Regions 7 and 8 Meet State Ag Directors

Officials from EPA Regions 7 and 8 hosted meetings in Denver, Colo., with the directors of state agriculture departments of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. The meetings provided a forum for dialogue on EPA programs and regulations as well as specific issues, interests and concerns of the agriculture sector.

EPA participants in the meetings included Karl Brooks, Region 7 Administrator; Jim Martin, Region 8 Administrator; Josh Svaty, Region 7 Agricultural Adviser; Rebecca Perrin, Region 8 Agricultural Adviser; and Howard Cantor, Region 8 Deputy Administrator.

"EPA is engaging our state agriculture directors in a dynamic regulatory relationship dedicated to the common enterprise of environmental care," said Brooks. "We salute the ingenuity, dedication and environmental commitment of American farmers and ranchers."

EPA recognizes that agricultural producers are on the front line of environmental stewardship and are affected by many EPA programs. Frequent meetings with state agriculture directors are a critical way for EPA to provide outreach and receive feedback on current issues and concerns. Specific topics of the meetings included air quality standards for particulate matter, pesticides, nutrient management, water quality and concentrated animal feeding operations.



IFBF Proposals Win National Approval

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) farmers brought forth and won national approval of several key issues during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) national convention this week in Nashville, Tenn.

One particular issue which won overwhelming national support was the continuation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), an over-arching federal policy to incent development and use of renewable fuels of all types. "Renewable fuels have been important to the continued economic growth of the Midwest for decades which include expansion and development of all kinds of green energy including cellulosic, biomass-based diesel, sugar ethanol and next-generation renewable corn ethanol," said Craig Hill, IFBF president. "This is an opportunity for our nation because we all know we must work to end our nation's reliance on foreign fuels." AFBF approved Iowa's proposal to continue support of RFS targets as well as retaining Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) administrator authority to waive the RFS if conditions merit, such as a national drought or other unforeseen circumstances.

Another priority issue for many families in Iowa involves proposed changes in the nation's school lunch program. IFBF policy supports a school lunch program that promotes a balanced meal containing dairy products, eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables and grains to make sure every child has their nutritional and caloric needs met for proper growth. "But when it comes to school lunch, it's not always a case where the government knows best. Local school districts should have authority in this, and the current guidelines are too restrictive and inflexible, especially when it comes to those who want to bring their own school lunches, such as athletes or those with dietary or health restrictions," said Hill. Several states agreed with those points and AFBF policy was adopted.

Another food safety issue that IFBF members proposed included the headline-making issue of milk pasteurization. "We believe in consumer food choices, but for the protection of consumer health, raw milk sales should not be permitted across state lines. If someone wants to consume unpasteurized milk from their own supply, that's up to them, but generations of food science should be the guide on this issue," said Hill. AFBF policy was adopted on this issue.

The 2012 Farm Bill, which recently won an extension, is still a key concern for AFBF members. "The lack of action in Congress that led to this extension amounts to 'kicking the can down the road' and it leaves farmers and consumers with a lot of uncertainty. Farming today is a capital intensive business that requires long-term investment decisions, not only for production and risk management, but also for conservation, investment in grain storage facilities, etc., that are frankly very difficult to make when not knowing the rules of the game. With real risks such as a continuing drought staring us down in 2013, the passage of a new Farm Bill is key. Our farmers found national support today for the continuation of crop insurance, to cover big risks such as drought and other natural disasters." Hill added.



Iowa Soybean Association awarding up to $15,000 in scholarships

Iowa high school seniors planning to study agriculture in college can apply for one of 10 $1,500 scholarships awarded from the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) this year.

“It’s definitely an exciting time to work in agriculture and there are so many different career paths for young people,” says Mark Jackson, ISA president. “There are opportunities in farming, ranging from agribusiness to research to associations to management. The Iowa Soybean Association supports these students who will be our future leaders. Investing in them now will benefit all of us in the future.”

For Sarah Altenhofen, a freshman at Iowa State University, the scholarship she received from ISA last year has made a big impact during her short time in college.

 “I’ve switched majors, from agricultural engineering to animal science; and I feel that I’ve found my true passion,” says Altenhofen who graduated from Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman. “I hope to be able to show the positive and true traits of our production agriculture systems to those who have become more distant from the world of agriculture.  All I can say is thank you; thank you so much for investing in me and my future.”

Applications must be postmarked no later than March 1. Scholarship winners will be notified by April 30. Application forms for the ISA’s Ag Scholarship Program are available at www.iasoybeans.com or from high school guidance counselors.

Applications will be accepted from high school seniors who reside in Iowa and plan to attend any ag-related college or university. Other criteria includes: accumulated GPA of 3.0, community involvement, leadership experience, future plans in agriculture, a short essay regarding the student’s role in the future of agriculture and three letters of recommendation. Preference will be given to applicants whose parents or grandparents are or become policy dues-paying ISA members.

Applications can be mailed to Mary Whitcomb, Iowa Soybean Association, 1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway, Ankeny, IA 50023. For more information, contact Whitcomb at 800-383-1423.



POET producing corn oil at 25 biorefineries

Twenty-five of POET’s network of 27 biorefineries have now installed its patent-pending corn oil technology, bringing its total capacity to approximately 250,000 tons per year, enough feedstock to produce 68 million gallons of biodiesel annually.

POET has been selling Voilà™ corn oil into biodiesel and feed markets since January 2011, when POET Biorefining – Hudson (S.D.) first began to produce it on a commercial scale. Strong demand for the product prompted upgrades at the majority of the plants in the POET network.

“Having a more diverse portfolio of products has been a benefit for POET, particularly when ethanol margins are challenging,” POET CEO Jeff Lautt said. “Expanding our product line is an important part of our strategy for growth.”

POET plants that are producing corn oil today are:
Indiana:  POET Biorefining – Alexandria, Cloverdale, North Manchester and Portland
Iowa:  POET Biorefining – Ashton, Coon Rapids, Corning, Emmetsburg, Gowrie, Jewell and Hanlontown
Missouri:  POET Biorefining – Laddonia
Michigan:  POET Biorefining – Caro
Minnesota:  POET Biorefining – Lake Crystal, Glenville and Preston
Ohio:  POET Biorefining – Fostoria, Leipsic and Marion
South Dakota:  POET Biorefining – Big Stone, Chancellor, Hudson, Groton and Mitchell as well as the POET Research Center in Scotland

One of POET’s four Ingreenuity goals is to increase production of bio-based products. Corn oil is playing an important role in reaching that goal.

“There’s a bio-based solution to so much of what petroleum supplies today,” Lautt said. “It’s exciting for me to see POET playing a large part in providing those solutions.”

Voilà is just one item on POET's growing list of products created at its plants. In addition to ethanol, POET produces quality products for animal feed including Dakota Gold distillers dried grains. POET also captures carbon dioxide at five of its plants for sale to beverage producers and other users.



ONLINE TOOL OFFERS COVER CROP POSSIBILITIES FOR IOWA GROWERS

Iowa farmers are encouraged to check out a new online tool that will help them select the right cover crop for their operations.

The Cover Crop Decision Tool was developed by the Midwest Cover Crops Council to help farmers select cover crop species based on their main crops, available planting windows and what they needed from the cover crop such as stopping erosion, livestock forage or to control weeds. Last year, for example, farmers throughout the Midwest were urged to plant fall cover crops as a way to keep nitrogen in the soil that was not used by crops during the drought-stressed growing season.

New data updates the Cover Crop Decision Tool so that it can be used for Iowa crops and conditions.

“This tool should be a big help for farmers planning, considering or just thinking about how and where they might use cover crops,” said Tom Kaspar, USDA plant physiologist involved with the Iowa Cover Crops Working Group that helped develop the tool. “The planting window for each species is adjusted for each county in all participating states, a unique aspect of this resource.”

Mark Peterson, who farms about 300 acres of row crops in southwest Iowa near Stanton, said he would welcome the free, online tool. After several years of consideration, he planted about 80 acres of cover crops for the first time last fall. He used a couple methods, including aerial seeding of winter rye by helicopter before soybean harvest.

“I wanted to make sure that something worked,” he said. “I’m also comfortable that the winter rye by itself will save enough soil that even though it might not show up in the bottom line on a year-to-year basis, it will be worth it in the long term by keeping the soil where it needs to be.”

Peterson is a farmer-cooperator in the Iowa Cover Crops Working Group that has representatives from Iowa Learning Farms, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa State University Agronomy Department, USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment in Ames, and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. All organizations have contributed to demonstrations and research related to cover crops.

Kaspar said the tool is specific to region, soil drainage class and includes information about a variety of cover crop species: non-legumes such as oats, buckwheat, barley, triticale and winter wheat; brassicas such as radish, oilseed and turnip; legumes including alfalfa, red clover and cowpeas; and five mixes. The tool suggests cover crop species and potential planting date windows that usually provide good establishment and growth, based on 30-year average frost dates in the user’s county.

To find the Cover Crop Decision Tool, go to www.mccc.msu.edu/selectorINTRO.html. 

The tool went online in 2011 with information suited for growing conditions in Indiana. It was expanded to Michigan, then Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. Iowa is the latest state to be added to the tool. In addition to main crops of corn, soybean, wheat and dried beans, the tool also offers cover crop choices for producers growing warm- and cool-season vegetables.



Cargill to idle Plainview, Texas, beef processing plant; dwindling cattle supply cited

Cargill today announced that it will idle its Plainview, Texas, beef processing facility effective at the close of business, Friday, Feb.1, 2013, resulting primarily from the tight cattle supply brought about by years of drought in Texas and Southern Plains states.  Approximately 2,000 people work at the Plainview facility, and they will receive company support.  Federal, state, county and city government representatives, as well as Cargill customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders were informed today of Cargill’s decision, concurrent with Cargill employees being notified.

“The decision to idle our Plainview beef processing plant was a difficult and painful one to make and was made only after we conducted an exhaustive analysis of the regional cattle supply and processing capacity situation in North America,” said John Keating, president of Cargill Beef, based in Wichita, Kan.  “While idling a major beef plant is unfortunate because of the resulting layoff of good people, which impacts their families and the community of Plainview, we were compelled to make a decision that would reduce the strain created on our beef business by the reduced cattle supply.  The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1952.  Increased feed costs resulting from the prolonged drought, combined with herd liquidations by cattle ranchers, are severely and adversely contributing to the challenging business conditions we face as an industry.  Our preference would have been not to idle a plant.”

Cargill’s Plainview employees affected by this decision will be provided support as well as assistance finding and filling open positions at other Cargill locations or with other employers.  Cargill will continue to honor its community support commitments at Plainview for 2013.  The company’s remaining beef cattle processing plants in the region, at Friona, Texas; Dodge City, Kan. and Fort Morgan, Colo., will receive cattle that were previously destined for processing at Plainview.  The company’s regional beef facilities at Fresno, Calif.; Milwaukee, Wis.; and Wyalusing, Pa., as well as its beef plant in Schuyler, Neb., and two beef plants in Canada, are unaffected.

“Given the over-capacity that exists with four major beef plants in the Texas Panhandle and a dwindling supply of cattle in the region, idling Plainview will allow Cargill to operate its other beef plants in Texas, Colorado and Kansas more consistently on a five-day-per-week basis to meet our customers’ requirements, while helping us maintain our position in the U.S. beef sector,” explained Keating.  “Our long-term commitment to U.S. beef production is unwavering.  Over the past 10 years we’ve invested more than $766 million in our U.S. beef plants to ensure they remain best in class in the industry.”

The plan to idle Cargill’s Plainview facility includes measures for preserving its infrastructure for potential reopening if the U.S. cattle herd rebounds and requires additional processing capacity.  However, Cargill does not expect the U.S. cattle herd to significantly increase in size for a number of years.

“We delayed the decision to idle Plainview as long as possible, due in part to our outstanding team and ongoing excellent support from the community.  We were also hoping the drought would break, pasturelands would be restored, cattle ranchers would retain heifers and the national herd trend of declining numbers over the past few years would be reversed,” stated Keating.  “Unfortunately, the drought has not broken, feed costs remain higher than historical averages and the herd continues to shrink.  The industry has experienced this cycle in the past, although this one is longer and more severe than most.  Nevertheless, we are optimistic about the long-term prospects for U.S. beef demand from American and international consumers, and that the drought in Texas and the Southern Plains will become a memory.”



Vilsack Reminds Producers to Complete 2012 Census of Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week continued to remind producers to complete forms for the Census of Agriculture-the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation. The 2012 Census of Agriculture will provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with current information to help ensure an abundant, safe, and accessible food supply for all of America. On Monday, Vilsack spoke to thousands of American farmers and ranchers in Nashville, Tenn. The Census of Agriculture, said Vilsack, is one of the most important tools for providing certainty to producers and sustaining the unlimited economic potential of rural America.

"It's important for farmers and ranchers in America today to stand up and be counted by participating in the Census of Agriculture," said Vilsack. "By participating in this survey, producers help provide a snapshot of the current state of agriculture in our country, which helps policymakers make better decisions about farm safety net programs and policies."

Currently underway by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census collects detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture. It looks at land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business and succeed in the 21st Century.

Census information helps USDA monitor trends and understand the needs in agriculture to better align its products and services. Ways the department used Census data in the past include:
-   Helping to ensure the future of the agriculture industry in America, by developing programs and priorities to help new and beginning farmers get started and stay in business. This was supported after the Census reported the average age of a farmer continued to increase from 50.3 in 1978 to 57.1 in 2007. And, while the majority of farm operators are between the age of 45 and 64, the fastest growing group of farm operators is those 65 years and older.
-    Looking at where and how to provide expanded and improved Internet access and services to rural America. The Census provided comprehensive county-level data on Internet access and revealed that 57 percent of all farmers had Internet access in 2007, up from 50 percent in 2002. Of those producers accessing the Internet, 58 percent reported having a high-speed connection.
-    Illustrating the changing nature and needs of agriculture, the number of farms that produced 75% of production declined from 144,000 in 2002 to 125,000. At the same time, the number of small farms counted in the 2007 Census of Agriculture represented 91 percent of all farms. Overall small farms increased 1 percent from 2002 to 2007. These statistics show just how important to our food supply these very large farms are and how vital it is that programs such as crop insurance and others in the Food, Farm and Jobs bill are available. Different sized farms have different needs that USDA supports just as fervently.

All farmers and ranchers should have received a Census form in the mail by early January. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

For more information about the Census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your responsibility.



Vilsack to Keynote National Ethanol Conference

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack will be the keynote speaker at the 18th Annual National Ethanol Conference of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) in Las Vegas, Nev. Vilsack will address the crowd of over 1,000 attendees at 8 a.m. Pacific on February 7th.

As Secretary Vilsack begins his second term, his strong and highly engaged support for ethanol and other domestic biofuels is unwavering. He is outspoken in his, and President Obama’s, support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and in continuing investment in next generation biofuels.  Secretary Vilsack has also led the charge to modernize America’s fueling infrastructure through the installation of blender pumps. For years, Secretary Vilsack has been one of the single most credible voices in refuting falsehoods about ethanol, such as the false allegation that ethanol is driving up the price of food items.

“We congratulate Secretary Vilsack as he begins his second term. He is a well-spoken, highly credible voice for the Obama Administration and for American renewable fuels.  As only a former Governor and current Secretary could do, he speaks eloquently about the importance of energy independence from foreign oil, investment in the next generation of biofuels, and the powerful role the ethanol industry plays in rural economic development.  We are honored to host him at the National Ethanol Conference,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA President and CEO. “The Secretary is a powerful speaker who always commands a crowd at the National Ethanol Conference.  As this industry prepares for heavy assault from Big Oil, Secretary Vilsack will poignantly motivate the ethanol industry to proceed in its mission to expand, to diversify, to innovate, and to open new markets globally. We are grateful the Secretary is taking time to address the industry and emphasize President Obama’s support for the renewable fuels industry.”

The National Ethanol Conference is the preeminent conference for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry. More information on this year’s event, including registration opportunities and a complete agenda, can be found at www.NationalEthanolConference.com.



Agroconsult Pegs Brazil Soy at 84 MMT

Agroconsult on Thursday became the first major forecaster to peg Brazilian soybean output at 84 million metric tons (mmt), breaking the consensus that the 2012-13 crop would come in between 80 mmt and 83 mmt.  It raised its outlook for the 2012-13 crop by 900,000 metric tons to 84.0 mmt in light of the highly favorable weather conditions across the grain belt over the past month.  As such, output will be 29% higher than last year and considerably outstrip the previous record of 75 mmt.

The Agroconsult announcement is the latest in a series of upward estimate adjustments in light of the abundant rain and the crop's healthy aspect. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture upped its Brazil soy crop figure by 1.5 mmt to 82.5 mmt.

Crops in the south and in Sao Paulo state were greatly aided by 'regular rainfall,' said the consultancy in a release.  In Mato Grosso, the No. 1 soybean state, crops are looking good and early-harvest yields of 45 to 48 bushels per acre point to an excellent crop, it said.  In the south of Mato Grosso do Sul, the No. 5 state, irregular precipitation has hurt short-cycle beans, which are harvested first, but the longer-cycle beans are in good shape.

Agroconsult also raised its forecast for 2012-13 corn, by 3.7 mmt to 74.7 mmt.  The summer crop is forecast at 37.2 mmt and is being aided by the abundant southern rains, it said.  However, a 20-day dry spell in October did hurt corn in Goias Minas Gerais, as well as the northeast. This did not seem to greatly damage the corn crop, although continued monitoring is necessary, the consultancy added.



U.S. Department of Education appoints new National FFA executive secretary

The U.S. Department of Education has appointed a highly experienced and accomplished education professional to help develop, implement and manage policy for the National FFA Organization.

Sherene R. Donaldson of Alexandria, Va., has been appointed National FFA executive secretary. In her leadership role, she will be primarily responsible for issuing charters to state FFA associations as directed by the organization’s national board of directors, keep official membership records, track progress of the organization and oversee state FFA association reporting to the board.

In December, she joined the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education in Washington, D.C., as an education program specialist. The department administers and coordinates national programs related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education and community colleges. Previously, Donaldson was curriculum and adult education director at Central Nine Career Center in Greenwood, Ind., responsible for leading career technical education and adult educational programming in nine Indiana school districts.

“I have a passion for educating children and adults that stems from my belief in the power of education and life-long learning,” Donaldson said. “I believe that education is in need of transformative and compassionate leaders willing to challenge the status quo and prepare students with the college and career readiness skills they need for their future.”

Donaldson earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (biology) from Indiana University and a master’s degree in education (curriculum design) from Indiana Wesleyan University, where she completed the Principal Leadership program and an educational specialist degree. She is a licensed school superintendent in Indiana and a licensed teacher and building administrator for grades kindergarten through 12 in Indiana and Tennessee.

In Indiana, she was selected for the Leadership Excellence Academy and in 2010 earned a national title as a Certified Manager in Program Improvement. She was also appointed by the mayor of Greenwood as educational representative to the Central Indiana Regional Workforce Board and served as a member of the board’s Youth and On-the-Job Training committees.

“Donaldson has a rich, professional background that will serve her well as the National FFA Organization’s executive secretary,” said U.S. Department of Education official and National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve A. Brown. “She believes in the FFA mission and is excited about opportunities to connect with FFA members and with local, state and national leaders engaged in school-based agricultural education.”

Donaldson’s professional career also includes roles as a middle and high school science, biology, chemistry and physics teacher, education director at a post-secondary college in Indianapolis and a race relations facilitator for the city of Indianapolis.



Cenex Tanks of Thanksä Program Rewards Good Deeds with More than $130,000 in Free Fuel

Cenex® – the CHS Energy brand – today announced that the Tanks of Thanksä program rewarded more than 2,600 people with nearly $132,000 in free fuel in 2012. This month kicks off the second year of the program, which recognizes and rewards people’s good deeds with $50 Tanks of Thanks gift cards redeemable at any Cenex retail location. In the program’s second year, CHS and Cenex retailers will continue sharing stories of people who are making a difference in their communities and rewarding their contributions with free fuel.

“The Tanks of Thanks program is our way of saying thank you to the people who do their part to make the communities we serve just a little bit better.” says Akhtar Hussain, CHS refined fuels brand marketing manager. “We have been overwhelmed by the thousands of inspirational stories that people have shared with us at tanksofthanks.com, and we are thrilled to continue the program to reward even more people for in 2013.”

The Tanks of Thanks program encourages people to nominate someone they know who deserves recognition for his or her simple acts of kindness or contributions to the community. Each nomination is shared on tanksofthanks.com and is entered for a chance to receive free fuel.

“Nominating someone for Tanks of Thanks is easy, and anyone can nominate or be nominated for any act of kindness – big or small,” says Hussain. “There is no limit to the number of people you can nominate.”

Each month, 100 nominees are drawn at random to receive a Tanks of Thanks gift card worth $50 at any Cenex retail location. In addition to the monthly drawing, Cenex retailers are also giving away Tanks of Thanks gift cards to reward individuals they see doing good in their communities.