Monday February 11 Ag News

NCBA Members Elect Officers, Approve New Policies to Conclude Convention

The 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show wrapped up Sat., Feb. 9, 2013, with the NCBA board of directors and membership meetings. Scott George, a dairy and beef producer from Cody, Wyo., was officially elected to succeed J.D. Alexander as NCBA president during the association’s board of directors meeting.

The new NCBA President Elect is Bob McCan, of Victoria, Texas. Don Pemberton, Hopkinsville, Ky., is NCBA’s new vice president. Richard Gebhart, of northeastern Oklahoma, was elected chairman of the NCBA Federation Division, and Cevin Jones of Idaho is the Federation Division’s vice chair. The new NCBA Policy Division chairman is Philip Ellis of Bear Creek, Wyo., and Craig Uden of Elwood, Neb., is the new policy vice chairman.

“It is a great honor to be elected to lead NCBA for the next year. The opportunities for U.S. cattlemen and women are boundless,” said George. “NCBA represents such diversity in the cattle industry. It takes all of us working toward the goal of being successful and providing consumers with the world’s safest, highest-quality supply of beef.”

Nearly 6,500 cattlemen and women attended the industry’s convention. Attendees had mostly sunny weather with temperatures in the 70s in the Sunshine State. This year’s convention participants heard from industry leaders, gathered insight on industry trends, met with their fellow cattlemen and women, and enjoyed Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Fest, a night full of lively pirates, sounds from the Caribbean Chillers and plenty of local cuisine. The convention closed with the Cattlemen’s Beach Bash featuring the Beach Boys and the Bellamy Brothers.

One highlight of the convention was the keynote address by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy during the Opening General Session on Feb. 6. The Tuohys, whose lives were first chronicled in the bestselling book and blockbuster movie The Blind Side, shared with the audience their message of love, hope and the power of cheerful giving. The Tuohys adopted Michael Oher, a teenager who, according to the family, was “going to fall through the cracks of society.” Oher now plays for the Super Bowl XLVII champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

The Tuohys were not the only keynote speakers at the convention. Stuart Varney, a veteran business journalist and host of “Varney & Company” on FOX Business Channel, spoke during General Session II on Feb. 7. Varney offered a positive take on the current economic situation and what it means for cattle producers and their businesses.

In addition to electing the new officer team on the final day of the convention, NCBA members also voted on new and expiring policy issues, including resolutions on cattle health and well being; food safety; immigration; cattle marketing and trade; federal lands ranching and more.

“I am looking forward to seeing what this year will bring for the cattle industry,” said George. “There will always be challenges, from the drought which deeply affected so much of cattle country, to educating our elected officials and consumers about our industry, to continuing to ensure that beef remains an affordable, nutritious choice for families to put on their dinner tables. But like the challenges we’ve faced in our past, we will overcome hurdles, we will succeed and we will move our industry forward.”



Beef Board Elects 2013 Leadership

Newly elected Beef Board Chairman Weldon Wynn He is an active member of his community and industry, including service on the board of directors of the Pine Bluff National Bank of Star City; former emcee and judge of the National Beef Cook-Off; National Beef Ambassador judge; past president and active member of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association; member of the University of Arkansas Animal Science 2000 Advisory Council; and past president, treasurer, and fair manager of the Lincoln County Fair, among many others.

On the Beef Board, Weldon served as secretary/treasurer during the first half of 2011 before being elected to fill a partial term as vice chairman during the second half of the year, then was elected vice chairman of the Board for all of 2012. He has also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, the CBB Executive Committee, the Joint Advertising Committee, for which he served as vice chair in 2010, and the Joint Beef Industry Budget Committee.

This year’s Beef Board Vice Chairman Kim Brackett is a cow-calf/stocker from Buhl, Idaho. She served as secretary/treasurer of the Beef Board in 2012 and also has been an active member with the Idaho Beef Council, having previously served as chair, vice chair and treasurer. Kim has served on the Idaho Cattle Association, as committee and subcommittee chair; and on the 71 Livestock Association. Kim was an active member of the Beef Board and the Joint Producer Education Committee during her first term on the Board, and was reappointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in December 2011 to serve a second consecutive three-year term.

Newly appointed CBB Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Maxeyhas been highly active in beef industry organizations, including service as president and chairman of the National Meat Association and chairman of the California Beef Council. Jimmy grew up on his family's small cattle ranch and was also very involved in its meat processing plant. After attending Fresno State University, he returned to the family business, including the beef packing and processing plant and the cattle feeding business. Since selling Beef Packers, Inc./Fresno Meat Co. in 2006, he has remained active in cattle feeding and meat processing by working for his sons at Certified Meat Products.
 
CBB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The 12-member CBB Executive Committee includes the Board’s three officers and eight members elected at large. The CBB elected the following members to its 2013 Executive committee: CBB Vice Chairman Kim Brackett, who will serve as chairman of the Executive Committee; and members Weldon Wynn (CBB chairman); Jimmy Maxey (CBB secretary/ treasurer); Anne Anderson of Texas; Dean Black of Iowa; Laurie Bryant, an importer; Steve Irsik of Kansas; Hank Maxey of Virginia; Sugie Sartwelle of Texas; Gary Sharp of South Dakota; and Eric Smith of Alabama.

The Executive Committee operates under the direction of and within the policies established by the full Board and is responsible for carrying out Beef Board policies and conducting business and making decisions necessary to administer the terms and provisions of the Act and Order between meetings of the full Board. 

OPERATING COMMITTEE
The Beef Promotion Operating Committee was created by the Beef Promotion Research Act to help coordinate state and national Beef Checkoff Programs. The 20-person committee includes 10 members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, among them the Board’s three officers and seven others elected directly by Beef Board members. The other 10 members are appointed from the Federation of State Beef Councils.

CBB members elected to the 2013 Beef Promotion Operating Committee during the annual meeting in Tampa include: Chairman Weldon Wynn; Vice Chairman Kim Brackett; Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Maxey; Spencer Ellis of Wyoming; Will Frazee of Iowa; Linda Gilbert of South Dakota, Joe Guthrie of Virginia; Chuck Kiker of Texas; Dan Kniffen of Pennsylvania; and Brett Morris of Oklahoma.



Nebraska Farmers Offer “Free Groceries for a Year!”

Thousands of Nebraskans have learned that a chance to win Free Groceries for a Year* from Nebraska’s farmers, $5,000 in gift cards from their favorite grocery store, is just a mouse click away. In fact, since the “Nebraska Farmers Feed US” sweepstakes launched Jan. 7, Nebraskans have registered more than 54,000 times for a chance to win.

Each day through April 8, Nebraska residents can register at www.FarmersFeedUS.org for a chance to win one of two $5,000 grand prizes. Upon visiting the site, consumers can choose to register with each of seven Nebraskans daily, including five farmers, a veterinarian and a grocer, while also taking video tours of their farms and grocery store. Each video explains how they produce safe, nutritious and affordable food for Nebraska consumers.

“We’re ecstatic with the first month’s outstanding response,” said Chad Bartek, a soybean farmer from Ithaca, Neb., who is a featured farmer on the website. “I’m a fourth generation farmer and proud to produce food here in Nebraska,” Bartek said, “We’re out here working to make a safe product that the whole world can consume and I want to show people how today’s farms operate.”

Featured farmers include:
•    Chad Bartek, soybean farmer, Ithaca
•    Angela Baysinger, veterinarian, Friend
•    Kyle Cantrell, corn farmer, Anselmo
•    Dean Engelman, dairy farmer, Jansen
•    Danny Kluthe, hog farmer, Dodge
•    Pat Raybould, grocer, Lincoln
•    Mike Shinn, turkey farmer, Gibbon

During the sweepstakes, consumers throughout the state have also seen and heard from each of them as they are featured in television advertising and on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/nefarmersfeedus) and Twitter (www.Twitter.com/nefarmersfeedus).

Supporting Nebraska agriculture groups include the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN), Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Pork Producers, Nebraska Corn Board, Midwest Dairy Association, and B&R Grocery.



Managing Stored Drought-Stressed Corn in Early Spring
Tom Dorn, UNL Extension Educator, Lancaster County

If you had any amount of confirmed mycotoxins in your grain at harvest, it is safer to avoid storing the affected grain.

Ambient temperatures will be getting warmer and soon will be above 40°F, which is about the temperature where fungal (mold) spores begin to grow again in the spring. If the fungal organism is one that produces mycotoxins, the level of mycotoxins in the grain can increase, which will likely result in greater dock when the grain is sold.

The worst case would be if the grain were refused by the grain dealer or not approved for feeding to certain species or sizes of livestock.

Disinfecting Empty Bins and Harvest Equipment
It is important to thoroughly clean out bins once they are empty, including all grain and grain dust that could still contain molds and insects. When moldy grain has been removed from the bin, use a spray disinfectant on all interior surfaces to kill mold spores. A solution of 1 gallon of 5.25% household laundry bleach and 20 gallons of water should work well. Several days after applying the bleach, rinse it off so as not to corrode galvanized metal.



Nebraska Farmers Join Industry & National Leaders at National Biodiesel Conference & Expo

Nine Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) directors and ex-officios attended the 10th annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Feb. 4 - 7 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Nebraska Soybean leaders represented state soybean growers to learn about the latest biodiesel policy developments, technical advances, sustainability initiatives and more. 
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan – both strong advocates of biofuels – delivered keynote addresses at the conference, stressing the importance of biofuels to the future of America.

"We are excited to be part of this important event because it gives us the opportunity to interact with industry leaders, technical experts, and farmers from other parts of the country, said Greg Anderson, Nebraska soybean farmer and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Governing Board Member from Newman Grove.  “The dialogue and exchange of information will help the biodiesel industry continue to move forward.  Biodiesel is uniquely positioned to reduce dependence on foreign oil, while creating opportunities for farmers and revitalized job growth in small towns.”
The NBB celebrated its 20th anniversary at the 2013 conference.  The event showcased the history of U.S. biodiesel while maintaining a focus on where the industry is headed.

"The theme of the 2013 conference, MOMENTUM, was aptly chosen," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, the nonprofit trade association that hosts the annual event.  "At 1.1 billion gallons and climbing, biodiesel has become a true force in our nation's fuel supply. Our February conference set the stage for capturing that momentum and moving us forward."

NSB directors attending the Conference include: Richard Bartek, Ithaca; Mark Caspers, Auburn; Greg Greving, Chapman; Terry Horky, Sargent; Gregg Fujan, Weston; Mike Korth, Randolph; Loyd Pointer, Sargent; Greg Anderson, Newman Grove; and Norm Husa, Barneston.



GM's 2014 Chevy Cruze Adds to Growing List of B20-Ready Vehicles

As the National Biodiesel Board heads to the 2013 National Automobile Dealers Association and American Truck Dealers (NADA/ATD) Convention this week in Orlando, the biodiesel industry is celebrating the news that General Motors has launched its new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze light-duty diesel passenger car approved for use with 20 percent biodiesel blends (B20).

"We applaud General Motors for its foresight in approving the new diesel Chevy Cruze for use with B20 biodiesel blends," said Steve Howell, Technical Director for the National Biodiesel Board.  "Many people do not realize that today's new technology diesel engines powered by ultra-low sulfur biodiesel blends provide tailpipe emissions as clean or cleaner than natural gas or gasoline, while providing superior fuel economy, horsepower, and durability.  In addition, when you combine the increased efficiency diesel engines with the low carbon nature of an Advanced Biofuel like biodiesel, new technology diesel engines are positioned to become the clean-and green-technology of the future, and we're proud to see GM leading the way with its support for B20."

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel features an advanced 2.0L clean diesel engine that will offer an estimated 42 mpg highway with an automatic transmission and expected best-in-segment range based on GM testing. Clean diesels using modern diesel exhaust technology and ultra low sulfur fuel are over 90 percent cleaner than older models.  The Chevy Cruze is the cleanest diesel passenger car model ever produced by General Motors, and with approval for use with clean, renewable B20 biodiesel blends, it's also now the greenest.

The Cruze's 2.0L turbo-diesel is based on proven architecture already used in European models, where approximately 40 percent of all Cruze models sold feature a diesel engine. Collaborating with German and Italian engineering groups, GM's diesel experts in the United States adapted the engine to accommodate more stringent diesel emission standards and a wider range of driving conditions - including colder climates and higher altitudes - for the United States and Canada.

"This Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel represents a new era in diesel performance for American cars," said Jens Wartha, GM chief engineer. "We've adapted a proven engine from Europe, the world's passenger diesel capital, and married it with the emissions-reducing technology that was perfected in the United States. It's a great example of how Chevrolet's global resources work harmoniously to produce the right product at the right time and for the right market."

 Starting MSRP for the diesel Chevy Cruze is reported to be $25,695, and GM plans to sell them in markets where its B20-approved Chevrolet Silverado diesel models have done well, including the West Coast, the Baltimore area, D.C., and the East Coast. The 2014 Cruze is expected to move into production later this summer.

Meanwhile, a bumper crop of new 2013 clean diesel vehicles are beginning to arrive in dealership showrooms nationwide, including more new B20-approved vehicles from domestic automakers Ford and Chrysler.  In addition to its best-selling Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, Ford is introducing a new diesel model in its Ford Transit full size van which will also be approved for use with B20 biodiesel like its SuperDuty brethren.  Additionally, Chrysler's new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickup features more horsepower and improved fuel economy with its 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel powertrain.  The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty diesel pickups are approved for general use with B20 by all customers beginning in January 2013.

More than 33 light- and medium-duty diesel passenger cars and trucks, as well as heavy-duty diesel models from nearly 20 different brands, will be available in the market this year.  U.S. consumers now have more options than ever before in their quest to drive cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles capable of running on biodiesel - America's Advanced Biofuel.  Nearly 80 percent of manufacturers selling diesel vehicles and equipment in the U.S. now warranty them for use with high-quality B20 biodiesel blends.  The remainder, primarily the European light-duty diesel brands, are certified for use with 5 percent biodiesel blends (B5), and the National Biodiesel Board is working cooperatively with those manufacturers to encourage and enable their support for B20 in all vehicles sold in the USA.   

 The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) will be educating dealers about biodiesel use in the vehicles they sell during two workshop sessions entitled "Biodiesel:  America's Advanced Biofuel, Here and Now" as part of the 2013 American Truck Dealers (ATD) convention curriculum in Orlando.  In addition, NBB is exhibiting in the NADA/ATD Expo in booth #2810.



Nebraska State Fair Elects Executive Board

The Nebraska State Fair Board of Directors re-elected its executive board members at the annual meeting held in Lincoln on Friday.

Beginning her third term, Jana Kruger from Arlington was elected board chairperson. The remaining executive board will begin second terms and includes Lowell Minert from Dunning as vice chair‹Kirk Shane from Atkinson as board secretary while Ed Kruse from Kimball will again serve as treasurer. According to State Fair Executive Director Joseph McDermott, "We¹re very pleased with the continued stability as it creates a seamless transition for the 2013 Nebraska State Fair."

McDermott says, "All members of the executive board have farm and ranch backgrounds which is important to the State Fair¹s focus on agriculture." The remaining board members include: Tam Allan of Lincoln, Doug Brand from Seward, Chris Kircher of Omaha, Dan Kunnemann from Imperial, Bill Marshall from Grand Island, Chuck Rolf of Albion, and Marvin Rousey from North Platte. Ex Officio members include Kathleen Lodl from Lincoln and Kent Zeller from Ravenna.



March Workshops Tackle Weed Resistance Management
Stevan Knezevic, Lowell Sandell, UNL Extension Weed Science

Herbicide-resistant weeds are increasing in Nebraska. Uncontrolled horseweed, kochia, giant ragweed and waterhemp are becoming an all too common sight in commodity crop production.  To help combat the issue, UNL Extension weed scientists will offer four workshops on new tools to battle weed resistance.  These “hands-on” workshops will demonstrate how to use the Herbicide Site of Action Numbering System in the 2013 Guide for Weed Management Guide for Nebraska and cover these topics:
-    herbicide tolerant crops,
-    how weed resistance develops,
-    overview of weed resistance in the Midwest and Nebraska, and
-    examples and practical solutions for major weed resistance cases in Nebraska.

Workshops will be held at:
    Norfolk — March 18, Life Long Learning Center, Northeast Community College.
    Auburn — March 19, Nemaha County Fairgrounds.
    Ogallala — March 20, Valentinos Pizza meeting room.
    Alliance — March 21, Alliance Learning Center. 

Speakers will include Greg Kruger, Bob Wilson, and Stevan Knezevic at Ogallala and Alliance, and Amit Jhala, Lowell Sandell, and Stevan Knezevic at Norfolk and Auburn. Extension Educators collaborating with the workshops include Gary Lesoing, Doug Anderson, and John Thomas.  Online preregistration is required. Click here to register... http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=5098902.  Cost is $30 and includes a variety of printed materials to use for later reference. Doors will open at each site at 8:30 a.m. local time and the meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Register early as attendance will be limited to 30 people per site in order to facilitate the hands-on format of these workshops.



March Nebraska Agribusiness Club meeting to update club from Department of Agriculture

Join us for the upcoming Lunch & Learn Meeting of the Nebraska Agribusiness Club on March 4th, 2013 at the Midtown HyVee, 84th & Holdrege Street in Lincoln.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be giving an update.  Buffet lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the program starting at 12:20 p.m. Meeting registration, which includes lunch, is $10 per person (unless you have already paid for the inclusive membership).  Click here to RSVP... http://nebraskaagribusinessclub.wordpress.com/. 



Upcoming 2013 No-Till Seminar Will Benefit Farmers and Save Money

The Upper Big Blue NRD, along with University of Nebraska Extension Education of Seward County, and UNL Department of Biological Systems Engineering are sponsoring a No-Till and Crop Management Seminar on February 27, 2013, at the Seward County Fairgrounds in Seward, Nebraska.  The seminar will begin with registration and refreshments from 9:00-9:30 a.m., with the no-till seminar officially beginning at 9:30 a.m. and wrapping-up at 3:30 p.m.  A FREE meal will be provided over the noon hour.  There is no charge for any part of the seminar.

Speakers include Dr. Paul Jasa (UNL), Dr. Ray Ward (Ward Laboratories, Inc.), Dr. Jonathon Lundgren (Agriculture Research Service, USDA), and Dan Leininger, Water Conservationist of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District.  These speakers will share their experiences with no-till farming on such topics as no-till equipment, residue management, how no-till will save soil moisture, nitrogen management ideas to reduce nitrogen losses, and naturally controlling insects in corn/soybeans with predators.  CCA credits are available.

An RSVP is required by February 25.  Those planning to attend should RSVP to Patty Kyhn at the Upper Big Blue NRD at (402) 362-6601.



Women Farmers and Ranchers Invited to Participate in Beginning Farmer Program

The Center for Rural Affairs is partnering with the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network (WFAN) to help aspiring and beginning women farmers and ranchers turn their farming or ranching dreams into reality through training and mentoring with established women farmers.

The project brings three opportunities to beginning and aspiring women in agriculture: Your Future in Farming business planning workshops, a Farm Dreams entry strategies seminar, and select apprenticeship placements.

1) Your Future in Farming is an intensive business planning course designed to help women farmers and ranchers design a business plan for their agricultural operations.  A well organized and thoughtful business plan is a key step for beginning farmers and ranchers who want to finance their operations.  Participants will learn from experts at a series of 5 workshops, and will complete a business plan for their budding operations. Workshops will be held in Hastings on Saturdays in March (March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6:00-8:30 pm). 

2) The Farm Dreams Workshop is an entry level, four-hour, exploratory workshop designed to help people who are seeking practical, common sense information on whether farming or ranching is the next step for them. Participants will be able to examine their resources, skills and motivations for farming/ranching and develop an educational plan for moving toward their farming goals. This workshop will be held on Saturday, March 30th from 10am-2pm, location TBD. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

3) A mentoring program for women interested in apprenticing on a farm, including hands-on skills training with an experienced and successful female farmer.  The farmer runs a family owned diversified farm including organic vegetables, herbs, pork, laying hens, grassfed beef and dairy goats. Additional information on this program will be available at all the trainings mentioned above.

For more information or to register for any of the above opportunities, please contact Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014 or virginiam@cfra.org.



Bull Selection Clinics Can Help Producers Make Decisions

Understanding and using some simple tools can help cattle producers make the right selection for new herd bulls during upcoming bull sales. Denise Schwab, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, said that’s why bull selection clinics are scheduled prior to three bull sales held by Iowa Cattlemen’s Association later this spring. There’s no cost to attend and no preregistration necessary at any of the locations.

“Sorting through performance measures and expected progeny differences doesn’t have to be a chore or a mystery,” Schwab said. “ISU Iowa Beef Center staff members have scheduled the two-hour clinics so attendees can go to the bull sale immediately following the session and use the information from the clinic.”

Clinic dates, times and locations:
-    Monday, March 18, 4:30 p.m., Bloomfield Auction Market, Bloomfield
-    Friday, March 22, 4:30 p.m., Dunlap Livestock Auction, Dunlap
-    Friday, May 3, 4 p.m. Tama Livestock Auction, Tama (open heifers that have been evaluated also will be on this sale)

Schwab said Iowa Beef Center staff will break down the process of bull selection into simple steps and assist those attending with interpreting the EPD numbers in the catalog.

“We can help you evaluate your cow herd and determine the economically relevant traits that you want to emphasize,” she said. “With that information, you can use the index EPDs and visually appraise the bulls to identify some options that will help you get the most benefit from your cow herd.” For more information on the bull clinics, contact your extension beef specialist.

The sales will feature spring and fall bulls that have been through ICA’s Bull Evaluation Program, according to ICA seedstock manager Kellie Carolan. She said bulls that go through this 112-day test are evaluated for growth, carcass traits, yearling weight, disposition and scrotal circumference, and are some of the breed’s best pedigrees for calving ease, performance and carcass merit.

To learn more about ICA’s Bull & Heifer Program, including a listing of bulls that will be offered at each of the 2013 sales, go to http://www.iacattlemen.org/bullheifer.aspx.  This page also has a link to the 2013 reports and catalogs by location.



IFB, Extension Webinar on Crop Insurance, Pre-Harvest Marketing

Crop risk management is a very important issue for crop farmers in 2013, as climatology reports predict a continuing drought cycle for Iowa. With numerous factors at play affecting yields and prices, farmers are actively seeking information on crop insurance and pre-harvest marketing. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Margin Management Series will bring crop insurance and crop marketing advice to Iowa farmers through a live webinar on Feb. 15 at 1 p.m.

The webinar session is a joint effort between IFBF and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. The keynote speakers for the event are William Edwards, Iowa State University professor of economics, and Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. In addition to a timely update regarding 2013 crop insurance, the risk management webinar will include ideas on combining crop insurance and pre-harvest crop marketing.

"With the volatile yields and prices of 2012 still fresh in our minds, this webinar will help farmers focus on 2013 risk and provide information to help start risk management plans," said Kordick. Webinar attendees will receive updates on crop insurance as well as ideas on how it can be used in conjunction with price risk management.

Farmers can access the webinar from home or farm office by going to www.iowafarmbureau.com, finding the webinar banner and entering the forum as a guest on the day of the event. For more information, contact Kordick at ekordick@ifbf.org.



Net Farm Income Forecast to Increase by Nearly 14 Percent in 2013

(USDA-ERS)  After adjusting for inflation, 2013’s net farm income, forecast at $128.2 billion, is expected to be the highest since 1973. A return to trend yields would lead to record crop production levels and result in substantial year-end crop inventories. This would lead to higher net farm income since this measure goes beyond cash income to include the value of inventory change and other noncash items.

Net cash income--which measures the difference between cash expenses and the combination of commodities sold during the calendar year plus other sources of farm income--is forecast at $123.5 billion, down almost 9 percent from 2012. Even so, 2013’s forecast would be the fourth time net cash income, after adjusting for inflation, has exceeded $100 billion since 1973.

The projected $19.2-billion increase in total expenses in 2013 continues a string of large year-to-year movements since 2002, and expenses are forecast to establish a record-high. Rent, labor, and feed are the expense items expected to increase the most in 2013.

Farm sector assets, debt, and equity are all forecast to increase in 2013. As in the last several years, increases in farm asset value are expected to exceed increases in farm debt, with farm real estate the main driving force. Confirming the strength of the farm sector's solvency, both the debt-to-asset ratio and debt-to-equity ratio are expected to reach historic lows.

Median Farm Household Income Forecast Up in 2012 and 2013
Projected median total farm household income is expected to increase by 1.2 percent in 2012, to $57,723, and by an additional 1.9 percent in 2013, to $58,845. Given the broad USDA definition of a farm, many farms are not profitable even in the best farm income years. Despite high prices for many crops, 2012 was no exception, with median farm income projected to be -$2,799. Most farm households earn all of their income from off-farm sources--median off-farm income is projected to increase by 3.4 percent in 2012, to $55,229 and by 3.9 percent in 2013, to $57,378.



USDA Agricultural Baseline Projections for the next 10 years released

USDA Agricultural Projections to 2022, released in February 2013, provide longrun projections for the farm sector for the next 10 years. These annual projections cover agricultural commodities, agricultural trade, and aggregate indicators of the sector, such as farm income and food prices.  Important assumptions for the projections include the following:
-    Global economic growth reflects steady gains.
-    Increases in world population continue to slow. Growth in most developing countries remains above that in the rest of the world.
-    Population gains in developing countries--along with higher incomes, increased urbanization, and expansion of the middle class--are particularly important for growth in global food demand.
-    Continued global expansion of biofuels further adds to world demand for agricultural products.

Key results in the projections include the following:
-    Prices for major crops decrease in the early years of the projections as global production responds to recent high prices.
-    Total U.S. red meat and poultry production is projected to fall in 2013 in response to lower producer returns and drought in the Southern Plains of the United States over the past two years. Meat production then increases in response to improved returns and improved forage supplies.
-    World economic growth and demand for biofuels combine to support longer run increases in consumption, trade, and prices for agricultural products.
-    Following the near-term declines, prices for corn, wheat, oilseeds, and many other crops remain historically high.
-    After declines from record levels projected in 2013, the values of U.S. agricultural exports and farm cash receipts rise through the rest of the decade. Production expenses also rise beyond 2015, but net farm income remains historically high.
-    Retail food price increases average less than the overall rate of inflation in 2014-22, largely reflecting production increases in the livestock sector that limit meat price increases.

Read the entire report here...  http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/oce-usda-agricultural-projections/oce131.aspx.   



Beef, Pork Exports Set New Records in 2012

U.S. beef and pork exports set new value records in 2012, topping highs set in 2011, according to end-of-year statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

The achievement was more significant in light of challenging export conditions that included non-science-based trade barriers in several key markets and an anemic economy in certain regions.

“The export markets are a critical profit center for the industry at a time when the industry is challenged by high input costs and, on the beef side, a historically low herd size,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “2012 saw record highs for per-head export values for both pork and beef at a time when those returns were sorely needed by producers.”

Pork exports set both volume and value records last year, reaching 2.26 million mt – up a fraction from the record set in 2011 – valued at $6.3 billion, a 3.5 percent increase over the prior year’s record.

The per-head export value of U.S. pork exports set another record in 2012, reaching $55.87, up 1 percent from 2011. For the year, exports accounted for 27 percent of total pork production and 23.4 percent of pork muscle cut production versus 27.5 percent and 23 percent, respectively, in 2011.

The value of beef exports for the year rose 2 percent to a record-high $5.51 billion on 12 percent lower volumes (1.13 million mt).

The per-head export value for beef hit $216.73, a $10.36 increase over 2011. Contributing to that was a new monthly record value of $242.65 set in December.

For the year, U.S. beef exports accounted for 12.7 percent of total beef production and 9.8 percent of muscle cut production. This compares to 14.2 percent and 11 percent, respectively, in 2011.

Records Set in 2012 
In addition to the new standards noted above, one-year export records were set in several key export markets:

Pork
-    Mexico: 600,949 mt (12 percent increase) valued at $1.126 billion (8 percent increase)
-    Canada: 235,604 mt (14 percent increase) valued at $855.7 million (16 percent increase)
-    Central/South America: 90,897 mt (26 percent increase) valued at $227.9 million (22 percent increase)
-    Australia/New Zealand: 76,801 mt (9 percent increase) valued at $236.1 million (5 percent increase)

Beef
-    Russia: 80,408 mt (10 percent increase) valued at $307.5 million (20 percent increase)
-    Hong Kong: 65,033 mt (28 percent increase) valued at $339.5 million (43 percent increase)
-    Central/South America: 33,891 mt (31 percent increase) valued at $134.1 million (57 percent increase)
-    Canada: $1.177 billion (14 value increase even though volume dipped 6 percent to 180,015 mt)

Top 5 Value Export Markets for 2012
Pork
-    Japan – $1.986 billion
-    Mexico – $1.126 billion
-    China/Hong Kong – $886.2 million
-    Canada – $855.7 million
-    South Korea – $421.1 million

Beef
-    Canada – $1.177 billion
-    Japan – $1.03 billion (surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time since 2003)
-    Mexico – $822.4 million
-    South Korea – $582 million
-    Hong Kong – $339.5 million

2013 Outlook
Looking ahead, the outlook for 2013 appears positive for both the U.S. beef and pork industries, according to Seng.

“There are many factors that go into projecting 12 months into the future, but as we continue to focus our efforts on markets that offer the greatest potential for growth, we are optimistic that 2013 will give us the opportunity to maintain the momentum we have seen in pork exports while rebounding in beef,” he said.The recent opening of Japan to U.S. beef under 30 months of age contributes to a projected growth in beef exports of 4 percent in volume (to 1.17 million mt) valued at more than $6 billion. That total may be tempered if issues with exports to Russia are not resolved.

The projection for pork calls for steady to slight growth, with exports likely to still exceed 2.2 million mt valued at more than $6 billion with key risk factors including Russia and domestic production in China. On the bullish side, U.S. pork is an extremely versatile, high quality protein at a great value that will gain market share in key export markets. Continued growth to top volume market Mexico is also expected to boost the bottom line.

Other Facts of Note
December pork exports were 186,135 mt, down 14 percent in volume and 11 percent in value at $515.9 million versus the high year-ago levels. December export volume was still larger year-over-year to Canada, Central/South America and Australia.

December beef exports were down 16 percent versus the prior year at 90,789 mt while value was down just 3 percent at $461.2 million. Export gains were seen for the month in Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines and Central/South America.

2012 Lamb Exports
2012 was a challenging year for the global lamb industry, including leaders New Zealand and Australia, and it was no different in the United States. For the year, U.S. lamb exports dipped 29 percent in volume and 13 percent in value versus 2011’s record high. However, exports to the top two markets, Mexico and Canada, both registered increases in value, offering promise for the year ahead.

Another key factor in reversing the recent decline in lamb exports will be gaining access to markets such as Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Korea and the European Union. These are critical destinations in which a resumption of trade could present promising opportunities for U.S. lamb, especially in the foodservice sector. USMEF is working with trade officials to facilitate that.



Statement by Visack and Kirk on Russia's Suspension of U.S. Meat Exports

United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today issued the following statement in response to Russia's suspension of U.S. meat imports:

"The United States is very disappointed that Russia has taken action to suspend all imports of U.S. meat, which is produced to the highest safety standards in the world. Russia has disregarded the extensive and expert scientific studies conducted by the international food safety standards body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which has repeatedly concluded that animal feed containing the additive ractopamine is completely safe for livestock and for humans that consume their meat. Russia's failure to adopt the Codex standard raises questions about its commitment to the global trading system. Despite repeated U.S. requests to discuss the safety of ractopamine, Russia has refused to engage in any constructive dialogue and instead has simply suspended U.S. meat imports. The United States calls on Russia to restore market access for U.S. meat and meat products immediately and to abide by its obligations as a Member of the World Trade Organization."

Background:
As of February 11, 2013, Russia is prohibiting imports of all U.S. beef, pork, turkey and other meat products by requiring a zero tolerance for the presence of ractopamine. Ractopamine is a safe additive for animal feed that is used in 27 countries, and has been shown to be completely safe at levels established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the United Nation's Codex Alimentarius Commission, the preeminent food safety international standards organization.



USDA to Issue Final Rule on Class III, IV Price Formula

More than four years after the interim rule comment period closed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will issue a final rule amending the Class III and Class IV product price formulas in all federal milk marketing orders.

The decision will finalize the interim partial final rule with no changes to the price formulas that USDA announced in August 2008 and implemented two months later. The 2008 decision amended the make allowances for cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey powder.

Specifically, the decision adopted the following make allowances: cheese at $0.2003 per pound, butter at $0.1715 per pound, nonfat dry milk at $0.1678 per pound and dry whey at $0.1991 per pound. The decision also increased the butterfat yield factor in the butterfat price formula to 1.211, up from 1.20.

USDA will conduct a referendum of dairy producers on the final rule in the coming month to complete the process.



Peterson Resigns Position of NAWG Chief Executive Officer
from NAWG President Erik Younggren, a farmer from Minnesota:

“National Association of Wheat Growers Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson has voluntarily resigned due to personal circumstances, effective Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.  I have formed a search committee to find a new CEO. In the interim, NAWG policy calls for the president of the Association to serve as CEO, and I am fulfilling that role.  In her resignation letter, Peterson thanked the NAWG Board for the opportunity to serve the nation’s wheat growers and wheat industry and described her time at the Association working with the NAWG staff, Board and state staff as ‘one of my life’s greatest pleasures.’  Dana served us well for the three years she was in the CEO position, and we thank her for her tireless, passionate work for the Association and the nation’s wheat growers on Capitol Hill and beyond.”