Tuesday March 12 Ag News

O’Neel Elected to National Pork Board

Terry O’Neel a pork producer from Friend, Nebraska was elected to the National Pork Board (NPB) by delegates at the 2013 Pork Industry Forum held in Orlando, Florida, March 7-9, 2013.

A native of Nebraska, O’Neel earned his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. O’Neel and his wife Diane own and operator of 450 sow farrow to finish operation marketing 10,000 animals annually.

For the past 27 years O’Neel has been active in the Pork Producers Association either on the local, state, or national level. During those years he served as president, board member, and officer of the now dissolved Saline County Pork Producers. He was elected as a Nebraska State Director in 2001, served as the Association President in 2007 and retired from the Executive Committee in 2009.

Terry has served as a Delegate to the National Pork Industry Forum for either the National Pork Board or National Pork Producer Council for the past nine years. He has been a member on several NPB Committees: the Environmental Committee (2008); Domestic Marketing Committee (2011-2013); Pork Checkoff Resolutions/Advisements Committee (2013).

In offering his congratulations to O’Neel, Shane Meyer, President for the Nebraska Pork Producers Association stated, “Terry has earned and held the respect of fellow pork producers through his leadership and enthusiasm for the pork industry. Terry leads by example as his dedication to educate the public is shown by the number of farm tours he hosts to organizations on his farm, the number of Operation Main Street presentations he continues to give and his willingness to represent the pork industry in leadership roles and trade missions.”



Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Elects New Officers

            The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council recently elected new officers and board members during its annual meeting.

            Newly elected officers include Chairman of the Board, Jaclyn Wilson-Demel of Lakeside; Vice Chair, Terry Schutte of Lincoln; Secretary, Ron Pavelka of Glenvil and Treasurer, Bob Balfany of Lincoln.

            Newly elected board members include: Eric Brown of Lincoln, Jim Farrell of Omaha, Carol Hudkins of Malcolm, Stephanie Liska of Omaha, Brad Lubben of Eagle, William Rhea III of Arlington and Ray Ward of Kearney. Re-elected for a second three-year term was Larry Pearson of Bennington.

            Other board members include:  Jarid Childears of North Platte, Tom Hoegemeyer of Lincoln, Greg Ibach of Sumner, Larry Pearson of Bennington, Leland Poppe of North Platte, Jodi Storer of Sutherland, Jill Brown of Lincoln who serves as the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Liaison Representative and David Wendt of Lincoln who serves as President of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association.

            The Council's president is Terry Hejny, who also serves as the director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.

            The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women, currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

            For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 33, which will begin in September of 2013, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0763. You may also call 402-472-6810 or email sgerdes2@unl.edu.  Applications will be due June 15, 2013.



Johanns Writes Vilsack on FSIS Furloughs

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) Monday sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking why he never requested funding flexibility from Congressional Appropriators to avoid furloughing crucial employees like food safety inspectors.

"USDA has had more than a year and a half to prepare for these spending reductions," Johanns said. "During that time, Sec. Vilsack asked Congress to give USDA funds to the Department of Interior to roundup wild horses and requested additional funds to process the 2012 Census of Agriculture, among other spending changes. However, no request was made to prioritize keeping food safety inspectors on the job. I hope the absence of such a request is not intentional.

"Americans are tired of this Administration playing the blame game and leading from behind."

Vilsack and USDA officials have requested more than $100 million worth of funding flexibility as part of the upcoming Continuing Resolution, which funds government operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2013, but has not requested additional funding for the Food Safety and Inspection Service.



USDA’s Farm Service Agency Supports National Ag Day

The Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) suggests that we all take a moment to celebrate agriculture and honor our hard-working farmers and ranchers.  Thurston County Executive Director Josie Waterbury announces that March 19, 2013 is National Ag Day and this year’s theme is “Generations Nourishing Generations”.

 “According to recent USDA studies, the agricultural sector right now remains a bright spot in terms of economic stability and growth and there is a strong demand for U.S. agricultural products,”  said Waterbury. “Generation after generation of agricultural producers in Nebraska are getting up early every day to provide the food, fiber, and fuel that feed and clothe Americans and others around the world. ”

Waterbury further notes, “As research advances, the future is even brighter. New uses for ag products are being found to utilize natural ingredients for life-saving medicines, are used for energy, and supply the critical commodities required in a long list of manufacturing sectors.” 

Despite the onslaught of drought weathered by farmers and ranchers this past year that created less than ideal growing conditions, producers still managed to grow the commodities that keep our economy moving forward.  And they maintain our abundant supply of renewable resources in an environmentally sensitive manner.  “For their life sustaining efforts, we honor Nebraska’s agricultural producers for their vital contribution,” said Waterbury.

Today each American farmer produces enough food to feed more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from the 25 people a farmer sustained in 1960.  These increased efficiencies demonstrate that American Agriculture is producing more – and doing it better than ever before.  

AgDay is a project of the Agriculture Council of America.  For further Ag Day information and events visit www.agday.org.



11th Annual Beef Industry Safety Summit Convening in Dallas

Every year since 2003, U.S. food safety experts have gathered to discuss new research, technologies and best practices regarding beef safety efforts throughout the production chain.

This year, the 11th annual Beef Industry Safety Summit is convening in Dallas, March 13-15, and is again offering a wide-ranging agenda that will challenge participants to continue their long-standing efforts to raise the bar on beef safety.

Funded in part by the beef checkoff, this event offers an open forum for updates on safety research and recent innovations for enhancing safety systems. Participants share their own ideas for how best to enhance safety procedures and maximize opportunities for ensuring safe food.

The annual Summit is the U.S. cattle industry’s premier event to underscore its ongoing scientific and technological commitment to provide consumers with the safest beef in the world.

“We’re looking forward to adding to the knowledge base we’ve built over the past 10 years,” says J.O. “Bo” Reagan, senior vice president of Research, Education and Innovation at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the beef checkoff. “The topics we address are always ahead of the curve and give attendees a chance to gain awareness and a better understanding of emerging safety issues.”

“An experienced and diverse team of beef safety experts works for several months to ensure timely and thought-provoking topics,” says Reagan, who also serves as chair of the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo), which coordinates the Summit. “Those in the industry need to be on top of potential issues before they become problems, and be able to make the right moves to keep in front of them. This event is also a great opportunity to share information on some non-safety-related issues currently facing the industry.”

For example, the 2013 Summit is offering an in-depth look at food waste and food rescue, an issue of increasing concern given the expanding global population. Other sessions include panels of experts in specific industry segments; food safety presentations from leading researchers; comments from government regulators on the attention given to various safety issues; and opportunities for attendees to share experiences and ideas on a variety of production, manufacturing and distribution safety systems.

For more information on the Summit, visit www.bifsco.org.



USDA Report Confirms the Safety of U.S. Food

Pesticide residues detected on a variety of food products are below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency and "do not pose a safety concern," according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. The 2011 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary, published last month, analyzes pesticide residue levels on a number of products, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, soybeans and water.

The summary serves as an essential resource for federal agencies, especially the Food and Drug Administration, USDA and EPA. Most importantly, the report reminds consumers of the safety of the American food system and the overarching government regulations assuring the safe use of crop protection products.

Of the 11,894 samples analyzed, PDP found residues exceeding EPA tolerance levels in only 0.27 percent. Pesticide residue tolerances, or limits, are set at levels 100 to 1,000 times lower than what is considered potentially dangerous for human health.

PDP relies on advanced laboratory methods to detect pesticide residue levels far below the accepted tolerance established by EPA. Regularly conducted quality assurance controls ensure that the PDP's scientific analysis methods improve each year.

"The PDP Annual Summary confirms year after year that the use of crop protection products in the U.S. continues to be monitored under the highest scrutiny," said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America. "This resource helps build consumer confidence that the nutritious food grown in this country poses no safety risks with regards to any potential residue of a crop protection product. CLA supports the work of the PDP and acknowledges the USDA for continuing to conduct such a valuable program."

Vroom also noted that the annual publication of the PDP summary creates an opportunity to remind consumers of some additional benefits of modern agriculture.

The PDP was established by AMS in 1991 for the purpose of collecting data on pesticide residues found in food. Information collected by the PDP is sent to EPA to help the agency conduct important dietary risk assessments.

USDA also uses this data in the development of Integrated Pest Management objectives. Since the program was initiated, 109 different commodities have undergone testing.



Organizations Come Together To Call On Congress To Keep Crop Insurance Strong

As lawmakers debate the next Farm Bill, more than 40 commodity groups, lending organizations, input suppliers and other stakeholders are calling on Congress to oppose to any changes to crop insurance that would discourage producer participation in insurance or undermine private sector delivery of insurance products.

“In agriculture, one thing is for certain: crop loss will occur in some part of the United States each year. The significant, widespread crop losses of 2011 and 2012 have clearly demonstrated the need for crop insurance protection and the public-private partnership of program delivery.  Farmers,ranchers, their lenders, input suppliers and other stakeholders agree that crop insurance protection should remain a viable, affordable tool for managing risk,” stated the organizations in a letter sent to House and Senate Agriculture Committee members.

Prior to the emergence of crop insurance as farmers' primary risk management tool, rural America largely depended on unbudgeted ad hoc disaster bills to counter the effects of hurricanes, floods, droughts and other natural disasters.  Unlike crop insurance, which is partially funded through farmer premiums and insurance company losses, taxpayers paid for all of ad hoc disaster spending.

The letter noted that current crop insurance is a preferred method of assistance because policies are selected in advance and tailored to the individual producer, whereas after-the-fact ad hoc disaster assistance may help a producer survive a disaster but does not help manage risk.

“Federal crop insurance provides an effective risk management tool to farmers and ranchers of all sizes when they are facing losses beyond their control, reduces taxpayer risk exposure, makes hedging possible to help mitigate market volatility, and provides lenders with greater certainty that loans made to producers will be repaid,” the letter states.

Given the success of crop insurance to help mitigate losses during last year's historic drought, crop insurance supporters hope lawmakers will keep the program intact for the future.

 “After a very challenging 2012 crop year, and with increasing demands for food, fiber, feed and fuel worldwide, it makes little sense to reverse the great progress Congress has made in providing crop insurance protection to producers,” the letter concluded.

Those signing the letter include the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Cotton Council, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, National Association of Wheat Growers, the sugarbeet industry, and more.



NCGA Joins Coalition to Stress Importance of Crop Insurance to Congress

The National Corn Growers Association joined more than 40 commodity groups, lending organizations, input suppliers and other agricultural industry stakeholders in sending a letter today supporting meaningful and affordable crop insurance to members of the House of Representatives and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Stressing that federal crop insurance is the cornerstone of many farmers' risk management portfolios, the letter expresses the signatories' opposition to any changes to crop insurance that would discourage producer participation or undermine private sector delivery.

Noting that crop insurance provides an effective risk management tool to farmers and ranchers when facing losses beyond their control while reducing tax payer exposure to risk, the letter expresses the groups' support of both current programs and their delivery by private insurers, which ensures prompt service and creates much needed jobs in rural America.

"The significant, widespread crop losses of 2011 and 2012 have clearly demonstrated the need for crop insurance protection and the public-private partnership of program delivery," the letter states. "Farmers, ranchers, their lenders, input suppliers and other stakeholders agree that crop insurance protection should remain a viable, affordable tool for risk management."

The letter concludes by stressing the value of Congressional efforts that have been made to strengthen and improve crop insurance programs and urging members to oppose actions that would reverse this progress.

"After a very challenging 2012 crop year, and with increasing demand for food, fiber, feed and fuel worldwide, it makes little sense to reverse the great progress Congress has made in providing crop insurance protection to producers."



USDA Cancels Some Reports
Department to Save $6 Million by Cutting Reports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it is cutting production of several statistical reports it releases regularly on cattle, grain, fruits, vegetables, lentils, milk and other commodities in order to comply with automatic spending cuts.

The USDA will save $6 million by cutting the reports from the department's National Agricultural Statistics Service, a USDA spokeswoman said.

USDA said it won't be issuing a June report on rice supplies and the agency's July edition of the twice-yearly cattle inventory report won't be published. Likewise, USDA said its canceling a potato stocks report and a report on milk production and sales.

Several other statistical reports will also be cut on hops, peas, lentils and other crops, but the most well-known reports like the government's monthly supply and demand forecasts for corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton and rice are not included in the list released Tuesday by USDA.

"The decision to suspend these reports was not made lightly, but it was nevertheless necessary, given the funding situation," the USDA said in a statement released Tuesday.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Holding Pattern

Retail fertilizer prices remained in a holding pattern the first week of March 2013 as has been the case for over four months now, according to data tracked by DTN. But long term, new domestic manufacturers are beginning to alter that equation for nitrogen fertilizers.

In DTN's most recent retailer survey, five of the eight major fertilizers slipped compared to last month, but these moves were fairly minute. DAP had average price of $619 per ton, MAP $664/ton, potash $592/ton, urea $574/ton and anhydrous $862/ton.

The other three fertilizers edged higher compared to the first week of February, but again the move was modest. 10-34-0 had an average price of $611/ton, UAN28 $388/ton and UAN32 was at $440/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.53/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.



Lower crude oil prices to help push down gasoline prices
(EIA)

Falling crude oil prices should lead to lower U.S. retail gasoline prices this year compared to last year.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's new monthly forecast sees the average pump price falling to $3.55 a gallon this year and then dropping to $3.38 per gallon in 2014.  That's down from the average $3.63 a gallon U.S. drivers paid in 2012.

Expected lower crude oil prices, which account for about two-thirds of the cost of gasoline, will help push down average fuel costs this year.

In the short-term, EIA expects average gasoline prices will stay near current levels through the spring , as refiners switch over from making winter fuel to more-costly summer-grade gasoline.

Higher U.S. oil production in 2013 and 2014 means lower oil imports
U.S. crude oil production topped  7 million barrels per day in November and December for the first time in 20 years, and production is expected to keep rising over the next two years.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration's new monthly forecast sees domestic crude oil output averaging 7.3 million barrels per day this year and climbing to 7.9 million barrels next year.

Higher crude oil production means America will need less imported oil.  U.S. net imports of crude oil and liquid fuels are forecast to drop to 6.0 million barrels per day in 2014, less than half the 12.5 million barrels per day level in 2005.

That will push U.S. imports down to just 32 percent of domestic oil consumption, the lowest import share since 1985, and well below the 60 percent seen in 2005.



February Tractor & Combine Sales Were Up

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report" noted that the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for February 2013 were up 14% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were up 16% from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 7%.  Combine sales were up 72% for the month.

For the year, a total of 21,775 tractors were sold, which compares to 18,610 sold through January 2012.  Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 21% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 24% for the month.  Sales of combines for the year 2013 total 1,071, up 42% from the same period in 2012.



ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER JAMES MOLL TO DIRECT FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Oscar® winning and two-time Emmy® winning filmmaker James Moll is proud to announce the production of a feature-length documentary about the next generation of American farmers and ranchers.  The yet-to-be-titled documentary will profile farmers and ranchers in their twenties, all of whom have assumed the generational responsibility of running the family business.
Made in cooperation with U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®), the film will give us an up close and personal look at some of the young farmers and ranchers who grow and raise the food we consume daily, and into the latest farming procedures, practices, and technologies that are changing and improving the landscape of modern agriculture. 

"We are very excited that James Moll is going to focus his next feature film on American agriculture,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Today's agriculture industry needs to better connect with consumers and this is a great opportunity for consumers to get to know farmers and ranchers through such a creative medium."

Moll most recently received a Grammy® for directing and producing Foo Fighters: Back and Forth.  In past years, Moll directed and produced numerous documentaries covering topics from the Holocaust to an epic trek across the Sahara Desert, teaming up with heavy-weights such as Matt Damon and Steven Spielberg along the way.

“I’ve always strived to make films that are unbiased testaments to the subject matter,” said Moll. “It’s about telling real stories that resonate.  I've been looking for the right subject to tackle in my next documentary, and I've found the perfect topic in American agriculture.”

Moll received an Academy Award for directing and editing the feature documentary The Last Days, executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Moll also received an Emmy Award for Inheritance for which he was director/editor and producer.  He later directed and produced the feature documentary Running the Sahara, with executive producer Matt Damon.

Moll is also participating in The Power of Film (to Change the World) panel at SXSW where he will discuss the film and the importance of presenting unbiased insight into the lives of U.S. farmers and ranchers.
For more information about the film, visit www.AllentownProductions.com.