Wednesday April 3 Ag News

CCPPD Plants Seeds of Caution around Power Lines

As farmers make plans to return to their fields for spring planting, Cuming County Public Power District urges farm workers to be particularly alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines.  Electricity is one of the most overlooked, yet deadly hazards of working on a farm.  According to the National Safety Council, farmers are at an increased risk for electrocution and electric shock injury compared to non-farmers.  In fact, 3.6 percent of youth under the age of 20 who work and/or live around farms are killed each year from electrocution.  CCPPD urges workers to evaluate farm activities and work practices and to share that information with others – an activity that doesn’t take a lot of time but can literally save lives.  By following a few safety rules, these tragic accidents can be prevented.  Start by making sure everyone knows to maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from the lines.

“The minimum 10 foot distance is a 360-degree rule – below, to the side and above lines,” says Duane Lammers, Operations Manager at Cuming County PPD.  “Many farm electrical accidents involving power lines happen when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields, or while performing maintenance or repairs on farm machinery near lines.  It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks.  A spotter or someone with a broader view can help.”

The most common source of electric shocks come from operating machinery such as large tractors with front loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up cultivators, sprayers with large booms, moving grain elevators and any equipment with an antenna.  Handling long items such as irrigation pipe, ladders and rods also pose the risk of contact with power lines.  Coming too close to a power line while working is dangerous because electricity can arc, or “jump,” to conducting material or objects.

Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting tractors on trailer beds. Many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems that have very tall antennas extending from the cab that could make contact with power lines. Avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators or truck beds near power lines and never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.

Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamination.  Do not try to clear storm-damage debris and limbs near power lines or fallen lines.

Overhead electric wires aren't the only electrical contact that can result in a serious incident. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded.  However, when one of the guy wires is broken it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call the utility to fix it. Don't do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.

Even the best laid plans often go awry and CCPPD wants farm workers to be prepared if their equipment does come in contact with power lines. 

“It’s almost always best to stay in the cab and call for help,” Lammers said.  “If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path to the ground and electrocution is the result.  Even if a line has landed on the ground, there is still potential for the area to be energized.  Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off.”

CCPPD does provide solutions for leaving the cab if necessary, as in the case of fire or electrical fire.

“In that scenario, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet hitting the ground at the same time,” Lammers said.   “Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.”

Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many electrocutions occur when operators try to return to the equipment before the power has been shut off.

Managers should make sure workers are educated on these precautions and danger areas need to be thoroughly identified and labeled.  Call CCPPD or your local utility to measure line height-- no one should attempt this on their own without professional assistance.  Designate preplanned routes that avoid hazard area and educate other workers on their location.

Farmers may want to consider moving or burying power lines around buildings or busy pathways where many farm activities take place. If planning a new out building or farm structure, contact CCPPD for information on minimum safe clearances from overhead and underground power lines. And if you plan to dig beyond normal tilling, activities such as deep-ripping or sub-soiling, call 811 to mark underground utilities first.

For more electrical safety information, visit www.ccppd.com  or call 402-372-2463.



Nebraska’s Best Burger Finalists Named

Online voting for the third annual Nebraska’s Best Burger contest concluded on March 30th with the Consumer’s Choice Award going to The Cellar in Kearney.  The Western Burger received the most electronic votes during the online portion of the contest. The Cellar won the Nebraska’s Best Burger contest in 2011 and therefore is not eligible for the award again. The following top 5 restaurants will continue to the judge’s portion of the contest:

Nebraska’s Best Burger Finalists:
-  Dinker’s Bar (Haystack Burger) – Omaha
-  Greta’s Gourmet (Greta Burger) – Lincoln
-  Peppermill & E.K. Valentine Lounge (Joseph Angus Burger) - Valentine
-  Tommy Colina’s Kitchen (Triple “B” Burger) – Omaha
-  Union Bar (Diet Burger) - Gering

Over 2100 nominations were submitted through the online voting system on the Nebraska Beef Council website during the month of March. A panel of anonymous judges will evaluate the top nominated burger at each restaurant based on taste, proper cooking and appearance. The winning restaurant will be announced at the end of April and will be recognized by the beef industry as part of Nebraska Beef Month in May.

For more information on the finalists and contest results, visit www.nebeef.org.



Husker Food Connection connects urban students to rural, food roots

University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural students are coordinating an event on City Campus to help urban students better understand where their food comes from. This event, in its second year, is called the Husker Food Connection.  Agricultural Student Organization groups and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska will host the event Tuesday, April 9, from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm, on the UNL City Campus Union Plaza in Lincoln. 

The theme of the Husker Food Connection is, “Know what we grow: Discovering Nebraska Agriculture.”

Last year’s event was a huge success. Boone McAfee, a past volunteer, said “Being able to successfully generate this interest in agriculture on City Campus is a reflection of how passionate the ag students at UNL are about promoting the importance of the agriculture. 



CASNR Week Offers Up 'There's No Horizon for a Husker' Theme

"There's No Horizon for a Husker" is the theme for this year's celebration of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources April 11-21.

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are all invited to join the annual celebration, said Stephanie Smolek, a senior agricultural journalism and animal science major from Battle Creek and the chair of publicity for the CASNR Week Program Council.

"CASNR week is about celebrating the accomplishments of students and faculty in the college," Smolek said.

CASNR Week kicks off April 13 with the 5 K Fun Run, the Burr Hall Bull Fry and the Tractor Museum Display. 

The Fun Run is open to all students, faculty and staff, and community, and will begin at 9 a.m. on the East Campus Loop. Sign up until April 8 at http://go.unl.edu/funrun or at 8 a.m. the day of the race at the East Campus Loop. The limit will be 200 runners.

The Burr Hall Bull Fry is a benefit for Kathy Bartek. Bartek is fighting Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig's disease. Food and games are the highlight with all proceeds to support Bartek.

The Tractor Museum will have a small tractor show. Visitors will be directed to the Tractor Museum, which will be open during the day.

The CASNR Week Recognition Banquet will be April 14. This banquet is for all CASNR faculty, staff and students. Keynote speaker will be Clayton Anderson, retired NASA astronaut from Ashland.

Other highlights include:
– The Love Hall Chili Feed will be from 6-8 p.m. on April 11.
– The Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha barbecue will be April 18 starting at 5 p.m.

All events are free and at the Nebraska East Union on UNL's East Campus, unless otherwise noted. A full schedule of events follows:
April 11 – 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Love Hall Chili Feed, Love Memorial Hall
April 12 - 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Bull-A-Thon Team Bowling, Nebraska East Union Bowling Alley
April 13 – 8:30 a.m., registration, 9 a.m. 5 K Fun Run, East Campus Loop
April 13 – 4-8 p.m., Burr Hall Bull Fry, all proceeds to Kathy Bartek, outside of Burr Hall
April 13 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tractor Museum Display, East Campus Loop
April 14 – 4 p.m., Student Involvement Reception; 4 p.m.; 5 p.m., CASNR Week Recognition Banquet
April 15 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m., CASNR Week Blood Drive sponsored by Nebraska Community Blood Bank, Mobile parked on East Campus Loop
April 16 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Lunch on the Lawn
April 16 – 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Community Night, free carnival for children
April 17 – Noon-1 p.m., CASNR Club Adviser Luncheon
April 17 – 5 p.m., Engler Agribusiness Quick Pitch competition
April 18 – Noon-1 p.m., Undergraduate TA Luncheon
April 18 – 5 p.m., Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Barbeque, location TBD
April 18 – 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, college night, students get in for $8 with a valid student ID, performance sponsored by Tilted Kilt
April 19 - 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, performance sponsored by Rainy Lake Stables
April 20 – 1:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, Noon, Kids Day, children 12 and under get in free
April 20 - 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, performance sponsored by Husker Auto Group
April 21 - 1:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, veteran's day, veterans/military with ID & senior citizens (60+) get in for $8

Rodeo tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, ages 6-12 are $5, ages 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Fort Western Outfitters and online at http://marketplace.unl.edu/sofs/unl-rodeo-tickets.html. 

For more information about CASNR Week, contact Susan Voss, CASNR student development and events coordinator at 402-472-0609.

CASNR is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



Branstad to Lead Governor's Trade Mission to China

Gov. Terry Branstad announced he will lead a trade delegation, including four governors, to China in mid-April. This brief trip to China was at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and will include meetings with senior government officials, current and potential business partners, a U.S. -- China Governors Forum and celebration events to recognize Iowa's 30th anniversary of a sister state with the Chinese province of Hebei.

"Our state has a long and unique history with China's new President, Xi Jinping," said Branstad. "President Xi visited our state in 1985 and saw firsthand that Iowans are hardworking and sincere people who take pride in the work they do and the products they produce. He never forgot the people and the memories from his first trip to Iowa. We hope to foster our unique relationship with President Xi and the people of China leading to stronger economic partnerships benefiting both the people of Iowa and the people of China."

The Governor and his delegation will spend four full days in China and visit the cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Baoding City and Shijiazhuang.

"International trade is extremely important to the people of Iowa as it supports tens of thousands of jobs right here in our state," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "China is an important trading partner with Iowa, importing $3.2 billion worth of goods last year. We want to foster our trading partnership with China to provide our safe and reliable products to feed their population of over 1.37 billion people."

The following governors will participate in the trade mission led by Branstad: Gov. Eddie Calvo (Guam), Gov. Bob McDonnell (Va.), and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).

The following organizations will be represented on the trade mission with Branstad: Iowa Economic Development Authority; Iowa Corn Growers Association & Iowa Corn Promotion Board; Iowa Farm Bureau; Iowa Soybean Association; ACT, Inc.; ADM; CMB Regional Centers; DuPont Pioneer; Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; John Deere; Monsanto; Pella Corporation; Sukup Manufacturing Co.; The University of Northern Iowa; Iowa State University; University of Iowa; Iowa Sister States; and Cargill.



Terminate cover crops by May 10 to stay eligible, ICA tells farmers

Many Iowa farmers planted cover crops in 2012 as a means to create more livestock feeding and forage options for this past winter. However, this spring they will need to terminate those cover crops by May 10 in order to remain eligible for crop insurance, cautions the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

“The use of cover crops has increased by 20 times over the past three years,” says Justine Stevenson, ICA’s director of government relations and public policy. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says about 100,000 acres of cover crops were planted in Iowa in 2012, compared to 5,000 Iowa acres in 2009.

“While NRCS is recommending that farmers terminate cover crops two weeks before planting, that just doesn’t provide enough certainty and direction,” Stevenson says. “Iowa is in the St. Paul (MN) district of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. That means if the cover crop hasn’t been terminated by May 10, farmers will not be eligible to use the government’s crop insurance program on those acres planted to corn, soybeans or other crops this spring and summer.”

“With warmer soil temperatures pushing plant growth on those cover crops, it’s also important that they not bud or go to seed before May 10, either, as this may also disqualify the acres for insurance coverage,” Stevenson says. “We’re encouraging cattle producers to either harvest or graze those acres, and then terminate the growth at least two weeks before May 10 so they can get the agronomic benefits as well as the forage benefit from the crop.”

USDA says that in order to insure a spring crop in Iowa, a farmer must not hay, graze or harvest the cover crop after May 10, and the cover crop must be killed before planting the spring crop. Grazing is not considered a form of “terminating the cover crop;” instead the cover crop either needs to be killed either with tillage or with an herbicide that is compatible with the crop to be planted.

ICA encourages cattle producers to talk with their local NRCS office or with their crop insurance agent for detailed information.



Iowa Biodiesel Sales Triple

A report issued this month by the Iowa Department of Revenue shows biodiesel sales more than tripled from 7.4 million gallons in 2010 to 23.3 million gallons in 2012.  DOR details biodiesel's market penetration, showing biodiesel is blended in 42.6% of all Iowa diesel sales, an increase of 10% compared to 2010.  Total diesel gallons reported were 671.3 million and total biodiesel gallons were 286.3 million, or 42.6% biodiesel of the total diesel fuel sold in 2012.

"The primary purpose of this report is to provide the information needed to determine the state's progress toward replacing 25% of petroleum-based motor fuels with biofuels by the year 2020," the report said.  In 2012, total biofuels accounted for 10.2% of the total motor fuel sold.

Iowa's 12 biodiesel plants support nearly 5,000 jobs in the state and contribute nearly $12 million to the state's GDP according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/29/2013

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 807,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 33.89 million gallons daily. That is up 2,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 804,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.33 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 17.5 million barrels. That is a 0.2% increase from last week.

Imports of ethanol showed 49,000 b/d, up from last week and the highest since the week ending 1/19/2013.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 358.0 million gallons daily.

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

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.236 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 90,064 metric tons of livestock feed, 80,292 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.20 million pounds of corn oil daily.



Japan Raises Cattle Age Limit

A Japanese governmental food safety panel approved on Wednesday a plan to raise the age limit for exempting domestic cattle from testing for mad cow disease until they reach 48 months, up from the current 30 months, Kyodo News reported.

The expert panel of the Food Safety Commission under the Cabinet Office concluded that the higher age limit for tests for the disease, formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, would not have negative health effects.

The approval came after the exemption threshold for testing domestic cattle for mad cow disease was raised Monday from 21 months to up to 30 months.

The panel will formally suggest the new inspection threshold to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry after public consultations. The ministry will then start revising a related ministerial ordinance to reflect the change.



Informa Sees 100 MB Smaller HRW Crop; updates S.Amer. Prod.

Private analytical firm Informa Economics released its first forecast for the winter wheat crop this morning, calling for U.S. farmers to produce 1.631 billion bushels of winter wheat with an average yield of 47.2 bushels per acre.  Informa says increased abandonment of roughly 7.4 million acres (18% of total winter wheat plantings) contributed to the 14-million-bushel drop in crop size year over year.

Informa also released its updated estimates for global crop production, estimating slightly larger corn production in Brazil and Argentina than it did previously.

Brazilian corn production was increased 350,000 metric tons to 71.95 million metric tons. Informa's forecast is 4.1 mmt below CONAB, the Brazilian Ag Ministry's crop forecaster, and 550,000 mt lower than USDA's estimate.  Argentina corn harvest is forecast up 300,000 mt to 25.3 mmt, 1.2 mmt lower than USDA's estimate in early March.

On the soybean side of the ledger, Brazilian production was trimmed 1.25 mmt below Informa's previous forecast to 83.25 mmt. USDA pegged Brazilian production at 83.5 mmt last month.  The Argentina soybean crop should be 1 mmt larger than Informa previously thought, with the crop now forecast at 52 mmt. In the March WASDE report, USDA trimmed its forecast for Argentine beans from 53 mmt to 51.5 mmt.



Feeding Corn Germ to Pigs Doesn't Affect Growth Performance

Inclusion of corn germ in swine diets can reduce diet costs, depending on the local cost of corn germ and other ingredients. Recent research conducted at the University of Illinois indicates that corn germ can be included at up to 30 percent in diets fed to growing pigs.

"In previous research, we had seen that pigs do very well on diets containing 10 percent corn germ, so we wanted to investigate if higher inclusion rates can be used," said Hans Stein, professor of animal sciences at Illinois.

The corn germ used in this study came from the ethanol, or dry grind, industry, and contained 16 to 18 percent fat. This product is different from the corn germ produced from the wet milling industry, which contains 30 to 40 percent fat.

Stein's team tested diets containing 0 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent corn germ. They tested each inclusion level of corn germ in diets containing 30 percent distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as well as in diets containing no DDGS. They found no difference in growth performance, carcass composition, muscle quality, or backfat quality as increasing amounts of corn germ were added to the diets, regardless of the inclusion level of DDGS.

"The results of this work demonstrate that pig growth rate will not be changed by the inclusion of up to 30 percent corn germ in the diets, and feed conversion rate will not be changed," Stein said.

All diets contained the same amounts of energy, standardized ileal digestible indispensable amino acids, and digestible phosphorus. Fat content was not held constant across diets; the diets containing more corn germ also contained more fat. As a result, the bellies of pigs fed diets with no DDGS were softer as corn germ levels increased.

"Producers may have to reduce the inclusion rate during the final three to four weeks before slaughter," Stein concluded. There was no effect on belly firmness in pigs fed diets containing DDGS.

Stein said that research on whether reducing the inclusion rate of corn germ in late-finishing diets would ameliorate the negative effects on belly quality might be warranted.

The study, "Up to 30 percent corn germ may be included in diets fed to growing--finishing pigs without affecting pig growth performance, carcass composition, or pork fat quality," was published in the Journal of Animal Science and was co-authored with Jung Wook Lee, a Master's student in the Stein Monogastric Nutrition Laboratory at Illinois, and Floyd McKeith, professor of animal sciences at Illinois.



USGC Today Released Export Cargo Report Indicates Good US Corn Quality

The U.S. Grains Council released the second of its annual USGC Corn Export Cargo Quality Report (Export Cargo Report) today. Despite the severe drought in 2012 that seriously reduced the projected size of the U.S. corn crop, testing indicated the 2012 crop was superior in quality across a number of key variables to the U.S. 2011 harvest, which was itself a high quality crop.

First released in May 2012, the Export Cargo Report provides the results of tests on corn samples collected during the U.S. government-licensed sampling and inspection process for U.S. corn export shipments. This year’s report indicates that export samples had a higher test weight, lower incidence of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) and lower moisture as compared to the 2011/12 export samples. In chemical composition, the report observed higher protein levels and lower starch, with oil content also higher.

Continuing the comparison to the previous year’s report, the 2012/13 export samples showed fewer stress cracks and a lower average stress cracks index. In addition, this year’s corn samples have higher true density, a higher proportion of whole kernels and a higher percentage of horneous or hard endosperm, which are all favorable trends. The mycotoxin testing results showed a lower percentage of samples containing aflatoxins in levels greater than or equal to 5.0 parts per billion (ppb), and a lower percentage of samples containing deoxynivalenol/vomitoxin (DON) in levels greater than or equal to 0.5 ppm. All samples tested below or equal to the FDA action level of 20 ppb for aflatoxins and the FDA advisory level of 5 ppm for DON.

“To enhance the quality of information we provide to export customers about the quality of the U.S. corn supply, the Council in 2011 initiated a series of annual Corn Quality Reports,” said USGC Chairman Don Fast. “These are developed in two parts. First, we publish a Harvest Quality Report that surveys U.S. corn quality at harvest as it enters the marketing system. Then a follow-up report in April, the Export Cargo Quality Report, looks at the quality of the corn crop as it is assembled for export early in the marketing year.”

“These two reports provide a systematic annual look at the quality of the U.S. corn crop, using reliable data and a transparent, consistent methodology each year. We have established processes for sample collection and testing, and as we follow those processes year after year we will assemble a reliable and comparable database of transparent, objective information about U.S. corn quality.”



NASS to Provide Partial Milk Production Estimates for the Remainder of Fiscal Year 2013

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will provide an estimate of U.S. milk production each month through September, 2013, which is the end of Federal Fiscal Year 2013.  The agency will use only various sources of administrative data to establish the monthly milk production estimates rather than incorporating information from the two remaining quarterly producer surveys, as is presently done. Milk production is one element of the monthly Milk Production report that NASS suspended last month to meet sequestration requirements. Because NASS is not conducting milk producer surveys, the dairy cow and milk per cow statistics that were provided in previous reports will not be available.  In order to provide the additional estimates and true up estimates based on administrative data, a scientifically based statistical survey will be necessary in the longer term.

The use of various administrative data by NASS to establish the monthly estimates of milk production will provide a consistent estimation process across all states and the nation, while maintaining cost savings by not conducting the producer survey. NASS will release the milk production estimate on the dates previously scheduled through September.

In addition, NASS will release the Annual Milk Production, Disposition and Income 2012 Summary report as scheduled on April 25. This report provides the annual number of milk cows, production per cow, and production for the year at the state and national levels for 2011 and 2012. The amount of milk used on farms and the amount sold, cash receipts, and value of production by state and at the U.S. level are also included.

The decision to move forward with the limited milk production estimates is a reflection of NASS’s ongoing evaluation of its programs and its FY 2013 fiscal situation, as well as its commitment to timely, accurate and useful data in service to U.S. agriculture.  NASS will continue to evaluate its programs and budget for FY 2014, which begins October 1.



USDA Opens Export Markets for Day-Old Chicks, Hatching Eggs, Dairy Cattle and Pears

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced recent results of the Agency's efforts to support exports of U.S. agricultural products. APHIS' recent efforts are expected to help increase exports of U.S. cattle, poultry products, and pears by over $85 million a year.

Day-Old Chicks and Hatching Eggs to Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan
APHIS is announcing the opening of export markets to Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia for U.S. day-old chicks and hatching eggs, increasing U.S. exports by an estimated $25 million a year.

"This is a significant agreement for poultry exporters in the United States," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "For nearly 10 years, APHIS has pursued the opening of the Russian market to U.S. day-old chicks and hatching eggs, and now we have also secured access for these products to Belarus and Kazakhstan."

In February, APHIS veterinary health personnel and their counterparts in Moscow developed the export documentation that APHIS will issue for products shipped to the three countries. In 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus formed a Customs Union, and are currently working to harmonize import requirements for cattle and other live animals and livestock products. The market access for poultry commodities represents the first of nearly 40 new agreements related to live animals and animal products that USDA will work to negotiate with the Customs Union.

Dairy Cattle to Iraq
Following direct negotiations with Iraqi animal health officials in February, APHIS officials reached agreement with their counterparts on export certification requirements for U.S. dairy cattle shipments to that country.

"The Middle East is an important and emerging market for U.S. cattle exporters," said Vilsack.

The annual market value is projected to be more than $60 million. APHIS will work with exporters to ensure the exported cattle meet the terms of the agreement with Iraq.

Anjou Pears to China
APHIS is also announcing the arrival of the first shipment of U.S. Anjou pears to China. U.S. pears are now available for the first time ever to consumers in China.

APHIS officials have worked in conjunction with industry, federal and international partners to open the Chinese market to U.S. grown pears. In 2012, U.S. and Chinese officials reached an agreement to accept exports of pears grown in the two countries.

"APHIS worked diligently with their industry partners and our agriculture counterparts in China to realize this accomplishment," said Vilsack. "This initial shipment of 6,615 boxes of U.S. pears was worth over $100,000, and brings with it the excitement of new market opportunities and continued success for this industry. We expect China to become one of the top five export destinations for U.S.-grown pears within the next two seasons."

APHIS' team of technical experts, based in the United States and abroad, includes scientists, veterinarians, pathologists, and entomologists that advocate on behalf of U.S. agriculture. They build relationships with their agricultural health and regulatory counterparts in other countries and use scientific principles to explain to foreign officials why U.S. commodities are safe to import. APHIS' efforts include keeping U.S. agricultural industries free from pests and diseases and certifying that the millions of U.S. agricultural and food products shipped to markets abroad meet the importing countries' entry requirements.



USDA Announces Program to Facilitate the Export of Further Processed Eggs and Egg Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed a program to certify processed eggs and egg products for export, providing new opportunities for U.S. food exporters.

"This is one more step the Obama Administration has taken to expand exports of high quality U.S. agricultural products," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Today's announcement will open new markets for U.S. egg products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America. We are in the midst of the strongest period of agricultural exports in history, and I look forward to making even more progress in the years ahead."

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will certify a wide range of products containing eggs, including omelets, frozen egg patties, crepes, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and food containing egg extracts. The total market for U.S. exports of further processed eggs and egg products worldwide is estimated to be $500 million.

"This program was developed to help U.S. processors and shippers take advantage of the growing global demand for these products," said AMS Administrator Dave Shipman. "This effort allows producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require and will provide new opportunities for them to market their products globally."

AMS worked with FDA, USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), other government agencies, and representatives from processed egg and egg food organizations, including the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and the United Egg Association, to develop the program.

"A number of countries around the world have asked for certification for egg-containing products. This initiative provides a means for U.S. exporters to access previously untapped markets, creating jobs and supporting USDA's export goals," said FAS Administrator Suzanne Heinen.

AMS has unique capabilities in working with stakeholders to develop export certification programs that meet the specific requirements of other countries. With years of experience certifying eggs for export, AMS will now expand its services to support the trade of egg-containing products.



ConAgra 3Q Net Down 57% on Acquisition Costs; Sales Volume Down

ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG) sales volumes excluding acquisitions remained down in its fiscal third quarter, despite a 33% increase in marketing spending to try to get consumers to buy more Hunt's ketchup, Peter Pan peanut butter and Slim Jim meat snacks.

The 3% decline in sales volume in ConAgra's consumer foods segment was slightly better than the previous quarter's 4% decline, but shows ConAgra still has a ways to go to get that key metric into positive territory. In both periods, the decline in the amount of food sold were offset by higher prices, resulting in flat sales in the unit, which generated 60% of ConAgra's revenue in the third quarter.

As analysts and investors are keeping a close eye on the rebound in sales volume in the packaged food industry, ConAgra is urging patience. ConAgra's price increases went into place a bit later than some of its peers, like General Mills Inc. (GIS), which last month reported a return to positive sales volume for the first time in two years.

ConAgra's third-quarter profit was down 57%, weighed down by costs related to its recent acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings Inc., a maker of private-label foods. ConAgra completed its roughly $5 billion acquisition of Ralcorp at the end of January, which helped push ConAgra's overall revenue higher.

But the increased marketing costs and flat sales from its consumer business led to results below analyst estimates. Shares of ConAgra, which backed its outlook for the year, fell about 2% premarket to $34.85. Though Tuesday's close, the stock was up 20% so far this year.

ConAgra, has posted stronger revenue in recent years, thanks in part to price increases. But it's also made a series of small acquisitions, like Unilever PLC's (UN) North American frozen meals business, and one major one, Ralcorp.

Meanwhile, ConAgra last month said it was teaming up with Cargill Inc. and CHS Inc. (CHSCP) to combine their flour-milling businesses into a multibillion-dollar joint venture called Ardent Mills, marking the milling industry's biggest merger in years.

For the quarter ended Feb. 24, ConAgra reported a profit of $120 million, or 29 cents a share, down from $280.1 million, or 67 cents, a year earlier. The latest period included 16 cents a share in acquisition-related costs. Excluding those and other special items, per-share earnings from continuing operations rose to 55 cents from 53 cents.

Sales grew 13% to $3.85 billion.