NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending May 19, 2013, corn planting advanced quickly as clear skies and above normal temperatures prevailed throughout much of the week, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Temperatures soared into triple digits at mid-week, breaking previous highs. Rain moved across the state over the weekend, but by then many producers in southern counties had completed corn planting and were moving onto soybeans. Moisture accumulations were less than one half inch across much of central Nebraska, which did little to improve soil moisture conditions in drought stricken areas. Locally heavy rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches occurred over portions of the northern Panhandle. Statewide, producers had 5.6 days suitable available for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 10 percent very short, 25 short, 63 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 34 percent very short, 41 short, 25 adequate, and 0 surplus. Pastures remain in poor or very poor condition across much of the western half of the state.
Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 84 percent, behind last year’s 97 and 92 average. Emerged was 26 percent, well behind last year’s 75 and 49 average.
Soybeans planted was 33 percent, behind last year’s 80 and 58 average. Emerged was 2 percent, well behind last year’s 39 and 16 average.
Sorghum planted was 10 percent, behind 44 last year and 28 average.
Wheat conditions rated 20 percent very poor, 29 poor, 40 fair, 11 good, and 0 excellent. Wheat jointed was 61percent, well behind last year’s 99 and 82 average. Wheat headed was 1 percent, well behind 77 last year and 19 percent average.
Oat conditions rated 6 percent very poor, 6 poor, 44 fair, 42 good, and 2 excellent. Oats planted were at 98 percent, behind last year’s 100 and 99 average. Oats emerged were 81 percent, behind last year’s 98 and 93 average. Oats headed was 1 percent.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Stock water supplies rated 7 percent very short, 18 short, 74 adequate, and 1 surplus. Pasture and range condition rated 20 percent very poor, 49 poor, 26 fair, 5 good, and 0 excellent. Hay and forage supplies rated 36 percent very short, 43 short, 21 adequate, and 0 surplus.
Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables at: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg//2010s/2013/CropProg-05-20-2013.txt
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE®ion=HPRCC
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP
IOWA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION REPORT
Iowa farmers made significant progress planting crops during the week ending May 19, 2013 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. The best weather of year for fieldwork allowed producers to rapidly advance their planting pace, especially for corn. The good weather held in most areas till late in the week, when severe storms were seen across much of Iowa. There was an average of 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, over twice the days suitable for fieldwork in any previous week this year.
Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Statewide, subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus, although ratings in Northwest Iowa still show nearly 30 percent in the short to very short categories.
By the end of the week, 71 percent of Iowa’s corn acreage had been planted, an increase of 56 percentage points from last week. Even though farmers planted at a near record pace, progress still lags behind last year’s 97 percent and the five-year average of 92 percent. Thirteen percent of the corn crop has emerged, well behind last year’s 77 percent and the normal of 58 percent. Soybean planting was 16 percent complete, behind last year’s 78 percent and the five-year average of 59 percent. One percent of the soybean crop has emerged. Oat planting, at 98 percent, was nearly complete and 71 percent of the crop has emerged. Oat condition was rated 0 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 61 percent good and 6 percent excellent.
Pasture and range conditions continued to show improvement and were rated 3 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 45 percent good and 9 percent excellent. Hay supplies were still tight across Iowa.
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
Iowa received a welcome break from the recent wet weather with mostly dry weather prevailing from Sunday (12th) through Wednesday (15th). However, far southeast Iowa saw some light rain Wednesday night while rain was scattered over much of the state Thursday afternoon to Friday morning. Locally heavy rain fell across portions of extreme northern Iowa Thursday night. Dry weather again prevailed through most of the day on Friday and through Saturday. Thunderstorms brought rain to most of Iowa Sunday (19th) morning. Widespread thunderstorm activity, with numerous severe storms, impacted the state Sunday afternoon and Sunday night, however, this latest activity will be included in next week’s summary. Rain totals for the week through 7 a.m. Sunday varied from none across portions of central and east central Iowa at locations such as Perry, Des Moines, Maquoketa and Davenport to 3.80 inches at Lake Mills. The statewide average precipitation was 0.56 inches or about one-half the weekly normal of 1.05 inches. Temperatures were well below normal Monday (13th) morning with several record low temperatures set over eastern Iowa with the cold spot at Elkader with a 27 degree reading. However, much warmer air quickly returned by Monday afternoon with Sioux City reporting Iowa’s first ninety degree temperature of the year. Exceptionally hot air prevailed on Tuesday (14th) with all but a small area of southeast Iowa climbing to ninety degrees or higher. Triple-digit temperatures prevailed over the northwest with Sioux City reaching 106 degrees. This was a new record high for the month of May at Sioux City and only during the last three days of 1934 has any location in Iowa seen higher temperatures during the month. Clinton followed a daily record low of 33 degrees on May 13 with a new record high on the 14th at 93 degrees. Their sixty degree rise in temperatures tied for the largest day-to-day increase in temperatures at that location among 121 years of record at that location (for any time of the year). Temperatures for the remainder of the week were not as warm, but were still well above normal readings for the season with highs mostly in the 80’s. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged 8.4 degrees above normal.
Nation's Corn Planting Rockets Ahead
Corn producers across the United States outdid themselves this week, propelling the amount of acres planted to 71% by Sunday, May 19. Last week only 28% of the nation's crop was in the ground. This pace is reportedly a record-setter. Thanks to last week's sprint, planting progress is now only 8 percentage points behind the five-year average, an average that includes last year's blistering 95% planted rate. DTN Senior Analyst Darin Newsom says if USDA is still using its 97.3 million acre corn planting projection, then over 41.8 ma were planted last week. Nineteen percent of the corn is emerged, compared to 5% last week and a 46% five-year average.
Soybean planting progress rose to 24%, compared to 6% last week and a 42% five-year average. Three percent of the soybean crop has emerged, compared to a 14% five-year average.
Winter wheat headed rose to 43%, compared to 29% last week and a 62% five-year average. Winter wheat conditions worsened to 41% poor to very poor, compared to 39% last week. It's uncertain how much, if any, of this past weekend's severe weather damage is factored into these condition ratings.
Thurston Manufacturing Company Acquires Simonsen Iron Works
Thurston Manufacturing Company, Thurston, Nebraska, is proud to announce the asset purchase of a Spencer, Iowa, based company, Simonsen Iron Works. Nick Jensen, co-owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Thurston said, “This acquisition is an exciting opportunity for Thurston Manufacturing, furthering company diversity into a larger number of markets and industries by continuing to operate Simonsen Iron Works as a competitive and reliable provider of contract manufacturing services”. “Just as important as diversification is the immediate addition of production capacity for our current domestic and overseas markets. This modern 130,000 sq. ft. facility will provide a relief valve to current production of BLU-JET and Circle R Side Dump products in Thurston, allowing us to accept orders we would otherwise be forced to turn away”, Jensen continued.
Recent business activity at Simonsen Iron Works includes the production of attachments for the ATV and skid steer industries as well as various components for several area manufacturers. The business has two automated flat sheet lasers, five robotic welders, numerous manual welding stations, several press breaks, large stamping presses and shears plus tube bending, cutoff machinery and machining center capabilities. A state of the art conveyor-fed powder coat paint system followed by an efficient assembly and packaging line is also encompassed.
After former ownership was forced to lay off Simonsen employees last week, Thurston Manufacturing expedited the purchase process and 30 of the 32 staff members have now been rehired under the new ownership. This includes Operations Manager Aaron Schulz, who has been instrumental in maintaining employee and supplier relationships throughout this process. Ryan Jensen, Chief Operating Officer, Thurston co-owner and brother of Nick Jensen commented, “The employees of this facility take great pride in their work and their work place as evidenced by the excellent on-time shipping records, extremely low warranty experience and the overall spotless, physical appearance of the entire facility”. Jensen continued, “This is a very impressive factory, inside and out”. Work as usual commenced under the new ownership at 6 a.m. Monday, May 20th
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Irrigation Spells Difference in 2012 Ag Income
Irrigation proved to be the difference between the "haves" and "have-nots" in farm income in drought-stricken 2012 in Nebraska.
"Crop farms with access to sufficient irrigation water were able to take advantage of excellent prices along with excellent yields," said Tina Barrett, executive director for Nebraska Farm Business. "These led to record breaking net income per acre for both commercial irrigated yellow corn as well as irrigated seed corn in 2012."
However, dryland farms didn't fare as well.
For the first time in 10 years, drops in net returns per acre went into negative numbers. Dryland wheat was the exception due to its earlier harvest time, though the 2013 crop may reflect last year's drought.
Overall, net farm income in Nebraska fell 8 percent, though it was still the second highest average on record.
For 15 percent of farms, accrual net income exceeded $750,000. Yet for another 15 percent of farms, net farm income was negative.
"This is the first time in several years that a significant amount of farms lost money," Barrett said.
Many of the farms that lost money had a significant livestock operation or dryland crop operation. Some farmers lost money due to risky marketing strategies that caused significant hedge account losses.
For a group of farms labeled as Top Efficient Farms, the $527,450 in average net income was an all time new high. This was $100,000 higher than in 2011.
"The major change comes in the form of their operating expense ratio, which is just 51.3 percent for the Top Efficient Group and 65.1 percent for the whole group," Barrett said. "The ability to consistently control costs, even when it's not 'necessary,' keeps these farms retaining 16.2 percent more of every dollar of gross income."
Input costs are also on the rise.
It now costs over $730 per acre to raise corn, up $100 increase from 2011.
The average cost per bushel also rose from $3.95 in 2011 to $4.45 in 2012. However, many producers are well above or below this average.
Although net worth continues to increase, total debt also is increasing. From 2011 to 2012, the increase in debt was just over $125,000 per farmer. The biggest increase was in long-term liabilities.
"The debt increase is not necessarily a bad thing," said Barrett, "but if profits tighten in the future, especially without a drop in family living costs, there will be a major 'squeeze' on the amount available to make the payments on this rapidly increasing level of debt."
The future is uncertain.
"What we do know is that we've had seven years of great prosperity in Nebraska and it has improved the health of the average Nebraska farm," Barrett said. "Hopefully it has been enough to withstand a few tough years when we're faced with them."
Barrett's entire article is available at http://agecon.unl.edu/.
Use DriftWatch to Stay Informed about Nearby Pesticide-Sensitive Crops
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Program would like to remind outdoor pesticide applicators – especially those applying volatile herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba – to be mindful of the increasing number of commercially grown sensitive crops in our agricultural landscape.
Applicators are reminded to read and follow label directions, including any timing, temperature, and wind speed restrictions. In addition, use DriftWatch™ (www.driftwatch.org) to locate commercially grown sensitive crops in your spray area, and adjust your application accordingly. Sensitive crops include orchards, vineyards, fruits, vegetables, organic crops, nurseries, and tree crops.
DriftWatch™ is a voluntary service; however, new commercial crop locations are added frequently. Applicators can register their business area in DriftWatch™, which then allows them to receive e-mail notifications when sensitive crops are added to their spray area.
Example: "Lincoln Weather on May 14, 2013: 100°F, south winds at 25 mph, gusts to 35"
All outdoor applicators should benefit from this service, including those making pesticide applications to roadsides, lawns and other turf sites, and agricultural fields.
New UNL Extension App Helps Pesticide Applicators Keep Electronic Records
A new app developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program will help farmers and other pesticide applicators keep electronic records more easily, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln pesticide safety education program extension assistant said.
The app is called "PeRK", which is short for Pesticide Record Keeping. It is a free app and will be a useful tool for anyone that applies any type of pesticides and uses mobile devices – smartphones and tablets, Android or Apple, said Pierce Hansen, pesticide safety education program extension assistant in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Pesticide applicators that spray restricted use pesticides (RUPs) are required by law to keep their pesticide application records for three years.
"This app will be especially handy because many people are carrying a smart phone or iPad, and instead of having to carry around a book and a pen, you can have it all on your phone or tablet," Hansen said.
Records are saved within the app on the mobile device and can be easily emailed to a recipient and saved on a computer. While the app is developed with Nebraska in mind, it can be a useful tool for keeping records in any state, Hansen said.
The free app is available from the Google Play store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.unl.pested or Apple App store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pesticide-recordkeeping/id647276572?mt=8&uo=4.
The app was made by Educational Media at UNL.
Assess Condition of Alfalfa FIelds at First Harvest
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
The first cutting of alfalfa is a good time to look closely at your alfalfa stands to evaluate field conditions and plan future management....
- Look for weeds and treat as necessary.
- Check for weevil larvae and adults. (See scouting tips and treatment thresholds.)
- Examine thin spots or areas not yielding as well as the rest of the field. If you find problems, immediately start planning how to deal with them. For instance, if you have too much pennycress, mustard, or downy brome in your first cutting, consider spraying herbicides next fall during the dormant season to kill these weeds.
- Are stands getting thin? Can you determine why? Does this allow weeds to invade? Maybe it’s time to rotate to another crop. If you have other good field options, most dryland fields should be rotated after four to five years and irrigated fields every five to six years.
- If some areas of the field don’t produce well but the stand is still thick, the problem may be dry subsoil, compaction, or inadequate fertility. Knowing which will help you target your fixes to what's needed.
- How do your alfalfa plants look when you cut them? Are lower stems dark with many leaves on the ground? Spring blackstem may be the problem. Do most plants have open blossoms or are new shoots starting to grow and getting cut off by your mower? In all these examples, earlier harvest might be wise next year.
Take some time to look more closely at first cut alfalfa to evaluate your stand and become an even better manager.
Register Now for Nebraska No-till Bus Tour to North and South Dakota
Registrations are now being accepted for a June bus tour of sites featuring no-till crop production, diverse rotations, cover crops, and livestock grazing systems. The June 24-27 Nebraska No-till Tour will visit several research facilities and farms in North Dakota and South Dakota, each offering a unique look at no-till farming, said Paul Jasa, UNL extension engineer and tour organizer. The tour will leave from the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 24. A pre-trip optional tour of Ward Laboratories in Kearney will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Stops will include:
- the Dakota Lakes Research Farm near Pierre, S.D.;
- Cronin Farms near Gettysburg, S.D.;
- Richter Farms, the Black Leg Ranch, the Seth Williams farm and the Menoken Farm near Bismarck, ND.; and
- the Rick Bieber Farm near Trail City, S.D.
In addition, seasoned no-till farmers, Jasa, and Ray Ward, owner of Ward Laboratories in Kearney, will be available on the bus for questions and discussion. “Some of the best learning comes from the networking with other attendees on the bus,” Jasa said.
Registration
Registration Form here: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=5173245
Registrations are due June 5 and will be limited to the first 50 who apply, with preference given to Nebraskans. The fee is $200 for Nebraska residents and producers, and $400 for non-Nebraskans and covers bus transportation, lodging, and some meals. There will be an extra charge of $150 for those requesting a single room. Complete details will be mailed to registrants.
To register, mail the registration form and a check made out to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Paul Jasa, extension engineer, 202 L.W. Chase Hall, Box 830726, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebr., 68583-0726. Email/phone registrations and credit cards will not be accepted. No refund will be given for cancellations made after June 5.
The tour is sponsored by UNL Extension with support from a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Senate Farm Bill a Mixed Bag
Senator Mike Johanns
Farmers across Nebraska understand what it takes to raise a crop. They accept the risk and reap the rewards of their hard work. They watch the markets and plan accordingly. And they’d tell you agriculture policy has come a long way since the 1980s, when the government set market-distorting minimum prices for their crops.
As I’ve traveled throughout our state, farmers have told me they are happy with the risk management tools provided by modern-day crop insurance, which helps cover costs during times of natural disaster, like our ongoing drought. The days of farming for government programs are all but a relic from many harvests ago.
Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee dug up that time capsule when it advanced a new version of the farm bill, complete with higher target prices for some commodities, and budget gimmicks that hide the true cost of this outdated ag policy.
From my days on the family farm to my time as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I know just how important sound ag policy is for our farmers and ranchers, and I am always enthusiastic about crafting the right policies to help them do what they do best.
Unfortunately, what came out of committee last week continues the market-distorting practice of guaranteed government payments through minimum target prices for commodities. Allocations for target payments doubled in this farm bill, from $1.5 billion to $3 billion. On top of that, government-set price floors for commodities were ratcheted up.
The bill also included a number of tactics to make it appear more affordable than it really is. For example, it double counts $6.4 billion in savings that are not even in the legislation, but were already signed into law in 2011. It also delays $3 billion in payment costs until just beyond the 10-year time horizon used to calculate the price tag of legislation. Altogether, the bill saves more than $9 billion less than what its supporters are touting.
These are a few of the reasons I opposed the committee’s farm bill. But, there are two sides to every coin and the farm bill is no different. The legislation does have a number of needed improvements.
Farmers back home tell me how happy they are with the crop insurance program. This farm bill strengthens it. Another common refrain I hear from farmers and ranchers is how confusing the current conservation programs are. This farm bill consolidates and streamlines those programs and saves more than $5 billion in the process. Our ag producers are some of the best stewards of our land and this consolidation will make it easier for them to continue the good work they are doing.
While I’m not enthralled with continuing the practice of government-set target prices, this bill does take a step in the right direction by at least moving to a rolling average to set that price, something that will have less impact on the marketplace.
Finally, the bill helps land grant universities continue conducting vital research and ensures that government assistance for farmers go to those actually farming.
I’ve been pretty vocal about my objections to the current farm bill and I believe the bill the Senate passed last year was a better direction, but I know Congress shouldn’t keep kicking the can down the road. It’s not fair to our ag producers who need the long-term certainty provided by a five-year farm bill to continue feeding and fueling an ever-growing population.
I go into every farm bill debate wanting to support the final product, and I hope I can do just that when it comes time to cast a final vote on this important legislation.
USDA: Hog Virus Detected on Some Iowa Farms
USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has detected porcine epidemic diarrhea, a virus associated with outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting, in the Iowa hog population, a USDA spokesman said on Friday.
The virus is not a food safety concern and does not affect humans. According to Reuters, officials with the agency's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service held a call with livestock industry representatives on Friday to discuss the situation. It was not immediately clear how widespread the incidence of PEDV is at this point.
There are currently no interstate trade restrictions related to PEDV for U.S. hogs and pigs.
Hog futures in Chicago fell sharply on Friday as rumors swirled that the disease had been detected in Iowa and Minnesota. USDA so far has only confirmed detection of PEDV in Iowa.
Register Now for 2013 Iowa Grazing Conference
Those who use grazing in their livestock operations are encouraged to register now for the 2013 Iowa Grazing Conference, set for June 25-26 in Creston. Joe Sellers, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, has been involved with the conference for several years and said this year’s event has classroom and field experiences.
“The organizing committee has planned an extensive program, with topics ranging from forages to management and economics to grazing and wildlife,” Sellers said. “Breakout sessions also include cover crops and the environment, and we’ll have live animal and weed and brush control demo sessions as well.”
The conference will be held at the Southwestern Community College campus in Creston, and runs from 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, to noon on Wednesday, June 26. In addition to breakout sessions and a producer panel, the event also has a pasture walk and barbeque meal on the evening of June 25. Event sponsors are Iowa Forage and Grassland Council (IFGC), Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Southwest Community College, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee and the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“The conference speakers will provide useful and timely information from university and industry perspectives, and those who attend will have access to a wealth of knowledge at a great price,” Sellers said. “Members of IFGC or PFI can attend the two-day event for $40, and those who aren’t members will pay $50 when registered before June 24. Walk-in registration is $10 higher.”
The conference brochure with full agenda and registration information is available on the IBC website at http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/2013GrazingConferencebrochure.pdf.
For more information, contact Sellers by phone at 641-203-1270.
Iowa April 2013 Milk Production
Milk production in Iowa during April 2013 totaled 388 million pounds, up 1 percent from April 2012 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production Report. Milk production in the 23 major States during April totaled 16.1 billion pounds, up 0.3 percent from April 2012. March production, unrevised at 16.4 billion pounds, was down 0.1 percent from March 2012.
Groups Want ‘Comprehensive’ FTA With EU
A coalition of U.S. food and agricultural organizations led by the National Pork Producers Council is urging the Obama administration to press the European Union to negotiate a “comprehensive” free trade agreement, including addressing sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) barriers to trade.
In a letter signed by 47 organizations sent today to U.S. Trade Representative nominee Mike Froman, the coalition expressed concern with a resolution approved last month by the European Parliament that in negotiating the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United States the EU should maintain the “precautionary principle” for SPS issues. Precautionary measures are implemented based on the mere identification of potential risk or, worse, on public perception and political considerations rather than on science-based risk assessments. The World Trade Organization requires member countries’ SPS measures to be based on scientific risk assessments.
“Precaution in the EU has become a pretext for import protectionism under the pretense of consumer safety,” wrote the coalition in its letter. “Such non-science-based measures have become the most challenging barrier to U.S. food and agricultural exports to the EU.”
Examples include certain restrictions on production methods that negatively affect exports of U.S. meat, poultry and dairy products; discriminatory and trade-restricting product labeling requirements; and regulatory barriers to biotechnology that restrict U.S. corn, soy and processed corn and soy product exports.
The coalition said SPS issues must be addressed as part of the negotiations, not simply left to some future consultative mechanism as some EU parliamentarians have suggested. Additionally, SPS provisions negotiated under the TTIP must be enforceable.
If certain sectors or measures are excluded from the TTIP, said the coalition, or placed into a “future negotiation” category, the agreement likely will fail to win the support of the food and agricultural sector.
The coalition reiterated its call for the administration to use the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and other recent U.S. free trade agreements as models for talks on the TTIP.
Take Steps to Be a Certified Swine Manager
Ready to take the next steps up the career ladder? The Pork Checkoff’s Certified Swine Manager Program can help jump-start the process. The program recognizes knowledgeable, skilled employees who embody the pork industry’s We CareSM ethical principles.
“This program is a great resource to help increase your knowledge and reflect your dedication to continuous improvement and leadership in the industry,” said Jim Lummus, director of producer learning and development for the Pork Checkoff. “Continued professional development also can open up opportunities for career advancement.”
The program encourages professional development by:
•Offering certification to validate knowledge gained and work accomplished
•Establishing educational standards and providing resources to acquire knowledge
•Defining a core body of knowledge needed to achieve competencies in pork production
To become a Certified Swine Manager, individuals must pass two assessments to verify knowledge, skills and competence in swine production – an exam and an on-the-job skills assessment. Benefits of certification include:
•Validates that an individual possesses a desired set of knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively perform essential job duties in swine production.
•Enhances individual credibility through third-party, independent validation of an individual’s knowledge, skills and competencies.
•Supports continued professional development,improving individual performance and opportunities for career advancement.
•Demonstrates employee and producer commitment to the industry’s We Care ethical principles.
For more information, contact Jim Lummus at JLummus@pork.org or at (515) 223-2600.
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
S. 954 – Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013
(from White House Office of Communication)
The Administration supports Senate passage of S. 954, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013, and looks forward to working with the Congress to address the important concerns described below prior to final passage.
The Administration greatly appreciates the Senate's bipartisan efforts to enact a food, farm and jobs bill. With authorization for farm and food related programs set to expire this year, it is critical that the Congress pass legislation that provides certainty for rural America and includes needed reforms and savings. The new farm bill should promote rural development, preserve a farm safety net, maintain strong nutrition programs, encourage the development of local and regional markets, enhance conservation, honor our international trade commitments, including under the World Trade Organization, and advance agricultural research. In light of the Nation's long-term fiscal challenge, the legislation should also contribute significantly to deficit reduction.
The President's Budget provides a strong safety net for farmers that protect agriculture from losses, while instituting needed risk-based reforms to reduce spending for some agricultural programs. The Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 makes meaningful progress toward supporting the Administration's goals. Notable reforms include eliminating the direct payment system and tightening payment and eligibility requirements. The Administration supports the Senate's efforts to consolidate and streamline conservation assistance, which will reduce administrative burdens on farmers and ranchers and improve environmental outcomes, and believes that crop insurance payments should be tied to the Nation's soil conservation and wetland protection goals. The bill's funding for bioenergy programs will enhance our energy security while supporting innovation and growth in rural economies.
Consistent with the President's Budget, the Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to achieve crop insurance and commodity program savings that are not contained in S. 954, while at the same time strengthening the farm safety net in times of need and supporting the next generation of farmers. The Administration also strongly supports the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a cornerstone of our Nation's food assistance safety net, which is why it was not subject to cuts in the President's Budget. SNAP helps families put food on the table, while also benefiting farm and rural economies.
Ethanol production capacity little changed in past year
U.S. fuel ethanol production capacity was 13.9 billion gallons per year (903,000 barrels per day), as of January 1, 2013, according to a report released by EIA on May 20, 2013. The report shows a very slight increase in the total capacity of operating ethanol plants compared to January 1, 2012. A total of 193 ethanol plants were operating as of January 1, 2013, compared to 194 plants operating a year earlier. Most fuel ethanol production capacity, about 91%, is located in PADD 2 (Midwest).
Gasoline prices continue to rise
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline rose to $3.67 a gallon on Monday. That’s up 7 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Pump prices were highest in the West Coast region at 3.95 a gallon, up 1.4 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast States at 3.39 a gallon, up 2.8 cents. The Midwest region boasted the highest weekly increase at 18.8 cents with prices at 3.87 a gallon.
Diesel prices continue to increase
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel rose to $3.89 a gallon on Monday. That’s up 2.4 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For the first time this year, the West Coast surpassed New England for the highest regional diesel prices at 4.01 a gallon, up 3.9 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.78 a gallon, up 3.6 cents. Prices in the Midwest averaged $3.866, up 18.8 cents from last week and up 24 cents from a year ago.
Vilsack on Meeting with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday issued the following statement following his meeting with Mexico’s new Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martínez y Martínez:
“I am pleased by the productive exchange with Secretary Martínez where we discussed and recognized the strong bilateral agricultural trade between our two countries. Mexico is an important strategic ally and critical economic partner to the United States, and our third-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. Bilateral agricultural trade between our countries is at record levels and has more than quadrupled since NAFTA’s implementation nearly 20 years ago. Secretary Martínez and I expressed a common desire to build on this strong foundation and promote greater market access for our agricultural products.
"In our wide-ranging discussions, Secretary Martínez and I committed to reenergize and revitalize the U.S.-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture, a forum that will enable us to address bilateral trade issues and continue to identify opportunities for cooperation. We also discussed market access for many agricultural products, including U.S. beef, potatoes, and produce, and received assurances that Mexico continues to progress in their regulatory processes to meet our request. I indicated the United States would like to continue our collaboration on both biotechnology and organic agriculture as they continue to be important trade priorities of the Obama Administration and USDA.
“During President Obama’s visit here earlier this month, he and President Peña Nieto agreed to establish a U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED), promoting mutual economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. Secretary Martínez and I support this dialogue since it recognizes the integrated nature of our two economies and underscores our shared interest in revitalizing the rural economies of our respective countries.”
Ukraine May-June Grain Export Seen 2.97 Million Tons
Ukraine is likely to export 2.97 million metric tons of grain in May and June, the two remaining months of the current marketing year, which began in July 2012, the economic development and trade ministry said Monday.
The ministry said it would be reasonable to expect Ukraine to export in May and June 184,000 tons of wheat, 73,000 tons of barley, 2.33 million tons of corn and 74,000 tons of rye.
The ministry said Ukraine's grain exports between July 1, 2012 and April 30 this year totaled 21.5 million tons, including 6.83 million tons of wheat, 2.1 million tons of barley and 12.2 million tons of corn.
In the entire 2012-13 marketing year the ministry expects Ukraine's grain export to total 24.5 million tons, including 7 million tons of wheat, 2.13 million tons of barley and 14.5 million tons of corn.
The agriculture ministry has said Ukraine's 2012 grain harvest fell to 46.2 million tons from 56.7 million tons in 2011 because of drought and grain exports in the 2012-13 marketing year should total 24.4 million tons. In the previous marketing year Ukraine exported 21.794 million tons of grain.
Russia Crop Planting Slows
Russia's southern regions began planting spring crops for this year's harvest earlier than last year because of the clement weather conditions, but now planting has slowed to lag behind last year's pace as the weather has worsened.
The agriculture ministry said Monday spring grains were planted to May 17 on 15.7 million hectares, or 51.9% of the total area to be planted, which is 11.5% less than on the same date last year.
Russia plans to plant spring grains this year on 30.3 million hectares. Also a certain amount of winter grains damaged by frosts have to be replanted, making a total planted area of about 33 million hectares.
The agriculture ministry hopes that this year's grain harvest will be 90-92 million metric tons, up from last year's 71.7 million hectares, when crops were damaged by drought.
Premium Standard Changes Name to Murphy-Brown of Missouri
Premium Standard Farms, LLC, a unit of Smithfield Foods, Inc., and its production subsidiary, Murphy-Brown, LLC, Princeton, Mo., announced it has changed its name to Murphy-Brown of Missouri, LLC, effective immediately.
Adopting the Murphy-Brown label will better communicate the nature of Premium Standard's business and the role the company plays in the larger Smithfield Foods organization. The change will present a more unified message for how the company is supporting Smithfield Foods' brands, creating value for investors, employees and other stakeholders. The company has been working diligently to make changes that support the transition from Premium Standard Farms to Murphy-Brown of Missouri.
Michael Rainwater, General Manager of Murphy-Brown of Missouri, stated, "This is exciting news for our company and cause for celebration. We are solidifying our position as a provider in Smithfield Foods' integrated supply chain, thereby providing increased career opportunities while continuing to be an economic engine in north Missouri. We are providing excellent jobs and strong futures for those of us who love to live and work in this rural setting."
Murphy-Brown of Missouri, LLC is an independent operating company of Smithfield Foods, Inc. As a member of the Smithfield Foods family of companies, Murphy-Brown of Missouri produces consistent, high-quality pork products for a variety of markets and is a recognized leader in environmental stewardship and technology innovation. Murphy-Brown of Missouri employs approximately 1,100 people in north central Missouri. Smithfield Foods is a $13 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer.
Zoetis, Texas Tech University partner in Salmonella research
Zoetis Inc., formerly the animal health business unit of Pfizer, today announced a gift of $100,000 for Salmonella research to Texas Tech University, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Animal and Food Sciences. The research gift will help provide resources to better understand and describe the ecology of Salmonella in cattle populations and to discover and evaluate tools that might ultimately result in a safer food supply.
“We believe food-safety research is critical to the current and future health of the cattle industry,” said Rob Kelly, vice president, U.S. Cattle and Equine Business Unit at Zoetis. “Consumers expect the food they serve their families to be wholesome and safe, and they are counting on everyone in the industry to work together to deliver safe food to families around the world.”
Establishing partnerships with top research institutions such as Texas Tech University is essential to managing foodborne pathogens like Salmonella during the preharvest stage, Kelly added.
“Salmonella continues to threaten human health. With new understandings of how it interacts with livestock populations, we can develop better tools that can lead to meaningful improvements in food safety,” said Guy Loneragan, BVSc, PhD, epidemiologist and professor of food safety and public health at Texas Tech University. “This sort of industry collaboration is vital to the discovery and development of tools to keep food safe, and the research gift from Zoetis will greatly support and enhance our activities to discover and deliver these solutions.”
Because the Zoetis gift is allocated to research and discovery in the area of Salmonella and not tied to a specific project or endowment, it has a lot of potential, Dr. Loneragan added.
“Anticipating every outcome is difficult when working with a foodborne pathogen like Salmonella in cattle,” Dr. Loneragan said. “The flexibility of this research gift ensures that we can pursue new developments as they arise.”
Michelle Haven, DVM, PhD, senior vice president, corporate development, alliances and solutions at Zoetis, said that research focused in the cattle industry at large will not only help provide important solutions in Salmonella research but also offer opportunities for education and training for graduate students at Texas Tech University.
“Texas Tech University has a talented and enthusiastic research team, including microbiologists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, meat scientists, animal scientists and those focusing on education,” she continued. “We’re glad to help bring everyone together to identify these complex problems and solutions.”
This research gift really reflects an ongoing and growing relationship between Zoetis and Texas Tech University that is built on success and trust, Dr. Loneragan added.
“Without industry partnerships such as this, our ability to achieve food-safety research goals and drive innovation in the area of foodborne pathogens is greatly diminished,” Dr. Loneragan said. “This relationship with Zoetis is helping us to better understand Salmonella and will provide support to help deliver tools to producers to improve the health of cattle herds and the safety of the food supply.”
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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