Monday May 6 Crop Progress & Condition Reports + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 5, 2013, warm temperatures early in the week gave way to  cold, wet  conditions  at mid-week which  again  limited  fieldwork,  according  to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics  Service,  Nebraska  Field  Office.  Snow  was  recorded  in  many  counties  at  mid-week.   Moisture accumulations, which included rain, totaled an inch or more in many eastern areas but was again limited in western counties.  Temperatures were below normal for the fourth week in a row and averaged 4 to 8 degrees below normal across much  of Nebraska.  Corn  planting  progressed  slowly  and was  a week  and  one  half  behind  average.  Soil temperatures  as  of  Sunday  were  above  50  degrees  in  the  western  two  thirds  of  the  state  but  in  the  high  40’s elsewhere.  Pastures continue to show little growth with many producers lacking the forage supplies to feed much longer.  The first cutting of alfalfa will be short and  late, with one  less cutting possible  this year.  Fieldwork was limited with only 3.2 days considered suitable.  Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies rated 13 percent very short, 23 short, 60 adequate, and 4 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 42 percent very short, 42 short, 16 adequate, and 0 surplus.  
 
Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 14 percent, well behind last year’s 70 and 53 average.  Soybeans planted was 1 percent, behind last year’s 26 and 13 average.  Wheat  conditions  rated  16  percent  very  poor,  33  poor,  39  fair,  12  good,  and  0  excellent. Wheat  jointed  was  8 percent, well behind last year’s 84 and 3 weeks behind 46 average.  Oats planted were at 84 percent, behind last year’s 96 and 93 average.  Oats emerged were 38 percent, behind last year’s 79 and 65 average.  
 
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Stock water supplies rated 6 percent very short, 15 short, 78 adequate, and 1 surplus.   Pasture and range condition rated 25 percent very poor, 45 poor, 26 fair, 4 good, and 0 excellent.  Hay and forage supplies rated 23 percent very short, 47 short, 30 adequate, and 0 surplus.   Cattle and calves condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 26 fair, 65 good, and 7 excellent. Spring calving was 95 percent complete.  Calf losses this spring has been 6 percent below average, 89 average, and 5 above average.



Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables at: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg//2010s/2013/CropProg-05-06-2013.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&region=HPRCC

Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP



IOWA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION REPORT

Dry and warm weather in the first half of the week ending May 5, 2013 turned to cold  and  wet  weather  by  mid-week.    Temperatures  dropped  low  enough  for snowfall  to be  seen across much of  Iowa.   Records  for both May  snowfall and coldest daily high temperature were set in some areas.  There was an average of 2.3  days  suitable  for  fieldwork  during  the  week,  according  to  the  USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.   Most  fieldwork was done early  in  the week  before  the  turn  in  weather.    Field  activities  included  application  of fertilizers and herbicides, tilling and planting.  
  
Topsoil moisture  levels  rated  1  percent  very  short,  3  percent  short,  59 percent adequate  and  37  percent  surplus.    The  precipitation  received  during  the week continued  to  improve  subsoil  moisture  levels.    Subsoil  moisture  levels  rated 4 percent  very  short,  24  percent  short  and  63 percent  adequate  and  9  percent surplus.  

Eight percent of Iowa’s corn acreage has been planted compared with 62 percent at this time last year and the five-year average of 56 percent.  Although farmers were  able  to  plant  some  corn  before  the  weather  turned  mid-week,  planting progress  is  the  latest  since  1995.    Some  farmers  delayed  planting  early  in  the week due to the forecasted snow and cold temperatures.  A series of dry days is needed  to permit planting  to resume.   Oat planting was 67 percent complete; at this  time  last  year  oat  planting  was  complete.    Twenty-three  percent  of  oat acreage  has  emerged,  well  behind  last  year’s  88  percent  and  the  five-year average of 62 percent.   

Pasture  and  range  condition  rated  10  percent  very  poor,  20  percent  poor, 39 percent  fair and 27 percent good and 4 percent excellent.   Enough moisture has been  received  to promote new growth  in pastures,  but cooler  than  average temperatures have limited the growth of grass.  



IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

What a week for weather across Iowa.  The reporting period began with unusually warm weather on Monday (29th) and Tuesday (30th).  Monday’s highs were in the low 70’s northeast to the mid 80’s southwest and on Tuesday ranged from  the  upper  60’s  northwest  to  upper  80’s  east  central.    The  warmer  air brought a  few  thunderstorms  to extreme  southeast  Iowa on Sunday  (28th) night and  over  northern  areas  on Monday  (29th) morning  and  again Monday  night.  Both episodes of storms on Monday brought large hail to some areas with tennis ball  size  hail  reported  near  Dubuque Monday  evening.    A  cold  front  slowly moved  into  the  state  from  the  northwest  on Tuesday  (30th)  and  finally  pushed into  Illinois  Wednesday  night.    High  temperatures  reached  the  mid  80’s  on Wednesday  ahead  of  the  front while  snow was  falling  in northwest  Iowa with temperatures  only  in  the  low  30’s.    Snow  began  in  the  far  northwest  early Wednesday morning with moderate to heavy snow falling Wednesday night over west  central  and  north  central  Iowa.    The  snow  slowly  edged  further  east  on Thursday  with  the  heaviest  snow  falling  from  south  central  into  north  central Iowa on Thursday night and Friday morning.  Finally, the storm system began to move back westward with snow persisting over  far western  Iowa  into Saturday afternoon (but with no additional accumulation).   Meanwhile, eastern  Iowa saw widespread  moderate  to  heavy  rainfall.    Precipitation  intensity  generally decreased starting Friday afternoon but there were a few areas of heavier rainfall associated with thunderstorms over east central and northeast Iowa on Friday and Saturday.   Warmer and drier air  slowly worked  there way westward across  the state  late  in  the weekend with highs on Sunday  (5th) varying  from  the  low 50’s northwest  to mid 70’s east central.   The week’s snow fall smashed all previous May  snowfall  records  in  Iowa.    Storm  total  snowfall  reached  a May  record 13 inches at Osage while the statewide average snowfall of 3.4 inches was nearly triple  the previous highest May average  set  in 1947  (1.2  inches).   Precipitation totals varied  from 0.89  inches  at Estherville  to 4.52  inches  at  Iowa City.   The statewide  average  precipitation was  2.22  inches while  normal  for  the  week  is 0.98  inches.    This  was  the  third  week  of  the  past  four  with  unusually  heavy precipitation.   Temperature  extremes over  the past  reporting week varied  from 26  degrees  at Sibley  on Friday  to  89  degrees  at Cedar Rapids,  Iowa City  and Stanley  on  Tuesday.    Temperatures  for  the  week  as  a  whole  averaged  from 8 degrees below normal over  the northwest  to 3 degrees above normal over  the far east with a statewide average of 3.7 degrees below normal.



Warmer, Drier Conditions Forecast for This Week
Al Dutcher, UNL State Climatologist

What a cruel joke Mother Nature can play on us. Another aggressive upper air trough moved through the central Plains this week and brought conditions typical of late March. Rain, thunderstorms, freezing rain, sleet, and heavy snow were reported across the state. The most significant snowfall accumulations were reported across the southern Panhandle and northeast Nebraska with totals approaching 6 inches. Snowfall amounts of 1-3 inches were common across much of central and eastern Nebraska.

According to the Nebraska office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service only 3% of the corn acreage had been planted by April 28, compared with 40% on this date last year and the five-year average of 26%. Although planters were rolling April 29-30, many sat idle because of the impending rain/snow and forecasts for temperatures dropping to the upper 20s to upper 30s.

Planting activity will likely be delayed for at least five days across eastern Nebraska where liquid equivalent precipitation totals ranged from 1 to 3 inches. Precipitation totals of 0.25 inches to 1 inch were common across western Nebraska, with the lightest totals reported across the northern Panhandle and the southwest corner of the state.

The upper air trough responsible for this late snow has shifted southeast of the state and formed a cutoff low. This low will slowly migrate toward the lower Ohio River valley this weekend as the western U.S. upper air ridge builds eastward. Clouds and scattered showers are possible across the eastern third of Nebraska through Sunday, while western Nebraska should remain dry.

Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate through the middle of this week. Eastern Nebraska should be stuck in the 50s due to extensive cloud cover before warming into the 70s by Tuesday.  If the models are correct, there could be some 80°F highs across western Nebraska by the end of next week.

Chances for precipitation are relatively low for most of this week. Models indicate that isolated showers or thunderstorms could develop during the afternoons from Wednesday through Saturday. The best opportunity for widespread precipitation is projected for Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening.

Weather models are having a difficult time resolving whether the central plains will see an aggressive precipitation pattern or remain dry May 12-18. The latest models are trending wetter, but confidence is low. It may be a challenge to get the corn crop planted by month’s end if the wetter forecast verifies.

To add more fuel to the fire, the Climate Prediction Center has just issued their updated 30-day forecast.  Much of the central third of the United States is projected to experience below normal temperatures during May. In addition, an area of above normal moisture is projected for eastern Nebraska and the entire state of Iowa.



Johanns Seeks Explanation from EPA on Repeated Release of Ag Producers’  Private Information

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) multiple disclosures to anti-ag activist organizations of thousands of records including the personal information of ag producers:

“EPA’s ongoing assault on America’s ag producers is nothing short of alarming,” Senator Johanns said. “Its disregard for the privacy of farmers and ranchers in Nebraska and across the country is, at best, woeful negligence, and at worst, a flagrant effort to aid organizations seeking to radically transform American agriculture, with no regard for what it takes to feed the world.

“EPA must now explain how it will ensure the already-released private information is not abused. Will the Agency request sworn statements from the recipients of the private information? Those affected have a right to a better answer from EPA.”

Sen. Johanns requested an explanation from Acting EPA Administrator Bob Perciasepe regarding the release of private information protected by federal law, and how the Agency plans to ensure the disclosed private information will not be used by outside organizations.

Background:
On February 10, 2013, EPA released to activist groups Earth Justice, the Pew Charitable Trust and the Natural Resources Defense Council information on 80,000 livestock operations across the United States, including 3,500 in Nebraska following Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The information EPA provided included names, home addresses, personal telephone numbers and employee information—data that should have been redacted.

On April 4, 2013, EPA acknowledged some of the information it disclosed should have been exempt under federal law.  It sent an amended release of the same information with redactions. However, EPA failed to remove all private information, including data on a number of operations in Nebraska.  On April 30, 2013, EPA sent a second amended release, which included more redactions of records from Nebraska and Montana.

In letters accompanying the data, EPA requested that all previous iterations of the information related to the FOIA requests be returned and/or destroyed. The Agency has failed to take meaningful steps to prevent the abuse of ag producers’ private information already released.

Below are the questions Sen. Johanns submitted to EPA Acting Director Perciasepe regarding the release of private information:

1. In early February, your agency released personal information on 80,000 livestock operations across the United States.  In Nebraska, personal information on over 3,500 operations was released. 
  a. Did EPA conduct an independent evaluation of the data states submitted to EPA and redact any such personal information the Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, or EPA’s own policies required it to before the Agency made its first release of the data?
  b. I am told the original release contained no redactions based on FOIA Exemptions or the Privacy Act.  Is this accurate?
  c. EPA has now reportedly agreed that in the case of data from 10 states EPA should have redacted information.  Is this an accurate rendering?
  d. Does EPA believe that the release of unredacted data in early February is consistent with applicable FOIA and Privacy Act law?  

2. With respect to the redactions that EPA now acknowledges should have occurred before any FOIA release occurred, has EPA asked for a list of entities and individuals who received (or viewed) the unredacted data?
  a. For those individuals and entities, has EPA asked for affidavits certifying that those individuals and entities have not kept copies or otherwise released or inappropriately recorded the data that was subsequently redacted?

3. Is it EPA's goal to establish and publish a national livestock database to be published on EPA's website?
  a. Does the Agency believe that publishing a national livestock database will make our food supply less secure? 



Curtis Ag College to Celebrate Centennial in August, 2013

A “Century of Ag Education” will be celebrated in Curtis on August 9-11, 2013, at the University of Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) with festivities for alumni, students, staff and agricultural friends from throughout the Midwest, said NCTA Interim Dean Scott Mickelsen.

“We are looking forward to seeing many alumni and friends join us in August, returning to the Curtis institution where they spent their high school years, were staff or students at the college, or both,” Dr. Mickelsen said.

Announcements were mailed to alumni this week who graduated from one of the four schools (two high schools, then two colleges):  NAS – Nebraska Agriculture School, UNSA – University of Nebraska School of Agriculture, UNSTA- University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture, and now NCTA.

The ag campus at the northeastern edge of Curtis will be open for campus and farm plot tours, competitive events, a chuckwagon dinner, and social activities beginning Friday evening, August 9th and concluding Sunday morning.   Hotel space is limited, so guests can also stay at Aggie West dormitory on campus.

“The Centennial celebration will include campus tours featuring the new Education Center and additions to the state-of-the art veterinary teaching hospital, cowboy poetry entertainment and dance, and some fun competitions for all ages on Saturday,” Mickelsen added.

Registration forms and schedule are available at www.NCTA.unl.edu, or e-mail to chauptman4@unl.edu, or telephone the main campus number at (308) 367-5200.

The 330-student, 2-year technical college graduated 84 students on Thursday, May 2nd, said Mickelsen.  He has served as the school’s associate dean since May, 2011 and also holds interim dean duties until Dr. Ron Rosati of Missouri joins the University system on July 1st.  Former Dean Weldon Sleight retired in December.

Timeline
When Nebraska’s Legislature enacted the educational plan in 1911, the school was to be a high school as a terminal technical school for men and women interested in agriculture or home economics. Students had to be at least 14 years old and eighth-grade graduates when they started classes on September 9, 1913.

All facets of high school programs were taught, including what was then referred to as “normal training” for teachers.  Peak enrollment of 415 students came in 1946, also when the name changed to University of Nebraska School of Agriculture (UNSA).

From 1965-1968, UNSA transitioned from a high school to a post-secondary, agricultural technical school, again with another name change to the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture (UNSTA).

Through a tumultuous period of state funding cuts and University recommendations to close the school, enrollments ceased and plans were underway to sell the campus.  However, in 1987, after public pressure swayed the governor and elected officials, Nebraska’s Legislature restored funding in April, 1988.  Business and management technology programs were added to the curriculum.

In February, 1994, the University of Nebraska formally adopted UNSTA as the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis (NCTA).  Dr. Weldon Sleight was Dean for six years and led the campus through curriculum and facility additions such as the Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center, a new residence hall, a biomass heating project using cedar chips, and an extensive addition to the Veterinary Technology Teaching Complex which includes the Dr. Walter Long Veterinary Technology Teaching Clinic.

Primary NCTA programs are:  veterinary technology, animal science, agronomy, horticulture, agribusiness, agricultural education and agricultural equipment (welding, diesel mechanics, and soon adding irrigation technology).

Also, a new NCTA program, “Comparative Medicine,” is in final planning stages. The 2-year veterinary technology training program will teach students animal care with small and large animals and how animal health relates to human health and technology. Classes will be taught at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha by NCTA’s Comparative Medicine instructor and veterinarian, Dr. Glenn Jackson.



Transforming Scientific Knowledge into Ag Practices, Policy is Essential

           Much of the scientific and technical knowledge needed to address the world's burgeoning food needs already exists. The challenge now is to get it into small farmers' hands in a way they can use it, and to convince governments to change policies to make it more feasible for them to do so.

            That's one of the themes emerging as the fifth annual global Water for Food Conference opened at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel Monday (May 6). The fifth annual conference is hosted by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

            Experts opened the conference Monday morning in a panel discussion that focused on their efforts to translate research into action in Asia, Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa, areas where increasing food production is essential to feeding a world population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Jeff Raikes, CEO of the Gates foundation and a native Nebraskan, said "smallholder farmers" trying to scratch out a living on 5 to 10 acres represent "a lot of the food production" in the world.

            "Helping these farming families increase production in a sustainable way and sell more crops is the most effective way" to deal with the looming challenge, said Raikes, who moderated the opening panel discussion. Raikes said "participatory research" needs to reflect the farmers' concerns rather than simply presenting scientific findings and expecting farmers to adopt recommendations.

            Paul Hicks, a water resources specialist with Catholic Relief Services' Global Water Imitative, said, "We need to start where the farmer is and really understand the context they're working in." His organization has worked to bridge the gap between research institutions and these farmers.

            Aditi Mukherji, a water and air leader with the Nepal-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, said scientists traditionally have been eager to share their expertise rather than first finding out what farmers really need.

            In that light, Hicks said, it's key that scientists working with farmers accomplish some "early recognizable results," however modest.

            "Most of the solutions that are needed are known …," Hicks said, "but there hasn't been consensus" among farmers or policymakers on how to implement them.

            His organization has brought together policymakers, scientists and development specialists to assess the programs implemented by governments and NGOs over the last 15 years to see what's worked and what hasn't, with an eye toward improving future policies.

            Mukherji said her organization's experience is encouraging. In her native West Bengal, research findings have influenced government changes in groundwater policy aimed at improving food production. Now, she said, she and others are focused on making sure those policy changes lead to changes in farmers' behavior.

            Benedito Braga, president of the World Water Council, also emphasized a need for improved policies. He noted a "silent revolution" has been underway in increased use of groundwater for irrigation, but it's happened without regulation, threatening long-term water security in some regions.

            Braga warned that riots in 37 countries in 2007-08 sparked by food shortages and high prices could "be harbingers of a crisis to come."

            Improved crop breeding is essential too, said Sally Mackenzie, the Ralph and Alice Raikes Chair of Plant Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

            Mackenzie's team is studying the previously untapped field of epigenetic modification of crops to make them more productive and less susceptible to hostile environments. Her work leaves the genes themselves unchanged but focuses on how genes express themselves with an eye toward ultimately manipulating those expressions to improve crops.

            Illustrating the significance of epigenetics, she noted that humans and chimps share 98 percent of their genetic information.

            "What we've learned from that, other than humility, is that what really differentiates us is not our genes but how we express them," Mackenzie said.

            Findings so far, with both nonfood and food crops, are encouraging in producing plants with improved biomass, vigor, stress resistance and seed production – all without changing their genetic structure, she said.

            "We have not been capturing all the breeding potential that we can" without an understanding of epigenetics, Mackenzie said.

            Mackenzie is part of the National Plant Science Initiative that will send a report soon to the president and Congress that offers advice on how best to meet the food challenges ahead.

            The conference, whose theme is "Too Hot, Too Wet, Too Dry: Building Resilient Agroecosystems," is expected to draw nearly 500 experts from around the world working to overcome the urgent challenge of growing more food with less water. It is sponsored by Monsanto.

            Additional information about the 2013 Water for Food Conference is online at: http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/wff2013. The conference continues through Wednesday.



Wild Weather Causing Record Planting Delays

Unusually-cold spring weather is causing new concerns for Iowa's delayed planting season; the 2012 drought depleted the nation's reserves making this year's crop a crucial one for global market exports, biofuel production and livestock farmers, according to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).

"The nation's farmers, biofuels makers and grain exporters will all be affected if another crop falls short of expectation," says IFBF economist Dave Miller. "But, if the weather turns around and our record corn and soybean acres see record yields, that would likely swamp grain markets and drive down prices for crop farmers; we're in an unusually crucial situation this year."

Miller added, "Are we standing on the edge of a cliff? With another short crop, we can't adjust exports down much further...therefore, where would the next adjustment come from? We saw the first contraction in biofuels production in seven years, because of last year's drought. Exports have also been a point of adjustment in past major crop shortfalls; all these things send ripple effects through our entire industry and that means consumers could feel it, too."

Helping Iowa farmers manage market risks like these and discussing farm policy challenges will be a key theme in the 2013 IFBF Economic Summit "Grain, Gridlock and Globalization: Meeting the Economic Challenges in Today's Agriculture," which will be held July 22 and 23 in Ames. The two-day summit brings nationally-known experts on crop and livestock market trends, exports and commodity price experts to the Iowa State Center Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus.

"Clearly, there are many unpredictable factors out there impacting farmers; most delayed planting seasons are regional in nature; however this year, because of wild weather, the entire grain producing region is impacted. But we also have record land prices, a crop that is vastly more expensive to produce, an uncertain political climate with no new Farm Bill and emerging trade challenges. All affect our ability to grow food, fiber and fuel," says IFBF President Craig Hill.

National experts ranging from economists Allen Featherstone of Kansas State University, Michael Boehlje from Purdue, export and policy analyst Ross Korves and ag meteorologist Elwynn Taylor are among many nationally-recognized monetary, policy, trade and economic experts tapped for the July IFBF Economic Summit.

For a complete listing of the panelists and schedule, click here: www.iowafarmbureau.com.

The price of the two-day summit is $50 for Iowa Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members. Information about the summit, lodging and online registration forms can be found at www.iowafarmbureau.com.



17th Edition of Farm Estate and Business Planning Available

This 471-page soft cover book is an excellent guide for farmers and ranchers who want to make the most of the state and federal income and estate tax laws to assure the least expensive and most efficient transfer of their estates to their children and heirs. This book contains detailed advice on assuring worry-free retirement years, using wills, trusts, insurance and outside investments as estate planning tools, ways to save on estate settlement costs, and an approach to setting up a plan that will eliminate arguments and friction in the family.

"This edition is rather special," says Harl, "in light of the tax legislation passed in December 2012."

The book contains extensive coverage of that landmark legislation and updates the 26 chapters with recent developments in farm and ranch estate planning and farm and ranch business planning since the 16th edition was published in 2011. The book is written in easy-to-read language and is designed for use by farm and ranch families.

The book also includes discussion of employment taxes, formation and advantages of use of business entities, federal farm payments, state laws on corporate ownership of farm land, federal gift tax law, annuities, installment obligations, charitable deductions, all with an eye to the least expensive and most efficient transfer of the farm to heirs.

Nearly 175,000 copies of the book, which traces its history back to the first edition in 1973, are in circulation.

Harl, who is retired from the Iowa State University faculty after 40-years service, holds a law degree from the University of Iowa and a bachelor's degree and Ph.D. in economics from Iowa State. He is the author of 29 books and more than 450 publications in legal and economic journals and bulletins as well as more than 1,000 in farm and financial publications. Dr. Harl has made more than 3300 presentations in 43 states and 17 foreign countries and has received more than 30 major awards during his long career at Iowa State.

The 17th Edition is available in print for $35.00 (shipping and tax included) and PDF file for $25.00 (shipping and tax included) for reading, searching and printing with a computer or tablet. The book and PDF file may be ordered at www.agrilawpress.com.

Orders are also accepted by e-mailing Robert@agrilawpress.com or by calling 360-200-5666. The address of the Agricultural Law Press is 127 Young Rd., Kelso, WA 98626.



Quality Assurance sessions scheduled for Iowa pork producers

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is partnering with the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to offer free Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) and Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) programs for Iowa pork producers.

Special quality assurance training sessions will be hosted at the 2013 World Pork Expo on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6. All sessions will be hosted in room A-2 of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Interested individuals should pre-register by contacting IPPA at (515) 225-7675 or lclemenson@iowapork.org. Session details are as follows:

Wednesday, June 5
PQA Plus 9:15 a.m. – Noon
TQA 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 6
PQA Plus – 9:15 a.m. – Noon.
Additionally, Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) training sessions will be offered in each of the eight IPPA districts throughout the summer. 

District 1
Wednesday, July 17
Northwest Iowa Community College
Building A, Room 116/119
Sheldon

District 2
Tuesday, August 20
Humboldt County Extension office
727 Sumner Ave.
Humboldt

District 3
Tuesday, August 27
Borlaug Learning Center
3327 290th St.
Nashua

District 4
Thursday, August 8
Delaware County Extension Office
1417 North Franklin St.
Manchester

District 5
Thursday, June 20
Cass County Community Center
805 West 10th St.
Atlantic

District 6
Tuesday, June 25
Guthrie County Extension Office
212 State St.
Guthrie Center

District 7
Thursday, August 1
Marion County Extension Office
210 North Iowa St.
Knoxville

District 8
Thursday, August 1
Johnson County Extension office
3109 Old Hwy. 218 S.
Iowa City

All district locations offer TQA from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and PQA Plus from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. All sessions are sponsored by IPPA and the Pork Checkoff. Producers are encouraged to pre-register to allow adequate space and materials. To pre-register or for more information, contact IPPA at (515) 225-7675 or email lclemenson@iowapork.org.

PQA Plus and TQA are part of the industry-aligned We Care responsible pork initiative, which establishes ethical principles for pork producers to produce safe food, protect and promote animal well-being, protect public health, safeguard natural resources, provide a safe work environment and contribute to a better quality of life in their communities.

“Pork producers continue to demonstrate their commitment to their animals and customers through their participation in quality assurance training and the We Care responsible pork initiative,” said IPPA President Greg Lear. “We take these commitments very seriously as we focus on continuous improvement to deliver the safest food in the world.” 



March Beef Export Results Mixed; Pork Exports Trend Lower

March exports of U.S. beef were down in volume from a year ago but edged slightly higher in value, while pork exports slumped on lower results in several mainstay markets. According to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), March beef export volume of 83,612 metric tons (mt) was down 7 percent from a year ago but export value ($440.7 million) was slightly higher. Beef exports finished the first quarter 4 percent lower in volume (256,587 mt) but 5 percent ahead of last year’s record pace in value ($1.3 billion).

March pork exports declined 18 percent from a year ago in both volume (163,004 mt) and value ($469.5 million), hampered by a beta agonist-related market closure in Russia, larger domestic supplies in China and South Korea and weakened demand in top markets Japan and Mexico. For the first quarter, pork exports fell 12 percent below last year’s record pace in volume (528,195 mt) and 11 percent in value ($1.49 billion).

“We are definitely facing a challenging environment in several of our leading markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “Some of these trends are anticipated, such as the lower demand for exports where domestic production is up and inventories are plentiful. But the trade impasse with Russia is very frustrating because we have lost access to a market where demand for our product is extremely strong. In other destinations we have seen the overall demand for high-quality proteins become sluggish, and USMEF is very focused on reversing this trend.”

March beef exports equated to 9 percent of U.S. muscle cut production and 12 percent when adding variety meat – ratios consistent with a year ago. Export value equated to $222.20 per head of fed slaughter, up from 9 percent in March 2012. First quarter export value was $221, also an increase of 9 percent.

Pork exports accounted for 20 percent of muscle cut production in March and 23.4 percent including variety meat. This is down from 24 percent and 27.8 percent, respectively, in March 2012. March export value equated to $50.38 per head, down from $59.92 in March 2012. First-quarter export value averaged $53.38 per head, down 10 percent from a year ago.

Expanded access boosts beef exports to Japan, Hong Kong
Beef exports to Japan received an excellent bounce from aggressive promotional campaigns designed to capitalize on the recently expanded market access. March volume (18,565 mt) was nearly 80 percent higher than a year ago and value was up 62 percent to $114.2 million. This pushed first-quarter exports to Japan 30 percent higher in both volume (38,483 mt) and value ($252.1 million).

Japan ranks second in beef export value to Canada, where U.S. exports also posted an outstanding first quarter. Export volume to Canada increased 20 percent to 44,305 mt while value was up 32 percent to $284.2 million. This made Canada the leading volume and value destination for U.S. beef.

Beef exports to Hong Kong more than doubled in volume in the first quarter to 22,217 mt, while value increased 93 percent to 123.4 million. Market access was also expanded in Hong Kong in late February, when the market began accepting bone-in cuts from U.S. cattle less than 30 months of age and boneless cuts from cattle of all ages.

Another bright spot for the U.S. beef industry has been the steady recovery of exports to Taiwan, which slumped in late 2011 and much of 2012 due to controversy over Taiwan’s beta agonist policy. With more workable regulations now in place, exports to Taiwan posted their best-ever first-quarter performance with volume increasing 56 percent to 8,669 mt and value up 88 percent to $66.1 million.

Beef exports to the Middle East also recorded the best first quarter ever in terms of volume, increasing 10 percent to 39,018 mt. Export value ($75.7 million) slipped 4 percent due in part to the continued lack of access to Saudi Arabia, which closed to U.S. beef following the April 2012 BSE case.

As mentioned previously, red meat trade with Russia has been effectively shut down since early February. First quarter beef exports were down 87 percent in volume (1,858 mt) and 96 percent in value ($2.3 million). Exports to former No. 1 market Mexico continue to struggle, with first-quarter results down 27 percent in volume (40,668 mt) and 29 percent in value ($177.1 million). Mexico now ranks second in export volume to Canada and third in value behind Canada and Japan.

Slowdown in key markets hampers pork exports
Coming off a record year in which pork exports to Japan reached nearly $2 billion and export value to Mexico topped $1.1 billion, demand in both markets has slowed in 2013. Along with the shutdown of the Russian market – ranked No. 6 in export value last year at $281.7 million – this hindered U.S. pork’s global performance in the first quarter despite gains in smaller, emerging markets.

Compared to the first quarter of 2012, pork exports to Japan fell 12 percent in volume (108,313 mt) and 9 percent in value ($482.5 million), partially as a result of the weaker yen. Exports to Mexico declined 15 percent in volume (137,506 mt) and 16 percent in value ($252.8 million).

Exports to Russia were down 62 percent in both volume (5,646 mt) and value ($17.5 million). Larger exports to neighboring countries, especially Ukraine, helped the overall performance in the Greater Russia region but exports were still down 41 percent in volume (9,221 mt) and 44 percent in value ($27.1 million).

Large domestic inventories impacted pork exports to China/Hong Kong (104,109 mt, -10 percent, valued at $219.5 million, -7 percent) and South Korea (34,841 mt, -35 percent, valued at $96.1 million, -38 percent). China’s domestic pork prices recently dropped to the lowest level in more than two years despite a stockpiling program aimed at stabilizing the market. A voluntary herd-culling program initiated by the Korean government in an effort to boost domestic prices has also yielded disappointing results, creating a difficult environment for imported pork from all sources. According to the Global Trade Atlas, Korea’s total pork imports fell 27 percent in volume and 35 percent in value in the first quarter. Despite the decline in imports from the United States, U.S. market share has increased in 2013.

Pork exports to several Western Hemisphere markets posted positive first-quarter results. Examples include:
-    Exports to Canada increased 4 percent in volume to 58,162 mt and 3 percent in value to $205.3 million.
-    Bolstered by the recently implemented free trade agreement, exports to Colombia jumped 57 percent in volume to 5,325 mt and 45 percent in value to $13.7 million. It was the leading volume market in the Central-South America region, where exports increased 16 percent in volume (23,843 mt) and 12 percent in value ($59.9 million). Chile was the region’s leading value market at $14.1 million (+15 percent).
-    Exports to the Dominican Republic increased 9 percent in volume to 3,795 mt and 16 percent in value to $9 million.

Asia’s first-quarter bright spot was the ASEAN region, where exports increased 37 percent in volume to 14,408 mt and 29 percent in value to $35.5 million. This was driven in large part by outstanding performance in the Philippines, where export volume increased 57 percent to 11,739 mt, valued at $28.1 million (+44 percent).

U.S. lamb exports bolstered by strong demand for variety meat
First-quarter lamb exports posted a 16 percent gain in value ($7.4 million) despite a 5 percent decline in volume (3,132 mt). Exports to leading market Mexico declined slightly in volume (2,364 mt) but increased 27 percent in value to $4.1 million. Global exports of lamb variety meat, a key contributor to carcass value, increased 19 percent in volume (2,161 mt) and 43 percent in value ($2.9 million)



USFRA Appoints New Vice President of Development

The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) announces public relations, agribusiness and food industries veteran, Randy Krotz, as its new vice president of development. Krotz will lead initiatives which deal directly with industry partner relations, ensuring that USFRA will have the necessary short- and long-term resources to communicate and engage consumers, influencers and opinion leaders on a range of key crop and livestock production topics.

“As a passionate advocate for farming and ranching, I am eager to provide strategic counsel to USFRA’s industry partnership efforts,” said Krotz. “I look forward to working with the USFRA Board, its CEO Advisory Council and USFRA senior staff as we continue to grow this long-term movement.” 

Krotz brings extensive experience in creating stakeholder relationships that align with businesses’ objectives. This experience includes expertise in public relations, marketing, branding, online marketing, advocacy management and communications. He has worked for and/or represented many well-known food and agribusiness companies and associations including Agrium, FMC Corporation, Syngenta, the National Corn Growers Association, BASF, The Grocery Manufacturers Association, DuPont Pioneer, and Monsanto. Krotz is a graduate of Kansas State University, and continues an active role in the diversified family farm in North Central Kansas, on which he was raised.



USGC Vice Chairman Testifies on Ag Trade with China

Stressing the U.S. Grains Council's more than 30 years of work in China and the emergence of a new major market for U.S. feed grains, USGC Vice Chairman Julius Schaaf testified last week before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in Ames, Iowa, on issues related to U.S. feed grains and DDGS (distiller's dried grains with solubles) exports to China.

"I was on the fourth panel of the day," Schaaf noted, "so the Commission had already heard an earful before our turn came. But the questioning was still very active and pointed. They seemed surprised by [the Council's] work in China on animal waste management, and they were especially interested in why China would choose to import feed grains rather than finished meat products."

As did other witnesses, Schaaf pointed not only to the great potential of the Chinese market for agricultural trade, but also to the complexity and uncertainty of prediction. China is an agricultural powerhouse, the world's leading producer of wheat, vegetables, pork, fish, rice and other products, and the second leading producer of corn. It is committed to increasing its own production, and its import demand will depend significantly on its own policy decisions about which sectors to prioritize.

"We can't control their decisions," said Schaaf, "so I emphasized that a key goal for [the Council] was increasing China's confidence level in the international trading system. It's all about food security. Increasing production around the world, especially in South America, means the opportunity to diversify supply, and over time that is likely to increase China's readiness to rely on markets."

Created in 2000 by the U.S. Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission reports annually to Congress on the national security implications of the economic relationship between the United States and China. This report is based on an active series of hearings and staff investigations. The hearing last week was focused on agricultural policy and U.S. market access issues in China. A dozen witnesses representing different U.S. agricultural sectors, outside analysts, and government participated.



Taiwan Remains a Reliable US Grain Customer

Echoing sentiments expressed last fall at the U.S. Grains Council's Export Exchange 2012, the Taiwanese feed industry reaffirmed their preference for U.S. corn during meetings held in Taiwan late last month. Kimberly Karst, USGC director of global programs, traveled to the country as part of the Council's "Year of Trade Servicing," to meet with long-time partners and colleagues in the feed and livestock industry.

While U.S. market share in Taiwan has dropped significantly due to high prices over the past few marketing years, the overall demand for feed grains in Taiwan has remained steady. "The United States still has a very loyal partner and customer in Taiwan," said Karst. "The Taiwanese swine industry, which consumes 43 percent of all feed production, continues to express a preference for U.S. corn. But the price has to be competitive."

Importers expressed their appreciation for the Council's long dedication to developing Taiwan's animal industries through technical programs and helping local livestock farms modernize and increase their efficiency. The Council was also praised for its trade servicing programs, which have demonstrated the commitment from the U.S. corn industry, and its transparency, high quality of information and reliability to Taiwan.

Over the last 40 years, the Council has played an integral role in building and sustaining close ties between the United States and Taiwan. Through this relationship, Taiwan has remained one of the most stable markets for U.S. agriculture. As U.S. farmers begin planting, Taiwan anxiously awaits to see this year's corn harvest.



Dairy Producers Struggling Due to MILC Payment Delay

In agriculture, spring traditionally brings the influx of a lot of operational bills. But for dairymen, it’s hitting unusually hard this year as their land rents, and seed and fertilizer bills stack up and — a percentage of their revenue is being delayed because of government budget sequestration.

“The Milk Income Loss (MILC) payments have been delayed during a time when a lot of money needs to be paid out by farmers,” said National Farmers Legislative Coordinator Gene Paul.

“Dairy farmers have been affected since the first part of the year,” said Robert Froelich, a dairy farmer from Sullivan, Wis. There have been no payments since early this year; they owe us for Oct. 2012, and the first four months of this year. Producers are trying to buy feed and hay right now, and without the MILC payments, its putting real pressure on them. “It’s time to get the policy changed, and pay dairymen what they are owed,” Froelich said.

MILC payments are triggered when the Boston Class 1 milk price falls below $16.94 per hundredweight, after adjustment for the cost of dairy feed rations. The MILC payment for February is forecasted at 52 cents, March, 76 cents; April, 67 cents; May, 37 cents, all per hundredweight.

“We urge farmers to call their congressional representatives, as well as Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, and ask them to speed these payments to producers,” said Paul.



USDA Announces Final Call for 2012 Census of Agriculture

With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.

"Our nation needs your help to ensure that decisions about U.S. agriculture accurately represent you, your communities, and your industry," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "For every 158 people in America there is one farm. I urge you to take action today and respond to the Census – your country is counting on the information to help ensure a continued supply of food, fiber and fuel for generations to come."

The Census of Agriculture, conducted only once every five years, is the only source of consistent and comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It looks at farms, value of land, market value of agricultural production, farm practices, expenditures, and other factors that affect the way farmers and ranchers do business. The information is used by agribusinesses, town planners, local governments, and policy makers, as well as farmers, ranchers, growers and others to shape farm programs, boost rural services and grow the future of farming.

"Agriculture in America is an industry built on tradition, honor and pride," said Vilsack. "We have heard this from the farmers and ranchers who completed their Census of Agriculture form. It's not too late for those who have not yet responded to join the generations of producers who participated in the Agriculture Census since it was first conducted in 1840. Only you can continue to provide the facts straight from the farm."

The 2012 Census will provide a complete picture of agriculture that will be used to shape the future of agriculture, rural America, and the lives of those USDA serves for years to come. The deadline to respond to the Census of Agriculture is only a few weeks away on May 31. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) may contact producers by phone or in person to collect Census information since time is running out.

Farmers and ranchers can also return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov. Federal law requires a response from everyone who receives the Census form and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

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



Tyson Foods 2nd-Quarter Net Falls 43% on Higher Costs

Tyson Foods Inc.'s (TSN) fiscal second-quarter earnings fell 43% as higher beef and chicken prices weren't enough to offset the meat processor's increased costs.  The company also lowered its full-year sales estimate to about $34.5 billion from its November forecast of $35 billion.

"Our second quarter typically is our most challenging, and this quarter was no exception," said President and Chief Executive Donnie Smith. "However, our business is structured to withstand adverse conditions, and we worked through the issues while positioning ourselves for what we believe will be a strong performance in the second half of the year.

Tyson, the biggest U.S. chicken producer, has generally seen improved revenue in recent years as higher poultry prices helped mitigate weaker demand for beef and pork products. But rising feed costs and increasingly frugal shoppers have challenged its bottom line.

The company has looked toward expanding sales of higher-margin products, like packaged meat, in a shift away from its traditional business of selling fresh meat cuts. Tyson has also said it would likely raise prices and cut production this year to absorb some of the higher commodity costs.

For the quarter ended March 30, Tyson reported a profit of $95 million, or 26 cents a share, down from $166 million, or 44 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding items such as a currency-translation gain and impairment charges on noncore assets in China, adjusted earnings were 36 cents in the most-recent quarter. Sales increased 1.8% to $8.42 billion.

Operating margin fell to 2.1% from 3.1% as input costs jumped 3.6%.

Beef sales rose 2.3% to $3.44 billion as average prices were 6.5% higher, but volume was down 3.9%.  Chicken sales increased 6.3% to $3.1 billion on a 6.2% rise in average prices, while volume edged up 0.1%.  Pork sales fell 4.4% to $1.31 billion as both volume and averages prices declined 2.2%.



President, founder of RFD-TV honored by National FFA Organization

Patrick Gottsch's support of FFA over the last 25 years has significantly raised awareness of FFA and agricultural education.

Since 1998, the president and founder of RFD-TV has broadcast the organization's annual national convention to millions of homes and schools. He created a weekly TV program that highlights FFA activities at the local, state and national level. And last year, Gottsch gave $1 million to FFA, the organization's largest-ever unrestricted gift from an individual.

“FFA truly treasures its relationship with Patrick and RFD-TV,” said National FFA Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong. “We appreciate his assistance in our quest to grow our membership and provide more opportunities to FFA members of the future.”

Gottsch was recently honored for his passion, dedication to agriculture and personal generosity in support of FFA at the National FFA Center in Indianapolis.