Tuesday June 11 Ag News

Pinkeye in Cattle
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

Pinkeye is a highly contagious infectious disease affecting the eyes of cattle.  This common disease can vary in its severity from year to year.  Richard F. Randle, DVM, UNL Extension Beef Cattle Veterinarian, has shared some information about this disease.

Although pinkeye rarely causes the death of affected cattle it can cause substantial losses to the cattle industry through decreased weight gain, lowered milk production, and treatment costs. Pinkeye is known to occur in all seasons of the year and in all breeds of cattle but is most common during the summer months. Pinkeye can occur in one or both eyes. Excessive weeping of the affected eye and closure due to pain are the two signs most commonly observed. As the disease progresses, the cornea becomes cloudy or white. An ulcer frequently develops near the center of the cornea. The course of the infection may run for 4 to 8 weeks, or even longer.

Pinkeye is primarily caused by Moraxella bovis (M. bovis) however multiple organisms such as Mycoplasma bovoculi and IBR virus have been found in eye infections resembling pinkeye. Other factors instrumental in causing eye irritation, thereby allowing for invasion of M. bovis and subsequent disease, are excessive ultraviolet light (sunlight), the face fly, plant material, and dust. Pinkeye is caused by a combination of factors. Dry, dusty environmental conditions or wet, warm environmental conditions play a role. Taller grass and seedheads can damage the eyes. The wet, warm conditions also lead to heavier fly populations that irritate the eyes and spread the organisms.

The face fly has been associated with an increased incidence of pinkeye in recent years. Research at the University of Nebraska's West Central Research and Extension Center has demonstrated that face fly feeding produces mechanical injury to the conjunctiva and spreads IBR virus and Moraxella bovis from animal to animal as the fly feeds on eye and nose secretions of cattle. Flies not only serve as irritants as they feed on secretions from the eye they also serve as a means of transmitting M. bovis from infected to non-infected animals. The infection can also be spread by direct contact when the eye secretions of an infected animal are rubbed into the eye of an uninfected animal.

Vitamin A deficiency and inadequate protein intake may be other factors that possibly contribute to lessened resistance to eye infections. Vitamin A deficiency results in excessive watering of the eye, night blindness, and may cause cloudiness of the cornea in severe cases, giving the eyeball a dry, lusterless appearance.

A good control program should incorporate procedures to reduce initial eye irritation. An intensive fly control program is essential to limit the spread of pinkeye in a herd of cattle. Cattle often have grass or weed seeds in their eyes, and these materials no doubt irritate the eye and contribute to the development of pinkeye. Cattle with pinkeye can be helped by prompt treatment. There are other infections that look like pinkeye so it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian to assist you in the diagnosis and treatment of pinkeye.



Sowing the Seed for New Ag Policy
Senator Mike Johanns

Farmers and ranchers deal with many variables on a daily basis. From Mother Nature and commodity prices to political decisions in far-flung corners of the world, many events that might have little impact on most industries carry significant importance, and in some cases substantial threat, for ag producers in America.  Washington should not create another moving target by delaying updated long-term ag policy.

This week, the Senate took a big step toward providing greater certainty for ag producers in Nebraska and across the country by passing a new five-year farm bill. I voted for this bill, which passed Monday by a vote of 66-27.

Often in Washington, no single lawmaker gets everything he or she wants in a piece of legislation after it has been debated, amended, molded and massaged. This bill was certainly no exception.  The final version presented for a vote in the Senate is not the bill I would have drafted, but with so much on the line for our farmers, ranchers and our state’s economy, we cannot afford to let the great be the enemy of the good. I am confident we are far better off with this farm bill than with no farm bill at all.

In Nebraska, where agriculture has a connection to one third of all jobs, the success of our state’s economy depends on our ag producers’ abilities to cultivate crops and raise their herds.  This is a monumental task in good times when rain is plentiful, severe weather is minimal and cattle wade through belly-deep pastures of grass. This has been a far cry from reality in recent years, when drought has stifled crop yields and thinned out herds. Despite recent rainfall and improved drought conditions, we are certainly not out of the woods and have yet to reach the driest part of the summer.

That’s why it is so important to pass a new farm bill, which includes opportunities for disaster assistance for ranchers, many of whom were forced to sell off portions of their herd when drought struck and the current safety net expired last year. This is just one example of many that point to the need for updated ag policy.  Ag producers are currently operating on a year-to-year extension of old policy, with the ongoing threat that a lack of congressional action will result in returning to antiquated laws enacted in the 1940s.

The Senate’s vote to pass a new farm bill is the first step in the process of ensuring ag producers have policy that reflects the modern agriculture industry. It is now up to the House of Representatives to pass its version of the farm bill.  The two versions will be merged in a special conference committee of Senators and Representatives, presented to the President for his consideration, and hopefully, his signature.

Clearly, more must be done before updated ag policy can take effect, and it’s imperative that Congress and the President follow through in a timely manner, before the current policy expires at the end of the year. Ag producers work hard to provide food, fuel and fiber to America and the rest of the world. We have a responsibility to pass a farm bill and ensure they have the tools they need to continue serving an ever-growing global population.



Statement On U.S. Senate Passage of Farm Bill
Steve Nelson, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

“The Senate’s passage of a new five-year farm bill is welcomed news to Nebraska farm and ranch families. Throughout this process Farm Bureau has sought to move U.S. farm policy in a direction that eliminates direct payments and instead uses crop insurance and revenue loss protection as the foundation of a safety net for farmers and ranchers. The Senate’s version of a farm bill is a step in that direction.”

“We are also pleased by the Senate’s decision to include reauthorization and mandatory funding for livestock disaster programs that provide assistance to Nebraska livestock producers who have felt the greatest pressures from the ongoing drought conditions that continue to grip much of central and western Nebraska.”

“Moreover, the Senate’s decision to forego the inclusion of a “one size fits all” standard for the housing and treatment of egg-laying hens advocated for by extremists groups is a win for livestock producers in Nebraska and across the country.”

“In terms of cost, we continue to believe a new farm bill must work for both farmers and the American taxpayers. The Senate farm bill will reduce the overall costs of farm programs over the next 10 years which is important in light of federal budget issues.”

“With passage in the Senate, it is our hope the U.S. House of Representatives will follow with swift action on their version of the farm bill so Congress can collectively move forward in providing certainty to farm and ranch families on the future of U.S. farm policy.”

“We thank Sen. Mike Johanns and Sen. Deb Fischer for their efforts to make the farm bill better and for their vote and hard work in getting the bill across the finish line.”



Vilsack on Senate Farm Bill Passage

Today, Secretary Vilsack made the following statement on Senate passage of the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill:

"I'm very pleased that the Senate acted in bipartisan spirit to approve the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. In particular, I appreciate the work of Chairman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Thad Cochran for leading a bipartisan effort to approve the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. Rural America has been too long without a comprehensive, multiyear Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. Passage of this legislation by the Senate is a promising development and an important one for rural communities and families. It provides a strong safety net for agriculture, while making needed reforms by eliminating the direct payment system and tightening payment and eligibility requirements. The Administration intends to continue to work with the Senate through the conference process to achieve the savings included in the President's Budget in the crop insurance and commodity programs while addressing the important priorities of the bill. This is not just a farm bill - it's a trade bill, a conservation bill, an innovation bill and above all, a job creation bill.

The House of Representatives once again has an important opportunity to continue toward passage of a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill, and I am encouraged by indications that the House will follow regular order and consider a bill. However, I remain deeply concerned that the House version contains dramatic reductions in support of nutrition programs that are critical for the well-being of millions of working families, while also benefitting farm and rural economies. As this process continues, I am hopeful that a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill ultimately reflects President Obama's commitment to revitalizing our economy and strengthening our families, including through adequate provision of important nutrition assistance programs."



Senate Farm Bill Fuels Economic Growth and Energy Independence, RFA Presses House to Consider Similar Programs
Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented on the 2013 Farm Bill as it moves from Senate approval to consideration by the House of Representatives.

“It has been a long process, but a very worthwhile one. After much thoughtful dialogue, the Senate passed a Farm Bill that is forward-looking and positive for America’s renewable fuels industry.  We believe the House, like the Senate, will also recognize the job-creating, value-added economic engine that the ethanol industry has become. In 2012, the ethanol producers across this country supported over 300,000 jobs.

“It is important to note the inclusion of programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and the Biorefinery Assistance Program. These programs signal Congress’ desire to see more world-class innovation and deployment of ethanol and other renewable fuels into the marketplace. With the support of these programs, the infrastructure can be put in place to provide American drivers with cost saving, environmentally friendly fuel choice at the pump while reducing America’s dependence on dangerous foreign oil.”

Dinneen concluded, “As the House begins its deliberations, we encourage them to keep the larger goals of energy independence and rural economic revitalization in mind. There is no denying ethanol and its brethren renewable fuels are the key to fast and certain strides.”



Grange releases comment on passage of Senate Farm Bill

The National Grange on Tuesday released a statement regarding the 66-27 passage of the Senate's Farm Bill, saying while hopeful we now wait again on the House for action on the nearly $1 trillion piece of legislation that affects every American directly or indirectly.

"While we're happy that the Senate passed their version of the Farm Bill, we can't help but feel a slight sense of deja vu. Last June we saw the Senate pass their version of the Farm Bill but the House didn't even get theirs to the floor," National Grange Legislative Director Grace Boatright said.

House leadership has said the expect the Farm Bill to come before the floor next week.

"I'm hopeful that the house will pass their version of the bill this month, but realistically, we are still a long way from getting American agriculture a full five-year Farm Bill," Boatright said. "We all have to keep working to let our elected representatives know how important the Farm Bill is to producers and consumers."

National Grange President Ed Luttrell said the Farm Bill is an essential piece of the puzzle in stability in the market.

"Farmers are affected by so many variables, so a Farm Bill is important because it offers stability in the face of natural disasters, market shifts and so much more," Luttrell said. "Every American enjoys benefits from a Farm Bill, from stable prices at the grocery store to continued research into best practices of farming and nutrition science. We look forward to the House taking action, but understand the two bills are still far apart and advocacy to find compromise is important."

Specifically, the House and Senate bills show about a $16 million difference in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP includes funding for more than 15 percent of Americans who currently receive what was formerly known as food stamps, along with money for reduced school lunches and other nutrition assistance programs. 



Biodiesel Advocates Heading to Capitol Hill

More than 100 biodiesel advocates from across the country are visiting Capitol Hill today urging Congress to support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Participants include biodiesel producers, distributors and feedstock suppliers representing more than two dozen states.

"The petroleum lobby is making a lot of noise about renewable fuels and we're coming to town to make sure that Congress hears the other side of the story," said Todd Ellis, vice president of sales and business development at Seattle-based Imperium Renewables. "Despite what you might hear, the RFS is working, and we're building a new American fuels industry that is creating jobs, producing cleaner fuel, and ultimately helping consumers."

"We'll be reminding Congress that biodiesel is an EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel that is here today and that is exceeding its RFS targets, with two consecutive years of 1 billion gallon production," Ellis added.

The biodiesel leaders, visiting Washington for an annual membership meeting of the National Biodiesel Board, represent the broad diversity in the industry, with participation from states including California, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

During their Hill visits, they also will advocate for a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive, which is slated to expire again at the end of the year.

"No matter how much domestic oil and gas we find through fracking or new drilling, consumers will continue getting hurt by unstable global petroleum markets until we develop alternatives to oil," said Anne Steckel, NBB's vice president of federal affairs. "That's why Congress passed the RFS in the first place with huge bipartisan support, and it's why we can't let up on these goals now."



Fertilizer Season Fizzles

Retail fertilizer prices continue to see very little movement the first week of June 2013, according to data tracked by DTN. While not a huge move, it does appear retail fertilizers' prices could be in decline with most fertilizer applications (minus side dressing operations) completed for the growing season. 

All of the eight major fertilizers slid lower compared to last month, but again these moves were fairly minor. DAP had average price of $603 per ton, MAP $646/ton, potash $582/ton, urea $560/ton, 10-34-0 $608/ton, anhydrous $829/ton, UAN28 $395/ton and UAN32 $446/ton.  The $829-per-ton price for anhydrous is the lowest retail price level for the fertilizer since early last fall. In the first week of September 2012, the average anhydrous retail price was at $824/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.61/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.71/lb.N and UAN32 $0.70/lb.N.

Only one of the eight major fertilizers is showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 7% higher compared to last year.  Four fertilizers are single digits lower in price compared to June 2012. DAP is 5% lower, MAP is down 6% and both UAN28 and UAN32 are now 8% lower compared to last year.



Energy Information Administration Releases Short-Term Energy Outlook

    After increasing to $119 per barrel in early February 2013, the Brent crude oil spot price fell to a low of $97 per barrel in mid-April and then recovered to an average of $103 per barrel in May. EIA expects that the Brent crude oil spot price will average $102 per barrel over the second half of 2013, and $100 per barrel in 2014.

    EIA expects the price of regular gasoline will average $3.53 per gallon over the summer driving season (April through September). The annual average regular gasoline retail price is projected to decline from $3.63 per gallon in 2012 to $3.49 per gallon in 2013 and to $3.37 per gallon in 2014. Energy price forecasts are highly uncertain, and the current values of futures and options contracts suggest that prices could differ significantly from the projected levels.

    In April 2013, estimated total liquid fuels consumption in non-OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries reached 44.5 million barrels per day (bbl/d), which was higher than consumption in OECD countries (44.3 million bbl/d) for the first time in history. EIA expects that consumption in OECD countries will average 45.5 million bbl/d in 2013 compared with 44.6 million bbl/d for non-OECD countries. EIA forecasts annual average non-OECD total liquids consumption to surpass OECD levels in 2014.

    EIA forecasts the summer 2013 average U.S. residential electric bill will total $395 over the three-month period of June, July, and August, which is $10 (2.5 percent) lower than the average customer's bill during summer 2012 (see Summer 2013 Outlook for Residential Electric Bills). Forecast milder temperatures than last summer contribute to a projected decline in average electricity usage per customer, which is partially offset by a projected 2-percent increase in average electricity prices.

    Based on the outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for above-normal tropical weather activity this year, EIA estimates median outcomes for total shut-in production in the federal Gulf of Mexico (GOM) during the current hurricane season (June through November) of about 19 million barrels of crude oil and 46 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas (see 2013 Outlook for Hurricane-Related Production Outages in the Gulf of Mexico). Actual shut-ins are likely to differ significantly from this estimate depending on the number, track, and strength of hurricanes as the season progresses.



NASS Surveys 15 States on Chemical Use in Wheat

NASS conducted the 2012 Agricultural Chemical Use Survey among wheat producers in 15 states: Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.

The 13 winter wheat program states accounted for 80 percent of the acreage planted in the United States in the 2012 crop year. The data are based on 1,371 individual questionnaires. The four spring wheat (excl. durum) program states accounted for 91 percent of the U.S. planted acreage in 2012. The data are based on 422 individual questionnaires. The two durum wheat program states accounted for 88 percent of the planted acreage in 2012, and the data are based on 214 questionnaires.

Nitrogen was the most widely used fertilizer material on wheat planted acres, applied to nearly all durum and spring (excl. durum) wheat acres and 85 percent of winter wheat acres. Phosphate (P2O5) and potash (K2O) were the next most widely applied fertilizer materials. Nitrogen was applied to spring (excl. durum) wheat at an average rate of 84 pounds per acre for the 2012 crop year. Average nitrogen rates for durum and winter wheat were 70 and 62 pounds per acre, respectively.

The pesticide active ingredients used on wheat are classified in this report as herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides. Herbicides were the most extensively used, applied to nearly all durum and spring (excl. durum), and 61 percent of winter, wheat planted acres. Fungicides were applied to 49 percent of spring (excl. durum), 39 percent of durum, and 19 percent of winter wheat acres. Insecticides were used less extensively across all three wheat types. The specific herbicides applied varied across wheat types.

The survey asked growers to report on the pest management practices they used on wheat. Pests are defined as weeds, insects, or diseases.

Wheat growers reported practices in four categories of pest management strategy:
-- Prevention practices keep a pest population from infesting a crop or field through various preceding actions.
-- Avoidance practices mitigate or eliminate the detrimental effects of pests through cultural measures.
-- Monitoring practices involve observing or detecting pests through systematic sampling, counting, or other forms of scouting.
-- Suppression involves controlling or reducing existing pest populations to mitigate crop damage.

Scouting for weeds was the most widely reported monitoring practice in 2012, used on 86, 97, and 99 percent, respectively, of winter, spring (excl. durum), and durum wheat planted acres. In the wheat chemical use survey conducted in 2009, scouting for weeds was also a commonly reported monitoring practice for all three wheat types.

Among prevention practices, no-tillage or minimum tillage was the top reported practice in both the 2012 and 2009 chemical use surveys. Among avoidance practices, crop rotation was the top reported practice, although percentages varied across wheat types. The most reported suppression practice was maintaining ground covers, mulches, or other physical barriers.



ASA Announces Changes to Soybean Marketing and Production College

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is announcing the format of its Soybean Marketing and Production College is being updated to better serve soybean growers.

A premier education event originally planned as a two-day conference, the Soybean Marketing and Production College is being condensed so participating growers will only have to commit to one night away from their farms. The conference will now be one day, Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel in St. Paul, Minn.

“Every season has its own unique challenges, and this season is no different,” said Bob Worth, ASA Membership and Corporate Relations Chairman. “The Soybean Marketing and Production College is designed to provide information on marketing and production practices to enhance grower profitability. Reducing the number of days off-farm, while still providing the same great content, will allow more growers to take advantage of this key educational opportunity.”

Attendees of ASA’s Soybean Marketing and Production College will participate in learning sessions on herbicide and weed resistance sponsored by Bayer CropScience, precision agriculture, sponsored by AGCO and global sustainability. Matt Roberts, Ph.D., of Ohio State University, will deliver the keynote presentation reviewing the current supply and demand situation for grains and how growers can take advantage of trends in their own marketing decisions.

The registration fee for the ASA Soybean Marketing and Production College is $199 for ASA members and $279 for non-members. Fees have been reduced to reflect the change in format.

Don’t miss out on this important educational program that will help you increase your on-farm profit. Register by Tuesday, July 9!  For more information about the ASA Soybean Marketing and Production College go to www.SoyGrowers.com/marketingproductioncollege. 



NACS Survey: Evolve the Renewable Fuels Standard
The requirements of the 2007 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) are already outdated and must evolve if the goals of the program are to be achieved, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores.

“The assumptions about the growth of the U.S. motor fuels market that informed the 2007 Congress have proven wrong and the program needs to evolve to reflect current market realities,” said John Eichberger, NACS vice president of government relations. “Six years ago, there was every indication that motor fuels demand would continue to increase. Instead, it has declined by 7% since 2007 and is projected to continue to decline, making it even harder to satisfy the requirements of the RFS.”

The RFS requires that increasing amounts of qualified renewable fuels be integrated into the motor fuels supply, culminating at a minimum of 36 billion gallons in 2022. Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) current market projections, this mandate is expected to increase renewables to approximately 28% of the overall gasoline market in 2022, nearly triple the rate of 9.6% in 2012 and almost 40% more than expected when the program was revised in 2007.

While E10 blends (gasoline containing 10% ethanol) are relatively standard across the country, much higher percentages of ethanol — including E15 and E85 — will need to be consumed to satisfy the mandate’s ever-increasing consumption targets. But recent consumer input indicates that the market is not ready to accommodate sufficient volumes of these alternative fuel blends to satisfy the requirements of the RFS. Inadequate infrastructure and limited consumer demand puts the future of the RFS in peril unless adjustments are made.

“For the RFS to succeed, two things have to happen in a relatively short span of time. First, retailers must be able to legally and affordably sell new fuels. Second, consumers need to accept and use the new fuels that will be required by the program. However, gasoline demand destruction combined with the aggressive implementation schedule of the RFS has shortened the timeframe for all of this to happen. Without revisions, the entire program could be in jeopardy,” said Eichberger.

Consumers Not Ready to Purchase E15 or E85
To examine current market conditions, NACS surveyed both consumers and fuel retailers to assess their familiarity with the alternative fuels. Only 26% of fuel consumers said that they are familiar with E15, and this lack of awareness significantly diminishes potential demand. After E15 was described to surveyed consumers, only 59% of them said that they would consider purchasing E15 if it were the same price per gallon as gasoline.

Further complicating matters, three of five (59% also) of these consumers who would consider using E15 said that their primary vehicle is from the model year 2001 or earlier, which are prohibited from using E15 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Respondents were not informed during the survey of this regulatory limitation.) This means only one-third (34%) of consumers are authorized and willing to consider purchasing E15. Retailers recognize this limitation in demand, with more than three-quarters (79%) of the NACS members surveyed citing lack of demand as the reason that they don’t sell the fuel.

“Consumer unfamiliarity with E15 significantly limits its retail availability because demand is insufficient,” said Eichberger. “Worse, most consumers are wary of the product: 55% of those who said that they will not purchase E15 said that they are worried that it will damage their vehicles and 45% are worried about decreased performance and fuel efficiency. Limited potential demand will not change until some negative perceptions about the fuel are addressed through a comprehensive education campaign.”

Surprisingly, consumers were not much more familiar with E85, which has been in the market for more than a decade. Only 29% of consumers surveyed said that they were familiar with the product and only 10% said they drive a flex-fuel vehicle, which is required to use E85. Furthermore, three of four (75%) fuel retailers surveyed said that demand isn’t sufficient for them to install E85 pumps, which may be why there are only 2,354 U.S. commercial fueling stations currently selling E85, according to Department of Energy statistics.

Legal Risks Deter Many Retailers
Demand isn’t the only issue limiting availability. Retailers also expressed concerns about the costs associated with upgrading or replacing equipment to legally store and sell these new fuels: 46% said that the costs to upgrade to sell E15 were a concern, and 44% said that the costs to upgrade for E85 were a concern. Failure to use certified equipment can expose retailers to potential liability. Retailers also expressed concerns over potential liability from misfueling: 46% and 44% cited liability concerns over E15 and E85, respectively.

However, incentives could help entice retailers to sell both E15 and E85. More than half (64%) of retailers surveyed said that reasonable protection from misfueling liability would entice them to consider selling E15, and nearly half (46%) said that similar protections would entice them to sell E85.

“Most retailers simply want to understand their potential risk before they invest in new equipment to sell a product. We want to see a smooth market transition to meet the higher mandated blends but that is simply not going to happen until consumers are ready for the fuels and until legal uncertainties for fuels retailers are clarified,” said Eichberger.

NACS to Congress: Evolve the RFS
The RFS is not a modern program and its objectives will not be achieved without modifications. But the overall goals are worth pursuing and they may be achievable with modifications and a robust education program, said Eichberger. He said that NACS recommends policymakers pursue a three-step program to evolve and reinvigorate the RFS.

First, the statutory increases in renewable fuel volumes sold each year must be revised to reflect the declining size of the overall gasoline market.

“The implementation of new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards will dramatically reduce the volume of gasoline consumed in the nation. We should revise the program requirements to ensure that they are consistent with market developments and on a schedule that will allow for concurrent development of compatible infrastructure and consumer acceptance,” said Eichberger.

Second, policymakers must take steps to make higher ethanol blends legal and attractive to sell.

“There needs to be clarity related to who is ultimately responsible for potential misfuelings. In addition, retailers should not be forced to make capital investments to replace equipment that is technically safe and compatible with the new fuels entering the market. An alternative certification process for existing equipment already identified by EPA must become legally binding,” said Eichberger.

Third, a significant education campaign is needed to build consumer demand.

“Consumers said that signage at the dispenser is how they want to be informed about appropriate uses of new fuels, but more education is needed to develop consumer demand and entice retailers to sell these products. Until consumers are educated about the positive attributes of these new fuels, demand will not build and the RFS will languish,” said Eichberger. “We urge Congress and the administration to thoughtfully review how we evolve the outdated RFS to fit today’s landscape and to create a comprehensive education campaign to meet these new demand goals.”



ACE praises E15 survey results, says consumers want the fuel on a wider basis

Ron Lamberty Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today said initial reports of a survey conducted by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) are very good news for E15 and the ethanol industry.

Lamberty says results showing that 59 percent of surveyed drivers would buy E15 (85% gasoline, 15% ethanol) if it was priced the same as regular fuel indicates public interest in E15 blended fuel.

“I think this shows that despite all of Big Oil's misinformation and scare tactics, consumers are interested in purchasing E15 as an alternative to gasoline, even if the price were the same as gas. It's especially encouraging when you consider the fact that at current prices, E15 would be 15 to 20 cents less than gasoline, and two to five cents under E10," said Lamberty. He said the survey results "mirror what we have been hearing from the marketers that are selling E15. In most cases, E15 becomes one of the top sellers in stations that add it."

Lamberty called NACS' announcement of the survey "puzzling."  "NACS calls demand for E15 "insufficient." I've been working in the convenience store industry for over 30 years and don’t think I’ve ever seen a product - much less a fuel product - that three out of five customers say they want. If there was, I can’t imagine that NACS would call that kind of demand “insufficient," said Lamberty. "Most stations don't sell one-tenth that much premium gasoline, and that has always been enough for oil companies to mandate it's sale in their customers' stations."

NACS also said consumers need to be "educated about the positive attributes of these new fuels." Lamberty said "ACE, RFA, and our joint BYO Ethanol campaign hope that NACS will take us up on our standing offer to assist with E15 education. Over the past few years, most of the “education” marketers have received about E15 have been recycled ghost stories from the oil industry – which stands to gain the most if E15 is stopped before it even starts,” said Lamberty.

“Marketers that we have been able to educate on the real risks and real rewards of E15 and E85 have seen incredible benefits, especially this year, as control of RINS have added literally tens of thousands of profits to their bottom line. This survey shows EXACTLY why we want consumers to have the option of E15 and why Big Oil is fighting so hard against E15,” Lamberty said.



Farm Service Agency County Committee Nomination Period Begins June 17

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Monday, June 17.

"I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers to participate in this year's county committee elections by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline," said Vilsack. "County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provide an opportunity to farmers and ranchers for their opinions and ideas to be heard. We have been seeing an increase in the number of nominations of women and minority candidates and I hope that trend continues.”

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2013 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2013. Elections will take place this fall.

While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm ownership or operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.

FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4. The voted ballots are due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 2. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on Jan. 1, 2014.



PERC Offers $5,000 on New Propane-Fueled Grain Dryers
With harvest season on the horizon, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is encouraging producers to upgrade their grain dryers with a $5,000 incentive through the Propane Farm Incentive Program.

Producers who purchase a new qualifying propane-fueled dryer from GSI Group or Mathews Co. now through the end of 2013 can apply for the incentive through PERC’s nationwide research program. In exchange, producers report post-harvest performance data to PERC. Farmers can apply for the Propane Farm Incentive Program by visiting dealers nationwide or submitting an easy online application at agpropane.com/incentive.

Many farmers across the country have faced cool, wet, and rainy conditions. This has created planting delays that can lead to more grain drying in the fall. Nearly nine out of 10 farmers dry grain using propane-fueled equipment. New dryers from GSI and Mathews offer energy efficient designs that produce even, consistent drying and can save producers money.

Grain drying, especially with new high-efficient equipment, is a profitable investment for producers, according to Mark Leitman, director of marketing and business development at PERC. “New propane-fueled grain dryers can be 30 to 50 percent more efficient than older models,” Leitman says “These machines can produce huge energy savings for farmers, and we offer a $5,000 incentive on select new models.” 

The models eligible for the incentive include the GSI X-Stream series and Mathews Trilogy series dryers. PERC co-supported the development and testing of these machines because they’ve been proven to offer increased capacity, improved grain quality, and they can dry up to twice as many bushels per gallon of propane as older models.

According to a study conducted by Purdue University and funded by PERC, the GSI X-Stream dryer’s fan configuration on opposite ends of the unit alternates the direction of airflow, making it 10 percent more energy efficient than conventional models. The X-Stream’s optional patented grain inverters also eliminate overdrying inside the column and reduce energy consumption by an additional 15 percent.

Gary Woodruff, technology manager at GSI Group, says producers are changing their mindset when it comes to weighing the benefits of early harvest and drying costs. “Late planting this season means farmers are taking a look at preventative measures to protect their crops,” Woodruff says. “Today’s more energy-efficient dryers, like our X-Stream technology, make drying more affordable.”

Mathews Trilogy series grain dryers operate in three different modes: pressure heat and pressure cool, full heat, or pressure heat and vacuum cool. The systems’ touch screen controls allow farmers to adjust drying based on type of grain, the incoming moisture level, and energy efficiency. Additionally, its compact, horizontal design allows farmers to install the unit in remote locations away from natural gas lines.

“The main benefit of this dryer is its flexibility,” Kevin Ryan, quality services manager at Mathews Co., says. “It gives farmers options to adjust settings based on temperature, grain type and produces real energy savings with propane. The ability to set the unit for maximum energy efficiency can really impact the bottom line.”

The $5,000 incentive on propane-fueled grain dryers is available to qualified applicants on select models through 2013. The PERC program has already awarded more than $200,000 in incentives for irrigation engines alone.

For more information about the Propane Farm Incentive Program or to see a list of eligible equipment, please visit agpropane.com.