Tuesday July 23 Ag News

Study Shows Irrigation Protected Jobs, Fueled Nebraska Economy in 2012

The ability of farmers and ranchers to irrigate Nebraska crops contributed $11 billion to Nebraska’s economy in 2012. The finding comes through a new study chartered by Nebraska Farm Bureau to identify the importance of water for irrigation during one of the worst droughts in Nebraska’s history. 

“We knew irrigation was important to our farm and ranch members, but the study shows the benefits of water for irrigation stretch well beyond the farm gate,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.

The study, conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions, a research firm located in Des Moines, Iowa, provides an estimate of the total impact which irrigated agriculture had on the Nebraska economy in 2012. Economic impact estimates were calculated comparing Nebraska’s economic activity with and without farmers and ranchers ability to irrigate in 2012.

“To put this into perspective, $11 billion dollars is the equivalent of every Nebraskan filling their vehicle with gasoline roughly 100 times at $3.50 per gallon. We’re talking about a significant contribution to the state,” said Nelson.

The study also shows that irrigation was key in protecting Nebraska jobs in 2012. According to the study, Nebraska would have had 31,221 fewer jobs without irrigation, with more than one-third of those jobs coming outside of direct crop production. Furthermore, the study shows irrigation’s impact on employment opportunities outside of commodity production are tied closely to jobs in the real estate, food service, wholesale trade business, banking and lending sector and medical professions.

“The employment contributions of irrigation in agriculture are staggering. If you put all of the jobs protected by irrigation into one county, it would make for the 10th largest county by population in the state. When you talk about jobs for Nebraska, irrigation plays a major role,” said Nelson. 

Other notable findings in the study point to Nebraska having the highest level of acreage under irrigation among all states at 8.4 million acres of cropland under irrigation. California ranks second behind Nebraska at 7.3 million irrigated acres. 

The study also contributed to helping determine the value of irrigation water on a per application basis. Using the most recent U.S. Geological Service data, the $11 billion in total economic impact from irrigation helps determine that every inch of water placed on an acre of cropland generates roughly $100 of economic benefit to the state.

“The major take away from the study is that water used for irrigation in agriculture plays a critical role in the state’s economy, whether it’s direct financial benefit or helping protect Nebraska jobs. Given that reality, it’s critical we as a state continue to recognize its importance as we talk about future management of our state’s water resources and the role of irrigation in Nebraska agriculture,” said Nelson.  



Treating Crop Residues With Calcium Oxide
Larry Howard, UNL Extension, Cuming County

Many producers are searching for alternatives to replace high priced feed again this year.  Matt Luebbe and Galen Erickson, UNL Feedlot Extension Specialists have shared the following information.  They say that research is being conducted at several Universities to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of treating crop residues with calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide in diets that include wet distillers grains. The process of using chemical treatment was adapted from paper making technology in the 1880’s. To improve the digestibility of forages this process was further refined in the 1970’s for livestock feeding. Over the last three years a series of experiments were conducted at UNL to evaluate chemically treating crop residues with calcium oxide to increase fiber digestibility. To treat forages with calcium oxide, the ground residue is weighed into the feed truck and water is added to reach a 50% DM final product. The calcium oxide is added to the residue at 5% of the mixture on a dry matter basis. A more detailed explanation of this process and history of chemical treatment can be viewed at an existing webinar. http://beef.unl.edu/web/beef/treatment-cropresidues. 

Keep in mind that when corn is expensive and residues are relatively inexpensive, a small reduction in feed efficiency may not translate into reduced profitability. As markets change for different commodities the economic advantages to treating residue change. Currently, the price of corn is lower than it was last year and the price of residue is remaining strong, in this scenario there appears to be little to no economic benefit to chemical treatment. Producers should always consider overall profitability instead of only considering the least cost of gain or maximum feed efficiency.

Currently, UNL has two experiments completed using calcium oxide treated forages in growing diets. The results of including treated forages in growing diets are not as favorable as the finishing diets. Growing steers consumed more feed due to increased digestibility when treated residue is fed, thus allowing for more intake when gut fill limits intake in forage-based diets. Cattle also gained more due to increased intake; however, feed efficiency was only slightly improved.

Because feedlots are able to replace high priced corn with roughage it was economically favorable last year. However, in growing diets other roughage sources (hay or residues) are typically replaced and this replacement is not as economically favorable as replacing corn grain that is often two and one half to three times the price of roughage. At this time there is no data to support the use of chemically treated residues in high forage diets based on cost.

Adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide with water is a chemical reaction that can produce heat if not mixed in the proper amounts. Caution should be exercised when treating forages. Inhalation or physical exposure to the skin or eyes with calcium oxide should be avoided and personal protection should be used. Before treating forages check on safety and correct procedures to ensure safety and that you are gaining the most benefit from treating forages.

An additional webinar described more up-to-date information on June 18th. This along with other timely topics can be accessed on the UNL beef website at: http://beef.unl.edu/beefwebinars.



Cuming County Fair Shows and Events to be Video Streamed Live
Patricia Bohaboj, Extension Assistant, Cuming County

Thanks for to the Cuming County 4-H Council, 4-H Foundation, and a grant from Du Pont Pioneer people across the nation will be able to view the 4-H shows that take place in the Watson Pavilion live via video streaming on the internet.  This year people will also have the chance to view the Public Style Review from the Nielsen Foundation.  The URL for the video streamed shows is: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cuming-county-fair-2013.  This year shows dates and times that will be video streamed include:
·    Thursday, August 8
o    8:00 a.m.  4-H Dairy and Pigmy Goats
o    11:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy Show followed by Open Class Dairy Show
o    4:00 p.m. Sheep Lead Contest
o    5:00 p.m. 4-H Sheep Show
·    Friday, August 9
o    8:30 a.m. 4-H Swine Show
o    7:00 p.m. Public Style Review
·    Saturday, August 10
o    9:00 a.m. 4-H Beef Show

Video streaming of the shows will allow those who enjoy the shows but are not able to attend due to distance or health, to watch the shows as they are going on.  Please share the URL with family and friends who might be interested in viewing the 2013 4-H Market Livestock shows and the Public Style Review via the internet.  The shows and events will be posted at the same URL following the fair. 

It is thought that Cuming County is the first county to video and stream live their county fair shows.  This project is the result of the hard work of Brenda Doernemann and Anne current members of the Cuming County 4-H Council and Foundation and the expertise of Jonathan Jahnke current 4-H member.  Skywaves has also shared their technology and experiences.



FSA-Approved Counties for CRP Emergency Haying and Grazing

As of Friday, 61 Nebraska counties had been approved for emergency haying and grazing of CRP land. The USDA FSA authorization provides emergency relief to livestock producers facing reduced pasture and grass resources due to drought.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Dan Steinkruger said counties approved for emergency haying and grazing are Adams, Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Boone, Box Butte, Boyd, Buffalo, Cedar, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Harlan, Hall, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Nuckolls, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Red Willow, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Stanton, Thayer, Valley, Wayne, Webster, and Wheeler.

The authorization coincides with the end of the primary nesting and brood-rearing season in Nebraska.

Provisions of a CRP contract prohibit harvesting of the conservation cover for the life of the contract except in certain emergency situations when the Secretary of Agriculture authorizes emergency haying and grazing. Emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres is intended to provide assistance to livestock producers who are suffering forage losses due to severe drought.

“Drought has been ongoing in Nebraska counties for more than a year and forage losses have impacted livestock producers to the extent of drastic herd reductions,” said Steinkruger. “In 2012 USDA opened CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing and Nebraska farmers and ranchers utilized over 300,000 acres under the program to provide forage to livestock,” he said.

“Eligible producers who are interested in emergency haying or grazing of CRP must request approval before haying or grazing eligible acreage,” said Steinkruger. “Producers must also obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that outlines permitted practices,” he said.

Many of the limitations and requirements of CRP emergency haying and grazing were waived in 2012; however for 2013 there will be a 25% reduction in the annual rental payments and no haying or grazing will be allowed on practice CP25 (Rare and Declining Habitat). Along with other restrictions, CRP participants are not allowed to sell the hay; however, if the participant is not a livestock producer he or she may rent or lease the haying or grazing privilege to an eligible livestock producer.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for more information on CRP emergency haying and grazing. Additional information is also available on the web at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.




Farmland Prices Cooling in Iowa, Nebraska

The stabilizing process we've mentioned in recent issues is evident in data released to LandOwner from Farm Credit Services of America. The Omaha-based lender is the largest ag real estate lender in its four-state service region, which covers Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The association monitors ag real estate value trends through its semi-annual appraisal update of 65 benchmark farms located throughout its service area. Its appraisal team reviews thousands of completed farm real estate transactions in the process.

The July 1 update below shows the value of the 21 Iowa benchmark farms rose slightly more than 6% during the first half of 2013 compared to the 13.8% surge the last half of 2012.

The 19 Nebraska benchmark farms show a 7% rise--down from 12.3% the last half of 2012. Those gains amount to about a one-percentage-point gain per month.

The 23 South Dakota benchmark farms report a 9.5% six-month gain. While down from the astonishing 17.6% burst seen last half of 2012, the 1.6%-per-month increase is too strong to be considered a market that is stabilizing.

The update shows a lift in the value of Wyoming farmland. The update lists a gain of 3.3% for the first half of 2013. That compares to no change in values during the last half of 2012.

Additionally, the Iowa market seems to be in the same spot as it was a year earlier. Land values were stabilizing after posting a 6.2% rise the previous six months. But values surged as grain prices rocketed.



Spring Farm Tour Helps Connect Classrooms to Food, Fiber and Fuel.

Nebraska Department of Education curriculum specialists toured three Eastern Nebraska farms in May to learn first-hand about how food is grown for our dinner tables.

The tour, called “Connecting Classrooms to their Source of Food, Fiber and Fuel,” was sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB). A-FAN and the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom hosted the event.

Farm stops included the Pillen Family Farms, a pork operation near Brainard, Grass Valley Farms, a feedlot near David City, and Tuls Dairy in Surprise.

On the bus between tour stops, Willow Holoubek, executive director of A-FAN, and Deanna Karmazin, from the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, led discussions about row crop farming as the primary source of livestock feed in the state.

Tour participants said they gained useful knowledge about the state’s agricultural industry. Carol Ringenberg, career education specialist and state director of HOSA Future Health Professionals, said tour leaders “articulated well not only about agriculture as a business but the importance of agriculture to our state’s economic vitality.”

“We were encouraged by participants’ involvement during tours and discussions,” Holoubek said.

Participants were eager to learn about today’s farming and animal agriculture industry,” she said. “We appreciate their efforts to teach students about how their food, fiber and fuel is grown by Nebraska farmers, as well as about interesting career opportunities, including agriculture  technologies, and how agriculture positively impacts  our state’s economy.”

“These bus tours play an important role in our education and outreach efforts,” said NSB Executive Director Victor Bohuslavsky. “They provide us with a great way to showcase the practicality of modern Nebraska agriculture.”



Heavy Placements and Slow Marketings Could Spell Trouble Ahead
John Michael Riley, Asst. Extension Professor, Dept. of Ag. Econ., Mississippi State University

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service released their monthly Cattle on Feed report this Friday (July 19). The report revealed that 10.368 million head of cattle are in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more on July 1, 2013. The inventory of cattle on feed was a decrease of 3.2% from July 1, 2012, but a slight increase of 1.1% from the five-year average from 2008 to 2012. Analysts were expecting a drop of 3.0% from 2012's inventory, so the reported number is in-line with those expectations and well within the range of expectations.

The wild card lately has been placements. Cattle placed into 1,000+ head capacity feedlots totaled 1.587 million head during June, down 4.6% from one year ago but up 0.5% when compared to the average from 2008 to 2012. Analysts were calling for the number of placements to be slightly smaller, at 1.579 million head, but their range for placement expectations was rather wide (as is typically the case for placements and especially with recent projections). When examining the placements by weight group, it is readily apparent that heavy weight placements far outpaced lightweight cattle going into feedlots. The former (cattle under 700 pounds) were down a collective 29.9%, while the latter (cattle 700 pounds and higher) were up 17.6%. In fact Colorado was the only state (with a reported breakout by weight group) to register an increase in cattle placed weighing less than 600 pounds – likely a result of drought conditions in the state. Placements of cattle between 700 and 799 pounds were lower across all states/regions excluding Texas whose cattle in this group increased from 75,000 head to 135,000. While 135,000 is no small number, it is important to note that their placements of cattle under 600 pounds is nearly as much at 125,000 head. Still, nationally 39.4% of cattle placed weighed 800 pounds or more. This indicates that the near term number of market ready cattle will remain elevated.

It was expected that marketings would dip to a record low of 1.860 million head during June, but the actual reported number exceeded those projections; however they still come in at a record low. Marketings during June registered 1.895 million head, down 3.6% from June 2012 and 5.4% lower than the five-year average. The number is lower than the previous low-water mark set just last year for the month of June at 1.965 million head.

When considered together, the slow pace of marketings coupled with the increase in current supplies of market ready cattle (exacerbated by the heavy placements in June) could spell trouble for feeders in the months ahead. There is no doubt that fed cattle supplies are moving lower. The recent USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand report indicated that second quarter 2013 supplies were less than expected but raised third and fourth quarter supplies. To be specific, 2013 beef supplies are currently estimated to be 2.2% lower than 2012 supplies and 2014 are projected to be 4.9% lower than 2013. Even so, the market outlook continues to hinge on demand, which appears to be a case of "glass half empty" at the moment given the slow place of fed cattle marketings.



Iowa Pork Industry Center Adds PQA Plus 2.0 Advisor Session

To meet continuing demand and the Aug. 31 deadline for advisor recertification under the newly revised Pork Quality Assurance Plus® program, Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University has added a session on Aug. 29 in Ames.

This Aug. 29 session will be held in the Ensminger Room in Kildee Hall on the Iowa State campus, beginning with registration at noon and the session at 12:30 p.m. The half-day session ends with successful passing of an open-book test following the educational portion.

James McKean, IPIC associate director and ISU Extension swine veterinarian, and Tom Baas, animal science professor, coordinate the IPIC schedule and teach each session. There is a 15-person minimum and a 30-person maximum, with a deadline two weeks prior to the specific session date, or when filled. No walk-ins are allowed and individual spots are not guaranteed until specific payment is confirmed by IPIC. The recertification is $50 per person.

McKean said those who qualify and want to recertify at the Aug. 29 session should download, complete and submit the registration form and payment soon. See the IPIC website for the general PQA Plus Advisor certification session page with dates and registration links.

To be eligible to recertify as a current advisor, people must meet the following qualifications:
1. Be a veterinarian, extension specialist or ag educator (defined for this program as a person who spends full time in adult education or at least half time in production training) AND
2. Have a D.V.M. or B.S. in animal science (or equivalent) AND
3. Have two years of recent documentable swine production experience.



Crop Insurance Costs Americans Two Cents Per Meal, According to CBO Data
(from NCIS) 

Americans will spend ONLY two cents per meal on crop insurance – the risk management tool most used by farmers to protect themselves from the whims of Mother Nature – through FY 2023, according to CBO’s latest 10-year budget projections. That figure is up from one cent per meal, which was the average cost for the period of FY 2000 to 2011.

Those estimates might come as a surprise to many Americans, who are watching ongoing Congressional action surrounding the five-year, $100 billion per year Farm Bill. But most of that money actually goes towards spending on domestic food programs, with roughly 15 percent directed to farm programs and crop insurance.

The cost per meal figure is derived from CBO’s projected crop insurance program outlays, the Census Bureau’s projections of total U.S. population, the Department of Commerce’s data on consumption spending on food, and the assumption that consumers eat three meals a day.

Total government spending on crop insurance is projected at roughly $8.5 billion per year, with farmers paying $4 billion out of their own pockets to purchase their policies. With the elimination of direct payments in the Farm Bill currently being discussed, crop insurance will be the primary risk management tool available to many farmers, and the only risk management tool available to some farmers, like specialty crop growers.

But crop insurance faces some hurdles in the upcoming House and Senate debate, which could leave it strained or incapable of handling upcoming farm crises. “The U.S. experienced the worst drought in decades last year and we didn’t have a crisis in agriculture,” said Keith Collins, former USDA chief economist. ““Do we want to risk unraveling that?”

Because most farmers carry crop insurance, despite back-to-back years of poor harvest due to weather anomalies, the U.S. farm sector remained vibrant and was one of the driving forces that pulled the U.S. out of the prolonged, deep recession.



Anhydrous, UAN32 Prices Shift Lower

Retail fertilizer prices hit a breaking point this week. For the first time in over eight months, some retail prices moved significantly to the low side, according to DTN's survey for the third week of July 2013.  As has been the case for the last few weeks, all eight of the major fertilizers were lower compared to last month.

Leading the charge were anhydrous and UAN32. Anhydrous slipped 7% compared to third week of June and had an average price of $758/ton. UAN32 was down 5% compared to last month and had an average price of $424/ton.  The other six fertilizers were lower but these moves were just slight price shifts. DAP had average price of $589/ton, MAP $634/ton, potash $571/ton, urea $548/ton, 10-34-0 $605/ton and UAN28 $379/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.68/lb.N and UAN32 $0.66/lb.N.

With anhydrous moving lower, all eight of the major fertilizers are now lower compared to one year earlier.  Five fertilizers are a single-digit lower in price compared to July 2012. Anhydrous is 1% lower while both UAN28 and UAN32 are 3% less expensive, MAP is 4% and DAP is now 8% lower compared to last year.  The remaining three fertilizers are now down double-digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 12% while 10-34-0 is 13% less expensive and urea is 19% lower.



NCGA Seeks Growers for Action Teams, Committees

The National Corn Growers Association is seeking applications from members interested in working on an NCGA action team or committee in the 2014 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of their industry and to become a part of the national agricultural leadership community.

"As a grassroots organization, NCGA relies on its members to step forward and take an active role in developing the policies that will lead our industry forward," said NCGA First Vice President Martin Barbre. "This year, we have opportunities in all of the areas the organization touches, thus allowing members to take their involvement to the next level while exploring in great depth the areas which interest them the most."

Positions are available on all teams and committees: CornPAC, Ethanol Committee, Grower Services Action Team, Production and Stewardship Action Team, Public Policy Action Team, Research and Business Development Action Team and Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. Positions are also available on the Corn Board standing committees, which are the Bylaws Committee and Nominating Committee.

Qualified applicants must be a NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates have interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.

Action teams and committees are composed of up to 14 voting members representing a cross-section of corn production. The teams may utilize staff, growers and industry members to serve as resources, as determined by the action team or committee chair.

Duties of the action teams and committees include:
-    Conducting an annual planning process regarding the work and results of the team.
-    Defining programs to be implemented by the action team and implementing them with evaluation measurement for each program.
-    Seeking necessary information and expertise to advise the team.
-    Advising the Corn Board on policy positions or requesting action of the Corn Board.
-    Keeping the Corn Board informed of all obligations and contractual relationships entered into and seeking Corn Board approval for contracts or obligations that are out of the ordinary, such as those that are multi-year obligations.
-    Working through the Corn Board on public policy actions or positions.

Deadline for receipt of applications in the state corn association offices, where applicable, is August 30. State offices will then coordinate applications and submit directly to NCGA by September 3. Interested parties can contact Kathy Baker at the NCGA office with questions, at (636) 733-9004.



Biodiesel CEO Highlights Advanced Biofuel Success

The National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe told Congress Tuesday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is helping consumers by stimulating the production of advanced biofuels like biodiesel.

Jobe emphasized that the law, first passed in 2005 with overwhelming bipartisan support, is working as Congress intended to diversify the transportation fuels market while boosting local economies and cutting harmful emissions. He pointed to persistent increases in gasoline prices amid the current North American oil boom as evidence of the continued need for alternatives at the pump.
"As we are seeing with this latest price spike, no matter how much oil we find here at home, consumers will continue to see rising gas prices until we diversify the market," Jobe said in testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Committee's subpanel on Energy and Power. "That is what the RFS is all about, and it is a success."

Jobe said the RFS has helped biodiesel become the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach 1 billion gallons of annual production.

"Our industry has cracked the 1 billion gallon mark for two consecutive years, exceeding the volume requirements under the RFS every year. And we are on pace to do so again this year," Jobe said. "This is a tremendous success story that is creating jobs across the country, improving our energy security, helping consumers and reducing pollution."



Culver's, FFA Partnering in 'Thank You, Farmers' Campaign

The Culver's restaurant chain has kicked off a promotional campaign this month called 'Thank You, Farmers' which aims to educate its customers about where their food comes from while raising money for the National FFA Foundation.

Participating Culver's restaurants across the nation are pledging their support to farm families through 'percent of sales nights,' a Scoopie Token and guest donation program and event sponsorships to benefit local FFA chapters.

David Stidham is Culver's Marketing Vice President. He says kids who receive Scoopie Tokens intended for frozen custard or toys can be turned back in as a donation to local FFA chapters.

"Celebrating where our food comes from in a meaningful way is important to us and our guests. It's our way of recognizing the farmers who work so hard to provide us the great food we serve," said Stidham.

CEO Craig Culver says his company is proud to call the dairy land of Wisconsin home.

"Coming from a place connected to the farms that produce the dairy and grow the food that's made the restaurant what it is, celebrating and supporting the farmers just feels right," said Culver.

Meanwhile, Culver's will also be rolling out nationwide efforts including an online donation campaign on the Culvers.com homepage, as well as a Facebook promotion that allows fans to write a brief thank you note to a farmer. Each thank you note will result in a $1 donation made to the National FFA Foundation on behalf of Culver's.



HSUS is There—Padding its Bank Account
(from HumaneWatch.org)

Of all the self-serving promotions that the Humane Society of the United States churns out—and it puts out a lot, with CharityWatch finding that HSUS spends up to a whopping 48 cents to raise every dollar—the most nauseating is perhaps HSUS's new motto of “We're There,” which is the slogan of a defensive radio ad in the D.C. area that comes on the heels of our hard-hitting D.C. Metro and Roll Call ads. If you wonder about our distaste, just look at the latest news coming from New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman regarding Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

We noted before that Schneiderman asked about 100 charities, including HSUS, that engaged in Sandy-related fundraising to report to his office how much they were spending on Sandy relief efforts. On Wednesday, Schneiderman reported that as of April some nonprofits were still holding donations. In the case of HSUS, a more appropriate word might be “hoarding.”

The 89 charities reported to Scheiderman's office that they raised more than $500 million, yet only 57 percent of that money has been spent on Sandy relief. The most recent documentation for HSUS, an April letter signed by its general counsel, reports that HSUS raised over $2.2 million for its Disaster Relief Fund in the months following Sandy and had spent only 33 percent—or $731,000—on Sandy relief. That's roughly on par with what we reported about previous HSUS filings showing that HSUS had spent 35 percent of the money it raised on Sandy relief. We don't know if they're counting the money spent on camera crews and video personnel that HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle had in tow when he visited affected areas to document any possible good deed he performed.

HSUS is excusing itself by saying it never solicited for Sandy specifically and that it honored donations that donors--on their own initiative--earmarked for Sandy relief. And that may be correct. But this is a $70 billion disaster. There are still groups in the affected area, like the Monmouth County SPCA, that need help. And yet, according to the latest data, $1.5 million that HSUS raised has not been spent on Sandy relief.

HSUS certainly is “there” when disasters happen—looking for a cash haul. That's called taking the low road.



National Farmers Supports Legislation for Increased Banking, Economic Security

At the National Farmers national board meeting July 17, national board members supported measures in the proposed 21st Century Glass Steagall Act and the proposed Return to Prudent Banking Act, citing the need to prevent a potential banking crisis domino effect, and ultimately protect the economy.

Both bills would remove the connection of investment banking and commercial banking in one institution. In investment banks, products such as hedge funds rule the day. Commercial banks primarily provide services such as checking and savings. The 21st Century Glass Steagall Act (S. 1282) was introduced July 11 by Elizabeth Warren, (D-Mass.), John McCain, (R-Ariz.), Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.) and Angus King, (I-Me.).

If passed, large financial institutions would be unable to access FDIC-insured savings and deposits, using the money and a variety of investment products to speculate. Ultimately, it would end practices relying on the belief that a banking type of entity could grow too large to buckle under financial strain.

National Farmers leadership recognizes debate continues about the causes of the Great Recession, and whether the safeguards this bill provides would have prevented that crisis. However, the internal connection in an institution between investment and commercial banking increases risk exposure. At National Farmers, we are intentional about managing price risk for producers, and respectfully request Congress to be intentional, manage banking risk and protect lending customers on farms and in cities alike.

Many economists say this is a more secure system, and would prevent future problems of investment risk exposure to commercial banks and their customers. National Farmers, for the benefit of agriculture and consumers, supports reinstating long-held safeguards.

The Return to Prudent Banking Act of 2013 was introduced in the U.S. House (H.R. 129) and the U.S. Senate (S. 985) in May. Previously protective measures were in place in The Glass-Steagall Act (Banking Act of 1933), but those were repealed in 1999, with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

Some who urged repeal of the original Glass-Steagall – now publicly say they were wrong. Former President Bill Clinton. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Former Merrill Lynch CEO David Komansky. U.S. Representative Steny Hover, (D-Md.).

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, was a start toward correcting problems, and was meant to fill loopholes for over-the-counter derivatives, asset-backed securities, hedge funds, mortgage brokers and payday lenders. It was also intended to end taxpayers’ vulnerability to picking up the bill if a large conglomerate failed, known as Too Big To Fail bailouts. And the 2010 Act created a council to examine systemic risks caused by conglomerates and products or financial activities that could threaten the economy.

But the 2010 legislation didn’t go far enough.

Other organizations support addressing core banking security issues, such as the systemic risk of Too Big To Fail, including the Independent Community Bankers Association, and National Farmers Union, which supported the Return to Prudent Banking Act.

Farmers, ranchers and consumers count on their financial institutions to remain sound. National Farmers national board members support measures isolating commercial banking and investment banking, and other provisions in these bills. The organization urges passage of legislation that increases security of America’s banking system.