Wednesday July 17 Ag News

New System Gives Insight into Animals' Feeding Habits

A new system that monitors livestock feeding behavior has been developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.

Agricultural engineers Tami Brown-Brandl and Roger Eigenberg at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US-MARC) in Clay Center, Neb., designed software and hardware that incorporates standard radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and a commercial reader to monitor animals' eating habits. The system, designed to work in an industry setting, includes an ear tag applied to each animal, monitoring equipment and data recording and storage.

Scientists are using this data to determine the normal day-to-day variation in feeding behavior--the amount of time each animal spends eating, the number of eating events per day, and the timing of those events. By determining an animal's normal eating behavior, it might be easier to detect a sick animal when it starts spending less time at the feeder. These animals can then be treated early to help prevent severe illness. Information gathered might also be used to improve management and establish genetic differences within a herd, according to the researchers.

The low-cost system was first used to monitor feedlot cattle and has been adapted to grow-finish swine. Individual animal feeding behavior can be measured without any outside influence, according to Brown-Brandl, who works in USMARC's Environmental Management Research Unit.

In one study, antennas were mounted on standard swine feeders in six pens that each held 40 pigs. In addition to collecting feeding behavior data, video cameras were used to evaluate the durability of the system, which was shown to be dependable.

Scientists plan to use the system in future studies to examine feeding behavior as it relates to age, gender, weight gain and the health of animals.



Summer Heat and Forage Growth
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Summer heat hit us hard the past couple weeks. How do these high temperatures affect different types of forage plants?

When it suddenly turns 'hooey boy' hot -- you know, 90 plus degrees and humidity so thick you can almost see it -- cool-season plants suffer along with you and me. Alfalfa and clovers, bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescues, needlegrasses, and wheatgrasses all struggle during hot weather.

Do you remember -- before air conditioning -- how drained you used to feel after spending a night when the temperature never dropped below 80? The same thing happens to cool-season forages, resulting in very slow growth, lower forage quality as plants burn up the good nutrients, and limited recovery of root reserves after defoliation. And if it also is dry these conditions can even become deadly.

Warm-season grasses are just the opposite. Millet, sudangrass, sorghums, and our native bluestems, gramas, switchgrass, and other warm-season grasses thrive when the temperature is around 90 degrees. Their metabolism runs at peak efficiency when it is hot so they grow rapidly while maintaining reasonable forage quality and good root growth.

Of course, this assumes these plants have adequate moisture. Once they dry up, these grasses will overheat too, just like cool-season grasses do at lower temperatures.

As you graze or hay, be aware of the stress weather is putting on your forage. When it's too hot, allow plants to recover for a longer time before next use. And don't expect high feed values or good animal gains when the goodies are burned right out of the plants.

Proper expectations and management adjustments can limit the stress from stressful weather.



NEWMAN GROVE AND ATKINSON YOUTHS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS AT NAYI

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced that two returning delegates at the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) were awarded scholarships for their leadership and commitment to agriculture, as demonstrated during this year’s conference.

Dr. Dann Husmann, the Associate Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR), presented the scholarships to Toni Rasmussen of Newman Grove and Cole Gibbens of Atkinson.  They were each awarded a $600 scholarship to utilize when they begin school at UNL in the fall.

“We are excited to partner with CASNR to offer these scholarships to these two deserving delegates,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm.  “We greatly appreciate CASNR’s willingness to sponsor these scholarships, and are pleased that both Toni and Cole plan to pursue degrees in agriculture.”

This year marked the 13th year the scholarships have been awarded during NAYI.  Rasmussen and Gibbens were selected by the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) based upon their demonstrated leadership, interest in agriculture and the good example that they provided to the other NAYI delegates throughout the five-day conference.

Nearly 200 high school participants gathered on UNL’s East Campus last week (July 8-12) to discuss agricultural policy, listen to motivational speakers, and learn more about careers in agriculture.  Delegates were selected to attend NAYI based on their interest in agriculture and their leadership skills.  The NAYI program is coordinated by the NAYC, comprised of 19 college‑aged men and women selected by NDA.

JEWELL RECEIVES NAYI’S HIGHEST AWARD
During the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) held last week, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) presented its highest honor, the NAYI Award of Merit, to Dr. Duane Jewell.

“The NAYI Award of Merit is presented each year to someone with a strong commitment to youth and a dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm.  “This year the award was given to an individual who has a long history with the Institute and is a great supporter of the program.”

For the past 37 years, Dr. Duane Jewell has coordinated the annual Farm Management program at the NAYI.  Over 5,000 youth have participated in the program in those years, and taken away valuable information about how to make farm management decisions.  Jewell is a native of Albion and received his bachelors, masters and PhD degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  He spent five years as a UNL Agricultural Economics staff member before moving to Northwest Missouri State University.

Those nominating the Jewell said, “Dr. Duane Jewell has impacted thousands of delegates throughout the years at the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute.  His commitment and dedication to this program is has and will always be greatly appreciated.”

Jewell currently resides in Kansas City with his wife.  They have two grown children.



2013 Cattlemen's Ball Eclipses Previous Record with $2.12 Million Raised

For the first time in its history, the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska has surpassed $2 million in proceeds.  Officials for the 2013 Cattlemen's Ball have announced that the net proceeds from this year's event in Paxton-Sutherland were $2.12 million—exceeding the previous record by some $600,000. All of the money stays in Nebraska to support cancer research and local health and wellness programs.

Ninety percent of the proceeds—some  $1.9 million—will go to support cancer research at the Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha.  Ten percent of the proceeds—around $200,000—will be distributed as grants to health and wellness organizations in the Paxton-Sutherland area.  Local organizations wishing to apply for grant funds must do so no later than July 31, 2013.  An application form and additional details are available at www.cattlemensball.com.

Meeting the event's $2 million goal was particularly important.  During the event, it was announced that an anonymous donor offered to give $250,000 to local area food banks if that goal was met.  This food bank donation is above and beyond the $2.12 million raised.

Over $1 million of the $2.12 million total was raised during the event through silent and live auctions.   Additional big ticket items for auction or raffle pushed that total higher.  These items included a John Deere tractor donated by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a pivot irrigation system from Lindsay Manufacturing, a 60th anniversary Corvette donated by Harchelroad Motors, Inc., and a Ford F150 pickup donated by Woodhouse Auto Family.  Other items generating large sums included a trip to an Argentine winery and a barrel of wine, an African safari, and several original works of art.

Approximately 4,400 people attended the 2013 event, which was held June 7-8 on the Hanging H Ranch between Paxton and Sutherland.  The Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster family and the Neal Hanson family (on whose ranch the event was held) served as hosts for this year's Cattlemen's Ball.  "On the Trail to a Cure" was the theme for this year's event.

"Exceeding our $2 million goal is a credit to the generosity of the people who joined us—and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on an incredible event," said Ralph Holzfaster.   "We're very proud and humbled by the show of support—and are deeply gratified that this year's event has raised a record amount to help find a cure for cancer."

The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted annually by a different Nebraska family involved in the beef industry.  Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet.  Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $8.4 million.

Next year's Cattlemen's Ball will be held on the Hoot Owl Ranch in Banner County.



Farmers encouraged to watch cattle closely for heat stress

The heat situation for cattle in Iowa is expected in the ‘danger’ to ‘emergency’ zone for a couple days this week, according to the USDA’s Meat Animal Research Center. The estimates of heat stress are based on four specific weather factors: temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation.

“It’s best that producers plan ahead so they can take quick action if those four factors put parts of Iowa in a high risk zone,” says Matt Deppe, the CEO for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down. Wind and cool nights can help, but when temperatures and humidity are high, producers must also consider other ways to keep their livestock comfortable,” he said.

ICA is encouraging cattle producers to take advice from Iowa State University’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, Dr. Grant Dewell, DVM. Dr. Dewell recommends these protective measures:
·    Clean fresh water – consumption of water can double during extreme heat. Cattle need at least 2 gal./100 lbs/day during heat events. Additionally, make sure there is adequate room for cattle to drink and that supply lines can provide cool water fast enough.
·    Shift to feeding a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon and consider lowering the energy content by 5%.
·    Provide shade if possible. UV radiation is many times the critical factor for livestock losses due to heat stress.
·    Ensure that there are no restrictions to air movement such as hay storage..
·    If necessary begin sprinkling cattle with water if signs of heat stress are evident.

Deppe says producers who start using fans or providing water sprinklers on their cattle should be prepared to use that process until more moderate temperatures return.

Cattle producers can monitor the forecasted heat stress index and find tips for cooling cattle at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=21306. More information on preventing heat stress in cattle is available at http://vetmed.iastate.edu/, and type “heat stress cattle” in the search box on the upper right.



Podcasts Tell Iowa Ag Story Along RAGBRAI Route

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that podcasts showcasing Iowa agriculture along the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RABGRAI) route are available for download.

The podcasts are available at www.iowaagcasts.com or through iTunes by searching for the keyword "Iowa Agcasts".

"The beauty and fertility of Iowa's land is very evident this time of year and these podcasts will highlight the importance and diversity of Iowa agriculture as riders travel across the state," Northey said. "Agriculture is so important to our state and we hope RAGBRAI participants and others will listen to these podcasts and learn more about all that is happening on the farms across Iowa."

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, together with many partners, created one podcast for each leg of the ride. Each podcast has an interview of one or two local individuals involved in agriculture and soil and water conservation.

The podcasts are unique in that they show the diversity of Iowa's agriculture. Listeners meet a farmer who sells at his local farmer's market, another who farms organic and even hear from a family-owned winery. Other stories come from beekeepers to coal mine experts, all with roots deep in Iowa's landscape. Urban conservation is even discussed as the riders reach Des Moines half way through the week.

"Agriculture is a very big part of what we do. You see it spatially out there as you look across the landscape and economically as well. It's one of the biggest industries in the state and if you include not only the actual farming but the folks that produce things for farmers or process the crops, somewhere around 25-30% of the economic activity in Iowa is based in agriculture." Northey states in his introductory podcast.

The 41st year of RAGBRAI begins July 21 and goes until July 27. To see details of the route, go to www.ragbrai.com.



Five Growers Elected to NCGA's Corn Board

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected five farmers to serve on the organization's Corn Board.  Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA's 2014 fiscal year, are new board members Kevin Ross of Iowa and Paul Taylor of Illinios.  Current board members Rob Elliott of Illinois, Jon Holzfaster of Nebraska and Wesley Spurlock of Texas were re-elected.

"Each year, we have a terrific slate of candidates for the Corn Board, growers who have already had an impressive career of volunteer service for American agriculture," NCGA Chairman Garry Neimeyer, who chairs the nominating committee, said. "It's inspiring to see such an interest on the part of these growers, especially at a time when our industry faces so many challenges. They are all going to be a great addition to the board, and do great things for all farmers."

Elliott currently co-chairs the Commodity Classic Committee for 2014 and is vice chair of the NASCAR Advisory Committee in addition to serving on the board. Previously, he served as the organizational representative to the Waterways Council. In his home state, Elliott has served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. With two brothers, his 88-year-old father and a nephew, he farms corn and soybeans while running a growing seed business in Warren County, Ill.

Holzfaster, a current Corn Board member, owns and operates the same farm in southwest Nebraska that his family has for three generations. On their farm, they produce corn, popcorn, soybeans, dry edible beans, wheat and alfalfa.  Together, his family also operates a 1,000-head non-commercial feed yard that utilizes feed produced on the farm. He currently chairs the NASCAR Advisory Committee and has previously chaired NCGA's Ethanol Committee and the Nebraska Corn Board.

Ross, a sixth-generation family farmer in southwestern Iowa, currently serves as a director of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and on NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. Along with his wife, Sara, he grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa and runs a cow/calf operation. In addition to his past presidency of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ross previously served as chair of the Iowa AgState Initiative and on NCGA's Ethanol Committee.

Current Corn Board member Spurlock is running for reelection this year also. Spurlock chairs NCGA's Finance Committee and sits on the board of both the Texas Corn Producers Board and Corn Producers Association of Texas in addition to farming and managing 9,600 acres of irrigated corn, cotton, wheat and grain sorghum in the upper Texas panhandle. 

Having already served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Growers Association, Taylor now acts as vice chair on NCGA's Ethanol Committee. On land that has been in his family for more than 100 years, he raises corn, seed corn, food grade non-GMO soybeans and canning vegetables for Del Monte including sweet corn, lima beans and green peas. While he no longer raises livestock personally, he continues to value that component of our agricultural system.

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.



Grower Teams Delve into Current Topics, Consider Options

Action teams and committees charged with in-depth analysis and consideration of the topics most relevant to corn farmers met in Washington yesterday as the initial phase of a full week of meetings held by NCGA.  These farmer-led teams discussed changing situations, and the possible ramifications of these changes, in areas including public policy, ethanol, biotechnology, government regulation, trade and grower services in anticipation of NCGA Corn Congress and visits to Capitol Hill scheduled later this week.

"NCGA's action teams develop policies with a careful analysis of each situation while maintaining the grassroots approach vital to the association's success," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "These small groups bring together grower-leaders from our various member states to develop a deep knowledge of specialized areas and collaborate on solutions that help NCGA create and increase opportunities and markets for our members."

Many of the team meetings included presentations from special guests. In the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from a member who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee provided a valuable update on the legislative issues facing the ethanol industry.  Her valuable insight helped team members understand the multifaceted situations legislators must take into consideration given the current legislative environment.

Chad Willis, chair of the Ethanol Committee, said the committee agenda is constructed with those legislative visits in mind.

"We want to prepare our grower leaders fully for the important visits they will make with their legislators on Wednesday and Thursday," he said. "Right now, Congress faces rapidly evolving issues crucial to our members, particularly the farm bill and the RFS. The information and understanding coming out of these meetings will help each of our delegations make the strongest case possible for farmers."

In the Public Policy Action Team, members discussed the ongoing situation as farm bill discussions on the Hill evolve.  To best assess the current situations facing corn farmers in Washington, they heard from a wide variety of guest speakers, including a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's staff.

Action team and committee meetings conclude yesterday, with Corn Congress convening on Wednesday and running through Thursday.



NCGA President's Award Presented to USDA Secretary Vilsack

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson today presented NCGA’s President’s Award to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.  The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.

“Secretary Vilsack is a perfect recipient for the NCGA President’s Award,” Johnson said.  “He has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for American agriculture and I am proud to call him a friend of corn.  During his tenure we have seen him work tirelessly to promote agricultural exports, create a more vibrant rural economy and strengthen the role of farmers.”

Vilsack currently serves as the nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture.  As leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he is working hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and secure a stronger future for the American middle class.

“We appreciate the Secretary spotlighting why those who work in agriculture are important to Americans,” Johnson said.  “But we also want to thank the Secretary for challenging us to tell our own story and let our voices be heard.  Our organization has been privileged to work closely with the Secretary and his staff and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”



Whaley Joins Wheat Growers as Corporate Relations Director

Hugh Whaley, a longtime agriculture industry relations and communications professional, has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) as director of corporate relations.

In his new role, Whaley will be the organizations’ lead staffer working to initiate, build and maintain strategic relationships with agribusinesses and other industry partners.

NAWG and the Foundation, which is managed by NAWG, facilitate a wide range of policy, educational and outreach activities and maintain the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill.

“Coming into my new role with NAWG and the Wheat Foundation, I knew immediately that we needed to put an increased focus on our relationships with our state associations, fellow wheat industry and commodity organizations and our corporate partners,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Jim Palmer.
“I am happy to bring Hugh on board to help us develop and implement a plan to improve our outreach with current and potential partners for the benefit of wheat growers.”

Whaley was most recently the general manager for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), of which NAWG is a member. Previous to that, he worked for two well-known marketing communications firms focusing on agriculture clients and for the American Soybean Association.

“The U.S. wheat industry is a major source of the world food supply necessary to feed an ever-increasing global population,” said Whaley. “Both NWF and NAWG will play a vital role in assisting U.S. wheat growers and the entire industry in maintaining and growing that position of importance. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to assist both organizations achieve their strategic objectives.”

NAWG is also pleased to announce the promotions of Brooke Shupe to director of government affairs for risk management and Will Stafford to assistant director of government affairs for trade, transportation and commodity markets.

Shupe joined the Association in April of last year and manages farm policy, crop insurance and related policies. She also runs WheatPAC, wheat growers’ political action committee. Stafford came to NAWG in 2011 and became a government affairs representative last year. In addition to trade, transportation and markets, Stafford follows research policy.

“NAWG's government affairs team has impressed me since coming on staff. I am glad Brooke and Will both want to grow with us, and we look forward to continuing to see the fruits of their labor in the policy arena over the coming years,” Palmer said.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/12/2013

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 876,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 36.79 million gallons daily. That is down 5,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 876,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 13.43 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 16.6 million barrels. That is a 5.5% increase from last week.

Imports of ethanol were 50,000 b/d, up from last week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 366.6 million gallons daily.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.04%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.282 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 97,764 metric tons of livestock feed, 87,158 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.56 million pounds of corn oil daily.



QUALISOY, United Soybean Board Back Next Generation Oils Solution
The next big thing in edible oils recently received substantial support from the soybean industry. High oleic soybean oils provide food companies increased functionality across multiple applications and meet nutrition needs consumers demand. The United Soybean Board (USB) and QUALISOY announced a commitment to the success of high oleic soybean oils for the food industry. USB pledged $60 million over the next five years to quickly expand seed production of high oleic soybean varieties across a wide geography and market high oleic soybean oils to food companies and other stakeholders. As a result, they project 9 billion pounds of high oleic soybean oil available by 2023 to meet global demand.

"Demand for products with zero grams trans fat and lower saturated fats continues to grow. High oleic soybean oil offers an economical and secure solution for food companies to meet that need, as well as enhance functionality to make their businesses more successful," said Richard Galloway, QUALISOY oils expert. "High oleic soybean oils deliver highly stable products without sacrificing flavor."

Jim Stillman, USB chair and soybean farmer from Emmetsburg, Iowa, agrees. "This commitment to high oleic soybean oils is about meeting our customers' needs. It not only helps build demand for U.S. soybeans and benefits our farmers, but offers a solution that fits the needs of the food industry very well."

Health professionals recommend reducing saturated fats in the diet to lower the risks of heart disease. Consumers also seek more health-conscious food options. As a result, food companies continue to look for solutions. High oleic soybean oils offer an option that is trans-fat free and lower in saturated fats than conventional soybean oil.

They also have desirable benefits for food companies and manufacturers. High oleic soybean oils' superior resistance to oxidation extends shelf life for baked goods and snack foods. The oils also feature a neutral taste, allowing the natural flavors of ingredients to stand out. They perform longer than standard vegetable oils in high temperature and extended use applications because of the heat and oxidative stability of the oil. This, as well as reduced polymer buildup that lessens maintenance and cleaning, translates to cost savings for food service operations.

High oleic soybean oil was commercialized in 2011 and is now available.



Japan Consumer Magazine Goes Digital

Now in its 10th year of production, USMEF-Japan’s popular quarterly consumer magazine, Be&Po, has gone digital. Be&Po, which has a circulation of 23,000 loyal readers, is produced with funding from the  Beef Checkoff Program, Pork Checkoff and USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP).

Initially targeted at homemakers, the main decision-makers regarding meat purchases at retail, the full-color publication debuted in March 2003. It delivers feature articles on nutrition, product safety, American food cultures and trends, along with messages from American producers. In recent years, the audience has expanded to include more single men, particularly those who recognize that tasty, lean American beef and low-fat U.S. pork are an important part of a healthy diet.

The magazine also has helped spread awareness of and appreciation for U.S. beef and pork to an influential group of readers. Through Be&Po, USMEF has introduced more than 1,600 recipes using American beef and pork products developed by famous cooking instructors, well-known chefs and nutritionists. Many of these professionals subsequently began using American beef and pork at their cooking schools and restaurants.

In recognition of the increasing movement of Japanese consumers to digital media, USMEF recently took the decade-old publication digital, both to reach readers on their home computers and hand-held devices as well as to reduce production and distribution costs. Limited hard-copy distribution will continue at consumer seminars, supermarkets, restaurants and retail to reach new readers.”

“We have a very loyal reader base,” said Tazuko Hijikata, USMEF-Japan senior manager of consumer affairs. “USMEF receives hundreds of opinion cards that we insert into each issue of Be&Po (which stands for Beef & Pork), even though readers have to buy stamps to return the cards. We’ve made good use of that feedback to tailor the magazine to better serve our readers.

“Because of its quality content and sophisticated design, many retailers, hotels and foodservice companies often ask USMEF to provide Be&Po for their promotions and to allow them use the recipes introduced in the magazine,” said Hijikata.

The new digital format also will allow subscribers to pass the publication along to friends and family via email, significantly expanding distribution and word-of-mouth support.

Already, feedback to the change has been very positive. USMEF has received several hundred messages from readers including the following:
-    “Before reading Be&Po, I didn’t trust non-domestic meat products, but now I always prefer American beef and pork at supermarkets. Thank you so much.”
-    “Through Be&Po, I better understand the quality and safety of American meat products.”
-    “Every time when I receive Be&Po, I tried new recipes using American meat and enjoyed them with my family. I really appreciate it.”

“Be&Po is an important communication tool with Japanese consumers as well as a resource of tips for activity planning,” added Hijikata. “Japanese consumers prefer so-called ‘story products.’ They want to know the background, history and producers of the products, and that’s why Be&Po has received such warm responses and strong support.”



FFA members throughout Midwest invited to attempt to break world record for pick-up truck parade Aug. 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

FFA members from throughout the Midwest with a penchant for their pick-up trucks can help attempt to set a world record next month in Indianapolis.  From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, food, live entertainment and a classic tractor parade will be capped by a 2 p.m. attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark for a parade of pick-up trucks – a one-lap trek around the racetrack.

The current world record for a pick-up truck parade stands at 273 pick-up trucks, a mark set by the Dresden Agricultural Society on Aug. 25, 2012, on the Dresden Raceway in Ontario, Canada.

FFA members – and pick-up truck enthusiasts from throughout the region – are welcome at IMS Saturday to join in the world-record-breaking attempt. Interested participants are asked to register themselves for the Parade of Pick-ups online at www.RFDTV.com by July 25.

There is no cost for participants to enter the parade. The general public is invited to IMS for the day-long celebration at no cost as well.



Mosaic Company Releases Lower Earnings Report

The Mosaic Company reported fourth quarter fiscal 2013 net earnings of $486 million, compared to $507 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $1.14 in the quarter compared to $1.19 last year.

Mosaic's net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 were $2.7 billion, down from $2.8 billion last year. Operating earnings during the quarter were $621 million, down from $671 million a year ago, as record potash and strong phosphate sales volumes were more than offset by lower realized prices.

"Our focus on planning and execution paid off, with Mosaic achieving record potash and strong phosphate shipments during the quarter," said Jim Prokopanko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic. "Mosaic delivered outstanding results despite difficult external factors such as the late and compressed North American spring planting season, and additional logistical challenges. The long-term outlook for Mosaic remains compelling, and we are executing well to capture the opportunity."

Cash flow provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was $855 million compared to $1.2 billion in the prior year. The year-over-year change was primarily driven by unusually strong cash flow in the prior year period as a result of favorable working capital trends.