Friday August 16 Ag News

Lt. Governor Heidemann to Announce Johnson County Designated Livestock Friendly

Friday evening, Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann will announce the official designation of Johnson County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County. With the addition of Johnson County, there are now 22 counties designated as Livestock Friendly through the state program, including: Adams, Banner, Box Butte, Cuming, Dawes, Deuel, Gage, Garden, Grant, Hitchcock, Holt, Jefferson, Kimball, Keith, Lincoln, Morrill, Saline, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Wayne, and Webster Counties.

“I’m pleased that Johnson County has worked hard to become a Livestock Friendly County,” said Lt. Gov. Heidemann. “This program is a way to recognize the impact the livestock industry has on the local economy. Agriculture is the number one industry in Nebraska and with the help of the Livestock Friendly program, it will continue to thrive.”

Lt. Gov. Heidemann will present the Livestock Friendly certificate to Johnson County Commissioners Scotty Gottula, Terry Keebler, and Dr. Ted Evans. The county will receive road signs bearing the program logo to display along highways. The program is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said the official designation makes a positive statement about Johnson County. Dir. Ibach stated, “It was clear from the submitted materials that Johnson County officials have given some purposeful thought to supporting the livestock industry.”

To apply for a livestock friendly county designation, the county board must hold a public hearing and pass a resolution to apply. A completed application is then submitted to Department of Agriculture for review. Local producers or community groups can encourage their county board to submit a livestock friendly county application.

Additional information on the Livestock Friendly County program is available by contacting NDA toll free at 800-422-6692, or by visiting the Department of Agriculture website at www.nda.nebraska.gov and clicking the Livestock Friendly County link.



Extension to Offer Nitrate Testing of Forages at Husker Harvest Days

            University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will offer nitrate testing of cattle forages at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Sept. 10-11.

            The free rapid testing will be available at the university's building during the event.

            "If you are concerned that drought has damaged crops or other forages and want to know if the nitrate level is too high to feed, UNL extension can address these concerns," said Matt Luebbe, assistant professor of animal science.

            To have forage tested, producers collect a representative sample of the feedstuff(s) they are concerned with and drop off samples. Producers should choose samples that represent the greatest risk level, Luebbe said. The samples can be tested while producers enjoy other exhibits.

            "With the rapid test, we can usually determine if high nitrate levels exist within 1-2 minutes. After that we can quantify the amount of nitrates within an hour if the preliminary test is positive," he said. "If we determine your feedstuffs are high in nitrates, there will be UNL beef extension personnel available to help you to tailor a feeding program that fits your needs and resources available."

            Luebbe added that he does not think many forages will have elevated nitrate levels because the stressors this year are not as widespread as they were in 2012.

             Although the tests are not as comprehensive as those done by commercial labs, Luebbe said, results will help feeders decide how to feed these forages, or if additional commercial tests are necessary.



2013 Nebraska State Fair
Governor Dave Heineman

With county fairs winding down, and the new school year gearing-up, there is still some good family fun to be had this summer. The Nebraska State Fair will take place August 23 through September 2 in Grand Island. I want to encourage all Nebraskans to attend the State Fair. 

This year’s theme is “The Thrill of It All” and with the addition of a new carnival midway with both nostalgic and new rides, there will be fun for all ages. A new addition this year will be a Showcase of Champions high school rodeo set to take place on Labor Day.

Through the 144 year tradition of Nebraska’s State Fair, this is the fourth year that the State Fair will be held in Grand Island. Fairgoers will note that even after four successful years, work to keep improving the fairgrounds continues. This year, there are the addition of trees and grass across a number of locations on the grounds. Additionally, the Fonner Park Concourse - the area that houses the open class horticulture, ag products, photography, foods, fine arts and forestry - will be air conditioned thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Nebraska State Fair Foundation.

Fairgoers will notice a new building under construction near the main gate of the grounds. The Nebraska State Fair is excited to partner with the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on the new “Nebraska Building.” The Nebraska Building will feature an educational exhibit space focused on Nebraska agriculture and the exciting return of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission display area. The building will add 54,000 square feet of exhibition space to the fairgrounds and the upper level will house the administrative offices for the Nebraska State Fair. The new building will be ready for the 2014 Nebraska State Fair.

I encourage you to visit the 4-H and FFA exhibits. I am always impressed by the hard work and ingenuity of our young people that exhibit through their projects at the State Fair.

New this year you’ll also be able to find MOINK balls (a combination of beef and pork), alligator-on-a-stick, and pancake burgers. You’ll also be able to find fair fan favorites like pineapple whip, corn dogs and funnel cakes.

From sword swallowers, to sea lions, from aerial artists to an extreme BMX cycling stunt show there is something for everyone this year with free entertainment featured all across the fair grounds.

There is another event that will provide parents, teachers and students the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. STEM education opportunities will be everywhere – near the food, rides, exhibits, agriculture, performance areas, and even in the parking lot.

STEM will also be featured at Nebraska’s Largest Classroom, held at the Fair on Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27. This initiative is a result of schools, colleges, parents, businesses, nonprofits, and afterschool professionals all working together to make STEM education accessible to families in a place where they’ll already be visiting.

The Nebraska State Fair allows us all an opportunity to join together to celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow Nebraskans. It gives us an opportunity to learn and share, and provides us with some great entertainment and food options.

I look forward to seeing you at the State Fair.



Judge Dismisses Suit in Organic Crops Case

Evrett Lunquist of Raymond, Neb., has won a summary judgment in a civil dispute involving production of organic crops.

Lancaster County District Judge Paul Merritt's dismissal of a multi-million dollar complaint filed against Lunquist, an organic inspector, by organic producer Paul Rosberg of Randolph could be the end of a legal battle that dates to 2011, reports the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper.

Rosberg had accused Lunquist, who had done inspection work on his farm from 2003-07, of making false statements about him and his farming operation and committing both libel and fraud.

Lunquist said he stepped forward later as a citizen, not as an inspector, to report potential fraud by Rosberg to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Court records show that USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service revoked Rosberg's organic certification for five years in 2011.

"Rosberg accused me of writing something false about him," Lunquist said in a telephone interview with the newspaper, "and the reality of it is that it was true. And that's affirmed now by the court, and it was affirmed previously by USDA."

In a 15-page verdict, Merritt said Rosberg, who chose to function as his own attorney, had failed to provide evidence to support his claims.

Lunquist, better known in the Lincoln area for operating Common Good Farm with wife Ruth Chantry, said he was relieved by the outcome.

"We're very pleased, very glad that this decision is behind us now," he said. "And we were confident all along. But having never been in this situation before in a courtroom, it was a little nerve-wracking and mysterious."

In an earlier Journal Star story, a prepared statement from the Open Harvest food cooperative in Lincoln described the case as "the first known instance of a farmer bringing suit against an organic inspector."

Open Harvest has been among many organizations and individuals in the area who have helped Lunquist and Chantry with legal costs that recently topped $40,000.

Lunquist said he and Chantry felt overwhelmed by that show of support. "They've helped us out significantly, financially, as well as with a morale boost."

Merritt said he would rule Aug. 26 on a motion from Lunquist's attorney to recover legal costs.

Reached later Wednesday afternoon, Rosberg said he would appeal Merritt's decision.

He said Merritt failed to properly consider information he included in an affidavit. "If there's an issue in conflict, you can't give anybody a summary judgment."



Seminar Program Educates Nutrition and Dietetic Community

Health professionals are cited as the #1 source of health information, with 40 percent of adults stating they ask a professional for information about “health problems” and 21 percent stating they’d seek out a professional for advice on personal diet/nutrition. (Source:  2011 Porter Novelli Styles) Noting the importance of this audience and their tendencies to recommend (or not recommend, based on misinformation) beef, the beef checkoff, in collaboration with state beef councils, through the Nutrition Seminar Program, provides leading experts to speak on cutting-edge issues at various state academy of nutrition and dietetics meetings, as well as other health professional organization annual meetings.

This year’s season recently came to a close where 36 speaking engagements were coordinated by various state beef councils, with some of the most popular sessions including:
-    Sustainable American Dinner Plate, Mary Lee Chin, MS, RD
-    Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders: Clearing Up the Clutter in a Gluten-Filled World, Shelly Asplin, MA, RD, LMNT
-    Perfect Parings: The art & Science of Food & Wine Pairing, Laurie Forster
-    Beef and Heart Disease: Should it be What’s for Dinner?, Mike Roussell, PhD

“It is important that we provide science-based information to the nutrition and dietetic community,” says Garry Wiley, Michigan beef producer and vice-chairman of the beef checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Subcommittee.  “Sharing important checkoff-funded nutrition research is a win-win-win for consumers, dietitians and beef producers.”

The checkoff provides expert speakers on the topic areas of:  chronic disease prevention and management, family-focused nutrition, foodservice and culinary arts, hot topics in the nutrition environment, lifecycle nutrition, professional development, sports nutrition, obesity and weight management and the power of protein.

Checkoff research shows that almost half (45 percent) of Americans say they are extremely or very likely to add one more beef meal per week after discovering nutrient-rich lean beef and how it compares favorably to chicken.

“We know health and nutrition are important drivers when it comes to protein choice for consumers,” says Wiley. “By educating this community about the importance of beef in a diet, we are ultimately giving consumers permission to enjoy beef, maybe one more time per week!”

For more information about beef, health, nutrition and protein, visit the checkoff’s BeefNutrition.org website.



Merck Animal Health To Suspend US-Canadian Zilmax Sales

At Merck Animal Health, the health and well-being of animals is our first and foremost priority. We also take very seriously our commitment to providing safe, effective products that are developed based on comprehensive research, rigorous testing and sound science. We believe in the science that supports Zilmax and are confident in its safety and performance. Reinforcing this science and data-based approach, Merck Animal Health has announced it has strengthened its commitment to its Five-Step Approach to Ensuring Responsible Beef. 

As previously announced, Merck Animal Health, in conjunction with independent experts, will conduct a scientific audit, which will monitor the process of feeding of Zilmax, and will follow identified cattle from the feedyard to the packing plant to determine potential causes of lameness and other mobility issues during feeding, transportation, offloading and staging at the processing facility. We also will do a thorough review of potential compounding factors—such as nutrition, transportation and receiving facilities.

In support of our customers and to ensure effective implementation of our five-step plan, Merck Animal Health has made the decision to temporarily suspend sales of Zilmax in the United States and Canada. This will allow sufficient time for the establishment of valid study protocols, identification of feeders and packers to participate in the audit, and creation of a third-party team to oversee this process and validate its results.

“We remain confident in the safety of the product, based on our own extensive research and that of regulators and academic institutions, and are committed to the well-being of the animals that receive it,” says KJ Varma, BVSc, Ph.D., Diplomate ACVCP, Senior Vice President Global R&D, Merck Animal Health. “This important step demonstrates our commitment to providing our industry partners with data that will reaffirm confidence in Zilmax. We sincerely regret that this situation creates business challenges for our customers but it is critical to ensure that this process is conducted appropriately and with rigorous scientific measures. After the five-step plan is completed, the results will be shared publicly.”

In addition, we are also accelerating the development of our Merck Animal Health Advisory Board, which will bring together industry experts, producers, academics and company leadership to promote an open dialogue on animal well-being and help shape and strengthen the company’s animal health and well-being program in the future.

Zilmax sales in the United States and Canada were $159 million in 2012.  Visit the Zilmax Information Center at http://www.merck-animal-health.com/zilmaxinfocenter.aspx for more details and updates on Zilmax.

At Merck Animal Health, we constantly evaluate our processes and procedures across the entire company to ensure that we maintain the best science-based practices and procedures for not only the welfare of our animals but our business as a whole. We are proud of our animal well-being policies, as well as our role in providing quality products that meet the needs of a diverse consumer base around the world.



USDA Announces Available Funding to Provide Safe Housing for America's Farm Laborers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced yesterday the availability of nearly $40 million to provide housing for farmworkers and their families. Despite budget uncertainties, USDA remains focused on strengthening the rural economy.

"USDA's Farm Labor Housing Program is the only national source of construction funds to buy, build or improve housing for farmworkers, who are critical to the tremendous productivity of American agriculture," said Vilsack. "This program is an important way that USDA helps to ensure the well-being of itinerant farm labor families. Looking ahead to the future, we will also continue to urge passage of common sense immigration reform that will create rules that work for farm workers and producers alike."

Under the Farm Labor Housing Program, loans and grants are provided to farmers, farmers associations, family farm corporations, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and farmworkers associations to develop or improve multi-family housing facilities for farmworkers and their families.

For example, USDA provided Bienestar, a nonprofit organization in Hillsboro, Ore., a grant and loan to construct a 24-unit farmworker apartment complex in Forest Grove, Ore. The complex opened in December 2012. In addition to providing new, modern two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments for residents, the facility also provides services such as English as a Second Language tutoring, and classes on computers, financial literacy, and nutrition.

Today's announcement makes available approximately $30 million in loans, $8.5 million in grants, and $951,000 in rental assistance. Applications for Farm Labor Housing assistance are due September 13, 2013. More information about how to apply is available in the August 14, 2013 Federal Register www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-08-14/html/2013-19774.htm or by contacting any USDA Rural Development state office.

In Nebraska, applications should be submitted to USDA Rural Development, 100 Centennial Mall North, Room 308, Lincoln, NE  68508.  Contact Linda Anders at 402-437-5734 or linda.anders@ne.usda.gov

Vilsack said the nearly $40 million in grants and loans is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. Since 2009, the Obama Administration has provided more than $137 million in Farm Labor Housing assistance to construct or renovate 2,165 apartment units for farmworkers and their families.

Secretary Vilsack said that today's announcement is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs such as Farm Labor Housing loans and grants for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy, Vilsack added, saying that's just one reason why Congress must get a comprehensive Bill done as soon as possible.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.

USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.




Deere Announces Third-Quarter Record Earnings of $997 Million

Net income attributable to Deere & Company was $996.5 million, or $2.56 per share, for the third quarter ended July 31, compared with $788.0 million, or $1.98 per share, for the same period last year.

For the first nine months of the year, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $2.730 billion, or $6.97 per share, compared with $2.377 billion, or $5.88 per share, last year.

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 4 percent, to $10.010 billion, for the third quarter and rose 8 percent to $28.345 billion for nine months. Net sales of the equipment operations were $9.316 billion for the quarter and $26.373 billion for nine months, compared with $8.930 billion and $24.454 billion for the same periods last year.

"John Deere is well on the road to another year of impressive performance after reporting record third-quarter results," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. Sales and income for the period were higher than in any prior third quarter, he pointed out. "Deere's success is a reflection of considerable strength in the farm sector, especially in North and South America. We also are making further progress executing our wide-ranging operating and marketing plans, which call for expanding our global market presence while keeping a close watch on costs and assets."

Summary of Operations
Net sales of the worldwide equipment operations increased 4 percent for the quarter and 8 percent for nine months compared with the same periods a year ago. Sales included price realization of 3 percent and an unfavorable currency-translation effect of 1 percent for both the quarter and nine months. Equipment net sales in the United States and Canada rose 4 percent for the quarter and 9 percent year to date. Outside the U.S. and Canada, net sales increased 5 percent for the quarter and 6 percent for nine months, with unfavorable currency-translation effects of 1 percent and 3 percent for these periods.

Deere's equipment operations reported operating profit of $1.443 billion for the quarter and $3.943 billion for nine months, compared with $1.127 billion and $3.347 billion last year. The improvement for both periods was due primarily to the impact of price realization and higher shipment volumes. Also affecting third-quarter results was an impairment charge for long-lived assets related to John Deere Water operations. In addition, nine-month results were impacted by increases in production costs, selling, administrative and general expenses and warranty costs, as well as the unfavorable effects of foreign exchange. Increased production costs were related primarily to higher manufacturing-overhead expenses, partially offset by lower raw-material costs. The higher manufacturing-overhead expenses were in support of growth, new products and engine-emission requirements.

Net income of the company's equipment operations was $846 million for the third quarter and $2.324 billion for the first nine months, compared with $678 million and $2.040 billion in 2012. The operating factors mentioned above, along with a higher effective tax rate and increased interest expense, affected both quarterly and year-to-date results.

Financial services reported net income attributable to Deere & Company of $150.0 million for the quarter and $407.9 million for nine months compared with $110.4 million and $338.6 million last year. Results for both periods were aided by growth in the credit portfolio and improved crop insurance margins. These factors were partially offset by an increased provision for credit losses in the quarter and by higher selling, administrative and general expenses for the year to date. Last year's nine-month results also benefited from revenue related to wind energy credits.

Company Outlook & Summary
Company equipment sales are projected to be up about 5 percent for fiscal 2013 and to decrease by about 5 percent for the fourth quarter compared with the year-ago periods. Included is an unfavorable currency-translation impact of about 1 percent for the year. For the full year, net income attributable to Deere & Company is anticipated to be about $3.45 billion.

According to Allen, Deere is poised for a very successful 2013. "Last year's fourth-quarter sales were particularly strong, in part because our factories were running at a high rate to catch up with customer orders. Even with this difficult comparison, our financial guidance implies a healthy level of income for the coming quarter and a third consecutive year of record results."

Longer term, Allen said he remains quite optimistic about the company's prospects. "We continue to believe our investment in new products and capacity will allow Deere to be the provider of choice for a growing global customer base in the years ahead," he said. "In our view, broad trends based on a growing, more affluent, and increasingly mobile population have ample staying power and should help the company deliver substantial value to its customers, investors and other stakeholders in the future."

Equipment Division Performance
    Agriculture & Turf. Sales increased 8 percent for the quarter and 12 percent for nine months largely due to higher shipment volumes and price realization, partially offset by the unfavorable effects of currency translation.
    Operating profit was $1.336 billion for the quarter and $3.684 billion year to date, compared with $1.014 billion and $2.991 billion, respectively, last year. The improvement for the quarter was driven primarily by the impact of price realization and higher shipment volumes. Also affecting third-quarter results was an impairment charge for long-lived assets related to John Deere Water operations. Year-to-date results improved due primarily to higher shipment volumes and price realization. These factors were partially offset by increases in production costs, selling, administrative and general expenses, warranty costs, and unfavorable effects of foreign exchange.
    Construction & Forestry. Construction and forestry sales decreased 11 percent for the quarter and 8 percent for nine months mainly as a result of lower shipment volumes. Operating profit was $107 million for the quarter and $259 million for nine months, compared with $113 million and $356 million last year. The quarterly operating-profit decline was primarily because of decreased shipment volumes, mostly offset by price realization and lower research and development expenses. Nine-month results were lower mainly due to reduced shipment volumes, increases in production costs, an unfavorable product mix and higher selling, administrative and general expenses, partially offset by price realization.



Syngenta receives Japanese import approval for Agrisure Duracade™ trait stacks

Syngenta announced today that it received import approval from Japanese regulatory authorities for the Agrisure Duracade™ 5122 and Agrisure Duracade 5222 trait stacks. Both contain the next generation corn rootworm control trait – Agrisure Duracade.

This regulatory approval allows the import of U.S. corn grown from hybrids with the Agrisure Duracade 5122 and 5222 trait stacks for food or feed use within Japan.

“Japanese import approval is an important step in bringing new trait technologies to market,” said Jill Wheeler, commercial product lead at Syngenta. “With U.S. growers actively seeking new tools for corn rootworm management, we are pleased to be offering products that set a new standard in the control of this damaging pest.”

Available for 2014 planting, the Agrisure Duracade 5122 and 5222 trait stacks feature dual modes of action for both above- and below-ground pests. The Agrisure Duracade 5122 trait stack will combine the Agrisure Duracade trait with the Agrisure RW trait for an additional mode of action on corn rootworm; the Agrisure CB/LL trait for control of corn borer; the Herculex® I trait for a second mode of action on corn borer and for broad lepidopteran control; and the GA21 trait for glyphosate tolerance. The Agrisure Duracade 5222 trait stack will include the same traits as the Agrisure Duracade 5122 trait stack plus the Agrisure Viptera® trait for breakthrough control of the multi-pest complex.

The Agrisure Duracade trait features eCry3.1Ab – the industry’s first Bt hybrid insect control protein for coleopteran control. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agrisure Duracade delivers the highest reduction in corn rootworm beetle emergence (99.79 percent) of any corn rootworm trait on the market*. It is effective against Western corn rootworm, Northern corn rootworm and Mexican corn rootworm.

The Agrisure Duracade trait has completed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consultation process, received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is fully deregulated by the USDA. The Agrisure Duracade trait has received import approval from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan, and cultivation approval in Canada.