Friday August 30 Ag News

Tax Reform Hearings Scheduled for Five Locations

The Legislative Tax Modernization Committee was created during the 2013 legislative session by Legislative Resolution 155, which requires the committee to hold five hearings across the state on topics of tax reform.  The dates, locations and times are as follows:

-- Mon., Sept. 23- Harms Advanced Technology Center, Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff, 4-7 p.m. (Mountain Time)
-- Tues., Sept. 24- North Platte Community College, North Platte, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
-- Thurs., Sept. 26- Northeast Nebraska Community College, Lifelong Learning Center, 1:30 - 4:30p.m.
-- Thurs., Oct. 17- Metro Community College, South Omaha Campus, Omaha 1:30-4:30 p.m.
-- Fri., Oct. 18- State Capitol Building, Room 1113, Lincoln, 10:00- 1:00 p.m.

Detailed agendas and additional information will be available prior to the hearings.



Updated ACRE Analysis for 2012 and 2013

Depending on the fate of farm bill deliberations in late 2013, producers could face another new decision in 2014. If a new farm bill is completed, the farm program sign-up decision could be a choice of a new revenue-based safety net structure similar to ACRE or a revised price-based safety net, neither of which would include direct payments. Or, if farm bill talks stall again and another extension of current legislation is passed, producers could see another ACRE v. DCP decision in 2014, maybe for 2014 and 2015. Given the experience of the past two years, the eventual sign-up decision will be a critical one for Nebraska crop producers.

This is from the latest issue of Cornhusker Economics, in which Extension Public Policy Specialist Brad Lubben analyzes farmer participation in the federal ACRE program, what it's meant for previous participants and projections for 2013.

See the full article here... http://agecon.unl.edu/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=ee171c32-41af-4545-8021-15aa36b6204e&groupId=2369805&.pdf.  



Nebraska LEAD Announces 2013-2015 Fellows

            Nebraska LEAD Group 33 participants were announced by Terry Hejny, director, Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program.

            The newest members of Nebraska's premier two-year agricultural leadership development program in its 33rd year are made up exclusively of participants who are involved in production agriculture and/or agribusiness in Nebraska, Hejny said.

            "Once again we are proud to say that Class 33 appears to be filled with outstanding individuals from throughout the state," Hejny said.

            The two-year program will begin in September.

            LEAD Fellows will participate in 12 monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a 14-16 day international study/travel seminar. The goal of the program is to develop problem solvers, decision makers and spokespersons for agriculture and Nebraska.

            Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle and other areas designed to develop leaders through exposure to a broad array of current topics and issues and how they interrelate.

            The Nebraska LEAD Program is operated by the non-profit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and 10 other institutions of higher education throughout Nebraska.

            Nebraska LEAD 33 Fellows in alphabetical order are: Jason Arp, Kennard; Chris Bender, Burwell; Amy Black, Hastings; Keith Borer, Elgin; Ryan Brodersen, Randolph; Matt Broz, Hayes Center; Pete Dixon, Pleasanton; Matt Dolch, Lincoln; Nathan Dorn, Hickman; Brooke Engelman, Jansen; Nick Fowler, Imperial; Wayne Frederick, Amelia;   Brad Heinrichs, Bruning; Nate Hughes, Geneva; Jessica Johnson, Scottsbluff; Tim Johnson, Doniphan; Chad McDaniel, Roca; Anne Meis, Elgin; Jolene Messinger, McCook; Jeff Moon, Fremont; Alex Peterson, Haigler; Michael Ann Relka, Mitchell; Jon Root, Central City; Kenny Smith, Omaha; Mark Suhr, Seward; David Swanson, Wahoo; Jake Tollman, Grand Island; Jess Waddell, Sutton; Calvin Wineland, Cambridge; and Barry Young, Clatonia.



Check Soybean Nodulation to Determine Inoculant Efficacy
Robert Klein, Extension Crops Specialist

If you notice areas of your soybean field aren’t producing as well as you would expect, dig up some roots. Poorly nodulated roots may mean these plants aren’t getting the nutrients they need to produce top yields.

On average, a soybean crop needs 315 lb N per acre, about 60% of which (190 lb) goes to seed production and 40% (125 lb) goes to stover and roots. In most cases all of this need can be supplied from the environment and additional nitrogen isn’t necessary. (In sandy or low organic soils or for yields over 70 bu/ac additional nitrogen may be recommended.)

Soybeans fix nitrogen from the atmosphere when nitrogen-fixing rhizobia bacteria are present in the soil. Nitrogen fixation is a result of the symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and the soybean plant and is evident in nodules on soybean plant roots. Most studies show that btween 50% and 60% of the nitrogen is from N fixation.

A well nodulated plant should have five to seven nodules on the primary root.

Checking for nodulation now can help you assess your field and make adjustments for the next crop; however, checking as early as two weeks after emergence allows you time to apply nitrogen during the season if plants are not developing nodules. (The best time to apply nitrogen in soybean is between flowering and pod fill.)

Inoculating Soybean Seed
The least expensive way to supply nitrogen to soybean is by inoculating the seed at planting.

Research in Michigan on new ground where soybeans had not been grown showed as much as a 45% yield increase for soybeans that had been inoculated compared to those that hadn't. Michigan soils generally have higher organic matter and greater mineralization; Nebraska growers might see an even higher difference.

For fields where soybean has not been grown previously, inoculation is essential. For such fields, a soil-applied inoculant may provide greater yield potential than a seed-applied inoculant. For fields where soybean has been previously grown, either a soil-applied or a seed applied inoculant is good insurance for providing adequate nitrogen for the crop.

In fields where soybeans have been grown previously, sometimes reinoculation is necessary.

For more information on this and related topics, see Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops in Nebraska (EC155), a 176-page comprehensive guide for Nebraska crop producers.



Bayer CropScience and UNL to Collaborate on Developing New Soybean Varieties

Building on the success of their collaboration in wheat breeding, the University of Nebraska—Lincoln (UNL) and Bayer CropScience are working together again—this time to develop new soybean varieties. NUtech Ventures, the technology commercialization arm of the University, signed a nonexclusive license agreement with Bayer CropScience on May 1, 2013.

This university-industry collaboration focuses on UNL’s soybean germplasm, the genetic material used to develop new soybean varieties. As with the previous wheat deal, the agreement goes well beyond a traditional license to intellectual property.

A major goal of the collaborative work with Bayer CropScience will be to improve yield and develop new soybean traits for growers in Nebraska and throughout the world. The agreement will also provide additional research experience and training for graduate and undergraduate students.

"This agreement is an excellent example of industry-university collaboration, with exchanged germplasm, student internships and scholarships," said David Conrad, Executive Director of NUtech. “The agreement also provides funds to endow a Presidential Chair in soybean breeding, which will ensure long-term sustainability of soybean research at UNL. Skilled soybean breeders are in high demand at companies like Bayer CropScience, so we are pleased that this collaboration will support the training of new breeders.”

Bayer CropScience can couple its significant research and development resources with the materials developed at UNL to create new lines of soybean varieties suitable for diverse climate conditions across the world.

“We are happy to partner with the UNL soybean breeding program to help deliver Bayer traits,” said Chris Tinius, Global Soybean Breeding Director, Bayer CropScience. “The UNL program is known for its long track record of releasing high-yielding varieties, and by showcasing our traits in these superior varieties, we hope to bring even greater value to soybean farmers across the Midwest.”

"The non-exclusive agreement with Bayer CropScience is generous in recognizing the needs and encouraging the broader benefits to University programs, Nebraska, and the industry as a whole," said George Graef, professor of agronomy and horticulture at UNL. "I feel honored to be involved in this and excited about what we will achieve."

Graef noted that support from the Nebraska Soybean Board has, for the past 25 years, provided the foundation for UNL’s soybean breeding and genetics research and development program. “It is with support from the soybean growers through the Nebraska Soybean Board that we have been able to develop the high-quality soybean breeding program that we have today,” he added.

"UNL’s robust soybean research program will grow even stronger from the partnership with Bayer CropScience, through advancements in our research enterprise and the creation of additional educational opportunities,” said Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Harlan Vice Chancellor.

“The soybean industry is big business in Nebraska, with over 207 million bushels grown each year. We are excited about the current opportunities this agreement establishes for the soybean industry in Nebraska and even more excited about the future impact our partnership will have on our state, region and world," Green said.



UNL Research: Grain Sorghum Lipids Can Lower Cholesterol, Intestinal Inflammation

            Grain sorghum lipids lower cholesterol levels and intestinal bowel inflammation in lab animals, University of Nebraska-Lincoln research has found, and scientists are working to figure out exactly how in an attempt to create food products that could manage both conditions in humans.

            The research is part of UNL's emphasis on "functional foods," which are dietary systems containing natural agents designed to impart certain health benefits, including prevention of a variety of diseases. The work involves scientists from several disciplines.

            Reducing LDL cholesterol is a key strategy to reducing coronary heart disease, which is a major cause of death in the United States and other countries. Statin drugs are effective and widely prescribed, but they are expensive and can have serious side effects. Moreover, inflammation of the bowel has been linked to many intestinal disorders, including colon cancer.  Scientists from UNL and elsewhere are trying to find nondrug strategies, such as functional foods, to replace drugs.

            That's where grain sorghum comes in, said Vicki Schlegel, UNL food scientist and part of the research team.  It is a rich source of several chemicals that can decrease cholesterol in addition to preventing inflammation but has been largely overlooked for human consumption in the U.S. Although the U.S. is the world's leading producer and exporter of grain sorghum, most of the crop in this country is used for animal feed and ethanol production.

            The UNL research focused on the extractable lipid fraction of grain sorghum whole kernels and their effect on cholesterol metabolism in hamsters, which have similar lipid cholesterol metabolism as humans.

            Scientists found that hamsters fed a diet supplemented with grain sorghum lipids had significantly lower cholesterol and liver cholesterol levels, Schlegel said.

              "These concentrations were in the metabolic ranges known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in humans," the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources scientist added. "They probably prevented cholesterol from absorbing through the large intestine. It just passed through.

            "We also recently determined that the fatty diet fed to the animals not only increased cholesterol but also intestinal inflammation.  However, sorghum supplementation was able to remediate many markers of this cellular stress.  How it does this, well, that is the next step in our research," Schlegel added.

            Ongoing research includes determining the specific components responsible for both responses. Then, scientists hope to incorporate those into a food ingredient for humans.

            In addition to its human-health implications, such ingredients also could raise the value of sorghum for producers, Schlegel noted. Although the UNL research focused on whole kernel sorghum, the components responsible for these health benefits also can be extracted from sorghum-ethanol byproducts, which would improve the economics of that ethanol production since those byproducts now are used, if at all, as animal feed.

            This research is funded by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, and UNL's Agricultural Research Division.


 
NEBRASKA AUGUST AGRICULTURAL PRICES

Preliminary prices received by farmers for winter wheat for August 2013 averaged $6.95 per bushel, a decrease of 15 cents from the July price according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The preliminary August oat price averaged $3.90 per bushel, a decrease of 29 cents from July.
 
The preliminary August corn price, at $6.50 per bushel, decreased 55 cents from the  previous month.

The preliminary August sorghum price averaged $9.50 per cwt, a decrease of $2.00 from July.

The preliminary August soybean price, at $13.50 per bushel, decreased $1.60 from last month.

The preliminary August dry edible bean price, at $43.10 per cwt, was up $3.40 from last month.

The August alfalfa hay price, at $209.00 per ton, was down $4.00 from last month. The other hay price, at $151.00 per ton, was down $10.00 from last month.



Iowa August Agricultural Prices  

The preliminary August 2013  average price  received by  farmers  for  corn  in  Iowa  is $6.00 per bushel  according  to  the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Agricultural Prices  report. This  is $1.89  lower  than  the August 2012 final average price.  The preliminary August Iowa average soybean price, at $13.80 per bushel is $3.00 lower than the August 2012 final average price.  The preliminary August oat price is $3.30 per bushel, $0.52 below the August 2012 final average price. 

All hay prices in Iowa averaged $192.00 per ton in August, $3.00 per ton less than August 2012.  Alfalfa hay prices fell $3.00 per ton from one year ago, to $205.00 and other hay prices dropped $2.00 per ton to $130.00.  Iowa dairy farmers received an average of $19.50 per cwt for milk sold in August, $0.60 per cwt more than one year ago.
 


USDA:  August Farm Prices Received Index Decreased 12 Points

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in August, at 188 percent, based on 1990-1992=100, decreased 12 points (6.0 percent) from July. The Crop Index is down 17 points (7.4 percent) and the Livestock Index decreased 1 point (0.6 percent). Producers received lower prices for corn, soybeans, and broilers and higher prices for milk. In addition to prices, the overall index is affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased monthly movement of cattle, barley, and calves offset the decreased marketing of wheat, corn, and soybeans.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is down 5 points (2.6 percent) from August 2012. The Food Commodities Index, at 181, decreased 7 points (3.7 percent) from last month but increased 3 points (1.7 percent) from August 2012.

All crops:
The August index, at 213, decreased 7.4 percent from July and 8.6 percent from August 2012. Index decreases for feed grains & hay and oilseeds more than offset index increases for commercial vegetables and fruits & nuts.

Food grains: The August index, at 232, is 0.4 percent below the previous month and 12 percent lower than a year ago. The August price for all wheat, at $6.91 per bushel, is down 2 cents from July and $1.13 below August 2012.

Feed grains & hay: The August index, at 258, is down 9.8 percent from last month and 17 percent below a year ago. The corn price, at $6.02 per bushel, is 77 cents lower than last month and $1.61 below August 2012. The all hay price, at $180 per ton, is down $10.00 from July and $3.00 below last August. Sorghum grain, at $9.55 per cwt, is 9 cents below July and $1.75 lower than August last year.

Cotton, Upland: The August index, at 124, is down 3.1 percent from July but 5.1 percent above last year. The August price, at 75.0 cents per pound, is 2.6 cents lower than the previous month but 3.6 cents above last August.

Oilseeds: The August index, at 232, is down 12 percent from July and 19 percent lower than August 2012. The soybean price, at $13.80 per bushel, decreased $1.50 from July and is $2.40 below August 2012.

Livestock and products:
The August index, at 163, is 0.6 percent below last month but is 5.8 percent higher than August 2012. Compared with a year ago, prices are higher for broilers, hogs, milk, cattle, and calves. Prices for turkeys and eggs are down from last year.

Meat animals: The August index, at 164, is up 0.6 percent from last month and 5.1 percent higher than last year. The August hog price, at $75.70 per cwt, is down 10 cents from July but $8.80 higher than a year ago. The August beef cattle price of $120 per cwt is unchanged from last month but is $3.00 higher than August 2012.

Dairy products: The August index, at 148, is up 2.1 percent from a month ago and 6.5 percent higher than last year. The August price for all milk, at $19.30 per cwt, is up 30 cents from last month and $1.10 higher than August 2012.

Prices Paid Index up 1 Point
The August Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 221 percent of the 1990-1992 average. The index is up 1 point (0.5 percent) from July and 5 points (2.3 percent) above August 2012. Higher prices in August for concentrates, feeder cattle, LP gas, and complete feeds offset lower prices for nitrogen, feed grains, hay & forages, and potash & phosphate.



IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS RECOGNIZED 

Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp presented 63 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 15.  EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy also spoke at a luncheon following the ceremony recognizing the winners.

“We recognize the commitment and investment that Iowa farmers have made to protect the soil and improve water quality and these awards are an opportunity to highlight their good work,” Branstad said.  “These farmers are leading the way in environmental stewardship.”

“Iowa farmers are passionate about the work they do and how they care for our natural resources,” Reynolds said.  “These awards are an opportunity to pay tribute to exceptional Farm Environmental Leaders.”

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.  It seeks to recognize the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.

“Iowa has tremendous farmers who are not only the most productive in the world, but who also understand that we must care for the soil and water and preserve it for the next generation,” Northey said.  “By highlighting farmers that have taken steps on their farm to better protect the environment, we also want the award to bring attention to local leaders in environmental stewardship and serve as an encouragement to others to incorporate additional conservation practices.”

Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto and Hagie Manufacturing sponsored the recognition luncheon following the ceremony.  Bob Quinn from WHO Radio served as the Master of Ceremony.

All winners were chosen by a selection group representing both conservation and agricultural groups.  See the complete list here.... http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/press/2013press/Copy%20of%202013%20IFELA%20Recipients_Media.xlsx.  

The selection group that approved the 2013 winners included Jim Gillespie from the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Bruce Trautman from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Jim Frederick from the Conservation Districts of Iowa, John Lawrence from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Sean McMahon from The Nature Conservancy, Jeff Pape from the Iowa Farm Bureau, Jay Lynch from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Jim Andrew from the Iowa Soybean Association, Pat Daufeldt from the Iowa Turkey Federation, and Dave Moody from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.



Senators Seek Clarification on EPA's SPCC Intentions

Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) wrote Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy last week seeking clarification about if the agency believes it can enforce Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure regulations on farms retroactively following the expiration of a 180-day stay of the rule that ends September 22.

Farmers and ranchers had been required to put SPCC-related plans and equipment in place by May 10 of this year following several delays of the regulations' implementation because of concerns EPA has not effectively communicated the requirements.

These concerns still linger, and Congress delayed the rule again in a continuing resolution passed this spring. Once that exemption expires, farmers could be required to have SPCC plans in place unless new legislation is passed modifying the permanent rule as it relates to farms.

A bill to do that, the FUELS Act, has been incorporated into the House version of the farm bill; similar language is also in a pending water resources measure.



New Foodservice Study shows Pork Is Fastest-Growing Protein

With a growth rate outpacing all other proteins in the foodservice industry, pork is hot. According to Technomic, Inc.'s2013 Volumetric Assessment of Pork in Foodservice, pork is sustaining its popularity having become the foodservice industry's fastest-growing protein in each of the past two years.

This most recent study noted that total pork sold through foodservice outlets reached a record-breaking 9.25 billion pounds, reflecting a volume increase of 462 million pounds over 2011 when the survey was last undertaken. The 2.6 percent increase outpaced the total protein growth average of 0.8 percent and the 1.5 percent total growth of the foodservice industry itself.

"We are pleased to see such positive growth in foodservice, especially carnita meat, shoulder/butt and pulled pork," said Stephen Gerike, director of foodservice marketing for the Pork Checkoff. "The volumetric study shows that operators are leveraging pork's versatility."

Since 2011, fresh pork has driven growth of the total pork category, increasing by 3.5 percent on an annual basis. Sales of processed pork also grew 2.3 percent, largely driven by sales of ham, breakfast sausage and bacon. Sales of these traditional breakfast meats represent 56 percent of the carcass-weigh equivalent. Other study highlights include:
      --  In categories where both uncooked and pre-cooked pork offerings exist, sales grew at about the same rate.
      --  In categories where bone-in and boneless pork are available, sales of both versions have increased since 2011, with boneless growing at a slightly faster rate.

"Pork cuts can be used across the menu as a basis for many trending global recipes, as an individual ingredient or as a center-of-the-plate item," Gerike said. "It's also interesting to note that the popularity of pork spanned all day parts, and was not limited to morning or evening."

The Technomic, Inc. study also showed that of the 24 pork product categories reviewed, 22 demonstrated positive growth in sales. On a per-pound basis, bacon grew the most between 2011 and 2013, up 102 million pounds. Carnita meat - a traditional Mexican preparation of pulled or diced shoulder of pork - shoulder/butt and pulled pork grew the fastest by percent with a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent, 6.6 percent and 6.4 percent respectively. Ground pork, Canadian bacon, whole loin, Italian specialty meats and ribs also demonstrated notable growth.

"When it comes to the three major day parts - breakfast, lunch and dinner - pork is almost equally represented, but sales grew most aggressively in the areas of breakfast protein and snacks," Gerike said. "It's clear that pork is on the foodservice menu across all segments, and full-service and limited-service restaurants represent about two-thirds of all pork volume sold."

The Technomic, Inc. study reinforced results released by the USDA on August 23, 2013. As of July 31, 2013, frozen pork supplies held in inventory were down 3.5 percent from June. The reduction in frozen inventories, given slightly lower year-to-date pork production, lower exports and higher retail pork prices, reflects the strong pork demand seen since February.



ASA Working to Keep GLI Process on Track

Together with other value chain organizations, the American Soybean Association is working to ensure that the upcoming meeting of the Global Low Level Presence Initiative (GLI) builds on progress achieved last year in the effort to establish international standards for the adventitious presence of biotech events in commodity shipments. The GLI will hold its next meeting in Durban, South Africa, on September 18, 19 and 20.

There has been no indication of which U.S. officials will attend, although last year’s meeting in Vancouver included high-level representatives from USDA, Office of U.S. Trade Representative, and the State Department.  At the initiative of the North American Grain Trade Association (NAEGA), ASA and other members of the ASA-NCGA Biotech Value Chain Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process sent letters to these agencies pointing out the need to continue the momentum of the GLI and asking to meet with officials as they prepare to participate in the Durban meeting.  A meeting is expected next week.

Additionally, ASA First Vice President Ray Gaesser will attend a Southern Africa market development meeting being organized by USDA in Johannesburg on September 16, 17 and 18, and may also participate in the GLI meeting.

ASA and the other MOU members have assigned a high priority to establishing and gaining international acceptance of commercially-feasible low-level presence (LLP) standards in order to facilitate the continued growth in the production and trade of biotech commodities.   


 
Corn Study Shows Larger Impact to Farmers of Mississippi River Closure

A recent study funded by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board , Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa, Indiana and Missouri corn check-off programs illustrates that, due to the drought-induced low water levels on the Mississippi River in 2012 and early into 2013, farmers experienced on average $0.45 lower cash corn prices.

The purpose of the study, conducted by Informa Economics, was to document an actual event simulating a prolonged river interruption.  Instead of an economic model, the real-world event of low water on the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Ill., was examined.  The study revealed that, as a consequence the unavailability of river shipping, diversion to rail was at a 45 cent-per-bushel premium to barge rates. The 45 cent-per-bushel premium to barge rates encouraged the storage of grain until the river market stabilized, or its use elsewhere in the marketing chain.

The study results were presented during a public hearing held by the Mississippi River Commission on August 16 in Alton, Ill.  A summary can be found at www.ilcorn.org.



Lawsuit Filed Over Fed's CAFO Reporting Rule Withdrawal

A coalition of community, animal welfare and environmental organizations is filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, challenging the agency's withdrawal of a proposed rule that would have allowed EPA to collect basic information, like locations and animal population sizes, from concentrated animal feeding operations.

The Center for Food Safety, Environmental Integrity Project, Food & Water Watch, The Humane Society of the United States, and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement filed the suit in the U.S District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing EPA's withdrawal of the proposed rule lacks the rational basis required by law.

In October 2011, EPA published a proposed CAFO reporting rule, which included two potential EPA actions to collect information from CAFOs. The first option proposed would have required all CAFOs nationwide to submit basic information to EPA; the second would have required EPA to select focus watersheds and then request basic information from CAFOs located in those watersheds.

EPA withdrew the rule in July 2012, saying it was more appropriate to obtain CAFO information from existing sources, including USDA and state agencies already collecting the information.



IGC Raises Forecasts for Global Wheat and Corn Harvest

World corn production during the 2013-14 crop year is forecast to hit 945 million metric tons, the International Grains Council said Friday, increasing its previous forecast by 3 million tons due to a recovery in U.S. stocks.  The IGC also raised its forecast for world wheat production by 4 million tons to 691 million tons, reflecting better prospects for Canada and the European Union. 



MAIZALL: Exporters Alliance Swinging Into Action

Next stops: Korea and China.

MAIZALL is on the move. Earlier this year, the U.S. Grains Council joined the National Corn Growers Association, and MAIZAR and ABRAMHILO, the leading corn producer's organizations in Argentina and Brazil, in announcing a strategic alliance focused on food security, market access, and biotechnology. Since then, the partners have worked hard on governance issues, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and funding. And now, after two years of discussion and a year of concentrated effort, MAIZALL is lifting off.

"It is always exciting when an idea moves from concept to reality," said Julius Schaaf, USGC chairman and MAIZALL's first president. "I want to thank our partners in Argentina and Brazil, our funding partners, and our staff here in the United States for all the work they've done to turn the concept into a tangible, functioning partnership. I also want to acknowledge the Foreign Agricultural Service for its important support for the MAIZALL initiative."

Schaaf, USGC Vice Chairman Ron Gray, and NCGA President Pam Johnson will head the U.S. team next week in Panama, as the MAIZALL board of directors formalizes articles of incorporation and plan the organization's first mission, which will visit Korea and China in October. While in Korea and China, the team will meet with buyers and government officials to discuss regulatory and technology issues, and will participate in the China Food Security Strategy Summit in Beijing.

"The MAIZALL concept is simple," said Schaaf. "In a typical year, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States together account for more than three quarters of the world's corn exports. We are strong competitors, but as major producers and exporters, we also share common interests in market access, regulatory harmonization and streamlining, and global acceptance of biotechnology. MAIZALL will allow the major producers to work together to better serve global customers."

Panama was chosen as MAIZALL's home because it is a neutral location equally convenient to both North and South American participants. Argentina, Brazil, and the United States have each named three directors to MAIZALL's board. Funding is shared equally among the three countries.



Recapturing Market Share in Colombia

U.S. market share in Columbia eroded severely during the long delay in ratification of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement – and no sooner was the FTA finally ratified than the U.S. experienced its worst drought in decades, with a short crop and constricted supply. Colombia imports 3.1 million metric tons (130.3 million bushels) of corn annually; however last year, the U.S. market share hit an all-time low of 7 percent. As U.S. production rebounds, rebuilding market share in the face of strong competition from now-established South American exporters is now a high priority.

The U.S. Grains Council this past week escorted a team of Colombian end-users throughout Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana to get a firsthand look at the 2013 crop, receive updated pricing information and explore the idea of establishing strategic partnerships to start buying directly from U.S. companies.

"There are still barriers to overcome for the United States to regain the market share leadership that the United States once held in Colombia, but with the help of well-informed Colombian importers armed with knowledge about U.S. grains this gap could easily be overcome in the near future," said Cesar Diaz, USGC marketing specialist for the Western Hemisphere.

"In fact, prior to the Colombian end-users tour of the United States, the Council was able to confirm that three vessels of corn had been purchased by Colombian importers. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a strong return for U.S. corn in the Colombian market."

The Colombian end-users were able to view the U.S. competitive advantages, including corn quality and consistency of supply. Team members are now ready to move forward in expanding their businesses and growing Colombian demand for feed grains. As Colombia's demand for feed grains expands, the Council is continuing to identify constraints that inhibit Colombian trade with the United States, such as increasing competition, trade policy constraints, evolving biotechnology regulations and concerns about grain quality.

"With the implementation of the free trade agreement, the Council is working to regain market share by promoting the advantages of U.S. origin, such as freight rates, consistency of supply, transparency of the market and the quality of U.S. corn," said Kurt Shultz, USGC regional director for the Americas. "The United States is the natural market to supply Colombia due to its proximity and, assuming a normal corn crop, the U.S. market share should begin returning to normal levels."

The program was implemented in collaboration with the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.



GROWMARK Reports Record Sales in 2012-13

Solid volume growth in GROWMARK business units produced record sales for the cooperative for the 2013 fiscal year, which ends August 31. Jeff Solberg, chief executive officer, reported unaudited, estimated sales of $10.3 billion for FY 2013. Pretax income is estimated at $220 million, one of the best years in company history. An estimated $135 million in patronage refunds will be returned to GROWMARK member cooperatives and farmer-owners.

"We began this year coming off a severe drought, but the strength of the FS System pulled us through to a very good 2013 fiscal year," Solberg said. "Our business is built around our mission to improve the long-term profitability of our member owners. Our sales will allow us to return significant patronage to our owners. We remain committed to their success and to the unity of our cooperative system."

Operational highlights for the company's business units were also reported at the annual meeting. Record sales volume for the Crop Protection Division were reported, the result of sales growth in all major product categories and emphasis on nutrient management and weed resistant challenges. Total crop protection sales increased 28 percent.

The Seed Division reported increased unit sales of corn and soybeans, with seed sales dollars up eight percent over 2012. The Plant Food Division reported the third consecutive year of record sales volume, although income will be down from last year's strong earnings.