Thursday August 12 Ag News

USDA: Corn Production Up Less Than 1 Percent from August Forecast
Soybean Production Down 3 Percent
Cotton Production Down 1 Percent

Corn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, up less than 1 percent from the August forecast and up 28 percent from 2012. If realized, this will be a new record production for the United States. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 155.3 bushels per acre, up 0.9 bushels from the August forecast and 31.9 bushels above the 2012 average. If realized, this will be the highest average yield since 2009. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 89.1 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast but up 2 percent from 2012.

Soybean production is forecast at 3.15 billion bushels, down 3 percent from August but up 4 percent from last year. If realized, production will be the fourth largest on record. Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 41.2 bushels per acre, down 1.4 bushels from last month but up 1.6 bushels from last year. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at 76.4 million acres, unchanged from August but up slightly from 2012.

All cotton production is forecast at 12.9 million 480-pound bales, down 1 percent from last month and down 26 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 796 pounds per harvested acre, down 91 pounds from last year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 12.3 million 480-pound bales, down 26 percent from 2012. Pima cotton production, forecast at 625,500 bales, is down 20 percent from last year. Producers expect to harvest 7.78 million acres of all cotton, down 17 percent from 2012. This harvested total includes 7.58 million acres of Upland cotton and 198,800 acres of Pima cotton.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on September 1 conditions, Nebraska's corn crop is forecast at 1.61 billion bushels, up 24 percent from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 9.80 million acres, up 8 percent from a year ago.  Average yield is forecast at 164 bushels per acre, up 22 bushels from last year.
 
Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 223 million bushels, 8 percent above last year.  Area for harvest, at 4.75 million acres, is down 5 percent from 2012.  Yield is forecast at 47 bushels per acre, up 5.5 bushels from last year.

Sorghum yield is forecast at 62 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year.  Production of 4.96 million bushels is up 40 percent from a year ago.  

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.30 million tons, down 11 percent from last year. Yield, at 29.5 tons per acre, is down from 29.8 tons an acre in 2012.



IOWA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Corn production is forecast at 2.19 billion bushels, 17 percent above the 2012 production but 1 percent below the August forecast, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crop Production report.  Based on September 1 conditions, corn yields are expected to average 162 bushels per acre, up 25 bushels from 2012 but 1 bushel below the August forecast.  Acres harvested for grain remained unchanged at 13.5 million acres.

Soybean production is estimated at 405 million bushels, down 2 percent from last year’s 414 million bushels. Soybean yield is forecast at 43.0 bushels per acre, down 3 bushels from the August 1 forecast.  Area harvested remained unchanged at 9.43 million acres.



World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates - September 12, 2013

WHEAT:  Projected U.S. wheat supplies for 2013/14 are raised 10 million bushels with higher expected imports from a larger wheat crop in Canada.  U.S. trade and food use changes by class largely reflect higher projected exports by Canada.  Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat imports are raised 10 million bushels and Durum imports are raised 5 million bushels.  Partly offsetting is a 5-million-bushel reduction in projected Soft Red Winter wheat imports.  Food use is raised 10 million bushels for HRS wheat and lowered 10 million bushels for Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat.  HRS wheat exports are lowered 10 million bushels reflecting increased competition from Canadian spring wheat.  HRW wheat exports are raised an offsetting 10 million bushels on the strong pace of sales and shipments in recent weeks.  Projected all wheat ending stocks are raised 10 million bushels.  The projected range for the 2013/14 season-average farm price is narrowed 10 cents on each end of the range to $6.50 to $7.50 per bushel, well below the 2012/13 record of $7.77 per bushel.

Global 2013/14 wheat supplies are raised 3.0 million tons with increased production more than offsetting lower beginning stocks.  World wheat production is projected at a record 708.9 million tons, up 3.5 million this month.  Higher production in Canada, the European Union (EU), and the FSU-12 more than offsets reductions for Iran and Paraguay.  Production is raised 2.0 million tons for Canada as cool July weather supported flowering and reproduction, and abundant soil moisture and favorably warm, dry weather in August aided grain fill and maturity across the Prairie Provinces. EU production is raised 1.5 million tons as harvest results confirm increases from the United Kingdom and Germany in the west to Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria in the east.  Small increases are also made this month for Poland and the Czech Republic, both in the EU, and for non-member Serbia.  FSU-12 production is raised 1.0 million tons as harvest results boost production 0.5 million tons for Ukraine and smaller increases are reported for Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.  Production is lowered 1.0 million tons for Iran and 0.4 million tons for Paraguay.

Global wheat consumption for 2013/14 is lowered slightly as reduced wheat feed use for Australia, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia is partly offset by higher feeding in Canada and Brazil and higher food use in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia.  Global wheat trade is raised with higher imports expected for Egypt, Iran, and Brazil.  Import reductions for South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam limit the global import increase.  Exports are raised 1.0 million tons for the EU and 0.5 million tons for Canada, both with larger crops.  Partly offsetting these increases are export reductions of 0.4 million tons for the UAE and 0.3 million tons each for Paraguay and Uzbekistan.  With global consumption down slightly, higher production boosts projected global ending stocks 3.3 million tons.  World wheat stocks are now expected to increase during 2013/14.

COARSE GRAINS:  U.S. feed grain supplies for 2013/14 are projected higher this month as forecast increases in corn and sorghum production more than offset declines in projected beginning stocks for the same crops.  Corn production is forecast 80 million bushels higher at a record 13.8 billion bushels.  The national average corn yield is forecast at 155.3 bushels per acre, up 0.9 bushels from last month.  Higher yields for the Central Plains and across the South more than offset yield reductions for Iowa and North Dakota.  Sorghum production is forecast 37 million bushels higher with the national average yield raised 6.1 bushels per acre mostly with higher yields and production for Kansas and Texas.

Corn supplies for 2013/14 are projected 18 million bushels higher due to increased production; however, projected imports are reduced 5 million bushels and beginning stocks are down 58 million bushels on lower imports and higher use projections for 2012/13.  Projected corn use for 2013/14 is unchanged.  Ending stocks for 2013/14 are projected 18 million bushels higher.  The projected season-average farm price for corn is lowered 10 cents at both ends of the range to $4.40 to $5.20 per bushel.  

Total corn use for 2012/13 is projected 55 million bushels higher.  Corn used in the production of ethanol is raised 15 million bushels based on stronger-than-expected August ethanol production as indicated by weekly ethanol production data from the Energy Information Administration.  Partly offsetting is a 5-million-bushel reduction in corn used for sweeteners.  Corn exports are raised 20 million bushels based on the latest information from the U.S. Bureau of Census and August grain inspections.  Projected feed and residual use is raised 25 million bushels reflecting the limited amount of new-crop corn available for use before September 1 due to delayed 2013 crop maturity.  The 2012/13 season-average farm price for corn is lowered 5 cents per bushel from the midpoint of last month’s projected range with the lower prices reported for July and August.  At $6.90 per bushel, the 2012/13 price remains a record and well above the previous record of $6.22 per bushel in 2011/12.  

Global coarse grain supplies for 2013/14 are projected 0.5 million tons lower mostly reflecting lower foreign corn production.  Foreign 2013/14 corn production is lowered 2.5 million tons with reductions for Argentina, Canada, Serbia, and Paraguay.  Reductions for Argentina and Paraguay reflect smaller expected areas for crops that have yet to be planted.  Foreign corn beginning stocks for 2013/14 are raised 1.0 million tons mostly with an increase in 2012/13 Brazil production.  Barley production for 2013/14 is raised 1.0 million tons for the European Union and 0.5 million tons each for Canada and Ukraine.  Russia barley production is lowered 0.5 million tons.  In addition to this month’s 2013/14 sorghum production increase in the United States, sorghum production is also raised 0.5 million tons for Cameroon.  Nigeria millet production is lowered with the data series revised back to 2011/12.  

Global 2013/14 corn consumption is lowered with reductions in corn feeding in Argentina, Canada, and Serbia more than offsetting an increase for South Korea where wheat feeding is reduced this month.  South Korea corn imports are raised accordingly.  Corn exports for 2013/14 are lowered for Argentina, Paraguay, and Serbia.  Global corn ending stocks for 2013/14 are projected 1.3 million tons higher with larger stocks in Brazil and the United States.

OILSEEDS:  U.S. oilseed production for 2013/14 is projected at 93.2 million tons, down 3 million from last month due to lower soybean, cottonseed, and peanut production.  Soybean production is projected at 3.149 billion bushels, down 106 million due to lower yield prospects, especially in the western Corn Belt.  The soybean yield is forecast at 41.2 bushels per acre, down 1.4 from last month.  Soybean exports are reduced 15 million bushels to 1.37 billion reflecting reduced supplies and increased competition from South America.  Soybean crush is reduced 20 million bushels to 1.655 billion reflecting lower projected soybean meal exports and domestic soybean meal consumption.  Soybean ending stocks are projected at 150 million bushels, down 70 million.  Other changes for 2013/14 include reduced soybean oil production and exports.  The 2012/13 supply and demand estimates include a 5-million-bushel increase in soybean imports to a record 40 million and a 5-million-bushel increase in crush.  Ending stocks remain unchanged at 125 million bushels. 

The U.S. season-average soybean price is projected at $11.50 to $13.50 per bushel, up $1.15 on both ends of the range.  Soybean meal prices are projected at $360 to $400 per short ton, up $55.00 at the midpoint.  Soybean oil prices are projected at 43 to 47 cents per pound, down 1 cent at the midpoint as large global vegetable oil supplies pressure prices.

Global oilseed production for 2013/14 is projected at 495.1 million tons, up 2 million from last month.  Gains in foreign production more than offset lower forecasts for the United States.  Global soybean production is projected almost unchanged at a record 281.7 million tons as larger crop forecasts for Brazil and Paraguay mostly offset reductions for the United States, Canada, China, and Russia.  Soybean production for Brazil is forecast at a record 88 million tons, up 3 million on increased area.  Recent price strength and a weaker real are expected to provide incentives for soybean producers to increase area by 4 percent from last year.  Soybean production for China is reduced 0.3 million tons to 12.2 million on lower yields resulting from excess rainfall and flooding in the northeast.  If realized, this would be China’s smallest soybean harvest since 1992/93.  Global sunflowerseed production is raised 1.4 million tons to a record 41.8 million on higher forecasts for Ukraine and the European Union.  Record production is forecast for Ukraine as favorable rainfall and temperatures in August and early September improved Ukraine yield prospects.  Other changes include higher rapeseed and sunflowerseed production for the European Union, higher peanut production for India, and higher cottonseed production for Brazil and India.

Little change is expected for global soybean trade in 2013/14 as lower exports for the United States and Argentina are offset by higher exports by Brazil and Paraguay.  Global oilseed stocks are projected at 81.2 million tons, up 0.5 million as gains for rapeseed and sunflowerseed more than offset lower soybean stocks.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY:  The 2013 forecast for total red meat and poultry production is raised from last month.  Beef production is raised in 2013 on greater cow and bull slaughter.  The pork production forecast for 2013 is raised as lower hog slaughter in the second half is more than offset by heavier average carcass weights.  Both broiler and turkey production are raised for 2013 based on the strength of production and hatchery data to date.  Egg production is unchanged.  

For 2014, the total red meat and poultry forecast is reduced.  The beef production forecast is raised as higher second-half production increases more than offset a reduced first-half forecast.  Placements are lowered for the third and fourth quarters in 2013 but raised for first-quarter 2014 as more cattle are kept on pasture and winter wheat for placement early next year.  Partly offsetting the increase in later-year marketings and relatively high early-year cow slaughter is a small reduction in carcass weights.  Pork production is unchanged for 2014.  USDA will release the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on September 27, providing an indication of producer farrowing intentions into early 2014.  For 2014, broiler and turkey production forecasts are reduced as soybean meal prices are forecast higher and turkey returns remain under pressure through the early part of the year.  The egg production forecast is lowered for 2014 as table egg production growth will be dampened by higher soybean meal prices.

Beef imports are reduced for 2013 based on the current pace of imports with a reduced forecast carried through 2014.  Global beef supplies are tight and demand by competing importers is expected to limit growth in U.S. imports.  Beef exports are higher for 2013 based on the strength of shipments to date.  The forecast for 2014 is unchanged.  Pork exports are raised for both years as export demand to countries in Asia and North America continues to be strong.  The 2013 broiler export forecast is reduced as recent exports lagged expectations, but the forecast for 2014 is unchanged.  Turkey exports are unchanged for 2013 but lowered for 2014.

Cattle prices for 2013 and 2014 are unchanged from last month.  Hog prices for both 2013 and 2014 are unchanged from last month.  The broiler price forecast for 2013 is lowered based on current price weakness.  The forecast for 2014 is unchanged.  The turkey price forecast is reduced for 2013 on relatively weak demand and slightly higher production, but 2014 is unchanged from last month with slower forecast production growth.  Egg prices are forecast higher for 2013, reflecting current prices; the forecast for 2014 is unchanged.

The 2013 milk production forecast is reduced from last month, reflecting recent slower growth in milk production.  The production forecast for 2014 is unchanged.  For 2013 fat basis and skim-solids imports are lowered slightly from last month.  Exports are raised for 2013 and carried into 2014 on strong international demand for dairy products.  With forecast export demand, fat and skim-basis ending stocks are reduced in 2013 and 2014.

Product price forecasts are mostly higher, with strong export demand and tightening supplies supporting increases for nonfat dry milk (NDM), butter and cheese prices in 2013 and 2014.  The whey price forecast is unchanged for 2013 but raised for 2014.  With increased product prices, Class III and Class IV price forecasts for 2013 and 2014 are higher.  The all milk price is forecast at $19.70 to $19.90 per cwt for 2013 and $19.35 to $20.35 per cwt for 2014.





NEBRASKA AUCTIONEERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2013 AUCTIONEER STATE CHAMPION

The Nebraska Auctioneers Association, a state trade organization representing the auctioneering profession in Nebraska, conducted their Annual Auctioneer State Championship on Monday, September 2, 2013. The Championship Competition was held at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska. Fifteen finalists, who previously qualified at the Association’s Convention in Kearney, Nebraska, competed for the title of Nebraska Auctioneer Champion in a live auction before fair attendees.

The Auctioneer competitors were judged on presentation, chant, voice quality, body language, and other elements of effective auctioneering along with a personal interview. Regina Adrijeski, Old West Realty Auction, Curtis, NE, won the title of Champion, also making history as the first female to hold the title. The Reserve Champion was David Whitaker, Steffes Auctioneers, Ames, IA. Placing Runner- up was Curtis Wetovick, CW Auction, Fullerton, NE. Receiving the Rookie of the Year award was Adam Marshall, Adam Marshall Auction, Elm Creek, NE.

Rounding out the top ten auction finalists were: Ora Adler, Adler Auction Service, Juniata, NE; Gary Juranek, Gary Juranek & Associates Auctioneers, Council Bluffs, IA; Duane McClain, Lashley Land & Recreational Brokers, North Platte, NE; Wayne Morris, Morris Auctions, Columbus, NE; Courtney Nitz-Mensik, Jack Nitz & Associates Auctioneers, Fremont, NE; Colt Pope, Pope Auction Co., Sutton, NE.

The Nebraska State Auctioneer Champion will now compete in the 2014 International Auctioneers Championship to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Annual Jon Moravec Memorial Ringman Award was presented to David Whitaker, Ames Iowa during the preliminary round in Kearney. The Ringman competitors were judged on presentation, enthusiasm, audience observation, and communication with the auctioneer along with an personal interview.



House Committee Unveils Water Resources Reform & Development Act; ASA and Other Stakeholders Begin Full Court Press for Passage

Yesterday, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) released the Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA) at a press conference and stakeholder briefing attended by ASA Washington staff.

Chairman Shuster’s bill has the support of T&I committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-W.V.) and Water Resources Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Ranking Member Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y.).  The committee has scheduled a mark-up of the bill for Thursday, September 19.  The Senate passed its Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in May of this year by a vote of 83-14.

“ASA strongly supports enactment of waterways legislation that makes significant progress in repairing and revitalizing our aging waterways infrastructure,” said ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. “U.S. soybean farmers rely on a healthy waterways infrastructure to move their soybeans to market. The U.S. exports more than half of the soybeans grown in this country and having reliable and efficient waterways and ports is essential to maintaining our competitiveness in global markets. We are encouraged by many parts of the WRRDA bill and will work to see it passed.”

The draft developed by Chairman Shuster includes provisions supported by ASA to:
-    streamline environmental reviews,
-    establish hard deadlines and cost caps on project studies,
-    allow non-federal interests to contribute funds to expedite project components,
-    annually increase the amount of funding that is provided from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for port maintenance and dredging, and 
-    free up money and increase the capacity of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) by reducing the federal cost share of the Olmsted Lock and Dam project to 25% and requiring the Corps to study and report on bonding, user fees, and other potential funding sources.

The House Republican Leadership indicated its support the bill, issuing a memo to members last week touting that the proposal “cuts federal red tape and bureaucracy, streamlines the project delivery process, improves competitiveness, strengthens water resources infrastructure, and promotes fiscal responsibility.”



With Congress Back, Ag Looks to Uncertain Farm Bill End Game
(from NAWG)

Members of Congress have arrived back in Washington, D.C., and are looking to tackle a long list of legislative priorities, including the long-pending farm bill. Here’s a review of where that vital legislation stands: 

House: The House is expected to take up a nutrition package next week to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. It is not certain this proposal, which is seen as severe by Democrats and even some Republicans, will pass and be able to move to conference along with the previously-passed “farm-only” farm bill. Regardless, following that vote, House leaders are expected to appoint conferees so the process can continue moving forward. That procedural goal is not likely to be reached before the 2008 Farm Bill extension expires on Sept. 30.

Senate: The Senate passed its complete farm bill package in June and named its farm bill conferees just before leaving for August recess. This week, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) publicly pushed the House, saying “it’s time to stop kicking the can down the road.” She also voiced opposition to any extension.

USDA: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack also made his Department’s views clear this week in several media interviews and appearances. He expressed strong opposition to any extension, though the White House has not yet issued a formal veto threat. The Administration is also publicly and strongly opposed the SNAP cuts to be considered by the House.

Next Up: The expected next action toward the farm bill finish line is House consideration of a nutrition bill. It’s unlikely that chamber will move toward conference before a nutrition vote, so getting floor time for that legislation around other priorities, including the budget, is crucial to the entire process moving forward.

Agriculture groups are strongly encouraging farmers to reach out to their Members of Congress during the August recess. Now that Congress is back in town, this outreach should intensify in person, by phone and on social media. All Members of Congress, particularly House Members, should be urged to push their leadership for completion of a long-term, comprehensive farm bill before the end of the month. 



Remember! Practice Proper Farm Grain Bin Safety This Harvest

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers of the importance of proper grain bin safety procedures this harvest. With farmers across the country preparing to hit the fields in their combines, NCGA is again offering a video highlighting the importance of proper safety procedures and reviewing helpful guidelines.

First released in 2011, this video remains relevant and illustrates the significant threat bin entrapment can pose.

"In 2010 we saw a record number of farmers becoming engulfed in grain bins and we decided it was time to have a proactive role in creating awareness about the serious nature of this issue," said Bart Schott, who served as NCGA President at that time.  "We hope that this video makes farmers stop and think twice before the next time they put themselves in danger."

The video, shot on location in several states, provides a wide range of information from prevention tips and background data on grain bin accidents.  The project also involved interviews with professionals in the fields of grain bin safety research and rescue to provide as much information to viewers as possible.

The video is available at NCGA.com. 



USGC Sees Program Fruition: Algeria Imports US Corn Products for First Time

The U.S. Grains Council, in September 2012, successfully fostered the removal of the value added tax (VAT) and custom tax on all feed imports in Algeria, including distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and corn gluten feed (CGF). Last week that effort paid off with the first importation of the high-value U.S. products into the nation.

Sarl Nutrimag, an Algerian commercial importer, made the first ever purchase of U.S. DDGS and CGF into Algeria, which began unloading on Sept. 5, 2013. According to Cary Sifferath, USGC regional director for the Middle East and Africa, this shipment is one of the beginning steps to a greater future for U.S. DDGS and CGF in the Algerian market.

"Through continuous Council efforts and support from our allies, products like DDGS and CGF were included in a list of feed ingredients that have had their import duties and VAT reduced to zero until August 2014," said Sifferath. "This shipment of U.S. DDGS and CGF will open the door for end-users in Algeria to buy U.S. corn co-products in the future. The Council sees opportunities for these products fitting well into both the Algerian poultry and dairy industries."

In coordination with work on the policy side, the Council is educating the larger commercial feed companies and other large end-users in Algeria, so that they become comfortable using DDGS and CGF in livestock rations.

Algeria is the second-largest country in North Africa with a population of 35 million and is the second-largest importer of feed grains on the continent after Egypt. Despite its large land mass, only three percent is considered arable, necessitating Algeria to import 80 percent of its food needs to meet the demands of its growing population. As a result, Algeria is currently the largest importer of food products in Africa.



Southeast Asia Buyer’s Conference Facilitates $ 150+ Million in US Ag Sales and Growing

Nearly 421,000 metric tons of U.S. feed grains, including soybeans, wheat, corn and corn co-products, were sold and/or negotiated during the 10th Southeast Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference held last month. The total sales valued at more than $150 million.

This event is jointly conducted by the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), to provide Southeast Asia grain importers with the latest market and industry information on grain trade and transportation market trends. Conference participants gained an enhanced understanding of world grain flows and the U.S. quality advantage.

Southeast Asia is the third largest regional market for U.S. distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), accounting for 13 percent of total exports in 2012. Southeast Asia's rapid population growth combined with a continuing urbanization and a dietary shift towards increased consumption of animal proteins could cause a significant increase in demand for corn and corn co-products in the region.

"The conference provided an opportunity for top-level decision makers to interact and communicate on trade and/or product related issues," said Ron Gray, USGC vice chairman, who spoke at the conference. "The most outstanding feature of the conference is that it will provide a venue for U.S. suppliers to interact with relevant trade participants from the region. These partnerships will lead to new possibilities."

The conference attendees consisted of feed ingredient buyers, integrated food and feed producers, poultry and livestock raisers, crushers and ag-related associations and businesses in and around Southeast Asia. Major regional and international suppliers of agricultural products and raw feed ingredients were also present. The event provided a macro and micro economic review of the latest developments in the United States and of global grain production and trade.



Final Voting Begins to Select Finalist from Among Three Names for REAL® Seal Cartoon Character

As part of the ongoing effort to revitalize and build awareness of the dairy industry’s iconic REAL® Seal, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is inviting the public to help choose the name that will be given to a cartoon character modeled after the logo. The character greets those who go to www.realseal.com and will be used in other applications in the future.

“We’re excited to use this character to help kids, parents, and dairy fans of all ages learn about real dairy products and foods made with real American dairy products, when they’re browsing the grocery store aisles and eating in restaurants,” said NMPF Chief Operating Officer Jim Mulhern. “Giving people the chance to vote for the name we’ll use is democracy in action.”

Throughout the summer, NMPF used the REAL Seal website and Facebook page to gather submissions for the naming contest. More than 110 individual suggestions were entered. After a review process, the three most fitting candidates were selected. They are:
·         Dairyus – Submitted by Kathryn in Clermont, IA (honorable mentions to Ed in Tipton, IA, and Joe in Washington, DC, for alternate spellings).
·         Milkdrop – Submitted separately by Roger in Franklin, KY, and Cecelia in Amelia, VA.
·         Roscow – submitted by Gavin in Fairfax, VA (honorable mention to Sara in East Syracuse, NY, for an alternate spelling).

To choose among these three finalists, voters can visit www.realseal.com to select a favorite.  The campaign is also being promoted at the Seal’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/REALSealDairy. The online voting link will be open through Tuesday, Nov. 5th, which is Election Day 2013. Only one vote per computer will be allowed. The result will be announced November 13th at the NMPF annual meeting in Phoenix.



Farmland Refreshes Brand Look and Ad Campaign

Farmland Foods unveiled a refreshed brand look and a new, comprehensive advertising campaign for its Farmland brand centered on the company's unsurpassed passion and pride for pork.

"We conducted extensive consumer research upfront to understand the different types of pork consumers, when and how they consume pork, and what needs are most important," said Brendan Smith, senior vice president of marketing and innovation. "Based on this work it was clear that there are a high percentage of pork consumers who take a lot of pride and have strong passion for cooking with pork, and they want a brand that shares that same pride and passion."

Farmland's media campaign features TV spots "For the Love of Pork" and "For the Love of Bacon" that reflect Farmland's commitment to serving up the highest quality pork for its consumers. The TV campaign also will include "For the Love of The Holidays," which will highlight the company's array of products to create memorable holiday meals. Farmland's media campaign launches today and includes TV, radio, print, out-of-home, search and social media.

The company's new brand look will appear across all consumer touchpoints, from the company website to product packaging. The refreshed www.FarmlandFoods.com website launches today. Updated packaging is already hitting shelves for Farmland's core bacon and fresh pork businesses and will begin shipping across remaining products later this fall.

"Our integrated advertising campaign showcases the passion and pride we have for hand trimming each cut, slow smoking our bacon, and working side-by-side with American farm families," Smith said. "At Farmland, our energy, time and commitment to pork spans more than five decades, and we're proud to continue to uphold that tradition."

In conjunction with the rebranding unveil, Farmland is rolling out four new pork products that will inspire consumers to fire up the griddle, light up the stove and fan the flame for pork:

Farmlands Foods has been, since 1959, working side-by-side with American farm families. It is serving retail and food service customers across the United States and in 25 countries on five continents. Farmland is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods.



Cargill Names New CEO

Cargill announced that its board of directors has elected David W. MacLennan, currently Cargill's president and chief operating officer, as the corporation's next chief executive officer effective Dec. 1, 2013, succeeding Gregory R. Page, 62, who will serve as executive chairman.

MacLennan, 54, will retain the title of president and continue as a director of the company. The transition is the result of the company's ongoing succession planning with the board.

"Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with David, especially in his roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer, and I have been impressed with his leadership, his vision, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge and experience.

This is a dynamic and diverse global company. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and have the highest confidence in David to deliver on that promise," said Page.

MacLennan joined Cargill in 1991 and has held various leadership positions within the financial, risk management, energy and animal protein businesses in the United States, London and Geneva. He was elected Cargill's president and chief operating officer in 2011.

In 2008, he was named Cargill's chief financial officer and elected to the Cargill Board of Directors. Prior to joining Cargill, MacLennan was a senior vice president with LIT America in Chicago and served as president of Fixed Income Capital Markets at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray in Minneapolis.

In his role as executive chairman, Page will continue to lead the board and will represent the company in a variety of interactions and public forums with customers, policymakers and others, and will be available as a resource to the company.

Page was elected chief executive officer in 2007 and chairman later that same year. He was elected to the Cargill Board of Directors in 2000 and served as president of the company from 2000 until 2011.



Cargill Steps Up Commitment to Help Fight Hunger in America

Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger relief organization, announced that Cargill is making a $6 million commitment to the organization over the next three years to expand its work with Feeding America to strengthen food safety initiatives and help provide millions of meals to families in need across the country.

The latest gift from Cargill sets them apart as a "Leadership" partner of Feeding America, meaning they have donated either $10 million or 100 million pounds of food over a five year period. In all, Cargill's commitment to fighting hunger as a Feeding America partner includes millions of pounds of food donated and $11.4 million invested in hunger relief since 2009.

"We are proud and grateful to stand shoulder to shoulder with Cargill and its employees in the fight against hunger," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. "With more than 50 million people in the United States struggling with hunger, we know that we can't solve the problem alone. Together, with partners like Cargill, we can solve hunger."

Cargill's recent gift will enable Feeding America to continue its mission to feed people in need and help to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in the US. A large part of the donation will impact food safety initiatives at food banks and help source diverse food streams such as produce and manufactured product.

Improved food safety practices are not vital only for the health and safety of clients, but also help to attract the more than 3 billion pounds of food that Feeding America distributes each year. A rigorous food safety program helps Feeding America obtain more donations by assuring food product donors that their donations will be thoroughly inspected and monitored.

Cargill's donation allows Feeding America to fund independent audits at food banks as well as grants to help make improvements.



Animal Health, Human Health and Antimicrobial Use Symposium, Nov. 12-14

The time has come when academia, government researchers, the scientific community and stakeholders within animal agriculture, human medicine and the environment learn from each other and seek resolution on the polarizing and the often misunderstood issues of antimicrobial use and resistance.

Engaging in meaningful dialogue and working toward resolution are key priorities of the “Bridging the Gap between Animal Health and Human Health” symposium hosted by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Nov. 12-14 in Kansas City, Mo. The symposium is open to individuals who want to learn from each other, engage in meaningful dialogue and create successful strategies to preserve antibiotic efficacy.

“The speakers at the symposium—who represent environmental, human and animal health—will provide the latest scientific bodies of information and separate the facts from perceived facts, ” states Nevil Speer, PhD, Western Kentucky University and co-chair of the “Bridging the Gap between Animal Health and Human Health” symposium.  “Their information will help us move beyond the confines of our own disciplines so we explore new models for team science.”

Dr. Richard Raymond, former Undersecretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (2005-2008), will serve as moderator of the Nov. 12-14 symposium. Devoting more than 20 years to serving the public as a family medical physician, Dr. Raymond is a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Life Sciences Institute NA, an affiliate professor at Colorado State University and an industry consultant and public speaker on food safety and public health issues. His background includes chief medical officer for the state of Nebraska, president of the Nebraska Medical Association and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

“Finding resolution to antimicrobial resistance must begin with the end in mind—improving human and animal health—and Dr. Raymond will help us keep focused on this goal,” states symposium co-chair Eric Moore, DVM, Merck Animal Health.

The upcoming symposium will build upon information and consensus points established at the 2011 and 2012 antibiotic use and resistance symposiums. A presentation at this year’s symposium will recap both symposiums so momentum toward bridging the gap between animal health and human health can continue.

A white paper summarizing the 2012 symposium, “A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Use and Resistance: A Dialogue for a Common Purpose,” can be accessed online on the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s website: www.animalagriculture.org. 

The 2013 symposium in Kansas City will start on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, and conclude in the early afternoon on Thursday, Nov. 14.  To register for or to learn more about the symposium, please go online to www.animalagriculture.org or call 1-800-237-7193.



American Humane Association Certifies The Welfare Of Nearly One Billion Farm Animals
Today at the inaugural Be Humane summit, American Humane Association, the first national humane organization, announced that it now certifies the welfare of nearly 1 billion farm animals in the United States. This landmark announcement means the organization's American Humane Certified™ program oversees the humane treatment of almost 10 percent of all animals raised on America's farms and ranches each year in food production.

An agreement with a soon-to-be announced major producer has ensured that America's oldest farm animal welfare certification program will continue to be not only the largest, but the fastest-growing effort of its kind in the world.

"Every year, 10 billion animals are raised for food on America's farms and ranches, and all animals deserve to be treated humanely," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and CEO. "Yet 90 percent of them still do not live under scientifically-based welfare standards in independently-verified living conditions. We are proud to now certify the welfare of nearly 1 billion of these animals, and we will continue to work hard to educate producers, retailers, and consumers about the benefits of third-party welfare audits."

Tomorrow, American Humane Association will publish the "Humane Heartland™ Farm Animal Welfare Survey."  A key finding in the research is that 89 percent of almost 3,000 Americans surveyed stated they were concerned about the welfare of animals raised on farms and ranches. In addition, when asked what factors were most important to them, a label indicating the animals were humanely raised was ranked as the highest in importance, over organic, natural, and antibiotic-free.

The American Humane Certified™ program employs ethical, science-based and veterinary-backed standards validated by world-renowned animal welfare experts and advocates such as Dr. Temple Grandin and poultry specialist Dr. Joy Mench, who serve on the organization's Scientific Advisory Committee. Program standards and audit criteria assess humane treatment, ensuring comfortable living conditions and greater accountability. Program standards are built on the internationally accepted values of the Five Freedoms, as adopted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
-    Freedom from hunger and thirst
-    Freedom from discomfort
-    Freedom from pain, injury, disease
-    Freedom to express normal behaviors
-    Freedom from fear and distress

The "Humane Heartland™ Farm Animal Welfare Survey" will be available for download on Friday September 13 at www.americanhumane.org.