Friday November 22 Ag News

Sale of Champions Features Young People from Six States At 2013 North American International Livestock Exposition

Six young people from six states sold six Champion and Reserve Champion animals for a total of $96,000.  Home base for the six youngsters who were featured in the sale included New Mexico, Indiana, Arkansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

            The big event is the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Sale of Champions, which features the top two animals from the Jr. Steer Show, the Jr. Wether Show, and the Jr. Swine Show. The sale is held to honor young people for the work they have done throughout the year to raise their champion entries. To qualify in junior shows, and subsequently in the Sale of Champions, young people must be 21-years-of-age, or younger.

            Proceeds from the Sale of Champions are used for a variety of purposes by the young people, ranging from reinvestment in their livestock operations, payment of college expenses, farm land purchases, equipment purchases and much more. The honor of winning in Junior Show rings is, in itself a lifetime achievement, and the Sale of Champions adds luster and wealth to the honor since youngsters take home big money.

            Each year 10% of the sale money is withheld to promote the sale and the philanthropy of all buyers and 10% is withheld as a contribution to “Blessings in a Backpack”, which provides food to needy school children in Louisville.  Young sellers receive the balance of sale proceeds.

Grand & Reserve Champions in 2013
Animal  -  Position  -   Price   -  Breed  -  Weight  -  Seller
Steer      Champion   $25,000   Cross      1,315      Sutton Bellar, Wisner, NE
Steer      Reserve      $21,000   Cross      1,332      Baylor Bonham, Newcastle, OK
Hog        Champion   $14,500   Cross        277       Lyndon Youngblood, Ashdown, AR
Hog        Reserve      $12,000    Cross       272       Hayden Kerkaert, Pipestone, MN
Wether   Champion   $12,500   Cross        159       Toree Fraze, Portales, NM
Wether   Reserve      $11,000   Cross        157       Samantha Raute, Carmel, IN

The 40th Annual NAILE is produced by the Commonwealth of Kentucky at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky under the direction of the Kentucky State Fair Board. During the Expo’s two-week run November 9 through 22, the facility’s entire 1,200,000 square feet of climate-controlled exhibit space is used. More than 200,000 visitors and exhibitors attend the event annually. Purebred livestock exhibitors and their animals come from nearly every state, and there are 10 livestock divisions in the giant expo. More information is available on the NAILE website at www.livestockexpo.org



Nebraska Soybean Farmer elected National Biodiesel Board Secretary
National Biodiesel Board members selected their association leadership this week as part of the organization’s membership meeting in Washington DC. Members voted to fill eight positions on the 15-person board and new officers were elected. Newman Grove, Nebr. farmer, Greg Anderson, remains on the board and was selected as an officer for the upcoming year.

“We’re finally really starting to see biodiesel command a large share of soybean oil, which makes up the share we lost to the trans-fat market a few years back,” says Anderson. “Biodiesel needs to remain very important to Nebraska soybean farmers, because by keeping demand going, it’ll provide that stability the soybean industry desires.”

Dozens of biodiesel stakeholders from across the country met with leaders on Capitol Hill on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to voice strong disappointment with the Obama Administration’s recent proposal for next year’s renewable fuels volumes.

Officers elected to lead the board are:
Chairman, Steven J. Levy; Vice Chairman, Ron Marr; Treasurer, Mike Cunningham; and Secretary, Greg Anderson.

Newly elected governing board members include:
·    Todd Ellis, Imperium Renewables
·    Kent Engelbrecht, ADM
·    Gary Haer, Renewable Energy Group
·    Ed Hegland, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
·    Ron Marr, Minnesota Soybean Processors
·    Bob Metz, South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
·    Robert Stobaugh, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
·    Ed Ulch, Iowa Soybean Association

The following members continue to serve on the governing board:
·    Greg Anderson, Nebraska Soybean Board
·    Jennifer Case, New Leaf Biofuel, LLC
·    Mike Cunningham, American Soybean Association
·    Brandon Foley, Sanimax Energy
·    Steven J. Levy, Sprague Operating Resources LLC
·    Timothy Keaveney, HERO BX
·    John Wright, Owensboro Grain Company



Growers Promote Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series
Thousands of Iowans will come together in December to enjoy the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series games in Ames. The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, sponsored by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), features multiple sporting events between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa.

"We are a part of the Series to help Iowans understand the importance of agriculture and how corn is used in food, feed, and fuel," said Bob Bowman, a farmer from DeWitt and president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. "It's a great way to get our message out to Iowans. Iowans may have grown up in this great state, but it's amazing how little people know about corn and agriculture. Iowa Corn has sponsored the series since 2011 to reach consumers with messages about corn and the many products made from corn. The sponsorship is multi-media, but this year, there is an added focus on social media to engage Iowans."

As the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk events continue, so does the fun. Fans have the opportunity to become the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series Superfan. The ultimate winner will receive tickets to all 2014/15 Iowa Corn CyHawk events. Fans can register to win and follow updates on www.iowacorncyhawkseries.com or they can get signed up by texting "corn" to 99693.

Three lucky fans will have the chance to win tickets to the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series wrestling, women's basketball, and men's basketball events. The bags game consists of five rounds at 45 second each. The game is about skill and repetition. In addition to winning a pair of tickets, the Iowa State points leader will enjoy dinner for two at Applebee's in Ames on Dec. 9 during the Court-Cyd Coaches Call-In Radio Show from 6:30-8 p.m. The Iowa points leader will also enjoy dinner for two at Carlos O'Kelly's in Iowa City on Dec. 11 during the 'Hawk Talk with Fran McCaffery' from 7-8:30 p.m. During these shows, the winners and their guest will get the opportunity to meet the coaches and receive an autographed prize.



ASA DuPont Young Leaders Train This Week

The 30th anniversary class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders is meeting at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa this week.  American Soybean Association President Danny Murphy, ASA First Vice President Ray Gaesser and Pioneer’s Vice President and Regional Director Steve Reno are among the speakers and leaders who have addressed the group representing 22 states and Canada.

“The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program is truly helping shape the future of the soybean industry,” said ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. “By identifying new and aspiring leaders and providing participants with a training opportunity that enhances their skills while growing their peer network, the Young Leader program builds a more collaborative industry that better represents their local, state and national agricultural organizations and agricultural interests.”
SteveReno

The training this week is the first phase in a two-part program designed to identify new and aspiring young leaders and then provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers. While in Iowa, the Young Leaders are participating in a comprehensive communications workshop, DiSC workplace assessment and receiving updates on the soybean pipeline and the current state of regulatory affairs and key legislative issues.

The second phase of training will be held in conjunction with Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Tex. in February 2014. Members in the Class of 2014 will also be invited to apply and participate in an optional third component in July in Washington, DC.

“Agriculture faces many challenges and opportunities as American farmers work to help meet the growing global demand for food. We are proud to support the Young Leader program, which is developing the future grower leaders needed to capture those opportunities and meet those challenges,” said Pioneer Sr. Manager Industry Relations Randy Wanke.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights Oct 31 2013

Total red meat supplies in freezers were down slightly from the previous month and down 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down slightly from the previous month but up 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down slightly from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 17 percent from last month and up 47 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on October 31, 2013 were down 6 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 6 percent from the previous month and up 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 20 percent from last month and down 5 percent from October 31, 2012.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on October 31, 2013 were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 3 percent from October 31, 2012.  Butter stocks were down 25 percent from last month but up 20 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were up 13 percent from last month and up slightly from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 5 percent from last month but down 2 percent from a year ago.



Beef Science and Nutrition Around the Globe

This September, the beef checkoff's nutrition research team headed to Granada, Spain for the prestigious International Congress of Nutrition at which the International Meat Secretariat (IMS) hosted a symposium titled "Protein Requirements throughout the Lifecycle." An impressive line-up of internationally-renowned nutrition scientists highlighted the importance of high quality protein, as found in red meat. One such presentation was delivered by Nancy Rodriguez, Ph.D., R.D., FACSM, professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut, on behalf of the checkoff.

The importance and power of protein is gaining more traction in scientific academia; this was the industry's chance to share ground-breaking research with key influencers, opinion leaders and policy makers in the global nutrition world.

Rodriguez outlined research suggesting dietary protein requirements may well be higher than current recommendations suggest; functional outcomes becoming an increasingly important measure. Rodriguez also addressed the myth around protein and bone health, dismissing claims that protein increases net calcium losses.

"At least two meals a day, one of which is breakfast, each containing 25-30g of high-quality protein foods such as red meat, are needed to maximize the rebuilding of muscle protein. One 3- to 4-ounce cooked serving of beef contains 25-30 grams of high quality protein," says Rodriguez. "Over the last decade, the beef checkoff's research investment has played a pivotal role in improving understanding of protein's role in optimal health. Today we know that many individuals benefit from incorporating more high quality protein into their diet."

Also on Oct. 2-3, 2013, more than 60 nutrition researchers and thought leaders, including Becky Walth, South Dakota beef producer serving on the checkofffs nutrition and health subcommittee, convened in Washington, D.C., to review and discuss new research on protein and its role in public health during Protein Summit 2.0. The Protein Summit 2.0 agenda was designed to facilitate an interactive, scientific dialogue and explore the unique opportunities for proteinfs role in human health, and focus on how to help Americans optimize protein intake for improved health.

"This credible research stemming from our beef checkoff investment and published by the researchers, is making its way to consumers and that's exciting," says Walth. "People are looking at other meal options rather than just dinner. The consensus that beef can be part of meals where we typically don't find beef, spreading the protein consumption out throughout the day, is a great practical translation for our product."

Rodriguez, who serves on the Protein Summit 2.0 steering committee, says the Summit included detailed research panel presentations and robust discussion on how to advance the science and identify pathways to help people optimize protein intake for health.

"Experts covered everything from weight management, to lipid and glucose function, to healthy aging and building healthier protein-rich diets within calorie goals," says Rodriguez. "The Summit then focused on ways to work with healthcare practitioners to translate and apply the scientific research to consumer lifestyles."



Farm Bill Negotiations Ongoing in D.C.

Farm Bill conferees have been working this week to come to an agreement on how to merge the House and Senate bills by the end of the week with Congress set to adjourn for Thanksgiving recess until Monday, Dec. 2.

Both Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) have expressed that they needed to come to a deal on a general framework for the bill in order to finish by December 13, which is when the House is scheduled to shut down for the Christmas holiday.

On Thursday, it was reported that the conferees failed to reach a deal and will continue the negotiations when Congress returns after the Thanksgiving holiday recess. This leaves the conferees eight legislative days to complete the bill by the end of the year.



Chinese Holiday Season Brims with Visions of Pork

The holiday season is approaching in China, and shoppers and retailers alike are brimming with visions of pork – and, increasingly, of U.S. pork.

“As the January lunar New Year approaches and the seasonal winter meat consumption period gets underway, the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) efforts to raise the visibility of U.S. pork and its quality, safety and value are moving into high gear,” said Joel Haggard, USMEF’s senior vice president over the Asia-Pacific region.

Pork and overall meat consumption in China increases in the holiday period from late October through the end of January. With China’s annual pork consumption estimated by USDA at more than 50 million metric tons (more than 110 billion pounds), the upcoming holiday period is circled on the calendars of U.S. pork exporters.

The retail footprint of U.S. pork in China has expanded since the first sliced bone-in butt portion-control steak products were introduced at select Shanghai retail stores this summer. Several U.S. pork items are now available at major retail chains, including METRO Cash & Carry, RT Mart, Sam’s Club and Auchan Supermarkets.

Last week, U.S. pork was front and center at China’s flagship Food and Hotel China (FHC) exhibition in Shanghai, where four U.S. pork brands were prominently sampled and featured in front of thousands of industry visitors ranging from retailers and restaurant chains to wholesale distributors from third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities. Funding for the exhibition was provided through the Pork Checkoff and the USDA Market Access Program (MAP).

“We expanded our presence at FHC this year in recognition of U.S. pork’s growing retail presence, and the desire of importers and distributors to highlight American pork’s attributes vis-à-vis that of the competition,” said Ming Liang, USMEF’s marketing director for China.

At FHC, USMEF sampled and gathered comments and opinions on a winter-specific retail product, thinly sliced pork butt for seasonal hot pot. Although beef and lamb are traditional hot pot favorites, sliced pork usage is expected to increase.

“This item has potential because we can feature it at lower prices than popular sliced domestic and Oceanic lamb, which have skyrocketed in price,” said Ming.

Explosive growth in online marketing
USMEF also is investing in online marketing of U.S. pork in China. With an 80 percent annual growth in online merchandise sales over the past five years, China is the fastest growing e-commerce market in the world.  Last week, USMEF sponsored a working lunch about the e-commerce market for food in China that featured China e-commerce platform leader TMall.Com General Manager Ma Xue Jun, who related stories of TMall.com’s record-breaking Single’s Day sales on Nov. 11.



USSEC Escorts Japan Next Generation Soyfood Leadership Team

The US Soybean Export Council recently escorted the Japan Next Generation Soyfood Leadership Team on a U.S. tour through parts of Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.  This nine day tour from September 15-24 included a visit to the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange in Davenport, Iowa and touched on areas of the soy industry pertinent to the Japanese team such as tofu, natto, miso, soy milk, protein, trading company and sorting machines, among others.  The Japan Next Generation Soyfood Leadership Team aims to lead the next generation of the country’s soyfood industry by boosting the soybean as a traditional Japanese food with the objective of building a network between U.S. and Japanese soybean teams with an emphasis on the security and safety of food soybeans.  The team learned about the U.S. soy industry’s detailed handling of Identity Preserved (IP) non-GMO soybeans that prevents these beans from being mixed with genetically modified crops and about the stable supply of non-GMO American soybeans.  Japan has shown an even greater interest in U.S. soy lately with some recent difficulties in the Canadian soy supply.

A follow-up meeting to evaluate the visit to the U.S. was held in Akasaka, Japan on October 22 followed by a teambuilding wrap-up event at Lawry’s Prime Rib.  Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs for the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo David Miller and Agricultural Attaché / Agricultural Trade Office Deputy Director at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Japan, Evan Mangino sent a message of support to the Japanese soyfood industry.

USSEC will utilize the teamwork built in this visit by continuing to work on activities aimed at ensuring the stable supply of U.S. soybean food products as it continues its market expansion and export promotion.



Paving the Way for Increased US Grain Trade in Mexico

The port of Progreso is strategically located as a natural gateway to connect the year round feed importer, the Yucatan Peninsula, with the rest of the world by sea. Progreso port currently processes approximately 4 million metric tons of product, including hydrocarbons, agricultural bulk, containers and general cargo. Thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement, a near 200 percent growth in sales has occurred of U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and related co-products to Mexico.

With increased trade comes necessary infrastructure development—prompting more growth.

A project supported by the Progreso port to build a new access road to its offshore terminals will help to expand access and aid in increased transportation capacity.

"A number of ports in Mexico are under expansion projects to allow more trade," said Julio Hernandez, U.S. Grains Council director in Mexico. "In this case, the port of Progreso will allow greater and faster operations for feed grains in terms of moving grain out of the terminal, which is good news for southeastern Mexico and U.S. grain exporters."

The improvement in infrastructure means U.S. products could be easily and more affordably transferred to end-users in remote southeastern states like Chiapas and Tabasco.

It is estimated there are as many as 4 million beef and dual-purpose cattle, 1 million swine, 24 million broilers and 600,000 layers located in southeastern Mexico. As this area trends toward more economically stable production practices, such as feedlots, southern Mexico's feed grain demand will grow.

"Allowing greater access to U.S. feed grains in this region will provide increased opportunity for U.S. coarse grains and co-products to fill southeastern Mexico's growing feed demand," said Hernandez.



Strong Exports & Holiday Demand Keeping Dairy Prices Up

The healthy growth in cheese and other dairy product exports have helped sustain healthy milk prices during recent months. That's according to Dr. Bob Cropp, professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. In his monthly Dairy Situation and Outlook report, he noted that the increased buyer activity strengthened prices into early November. CME butter was $1.46 per pound about a month ago before prices started to increase to $1.65 earlier this week. Cheddar blocks also went from $1.76 to $1.90 in just a few weeks time.

"These higher dairy product prices pushed up farm milk prices," Cropp said. "The November Class III price will be near $18.80 compared to $18.22 in September. But once holiday orders are filled butter and cheese prices will likely decline lowering the Class III price."

He says dairy product prices are likely to decline going into January and the first quarter of 2014. But how far prices will decline will hinge on the level of milk production and dairy exports.

"While milk prices will decline the lower feed costs could maintain margins favorable for increasing milk production," he noted. "The question is whether the increase in milk production will pick up with cow numbers increasing again and better milk per cow."

Cropp said dairy exports are not expected to decline much in 2014. But, with a likely increase in milk production, the Class III price could fall below $17.00 during the first quarter of the new year.



US Chickens & Eggs Production Up 2%

United States egg production totaled 8.13 billion during October 2013, up 2 percent from last year. Production included 7.06 billion table eggs, and 1.07 billion hatching eggs, of which 993 million were broiler-type and 78 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during October 2013 averaged 346 million, up 1 percent from last year. October egg production per 100 layers was 2,351 eggs, up 1 percent from October 2012.
                 
All layers in the United States on November 1, 2013 totaled 347 million, up 1 percent from last year. The 347 million  layers  consisted  of  292  million  layers  producing  table  or  market  type  eggs,  51.3  million  layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.07 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on November 1, 2013, averaged 75.9 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from November 1, 2012.

Egg  production  in  Iowa  for  October  2013  was 1.25 billion  eggs,  up  three   percent  from  last month,  but down  two percent  from  last year,   according  to  the  latest Chickens  and  Eggs  release  from  USDA’s  National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The  total  number  of  layers  on  hand  during October was 52.5 million,  down  fractionally  from  last  month,  and virtually  unchanged  from  the  52.5  million  in  October, 2012. Eggs per 100 layers for the month of October were 2,371,  up  three  percent  from  last month,  but  down  two percent from 2,408 last year.



USDA Sells Sugar to Ethanol Makers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that it sold sugar to domestic ethanol makers at an almost 90% discount.

The sale was the third this year under a government program outlined in the 2008 farm bill that aims to boost prices for the sweetener.

The program requires the agency to buy sugar and sell it to domestic biofuel producers if it believes sugar processors might default on their government operating loans. When processors default, they forfeit sweetener that was put up as collateral. The most recent sale took nearly three-quarters of the sugar in the USDA's possession off its books after processors defaulted on loans at the end of September.

For refiners, the sale provides a cheap feedstock at a time when ethanol prices are low. Futures rebounded only recently from three-year lows hit earlier this month, as a record U.S. corn harvest flooded producers with supplies. Ethanol futures traded Friday at $2.035 a gallon, well below the summer's high of $2.744 a gallon.

But most ethanol plants run on corn, and switching to sugar isn't always easy. Sugar is more volatile than corn and highly flammable. The sweetener can be abrasive on a plant's equipment, and its processing could violate local permits for air emissions.



Top Tips for Winterizing Propane Equipment
As harvest comes to a close, take a moment to winterize equipment. Proper storage and maintenance in the off-season lowers upkeep costs and reduces downtime from broken parts, helping ensure systems work safely and efficiently next season.

Nearly 40 percent of farms in the U.S. use propane to run pumps and engines, heat buildings, and dry and process crops. With propane-fueled equipment, winter preparation and storage is similar to that of conventional fuels, but there are some key advantages and considerations to keep in mind. Together with leading grain dryer, irrigation engine, and work truck manufacturers, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) compiled a list of tips on preparing your propane equipment for winter.

Grain Dryers
After a busy harvest, it is important to properly inspect and clean out grain dryers to prevent foreign material from degrading augers, auger troughs, and metering rolls of your dryer. Gary Woodruff, grain conditioning technology manager with GSI, gives producers the following advice to keep their propane fueled dryers safe during the off-season and ready for the next season:
- Carefully turn off and lock out any electrical and gas supplies before starting any maintenance or cleaning. Open all access doors on the grain basket of the dryer and completely clean out any debris with brushes or pressurized air. Leave these access doors open during the non-drying season.
- Inspect power and control panel boxes for accumulation of debris. Using soft brushes or the careful use of pressurized air, clean and wipe down these boxes thoroughly.
- Inspect burner ignition wires, flame detection wires, and control and power panel wiring for deterioration and replace if needed. Inspect wiring connections that might have loosened during the drying season and tighten.
- Visually inspect bearings to see if any need to be replaced. Do the same with drive belts and chains and lubricate the chains for the winter.
- Turn off the main supply valve from the LP gas tank and bleed out all gas from the entire gas train by running the burner until all pressure is gone. Carefully inspect all hoses and fittings and replace any that show wear, tear or deterioration, particularly any flexible gas hoses.

Irrigation Engines
According to Pete Stout, product manager at Origin Engines, today's propane irrigation engines do not require extensive winterization procedures beyond regular practices, such as removing debris and dirt that have collected on the engine, and changing the oil filter and spark plugs.

He offered the following additional tips to keep irrigation systems in shape over the winter months:
- Disconnect the engine battery, check front drive belts for proper tension and wear, inspect the wire harness for cracked or exposed wires, and make repairs as necessary.
- Use cylinder-fogging oil to prevent rust on the cylinder walls for engines that are stored outdoors or in buildings that are not temperature-controlled.
- If possible, remove irrigation power units from the field and store indoors during winter. If engines are left in the field, they should be protected by a semi-enclosed structure to prevent as much exposure to the elements as possible.

³I also urge farmers who store engines outdoors to cover the engine with a tarp,² Stout says. ³Moisture, UV sunlight, and rodents are the cause of most startup problems in the spring.²

Pickup Trucks
Propane autogas powered pickup trucks require the same seasonal maintenance as gasoline- powered trucks. Additionally, there are no startup concerns with propane autogas during colder months, and propane autogas vehicles don¹t have problems with fuel gelling like conventional diesel engines do in the colder climates.

"Cold climates are not a concern with liquid injection propane autogas engines," says Todd Mouw, VP sales and marketing at Roush CleanTech, a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier. "The fuel remains in a liquid state until it gets to the cylinder, alleviating cold start issues associated with vapor technology propane systems of the past. In fact, most fuel systems provide unaided cold weather starts to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit."

Mouw recommended these additional tips for winterizing pickup trucks:
- Check all air filter and fluid levels, including oil, antifreeze, and washer fluid. Make certain the heater, defroster, and both windshield wipers are in good condition.
- Examine tires for tread wear and proper inflation and install snow tires, all-season radials or toss a set of chains in the back if you think you may need them.
- Inspect the brakes and exhaust system. Exhaust leaks vent carbon monoxide to the cab ‹ a serious problem when windows are cranked up tight.

Propane Safety Tips for Winter
One of the key benefits of propane is that it doesn¹t degrade or go bad like other fuels, making it safe and easy to store during the winter months. Still, here are some additional safety tips to keep your storage tanks and equipment safe in the cold, wind, and snow.
- Gather the unused propane cylinders bought for gas grills, mowers, or forklifts. Secure the cylinders in an outdoor storage cage or other protected storage area away from ignition sources.
- Mark your propane tank with a flag, pole, or stake higher than the average snow cover depth for your area. These markers will help you avoid plowing into or shoveling snow on top of your tank.
- Maintain winter access to your outdoor storage tank, keeping a path clear of snow and ice.
- Take advantage of automatic delivery options if available. This allows the propane retailer to efficiently plan a route and keep your tank adequately supplied.
- If you¹re not part of an automatic delivery program, it¹s recommended that you call for delivery when your tank is at 30 percent full. This will avoid running empty in times of heavy snowfall when roads may beinaccessible for delivery.



The Maschhoffs, LLC to Acquire GNP Company

The Maschhoffs, LLC, the largest family-owned pork production company in North America, and GNP Company™, the Midwest's leading provider of premium quality chicken under the Gold'n Plump®, Just BARE® and Sunny Roost® brand labels, announced today they have signed a definitive agreement whereby The Maschhoffs will acquire GNP Company and its subsidiaries. 

GNP Company and The Maschhoffs' pork production business will operate as separate business units following the closing of the transaction.  The transaction will have no immediate impact on GNP Company's chicken business or The Maschhoffs' pork production business.

GNP Company's headquarters will remain in St. Cloud, Minn., and its nearly 1,700 team members and 350 family farm partners will be retained.  Based in Carlyle, Ill., The Maschhoffs is owned by fifth generation family members Dave Maschhoff and his wife Karen, and Ken Maschhoff and his wife Julie.  The Maschhoffs partners with more than 450 family farmers across the Midwest to produce enough pork to feed more than 16 million consumers annually.

"No changes in business operations or company commitments are planned as a result of this acquisition," stated Mike Helgeson, GNP Company Chief Executive Officer and third-generation leader. "GNP Company will continue to build on its reputation as the Midwest's leading provider of premium quality chicken brands and products."

Meanwhile, The Maschhoffs' pork production business unit will continue to dedicate its energies to maintaining and enhancing its position as North America's leading pork production company.  "Our intent is to manage GNP Company as a separate business unit next to our current pork production business," said Jason Logsdon, The Maschhoffs Chief Executive Officer.  "GNP Company will continue to be led by its present management team, with the support of its current team members and contract growers."

The transaction provides the capital and long-term resources that GNP Company needs to grow to meet increasing sales demand for its products and brands.  GNP Company sales are expected to be about $400 million in 2013.  "For the past year, our facilities have been running at capacity with more demand on the horizon," Helgeson said.

"By joining forces, we can leverage our core strengths, capitalize on growth opportunities, and create new value in the marketplace—thus making the combined company stronger than each would be separately," said Logsdon, adding that the transaction makes new resources available to both companies. "This gives each business unit the opportunity to take advantage of growth opportunities that will help make us all more successful," he said.  "Over time, the companies will share best practices, leverage select strategic shared resources, and benefit from the balance sheet strength of an organization that is diversified across multiple proteins."

"Our overall goal is to continue to grow both the pork and chicken businesses while enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our valued customers and of a growing population," Logsdon said.

Helgeson added it was important to him to find a partner with like-minded values and culture as well as a strong commitment to growth.  "This is a win-win from both the business and organizational standpoints," he explained, "one that provides the critical resources for growth and secures a strong future for all of our team members and growers," he said.

The Maschhoffs and GNP Company share a deep commitment to family values, quality, market innovation and customer service excellence. Other values the companies share are their stewardship efforts to minimize their environmental footprints; dedication to the well-being and safety of animals; and a commitment to people and the communities where they live, work and raise their families.