Friday December 6 Ag News

Heineman Announces Rice as Acting Director of Environmental Quality

Gov. Dave Heineman today has named Pat Rice of Lincoln as the Acting Director of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, effective Dec. 20.

Rice, 61, has most recently served as the Assistant Director at the Department of Environmental Quality. He has held that position for the last 19 years. Before coming to the Department, he served for 18 year as the Director of the Division of Technical and Support Services for the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“I am honored that Governor Heineman asked me to serve as Acting Director of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality,” Rice said. “I have worked the last 37 years in the environmental arena and look forward to continuing the important work of protecting Nebraska’s  air, land, and water resources.”

Rice earned a Bachelor of Science in civil/environmental engineering from South Dakota State University. He is completing his third term as a national board member of the Association of Clean Water Administrators and has served as a commissioner on the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission.

The primary role of the Department of Environmental Quality is to ensure the State’s natural resources are protected from contamination. The more than 200 employees of the Department of Environmental Quality work with businesses, communities and individuals toward the common goal of protecting the environment. The department’s permitting, compliance, remediation, monitoring, and assistance programs are designed to help achieve this goal.

Rice and his wife Donlynn have two sons. Rice will be paid an annual salary of $120,000.



Early Freeze in Iowa Prompts Manure Application Questions

Calls to DNR field offices about manure application on frozen ground are up this year, especially in northern Iowa.

The DNR is reminding producers they must meet separation distances if they are unable to inject or incorporate the manure.

"The ground froze earlier than usual, so a lot of barns did not have their manure pits emptied yet," said Cindy Martens of the DNR's Spencer field office.

Limits on applying manure on frozen ground kick in on Feb. 1, while limits on applying on snow-covered ground start Dec. 21, unless it's an emergency. These limits apply to confinement (totally roofed) facilities with liquid manure that have 500 or more animal units.

The state law limiting application on frozen or snow-covered ground does not apply to manure from open feedlots or dry manure.

However, all producers must follow setbacks if surface applying manure.

"They can still go ahead and land apply as long as they maintain separation distances. Normally if they are injecting or incorporating the manure so that it's placed under the soil, there is no separation distance. But, if they are surface applying, they need to be at least 200 feet from wells and water, 800 feet from some waters. And, liquid manure needs to be 750 feet from residences and other buildings," she says.

Producers can check the separation distances that apply at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/ by looking under AFO Resources, Fact Sheets.

Construction permits for a few confinement producers require no surface application. Producers who have that condition in their permit should call the nearest DNR field office at www.iowadnr.gov/.



Deadline Nears for Iowa County Animal Confinement Site Evaluations

Counties interested in evaluating proposed sites of animal confinements that need a construction permit must sign up by Jan. 31, 2014.

The board of supervisors in counties that would like to participate must adopt and file a construction evaluation resolution and submit it to the DNR between Jan. 1 and 31.

Confinements in counties that file the resolutions must meet higher standards than other permitted sites. They must earn points on the master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on the environment and the community.

"Adopting a construction evaluation resolution and properly using the master matrix process is the primary method counties have to work with livestock producers on proposed confinement operations," said Gene Tinker, coordinator of the DNR animal feeding section. "County supervisors or staffs have the opportunity to review master matrix applications to determine if the site characteristics and management practices selected are appropriate to receive points needed for a passing score."

Counties that participate in the master matrix process may send staff to accompany the DNR on site visits to proposed locations. The county board of supervisors may also appeal the DNR's preliminary approval of a permit to the Environmental Protection Commission.

Approximately 86 counties have filed resolutions each year since the master matrix went into effect in 2003.

Counties that have adopted a resolution should mail it to Jerah Sheets at the DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319 or fax it to 515-281-8895. Sign-ups occur annually during the month of January for the upcoming February through January.

Most confinement feeding operations that need to apply for a permit are subject to the matrix. For more information on which operations are affected, check the DNR website under animal feeding operations at www.iowadnr.gov/AFO/.

Additional information for counties is available on the Iowa State Association of Counties website at www.iowacounties.org/ under master matrix -- construction evaluation.



Hill Reelected Iowa Farm Bureau President

Craig Hill of Milo was re-elected president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) at the organization's 95th annual meeting in Des Moines. Delegates also re-elected three district directors to the board. They include Doug Gronau of Vail, Nick Podhajsky of Traer and Calvin Rozenboom of Oskaloosa.

Hill's service to the Iowa Farm Bureau started at the county level. He was involved in various positions with the Warren County Farm Bureau board of directors. In 1989, he was elected as the District 8 representative on the state board of directors. He then served as the organization's vice president from 2001-2011 before being elected president.

As president, Hill serves as chairman of the board of FBL Financial Group, Inc., and serves on the American Farm Bureau board of directors. In addition, he serves on the Rain & Hail LLC board of directors.

Throughout his years on the IFBF board, Hill has been involved in a variety of projects. He was instrumental in the development of Revenue Assurance, a revenue-based crop insurance for corn and soybean farmers. He also served as the first chairman of the Iowa Ag State Group, which consists of representatives from all sectors of Iowa's agriculture, and on the U.S. Grains Council. Hill was also appointed to Governor Vilsack's Strategic Planning Council in 1999 to help Iowa prepare for the future of our state in 2010. In 2003, the AFBF named Hill to a 23-member national committee, Making Agriculture Productive and Profitable (MAPP). The committee develops policy options for Farm Bureau to consider.

He and his wife, Patti, have two children. Their son, Adam, is involved on the family grain and livestock operation. Their daughter, Abbie, is an associate attorney with Gross & Welch in Omaha, Neb.

Gronau represents District 4, which consists of 11 counties in west central Iowa. He was elected to the position in 2001. Prior to his election to the board, he was vice chairman of the internal study committee. Gronau has served in numerous Crawford County Farm Bureau leadership capacities. He has served on several statewide environmental committees representing IFBF and was also a member of the IFBF Speaker Corps. He has also been appointed to the Farm Bureau Life Insurance Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Leopold advisory board.

Podhajsky represents District 6, which consists of 11 counties in eastern Iowa. He was elected to the position in 2011. Podhajsky was a 2010 Iowa delegate representative for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting and has served in many other elected positions in his county Farm Bureau office, including president and county voting delegate.

Rozenboom represents District 8, which consists of 10 counties in south central Iowa. He was elected to the position in 2001. Before that, he was very active in the Mahaska County Farm Bureau where he served as president and vice president. He has also served as chairman of the IFBF swine advisory committee and as a member of the IFBF resolutions committee. He was also a member of the AFBF swine advisory committee. He has spent six years on the board of directors of CRWRC, an international relief agency which currently serves in 28 countries, primarily providing community development, health education, literacy services and disaster relief.

Nine delegates were elected to represent Iowa at the AFBF annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 12-15. They include: IFBF President Craig Hill, Vice President Joe Heinrich of Maquoketa, Doug Boland of Williamsburg, Cal Rozenboom of Oskaloosa, Dallas Johnston of Kent, Dave Kronlage of Dyersville, Gary Rayhons of Garner, Paul Gieselman of Morning Sun, and Dan Chism of Emmetsburg.

Dave Seil of Gowrie (Webster County) was elected to a three-year term on the IFBF internal study committee. The internal study committee serves as a liaison between the county Farm Bureau voting delegates and the state board of directors.



October Beef Exports Continue Surge; Pork Export Value Highest of 2013

Beef exports remained on a record-setting pace in October while pork exports put up one of their strongest performances of the year, yet remain behind 2012’s record-high levels, according to statistics released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Top beef export markets Japan and Mexico both increased the volume of their U.S. beef purchases in excess of 40 percent for the month, while sales to the booming Hong Kong market skyrocketed 148 percent. Overall, October U.S. beef exports reached 107,471 metric tons valued at $564.5 million, increases of 6 and nearly 14 percent, respectively.

Pork exports in October were the largest of the year on a value basis at $539.9 million, and second-largest in volume at 186,637 metric tons, but still declined 11 and 14 percent, respectively, from last October’s all-time single-month highs for both volume and value. Both the ASEAN and the Central and South America region recorded double-digit increases, as they have all year, but other key markets trailed 2012’s historic highs.

“The ebbs and flows of export markets require us to make continual adjustments,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “For example, Japan remains the United States’ top value market for pork exports, but relentless competition from other international suppliers is making it tougher for us to maintain our market share."

Seng also noted while the U.S. Congress continues to debate budget cuts that could affect spending on programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program that support U.S. agricultural exports, the European Commission has proposed more than tripling its spending to support EU agricultural and agri-food sector products.

“There is no question that exports create jobs and support a positive balance of trade,” said Seng. “The European Commission sees that link and is looking to put significantly more resources into their export initiative, so we can expect to face even heavier competition in the top value markets going forward.”

Top Beef Markets
Increased exports to leading markets Japan and Mexico – along with sharp increases in sales to Hong Kong – continue to drive U.S. beef sales to higher levels. For the year, total U.S. beef exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) stand at 969,186 metric tons (up 2 percent) valued at nearly $5.1 billion (up 11 percent), and are expected to easily top 2012’s record value of $5.51 billion.

Export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $251.06 in October, up $29 from last year. Exports accounted for 11 percent of muscle cuts and 13.5 percent of total beef exports (muscle cuts plus variety meat) for the month, up from 10 and 12.6 percent, respectively, last year.

Top-performing beef export markets in October were:
-    Japan: 18,004 metric tons (up 40 percent) valued at $106.3 million (up 16 percent)
-    Mexico: 21,983 metric tons (up 53 percent) – Mexico’s largest volume of U.S. beef imports since December 2011 – valued at $95.3 million (up 50 percent)
-    Hong Kong: 15,403 metric tons (up 148 percent) – a new record volume – valued at $98.1 million (up 184 percent)
-    South Korea: 9,509 metric tons (up more than 25 percent) valued at $60.6 million (up close to 75 percent)
-    Central/South America: 3,560 metric tons (up 61 percent) valued at $15.5 million (up nearly 54 percent)

“Hong Kong is clearly emerging as a major beef market, and USMEF’s initiatives there cover retail, food service and trade sectors in this highly competitive and progressive market,” said Seng. “We are the second-largest supplier to Hong Kong, trailing only Brazil, but we are continuing to miss out on even larger opportunities in mainland China, where we have not had access since 2003.”

Mainland China’s beef imports through the first 10 months of this year have reached 253,196 metric tons valued at nearly $1.1 billion – increases of 562 percent in volume and 595 percent in value over last year, according to the Global Trade Atlas. Australia holds better than a 50 percent market share there in the United States’ absence.

Top Pork Markets
Mexico, the leading volume market for U.S. pork, dipped 2 percent in volume during October (55,152 metric tons) while the value increased 5.6 percent to $114.6 million. Through the first 10 months of the year, export volume to Mexico (501,979 metric tons) was steady with last year’s record pace and export value ($964.4 million) was 4 percent higher.

October sales to the top value market, Japan, slipped nearly 8 percent in value ($173.5 million) on 15 percent lower volume (38,322 metric tons). For January through October, exports were down 9 percent in volume (356,032 metric tons) and 6 percent in value ($1.58 billion).

U.S. pork export value in October averaged $51.79 per head, down 7 percent from last year. Exports accounted for 20 percent of pork muscle cuts and nearly 24 percent of total pork production, compared to 23 and 27.4 percent last year.

Other key pork export results in October were:
-    China/Hong Kong region: 36,531 metric tons (down nearly 6 percent) valued at $80.9 million (down 4 percent)
-    Canada: 18,831 metric tons (down 7 percent) valued at $69.3 million (down 6 percent)
-    Central/South America: 13,040 metric tons (up more than 23 percent) valued at $33.9 million (up 30 percent) – led by a 65 percent increase in volume to Colombia (3,916 metric tons) and 66 percent jump in value ($10.7 million)
-    South Korea: 5,566 metric tons (down 60 percent) valued at $16 million (down 57 percent)
-    ASEAN: 6,912 metric tons (up more than 17 percent) valued at $15.2 million (up more than 15 percent)

Lamb exports
Lamb exports in October were down to top market Mexico, but increased for next-largest markets Canada and the Caribbean. For the month they equaled 855 metric tons, down 36.5 percent, while the value of exports dipped 11.7 percent to nearly $2.2 million.

For the year, lamb exports remain up 7 percent in value at $23.6 million on 7 percent lower volumes (10,575 metric tons).



ASA DuPont Young Leader Completes 30th Anniversary Class

During the first-phase of a two-part leadership program, the 30th class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders began their journey last week at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa.

Representatives from 22 states and Canada participated in training that included a communications workshop, DiSC workplace assessment, soybean issues panel discussion and soybean pipeline update. The Johnston training session was the first phase of a program designed to identify new and aspiring leaders and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers.

“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 organizations and agricultural interests.”

The 2014 class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders participating in the first phase of training included: James Hereford, Ala.; Adam Cloninger, Ark.; Andrew & Savannah Moore, Ga; Drew DeSutter, Ill.; Matt & Carla Schenk, Ind.; Tim Couser, Iowa; Kregg Rennie, KS; Quint & Leah Pottinger, Ky.; Matt Hinderer, Mich.; Michael Petefish, Minn.; Pierce Brown, Miss.; Kellen Bounous, Mo.; Matt & Brandy King, Neb.; Bryant & Courtney Jennings, NC.; Joe & Rachael Ericson, SD.; Jeff Adams, Ohio.; Cody & Ashley Sloan, Okla.; Charles Rogers, SC.: Scott Biskeborn, SD; Jay & Alice Yeargin, Tenn.; Tyler Franklin, Va.; Johnathan Gibbs, Wis. and Rob & Cindy Foster, Canada.

“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 growers needed to capture those opportunities and meet those challenges,” said Randy Wanke, Sr. Manager Industry Relations, Pioneer.



USB Grows to 70; New Directors Sworn In, New Leadership Elected

With the growth in soybean acres, the United Soybean Board (USB) has added a new farmer-leader. That new director, from Mississippi, was sworn in yesterday  with 12 other new and 22 reappointed directors at USB’s Annual Meeting. Shortly after being sworn in, these directors took part in electing new leadership to begin the strategic-planning process for the next year.

The board elected Jim Call, soybean farmer from Madison, Minn., to lead the board as USB Chairman in 2014.

“I’ve been proud to be a part of USB as it takes its work to a new level,” says Call. “The checkoff’s research to improve and grow demand and preference for U.S. soy really benefits all U.S. soybean farmers.”

Call won’t be by himself in continuing to move the soy industry forward in the areas of meal, oil, freedom to operate and customer focus. He’ll be joined by the executive committee, consisting of:
    Vice Chairman: Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kan.
    Secretary: Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, S.D.
    Treasurer: Jared Hagert, Emerado, N.D.
    Meal Action Team Chair: Laura Foell, Schaller, Iowa
    Oil Action Team Chair: Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, S.D.
    Freedom to Operate Action Team Chair: Richard Fordyce, Bethany, Mo.
    Customer Focus Action Team Chair: John Motter, Jenera, Ohio
    International Opportunities Target Area Coordinator: Dwain Ford, Kinmundy, Ill.
    Supply Target Area Coordinator: Gregg Fujan, Weston, Neb.
    Communications Target Area Coordinator: Jimmy Sneed, Hernando, Miss.
    Past Chairman: Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg, Iowa

Additionally, Jim Schriver, soybean farmer from Blufton, Ind., will serve as Domestic Opportunities Target Area Coordinator and David Hartke, soybean farmer Teutopolis, Ill., will chair USB’s Audit and Evaluation committee.

At the annual meeting, farmer leaders also elected the Strategic Management Committee (SMC) to track the progress of checkoff-funded activities to ensure they remain consistent with USB’s long-range strategic plan. Farmer-leaders who will serve on the SMC include:
    Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kan.
    Todd Gibson, Norborne, Mo.
    Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wis.
    Ron Ohlde, Palmer, Kan.
    Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg, Iowa

New USB directors who were sworn in include:
    Wilfrid Bibus, Chesterfield, N.J.
    James Domagalski, Columbus, Mich.
    Daniel Farney, Morton, Ill.
    Cameron Gibson, Orange, Va.
    Gregory Greving, Chapman, Neb.
    Derek Haigwood, Newport, Ark.
    Ralph Lott II, Seneca, N.Y.
    Douglas Simmons III, Leland, Miss.
    David Wansley, Vicksburg, Miss.
    Grant Watermann, Vona, Colo.
    David Williams, Elsie, Mich.
    Kevin Wilson, Walton, Ind.
    Dallas Wright, Millsboro, Del.

Reappointed directors include:
    Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, S.D.
    Bill Beam, Elverson, Pa.
    Charles Cannatella, Melville, La.
    Delbert Christensen, Audubon, Iowa
    Bob Derr, Marshall, Wis.
    John Dodson, Halls, Tenn.
    Richard Fordyce, Bethany, Mo.
    Gregg Fujan, Weston, Neb.
    Paul Fruendt, Cuthrie, Okla.
    Jared Hagert, Emerado, N.D.
    Robb Hanks, LeRoy, Minn.
    Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kan.
    Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wis.
    Keith Kemp, West Manchester, Ohio
    Steve Moore, Sudlersville, Md.
    Ron Ohlde, Palmer, Kan.
    Jacob Parker, Columbia, N.C.
    Dale Profit, Van Wert, Ohio
    Jim Schriver, Bluffton, Ind.
    Joel Thorsrud, Hillboro, N.D.
    Jim Willers, Beaver Creek, Minn.
    Doug Winter, Mill Shoals, Ill.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.



NCBA Announces Impressive Speaker Lineup for 2014 Cattle Industry Convention

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is pleased to announce the lineup of speakers for the 2014 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Captain Richard Phillips will kick off the convention with keynote remarks during the general opening session, scheduled for Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. and sponsored by Boehringher Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Captain Richard Phillips is the inspiration for the movie, “Captain Phillips”, starring Tom Hanks. The movie is based on Phillips’s book, “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy Seals and Dangerous Days at Sea,” a fascinating and suspenseful recounting of the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years.

It’s the incredible story of a regular man who found the courage to lead his ship and save his crew while besieged by Somali pirates for five days. Phillips not only shares his compelling story as a “floating CEO” in charge of the day-to-day operations of a multi-million dollar ship and its crew, he also draws lessons from the dramatic events that can help you survive and thrive. He will discuss the vital importance of leadership and teamwork, combined with a belief in the power and potential of yourself and your team, as seen through the eyes of an unassuming hero who conquered one of the world’s most extraordinary challenges.

General Session II, sponsored by Bayer Animal Health, takes place Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m. and features all-American and NFL quarterback Archie Manning, who transcends his athletic achievements. People far and wide have been inspired by his warm personality, his drive, and sense of humor.
Recognized as a 14-year veteran quarterback and father of two Super Bowl champion quarterbacks, Peyton and Eli, Manning believes the greatest rewards don’t come from winning the game – they come from playing the game. His other principles for success are leadership, depending on others and being flexible. Manning takes these lessons, along with countless others, to inspire audiences to achieve greatness in their journey for personal and professional success.

On Feb. 5 at 8 a.m, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC and Zoetis are sponsoring the Cattlefax outlook seminar. This session will explore the factors that influence the profitability of your operation, and provide a look forward to what cattle, beef and feed prices might look like in the future. To top it off, Art Douglas, Ph.D., of Creighton University will provide a long-term weather outlook.

“Convention attendees can expect inspirational and thought-provoking speeches from each of our keynote speakers,” said NCBA President Scott George. “We are thrilled to have Captain Phillips and Archie Manning join us in Nashville to help set the tone for a productive and engaging week ahead.”

For more information on the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org.



CropLife Foundation Report Examines Immense Value of Seed Treatment for Agriculture

CropLife Foundation (CLF) today releases “The Role of Seed Treatment in Modern U.S. Crop Production,” an in-depth report detailing the uses of seed treatments, primarily fungicides and insecticides, and the resulting benefits for growers, consumers and the environment. The report highlights the role of modern seed treatments in producing healthier, more uniform crops; increasing crop value; and allowing growers to plant earlier in the season, all while reducing potential environmental exposure through an increasingly precise application method.

Seed treatment refers to the direct application of crop protection products to the surface of a seed prior to planting. This method of crop protection suppresses, controls and repels pathogens, insects and other pests that threaten to limit seed viability and health from the time that the seed enters the soil through its development. Seed treatment also helps protect high-quality seed that has been enhanced through other agricultural technologies, such as hybrid or genetically modified seed, resulting in added value to growers.

The CLF report cites research conducted throughout the country on some of the measurable, beneficial impacts of seed treatment:

Grower benefits:
-    Fungicide seed treatments active against the fungus Thielaviopsis produced a 65 percent increase in cotton stands in California compared to untreated cotton seed;
-    Seed treatment insecticides applied to rice seed in Arkansas reduced damage from grape colapsis larvae by up to 83 percent;
-    Yields of spring wheat and spring barley increased by 25 percent following the application of seed treatment, according to trials conducted at Montana State University;
-    Neonicotinoid seed treatments more than doubled stands of sorghum in Louisiana research trials.

Environmental benefits:
-    Potential soil surface exposure is reduced by up to 90 percent compared to other application methods such as in-furrow applications or broadcast sprays;
-    Seed treatment technology has improved from application of ounces per hundred weight of seed (cwt) to milligrams per individual seed.

Economic benefits:
-    Through increased protection and greater crop yields, seed treatment helped contribute to nearly $80 billion worth of value to American corn growers in 2011;
-    Seed varieties developed through modern breeding techniques, combined with effective seed treatments, provide nearly 100 percent crop stand – almost every seed produces a mature plant.

CLF held a press event this morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., which included presentations from Jay Vroom, CLF’s chair of the board of directors; Andrew W. LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA); and Tim Burrack, farmer and vice chair of the board of directors of Truth About Trade & Technology (TATT).

Vroom highlighted key findings of the report and emphasized the value of seed treatment for farmers in the U.S., including the class of neonicotinoid insecticides. “CLF’s new report includes detailed information on an array of seed treatment solutions, including neonicotinoid insecticides, which provide excellent control of many insect pests, and have also been shown to improve plant health,” Vroom noted. “These products are strictly regulated in the U.S. by the EPA, and under science-based regulations, American farmers continue to reap the benefits of these products. Seed treatment is a vital component in the array of technologies that American farmers select in order to produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for their communities.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current regulatory process for neonicotinoids and other crop protection products establishes protection levels for both humans and wildlife on the basis of numerous scientific tests. Strict product labeling standards established by EPA also ensure that products are used responsibly. Through a periodic review process, EPA continues to assess any potential risks of neonicotinoids and other crop protection products.

To download the full report, visit http://croplifeamerica.org/seedtreatment.



A New Report Shows the Critical Benefits of Farm Bill Conservation
Tom Vilsack, USDA Secretary

America’s farmers, ranchers and landowners have led the way in recent years to conserve and protect our soil, water and wildlife habitat.

With the help of Farm Bill programs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has worked with a record number of producers since 2009 – more than 500,000 of them – to get this important work done.

Ever since the Dust Bowl, we’ve known that investments in conservation on working lands and other wild areas is important. And this week, a new report amplified our understanding for the critical importance of the Farm Bill in protecting natural resources in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The report showed that over the past seven years, conservation efforts have reduced the amount of nitrogen leaving fields by 48.6 million pounds each year – about 26 percent – and reducing phosphorus by 7.1 million pounds, or 46 percent.

These conservation practices are also preventing soil erosion, helping to ensure that our farm fields across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed remain vibrant and productive in the years to come. Conservation practices have lowered the estimated amount of eroded soil by about 15.1 million tons every year, or 60 percent. Put another way, that’s enough soil to fill about 150,000 railcars.

In addition to ensuring healthy cropland and clean water, these programs strengthen wildlife habitat that boosts outdoor recreation. From hunting and fishing, to camping and hiking, outdoor recreation adds more than $640 billion in benefits to our economy each year.

The Chesapeake Bay watershed initiative is just one of many landscape-scale initiatives undertaken by USDA in recent years. From the Mississippi River Basin to the Ogallala Aquifer, USDA has worked with producers to enroll millions of acres in targeted landscape initiatives – and today’s report once again highlights the positive impact this work can have across the nation.

From clean soil to healthier water, the benefits of conservation impact every American – and they’re one reason why USDA is pressing Congress this fall to provide a comprehensive, multiyear Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that continues our record conservation efforts.

A new Farm Bill would continue targeted conservation efforts on working lands that ensure soil quality, water quality, erosion control, forest restoration, and wildlife habitat. It would continue major working land programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program, through which USDA has provided more than 190,000 landowner contracts since 2009, as well as the Conservation Reserve Program under which we have held a signup each year during this Administration. A new Farm Bill would also ensure that tens of millions of acres remain in conservation practices by linking crop insurance compliance to conservation program participation.

Across the nation, our farmers, ranchers and landowners are stepping up to protect our natural resources. They deserve our support – and the most important thing that can happen today is for Congress to achieve passage of a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that stands by producers and continues our long legacy of conservation.



Deere to Repurchase $8 Billion of its Common Stock

The Deere & Company Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $8 billion of additional common stock. The board also declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.51 a share on common stock, payable February 3, 2014 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2013.

"Today's action reflects our confidence in the company's long-term future growth opportunities," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. "The decision exemplifies our commitment to creating superior long-term value for investors."

The repurchase program will supplement the existing $5 billion share authorization announced in May 2008. On October 31, 2013, there was approximately $1 billion remaining under the prior authorization. Repurchases will be made at the company's discretion in the open market. Deere had approximately 375 million shares outstanding on October 31, 2013.

Since early 2004, the company has repurchased about $11 billion of common stock through its share buyback program.