Monday December 2 Ag News

Nebraska’s Pork Producers Take Proactive Approach to PED Virus

To date Nebraska remains among the states with no reported cases of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). However, neighboring states have reported cases of PEDV making it necessary for Nebraska’s hog farmers to be ever vigilant.  "The Nebraska Pork Producers Board of Directors is choosing a proactive approach,” said Shane Meyer, President of the Association.  “Nebraska has been extremely fortunate not to have any reported cases of the PED Virus and we would like to keep it that way. Learning as much as we can about the virus, practicing strict biosecurity and managing proper farm protocols is a great start to keeping our animals safe and healthy”.

Leading experts from the National Pork Board, Iowa State University and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture have been assembled to convey the latest available information on the disease along with protocols that have been put in place to prevent the spread of the disease.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus was confirmed in the United States during the week of May 13, 2013. It is a RNA coronavirus, which is related to transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEv). However, there is no cross protection afforded by immunity developed to one against the other. PED Virus was first diagnosed in 1971 in Great Britain, since that time there has been sporadic outbreaks in Europe and has become an endemic pig disease in Asia since 1982.

The seminar will be held on December 16, 2013, at the Holiday Inn Express in Columbus, Nebraska.  Registration check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the program will conclude at 3:30 p.m. There are no registration fees. Registration is required for meal counts.  Register at www.nepork.org or call 1-888-627-7675.



Spangler Receives Wendell Burgher Beef Industry Award

Matthew Spangler, associate professor of animal science, has been selected to receive the Wendell Burgher Beef Industry Award from IANR.  The award consists of an annual stipend and monetary award to support his program activities for the next two years.

The Wendell Burgher Beef Industry Award was created by a gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation from Louis Burgher, M.D. and Ph.D., president of Clarkson College in Omaha, to memorialize his father, Wendell Burgher. Wendell Burgher was a prominent cattleman in central Iowa and western Nebraska for nearly 60 years. An auctioneer, order buyer and cattle feeder, Wendell and his father owned the largest sale yard in Iowa in the 1940s. He was co-owner and manager of a livestock exchange in McCook until the late 1960s. The award allows IANR to reward outstanding faculty and advance their academic endeavors.

Spangler received the award in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the beef industry. Since arriving at UNL in 2008, Spangler has had a productive career. He leads the Weight Trait Project which includes working with 24 seedstock producers from 7 breed associations with the aim to evaluate and deploy genomic selection tools to the U.S. beef industry. This project was successfully leveraged as part of the USDA funded Feed Efficiency grant and serves as the field demonstration component of the project. Spangler and colleagues have developed a certificate program at UNL (Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars) that is designed to integrate core animal science classes, internships and education trips and experiences to further develop the future leaders of the beef industry. In addition, he has developed and taught two graduate-level courses. And, he is part of a collaborative team with beef breed associations, colleagues in the Statistics Department and at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center that continue to develop and evaluate the use of genomics in beef cattle selection.

Spangler has given 140 invited talks in 15 states and in Canada and Brazil.



Vilsack Announces United Soybean Board Appointments

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of 35 members and three alternate members to the United Soybean Board.  The 35 appointed board members are soybean farmers from across the United States.  These volunteer farmers invest soy checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in projects to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil; ensure U.S. farmers and their customers maintain the freedom and infrastructure to operate; and meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers.

Appointed USB directors representing Nebraska are soybean farmers Gregg Fujan, of Weston, NE and Greg Greving, of Chapman, NE.  Both directors have shown strong leadership through their dedication to service on the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) Fujan has served as the District 3 NSB director four terms and Greving has just completed his 4th term as the District 4 NSB director. While on the board Fujan and Greving both served as Chairman of the Board.  

Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director for the Nebraska Soybean Board, commend Fujan and Greving for their dedication to the soybean industry. “They had always done a good job of representing the interests of Nebraska soybean farmers. And both brought a wealth of knowledge and business sense to our meetings, and I am confident that they will continue to be a valuable part of USB.”



Seeking Candidates for Position on the United Soybean Board

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is seeking candidates to fill a United Soybean Board (USB) Member position.  If you are an interested soybean farmer please contact the NSB office.

USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

Anyone interested in applying needs to meet the following criteria:
Be involved in a farming operation that raises soybeans.
Be a resident of Nebraska.
Be at least 21 years of age.

USB Members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for expenses incurred while carrying out Board business.  USB Directors serve three-year terms.

This position is open to all soybean farmers in Nebraska. NSB will nominate two candidates and the appointment will be made by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture.  The USDA has a policy that membership on USDA boards and committees is open to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. 

For more information please contact Victor Bohuslavsky at 402-432-5720, before the March 1, 2014 deadline.



Seeking Candidates for Directors on the Nebraska Soybean Board

There are two district seats on the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) eligible for election this year.  Soybean farmers in Districts 5 and 7 are invited to run for election to the Nebraska Soybean Board by filing a candidacy petition by the April 15, 2014 deadline. The election of directors will be conducted via direct-mail ballots and candidate information will be provided to all soybean farmers residing within the district in which an election is to be held.

The At-Large position on the Nebraska Soybean Board is open to all soybean farmers in Nebraska and will be elected by the Directors of the Nebraska Soybean Board at the July  NSB meeting.  A candidacy petition must also be filed by the April 15, 2014 deadline for the At-Large position.

This is an opportunity to see for yourself how the soybean checkoff money is invested, and become a part of the decision making.   You will become a VOICE representing your District on the Board.

NSB Directors and the At-Large Position receive no salary but are reimbursed for expenses incurred while carrying out Board business and will serve a three-year term which would begin October 1, 2014.

Director seats open are:
District 5:    Counties of Cass, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson.
District 7:    Counties of Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Franklin, Hall, Kearney, Nuckolls and Webster.

Candidates for the NSB seats and the At-Large position must be:
A resident of Nebraska
21 years of age or older
Soybean farmer  in Nebraska for at least 5 previous years

Prospective candidates must collect the signatures of 50 soybean farmers in their district using an official Nebraska Soybean Board Candidacy Petition and return such petition to the Nebraska Soybean Board office on or before April 15, 2014, to be eligible for placement on the ballot.  To obtain a candidacy petition, contact Victor Bohuslavsky at the Nebraska Soybean Board by calling 402-432-5720.



Ag Experts Tell A-FAN Stakeholders Farmers Should Return to Raising Both Livestock and Feed Crops to Achieve Added Value to Corn, Soybean Harvests

The future of American agriculture may include a return to the days when most row crop farmers also raised livestock, according to featured speakers at the annual stakeholders meeting of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN) in Lincoln.  In his opening remarks,Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said that one of his department’s areas of focus is to help build strong local communities by “layering, 1950s’ style. Then, everybody had a few acres of row crops and also raised livestock, kept dairy cows, or finished pigs,” he said.

The other areas of focus for his department include a vision for agriculture “that allows our sons and daughters to return to the family farm with promise of a successful career,” he said. “That means we need to figure out how to let those farms grow, and how we let the industries in those communities grow to support those families coming back to the farm. This ties in with A-FAN’s goal of building strong community economies through animal agriculture. This is where the “layering” comes in, he says. “The scale will be different, but that will create opportunities in those communities.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Chris Hurt, extension agronomist and agricultural economist at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, agrees that “layering” may be in the cards for American farmers as a way to create added value to their operations. While row crops may run in the $3.00 per bushel range, feeding that grain to livestock on the same farm can bump the value of that bushel of corn to $5 or $6 or more in the future. The key is finding the balance between crops and animal sectors of agriculture, he said.“We are interested in the balance between crops and animal sectors of agriculture,”  Hurt said. “Go-ing back to about 2006, it turns out crop and animal receipts are pretty much in balance. There are times when we get a surge in grain prices and then in livestock prices. But in the long run things tend to balance out.”

The 2012 drought reduced crop supply, for example, “leading to increased prices in the feed market, in turn causing increased consumer prices at the meat case,” he said. But he sees a leveling off on the horizon. “After a period of a sharp up factor for the crop sector, we’re going to go through a period of moderation.

The reasons he sees moderation coming are three-fold:
• One of the big drivers is corn ethanol, he said. “This has given the illusion that corn is in short supply. The 2006-2010 period was the time of the big boom for ethanol. But we should expect just modest growth going forward. While the 2013 yield will be just slightly below trend, it is rebounding back toward normal.”
• The rising income level in foreign countries, in China primarily.  “Together, these two drivers (ethanol and Chinese soybean demand) create a big demand for corn and soybeans,” he said, “amounting to 30 million new acres of cropland demand needed. Under these conditions, supply won’t catch up to demand, leading to my third driver, under-investment in agricultural production in developing countries.” 
• Under-investment in agricultural production in developing countries has been caused by the low prices of U.S.-produced corn during the 1998-2005 time period, the $2.00 per bushel era, he said. “Why would these countries want to raise crops when the U.S was raising them at such low costs?” 

According to Hurt, the world is anxious to raise crops. “With rising income levels worldwide, demand will continue to grow and U.S. agriculture is not going to be able to keep up in a sustainable way. That growth will go to South America, where they can bring more land into production,” he said.!Hurt said the best way to add value to your corn is to also raise livestock. This is where “layering” re-enters the conversation.

“Livestock has always been the historical value-adding system,” he said.  This makes livestock people and crop people happy. If you have feed priced in the $5-6 range, both crop and livestock producers are going to be happy, keeping both sectors in balance.”

Price trends shift over time based on supply and demand in the marketplace, according to Hurt, but over the long run they achieve a balance. Consumer prices for poultry and pork will lower in the next year or so, with beef prices lowering in 2016.  The marketplace trends toward moderation, he said. 



Monsanto announces launch of new scholarship program

Every year, approximately 25,000 agricultural jobs go unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants. The agriculture industry needs talented, driven and passionate young people willing to make a commitment to agriculture, especially with a growing population and the subsequent need to feed an estimated 9 billion people by the year 2050.

                Monsanto Company recently announced its launch of the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders scholarship program, to get students in rural America excited about careers in agriculture. America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, presented by Monsanto in connection with the National FFA Scholarship program, offers students the chance to earn a $1,500 scholarship for college.

                “With $1,500 to put toward their college education, students will be better prepared to make a meaningful contribution that benefits them, their rural hometowns and the future of the agricultural industry,” said Elizabeth Vancil, Monsanto customer advocacy outreach manager.

                Agriculture is more than just farming—it’s thousands of careers in a variety of fields, including plant science, engineering, communications, finance and much more—and the Grow Ag Leaders scholarship is available to students pursuing these and many other agricultural majors. According to Nebraska Department of Agriculture, one in three Nebraska jobs is tied to agriculture. Monsanto is excited about helping to educate the next generation to fill those jobs and keep them actively involved in rural America.   

                Monsanto recognizes and supports the role farmers play in the future of agriculture, so each Grow Ag Leaders applicant must have three farmers endorse his or her application. Eligible farmers can also help generate student interest in agricultural careers by spreading the word about this scholarship opportunity to eligible students in their communities and families.

                Nebraska was chosen to pilot the Grow Ag Leaders program and is one of only six states receiving the opportunity for scholarships this year. This year, America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders is available in 36 Crop Reporting Districts (CRDs) in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina and South Carolina. 78 Nebraska counties in eight CRDs are eligible for the program. Unless there are insufficient entries, 16 scholarships, totaling $24,000 will be awarded in Nebraska.  A list of all 264 eligible counties within the 36 CRDs, and a full list of student and farmer eligibility requirements can be found at GrowAgLeaders.com.

                Eligible students should visit FFA.org/scholarships to complete the application, between November 15, 2013 and February 1, 2014, and for complete program information. Eligible farmers should visit FFA.org/scholarships or call 877-267-3332 before February 8, 2014, to endorse a student. Farmers must have the student’s scholarship application ID to complete the endorsement. No purchase is necessary to apply or win.



McDonald’s Salutes Dairy Producers
(from Midwest Dairy - Nebraska Division)

McDonald’s showed its appreciation for the nation’s early risers – America’s dairy farm families – in a video shown at the 2013 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association. The video is posted at the checkoff’s dairygood.org website, which provides an online forum to help reconnect consumers with dairy farming so they better understand “where good comes from.” McDonald’s and the dairy checkoff’s multi-year partnership has seen billions of pounds of additional milk sold through new and reformulated products. This includes the testing and introduction of 27 new dairy-friendly products in 2013 alone!

JAMA Report Questions Milk and Bones Relationship
A Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics study that could be portrayed as negative in terms of dairy’s bone health benefits was released this month. The study found that higher milk consumption during teenage years was not associated with a lower risk of hip fracture in older adults. The authors also found that milk intake in teens contributes to greater height, and they found an association between greater height and fracture risk in adult men (but not in adult women). The journal also ran an invited editorial by Dr. Connie Weaver of Purdue University that questions the study’s conclusions and reaffirms the value of milk for bone health and other health benefits.

The study is posted on JAMA Pediatrics.

There has been only limited media interest in the study. The journal’s press release was picked up by some media outlets and health sites, but the coverage has been balanced and the study’s lead author makes it clear that the findings do not impact standing recommendations to consume milk during teen years for optimal health.



State Leaders to Address Nebraska Farmers Union 100th Annual Convention Participants

“Proudly Serving Family Farm & Ranch Agriculture Since 1913” is the theme for the 100th Annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) State Convention.   John Hansen, NeFU President said, “This year’s convention will feature several state leaders who will help Farmers Union members focus on some of the major challenges featuring agriculture. 

On Friday afternoon at 1:40 p.m. USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services State Conservationist Craig Derickson will update convention participants on the latest status on federal programs that affect rural Nebraskans day to day lives.

Health care has been a hot topic in the news lately.  How do you navigate through the new system?  A Friday 2:40 p.m. panel featuring Mark Intermill of AARP, and Scott Jensen and Stephanie Ridgway from Central Nebraska Community Services will give an update on deployment of the law, and the fundamentals of signing up.

Gubernatorial Candidate Chuck Hassebrook will be on-hand Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. to give convention participants his perspective on Nebraska.  At the end of the panel Hassebrook should have time to answer questions.

At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday Seth Harder, the General Manager for Husker Ag, Inc, a farmer-owned ethanol plant will give an update on the status of the ethanol industry and address the huge economic impact ethanol has to rural Nebraska.

David Domina, the Legal Counsel for the Nebraska Easement Action Team, will keynote the Saturday Noon Luncheon and address “The Ag Economy”.

Registration costs are $35 and begin at 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday mornings.  Convention begins at 9:00 a.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Saturday.  As always, all members and the public is always welcome.  To register or to view the agenda in entirety go to our website at www.nebraskafarmersunion.org. 



Dec. 31 Deadline for Confinement Manure Applicator Training in Iowa

Nearly 20 percent of current confinement site manure applicators need to complete annual training by Dec. 31.  "I would encourage anyone who is currently certified and plans to renew their certificate to complete the training for this year," said Jeff Prier who coordinates the Iowa DNR's applicator certification program.

About 430 of 2,310 confinement site applicators have not yet completed this year's annual training. Prier says that's ahead of last year at the end of November when nearly half of the applicants needed to complete training by year's end.

"It's not too late," says Prier. "If they get in and get the training for all three years, they can avoid taking a make-up test when they renew their certificate. Even if they've missed a year, the training updates them on current regulations, what's happening with Iowa's nutrient reduction strategy and provides tips on how to handle land application."

Applicators can schedule with their county Extension office. Many offices have scheduled dates and times for viewing the training video.

Find out more about training opportunities at www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/maccsa.html. Program information is also available under Applicator Certification at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/.

The confinement applicator certificate is good for three years. Applicators may satisfy certification requirements through training or testing. If they choose training, they must attend all three years of training or take an exam before renewing their certificate.



Thousands of Iowa Runners Refuel with Beef Stew

More than 75 Iowa beef industry volunteers served hot beef stew to thousands of runners in the 35th annual Living History Farms Off-Road Race. Runners from across the country endured the single digit weather to run the 7-mile race, which takes place on the museum's grounds in Urbandale.

"This year, more than 20 Team Beef runners sported shirts with the message 'Beef. Fuel for the Finish,'" said Nancy Degner, Executive Director of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. "TEAM BEEF is composed of Iowa State University faculty and students with majors in animal science, as well as other cattle farmers and friends of the beef industry who are passionate about beef," she added.

Seth Watkins, cattle farmer from Clarinda, said "I am proud to wear the TEAM BEEF shirt and hear all the support along the race from runners and by-standers who shouted 'Go Beef' and 'Where's the Beef?' We answered 'at the end of the race in the beef stew!' I was proud to have cattle farmers serving the beef stew at the end of the race."

Degner said the beef checkoff became involved to carry a message to the athletes. "Our message to the runners was two-fold," said Degner. "First, that beef provides high-quality protein needed to build, maintain and repair muscle, and is a great recovery food after endurance exercise. Second, we wanted to give runners the chance to meet local cattle farmers as they served the beef stew."

The hot beef stew greeted frozen runners after a route complete with several creek crossings and other obstacles. The beef checkoff provided the 2,000 pounds of beef cubes used in the stew prepared by the Iowa Machine Shed.

Serving was completed in less than 2 hours by volunteers that included cattle producer families, Iowa State University animal science students, 4-H-ers, Madison County Youth Beef Team members, and friends of the beef industry. Beef certificates were awarded as prizes for the race, replacing the traditional frozen turkeys and chickens.

Those interested in joining or learning more about TEAM BEEF can visit the Iowa Beef Industry Council website at www.iabeef.org or by calling 515-296-2305.



Study Claims CBO May Have Overstated Crop Insurance Cost

New data by agricultural economist Art Barnaby indicates that the Congressional Budget Office may have overstated the cost of federal crop insurance.

Barnaby concludes that price volatility, the amount of uncertainty or risk in the size of the changes of a security's value, drives premium cost more than market price. If implied volatility (estimated volatility) decreases then the resulting decrease in premiums will create lower premium support costs equaling lower taxpayer costs.

The Risk Management Agency's rating system uses the market implied volatility for estimating the price risk of insuring the crop. However, higher volatility does not always correspond with higher loss years. In 2012, corn had an implied volatility of 22 percent for the crop that had the largest historical underwriting loss and largest loss ratio since 1993.

In the last four years of winter wheat production the implied volatility has decreased from 33 percent volatility in 2011 to 19 percent volatility for the 2014 crop. If the volatility for both corn and wheat remains about 20 percent, this will keep the premium prices lower indicating a lower federal cost for crop insurance.

If CBO estimated crop insurance for an average 30 percent volatility rate then the budget could be vastly overstated. Barnaby's numbers are dependent on a reduction of implied volatility, and if true then the CBO estimated crop insurance costs will likely exceed the actual cost.

"My estimates are based on an assumption that we are going to 20 percent volatility if that assumption is wrong than the CBO is probably right," said Barnaby.

This numerical error could cause major issues in the Farm Bill debate. The conference committee works within a budget cap and if one of the programs costs less than budgeted, the money could be used for other programs.

"The committee has to fit the farm bill under that magic budget number. If the CBO over estimates the cost and the committee doesn't spend that full amount then what they spent becomes the new baseline. It only impacts the current farm bill debate whether you can make current improvements through the commodity or crop insurance," Barnaby said.

Implied volatility is just one of the factors that affect premium costs for farmers. While it is the most influential factor, premium cost is also based on market price, the rate set by the RMA and the individual farmer's actual production history.

"It comes down to what you assume for implied volatility. The last two years we've been in the 20 percent range, and in the estimations that I did, we are going to return to the 20 percent volatility," said Barnaby.

Does the CBO have a history of overstating farm programs costs? Barnaby said he believes so but has not done the research to back it up. As for crop insurance costing a significant amount for taxpayers, the current loss ratio is under one dollar, meaning that the government has paid out less than it has taken in from premium payments. However, this does not account for the premium support that the government provides to assist the farmer.

Time will only tell if Barnaby's predictions prove to be true.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for December 2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for December 2013. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for December 2013 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 percent in November 2013.

The interest rate for commodity and marketing assistance loans disbursed during December 2013 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 percent in November 2013.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for December 2013 are as follows, 2.000 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.000 percent in November 2013; 2.625 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.625 percent in November 2013 and; 2.875 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.875 percent in November 2013.



RFS Comment Period Ends Jan. 28

The comment period for the proposed 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard will close Jan. 28, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday, Nov. 29.

The EPA on Nov. 15 released the long-awaited proposed RVOs for 2014 which includes a reduction in the overall mandate to 15.21 billion gallons from volumes set by statute at 18.15 billion.

"Relying on its Clean Air Act waiver authorities, EPA is proposing to adjust the applicable volumes of advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel to address projected availability of qualifying renewable fuels and limitations in the volume of ethanol that can be consumed in gasoline given practical constraints on the supply of higher ethanol blends to the vehicles that can use them and other limits on ethanol blend levels in gasoline," EPA said Friday. "These adjustments are intended to put the program on a manageable trajectory while supporting growth in renewable fuels over time."

Nearly all gasoline sold in the U.S. is now E10, which is fuel with up to 10% ethanol. The proposal cuts the nested RFS category primarily satisfied with the corn-based ethanol to roughly 13 billion gallons, down from 14.4 billion gallons set by statute, in an effort to avoid the ethanol blend wall -- the saturation point for ethanol in the gasoline pool based on current gasoline standards and consumer preference.

Volumes proposed for 2014 are 17 million gallons of cellulosic biofuel, 1.27 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel, 2.2 billion gallons of advanced biofuel, with the total RFS at 15.21 billion gallons.

The proposal includes volume ranges within each category as follows: Cellulosic, 8 million to 30 million gallons, biomass-based diesel remaining at 1.28 billion gallons, advanced biofuels at 2.0 billion to 2.51 billion gallons and renewable fuel total at 15.0 billion to 15.52 billion gallons.

EPA expects to have a final rule in the first quarter of 2014.



Phillips Selected as Secretariat of U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance

The founding organizations of a broad-based group known as the U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance today announced that Dr. Michael J. Phillips has been selected as its first secretariat to spearhead collaborative efforts to improve the environment for technology innovation and the market for U.S. crops produced through modern biotechnology.

Established under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2012, the USBCA already has developed and is working to implement consensus positions on key policy issues designed to improve the introduction, stewardship, domestic and international regulatory policy, and distribution in U.S. and export markets of commodities and processed products containing or derived from modern biotechnology.

In his capacity as secretariat, Phillips will be the focal point of the group's efforts to further advance the reach, work and wide range of activities being pursued under the expanding broad-based national initiative that currently consists of 11 influential national organizations representing U.S. biotechnology providers; seed, grain and oilseed producers; grain handlers, feed manufacturers, grain processors and millers; exporters; and other end-users.   The secretariat also will serve a key role in helping develop and implement consensus positions on specific policy issues.

Phillips is president of MJ Phillips and Associates LLC, an agricultural consulting firm that specializes in agricultural biotechnology issues.  Throughout his career, he has been active in providing leadership and advice on agricultural biotechnology to U.S. and foreign governments, as well academic institutions and all sectors of the agricultural biotechnology value chain.

Prior to establishing his consulting business, Phillips was vice president for science and regulatory policy for food and agriculture at the Biotechnology Industry Organization, where he was responsible for developing and implementing policy on the science, regulatory, compliance, stewardship and trade implications of agricultural biotechnology.  Among other things, he assisted technology providers in developing consensus positions on complex issues, and was responsible for facilitating outreach to producer, industry and other stakeholders, as well as to Congress and government agencies.  While with BIO, he also worked with the biotech value chain in advocating establishment of a U.S. and global low-level presence policy for shipments of biotech-enhanced traits that have successfully completed thorough scientific reviews for product and environmental safety in one or more countries, while still undergoing such governmental review in other countries.

Phillips also served as director of the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources at the National Academy of Sciences, where his duties included overseeing studies on a wide range of topics, including agricultural biotechnology, conducted by the NAS at the request of the federal government.  In addition, he previously was director of the food and agriculture program at the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, where he developed and directed policy studies for congressional committees, including several on agricultural biotechnology.

Prior to his industry and government service, Phillips served on the faculty at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., and was a senior staff member in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.

Phillips received his undergraduate degree with distinction in agricultural economics and animal science from The Ohio State University, and his Master of Science and doctorate degrees in food and agricultural policy from OSU and Purdue, respectively.  An Ohio native, he grew up on his family's grain and dairy farm in northwest Ohio, and remains involved in managing the farm's grain operation.

The USBCA's founding organizations are the:  National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, American Seed Trade Association, Biotechnology Industry Organization, National Grain and Feed Association, and North American Export Grain Association.  Other national organizations that subsequently have become participants in the USBCA include:  American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Soybean Export Council.



Brazil Soy Planting Nears Completion
Brazil's soybean planting moved forward 10 percentage points this past week following generous rains in the northeast and is now nearing conclusion.  Farmers had planted 89% of the projected 2013-14 soybean area as of Friday, Nov. 29, in line with the five-year average for this stage of the season, according to AgRural, a local farm consultancy.

With ample rains registered across most of Brazil's vast grain belt, the crop is looking in excellent shape.  As a result, AgRural raised its forecast for the 2013-14 crop to 89.4 million metric tons (mmt) from an October figure of 88.7 mmt. The new estimate pegs output 10% higher than last season.

The big news from last week was that forecast heavy rains actually did materialize in the northeastern soy states, alleviating dry conditions that were causing increasing concern and allowing planting to move forward.  As a result, soybean planting jumped from 26% to 75% complete over the last week in Bahia, the principle producing state in the region. In neighboring Piaui state, planting jumped a more modestly, from 30% to 44% complete.

In Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state, abundant showers also created excellent planting conditions, allowing field work to move forward 23 percentage points to 77%. The crop in Brazil's No. 3 soy state is in excellent condition.  In Mato Grosso, the No. 1 state where planting is 99% done, rains in the south and east of the state largely resolved any soil moisture deficit issues, and the crop is developing well.  In Parana, where the crop is 93% planted, the crop is also in good shape, said AgRural. Caterpillar populations have been high, but chemical controls have been effective.



Classical Swine Fever Outbreak Reported in South Korea

The South Korean veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of classical swine fever at a pig rearing farm located in South Gyeongsang Province, or Gyeongsangnam-do.

The World Organization for Animal Health received an immediate notification last week. According to the report, the outbreak was initially observed on November 27 and confirmed on the same date after polymerase chain reaction test was carried out at the Gyeongsangnamdo Livestock Promotion Research Institute.

According to the report, a total of 300 pigs were found susceptible out of which four cases were reported. All 300 pigs were destroyed.

The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.



Applications for Conservation Stewardship program due Jan. 17

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal year 2014. Starting today through Jan. 17, 2014, producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS.

“Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are going the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” NRCS Chief Jason Weller said. “Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run.”

The CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established conservation stewards with taking their level of natural resource management to the next level to improve both their agricultural production and provide valuable conservation benefits such as cleaner and more abundant water, as well as healthier soils and better wildlife habitat.

Weller said today's announcement is another example of USDA's comprehensive focus on promoting environmental conservation and strengthening the rural economy, and it is a reminder that a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill is pivotal to continue these efforts. CSP is now in its fifth year and so far, NRCS has partnered with producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation.

The program emphasizes conservation performance — producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy.

Some popular enhancements used by farmers and ranchers include:
• Using new nozzles that reduce the drift of pesticides, lowering input costs and making sure pesticides are used where they are most needed;
• Modifying water facilities to prevent bats and bird species from being trapped;
• Burning patches of land, mimicking prairie fires to enhance wildlife habitat; and
• Rotating feeding areas and monitoring key grazing areas to improve grazing management.

Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP through January 17th to be eligible during the 2014 federal fiscal year. While local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods.
To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types.

Learn more about CSP by visiting the NRCS website or a local NRCS field office.




New Book- Red Tractors 1958-2013: An Authoritative Guide to International Harvester & Case IH Farm Tractors in the Modern Era

This brand new publication offers an unparalleled look at the International Harvester story and the next chapter that became the Case IH of today and the continuing legacy of successful agricultural equipment.

“This book is a showcase of how far Case IH has come in the past 55 years,” says Jim Walker, Vice President, Case IH NAFTA. “We’re proud of our equipment’s heritage, and this book would be a showpiece for any Case IH or tractor collector.”

Published by Octane Press, “Red Tractors 1958-2013” was created by a team of dedicated writers, editors, photographers and researchers, led by long-time publisher Lee Klancher. Octane Press also created two 2014 calendars: the “Farmall Calendar 2014” returns after a strong 2013 season and the “Magnum Tractor Calendar 2014” commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Case IH Magnum™ tractor.

“Case IH is proud to make these special items available for purchase now,” says Dan Danford, Case IH NAFTA Public Relations & Sponsorship Manager. “They’re pieces that any tractor enthusiast will want to add to their wish lists.”

With 384 pages and more than 700 images, the history book includes behind-the-scenes insights from the engineers and executives who created the equipment. The images include never-before-seen concept drawings, prototype and archival images, and new photographs of restored and original-condition models by Klancher.

The book explores the history of how IH and Farmall® tractors were built from the 1960s to the 1980s, and how IH and Case merged to become a global leader in agricultural equipment.

The creation of the Magnum tractor, the first tractor launched after the merger, is detailed in the book, with contributions from Dr. Glenn W. Kahle, the engineer who oversaw the tractor’s design.

Detailed accounts of every tractor line are written by several authors, including an industrial engineer who designed IH and Case IH tractors for decades.

“Red Tractors 1958-2013” will be published in regular and collector’s editions for global distribution. Regular editions will be hardcover, while collector’s editions will be leather-bound, packaged with four concept drawings of never-before-seen tractors.

Both editions of the book and the calendars are available for purchase from www.octanepress.com, through your local Case IH dealer or anywhere books are sold. You can find out more about the book at: http://youtu.be/AiE7clCKZdM.