Monday December 23 Ag News

Farmers Tax Guide Now Available


Farmers can better understand their 2013 tax returns with help from a guide available through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.  The 2013 Farmers Tax Guide has illustrated examples, a sample return and describes available deductions.  Cuming County Extension Educator Larry Howard says the tax guides are in and are free to local producers.  They can be picked up at the UNL Extension office in Cuming County, area tax preparers or any Cuming County bank.




NE PORK PRODUCERS ANNOUNCES ALLIED MEMBERSHIP

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association is pleased to offer Allied memberships for 2014.

As an Allied member of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, your organization will gain recognition for the support you’ve provided as a partner in ensuring the success of the pork industry in Nebraska.

Allied membership demonstrates your organization’s commitment and support for the Nebraska pork industry.  Allied membership can connect your organization to producers, employees, managers, decision makers, educators, industry leaders and others. Your involvement as an Allied member can help improve awareness and visibility of your organization, while showcasing the unique products and services your organization offers too.

As an active Allied member of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association you can enjoy
·         Complimentary attendance for special events
·         On site recognition for special events and activities
·         Acknowledgement and participation in program and promotions
·         Discounted advertising rates in the quarterly Pork Talk magazine
·         Special features on many of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association media channels

If you are looking to increase awareness for your organization or increase sales leads, the unique events and activities the Nebraska Pork Producers Association offers your organization can provide countless opportunities help reach your organizational goals.

As an Allied member, there are many opportunities to tailor a sponsorship opportunity specifically designed for your organization!

Annual membership is $350 and runs on a calendar year basis.  Membership invoices will be sent the week of January 6th, 2014.



NePPA ANNUAL MEETING AND PORK INDUSTRY AWARDS
February 20, 2014
Lifelong Learning Center
Norfolk, NE

This event celebrates the accomplishments and highlights the successes in Nebraska’s pork industry. Educational seminars for pork producers are provided, including certification and re-certification classes for Pork Quality Assurance Plus. Guest speakers include Dr. Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy; Dr. Ronnie Green, Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln; and Greg Ibach, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Unlike the past several years, NPPA will not be hosting a tradeshow/expo in 2014.


 
NE PORK PRODUCERS' INDUSTRY FOCUS MEETINGS

March 18th – Beatrice, NE --- Focus on topics related to animal handling and animal welfare
March 25th – Kearney, NE --- Focus on sow related topics
April 1st – Columbus, NE --- Focus on topics related to barn safety and employee safety

These regional, educational events will provide Nebraska’s pork producers with timely information on a variety of topics from industry experts, industry supporters, and others. Producers, employees, managers, students, and others will leave each focus meeting armed with valuable information they can use now. Focus meetings will start 5:30pm with a social, followed by dinner, Allied Member updates, state and national pork industry updates, ending with a focused presentation by 8:30pm.



Iowa Beef Center Heifer Series Addresses Challenges of Rebuilding Beef Cow Herd

One of the biggest challenges facing cattlemen today is maintaining young cows in their herd long term. The Iowa Beef Center, in partnership with the Iowa Cattleman’s Association, is offering a program series focusing specifically on management practices to keep young cows in the herd to improve longterm profitability. 

The Heifer Development 2: Maintaining Your Investment series of programs is a follow-up to the 2012 series on yearling heifers, Heifer Development – Rebuilding our Future. The goal of the 2014 series is to pick up where the 2012 series left off, and looks at the nutrition, health, calving and reproductive management of bred heifers through their second breeding season.

Denise Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist, said there are a couple of reasons for increased numbers of heifers in cow herds and producer interest in better management of these animals. “Throughout the drought the last two years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of heifers retained for the cow herd, despite the high rate of cow culling,” Schwab said. “This resulted in one of the smallest beef cow herds in the last 60 years, but also one of the youngest and most productive herds ever. Maintaining all of these young cows in the herd long term is a big challenge to cattlemen.”

Schwab points to the research conducted by the National Animal Health Monitoring System in 2007-08 that reported 33 percent of all culled cows left the herd because they did not conceive during the breeding season, and nearly 16 percent of all culled cows left the herd before five years of age.

“If the national beef cow herd is to grow, it will require better management of the replacement heifer and young cows to improve conception and retention,” said Schwab. “This conference will give producers information they can apply to their herd management.”

All sessions include a meal for those preregistered at least two days prior to the event. The $20 fee is payable at the door. Walk-in registrations are $25 per person and a meal is not guaranteed.

Heifer Development 2: Maintaining Your Investment locations and dates
-    Jan. 16, Maquoketa – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Centerstone Inn/Suites, 1910 Nairn Drive. To preregister, call 319-472-4739.
-    Jan. 21, Nashua – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Borlaug Learning Center, ISU Research Farm, 3327 290th Street. To preregister, call 641-394-2174.
-    Jan. 21, Postville – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Postville Vet Clinic, 110 Hyman Dr.  To preregister, call 319-472-4739.
-    Jan. 23, Anita – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Anita Community Center, 805 Main Street. To preregister, call 712-769-2600.
-    Jan. 28, Spencer – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spencer School Administration Bldg, 23 E 7th Street. To preregister, call 712-262-2264x10 or email mhorst@iastate.edu.
-    Jan. 29, Holstein – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lohff-Schuman Community Center, 301 Lohff Schuman Dr. To preregister, call 712-225-6196 or email sechler@iastate.edu.
-    Feb. 4, Humboldt – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ox Bow Park, Izaak Walton League, 7 Park Rd. To preregister, call 515-332-2201.
-    Feb. 5, Mount Pleasant – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Henry County Extension Office, 127 N. Main St. To preregister, call 319-385-8126.
-    Feb. 5, Albia – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Monroe County Extension Office, 219 B Ave West. To preregister, call 641-932-5612.
-    Feb. 6, Winterset – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Madison County Fairgrounds, Jackson Bldg., W. Summit St. To preregister, call 515-462-1001.
-    Feb. 6, Osceola – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Clarke County Fairgrounds Event Center, Hwy 34 W. To preregister, call 641-342-331.
-    Feb. 19, Ames – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, 2816 Mortensen Rd. To preregister, call 641-774-2016.

For more information contact a beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach or the Iowa Beef Center website at: www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Topics of Interest to Producers Offered at Multistate Beef Conference Jan. 14

The 3-State Beef Conference will be Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Southwestern Community College in Creston. Chris Clark, beef program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the conference agenda has information for cow-calf, stocker and feedlot operations.

“The topics and speakers will provide timely information on relevant topics, and all were chosen based on producer input,” Clark said. “This year, Extension specialists from all three states – Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska – will present information in person at the Iowa location.”

Rob Kallenbach from the University of Missouri will provide information on the potential benefits of using cover crops as an alternative forage source in a grazing system.

Tim Eggers from Iowa State will present information on the decision process of moving pasture land to crop production, as well as helping participants think through challenges of deciding whether to lease pasture land or keep cow/calf pairs in drylot for longer times.

Rick Rasby from University of Nebraska—Lincoln will discuss drylot management of cows with emphasis on financial, nutritional and practical considerations.

The program at the Southwestern Iowa Community College campus in Creston begins with 5:30 p.m. registration p.m., and the first session beginning at 6 p.m.; dinner and two more presentations follow. Cost is $20 per person and includes the meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Preregistration is required by Friday, Jan. 10, by calling the Page County Extension Office at 877-596-7243. The conference brochure has information for the Iowa location.

Program details, contacts and links to brochures for all locations are available on the conference website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/feci/3stbeef/. The conference also will be held at the Hundley Whaley Learning Discovery Center, Albany, Mo, (Jan. 15); the Agricultural Research and Development Center, Ithaca, Neb. (Jan. 16); and the Gage County Extension Office, Beatrice, Neb. (Jan. 16).



Iowa Pork Producers Association Annual Meeting
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
CCCU Convention Center, Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. 

Delegates are invited to do their part to review IPPA endeavors and develop association policy. Please note the location change to the Iowa Events Center.



Plan to attend the 2014 Iowa Pork Congress on January 22-23, 2014
Iowa Events Center, Downtown Des Moines, IA

Trade Show Hours:
Wednesday, January 22rd - 9am - 5pm
Thursday, January 23th - 9am - 4pm

Many seminars scheduled both days.

Go to www.iowaporkcongress.org to get the complete list of details.



2014 Iowa Power Farming Show To Bring Hundreds of Top Ag Companies to Des Moines

If you build it and put it on display at the Iowa Power Farming Show, over 20,000 people will come to see it. In January, over 750 ag-related companies – including the biggest names in the industry – will once again set up shop at the Iowa Events Center, where they will showcase their best and latest ag products and services to thousands of Midwest growers.

With over 1840 booths spread out across 7.0 acres of real estate on six floors in three different buildings, the Iowa Power Farming Show is the third largest indoor farm show in North America Because it takes place in January, it’s the first big opportunity of the year for farm equipment manufacturers and agribusinesses to launch new products and services or offer sneak peeks at upcoming innovations.

“The location in central Iowa means growers in the heartland can see the next big things in agriculture without incurring heavy travel expenses,” said show director Tom Junge. “And the timing early in the year means companies can introduce new innovations directly to their target customers in the Midwest.”

The 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show takes place January 28-30 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. General admission is $6 and children under 14 are admitted free.

The Iowa Power Farming Show is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, which represents over 400 agricultural and outdoor power equipment dealers throughout Iowa and Nebraska.

For complete show information and directions, visit www.iowapowershow.com.



Bipartisan Governors Come Together to Support RFS

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that fosters diversification of America's energy portfolio, gives consumers choices at the pump, supports economic development in rural communities and reduces harmful emissions across the nation. The EPA recently proposed a rule that would significantly weaken the current RFS, and Gov. Branstad and this group of governors expressed their opposition to the EPA proposal.

The following governors signed on in support of a strong RFS: Gov. Terry Branstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R-N.D.), Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), Gov. Dennis Dugaard (R-S.D.), and Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Neb.).

In the letter, the governors write, "More than 400,000 Americans depend on renewable fuels for good-paying jobs that support rewarding careers in our states. According to the Renewable Fuels Association and LMC International, 44,500 of these jobs could be lost due to the EPA proposed rule. This proposed rule would greatly hinder our states' efforts to foster policies that create jobs, grow family incomes, and revitalize our economies.

"If the EPA's currently proposed rule becomes final, the negative impact would be disproportionately felt by rural America. According to an Iowa State University estimate, corn prices alone could drop nineteen cents per bushel based on the proposed rule, which could bring corn prices below the cost of production for many farmers. The proposed EPA rule could also cause a ripple effect on agri-business, our communities, and the entire economy."

The bipartisan letter is the latest effort by Branstad to fight for American jobs, rural communities and a strong agriculture industry by working to protect the RFS. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, and other Iowa elected leaders recently requested a hearing in Iowa on this EPA proposal. On Dec. 4, Gov. Branstad testified before the EPA in support of the RFS in Arlington, Va. The testimony followed a "Defend the RFS" rally in Nevada, Iowa, on Nov. 22.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 2 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 81 percent from last month and up 103 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2013 were down 18 percent from the previous month but up 1 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 50 percent from last month and down 14 percent from November 30, 2012.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2013 were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 1 percent from November 30, 2012.  Butter stocks were down 33 percent from last month and down 5 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were up 4 percent from last month and up 11 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 4 percent from last month and down 1 percent from a year ago.


 
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook - Exports and Demand Dynamics Provide Price Support
(USDA Economic Research Service)

Beef/Cattle:  With declining feed costs and improving pasture conditions, cattle sector margins are improving more rapidly than the beef sector margins.  However, despite wholesale cutout values that have improved somewhat over the last several months and record and near-record retail beef prices, packer margins continue to be squeezed.  

Beef/Cattle Trade:  U.S. beef imports and exports increased during October, rising 30 percent and 5 percent, respectively, from the previous October. The 2013 forecast for U.S. exports was raised to 2.504 billion pounds,-while imports are forecast at 2.254 billion pounds. While cattle imports have fallen this year, the forecast for U.S. imports was raised to 1.965 million head due to higher trade in the fourth quarter.

Pork/Hogs:  Strong domestic consumer demand for pork products appears to have offset soft export demand so far in the fourth quarter.  Fourth-quarter hog prices are expected to average $62-$63 per cwt, almost 7 percent above the same period last year.  October exports were almost 12 percent below a year ago, a result of weakness in important Asian markets.  Imports in October increased almost 16 percent, year-over-year, strong domestic prices likely serving as a magnet for Canadian pork products in particular.  Significant domestic production risk has recently been introduced by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus.  The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report to be released by USDA on December 27 may help to discern the impact of the disease as of December 1.

Poultry:  Higher broiler meat production has resulted in increases in cold storage holdings, which, in turn, have placed downward pressure on many broiler product prices.  Broiler meat production in fourth-quarter 2013 is forecast at 9.5 billion pounds, 3 percent higher than the previous year.  Lower turkey meat production has caused cold storage holdings of whole birds (especially hens) and parts to decline.  This has resulted in increased prices at the wholesale level for a number of turkey parts.  Turkey meat production in October was 517 million pounds, down 11 percent from the previous year.

Poultry Trade:  Broiler and turkey shipments in October were up from a year ago, while egg product exports were down.  Broiler shipments totaled 675.5 million pounds in October 2013, an increase of about 4 percent from a year earlier. Turkey shipments increased only fractionally from a year ago, totaling 77.4 million pounds, while egg exports totaled 31.5 million dozen in October 2013, a 5-percent decrease from last October.

Sheep/Lamb:  Dramatic increases in lamb prices are expected in fourth-quarter 2013. This is likely due largely to lighter weight, higher quality lambs being sold at slaughter, along with very tight domestic supplies. Tight supplies are expected to continue well into the future, which could help to bolster prices.
  
Dairy:  The milk production estimate for 2013 is lowered slightly from November but raised slightly for 2014.  The 2013 herd contraction is likely ended as cow numbers are forecast to rise in 2014.  Lower expected feed prices and continuing firm milk prices will improve the producer profit outlook and should cause herd expansion to ensue in 2014.  The export forecasts for 2013, on a fats basis, are raised from November.  While current year export demand for nonfat dry milk remains strong, exports on a skims-solids basis were lowered this month due to lower lactose exports but are raised for 2014.



Learning Centers Cover Variety of Timely Agriculture Topics at 2014 Commodity Classic

From soil health, succession planning and weed management—to the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard and transportation infrastructure—experts will cover these and several other agriculture topics during educational sessions at the 19th Annual Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

Learning Center sessions are offered at Commodity Classic from Feb. 27-March 1, 2014. The 19 sessions offer in-depth discussions of current issues and topics that have a direct impact on a grower’s bottom line, with speakers from around the country.

“Commodity Classic Learning Centers are the place to experience a first-hand look at the latest in new agriculture technology and information” said Commodity Classic Co-Chairman ­­­­­Rob Elliott. “It’s a chance to hear from others in the ag industry from around the U.S. and share ideas and best practices.”

Commodity Classic features a line-up of world-class speakers from all around the U.S. to discuss timely, relevant topics. Learning Center sessions at the 2014 Commodity Classic include: a panel of growers talking about ways they increased their yield; marketing specialist Edward Usset exploring a different approach to marketing and a panel of transportation specialists, discussing U.S. infrastructure. Be sure to mark your schedule for the closing Learning Center session with Jolene Brown, Iowa grain farmer and professional speaker, who will discuss leadership, family businesses and overcoming challenges.

This year’s Learning Center line-up is sure to provide farmers with the information they need for a productive 2014 season.

For a complete list of Learning Center speakers and times, visit the 2014 Commodity Classic website.

The 19th annual Commodity Classic is Feb. 27-March 1, 2014, along the banks of the famous River Walk at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex.

Presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show. The event offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for growers in the areas of production, policy, marketing, management and stewardship—as well as showcasing the latest in equipment, technology and innovation. Check out the 2014 Commodity Classic website for additional information.



2013 Harvest Report Indicates High Quality US Corn Ready to Market

Record production, high quality and minor weather-related impacts are the top-line findings of the 2013/2014 Corn Harvest Quality Report, released last week by the U.S. Grains Council, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding member.

"After a record drought last year, the world has been watching intently the 2013 U.S. corn crop," said USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight. "Production has rebounded, and quality is high despite some weather challenges. It's good news all around."

Total U.S. corn production of 13,989 million bushels set a new all-time record, and the average yield of 160.4 bushels/acre is the second highest on record. Weather was again the challenge, as a cold and wet spring delayed planting across much of the Corn Belt. Some areas also experienced flash-drought conditions in mid-summer, although this was generally offset by cooler temperatures.

These weather adversities slightly reduced planted acreage and yield, while harvest quality remained very high. As compared to prior years, weather related impacts were modest and predictable. Aflatoxins were significantly lower than in the 2012 crop, with 99.4 percent of the samples testing below the FDA aflatoxin action level of 20 parts per billion. Starch content was up, while protein content, which is inversely related to starch, was down slightly. Oil content was similar to 2011 and 2012. Moisture content, reflecting weather conditions, was slightly higher, as were stress cracks, but total damage levels remained very low, comparable to 2012 and below 2011 levels. Average test weight remained well above the limit for No. 1 grade corn, indicating overall good quality.

"The report compares a wide range of quality factors across time," Sleight noted, "and after the rollercoaster ride last year, the message in 2013 was that there were no surprises. A few test factors ticked up, others ticked down, consistent with weather conditions, while overall quality at harvest was very high. With record production, this is certainly a good news report."

Corn quality will be affected by further handling, so the Council annually publishes a second report, the Corn Export Quality Report, which assesses quality at the point of loading for international shipment. The full 2013/2014 Export Quality Report will be published in March 2014.

The two reports, utilizing consistent methodology to permit the assessment of trends over time, provide reliable, timely and transparent information on the quality of U.S. corn as it moves through export channels.

"The takeaway message this year is that the United States has abundant supplies of high quality corn," Sleight said. "We would remind buyers that they will get the quality level that they contract for, but with record production and good quality, it is a buyers' market as we head into 2014."



Vilsack Reports Progress at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing.

The JCCT is the highest level bilateral forum for the resolution of trade and investment issues between the United States and China.  Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman co-chaired the JCCT with China's Vice Premier Wang Yang.

"My discussions with Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders laid the groundwork for future cooperation related to our shared interests in food security, food safety, and sustainability, as well as the expansion of export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers," Vilsack said.

At the JCCT, a number of high-priority issues for agriculture were discussed, including access for beef and horticultural products, the approval process for biotechnology products, and import suspensions for four states related to avian influenza.

On beef access, the United States and China reached consensus to continued dialogue, with the intention to restore market access by the middle of 2014.

On horticulture, the Secretary re-affirmed a pathway for re-opening China's market for Washington apples and California citrus.

On biotechnology, the Secretary conveyed a need to streamline China's biotech approval process, and gave his commitment to begin implementation of a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products.  China also agreed to discuss U.S. concerns regarding China's requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals.

On avian influenza, the Secretary raised lifting bans on poultry due to avian influenza.  China responded that they were analyzing information provided by USDA.

In his separate discussions with Agriculture Minister Han Changfu, the Secretary shared a proposal for a revised Memorandum of Understanding focused on science and technology cooperation in the field of agriculture.

The two countries also committed to hold a second High Level Agricultural Symposium in 2014, with support from the U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP).  The recently formed AFP also organized a kick-off reception in honor of Secretary Vilsack's visit, including a broad range of U.S. and Chinese agribusiness leaders and high-level Chinese government officials.



ADM Settles Corruption Charges

Archer Daniels Midland Co. has agreed to pay more than $36 million to settle charges under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act that it failed to prevent bribes by its subsidiaries in Germany and Ukraine, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday.

The SEC said the subsidiaries paid more than $21 million to bribe government officials through intermediaries to receive value-added tax refunds. The alleged bribery lasted from 2002 to 2008, and netted about $33 million in illegal profits, according to the commission.

In a parallel action, the Justice Department said the company's subsidiary in Ukraine pleaded guilty to settle bribery charges and agreed to pay more than $17 million.

The company entered into a nonprosecution agreement with the department, as well.

"ADM's lackluster antibribery controls enabled its subsidiaries to get preferential refund treatment by paying off foreign government officials," Gerald Hodgkins, an associate director in the SEC's Division of Enforcement, said.

Archer Daniels Midland Chairman and Chief Executive Patricia Woertz said the company became aware of questionable transactions in 2008, conducted an investigation and then disclosed the matter to U.S. and foreign authorities in 2009.

"The conduct that led to this settlement was regrettable, but I believe we handled our response in the right way and that the steps we took, including self-reporting, underscore our commitment to conducting business ethically and responsibly," Ms. Woertz said.