Wednesday December 18 Ag News

Nebraska Farm Bureau Names 2014 Leadership Academy Members

Ten farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska have been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2014 Farm Bureau Leadership Academy. This year’s theme is “Becoming the most influential YOU!” The selected farmers and ranchers will begin the program on Jan. 30-31 in Kearney, said Kerry Hoffschneider, director of membership marketing for Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“This group of agricultural leaders are already great influencers in their circles. The goal of the academy is to take their already strong, God-given talents and to inspire them to connect their strengths and passions to opportunities of service within the federation and in-turn help positively impact their local communities and the state of Nebraska,” Hoffschneider said.

Academy members will participate in sessions on entrepreneurial thinking; understanding the county, state and national structure of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and its powerful grassroots network; policy issues important to agriculture; issue management; relationship building; presenting viewpoints and media/social media.

“We congratulate this group of diverse individuals and thank them for their willingness to step up and out of their comfort zone to learn more about how they can influence their community, state and world for the better,” said Hoffschneider.

Participants attend two-day seminars in January, Feb. 27-28 in Grand Island, March 27-28 in Lincoln and Aug. 21-22 in LaVista. On Sept. 14-18, the group will travel to Washington, D.C., for visits with Nebraska’s Congressional delegation and federal agency representatives. Academy participants are expected to increase their leadership involvement in Farm Bureau upon completion of the program, Hoffschneider said.

The 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are:
Travis Anderson of Crawford is a member of the Dawes County Farm Bureau. He ranches with his wife, Nancy, and raises cow/calf yearlings and forage crops.

Shane Daniels of Mullen is a member of Cherry County Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Kristi, have an Angus cow/calf operation and breed calves to resell.

Amanda Fairley of Fairbury is a member of Jefferson County Farm Bureau. She farms with her husband, Dustin, and they operate a custom farming business where they custom apply anhydrous ammonia, custom drill/plant, custom harvest silage and harvest row crops. They farm and raise corn, soybeans and certified wheat. She and her husband are also members of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

Beth Fisher of Beaver City is a member of Furnas/Harlan County Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Treg, raise alfalfa, corn, milo, wheat and soybeans and have a small herd of breeding cattle.

Rebecca Graham of Belden is a member of the Cedar County Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Dallas, raise corn, soybeans and hay. They have a cow/calf herd and finish out feeder cattle.

Linda Grosserode of Oakdale is a member of Antelope County Farm Bureau. She and her children raise cattle and chickens and rent out the rest of her land that is used to raise corn and soybeans.

Clayton Hergott of Hebron is a member of Thayer County Farm Bureau. He runs about 35 bred female registered Simmental and a few Red Angus. He is a cost accountant for Reinke out of Deshler and is also an auctioneer at the local sale barn.

Eric Kamler of Geneva is a member of Fillmore County Farm Bureau. He farms with his parents and they raise seed corn, yellow corn, soybeans and grain sorghum. Additionally, he operates a small seed dealership.

Amanda Shuler of Culbertson is a member of Hitchcock County Farm Bureau. She and her husband, Blake, raise alfalfa and cane for cattle feed. They also sell SweetPro protein tubs for cattle.

Andrew Ward of Valentine is a member of Cherry County Farm Bureau. He has a small family operation with dryland farm ground, sub-irrigated meadows for hay production and cool and warm season pastures for grazing.



Fischer Meets with EPA Administrator McCarthy, Expresses Concerns of Nebraskans on RFS Changes

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, joined a bipartisan group of 16 senators this afternoon to meet with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to discuss proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Following the meeting, Fischer released the following statement:

“I appreciate Administrator McCarthy’s willingness to sit down face to face with a bipartisan group of senators to discuss proposed changes to the RFS. I raised the concerns I’ve heard from Nebraskans and highlighted the need for increased certainty for the agriculture industry. I hope to continue this constructive dialogue with the administrator – our constituents deserve a voice in this ongoing debate.”

During McCarthy’s confirmation hearing, Fischer stressed the need for the new administrator to improve the agency’s understanding of the agriculture industry and to maintain a continued dialogue with lawmakers regarding any new EPA rules or regulations. The EPA’s proposed rule would directly impact the biofuels industry by lowering the biodiesel target below current industry production levels and reduce the conventional ethanol target by more than a billion gallons.



Johanns Demands OSHA Stop Illegal Regulatory Action

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today condemned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  for its illegal action imposing costly regulatory burdens on small, family-owned farms. He will ask Labor Secretary Thomas Perez to direct OSHA to cease all actions contrary to Congressional direction with regards to regulating family-owned farms with less than 10 employees.

“My intent is to stop OSHA in their tracks,” Johanns said. “The simple reality is OSHA inspectors are the ones breaking the law, not hard-working ag producers in Nebraska and across the country. This Administration – whether it’s the EPA or now OSHA – has placed a target on the backs of ranchers and farmers when it comes to pursuing an ever-expanding regulatory agenda. Congress has been clear for decades that costly OSHA regulations do not apply to small, family-run farms. Now OSHA is making up its own rules, and that’s unacceptable.”

“Worker safety is an important concern, but farmers know better than bureaucrats how to keep their employees and family safe.”

Congress has included language in appropriations bills since 1976 expressly prohibiting OSHA enforcement actions against farmers with 10 or fewer employees. One of the farms targeted by OSHA is in Holt County, Nebraska. OSHA claims grain bins are not part of farm operations and thus are not exempt. Under their logic, nearly every farm in the country would be outside the scope of Congress’ exemption because almost all farms use some sort of grain storage facility as part of their normal farm operations.

The OSHA fines against this farm total approximately $132,000. No injuries have occurred.



Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop to Be Held in February

The Nebraska Tourism Commission is taking registrations for its annual Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop. The event is designed for those who want to learn more about the agri/eco-tourism industry. It will be held February 3-5 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Kearney.

“While agritourism may be new to some, it has been practiced by Nebraskans who, for generations, have served up agricultural products and services with warm hospitality and down to earth charm. Today’s growing interest in agritoursim offers new and additional opportunities for landowners and rural communities. It allows visitors to experience agriculture first-hand and to be a part of nature, away from the pressures of city life,” commented Kathy McKillip.

Conference attendees usually include farmers, ranchers, outfitters, vineyard operators, u-pick operators, managers of eco-tourism attractions, chamber/tourism directors and more. Workshop objectives include helping attendees learn how to get the most out of their land, utilize fresh marketing ideas, discover greater financial opportunities and network with potential partners.

Keynote Speaker Carol Patterson will be sharing her strategies about how you can reinvent your tourism organization and rediscover your passion. Carol Patterson has helped emerging tourism destinations for over two decades. Her work in product development provides innovative new travel products, some increase revenues 25 percent in one season. Carol's travel writing is regularly featured in the Red Deer Advocate and she is the author of several books including “The Business of Ecotourism”.

Lincoln, Nebraska advertising and public relations firm, Swanson Russell and Associates, will offer ideas on how to leverage low-cost and no-cost public relations opportunities. Other key topics will include inventorying your potential, building strong partnerships, exploring potential cross-marketing opportunities and calculating your return on investment.

To get more information about the 2014 Agri/Eco-Tourism Workshop or to register for the event, go to http://www.visitnebraska.com/industry. If you have any questions about the conference or would like information on sponsorships, call Karen Kollars at 308-249-3220.



Farm Credit Services of America To Distribute Record $145 Million

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a customer-owned financial cooperative, has approved a 2013 cash-back dividend of $145 million – the largest in its history – to its eligible customer-owners.  FCSAmerica serves farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Wyoming.

In Nebraska, eligible FCSAmerica customers will receive approximately $39 million.  The final number is subject to change once final calculations are completed in 2014.

The $145 million distribution marks the cooperative’s tenth consecutive year of returning a significant portion of its earnings back to its eligible customer-owners. Since 2004, FCSAmerica has distributed $830 million in cash-back dividends. 

“We are 100 percent owned by the farmers and ranchers we serve, and our mission is to serve agriculture through good times and bad,” said Robert Bruxvoort, Board Chairman and an Iowa farmer. “As a cooperative, our earnings are either returned to customers or retained to maintain a strong balance sheet for future generations of producers.”

Gerry Greve, an FCSAmerica customer who farms near Elk Horn, Iowa, also runs a fuel supply operation in town. “I like being part-owner of a financially sound lender,” Greve said.  “I like the fact my cooperative returns its earnings to the people who helped generate the success.  We’re all rural Main Street consumers, so the earnings go back to our communities, and that strikes a chord with me.”  

The FCSAmerica Board also approved a patronage program for 2014 at their meeting this week. The Board will determine the amount of the cash-back dividend for the 2014 program in December 2014.

“It’s clear from our financial results and subsequent cash-back dividend that our customers are passionate about our cooperative business model,” said Doug Stark, Farm Credit Services of America president and CEO. “We’re proud to return yet another strong cash-back dividend.  At the same time, we retained a significant portion of net earnings as a capital reserve, which gives our cooperative greater flexibility to continue serving agriculture.”

Cash-Back Dividend Details
The Board of Directors has paid cash-back dividends, available as part of its patronage program, every year since 2004. For 2013, each customer’s cash-back dividend from the program is based on the customer’s average loan volume during the calendar year. The more eligible loan business a customer has with the cooperative, the more they benefit financially from the patronage program. Eligible customers can expect 2013 payments to be distributed in March 2014.



Iowa Soybean Association policy work addresses water quality, conservation, biodiesel

Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board members and voting delegates established and updated policy regarding a number of issues including the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, biodiesel and property rights during the group’s policy conference last week.

New policies concerning water quality and conservation were established. Delegates penned support for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy; the 25x25 Adaptation Initiative, which is focused on reducing environmental impacts on farming; and recognized the need to study the merits of implementing a soil and water quality improvement state tax credit program.

“It focuses attention on the issue of how farmers can fund and implement conservation methods,” said ISA President Brian Kemp of Sibley. He said conservation is a top priority for soybean farmers.

“That language in the document reflects a willingness to look at creative ideas,” added ISA president-elect Tom Oswald of Cleghorn.

Other notable policy additions or changes include the support of:
-    An expedited process for approval and acceptance of biotechnology products in the European Union and across all export markets.
-    A 1.7 billion gallon Renewable Volume Obligation for the Renewable Fuel Standard for biomass-based biodiesel.
-    An interstate commerce clause in livestock regulations. No state should adopt more stringent regulations than federal requirements for livestock operations and livestock products.
-    Upgrading of the nation’s energy infrastructure grid and efforts to protect farmers’ property rights within the easement and land acquisition process, as well as efforts to hold companies securing those easements and building infrastructure accountable for ongoing damage to private property.
-    Maintenance and improvement of river locks and dams which maintain water-shipping levels in a manner that sustains barge traffic and does not inhibit agricultural production. Funding should first preserve the existing system and then build new 1,200 foot lock chambers if more is available.



Funds to Increase Use of Higher Ethanol, Biodisel Blends

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey encouraged Iowa petroleum retailers interested in participating in the "Fueling our Future" pilot project to consider applying for cost share funding. A total of $250,000 in federal funds are available through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board to support projects that will increase the usage of higher blends of both ethanol and biodiesel.

"The renewable fuels industry has been a great asset to Iowa's economy and making higher blends of renewable fuels will give customers greater access to clean burning, home-grown renewable fuels," Branstad said. "It is important we help create opportunities for customers to see the benefits of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel."

The Fueling Our Future pilot project is designed to reduce particulate matter (PM-2.5) vehicle emissions by increasing the use of higher blends of bio-based fuels, specifically ethanol and biodiesel. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 7 and will be reviewed by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program board of directors at their quarterly meeting later that month.

All Iowa petroleum retailers offering fuel to the general public are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 50% match and the total assistance available is capped at $250,000 of matching federal funds. Funds will be targeted equally to the most outstanding proposal focused on bio-diesel (B-5 blends and higher) and ethanol (especially E-30). A single proposal that includes both of these bio-renewable products on the same site could be selected.

"Iowa is fortunate to have many fuel retailers committed to renewable fuels and this pilot program is an exciting opportunity for them to demonstrate their ideas for creating a modern fueling site focused on higher blends of renewable fuels," Northey said. "Higher blends of both ethanol and biodiesel have the potential to bring significant benefits to consumers, the environment and our rural economy and I'm excited to see the proposals that come forward."

Applicants may also be eligible for grants through the current Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program which awards up to $50,000 -- or 70% of total installation costs toward ethanol and biodiesel installations.

Applicants should be aware that there will be a significant research component for this pilot project. Data collected will be assessed and used to assist with determining optimal market effectiveness of mid-level renewable fuel blends. As a result, fuel sales data from the selected site will be required and in the event of the conversion of a current retail fueling site, data access to previous sales volume will be requested. Access to the site for consumer surveys will be required.

All applicants will need to complete the formal application for the project and will need to attach a short project outline. Applicants may also be asked to present on their proposal at the Board's February meeting.

A copy of the application and additional information can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the "Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program" link under "Hot Topics." For more information, interested parties can also contact Harold Hommes with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at Harold.Hommes@IowaAgriculture.gov or by calling 515-242-6237.



CommonGround Dishes on Benefits of GMOs on The Balancing Act

Lifetime TV welcomes CommonGround Iowa volunteer Sara Ross to its morning program The Balancing Act tomorrow to further an ongoing conversation between the American moms on and off of the farm. Ross will answer questions and address concerns about food safety and the benefits of GMOs while clearing up myths surrounding organically grown foods and conventionally grown foods.

This is the third of a four-segment mini-series in which The Balancing Act features conversations with volunteers from CommonGround, an effort designed to get women talking about farming and food. CommonGround provides a way for moms looking for answers about food to connect with moms who grow and raise it and get real, credible information.

"I want mothers to know that I feed my family the same foods that they do. The Balancing Act provides a great forum to connect with moms across the country and let them know that farmers just like me want to share the story behind how American food is grown and raised," says Ross.

Catch the entire segment tomorrow morning to Lifetime at 6 a.m. Central.

This special opportunity to reach millions of the women who make a vast majority of America's grocery purchasing decisions came to fruition through the special support of NCGA, and was spearheaded by the association's Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. The Balancing Act empowers women in all aspects of their lives, striving to help today's modern women balance it all by bringing them exceptional solutions to everyday problems. Working together, CommonGround and The Balancing Act will provide both immediate information and an ongoing resource for women with questions about the food they feed their families.



Iowa Learning Farms Launches New Cover Crop Calculator Tool

Cover crops are planted in the fall and stay on fields over the winter, covering the ground with foliage and holding soil in place with their roots. These assets help to slow soil erosion and reduce nitrate leaching, thereby improving water quality. They also improve soil health and productivity and suppress weeds. Many farmers are seeking management advice about implementing cover crops into their corn-soybean rotations.

To help farmers in their decision-making, Iowa Learning Farms has launched a new tool to help calculate and compare the costs of using cover crops, including seed, application and chemical termination. Modeled after the popular Ag Decision Maker tools developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the calculator can be used for a single cover crop species or up to six species to a mixture. The tool calculates the cost of drilling and aerial application for easy comparison. It is available as an Excel file on the ILF website. To use the calculator, download and open the Excel file (Microsoft Excel software must be installed on your computer): http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/content/cover-crops-0.

Cover crop acres are increasing as more farmers see their short- and long-term benefits. In Iowa, winter rye is most commonly planted as a single species and some farmers are using mixes such as rye, oats, tillage radish or turnips. Some cover crops also are being used for grazing livestock or as an extra rotation to produce small grain cover crop seed. To learn more about cover crops visit the ILF website for resources and videos on planting and terminating: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/.



Informa Sees Soy Acres Up 7% in 2014

Private analytical firm Informa Economics sees farmers planting 5.4 million more acres of soybeans in 2014 than they did in 2013, putting U.S. crop acreage forecasts at 81.9 million acres.

Informa's acreage estimates for December was a 1.9 million-acre reduction from the November estimate, but the estimate is still up significantly from USDA's estimate of 76.5 million acres in 2013.

Farmers will likely plant 91.8 million acres to corn in 2014, Informa said, which is 3.5 million acres less than last year but 300,000 more than Informa's estimate in November. Informa noted its first farmer acreage survey indicated "a somewhat stronger desire to plant corn than previously projected based on economic analysis."

Informa's early production expectations incorporate a national average corn yield of 163 bushels per acre, putting total corn production at 13.74 billion bushels.  On soybeans, Informa uses a 44.5 bpa average to arrive at a total production estimate of 3.6 billion bushels.



U.S. Agriculture Considering Opposition To TPP Deal
A coalition of agricultural organizations led by the National Pork Producers Council is likely to oppose a final Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement if it includes Japan but that country doesn’t agree to comprehensive trade liberalization, including elimination of tariffs on virtually all U.S. agricultural products.

In a letter sent today to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, the 17 groups said the unwillingness of Japanese negotiators to present a comprehensive offer on agricultural products is threatening to undermine the trade talks.

Japan is demanding special treatment for its agriculture sector, including exclusion from the agreement of certain “sensitive” products.

The TPP is a regional trade negotiation that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, which account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP.

The agricultural organizations pointed out in their letter to Froman that, if Japan is allowed to claim exceptions for sensitive products, other TPP countries inevitably will demand the right to do the same. Countenancing such an action, they said, also will affect future trade agreements, including the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership now being negotiated between the United States and the European Union.

If the United States can’t reach an agreement with Japan that includes comprehensive liberalization in the agricultural sector, it should conclude a TPP deal without the Asian nation, said the groups.

Japan is an important market for U.S. agriculture – the fourth largest – which shipped $13.5 billion of food and agricultural products to the island nation in 2012.



U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance Looks toward Future, Examines Expansion

Members of the U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance, a collaborative effort to improve the environment for technology innovation and the market for U.S. crops produced through modern biotechnology, met in Washington this week to discuss recent progress and plan for the future. In addition to examining the next steps necessary toward achievement of overall goals, the group invited additional commodities to attend and is considering expanding to include canola, cotton and wheat representation and others in the value chain.

"USBCA represents the culmination of a sustained, targeted effort to ensure better communication throughout the value chain, and it is exciting to be at a point where we can consider even further expanding our scope to benefit an even broader section of U.S. farmers," said National Corn Growers Association Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman, who attended the meeting along with Corn Board Liaison Kevin Skunes. "In today's global economy, it is key that each point in our agricultural value chain works in tandem to ensure farmers have access to necessary technology and that we provide our international customers with high quality products. Working together, we can grow a plentiful crop and maintain open markets to supply."

American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky kicked off the event with the formal introduction of newly appointed USBCA Secretariat Mike Phillips. Phillips proceeded to lead a discussion of the business plan, which was followed by updates from the international and domestic working groups. On the second day, members reconvened for in-depth discussions on the potential opportunities that lie ahead given advancements in both the international and domestic landscapes.

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 addition to NCGA and ASA, the USBCA's founding organizations are the 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 the American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Soybean Export Council.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/13/2013

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 928,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 38.98 million gallons daily. That is down 16,000 b/d from last week’s 23-month high. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 928,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 14.23 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 15.6 million barrels. That is a 1.1% increase from last week and the highest since September.

Imports of ethanol were non-existent for the 11th straight week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 378.7 million gallons daily – a five-week high.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.29%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 14.071 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 103,568 metric tons of livestock feed, 92,331 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.83 million pounds of corn oil daily.



Advanced Ethanol Council Lauds Senate Energy Tax Reform Proposal

Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) Executive Director Brooke Coleman released the following statement today in response to an energy tax reform proposal released by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT):

“We commend Chairman Baucus and his team for taking on the challenge of reforming the federal tax code as it applies to energy. It is very clear that Chairman Baucus sees the big picture when it comes to tax reform; namely, that energy must be at the center of the conversation, and the code must be reformed to: remove inequities favoring fossil fuels, clean up redundancies, reward innovation and spur economic growth. Senator Baucus has rightly put all existing policies on the table while proposing a new path that will achieve these goals and ensure that the United States leads instead of follows when it comes to developing new technologies and producing less carbon intensive energy.”

Coleman noted that, as is the case with any new proposal, some details need to be worked out. “We look forward to working with Chairman Baucus and the Senate Finance Committee to ensure that any new piece of legislation covers the critical bases when it comes to maximizing investment. Inequities cannot be allowed to survive this process or we will continue to ship opportunity in the disadvantaged sectors overseas. The eligibility criteria must be carefully crafted and Congress must be very careful not to create investment uncertainty when it tries to address when and if these incentives phase-out. The backdrop of this process is not a free market. The code has been de-risking fossil fuel investment for roughly a century, and that legacy will stand if not corrected carefully.”

Coleman also called for immediate energy tax extenders in the context of the proposal’s 3-year extension of existing law. “The proposal admirably calls for a 3-year extension of existing law for cellulosic biofuels to provide a reasonable ramp to a new tax regime. We commend the Chairman for recognizing the hazards of frequent expirations and change of law. That said, tax provisions for cellulosic biofuels still come off the books in two weeks while those offered to the fossil fuel industry persist. We recommend that Congress invoke the ‘do no harm’ principle going forward and pass extenders in 2013.”



Cow-Calf Webinar Provides 2014 Outlook

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from cattle producers and beef industry leaders to the first Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar in September, CattleFax analysts will be hosting its next webinar at 5:30 p.m. MT, Wednesday, January 22, 2014.

Cattle producers have limited time and opportunity to analyze all of the fundamental data and trends that shape the cattle, beef and grain markets. Modeled after the popular CattleFax monthly cow-calf producer newsletter Trends, the upcoming webinar will provide producers and industry leaders with an outlook on the 2014 markets.

The CattleFax team will share its analysis and perspective on how these factors will influence cattle producers in the upcoming year:
-    U.S. livestock and feedstuff production scenarios and expectations
-    Profit opportunities and risk management strategies
-    Forecasts for the 2014 prices in the calf, feeder cattle, fed cattle and beef markets

Attendees will gain a better understanding of developing macroeconomic issues that will change the way the cattle and beef companies operate – including beef cowherd expansion, cheaper feedstuffs, energy market price changes, and feedyard and packing segment overcapacity.

The Trends+ webinar is designed to inform cattle producers about current market realities and provide producers with the information to assist in making intelligent marketing decisions. To participate in the seminar and access program details, producers and industry leaders simply need to register online at www.cattlefax.com/meetings.aspx.

CattleFax is a member-owned organization that serves producers in all segments of the cattle and beef business. CattleFax is the global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information. Since 1968, the organization’s exclusive industry database has set the standard for market information and analysis. Visit www.cattlefax.com to learn more and become a member.



Statement from Michael T. Scuse, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture and the Brazil Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food made a joint statement today:

The United States and Brazil are two of the world's largest agricultural producers and exporters. Over the last 20 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) have collaborated on many agriculture issues and currently have some 100 agricultural cooperative activities. As global leaders in the use of innovative agricultural production technologies, both countries share a keen interest in exploring further agricultural cooperation.

Both Brazil and the United States maintain a strong commitment to science-based rulemaking. USDA and MAPA recently agreed to a path forward to amend rules that currently limit bilateral beef trade. Bilateral trade of all beef and beef products could occur once each exporting country meets the importing country's equivalence and technical requirements for animal health and food safety.



ADM to Establish Global Headquarters in Chicago

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) announced today that it has selected Chicago as the location for its global headquarters and customer center.

“While we considered other global hubs, Chicago emerged as the best location to provide efficient access to global markets while maintaining our close connections with U.S. farmers, customers and operations,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz. “Chicago also provides an environment where we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills, and where their family members can find ample career opportunities.

“In keeping with our intention to establish our global center in a cost-effective manner, we expect to locate a small corporate team of about 50 to 75 employees in the new center,” Woertz commented. In addition, Woertz noted that the company will now evaluate alternative sites for its new Information Technology and support center, where it expects to locate about 100 new IT jobs.  The company said it will continue to consider potential locations for the IT center in several states and expects to make a decision by mid-year 2014.

Woertz noted that one of the options the company considered was a comprehensive plan that would have established both a larger global headquarters and the information technology center in one location and included state government support and multiyear commitments to stakeholders. However, that plan could not be realized within ADM’s timeframe. “We decided to move forward in the way that best meets our organizational objectives,” Woertz said.

Woertz noted that ADM will continue to have a significant presence in Decatur, which will be designated the company’s North American headquarters, and that the company does not plan any layoffs in connection with the move to a new global center.

“We appreciate the interest and support expressed by many civic and governmental leaders as we have considered a variety of options for our new global center,” Woertz said. “We look forward to finalizing the selection of a site in Chicago soon, and to accelerating the selection of a suitable location for our IT center.”



Discover the Cover: Farmers Realize Benefits, Challenges of Soil-Improving Cover Crops
Ron Nichols, USDA/NRCS

A growing number of farmers throughout the nation have “discovered the cover” — and for some very good reasons.

They’re recognizing that by using cover crops and diverse rotations, it’s possible to actually improve the health and function of their soil, said David Lamm, a soil health expert with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Farmers are also reaping the benefits healthy soils bring to their operations in the form of better nutrient cycling, improved water infiltration and more consistent yields over time.

“The principles of building healthy soils are the same everywhere — you have to stop tilling the soil and switch from a monoculture crop rotation to one with a diversity of crops that should include cover crops,” Lamm said. “But the path to soil health is different on each farm.”

Keeping soil covered and growing with living roots is a critical component in improving the health and function of the soil, Lamm said.

“That means understanding how to manage cover crops in a soil health management system, and that can be one of the biggest challenges farmers face,” he said.

Cover crop and cash crop selections and rotation sequences should be chosen to fit the farmer’s resource concerns and priorities, and the resources available at that farm.

“Farmers not familiar with how mixtures of cover crops work together might ask ‘why would I want to plant a cover crop that uses up all my water?’” Lamm said. “But using diverse annual cropping rotations and cover crop combinations increase soil organic matter. And for each 1 percent in organic matter, there can be a 25 percent increase in water holding capacity and up to 30 pounds an acre more of available nitrogen.”

While it is true cover crops use some soil profile water, they simultaneously improve the soil structure by building soil aggregates, he said. They also provide mulch that reduces evaporation and runoff losses and break up subsoil to increase water recharge.

“By using cover crops, no-till and crop rotations, farmers are finding that their soil actually has more available water for their cash crops when those crops really need it,” he said. “Those covers actually help protect farms against weather extremes like drought.”

Learn more about cover crops and “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil,” the agency’s soil health awareness campaign.