Monday January 13 Ag News

Land Application Training Days Offered in January/February

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension workshops at seven extension offices across the state in January and February will provide livestock and crop farmers with information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.

Re-certification will be during the first two hours of the day-long Land Application Training. Dates, times and locations include:
                Jan. 23 – 9 a.m., 2345 Nebraska Ave. (Extension Office), York
                Jan. 23 – 9 a.m., 4502 Avenue I (Boardroom at the Extension Center), Scottsbluff
                Jan. 30 – 9 a.m., 1308 Second St. (Phelps County Ag Center), Holdrege
                Jan. 30 – 9 a.m., 200 S. Lincoln St. (Courthouse), West Point
                Feb. 3 – 9 a.m., 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100 (Extension Office), O’Neill
                Feb. 4 – 9 a.m., 57905 866 Road (Haskell Ag Lab), Concord
                Feb. 5 – 9 a.m., 466 Road 10 (Extension Office), Schuyler

Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified. A farm must complete an approved training every five years, and farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are also encouraged to attend.

The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska’s Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL AMM coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.

This in-depth, one-day class targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended this initial training, but will need re-certification, may attend the morning portion of the training.

Attendance during the morning of one of the Land Application Training workshops will fulfill NDEQ requirements for re-certification of producers who have completed the initial land application training five or more years ago.

This portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as managing liquid storages, pathogens found in manure and the manure value calculator spreadsheet that was released in 2012. Farm staff responsible for implementing the farm’s nutrient plan are also encouraged to attend.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $50 fee per operation (includes one representative) will be charged for the day-long Land Application Training workshops plus a $10 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.

The Land Application Training Re-certification portion of the workshop is $10 for each participant.

These workshops are sponsored by the UNL Extension AMM Team which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize our states manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.

For additional information on these workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818, email ljohnson13@unl.edu.


 
SUPPLEMENT COWS TO IMPROVE CALF PERFORMANCE
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               Can you feed your pregnant cows so their calves gain more weight and more heifers get pregnant?  Recent research suggests that proper supplementation pays off.

               As winter forage quality declines and cow nutrient demands increase, wise operators feed protein supplements to assure healthy calves plus cows that will rebreed rapidly.  But protein supplements are expensive, so we usually feed only what the cow needs to stay healthy.

               New research, though, suggests that this strategy of minimizing input costs may overlook the impact supplements have on the future performance of the calf.

               Recent research has shown that properly supplementing the cow can increase profitability of the calf she’s carrying.  In one study, steers from cows that received protein supplement while grazing winter range produced an extra 60 pounds of carcass weight per animal compared to steers from non-supplemented cows.

               In other studies, the pregnancy rate of heifers from cows that received protein supplements while grazing corn residue or winter range was higher than heifers from non-supplemented cows.  And steers from these supplemented cows graded choice more often.

               This outcome, where supplementing protein to the cow improves the performance of her calves later in life is called fetal programming. It is thought to occur partly because cow nutrition affects development of fetal organs and muscles, which is highest during the last third of gestation.  Since most winter feeding and grazing programs use forages that are low in protein, adequate supplementing can pay big dividends.

               As cows approach calving time, don’t scrimp on the protein.  Feed what is needed, both for the cow and her calf.  You’ll be money ahead.



Nebraska's Dawn Caldwell Takes Center Stage on The Balancing Act Jan. 14

Popular morning show The Balancing Act, airing on Lifetime TV, once again welcomes CommonGround, the grassroots organization designed to get women talking about farming, to the show at 6 a.m. CST Tuesday, Jan. 14. Make sure to tune in as CommonGround Nebraska volunteer Dawn Caldwell explains why consumers can feel confident about how their food is grown and raised.

This is the final segment in a four-part series where 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.

"Lately, there has been a significant amount of media attention paid to the practices ranchers like myself use in caring for our livestock. Through this show, I hope to provide a window into the true story of animal agriculture and open an ongoing conversation with other mothers who have questions about their food," said Caldwell.

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.



2014 Leopold Conservation Award Applications Available

Nebraska Cattlemen, in partnering with Sand County Foundation and Cargill, is seeking nominations for the 2014 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska. The winner of the award will receive an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for $10,000. The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes Nebraska landowners who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and use sustainable management when working with the natural resources that are in their care.

The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible through the generous support of: Cargill, Farm Credit Services of America, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Land Trust, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The Leopold Conservation Award recipient will be announced April 18, 2014 and presented at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Annual Convention in Kearney in December.

Landowners may nominate themselves or others and nominations are also welcome from groups or organizations. The nomination deadline is March 3, 2014. For the application/ nomination form visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org or contact Kristen Hassebrook, 402.475.2333.



Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting June 18-21 in Lincoln

Registration is now open for the 2014 Beef Improvement Federation's annual meeting and research symposium June 18-21 at the Cornhusker Marriot in Lincoln.

Co-hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Cattlemen and the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, the event will start at noon June 18 with registration. A welcome reception will kickoff the event at 5 p.m. followed by a USMARC Symposium: 50 Years of Service to the Beef Industry.

It's no coincidence that the meeting is being held in Nebraska in 2014, said Matt Spangler, associate professor in UNL's animal science department. The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. USMARC scientists have contributed to the annual BIF meeting since its beginning, he said.

The meeting will allow the research community and industry to meet and discuss issues surrounding the genetic improvement of beef cattle and for attendees to learn about technologies and management practices that can aid in the profitability of their operations.

On June 19, the meeting will start at 8 a.m. with a general session and welcome.

Presentations and technical breakout sessions will follow through June 20. A post-conference tour will take place on June 21.

Some of the topics and speakers on June 19 include:
            – Economic considerations for profitable cowherds, Clay Mathis, King Ranch Institute
            – Heifer intake and feed efficiency as indicators of cow intake and efficiency, Dan Shike, University of Illinois
            – Decreasing costs through improved heifer development strategies, Rick Funston, UNL

Topics and speakers on June 20 include:
            – Selection for Novel Traits: An international genomics perspective, Donagh Berry, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagas, Ireland
            – Genetics of Disease Susceptibility, Holly Neibergs, Washington State University
            – It is possible to genetically change the nutrient profile of beef, Raluca Mateescu, Oklahoma State University
            – Changes in dietary regime impact fatty acid profile of beef, Susan Duckett, Clemson University
            – Improving feed efficiency in the feedlot: Opportunities and challenges, Galen Erickson, UNL
            – Relationship between selection for feed efficiency and methane production, Harvey Freetly, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Cost to attend the full conference is $250. Day-only, student and media discount rates also are available. For a full and up-to-date conference schedule, lodging information or to register, visit http://go.unl.edu/bif2014.

The Beef Improvement Federation (http://www.beefimprovement.org/) was formed more than 45 years ago to standardize beef cattle performance programs and evaluation methodology and to create great awareness, acceptance and usage of these concepts for the genetic improvement of beef cattle. It represents more than 40 state and national beef cattle associations.



Cover Crops and Soil Health Forum to Take Place This Winter at Hundreds of Locations Nationwide

You are invited to attend a free, live broadcast of the National Conference on Cover Crops and Soil Health and discuss how to build soil health, improve yields, curb erosion, manage pests and build resilience in your farming system. On Feb. 18, locations in every state across the country will host Cover Crops and Soil Health Forums where farmers will have the opportunity to learn from one another while exploring local and national perspectives on cover crops.

Facilitated discussions on local issues pertaining to cover crops will follow a live-streamed broadcast of opening sessions from the national conference, including a dialogue with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (invited) and Howard G. Buffett, plus a panel discussion with expert farmers. Because the national conference attendance is limited, the local forums represent a way to include farmers, educators and researchers across the country in the emerging conversation about the use and benefits of cover crops.

"This will be a great opportunity for farmers interested in cover crops and soil health to meet up with like-minded individuals from their local area to discuss both local and national issues related to cover crops," said Dr. Rob Myers, conference chairman and Regional Director of Extension Programs, North Central Region SARE. "We hope that farmers will come prepared with questions and ideas that they can feed back to USDA about programs and assistance needed for cover crops and soil health."

Attendees of the local forums will also have the opportunity to contribute ideas and comments on cover crops and soil health back to the leadership group at the national conference. These comments will be collected by staff at the local sites as part of the local discussion process.

The Cover Crops and Soil Health Forums will be held on Feb. 18 at over 200 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Extension offices nationwide, and is being organized in conjunction with the National Conference on Cover Crops and Soil Health in Omaha, Neb. Both the national conference and the local forums are jointly funded by SARE and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, with planning support from NRCS, the Midwest Cover Crops Council and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The Omaha conference is invitation only; the local forums are open to the public.

For more information about the Cover Crops and Soil Health Forums and a list of forum locations, visit www.SARE.org/covercropconference.



ISU Training Modules Address Grain Storage Issues Faced by Farmers

Crop producers are faced with new grain storage issues as they store increasing amounts of grain for local processing, sometimes storing grain for a full year. A team of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field and campus specialists, formed as part of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, is working to meet the informational needs farmers have related to grain storage.

The extension team recently released three Web-based training modules covering key aspects of grain drying and storage. Greg Brenneman and Shawn Shouse, agricultural engineering specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, are the online course instructors. The 20-minute modules cover
-    Aeration of stored grain
-    Energy efficiency and drying capacity gains from dryeration
-    Fan performance and sizing

They can be viewed or downloaded at www.extension.iastate.edu/Grain/Topics/GrainStorage.htm.

“Higher grain yields and increased local demand have been good for farmers, but also have created a situation where we need to think more about maintaining grain quality on a much larger scale,” said Greg Brenneman, extension agricultural engineering specialist and grain storage team member. “Our team is creating Web training modules so farmers can better understand large-scale grain drying and storage, and we’re connecting them with decision-making tools so they can best manage their grain.”

Future modules are planned to cover inventory management and shrink, toxins and food safety factors, and preseason preparations for grain storage. Educational modules, publications and decision tools are available on the team’s website at www.extension.iastate.edu/Grain/Topics/GrainStorage.htm.

Ag Decision Maker farm storage cost analysis tools
The grain storage team recently updated two Ag Decision Maker grain drying and storage economics tools, the Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa – 2014 decision tool, a comparison of drying systems calculator, and the Grain Storage Alternatives: An Economic Comparison spreadsheet. These spreadsheets and the Monthly Cost for Storing Grain publication are available on the grain storage team website as well as the Ag Decision Maker website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm.



National Pork Board Statement Regarding Tyson Foods Announcement
Tyson Foods announced it will urge its suppliers to implement a series of production practices that it deems representative of responsible food production. Those recommendations include the use of video monitoring in sow farms, discontinuation of manual blunt force trauma as a primary method of euthanasia, use of pain mitigation for tail docking and castration, and the recommendation for sow housing built or renovated in 2014 and beyond to provide adequate quality and quantity of space for gestating sows.

On behalf of America's pork producers, the National Pork Board continues to recognize and promote the opportunity for producers, working with their veterinarians, to make the best decisions for their farms, their families, their employees and their animals. Producers need workable, credible and affordable solutions for improving animal care. From a broad industry perspective, there are a number of important issues raised by today's announcement:

• Currently there are no approved drugs for the use of pain mitigation in pig farming. We strongly encourage pig farmers to work with their herd veterinarian to explore options to comply with Tyson's recommendation and to ensure all federal drug-use regulations are met appropriately under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act.

• The National Pork Board maintains the position, supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, that there are numerous ways to provide proper housing and care for sows. Each housing system, including individual and group housing, free-access stalls and pastures, has welfare advantages and disadvantages that must be considered by a farmer. Regardless of the type of system used, what really matters is the individual care given to each pig - a mainstay of our industry's Pork Quality Assurance® Plus program.

• Video monitoring can be a useful tool in auditing animal welfare on U.S. pig farms. However, video monitoring, like in-person auditing, is only one component of providing and ensuring good animal care and can add significant cost to the farmer. Auditing and monitoring should be balanced with a comprehensive approach to animal welfare that includes caretaker training to positively affect human-animal interaction.

As an organization that represents America's pork producers, the National Pork Board will continue to work on behalf of the industry for sound policies that recognize the importance of veterinary and animal science, recognize the interests of consumers in enhanced animal welfare and recognize the importance of producers as independent business people charged with providing the best daily care possible for the animals they raise.



Economists Reveal Top Trends Likely to Impact the Pork Checkoff

As the National Pork Board sets its course for 2015 through 2020, the organization's strategic planning task force was recently presented an analysis of top trends in the economic and food production environment that are most likely to impact the Pork Checkoff program. The analysis is part of the National Pork Board's strategic planning initiative. The task force met for the first time in December.

"Our overarching objective is to assess the role the Pork Checkoff plays in an ever-changing world and to identify strategic opportunities for us to help move the pork industry forward," said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. "This may mean developing programs that increase consumer trust and comfort in purchasing pork.

"Consumer needs regarding food safety and transparency, and producer needs to protect the environment and provide the best possible animal care will be front and center," Novak said.

Dr. Daniel Sumner, the University of California at Davis, and Dr. Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, identified the following trends as critical to address:

• There is a marked increase in U.S. consumption of pork, which is outpacing sales of all meat products. U.S. pork consumption is at a 10-year high and only expected to increase.

• While the domestic pork market is the biggest by far for U.S. producers with 75 percent of U.S. pork production consumed domestically, Asia presents a growth market with 30-year projections of income growth and a rising middle class that demands more protein and produce.

• Productivity of the average pig farmer has increased, with pigs per litter and average market hog weights both increasing. This creates an immediate 2.6 percent increase in the amount of pork entering the market today.

• Food safety and farm practice issues will modify demand in rich countries and increasingly in middle-income countries with retailers - including foodservice firms - showing a strong interest in understanding farm practices and encouraging farmers to meet the demands of opinion leaders.

"Real per capita expenditures are very strong, with individual pork demand at its highest levels since 2004," said Meyer, who noted that the percentage growth in pork sales in the past year is the highest among all meat products, including pork, beef, poultry and lamb.

"Domestically, people are spending more on meat even while per capita income fails to grow. Following a year where animal activism increased its pressure through the release of undercover videos and the use of social media, people not only continued to buy meat, but in fact, bought more meat and paid significantly more for it," Meyer said.

Sumner said global income and population growth continue to drive pork demand.

"On a global basis, the need for increased pork production over the next decade is very real," Sumner said. "The U.S. pork industry must keep up, and even outperform past history, in order to meet increasing demand in both wealthy countries and those developing countries with rapidly growing per capita incomes."

For members of the task force, the strategic planning process will be centered on asking a simple, yet aspirational question: "What if?" The question is designed to push the imagination about what the industry could be.

"In 2009, we set a vision for an industry that was responsible, sustainable, professional and profitable. We set goals to protect a farmer's freedom to operate, to reposition fresh pork with consumers and to make U.S. pork producers more competitive in the global marketplace," Novak said. "Today, we must also focus on the issues important to society. That's what this planning process will uncover."

Novak added that among the most important topics of interest today are food safety, the environment and animal welfare.

"Our Pork Checkoff was founded by family farmers who recognized the need to invest in the development and promotion of their industry. We remain, today, a farmer-led organization that is focused on providing a return to producers for their Checkoff investments," Novak said. "At the same time, we need to acknowledge that the issues and challenges facing producers are no longer only producer issues, but rather affect the entire pork chain. Recognizing this new reality, and finding a way to align our interests with retailers, foodservice companies and packers will be critical to our long-term success. Progress is good and momentum important, but a vision to challenge the status quo is most critical."

Throughout 2014, the Pork Checkoff and the food industry leaders comprising its strategic planning task force will review research, market data and the opinions of agriculture's top economists and other experts in an effort to set a strategic vision to carry the organization from 2015 through 2020.



2013 NCGA Annual Report Now Available Online
The National Corn Growers Association's annual report for the 2013 fiscal year is now available online.  A printed copy of the report, which highlights the association's achievements over the previous year and features current financial information, will also be sent to all active members and made available at upcoming meetings.

Click here to view the full report.... http://www.ncga.com/upload/files/documents/pdf/publications/13grwr-0022013anlrptfnllores.pdf. 

"While we accomplished so much in 2013, it is imperative that each and every farmer takes the initiative again over the coming months," said NCGA Chairwoman Pam Johnson, a grower from Floyd, Iowa, who served as president last year.  "We face an ongoing barrage of issues that could threaten our markets, our agricultural safety net and our very ability to farm the best way we know how. We must act to defend these things that ultimately help produce a crop for those who rely upon us and to do so while sensibly and sustainably managing resources. NCGA continually leads efforts to tackle these issues head-on, but it relies upon the strength of its grassroots, farmers like you, to determine its priorities, its direction and then to vocally and actively support the initiatives that will help us reach our goals. By working together, we can make it happen."

Themed "Taking Initiative," the 2013 report spotlights efforts made by NCGA throughout the year to lead the industry and find innovative ways to support the work done by U.S. corn farmers. Including perspective from grower leaders, information about the activities of NCGA's action teams and committees and updates on its major image programs, the report provides a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to delve further into what NCGA does for our nation's farmers.



 2013 CWT’s Biggest-Ever Export Year

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) had its biggest year in 2013, with American-type cheese export sales topping 127 million pounds, and butter exports approaching 90 million pounds. The product is going to 40 countries on six continents.

CWT-assisted cheese sales rose 5.4 million pounds (4.4%) over 2012’s level, to 127.9 million pounds. The primary type of cheese sold was cheddar at 76%; however, the percentage of export sales that was Gouda reached 5% in 2013, up from just 2% in 2012. Monterey Jack exports through CWT reached 19% last year, up from 13% in 2012.

The majority of cheese sales were in Asia, with Japan the largest buyer. North Africa accounted for 25% of sales, with the lion’s share being sold in Egypt. Sales to countries in the Middle East accounted for 12% of sales.

CWT-assisted butter sales (at 82% fat content) reached 97.2 million pounds in 2013, up 16.1 million pounds (22%) from the sales level reached in 2012. The Middle East bought 53% of the 2013 CWT-assisted butter sales, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 40% of the sales in the Middle East, followed by Iran at 21%.

Through October of 2013, shipments of CWT-assisted sales represented 19% of total U.S. cheese exports, and 82% of all American-type cheese exports. For butter, the 80.5 million pounds of shipments sold with CWT export assistance is equal to 57% of all butter exported in the first 10 months of 2013.

Thanks to the continuing investment of the dairy farmer members of 38 cooperatives in 2014 and 2015, CWT will be able to provide export assistance when needed to cooperative members that are expanding the market for U.S. American-type cheeses, butter and whole milk powder in key foreign markets.



I-29 Dairy Conference Set for Jan. 15-16

The annual I-29 Dairy Conference will be held at the Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Jan. 15-16.

The conference is a multistate collaborative educational program developed by the dairy specialists from the North Dakota State University Extension Service, South Dakota State University Extension Service, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Minnesota Extension, Midwest Dairy Association and Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group.

"Dairy farm families from the Midwest have many challenges but similar goals," says J.W. Schroeder, NDSU Extension dairy specialist. "They strive to produce the highest-quality dairy products using the needed resources in the most efficient method affordable. That is why, each year, we attempt to prepare a regional program of interest to our dairy audience, which includes not only owners and managers but their service providers."

The conference will begin on Jan. 15 with registration at 4:45 p.m. and exhibits opening at 5, followed by a social and dinner. Livestock advocate and blogger Amanda Radke will give the keynote address, "When City and Country Collide," at 7 p.m.

Activities on Jan. 16 include morning workshops on understanding the energy audit program and its impact on dairies, the Affordable Care Act, the latest in herd health recommendations and a producer perspective on cover crop use on dairies.

During the afternoon, participants will be able to attend breakout sessions on topics including succession planning, evaluating energy use changes in the barn and using cover crops on the dairy operation.

The cost to attend the conference is $45 per person. That includes the Wednesday night meal and keynote address and all programs, breaks and lunch on Thursday. The fee is waived if you are a member of your state dairy producer organization.

To register online, visit igrow.org. For more information, contact Schroeder at (701) 231-7663 or jw.schroeder@ndsu.edu.



Soybean Harvest Begins in Brazil

Soybean harvesting was 1% complete in Mato Grosso, Brazil's top soybean-producing state, as of Friday, according to AgRural.  Despite intermittent rain showers, farmers managed to get into the fields during the last seven days, it said in a report.  At present, the priority is to harvest quickly in areas earmarked for a second crop of cotton.

In western Mato Grosso, fieldwork is 2% complete and average yields are around 47 bushels per acre. In the north, around 1% has been harvested and excellent yields of up to 54 bpa have been reported, said AgRural. In the center-south area of the state, fieldwork is slow, but some crops have been harvested around Campo Verde and showed yields of around 45 bpa.

Elsewhere, there has been very little harvesting and farmers are attentive to the recovery of the crop after a hot, dry December.



AG COMPANIES SUE HAWAIIAN COUNTY TO BLOCK ANTI-GMO BILL

Three of the world's largest agricultural companies filed a lawsuit to block a bill passed by the Hawaii County of Kaua'i regulating the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops on an island where Dow, Syngenta, BASF and DuPont Pioneer test seed varieties on about 15,000 acres.

On Jan. 10, Agrigenetics, Inc., a company affiliated with Dow AgroSciences, as well as DuPont Pioneer and Syngenta jointly filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Honolulu against the County of Kaua`i over the enactment of Bill 2491.

Under the bill's provisions, agricultural entities must disclose their use of pesticides, as well as their growing of any GMO crops in annual public reports to the State Department of Agriculture. The bill also requires a 500-foot buffer zone near schools and homes and several other locations.

The County of Kaua'i must also complete an Environmental and Public Health Impact Study (EPHIS) intended to address environmental and health questions related pesticide and genetically modified crop use by commercial agricultural entities.

Late last year, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. vetoed the bill, "Relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms," which the council passed on Oct. 16 with a 6-1 vote. The mayor said the bill is preempted by state and federal law. However, the Kaua'i County Council overturned the veto in a 5-2 vote in November.

Dow, DuPont and Syngenta claim the county's GMO law is invalid, because it violates the U.S. and Hawaii Constitutions, multiple federal and state laws, and the Kaua'i County Charter.

"It arbitrarily targets our industry with burdensome and baseless restrictions on farming operations by attempting to regulate activities over which counties in Hawaii have no jurisdiction," according to a joint statement from the companies. "These activities are already regulated by governmental agencies under state and federal laws."

Their statement also noted that each company voluntarily participates in the Kaua'i Agricultural Good Neighbor Program.

According to the Bill 2491, "There are increasing concerns about the direct and long-term impacts of the large-scale use of pesticides, and the impacts that the intense agricultural cultivation is having on the land, on the natural environment, and on human health."



U.S. FARM MACHINERY SALES END THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in December 2013, were up 2% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were down 9% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 9%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 12%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 9%.  Combine sales were up 39% for the month.

For the year, a total of 201,988 tractors were sold which compares to 185,164 last year, representing a 9%.  Year-in-total, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 9% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 5%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 18%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were even with last year.  Sales of combines for the year totaled 10,765, an increase of 10% over 2013.



Give Weak, Newborn Piglets a Powerful Energy Boost with New All-Natural PiggyLift™ Nutrient Supplement from Brookside Agra

Brookside Agra has developed a fast-acting, all-natural nutrient supplement that gives weak, newborn piglets a much needed energy boost and a chance at survival.  

Given right after birth to weak, cold piglets with a birth weight below 1,000 grams, liquid PiggyLift™ helps to reduce mortality in large litters, prevents weak piglets from starving and provides small piglets with the energy boost they need to find and secure a teat for suckling. PiggyLift™ is particularly efficient in herds diagnosed with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus.

"We have witnessed first-hand the rejuvenating effects that our new, all-natural PiggyLift™ has on weak piglets that would otherwise perish as a result of their condition. This gives them a quick boost of nutrients to put them on the right track to health and growth," said Chad Vaninger, Brookside Agra general manager. "Of course providing all-natural products that improve animal performance with no harmful side effects is at the forefront of what Brookside Agra does."

PiggyLift™ is formulated with all-natural ingredients including:
•    Vitamins A,D & E
•    Selenium
•    MDFA rich fats
•    Egg Powder
•    Colostrum Powder

Brookside Agra is a global fifth-generation, family-owned business based in O'Fallon, IL that manufactures and distributes specially formulated all-natural feed ingredients and all-natural environmental products for the world.  Brookside Agra offers a complete line of high-quality, research-proven and cost-effective, all-natural products, which when used properly will help improve the performance of all groups of livestock, poultry, companion animals, aquaculture and plants.  For more information about Brookside Agra, visit www.brookside-agra.com.