Thursday January 9 Ag News

Johanns Supports Congressional Action on Trade

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today issued the following statement in support of bipartisan, bicameral legislation known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). TPA gives the Administration a clear set of trade priorities and objectives, and provides for timely Congressional consideration of negotiated trade agreements.

“Trade is an important part of our nation’s economy and plays a key role in helping create jobs here at home,” Johanns said. “This legislation, if signed into law, gets us one step closer to breaking down trade barriers preventing our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers from shipping American products around the world. I have supported TPA since I was Governor and am eager to work with all willing parties to provide the necessary tools to achieve this goal.”

The TPA legislation was drafted by the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah ) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.). Previous TPA legislation expired in 2007 and has not been renewed.

The legislation specifically:
·         Outlines a robust trade agenda;
·         Strengthens and improves existing law;
·         Updates existing trade objectives to reflect modern economic realities;
·         Strengthens consultations with Congress and the American public; and
·         Ensures Congress retains control over implementing any trade agreements.

Late last year, Johanns discussed the need for Congress and the President to renew TPA. Click HERE for more information.



Smith Applauds Trade Priorities Act

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today made the following statement following the introduction of  the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act:

“As Nebraska producers continue to expand their sales around the world, Congress needs to pass the Trade Priorities Act.  This legislation would enhance U.S. leverage in the global marketplace and update Congress’s authority and ability to provide direction to the Administration in trade negotiations.

“At a time when some nations are putting up tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. products, this legislation would help our negotiators ensure Nebraska goods and products receive fair treatment in new agreements which would benefit our economy and hardworking taxpayers.”

Congressman Smith is a member of the Committee on Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and has led efforts to promote modern, scientific, and fully enforceable standards in trade agreements.  This summer, Smith held a series of public forums across the Third District to help businesses and individuals better understand the value of global trade and provide information on expanding market access for local products.

Nebraska merchandise exports, including agriculture, totaled $7.4 billion in 2012.  According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, every dollar in agricultural exports generates $1.34 in economic activities such as transportation, financing, warehousing, and production.



NPPC Focusing On TPP As TPA Bill Introduced

The National Pork Producers Council applauded today’s introduction of congressional legislation to grant President Obama Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as a means to conclude a successful Pacific Rim trade deal.

The Obama administration is working now to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), 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.

TPA, also known as “fast-track,” allows the president to negotiate trade agreements based on strategic goals and objectives outlined in the legislation, with ongoing congressional oversight. Deals concluded under TPA are subject to congressional approval without amendments.

While passage of TPA is important to getting a TPP Agreement – and future deals such as the U.S.-European Union Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Agreement – approved, NPPC pointed out that the even bigger issue is finalizing a comprehensive, high-standard TPP deal. And that means an agreement that includes Japan – the U.S. pork industry’s No. 1 export market – with tariffs eliminated in all of its industry sectors, including agriculture.

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

In a December letter to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, an NPPC-led coalition of agricultural groups pointed out that, if Japan is allowed to claim exceptions for sensitive products, other TPP countries inevitably will demand the right to do the same, and the TPP talks could unravel. Such an action, the coalition said, also would set a terrible precedent, affecting future trade agreements, including the TTIP.

“Getting TPA introduced and approved is an important step in the trade process, and we are supportive,” said NPPC President Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn., “but our main focus will be making sure Japan eliminates farm tariffs at least as quickly as was done by South Korea in its trade deal with the U.S.

“We will oppose a TPP agreement in which tariffs on pork and other farm products are not quickly eliminated.”



Fischer Cosponsors Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act, Applauds Passage in the Senate

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced today the United States Senate has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation she cosponsored, the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act (S.1171). The bill enhances the ability of veterinarians to transport, administer, and dispense controlled substances in mobile settings.

“This legislation ensures that veterinarians have access to all necessary resources when they are providing services and care in the field. This is particularly important in rural areas, where owners are often unable to transport their livestock to a distant clinic or hospital. I was proud to cosponsor this commonsense measure that will bolster the ability of Nebraska’s veterinarians to provide care throughout our state and better serve Nebraska’s agriculture industry,” said Fischer.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) current interpretation of provisions within the Controlled Substances Act makes it illegal for veterinarians to transport controlled substances for use outside of their registered locations. The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow veterinarians to legally provide complete veterinary care in mobile settings.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Membership Meeting is Jan 20th
Crystal Klug, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen

Our next meeting is slated for Monday, January 20, at Wunderlich’s Catering in Columbus. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the meal to follow at 7:00 p.m. Thank you to Columbus Sales Pavilion and Travis Bock for sponsoring the social hour for the evening.

January is our membership meeting! We strongly encourage everyone to renew their dues and also bring a guest who may be interested in joining the association. Pete McClymont, Executive Vice President of the Lincoln Staff of Nebraska Cattlemen, and potentially other staff from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association will provide an informational presentation for this meeting.

Looking ahead – our annual banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2014, at the Platte County Ag Park. Please mark this date on your calendar. Tickets will soon be available for sale.

As in past years, Platte Valley Cattlemen will be offering one or more $500.00 college scholarships to qualified students. Applications may be obtained in Columbus at the Platte County Extension Office, 2610 14th Street.  The deadline for applications is January 31.

Looking forward to seeing you Monday, January 20, and remember to invite a friend!



NDA SPONSORS 11th ANNUAL POSTER CONTEST, ENCOURAGES 1ST - 6TH GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach today announced the beginning of the 11th annual NDA Agriculture Week in Nebraska Poster Contest.  The contest is open to all Nebraska youth currently in first through sixth grades.  This year’s theme is “Nebraska’s Family Farms.”

“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and it is important for our youth to understand the important role farmers and ranchers play in our everyday lives” said Ibach.  “This contest gives teachers a wonderful opportunity to discuss agriculture and help students better understand where their food comes from.”

The entry deadline for the contest is March 3, 2014.  The winners will be announced during National Ag Week (the week of March 24).

The contest is broken down into three age divisions:
·         First and second grade students
·         Third and fourth grade students
·         Fifth and sixth grade students

Winning entries will be featured on the NDA website and potentially in promotional materials and other publications.  Contest rules and official entry forms are available online at www.nda.nebraska.gov/kids.  Contest questions can be directed to Christin Kamm at (402) 471-6856 or by e-mail at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.



Jan. 14 Heuermann Lecture to Cover Leadership in Research, Education

            "Regaining the U.S. Lead in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education" is the topic for the 7 p.m. Heuermann Lecture Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Nebraska East Union on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus.

            Catherine Woteki, USDA undersecretary for research, education and economics, and Dan Glickman, former U.S. secretary of agriculture, will set the stage.

            They'll describe the current situation in world leadership in agricultural production and natural resources research and education at a time there's concern world markets signal the beginning of the end of more than 50 years of agricultural abundance.  In December 2012 the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology called for increasing investments in U.S. agricultural research to meet growing challenges.

            Woteki and Glickman then will join Philip Pardey, University of Minnesota Department of Applied Economics professor, as a panel to discuss what needs to happen now.

            Ronnie Green, Harlan vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL, is the panel moderator for the free lecture.

            Heuermann Lectures in IANR are made possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.

            The lectures focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.  Lectures stream live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu and are archived at that site soon after the lecture.  They're also seen on NET2 World at a date following the lecture.



March 1 Sales Closing Date for Noninsurable Crops

Producers have until March 17 to purchase coverage through the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for 2014 spring seeded crops, perennial and annual forage crops intended for haying or grazing. The sales closing date is actually March 15 but since this date falls on a Saturday, producers have until March 17 to purchase coverage for the specific 2014 crops.

Additionally, producers in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas can purchase both NAP and RMA coverage for 2014 annual forage crops. However, beginning in 2015, NAP coverage will not be available for annual forage crops in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields/grazing loss, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, excessive wind or hurricanes.

In order to meet eligibility requirements for NAP, crops must be noninsurable, commercially-produced agricultural commodity crops for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available.

In the event of a natural disaster, NAP covers the amount of loss greater than 50 percent of the expected production based on the approved yield and reported acreage.

Eligible producers can apply for coverage using form CCC-471, "Application for Coverage." Producers must file the application and pay a service fee by the March 17th deadline. The service fee is the lesser of $250 per crop or $750 per producer per administrative county, not to exceed a total of $1,875 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.

Limited resource farmers may request a waiver of the service fee at the time the application for coverage is filed. Producers must recertify their limited resource status for each year that a waiver is requested.

For more information on sales closing dates and NAP, contact your local FSA office.



2014 Iowa Pork Congress to feature ‘free’ seminars, training/certification sessions

Several educational business seminars and certification training sessions are being offered by the Iowa Pork Producers Association at the 2014 Iowa Pork Congress.  The event is being held Jan. 22 and 23 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines and all of the educational opportunities are offered at no additional cost to registered participants.

Seminar topics include an update on what’s happening in Washington, the latest on PEDV, an economic outlook, the Affordable Care Act and opportunities for new farmers. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will lead a discussion of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.  In addition to the seminars, hog farmers also can obtain or renew their certification in the industry’s PQA Plus and TQA programs, and a certification session for confinement site manure applicators also is being offered.

The well-known farm advocate and radio and cable television personality Trent Loos returns to Pork Congress to provide an entertaining and interesting keynote address. His message will explore the importance of re-educating today’s well educated but misinformed young mothers and other consumers about modern food production. The “Loos Tales” star will speak at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22.

The following is a complete schedule of seminars, training sessions and facilitators:

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Seminars
● Iowa Regulations & Nuisance Case Update
Eldon McAfee – Beving, Swanson & Forrest
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, Rooms 105 & 106

● Washington Update: Will Dysfunctional Washington Ever Function?
Jim Wiesemeyer – Informa Economics
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 107 & 108

● Understanding PEDv: Diagnostics, Impacts & Biosecurity!
    Dr. Rodger Main – ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
    Dr. Rodney “Butch” Baker – Iowa State University
Noon. – 1:45 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 105 & 106

● “Tell that to the Crunchy Momma” – Keynote Presentation
    Trent Loos – Loos Tales
    2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, Rooms 107 & 108
   
● Managing the Margin: Economic Outlook
    Dr. Lee Schulz – Iowa State University
    3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 105 & 106   

Training Sessions
● Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification
    Dave Stender - Iowa State University
    10 a.m. – Noon
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, room 103

● Transport Quality Assurance Certification
    Tom Miller - Iowa State University
    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, Room 103

Thursday, Jan. 23

Seminars
● Strengthening Agriculture’s Commitment to Water Quality:
   The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
    The Honorable Bill Northey – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
    Dr. John Lawrence – Iowa State University
Matt Lechtenberg - Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
9:15 a.m. – 10:15a.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 107 & 108

● Food Safety & Antibiotics: Perceptions vs. Reality
    Richard Raymond, M.D.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 105 & 106

● Employee Care Assistance & The Affordable Care Act
    Jim Lummus – National Pork Board
    Joseph Folsom – U.S. Small Business Administration
    11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 107 & 108

● Connecting the Dots: Animal Health, Well-Being & Productivity   
    Dr. John Deen – University of Minnesota
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 105 & 106

● Farm Transitions & Beginning Farmer Opportunities
    David Baker – Iowa State University Beginning Farmer Center
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, rooms 107 & 108

Training Sessions
● Confinement Site Manure Applicator Certification
    Jeff Prier – Iowa Department of Natural Resources
    Angela Rieck-Hinz – Iowa State University
    10 a.m. – Noon
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, room 103

● Social Media Training
    Cathy Lee Fredrickson – Integer Group
    1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
    Hy-Vee Hall, lower level, room 103

All seminars and training sessions are held in the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. Seminars are funded by the Pork Checkoff.  The Iowa Pork Congress is open to all pork producers, allied business partners and others involved in the pork industry. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 22 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 23.  Admission at the door is $10.  For more information, contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at (515) 225-7675, (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.



Consumers invited to ‘free’ pork lunch during Iowa Pork Congress

The public is invited to a “free” pork lunch being provided by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in downtown Des Moines during the 2014 Iowa Pork Congress.  The lunch will be held at Capital Square on Jan. 22 and will be IPPA’s 16th annual Winter Pork Picnic promotion.  Pork producers from central Iowa counties and other volunteers will grill and serve pork products to the general public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chips, pop and ice cream also will be provided.  Free-will donations will be collected from the public during the event to help feed Iowa’s needy.

The promotion is being held during the 42nd Iowa Pork Congress to show appreciation for the Iowans who buy and consume pork regularly in support of the pork industry.  Several companies will partner with IPPA in the promotion.



2014 Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered by Extension

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators at eight locations during February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification, but anyone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Angie Rieck-Hinz, coordinator of the Manure Applicator Certification Program.

The workshops are free to attend and open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa DNR to meet manure applicator certification requirements.

Please register for one of the workshops by calling the number listed with the selected site. All workshops begin at 1 p.m.
-    Feb. 5, Sioux County Extension Office, Orange City. Call 712-737-4230 to register.
-    Feb. 10, Branding Iron Restaurant, Thompson. Call 641-584-2261 to register.
-    Feb. 12, Community Building, Ellsworth. Call 515-832-9597 to register.
-    Feb. 13, Borlaug Learning Center, Nashua. Call 641-228-1453 to register.
-    Feb 17, Washington County Extension Office, Washington. Call 319-653-4811 to register.
-    Feb. 20, Adair County Fairgrounds, Greenfield. Call 641-743-8412 to register.
-    Feb. 21, Heartland Museum, Clarion. Call 515-532-3453 to register.
-    Feb. 27, Buena Vista County Extension Office, Storm Lake. Call 712-732-5056 to register.



Farm Bill Stalls Due to Dairy Disagreements
(from NAWG)

All of agriculture had high hopes this week that we’d see significant movement on a farm bill, but it appears the legislation has hit another snag over a longstanding dispute on dairy policy. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) said in an interview yesterday that the biggest sticking point at the moment “is the dairy policy.” The Senate-passed bill has a new program offering farmers profit-margin insurance for dairy producers and would require producers who voluntarily enter the program agree to cut milk production if the price should fall below a set amount.  Similar language passed in the House Agriculture Committee bill, with the strong support of House Agriculture Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), but was stripped from the version on the House floor via an amendment offered by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) is a strong advocate for stripping the supply management language from the House bill and keeping it out of any conference report. Speaker Boehner held a press conference today and when asked about the dairy provisions within the farm bill the Speaker said “I am confident the conference report will not include supply management in the dairy program.” Chairman Lucas said that the lead conferees have been working on a compromise that would satisfy both Boehner and Peterson but they are “just not there yet.”



ASA Joins Coalition Letter in Support of Input Tariff Reduction

In a letter to leadership of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, the American Soybean Association and a coalition of farm groups reiterated their support for a bill that would reduce tariffs on imported pesticide feedstocks, active ingredients and final products. The coalition supports the support temporary duty reduction for agricultural inputs that would be provided by the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB).

“Production of food, feed and fiber depends on the discovery and commercialization of advanced pest control products tailored for our crops, production methods, soils, climatic conditions and, of course, pest pressures,” wrote the groups. “Staying ahead of the many weed, insect and disease pests that attack our crops is an ongoing challenge. Even after harvest, our crops can be subject to attack by pests and diseases. We support efforts by the crop input industry to provide us with continuously improved pest-control tools at affordable prices. Reduction of import tariffs on their pesticides, active ingredients, and intermediate chemicals is an important aspect of congressional support of modern agriculture.”



Antimicrobial Use, Resistance Symposium White Paper Released

Point A: The science behind the emergence, amplification, persistence and transfer of antibiotic resistance is highly complex and open to interpretation—and sometimes misinterpretation—from a wide variety of perspectives and misuse. If you think you understand antimicrobial resistance, it hasn’t been explained properly to you.

Point B: The extremely complex relationship between animal health, human health and environmental health is driven by two premises: 1) Antimicrobial resistance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is present with or without the use of antimicrobials; and 2) Anytime an antibiotic enters the ecosystem, it has the potential to contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

These two points were among the many shared during the “Bridging the Gap between Animal Health and Human Health” symposium sponsored by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture and conducted Nov. 12-14, 2013,  in Kansas City, Mo. These points and additional information synthesized from the symposium comprise a 27-page “Bridging the Gap between Animal Health and Human Health” symposium White Paper recently released by NIAA.

“This White Paper highlights information delivered during the symposium by 20 different speakers—including antibiotic use and resistance experts representing animal health, human health and public health as well as a consumer advocate organization, grocery retailers, staff members and selected media representing agriculture and consumer advocates,” states Dr. Nevil Speer, PhD, Western Kentucky University, and co-chair of the “Bridging the Gap between Animal Health and Human Health” symposium.

“Open and candid presentations and discussions emphasized that those in human health and in animal health are committed to continuous improvement and are working to find common ground so a collective path forward can be formulated. Having a tug-of-war of human versus agricultural use of antibiotics doesn’t advance a solution. This paper underscores the importance of taking a 360-degree view and addressing antibiotic resistance from an all-inclusive, science-based perspective.”

The Antimicrobial Use and Resistance White Paper is available online at www.animalagriculture.org. Many of the symposium’s PowerPoint presentations, including the audio, are available in full online at www.animalagriculture.org.



Commodity Classic’s What’s New Sessions Present Innovation in Agriculture

Agriculture’s newest, most innovative products and services will be showcased at the What’s New sessions at the 2014 Commodity Classic.

“If you’re coming to Commodity Classic hoping to learn and gain some new ideas to take back to your farm, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the What’s New sessions,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chairman Wyatt Whitford. “These sessions offer a sneak peek at the new technology and products out on the trade show floor and an opportunity to ask the experts questions.”

Topics for the What’s New sessions include: the latest tractor and combine header technologies, soil fertility trends, new developments in seeds to help manage pests, the latest technology tools for the farm and tools to optimize seed selection for each field.

The sessions—scheduled for Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1—provide the ideal opportunity for attendees to hear about what is new from the presenting companies so they can stop by the trade show booth to learn even more. Each session is 40 minutes long, allowing attendees to learn about the topic in an in-depth manner.

Companies selected to present include Case IH, DuPont Pioneer, John Deere, Monsanto, The Mosaic Company, Syngenta, The Climate Corporation, Trimble and United Soybean Board. The products and services are chosen by the grower community to ensure they are truly something new to the industry.

More information on the What’s New sessions and other events at Commodity Classic is available on the Commodity Classic website (http://www.commodityclassic.com/convention-trade-show/educational-sessions).

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.



Soybean Checkoff Partnerships Help Increase Soybean-Meal Demand through U.S. Meat Exports

Since the success of the U.S. animal ag and soy sectors depend on each other, the soy checkoff helps support U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) projects that promote U.S. meat exports.

The checkoff continues partnering with USAPEEC to promote U.S. broiler and turkey meat in China, Hong Kong, Russia, the Middle East, Central America, Japan and South Korea. USAPEEC plans to focus marketing efforts on women to boost U.S. poultry demand. USAPEEC holds culinary workshops for influential female decision makers in Oman. These workshops feature live cooking demonstrations and tastings where U.S. turkey is the main ingredient.

The checkoff also supports USMEF in its efforts to increase U.S. pork sales in Japan, Mexico and South Korea. As a key component of this effort, USMEF plans to conduct more than 700 full-day tasting demonstrations at national retail chains around Japan.

“The fact is we’re all working together,” says Joel Thorsrud, USB Domestic Opportunities target area coordinator and a soybean, corn and wheat farmer from Hillsboro, N.D. “Industry leaders in corn, soybeans, pork and beef are collaborating to make a difference, which is moving product and creating extra demand for all our commodities.”

Past checkoff partnerships have proven successful at increasing the preference for U.S. meat in other countries. Soy-checkoff-funded marketing efforts helped boost Japanese consumption of U.S. pork back ribs from zero to 4.5 million pounds over a three-year span.

Pork and poultry, the top two soybean meal customers, have shown steady export growth in recent years. Last year, broiler and turkey exports hit 3.7 million metric tons, valued at nearly $4.9 billion. U.S. pork export volume reached 2.3 million metric tons, valued at $6.3 billion. Both of these figures broke value and volume records set in 2011.

In the most recent marketing year, U.S. poultry consumed more than 12.8 million metric tons of U.S. soy meal and hogs chowed down on nearly 6.8 million metric tons. That’s the meal from more than 900 million bushels of soybeans between them.



Canadian and U.S. Grain Sectors Release Cross-Border Trade Study

A new study, released by the Canada-U.S. Task Group, a group of Canadian and U.S. non-profit and trade organizations, documents the commercial flow of grain from the United States to Canada. The study addresses U.S. and Canadian trade volume, handling and processing practices for more than 15 commodities traded between the United States and Canada. The analysis was provided to the Canadian and U.S. governments as input in the consultations for the development of phytosanitary measures under Canada’s proposed Grain Import Framework (D-12-05). 

The study, located online at http://canada-usgrainandseedtrade.info, examined data from 2010 to 2012. On average, corn is the number one commodity moving north from the United States to Canada at 1.05 MMT per year. Average soybean exports to Canada are 245,000 MT while wheat exports are 69,000 MT. Additionally, the report indicates that 380,000 MT of screenings enter Canada on average, but this category mainly encompasses highly processed grain commodities that will be exempt from the proposed framework.

According to the study, 54 percent of all U.S. grain exports to Canada were transported by truck, followed by rail at 32 percent and water at 14 percent. The high percentage of truck movements highlighted a potential problem if inspections and certificates would be required on each shipment. However, based on the risk assessments of the various crops and taking into consideration their end-use in Canada, it is expected that only a small number of these U.S. shipments will require a phytosanitary certificate.

The study also found that Canadian processing practices generally minimize phytosanitary risks that may arise from U.S. shipments. The commodities are typically cleaned at the recipient’s facility and screenings are heated, hammered and turned into feed or sent to landfills, which mitigate phytosanitary risks.

Additionally, the Task Group has been engaged with the Canadian government to address concerns and will continue to participate in the governmental consultation process to improve Canada’s Grain Import Framework (D-12-05) implementation.   



Strong U.S. Crude Oil Production Expected in 2014

Strong growth in U.S. crude oil production, primarily attributable to growing volumes of light crude oil produced from onshore tight oil formations, has reshaped global oil markets in recent years. EIA expects this growth trend to continue for the next two years, as forecast in this month's Short-Term Energy Outlook.

EIA estimates that U.S. crude oil production averaged 7.5 million barrels per day in 2013, the highest annual average rate of production since 1989. In the January STEO, which extends the forecast period through 2015, EIA expects continued strong production growth. EIA projects crude oil production to average 8.5 million bbl/d in 2014 and 9.3 million bbl/d in 2015, which would be the highest annual rate of crude oil production since 1972. The record highest annual average crude oil production was 9.6 million bbl/d in 1970.

Production from tight oil formations in Texas, North Dakota, and a handful of other states has driven total crude oil production growth for the past four years. Development activity in these key onshore basins and increasing productivity as companies learn how to apply hydraulic fracturing techniques more effectively and efficiently are central to STEO's forecast.



CHS reports $242.2 million first-quarter earnings for fiscal 2014

CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $242.2 million for the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year.

Earnings for the period Sept. 1 – Nov. 30, 2013, declined 30 percent from $343.7 million recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The decrease was largely attributed to reduced refining margins in the company's energy business. Revenues for the quarter were $11.0 billion, down slightly from $11.7 billion for the same period in fiscal 2013, primarily due to lower average selling prices for grains and oilseeds the company handles.

While overall fiscal 2014 first quarter results for the company's Energy segment declined from the same period a year ago, earnings for CHS propane, lubricants and transportation businesses increased. The CHS propane and transportation businesses generated record earnings for the quarter due to a compressed, high-demand harvest season in much of the company's trade area. Earnings for the company's renewable fuels marketing business declined slightly for the quarter.

Fiscal 2014 first quarter earnings for the CHS Ag segment – which includes domestic and global grain and crop nutrients businesses, local retail operations and processing and food ingredients – increased slightly over the same period a year ago. This was primarily due to higher margins and service income at local retail operations. Earnings also increased for the company's grain marketing business which achieved strong logistics performance. CHS processing and food ingredients operations experienced an earnings increase compared to the same period the previous year, primarily related to its soybean crushing and refining businesses.

CHS reports earnings for its food-related joint ventures and business services under Corporate and Other. Earnings for the quarter increased over the same period a year ago for the CHS shares of vegetable oil-based foods manufacturer and distributor Ventura Foods, LLC, and wheat milling company Horizon Milling, LLC. Combined earnings for CHS hedging, finance and insurance businesses declined slightly during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2013.



Land Sales Remain Strong, Auction Levels High

Land sales finished strong in 2013, spurred by good farmer demand for additional land, according to Farmers National Company, the nation’s leading farm and ranch real estate company in the country.  Farmers National Company is reporting record real estate sales of $750 million for 2013, compared to $640 million in 2012.

Activity during the first half of 2013 slowed slightly because of a surge in sales at the end of 2012 prompted by tax law changes. However, sales levels turned upward to round out the year and finished strong, according to Randy Dickhut, AFM, vice president of real estate operations of Farmers National Company. He notes that trends indicate an active pace will continue through the first half of 2014 for most regions.
Within Farmers National Company’s 24-state service area, there has been continued widespread auction activity at year-end. Farmers National Company real estate agents worked 45 auctions during November alone. Out of 829 properties sold by Farmers National Company in 2013, over 40 percent sold at auction.

While land prices have stabilized compared to the double-digit price increases seen in recent years, levels are at historical highs. Prices per acre for high quality land range nationwide from $3,500 to as high as $12,000 to $13,000 per acre in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. Values in the Upper Midwest are also very strong with sales reaching $10,000 per acre.

“Farms remained profitable in 2013 despite lower commodity prices, in part due to reductions in fertilizer expenses of nearly 30 percent,” said Dickhut. “This is prompting farm owners to continue buying premium land to expand their operations. Interest in average to medium quality land has waned, slowing activity for such property.”

Prices for pasture land have increased in places like Nebraska as Texas livestock producers transplanted herds due to recent drought. As regions in Texas continue to recover from the drought, land values there are forecast to rise 5 percent to 7 percent, according to Dickhut.

A price drop of 40 percent for sugar beets has impacted land values in the Northern Region (North Dakota/South Dakota/western Minnesota). Income reduction of nearly $350 per acre in some cases is taking some land buyers out of the market. Despite this pressure, values are fairly stable in this area, Dickhut said.

Farmers continue to be the primary land buyers. Dickhut reports that investor interest in land has been more guarded as many are not willing to pay high prices without a guaranteed strong return. Recent success in the stock market is generating interest in alternative investments, pushing outside investors to choices besides land.

“The market for farmland overall remains strong, particularly for quality land even though buyers are getting more cautious,” said Dickhut. “The impact of changes in commodity prices, expenses, and interest rates will all play into year-end results.”



Pioneer Taps New Scientific Disciplines to Improve Yield Potential

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide corn hybrids that offer greater yield potential for growers, DuPont Pioneer is tapping into new technologies and areas of scientific expertise. The company is seeking bright minds with diverse capabilities to help improve the genetic potential of hybrids sold to customers.

Corn breeding is changing as growers’ needs change. Breeders now can rely on a team of experts in diverse technical fields to help develop hybrids. “Plant breeders are still very important,” says Mark Cooper, DuPont Pioneer research director. “Today, however, they can count on help from experts in an array of different fields to make larger genetic gains for growers more efficiently.” 
 
Cooper cites four steps breeders require to develop improved hybrids.

    Technology. Tools such as molecular markers help locate genes that improve yield or other traits. Experts also apply doubled haploid technology to incorporate those traits into genetic lines more quickly and confidently.
    Seed production. Once they identify the genetic puzzle pieces, seed production experts develop inbreds that breeders use to produce commercially viable hybrids.
    Testing. Breeders then deploy their considerable experience to test new hybrids. They design the plots and collect data that help determine which hybrids work in specific growing environments and which don’t make the grade.
    Data analysis. Pioneer employs a corps of data-management experts who analyze the data, sifting valuable information from the irrelevant “noise.” Pioneer is applying increasingly advanced modeling programs to understand how genes convey traits to experimental lines. This helps Pioneer breeders better understand which genetic combinations are likely to produce improved hybrids.

“As we add mathematicians, modelers and statisticians, we improve our breeding methodology,” Cooper says. “Technologies and tools are constantly changing and improving. These experts help us improve efficiency, test more genetic lines, and grow even more confident in the results.”

Pioneer specialists can comb through masses of genetic information with advanced computing and modeling programs. “We’re continually refining the models,” Cooper says. “We combine the right data with the correct modeling programs to develop improved predictions.”

Pioneer conducts experiments across the globe to learn more about how corn hybrids perform in different growing environments. As they develop better products and understand where those new hybrids perform best, breeders are better positioned to support the Pioneer sales professionals who help customers place the right product on the right acre.

 “We’re also looking at phenotypes or physical data in a new way,” Cooper says. “We’re boosting the capacity to evaluate plants so we can realize more value from molecular markers and incorporate genes that impact traits of interest.”

Working with technical teams, breeders play a critical role in integrating this valuable array of information. They distill it all into improved hybrids growers need to produce food for the world.

To support corn breeders, Pioneer continues to employ the brightest minds in various science- and technology-related fields. “We hire people with expertise in the technologies we need now and will need in the future,” Cooper says. “Pioneer is investing in the future, making sure we can continue to offer growers better products year after year, decade after decade.”

Pioneer also supports universities that are launching the next generation of plant breeders, molecular scientists, data-management gurus and other technical experts. “We provide opportunities for people who want to make a difference and help feed a growing world population,” Cooper says. “While growers are the hub of food production efforts, they need our help to keep the wheel turning. The technical expertise we’re adding helps us meet growers’ needs.”