Thursday August 7 Ag News

Rural, Urban Interests Unite Against EPA Water Rule
‘Common Sense Nebraska’ Expands Partners

A proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to vastly expand the federal agency’s powers under the Clean Water Act (CWA) has prompted a number of Nebraska organizations and entities to join forces under the coalition of ‘Common Sense Nebraska.’ Nebraska agriculture organizations initially formed the coalition in June to push back against the EPA measure. Numerous non-farm interests have now joined the cause.

“This rule would be extremely harmful to Nebraska’s farm and ranch families forcing many to obtain CWA permits for the most basic farming and ranching practices. It also has ramifications for virtually anyone who puts a spade in the ground to turn the soil. We knew others would be affected and we’re pleased to have so many other groups who represent Nebraskans be a part of this effort,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation president.

The announcement of new ‘Common Sense Nebraska’ partners was made Thur. Aug. 7 at an event where U.S. Senator Mike Johanns, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Congressman Lee Terry and Congressman Adrian Smith joined coalition members in expressing concerns with EPA’s efforts to regulate water features beyond the scope given them by Congress under the CWA.

New organizations and entities announcing their partnership with ‘Common Sense Nebraska’ include:
AKSARBEN Club Managers Association
Association of General Contractors - NE Chapter
Golf Course Builders Association
Nebraska Association of County Officials
Nebraska Association of Resource Districts
Nebraska Bankers Association
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nebraska Corn Board
Nebraska Golf Course Superintendents Association
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association
Nebraska Rural Electric Association
Nebraska State Home Builders Association
Nebraska Water Resources Association

Founding members of the coalition include Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Poultry Industries, Nebraska Soybean Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association.

The proposed rule would have broad reaching impacts on numerous Nebraska interests.

“As a small business owner this rule creates unpredictability and that’s never good for businesses looking to comply with regulations. Construction projects rely on efficient timely and consistent permitting and review processes under Clean Water Act programs. If the rule is finalized the ability to sell, build, expand or retrofit structures or properties will suffer notable setbacks, including added costs and delays. Those costs and delay don’t just get felt by builders, but also by end consumers” said Allen Barber, immediate past president of the Nebraska State Home Builders Association.

“Nebraska already has laws and local regulations in place to protect water quality and quantity.  We commend the Nebraska citizens’ efforts to work with local Natural Resources Districts and various state agencies to protect water in Nebraska. The federal proposal is far reaching and adds costly burdens on those that rely on water for personal and economic survival and are contrary to the local management efforts,” said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

“It’s our understanding the rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers would erase the distinction between bodies of water — such as streams and lakes — and ditches on the side of a road. We believe this would mean counties would be required to obtain federal permits to do routine maintenance work on a roadside ditch or storm-water drain. This would increase budgets, project timelines and impact public safety while placing more pressure on Nebraska’s reliance on property taxes,” said Larry Dix, executive director of the Nebraska Association of County Officials. “We need a common sense approach of working together to ensure clean and safe water for future generations.”

EPA is currently accepting public comments on the proposed rule through Oct. 20.

Common Sense Nebraska is a Nebraska-based coalition consisting of organizations and entities that have come together in response to EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” Rule; a regulatory proposal that would harm both rural and urban Nebraskans through expansion of EPA’s powers and authorities under the federal Clean Water Act. The coalition’s purpose is to build awareness and understanding of the EPA proposal and the impacts it would have to Nebraskans.



The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - Noxioius Weed Tour to be Aug 20th

The Northeast Nebraska Weed Management Area in cooperation with the Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council and the Nebraska Environmental Trust are hosting a free educational tour on Wednesday, August 20th at Niobrara State Park.  “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Noxious Weed Control” is the title for this event.  Participants will see first-hand a number of methods being used to control the spread of Nebraska-listed noxious weeds.

Officials with Nebraska Game & Parks have implemented the use of chemicals, insects, mowing and haying in their fight against noxious weeds on the Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area located near the park.  Some have worked well while others have not.

The Northeast Nebraska Weed Management Area (NNWMA) has used both chemical and biological controls on Purple loosestrife, Leafy spurge, and Knapweed through their programs.  Flooding caused problems with the insects, the sheer volume of noxious weeds that must be controlled is overwhelming in some locations, and working around environmental concerns also plays a big part in when and how some controls are implemented.

NNWMA has assisted the Niobrara Public School in continuing their Purple loosestrife bucket garden where they rear the insects the feed on that particular plant.   The South Dakota Purple loosestrife group has also helped the school project by providing funds for supplies and labor.

This no-fee event begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the Niobrara State Park Lodge.  Transportation will be provided for participants taking part in the tour.  The event will conclude with lunch.    



BLU-JET Side Dump Trailer Released

With over 15 years of Side Dump Trailer Manufacturing experience on its resume, Thurston Manufacturing Company is proud to announce the release of the new BLU-JET side dump trailer. From hauling manure out of a feedlot to hauling dirt, silage, scrap, or grain, our trailers are built to withstand the rigors of on-farm operation.  The trailer features are intended to reduce total cost of ownership by decreasing maintenance and increasing durability while also maximizing efficiency and capacity.

The BLU-JET Side Dump trailer is available in three, four, and five axle configurations with a 37’ FLX-500 Rounded Vee dump body.  A Rounded Vee dump body design provides a low center of gravity for maximum stability and capacity, while assuring complete clean out when dumping, even with sticky materials.  The bottom of the dump body sits inside and below the top of the chassis frame rails. This allows for increased stability when hauling as the weight of the load has a lower center of gravity. The bottom of the dump body sitting down inside the chassis frame rails also increases capacity while maintaining a low loading height.

Blu-Jet Side Dump Trailers come with dual acting 6” cylinders on each end and six pivot points instead of four.  Each cylinder offers 62,000 lbs of lift.  No other side dump trailer on the market offers this kind of lift capacity as standard equipment.  The six pivot points better support the load while still allowing the dump body to twist and flex.

Flexibility is critical to a side dump cycle, particularly in agricultural applications, as loads are often dumped on uneven surfaces or not distributed evenly within the dump body.  Through a process of meticulous design analysis, our in-house team of design engineers determined six pivot points are the ideal balance between durability and weight as they add strength and lengthen the operating life of the trailer.  The pivot bushings are greaseless, to save the operator time on daily maintenance.

QuickLoad AirWeigh® Scales are standard equipment on BLU-JET Side Dump Trailers.  The scale converts air pressure in the air springs into accurate on-the-ground weight.  Operators can therefore quickly determine the loaded weight and whether that weight is legal for on-road use.  Tarp options available for the BLU-JET Side Dump Trailer include Shur-Co®, RollRite® and Aero® tarps, along with a high capacity kit option. The high capacity kit increases the capacity potential from 26.1 cubic yards to an incredible 42.6 cubic yards and is extremely advantageous for silage and manure hauling.



State Fair's 'Raising Nebraska' Highlights Food and Families Who Grow It

            A new exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair will connect consumers with the farmers who raise and grow their food.

            "Raising Nebraska: Your food and the families who grow it" is a permanent, year-round agriculture exhibit located in the new Nebraska Building on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds.

            Its debut at the Nebraska State Fair Aug. 22-Sept. 1 at Fonner Park in Grand Island, is part of an effort to educate consumers about what Nebraska is doing toward food production and feeding the world and what production agriculture looks like for Nebraska, said Beth Janning, UNL Extension educator, who will be on-site year-round to manage the exhibit and work with visiting groups.

            "We are hoping this exhibit allows consumers to realize that farmers are doing the best they can, using technology to produce the best food in the state for our consumers," she said. "We hope consumers will realize the 'farm to fork' process and that our producers care about the food they raise and the animals they care for."

            Raising Nebraska will not only tell the story of the state's No. 1 industry, but also explore agricultural research, production and innovation. The learning experience will include a wide range of interactive displays. It features a full-sized pivot-irrigation system, a video theater enclosed in a grain bin, a 50-foot-long floor map of Nebraska, a virtual combine ride, an interactive dinner table and other educational experiences.

            "All the exhibits will be interactive," Janning said. "They will also show the science involved with agriculture and showcase what Nebraska agriculture is really about and what we do best. We raise high quality crops and livestock to provide the food, feed and fiber for the world."

            While it will make its debut at the 2014 Nebraska State Fair, Janning said the exhibit will also be available throughout the year for school groups, trade teams and other visitors by appointment. It will also be open on Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. for anyone wanting to tour the building following the fair this fall. Programs focused on science and Nebraska agriculture are available by appointment.

            In addition, the exhibit is looking for volunteers with a passion about Nebraska agriculture to spend some occasional time in the building during the rest of the year, Janning said. Anyone interested, can contact the office.

            For more information, visit www.raisingnebraska.net.

            Raising Nebraska is a collaborative effort of the Nebraska State Fair, which is providing the building; the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the state's commodity boards; and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which is developing and managing the 25,000 square-foot educational experience area.



UNL's Food Processing Center Display at FFA – 4-H Building

            Visitors to the Nebraska State Fair also will have the opportunity to sample many of the food products produced in Nebraska at the UNL Food Processing Center display in the FFA – 4-H Building.

            More than 15 food companies will be available to provide samples and information regarding their products from salsa to pickles.

            "This exhibit provides visitors with the ability to learn about the many food products produced in Nebraska," said Jill Gifford, manager of the Food Processing Center's National Food Entrepreneur Program.

            This is the 19th year for the popular free exhibit. Companies scheduled to participate include: Preferred Popcorn, Chapman; HR Poppin' Snacks, Gibbon; Hiland Dairy Co., Grand Island; Kiehl and Stroh Co., Hastings; Balabans, Henderson; Herbal Gatherings Mustard, Hill's Sunflower Seed Co., Pur Java Coffee, Smoking Gun Jerky & Marinade, Lincoln; Holen One Farms, Loomis; Popcorn County USA, North Loup; Sweet Heat Peppers, Omaha; Country Rhoads, Superior; Mellor Seasoning, Valentine and Wauneta Roller Mills, Wauneta.

            The Food Processing Center is nationally recognized for its support of the food industry since 1983. The center has provided technical and business assistance to hundreds of manufacturers throughout the country and in many foreign countries.



IFBF Showcases How Conservation Counts at Iowa State Fair

This year, visitors to Farm Bureau Park at the Iowa State Fair will learn how Conservation Counts in Iowa, while interacting with Iowa farmers who raise and grow our food and energy and playing games for a chance to win great prizes, including $1,000 in free groceries.

"We know that Iowans want to know more about how their food is grown and raised and why farmers farm the way we do," said Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) President Craig Hill. "That's why we feature activities in Farm Bureau Park where consumers can visit one-on-one with Iowa farmers while having fun and winning a few prizes."

One of the featured exhibits at Farm Bureau Park this year is the Conservation Station, where fair goers can see the effects of rainfall on soil covers and surfaces and compete in the 'Poo Toss' challenge.

Also during the Iowa State Fair, a record 344 family farms will be recognized as Century Farms and 86 will be recognized as Heritage Farms, through a long-time effort between IFBF and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). "With 98 percent of Iowa farms being family owned, it's great to see so many staying in the family for multiple generations and reaching the status of a Century or Heritage Farm," said Hill. "In order to keep farms in the family for multiple generations, these families are innovating and being good stewards to pass the farm on to the next generation."

IFBF members will also enjoy a number of exclusive perks at the fair. Members who bring in a coupon from the Spokesman or Family Living will receive a free member thank you gift and have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a Cub Cadet zero turn riding mower.

Each new member who joins at the fair will receive $10 in free ethanol and be entered in a drawing for $2,000 in free ethanol. And, all Farm Bureau park visitors can take the Farm Bureau Member Benefits Challenge for a chance to win $1,000 in free groceries.

IFBF is again promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles by featuring a number of free blood pressure, cancer, hearing, balance, and other health screenings on select fair days. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, major cardiovascular disease is responsible for more than one third of the deaths of Iowans. Farm Bureau member benefit partner, Stroke Detection Plus, will be conducting a limited number of free EKG screenings on Tuesday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A simple EKG screening can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heartbeat, before it causes a stroke. AFib increases the risk of stroke five times, but a quick screening at Farm Bureau Park can help detect this condition before it causes a disability.

Young fairgoers will also find free entertainment at Farm Bureau Park as the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee members offer a variety of free kids' activities and prizes from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Aug. 9.

Farm Bureau Park visitors are encouraged to learn more about Farm Bureau benefit partners and special member discounts on services and products including Morton Buildings, Case IH tractors, hay equipment and utility vehicles, Ford and Lincoln vehicles, Ready Mobile, and Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance available through Farm Bureau agents. The newest partner, Polaris, will be on site to answer questions about how members can save $200-$300 on Polaris off-road vehicles. Ford vehicles and Case IH tractors and utility vehicles that qualify for up to $500 in member exclusive savings will be in the park for members to check out.

Farm Bureau Park is located next to the Varied Industries Building, right off the Grand Concourse. For a complete listing of Farm Bureau activities at the fair, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/statefair.



Northey: $6.75 Million in Cost Share Available for Conservation

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that more than $6.75 million is available to help farmers and landowners install conservation practices through the state cost share program. Farmers can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offices to apply for assistance of up to 50 percent of the cost of the project.

"The cost share program is a partnership between the state and local landowners to help get conservation practices on the land that prevent erosion and better protect water quality. Now is the time for farmers to plan ahead and work with the local soil and water conservation district office so they are ready to move ahead with construction of the practices as soon as the crops are out of the field this fall," Northey said.

Iowa has 100 SWCD offices across the state, one in each county and two in Pottawattamie, that set priorities and use the funds to work with farmers that are doing conservation on their land. Contact information for each of the SWCD offices can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov under "Hot Topics."

Conservation practices eligible for assistance through this program include terraces, waterways, ponds, buffers, cover crops, and several other conservation practices.

Field office staff with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service assure the technical quality of the practices that are built and help farmers develop conservation plans for their farms.

"These funds are a great investment by the state and historically farmers contribute $1.50 for each dollar invested by the state. There continues to be strong interest in the cost share program, but there are funds available and we encourage farmers to contact their local soil and water conservation district office to discuss options for their farm," Northey said.

In addition to the statewide cost share, at least five percent of the funds will be used to protect several publicly owned lakes and cost share in these projects is available for up to 75 percent of the cost of the project.

A map of the targeted lake projects is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov.



61st Iowa Dairy Princess Crowned

Mikayla Lien, a 19-year-old from Calmar, was crowned the 61st Iowa Dairy Princess during an evening ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Wednesday night.  Lien, daughter of Gary and Patty Lien, will spend the year serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa’s dairy farmers.  Throughout her year-long reign she will make public appearances to connect with consumers and help them understand the dedication of dairy farm families to their cows, their land and the milk they produce.

Lien represents Winneshiek County and is a student at the University of Northern Iowa, where she is a communications major. She receives a $550 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association, which sponsors the dairy princess program.

Rylie Pflughaupt, 21 of Vinton, was named Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess.  Pflughaupt, the daughter of Jordan and Traci Pflughaupt, will share duties with the princess.  She represents the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club and attends Iowa State University majoring in speech communications with minors in advertising and agricultural communications. Pfughaupt receives a $450 scholarship from Midwest Dairy.

Kathryn Appler was named Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Kent and Laura Appler and represented the Iowa Brown Swiss Association.

Lien and Pflughaupt were also recognized for their presentations, along with Rachel Demmer, 19, daughter of Rick and Kathy Demmer of Peosta, representing the Iowa Holstein Association; and Kayla Lueder (pronounced Leader), 19, daughter of Kevin and Sue Lueder of West Union, representing the Iowa Guernsey Association. Demmer and Lueder were also named to the top five, as was Dayle Lantzky, 18, daughter of Brian and Heidi Lantzky of Hawkeye, representing Fayette County.

The outgoing Iowa Dairy Princess is Mariah Schmitt, daughter of Carl and Terry Schmitt from Fort Atkinson, and the Alternate Princess is Celina Young, daughter of Jill Grabau and Greg Young from Waverly. Their reigns will be completed at the end of the Iowa State Fair, and the new Princess and Alternate will begin their duties on September 1.



Massachusetts Legislature Preserves Farmers’ Right

The National Pork Producers Council and America’s hog farmers today thanked the Massachusetts Legislature for refusing to pass a misguided bill to restrict the rights of local farmers. Legislation backed by animal-rights groups would have prohibited hog farmers in the state from housing sows in gestation stalls.

Hog farmers – the vast majority family-owned – use gestation stalls for pregnant sows because they allow for individualized care and eliminate aggression from other sows. The Massachusetts bill would have banned the practice, as well as limited other practices farmers use to care for their animals.

The legislation was approved by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, but then was held in the Senate Ways and Means Committee and was not brought up in the full House before the legislature ended its formal session.

For years, well-funded animal-rights groups have poured significant amounts of money into northeast states in an unsuccessful attempt to strong-arm lawmakers into passing laws that restrict the rights of farmers. The states, which have little pork production, are being used by animal-rights groups as pawns to advance a national agenda aimed at controlling how farmers raise and care for their animals.

“Massachusetts family farmers are relieved the legislature had the good sense not to waste time debating a law prohibiting farmers’ choices in taking care of their animals,” said Lisa Colby, a hog farmer from Newburyport, Mass.

Under intense and continuous pressure from animal-rights groups, Massachusetts hog farmers stood strong and refused to be bullied.

“It is unfortunate these organizations insist on wasting lawmakers’ time – and their donors’ contributions – on so many failed attempts to deny farmers’ right to farm,” Colby said. “No two farms are alike, and we thank the legislature for realizing that farmers should have the freedom to operate in the best way for their farm and for their animals.”



U.S. Soybean Meal Exports Continue to Soar

U.S. soybean meal exports are headed toward a record year.  The latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly report shows that outstanding sales plus accumulated shipments have reached 10 million metric tons (MMT) for the current marketing year, which ends in September.

Shipments to Europe continued to be strong this year.  U.S. soybean meal was very competitive into Europe during the fall and winter seasons.

Exports to Southeast Asia gained significantly.  U.S. soybean meal reentered Thailand with more than 300 MMT and another 200 MMT was added to the Philippines program.  The competitive window lasted about 7 months.  Shipments have continued to the Philippines where customer preference and commercial support have been outstanding.

Declines in northern Africa (Egypt -100, and Morocco -100) were likely the result of stronger demand from Europe.  There was simply not enough U.S. meal to cover all interested markets during times of strong demand.



U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange Offers Farmer-Leaders Chance to Network with Export Customers

$2.8 billion. That was the value of U.S. soy that international representatives committed to buy during last year’s U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange in Davenport, Iowa. The soy checkoff, along with the rest of the U.S. soy industry, hope to see similar results from the second installment of that event this fall.

Co-hosted by the checkoff-funded U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Midwest Shippers Association, the Exchange will be held September 15-18 in Milwaukee, and gives U.S. soybean farmers a chance to meet face-to-face with some of their biggest customers.

“The Global Trade Exchange provides an opportunity for U.S. soybean farmers to meet our international customers,” said Dwain Ford, United Soybean Board (USB) International Opportunities Target Area coordinator and a soybean farmer from Kinmundy, Illinois. “We can sit down with them and listen to what their needs are, so that we can do a better job providing them with soybeans and soy products.”

Ford says networking helps maintain these relationships, which are essential in keeping export numbers high. Fifty-six percent of U.S. soy was exported in the last marketing year.

“It’s very important that we maintain and continue to develop our relationships with our international customers,” Ford said. “We need to build on those relationships and continue to provide our customers with a high-quality and sustainable product.”

To register or to find more information, visit www.GrainConference.org.



Vilsack Resists APH Update

A provision in the farm bill is supposed to make it possible for farmers to update their actual production history, or APH, to exclude years in which their yields are more than 50% below the 10-year average for their county.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters on a conference call Tuesday that USDA would not be able to implement that provision this year. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., has been calling on USDA to enact the provision. Lucas has suggested that USDA could at least allow farmers in some drought-plagued counties to update their histories.

But Vilsack said the work on the APH has to be done by the same USDA officials in the Farm Service Agency and the general counsel's office who are focused on broader farm bill implementation issues. Vilsack said it was more important to roll out the Stacked Income Protection Program (STAX) for cotton and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) insurance programs, as well as the two new commodity programs -- Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage.

"We had a choice to make in terms of allocating assets," he said. "We are trying to get work done that was mandated by Congress."

In addition, updating APH is "complex" because it involves computations for each farmer based on each commodity and county statistics, he said.

"It is very IT intense and labor and staff intense," Vilsack said.



Free Webinar to help Farmers Understand Upcoming Farm Bill Choices

Helping farmers and landowners choose the right farm bill risk coverage package in the months ahead will be the topic of a free DTN webinar Aug. 21, co-sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association.

"It's very important for farmers to understand the ramifications of one-time program decisions that will affect their farms for years to come," said Jim Reed, an Illinois corn grower and chair of NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. "We're proud of NCGA's work on federal legislation with a program like Ag Risk Coverage to provide a smart and cost-efficient, market-based approach to managing risk."

Later this winter, farmers will make a one-time choice of which farm program safety net they favor when prices and/or yields hit adversity. Production Loss Coverage is a price-only program very similar to past counter-cyclical programs, only with higher reference prices than in the past. ARC benchmarks revenue and pays when there is a shortfall. It has features that resemble GRIP insurance policies, based on county yields or individual yields.

If farmers don't sign up for a program for their 2014-2018 crops, PLC becomes the default, and that could mean corn growers sacrificing $77/acre to $45/acre on 2014 ARC payments in some Midwest counties. At the moment, 2014 wheat, corn and soybeans aren't likely low enough to trigger payments under PLC.

"When congressional authors passed the farm bill last winter, they didn't contemplate as dramatic a drop in commodity prices as we've experienced," Jerry Lehnertz, vice president of lending for AgriBank says, referring to the 30% crash in average cash corn in the last 90 days. "But that's the exact situation where new programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage come into play."

DTN's webinar, hosted by Executive Editor Marcia Taylor, will include presentations from economists Carl Zulauf of Ohio State University and Gary Schnitkey of the University of Illinois, who will help growers analyze options and prepare landowners for critical one-time decisions. It takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. CDT, Thursday, Aug. 21.



Grain Inspection Still Stalled at Port of Vancouver

Despite ongoing attempts from the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and many other concerned groups, officials at the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have yet to take any action to deal with the stoppage of grain exports from the Port of Vancouver, Wash. On July 1, 2014, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) decided it would no longer fulfill its obligation to provide official grain inspection and weighing services at the Pacific Northwest port. Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration officials have cited alleged safety concerns for their workers at the port, which is being picketed by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union as part of an ongoing labor dispute. NAWG and other industry groups affected by the stoppage have shared with USDA that the damage this issue has already caused in lost confidence with foreign buyers, will only be intensified when the summer wheat harvest in the region reaches its zenith in the oncoming days. “The ongoing lack of response by USDA, in addition to their refusal to act upon their congressionally mandated responsibility and obligation to provide official inspection services is both unprecedented and unacceptable,” said NAWG President Paul Penner, a wheat farmer from Hillsboro, Kan, “If this problem is not solved immediately, countless farmers that export grain through the Port of Vancouver could be dumping their wheat on the ground.” NAWG and USW believe that under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, Congress vested in the Secretary of Agriculture the obligation to provide official inspection services at export locations to facilitate efficient and cost-effective marketing of U.S. grains and oilseeds — even if an authorized state agency fails to do so.



Syngenta hosts National Association of Plant Breeders annual meeting

Innovations in plant breeding will be showcased at the eighth annual meeting of the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) which convenes this week in Minneapolis.

Syngenta will host nearly 200 public and private plant breeders, scientists and graduate students at this year’s gathering, which is themed “Breeding for Water Stress.” Syngenta speakers slated to present include Dr. Ron Ferriss, lead, Global Germplasm Contractual Compliance and Dr. Chad Geater, Breeding Academy senior project lead. The meeting includes a combination of research presentations and posters about the latest advances in plant breeding, as well as networking opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour Syngenta’s research and development facility in Stanton, Minnesota.

Over the next 15 years, nearly 40 percent of the global population will experience severe water use challenges. For a growing number of farmers, water efficiency is now of prime concern – and will be the focal point of this scientific gathering.

Heather Merk, Breeding Academy program lead at Syngenta, and a member of the NAPB conference planning committee, said advances in plant breeding have enabled researchers to identify and select for forms of genes that help plants use water more effectively and provide season-long protection against drought. Long-term solutions require that we rethink water and how we use it, she adds.

“Converting available water into grain is a global challenge,” Merk said. “At Syngenta, we are striving to increase the average productivity of the world’s major crops by 20 percent without using more land, water or inputs. This is one of six commitments we outlined last year as part of The Good Growth Plan.”

Plant breeding is currently undergoing rapid developments in genomics, analytics and other technologies. As a result, in addition to plant breeders, breeding programs need molecular biologists, physiologists, computation scientists and numerous other specialists working together to bring advanced genetics and integrated crop solutions to market.

“Breeding has become a team sport,” Merk added. “The better the training and the smoother the teamwork, the more likely the team will be successful. Events like this facilitate the sharing of knowledge that will be essential to helping crops manage water use more effectively.”



ADM Reports Adjusted Second Quarter 2014 Earnings of $0.77 per Share

Archer Daniels Midland Company today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.77, up from $0.46 in the same period last year .

Adjusted segment operating profit was $819 million, up 32 percent from $621 million in the year-ago period.

Net earnings for the quarter were $533 million, or $0.81 per share, and segment operating profit was $888 million.

“In the second quarter, the ADM team continued to execute very well and delivered strong results. We capitalized on robust ethanol demand, a recovery of U.S. grain export volumes and continuing strong demand for oilseeds products,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz.

“The team also continues to drive improved returns, with this quarter’s ROIC showing a 200-basis-point improvement over last year.

“Today, the crops in North America and Europe are developing nicely, so we are preparing for what could be very large harvests.”

Second Quarter 2014 Highlights
•  Adjusted EPS of $0.77 excludes approximately $73 million in pretax LIFO income, or $0.07 per share, and $31 million in pretax costs related to restructuring, or about $0.03 per share.
•  Oilseeds Processing increased $18 million, as continued good North American crushing results were partially offset by weaker origination results in South America and lower results from Wilmar .
•  Corn Processing increased $69 million on strong ethanol demand and steady sweetener volumes.
•  Agricultural Services increased $122 million, driven by strong U.S. exports and significantly improved results from international merchandising.
•  Trailing four-quarter-average adjusted ROIC increased 200 basis points year over year .
•  The net debt position of the company declined to $3.6 billion, compared to $5.5 billion in the same period last year, which also resulted in a lower net interest expense.
•  ADM repurchased 7.2 million shares during the quarter, bringing year-to-date buybacks to 11.5 million shares for about $500 million.

ADM Directors Declare Cash Dividend
Archer Daniels Midland Company’s Board of Directors today declared a cash dividend of 24.0 cents per share on the company’s common stock payable Sept. 11, 2014, to Stockholders of record Aug. 21, 2014.  This is ADM’s 331st consecutive quarterly payment, a record of 82 years of uninterrupted dividends. As of June 30, 2014, there were 648,321,671 shares of ADM common stock outstanding.



BASF announces Maximum Residue Limits established for Sharpen herbicide

BASF announced today the official publication of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by the European Commission for Sharpen® herbicide in the EU. Growers of field peas, dry beans and soybeans have an expanded tool for harvest aid and desiccation thanks to these newly established MRLs.

“The timing of this announcement means that growers have the opportunity to incorporate Sharpen herbicide as a harvest aid or desiccant in the 2014 season,” said Mark Oostlander, Technical Market Manager, BASF. “Sharpen herbicide provides excellent leaf, pod and stem desiccation for improved time management and harvest efficiency.”

Sharpen herbicide, when applied at pre-harvest, drives crop and weed dry-down three-to-five times faster than glyphosate. Faster dry-down can improve harvestability and help maintain crop quality.

BASF continues to work toward establishing import tolerances for key markets around the world for its herbicides. Always consult with your processing and exporting companies before finalizing harvest aid and desiccant decisions to ensure marketability of the crop.