Tuesday August 26 Ag News

ANIMAL PLANET’S GOING INTO LABOR THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND WITH THE LABOR LIVE MULTIMEDIA EVENT

This Labor Day weekend, Animal Planet unveils its latest crowning achievement with the introduction of its first-ever LABOR LIVE multimedia event. Throughout the holiday weekend, live animal births from the Nebraska State Fair will be broadcast as they happen via the LABOR LIVE Cam on Animal Planet L!VE, the go-to digital destination for round-the-clock access to animals. Animal Planet television viewers will be made aware of every calf, lamb, piglet, and chick delivery occurring online with breaking on-air birth alerts. The cam is live now at animalplanet.com/laborlive.

While awaiting the next birth alert, audiences will enjoy labor of a different kind with daily marathons of DIRTY JOBS from Friday, August 29, through Monday, September 1. The network also delivers a litter of premiere programming in primetime for the long weekend; including REDWOOD KINGS on Friday, beginning at 9PM ET and TOO CUTE: PINT SIZED on Saturday beginning at 8PM ET.  Sunday offers a stack of the world premiere series MUD LOVIN’ REDNECKS from 8-11PM ET and Monday features an ICE LAKE REBELS marathon punctuated by an all-new episode at 10PM ET.

Each year, the Nebraska State Fair welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors and Animal Planet L!VE is inviting the Internet to join in and celebrate the beauty of birth. The Birthing Pavilion provides State Fair guests the opportunity to witness live animal births under the supervision of trained professionals from the University of Nebraska School of Veterinary Medicine and members of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association.

With expert commentary from University of Nebraska veterinarians, the LABOR LIVE Cam will broadcast 24/7 from the Pavilion, which is the temporary home to expecting cows, sows, ewes and chickens.  Animal Planet L!VE will cover breaking births in addition to offering a schedule of programming including a morning review and lunchtime chats with experts.

“The miracle of birth is perhaps the most beautiful and wondrous moment in all of the nature, and Animal Planet will offer viewers the unique chance to witness it live,” said Rick Holzman, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Animal Planet. “This is just the beginning of a significant initiative where Animal Planet will offer our audience unprecedented live coverage of animal births and other astonishing moments of the natural world, both on air and online at Animal Planet L!VE.”

"Animal Planet's presence further exemplifies the Nebraska State Fair's mission to focus on interactive agriculture and educational experiences. The ability to take the Nebraska State Fair Birthing Pavilion and make it available to a worldwide audience is an opportunity that doesn't come along too often,” said Nebraska State Fair Sponsorship and Marketing Director, Shaun Schleif. "The opportunity to see live births and baby animals taking their first steps in their first few days of life is something that most folks don't have the opportunity to observe. Animal Planet is making that possible, and we're extremely grateful for that."

The LABOR LIVE Cam joins more than 20 addictive cams on the popular Animal Planet extension that has generated more than 22 million streams and three million hours watched since launching in April 2013. Animal Planet L!VE is available via desktop and mobile devices at APL.TV and on Xbox, Roku, Amazon Fire and select Samsung Smart TVs.



Saunders County Corn Growers Association Twilight Tour

Thursday, September 4

Stop 1 - Starts at 5:00 p.m. at the the Ray and Kevin Kucera Farm - 2379 County Road 17, Cedar Bluffs. Farm located ¼ mile South of County Road intersection 17 & U  
• At this stop the Kucera’s and Twin Diamond Industries (maker of Strip-Cat),  will share with us how they use strip till technology to maximize yields.  We’ll have a look at their strip till rig and corn crop growing nearby.

Stop 2 - Farmers Union Co-op Association  Fertilizer Plant – Cedar Bluffs - 1771 County Road X or Or ½ mile West of Cedar Bluffs on County Road X
• Formed in 1888, this Co-op has been the foundation for crop production services in Saunders County. Employees and Board Members will share with us the mission and focus of this modern day operation. We’ll also see and hear how they use dry and liquid products to meet the needs of their customers.

Stop 3 -  Chvatal Family Farm – (Glenn, Eileen, Eric & Bryon) 2615 County Road U, Prague - ¾ mile East of Hwy 79 and County Road U
• The Chvatal’s are growing corn in 15” rows. We will discuss the practice of narrow row corn production and view their planting and harvesting equipment. In addition, the Chvatal’s have been researching corn plant populations as part of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network. We will discuss this and other on-farm research results. Finally, we will take a look at the Chvatal’s new farm shop and the many practical features they included in the construction.

Lunch and enjoyable refreshments to follow, compliments of the following sponsors:
• Farmers Union Coop
• Tejkl Ag Services
• Twin Diamond Industries (Distributer for Strip-Cat)
• Channel Seed (Chvatal Seed Sales)

For questions or more details, call Keith Glewen, UNL Extension Educator at  402-624-8030 or e-mail  kglewen1@unl.edu or Bryon Chvatal, President, Saunders Co. Corn Growers Association  at bchvatal@hotmail.com.



Weed Workshop Was Informative

The Northeast Nebraska Weed Management Area (NNWMA) in cooperation with the Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council and the Nebraska Environmental Trust held a tour recently at Niobrara State Park.  “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Noxious Weed Control” offered the 32 participants an education on noxious weeds and control methods being used.

First stop was the Niobrara Public School to hear from the student leaders about their Purple loosestrife bucket garden.  Students rear the insects the feed on this weed and then later release them into infestations of the plant.  These biological control insects feed exclusively on that plant.   Students shared with the group the many life skills they’ve learned in doing this project.  The NNWMA and the South Dakota/Nebraska Purple loosestrife groups have assisted teacher Sharla Hanzlik and the students over a number of years with this project.

A visit to the Niobrara boat ramp offered a look at native Phragmites and Purple loosestrife in their natural environment.  Experts pointed out that both native and non-native Phragmites are growing in the area, and often in the same spot, so control methods are difficult to implement.

Salt cedar is another noxious weed that has shown up along the Missouri River in Nebraska and South Dakota.  The NNWMA and partners have been vigilant each spring and now in late summer as well, to get out on the river and the sandbars to keep up the fight.  They use boats to get to the areas of infestation and then walk with backpack sprayers and buckets.  They spray the larger ones and pull out (and carry out) the small plants in an effort to control its spread.

The group was shown Canada thistle and Phragmites in an infested area which NE Game & Parks Commission manages.  Previous efforts to control this particular situation haven’t worked so well so plans are to conduct a prescribed burn to clean up the field and then farm it for a couple of years.  If they get the weeds in check then they’ll reseed with native grasses and forbs. 



Governor proclaims September as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

The month of September has been declared as Renewable Fuels Awareness month in Nebraska by Governor Dave Heineman. Renewable Fuels Month aims to celebrate Nebraska’s renewable fuels industry and its positive contributions to Nebraska and our citizens.

The proclamation was coordinated through the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board. The two organizations will celebrate the proclamation with a campaign geared at educating Nebraskans about renewable fuels through a four-part series of news releases to be published during September.

“Nebraska is the Golden Triangle.  We grow the corn and soybeans, raise the livestock and produce the renewable fuels,” said Gov. Heineman. “Renewable fuels provide many benefits to our state including developing rural communities, creating jobs, providing a locally produced homegrown fuel for consumers, and more.”

In Nebraska, ethanol is blended with nearly 90% of all fuel and this number continues to increase each year.  There are over 180,000 flex fuel vehicles in the state and one in ten Nebraska motorists drives a flex fuel vehicle.  

Last year, renewable fuels reduced the nation’s need for imported oil by over 462 million barrels of crude oil - and 1.1 billion gallons of imported petroleum diesel. Biodiesel was named America’s first Advanced Biofuel and has continuously exceeded the production benchmarks set forth by the EPA.

One of the co-products from ethanol production is distillers grains, which plays a key role in the Nebraska agricultural economy.  “We are fortunate in Nebraska that livestock producers can use distillers grains co-products from ethanol production as a high-value feed,” said Tim Scheer, a farmer from St. Paul and chair of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Only the starch portion of the kernel is used to make ethanol. The protein, fiber, and fat portions still remain for the livestock.”

Terry Horky, a farmer from Sargent, Nebraska and chair of the Domestic Marketing committee for the Nebraska Soybean Board said as Nebraska farmers head out to harvest this year’s crops, over half will be fueling their equipment with a soy biodiesel blend.

“Farmers use renewable fuels like soy biodiesel because of the many benefits it has for engines,” said Horky. “But also because soy biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced by farmers right here in America.”

The four-part series to be released by the Corn and Soybean Boards during September will focus on: renewable, homegrown energy that can be used in food, fuel and feed; providing a consumer choice that is better for your engines and the environment; the “Golden Triangle”; and blend choices and where consumers can fill up with renewable fuels.



PROTECT SILAGE WITH PLASTIC
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Plastic.  That's our word for today.  Plastic.  Plastic is one of those things you forget how useful and valuable it can be.

Many of you are chopping or about to chop silage.  You will invest time and money to store good feed for your livestock.  However, when you start to feed your silage you may find that the top couple feet has an off color, smells bad, or has spoiled.

After silage has been chopped and piled and packed correctly, it still can be damaged seriously by air and moisture slowly penetrating the outer 3 to 4 feet.  Animals often eat less when fed moldy silage and can even experience health problems due to mycotoxins.  Good, well-eared silage can lose over 20 percent of its feed value from fermentation and spoilage under normal conditions.  Silage made from corn with little or no grain might have even greater losses.  This loss can be cut in half, or even less, if covered well by a sheet of plastic.

Cover freshly chopped silage with black plastic immediately after you finish filling the trench, bunker, or pile.  Then cover the plastic with something to help hold it down.  Old tires are readily available and do a good job of keeping the plastic from blowing away.  But tires only keep the plastic in contact with the silage directly under the tire.  In between the tires, air can circulate and cause some spoilage.  An even better choice would be a solid cover, something like freshly chopped forage or weeds.  Then, the entire surface of the silage will be fully protected.

You go to a lot of time and expense to make good silage.  Isn't it worth it to spend just a little bit more to protect that investment?  Cover silage with plastic – it's worth it.



Iowa Learning Farms to Host Four Cover Crop Field Days in September

Iowa Learning Farms is hosting four cover crop field days this September. Each event will have a different aspect of this conservation farming practice. ILF field days are open to the public and include speakers who are experts on the field day topic as well as local farmers who are using the conservation practice.

Iowa Learning Farm field days are an opportunity for farmers to talk with other farmers and experts to gain knowledge leading to the adoption of conservation practices.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m.; Seth Watkins farm, Taylor County

Seth Watkins is using cover crops and has planted perennial prairie strips within his cash crop fields. He will talk about using both of these practices for soil health and reducing erosion. Also speaking are Iowa State University assistant professor and pollinator expert Mary Harris, ISU agriculture specialist and prairie plant expert Tim Youngquist, and NRCS District Conservationist Doug Davenport. A complimentary meal is included, with Taylor County Cattlemen at the grill.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Bio-Renewables Field Day at the University of Iowa miscanthus test plot, Iowa City

Join landowner Dan Black and Emily Heaton, Iowa State University assistant professor of agronomy, at this field day as they discuss the University of Iowa’s Miscanthus Pilot Project. The project is exploring the use of this grass as a biofuel on the UI campus. Ben Anderson of the UI Power Plant will explain how miscanthus is being used in its solid fuel boilers.  Enjoy a meal prepared by the Johnson County Cattlemen.
Friday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Titan Machinery, Williams

Adding cover crops to a cash crop rotation is the emphasis at this field day, co-sponsored by Farm Bureau. Iowa State University associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agricultural engineer Matt Helmers will talk about the benefits of adding cover crops and the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Also, hear from an area farmer who is incorporating cover crops.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 12-2 p.m.; Dennis Lundy farm, Adair County

This field day will explore ways to add cover crops and also no-tilling alfalfa following wheat through extended crop rotations. Host farmer Dennis Lundy and his neighbor Wendell Zimmerman will share how they are using cover crops on their farms. Although they are using them in different ways, both farmers are reducing soil erosion and increasing soil health. Iowa Water Center Director and ISU Agronomy Professor Rick Cruse will discuss erosion in Iowa’s fields and how cover crops and other practices can reduce this problem. Enjoy a meal prepared by the Adair County Cattlemen.



Worksheet Helps Producers Identify Selections for 2014 Farm Bill

The Agricultural Act of 2014 is important legislation. It provides farmland owners and operators the opportunity to make a one-time election of a commodity program for 2014 through 2018. The legislation also allows the operator to enroll annually in a chosen program. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach provides several resources to assist in this decision-making process.

“While the Farm Bill of 2014 provides opportunities for farmers to update their farm selections, it is important that they consider several factors before making these decisions,” said Ann Johanns, extension program specialist. Johanns coordinates Ag Decision Maker, an agricultural economics and business website sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“We have developed several tools, including the Base Acreage Reallocation and Payment Yield Update, to assist owners and operators as they determine what is best for their business and family,” Johanns said.

Alejandro Plastina, an extension economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, developed the Base Acreage Reallocation and Payment Yield Update.

“Opportunities to update base acres and payment yields for commodity programs are few and far between,” Plastina said. “So farmers should seriously consider this opportunity provided by the 2014 Farm Bill.”

“The worksheet is a simple tool to evaluate the convenience of having the payment formulas for some commodity programs updated to better reflect current production patterns on a farm-by-farm basis,” Plastina added. He noted that the decision tool includes multiple worksheets to allow information for up to five farms.

The Base Acreage Reallocation and Payment Yield Update worksheet was designed to help Iowa farmland owners with base acreage reallocation decisions for the Agricultural Risk Coverage-County (ARC-CO) program and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, and with payment yield update decisions for the PLC program. To access this and other online tools, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm.

To further support producers, a series of workshops will be held across Iowa to provide information about the Farm Bill and the impact it has on producers. The meetings will be held once final regulations are set. A complete schedule will be posted on the AgDM Farm Bill Web page at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html.



Net Farm Income Forecast To Fall in 2014
(USDA ERS)

Net farm income is forecast to be $113.2 billion in 2014, down 13.8 percent from 2013’s forecast of $131.3 billion. If realized, the 2014 forecast would be the lowest since 2010, but would still remain more than $25 billion above the previous 10-year annual average. After adjusting for inflation, 2013’s net farm income is expected to be the highest since 1973; the 2014 net farm income forecast would be the fifth highest. Net cash income is forecast at $123 billion, down 6 percent from the 2013 forecast. Net cash income is projected to decline less than net farm income primarily because it includes the sale of more than $10 billion in carryover stocks from 2013. Net farm income reflects only earnings from current calendar-year production.

Highlights
-   Total production expenses are forecast to be 4 percent higher in 2014, which would be the fifth consecutive increase since last falling in 2009.
-   Livestock receipts are expected to increase by more than 15 percent in 2014, due to a 21-percent increase in dairy, a 20-percent increase in hog, and a 15-percent increase in cattle receipts.
-   Crop receipts are expected to decrease 7 percent in 2014 ($15.2 billion), led by a $12.8-billion decline in corn receipts.
-   The elimination of direct payments under the Agricultural Act of 2014 is partially offset by higher payments for supplemental disaster assistance, resulting in a 15-percent decline in projected government payments.
-   Farm equity is projected to reach another record, despite an expected slowdown in asset growth and the expectation of higher debt levels.
-   Farm financial risk indicators such as the debt-to-asset ratio are expected to continue at historically low levels, indicating continued financial health for the sector.

Falling Crop Prices Expected in 2014
The annual value of U.S. crop production is expected to decline 10.6 percent in 2014 from 2013’s predicted all-time high. Expected declines in cash receipts are especially large for feed crops such as corn. Corn receipts are expected to experience the largest dollar decline in 2014 receipts among farm commodity categories. While U.S. corn production is forecast to reach a record level in 2014, the annual corn price is expected to fall significantly (by 32.4 percent), lowering both corn receipts and the value of production. Corn exports are also expected to decline in the 2014 corn marketing year. Receipts for wheat are also expected to decline, reflecting lower production and price and an expected drop in exports in marketing year 2014.

Declines in soybean receipts are anticipated as higher production and quantities sold are more than offset by large price declines (11.3 percent). Soybean exports are expected to increase in the 2014 soybean marketing year. A large increase in peanut production is expected to be more than offset by a large drop in the annual peanut price, resulting in lower peanut receipts.

Higher expected hay receipts reflect forecasts of higher production, drawing down of hay inventories, and higher average prices. The expected increase in rice receipts mostly reflects higher forecast rice production in 2014. Both domestic and foreign use is expected to increase in the 2014 rice marketing year. Higher cotton lint and cottonseed receipts reflect substantial increases in production, which more than offset anticipated declines in cotton lint and seed prices.   

Despite predictions of increased production, cash receipts for dry beans and potatoes are expected to decline in 2014 as price declines are forecast for both. A decline of $2.3 billion is forecast for receipts from fruits and nuts in 2014, reflecting expected declines in production of cranberries, grapes, peaches, pears, grapefruit, lemons, and oranges.

Record Prices Expected To Drive Livestock Receipts in 2014
Record-high annual prices are expected for livestock, dairy, and poultry products. Large gains are expected in receipts from sales of cattle and calves, hogs, milk, broilers, and eggs. While beef production is expected to decline in 2014, the annual cattle price is expected to increase dramatically (20.4 percent), to its highest level on record. Cattle and beef prices have benefited from foreign demand, especially Asia, and low cattle inventories.  Hog receipt forecasts also reflect declining production accompanied by record high prices. Forecasts for wholesale milk, broilers, and chicken egg receipts reflect expectations of higher production accompanied by record annual average prices. Sluggish growth in broiler production is placing upward pressure on prices. High turkey prices are expected in 2014.  Chicken egg receipts have benefited from strong demand and increased production. Strong demand, both foreign and domestic, is contributing to record high milk prices.

Production Expenses Continue To Increase in 2014
The projected $14.2-billion increase in 2014 production expenses extends a 5-year upward trend. Forecast production expenses in 2014 would be the highest on record both nominally and in inflation-adjusted dollars. However, expected increases in 2013 and 2014 are significantly smaller than increases experienced in 2011 and 2012. The principal reason for the projected 2014 increase is higher input prices, as reflected by the Production Items, Interest, Taxes, and Wage Rates (PITW) index, which is forecast to rise 4.2 percent during the year. If realized, total production expenses would constitute 77 percent of gross farm income in 2014, the highest since 2010, indicating a return to tighter margins.

Livestock and poultry purchases account for the largest portion of the increase in total expenses at $5.4 billion (a 22.6-percent increase over 2013 purchases). Other components that contribute to the increase, but rise by smaller amounts, are fuels and oils (up $1.0 billion); repairs and maintenance ($1.1 billion); total labor expenses ($1.4 billion); and miscellaneous expenses (which include items like animal health and breeding expenses, contract production fees, irrigation water, and general production and management expenses). Seed and fertilizer expenses will also rise nearly $1 billion. Feed expenses should fall $1.7 billion and net rent to nonoperators is expected to be down $0.9 billion.

The two major livestock-related expenses—feed and livestock/poultry purchases—are expected to move in opposite directions, but together are expected to rise by $3.7 billion (4.3 percent). The projected decrease in feed expenses and the increase in livestock and poultry purchases are both primarily the result of price changes. Despite a drop of 12.5 percent in feedgrain prices since the beginning of the year and the likelihood that they will drop further, the annual average feed prices-paid index is forecast to fall only 2.7 percent in 2014 because prices for other types of feed have not fallen off. In particular, the price of complete feeds, which carry the heaviest weight in the feed prices-paid index, has increased 5 percent since January. Livestock and poultry purchase expenses are being driven by a predicted 24-percent increase in the annual average price for feeder steers as a result of reduced inventory for cattle, especially feeder cattle, and increased demand for cattle as a result of lower feed prices and strong demand for beef.

The three major crop-related expenses—seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides—are expected to increase a combined $2.3 billion (3.5 percent) in 2014.  Prices for all three inputs are up. Fertilizer prices have risen 17 percent since the beginning of the year and, although they will fall off during the second half of the year, are expected to remain above last year’s level. The 2014 forecast of the number of planted acres is up 2.4 percent from 2013. The increase in planted acres coupled with a projected 3.6-percent increase in fuel prices is responsible for the projected rise in fuel expenses.

Payments to Stakeholders Expected To Rise Moderately in 2014
Net value added is distributed among stakeholders and equity owners. Stakeholders provide the hired labor, leased capital, and rental land used in agricultural production. Since stakeholders do not own what is produced, they do not share in the risks involved in producing highly variable agricultural output. As a result, the payments that stakeholders receive are more stable over time than net returns to the owners of agricultural production. Payments to stakeholders can move in a different direction than net value added, as occurred in 2009 and 2011 and is predicted to occur again this year. In 2014, payments to stakeholders are forecast to rise by $1.2 billion (2.0 percent) while net value added is forecast to fall $16.9 billion (8.8 percent). If these changes occur, payments to stakeholders will comprise 35 percent of net value added in 2014, up from 32 percent in 2013.

Employee compensation (hired labor) is expected to increase $1.4 billion (5.1 percent) in 2014 due to a predicted 1.8-percent increase in wage rates and a 2.3-percent rise in total output. Since declining in 2011, hired labor expenses will have risen 28 percent. Hired labor accounts for all of the increase in total labor expenses as an expected drop in production of vegetables and fruits/nuts (which are heavily reliant on contract labor) should result in a small reduction in contract labor expenses. Output on greenhouse/nursery and dairy farms—farms that typically employ a large share of the sector’s hired labor—will likely be up 3 percent. Labor use in the production of feed grains and oilseeds will be constrained by falling prices for these crops.

In line with the 10.6-percent drop in the value of crop production, net rent to nonoperator landlords is forecast to fall $0.9 billion (5.7 percent) in 2014. This fall follows a 29.8-percent increase over the previous 2 years, spurred by the expansion in the value of crop production. Cash rent is forecast to increase 4.2 percent, based on a relatively small increase in total real estate values and higher planted acreage. Share rent is forecast down 10 percent, following the decrease in the value of crop production. Government payments and crop insurance indemnities received by landlords are a consistent proportion of sectorwide payments and indemnities and are expected to be lower in 2014.

Total interest expenses are forecast to increase 4.3 percent in 2014 as nonreal estate interest expenses climb 1.5 percent and real estate interest expenses increase 5.9 percent. Debt and interest rates are discussed in the Assets, Debt, and Wealth section.

Government Payments Forecast To Decline in 2014
Government program payments going directly to producers are expected to total over $9 billion in 2014, representing a 15-percent decrease from 2013 (see table on government payments). The 2014 forecast includes payments made by the U.S. Government in 2014 for losses incurred in earlier years.  Market prices are still high enough for most crops that 2014 payments from price-dependent programs (such as countercyclical payments, marketing loan gains, loan deficiency payments, and milk income loss payments) are anticipated to be zero for all but a few commodities (peanuts, upland cotton). Farmers are currently expected to receive Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) payments in 2014 from their 2013 crop-year revenue losses, mostly from corn.

Under the provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014, direct payments are largely phased out. Cotton producers, however, are eligible to receive Cotton Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) payments for crop years 2014 and 2015 as they transition into coverage authorized by the new Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX). The Tobacco Transition Payment Program paid out 95 percent of its 2014 payments in February, and will make final payments in October.

Supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance payments are forecast to increase significantly in 2014. The continuing drought is expected to generate increased payouts, especially from the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), which is expected to account for over 78 percent of all other government payments in 2014. About 51 percent of LFP payments in 2014 result from the 2012 drought, 35 percent from the 2013 drought, and the remainder from the current 2014 drought.

2014 Farm Income Forecast: Improved Outlook since February’s Forecast
USDA’s August forecast for the 2014 farm sector economy is more optimistic than the one issued last February. Both forecast net farm income and net cash income for 2014 have been revised upward. Net cash income excludes noncash items included in net farm income, such as value of inventory adjustment, gross imputed rental income, nonmonetary compensation of hired labor, and capital consumption.

Our improved outlook is largely the result of improved prospects for the value of both crop and livestock production. The more favorable forecasts for crops and livestock reflect more optimistic price expectations over calendar-year 2014, relative to expectations in February. Many of the livestock categories are now anticipated to benefit from record annual average prices in 2014. Direct U.S. government payments have been revised upward since February’s forecast, mostly due to drought-induced payouts under the Livestock Forage Program. Production expenses are now forecast to be $20 billion higher than they were in February, with increases in the feed expense and livestock purchase forecasts accounting for most of the change.



Cenex Tank Program assists retailers offering E15

CHS, a leading energy, grains and foods company and the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative, has announced a new program to better enable some of the 1,400 Cenex® branded locations to meet consumer demand for an E15 ethanol blend. "We are excited to offer a new Cenex® Tank Program, which further demonstrates CHS leadership in renewable fuels and helps keep the Cenex brand at the forefront in meeting consumer demand for ethanol blends," says Doug Dorfman, CHS vice president – refined fuels.
Cenex Retailer

For Cenex retailers wanting to offer E15 in addition to their current gasoline products, the Cenex® Tank Program will cover a significant portion of the cost to purchase and install an additional storage tank for the purpose of offering E15.

The Cenex network was among the first in the country to offer mid-level ethanol blends under its brand and has achieved significant increases in ethanol sales over the last five years, according to Dorfman.

"We value our partnership with Cenex retailers and will continue to assist them in their efforts to meet consumer demand for ethanol blends," says Dorfman. "Supporting ethanol demand also adds value to CHS member owners and farmers."



USDA Raises Price Forecast for Beef, Pork

USDA has raised its price forecast for beef and pork consumed at home this year.  USDA now expects retail beef and veal prices to rise by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent during 2014. Prices rose by 0.4 percent from June to July and have shot up 10.4 percent between July 2013 and last month.  Retail pork prices in 2014 are predicted to rise by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. Prices rose by 0.7 percent from June to July and have shot up 10.9 percent since July of last year.

Restaurants appear to not boost prices as much, according to Meatingplace.  Still, the cost of food consumed away from home is expected to rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent in 2014. For poultry, USDA predicted retail prices in 2014 would rise between 3 percent and 4 percent. Poultry prices rose 0.4 percent in June to July and have risen 2.7 percent since July 2013.For 2015.



USFRA ANNOUNCES I AM FARMLAND CAMPAIGN

Today, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance is launching a new campaign entitled I AM FARMLAND geared to help support the expanded distribution of FARMLAND, a new feature length documentary about the lives of young farmers and ranchers. Funds raised by the I AM FARMLAND effort will be used to bring the film to high school classrooms, college campuses, in addition to communities all across the country.

USFRA invites others in agriculture to help spread the message that FARMLAND accurately depicts life as an American farmer and rancher. I AM FARMLAND is a group of friends of the film working to reach broader audiences and wider distribution.

“Farmers and ranchers owe it to ourselves to help ensure this film is seen by young people in an effort to curb the criticisms and lack of understanding consumers have for food production,” said USFRA board member and Minnesota farmer Gene Stoel. “Consumers are generations removed from agriculture today and they don’t know the people growing and raising our food. This is the first authentic representation of modern agriculture on this scale and the agriculture industry needs to step up and support it in a big way.”

USFRA will use the funds raised in this campaign to continue to heighten the energy of FARMLAND by offering screenings on college campuses, a curriculum-based program for high schools, and screening kits for farmers and ranchers who would like to conduct outreach in their local communities.

“If you have seen the film, you realize that it’s something everyone in America should see,” said USFRA CEO Randy Krotz. “Initial distribution of FARMLAND has been successful but limited. Now that we know the positive impact viewing the film has on non-ag audiences, we owe it to interested consumers to get the film in front of them. We need agriculture’s support to help more people around the country view this amazing film.”



Court Ruling in Hawaii Finds that Crop Protection is Matter of State Law

A United States District Court in Hawaii recently reinforced the role of state law in regulating the use of pesticides and biotechnology in an Aug. 25 ruling. CropLife America (CLA), the national trade association for the crop protection industry, is pleased that U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren decided in favor of plaintiffs in Syngenta Seeds, Inc., et al. v. Kauai County and ruled that Kauai Ordinance 960 is invalid and preempted by Hawaii state law.

Kauai County passed Ordinance 960 in a misguided attempt to regulate five specific growers’ use of pesticides and biotechnology through a county-level ordinance, despite state law established to regulate these modern agricultural tools. Ordinance 960’s requirements placed an undue financial burden on the targeted growers and required disclosure of confidential business information that is protected by Hawaii and federal law. Such public disclosure would have exposed these growers to potential acts of vandalism, trade secret theft and harassment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kurren rightly recognized the role that the Hawaii Pesticide Law (HPL) plays in regulating pesticides, and that state pesticide law preempts the county-specific Ordinance 960. HPL sets out a uniform platform for regulating pesticide use, which includes establishing the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Department of Health (HDOH) as having regulatory authority over pesticide use and enforcement within the state.

“The regulatory system for crop protection products is purposefully robust and protective of human health and the environment,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “We thank Judge Kurren for recognizing that federal and state statutes are established to help ensure the responsible use of modern farming technologies, including crop protection products and biotechnology.”

Ordinance 960 also attempted to circumnavigate state law regarding the regulation of biotechnology crops. State law vests the HDOA with exclusive rulemaking authority over agricultural research and the regulation of biotechnology.

The agricultural seed industry is a vibrant contributor to the Hawaii economy. According to an economic analysis commissioned by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, the Hawaii seed industry contributes approximately $144 million of economic activity to the state’s economy. This generates $13.8 million in annual taxes to the state, $137 million in annual labor income and more than 2,500 jobs.

“The crop protection industry supports a sound science-based pesticide regulatory system. In addition to being preempted by Hawaii state law, the provisions in Ordinance 960 have no basis in sound science,” noted Rachel Lattimore, senior vice president and general counsel at CLA. “Any further attempts to advance Ordinance 960 would present little more than a waste of government resources.”



CWT Assists with 1 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 3 requests for export assistance to sell 912,714 pounds (414 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, to customers in Asia. The product will be delivered October 2014 through January 2015.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 83.456 million pounds of cheese, 48.051 million pounds of butter and 19.877 million pounds of whole milk powder to 43 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.062 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

CWT-assisted exports of American-type cheeses, butter and whole milk powder make up a significant percentage of the exports of those products. In the long-term, assisting CWT member cooperatives through the Export Assistance program helps them gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them in the rapidly growing world dairy markets. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



NIAA Announces Keynote Speaker for Antibiotic Symposium

“Stewardship is an opportunity to change the conversation about antibiotics and forge new relationships between animal and human health,” Dr. Lonnie King, dean, College of Veterinarian Medicine at The Ohio State University (OSU), says. As the keynote speaker for the 2014 Antibiotics Symposium being hosted by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA), King’s address, titled “Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance through Integration and Stewardship: A New Call to Action,” fully embraces the theme of the symposium, “Antibiotic Use and Resistance: Moving Forward Through Shared Stewardship.” The Antibiotics Symposium is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12-Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, in Atlanta, Ga., at the Crown Plaza Atlanta Midtown hotel.

In addition to his responsibilities as dean, Dr. King, DVM, MS, MPA, ACVPM, is also a professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, holds the Ruth Stanton Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine and serves as the executive dean for the seven health science colleges at OSU. Dr. King is also a former administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in Washington, DC.

More information about the Antibiotics Symposium and NIAA can be found at www.animalagriculture.org. NIAA’s purpose is to provide a resource for individuals, organizations and the entire animal agriculture industry to obtain information, education and solutions for challenges facing animal agriculture.



ADM Opens New Global Headquarters in Chicago

Archer Daniels Midland Company opened its global headquarters and customer center in downtown Chicago this week.

"As we continue to grow our company, this location allows us to more easily reach global markets, while keeping us in close contact with U.S. farmers, customers and operations," said Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz.

About 70 employees are based in the two-floor space, which also includes a culinary facility for ADM to showcase its broad portfolio of food ingredients.

The global headquarters and customer center is located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4600.



CLAAS Introduces Large 4x4 Tractor for North American Farmers

CLAAS of America will introduce one of the world’s most innovative all-purpose tractors to North American farmers this week at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. The company’s new XERION tractor line was designed with sophisticated American farms, and the implements they require, in mind.

XERION tractors provide best-in-class productivity for tillage, speed for efficient transport, a light footprint when seeding, and game-changing maneuverability that makes it suitable for nearly any task. The line has been upgraded from previous European versions to handle the demands of large-scale American farms.

“The XERION is not just "an off the shelf" product for us. We have worked hard to meet the specs of the North American market,” said Drew Fletcher, CLAAS of America Product Manager/Tractors. “Those changes include improved power transmission, duals rather than singles, a better ladder, enhanced hydraulics, and dozens more. It can help our farmers increase their acreage, better utilize their equipment investment, and complete more work in less time.”

There are three models of XERION to choose from. The XERION 5000 and 4500 both come equipped with powerful 12.8 liter Mercedes-Benz engines, while the 4000 is equipped with an efficient 10.6 liter Mercedes-Benz engine. All three models achieve maximum output (530 hp, 490 hp and 435 hp, respectively) at 1700 rpm, meaning that farmers can push hard and still get the fuel efficiency they need.

“They’re powerful machines,” Fletcher said, “but in today’s world, power isn’t enough. The new XERION line was designed to meet the performance, productivity and efficiency requirements of today’s North American farmer.”

CLAAS is known for its technology, and the XERION offers everything farmers have come to expect, including:
-  Efficient Agriculture Systems (EASY) for integrated equipment settings, steering systems, software solutions and more 
-  CEBIS control terminals, for comprehensive machine monitoring
-  CMOTION handle, for ergonomic performance that's unmatched in the industry
-  TELEMATICS connection, for remote monitoring, operating documentation and data capture

Maneuverability and ease of operation are keys factors on today’s complex American farms, and the XERION line doesn’t skimp in those areas. With six steering modes, the tractor can fit into the tightest spaces, remain stable on uneven ground, and be gentle on the soil when needed. Three driving programs give operators complete control over speed, power and fuel efficiency. And the optional TRAC VC rotating cab means that operators can see what they’re doing, in whatever direction they’re headed.



ADM Announces Sponsorship to Support National FFA Organization Programs

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) recently donated $50,000  in support of the National FFA American Degree and the American Star Awards recognition as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. This is a renewed gift on behalf of ADM’s Crop Risk Services business unit and 2014 marks the 55th year in ADM’s history of giving to FFA. The donation, in addition to its other contributions to the National FFA Foundation, places ADM at the organization’s silver sponsorship level for the year with support of more than $345,000.

The donation was given through ADM Cares, a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.

“ADM is proud to partner with the National FFA and to do our part to help develop the next generation of leaders in the agricultural industry,” said Mark Schweitzer, ADM’s managing director of intermodal and container freight and a member of the National FFA Sponsors' Board.

 ADM has also donated in support of National FFA Organization’s leadership programs including National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) and State Presidents’ Conference (SPC), which recently concluded in Washington, D.C. for 2014.

“SPC is the greatest experience I’ve ever had,” said Apolinar Blanco, Washington State President. “”It has opened my eyes that we can go out and change lives and change the world. I’m honored that ADM has sponsored this event. It shows that they believe in us and what we are trying to do in promoting agriculture.”

In addition to contributing to FFA programs, ADM Alliance Nutrition, another business unit of ADM, is also a National FFA Convention & Expo exhibitor.

“Generous, broad and continued support from ADM has such an impact on our members at the local, state and national levels,” said Molly Ball, President of the National FFA Foundation. “From leadership programs to student scholarships, ADM’s contributions contribute to students’ development for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.”



RemoteView Feature for FieldView® Allows Instant Viewing of Yield Maps, Anywhere
Precision Planting’s landmark app, FieldView, has brought instant, high-definition visualization of planter performance and yield maps to growers’ iPads across America.  Now, with the latest version of FieldView in the App store, farmers no longer need to be in the cab to have instant access to Yield Maps. 

“Most farm operations have multiple decision makers,” says Kyle Plattner, Lead User Interface Designer for FieldView.  “The RemoteView feature allows everyone in the farm operation with an iPad to have instant visibility into the combine cab — no matter where they are.” 

RemoteView uses the data connection of the iPads running FieldView to remotely connect any iPad to a YieldSense display.  Farm Managers can instantly keep tabs on each remote combine to monitor progress, watch real time yield maps, and diagnose problems. 

Precision Planting dealers and the Precision Planting product support team can also establish a remote connection to provide faster support — with permission granted by the operator. 

“RemoteView is another feature that makes YieldSense and FieldView the ultimate combination for harvest,  especially for large operations,” says Doug Sauder, Precision Planting’s Research & Development Lead.  “Wireless syncing of yield maps, wireless streaming of swath coverage, and simple operation wide reports make life easier for busy farm managers.” 



Mineral Requirements to Be Reevaluated at Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference

Is there a shift coming in pig mineral nutrition? According to one swine nutrition expert, change is inevitable – and overdue.

“Trace minerals are often supplemented into swine diets at levels above recommendations in the belief that this will enhance productive performance,” said Dr. Don Mahan, professor emeritus at Ohio State University. “This method can negatively affect not only the animals, but also the consumer and environment, as a greater level of trace mineral supplementation into diets can result in the additional excretion of minerals and more mineral waste flowing into the environment.”

The National Research Council (NRC) routinely publishes a review of the nutritional requirements for swine based on the available scientific literature; however, Mahan said that the relevance of most of the published literature is questionable, particularly in the mineral area.

Mahan will present some of his recent studies on addressing proper mineral nutrition at the Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept. 4. The paper, “A New Approach in Determining the Micro Mineral Needs of the Growing Pig,” highlights how the current NRC recommendations for micromineral supplementation are well above the pig’s requirement. One conclusion from his studies is that when mineral levels at or above 50 percent of the NRC (1998, 2012) requirements were fed, there was no effect on pig performance.

Mahan’s paper also indicates that organic trace mineral digestibility values averaged 20 percent greater than the digestibility of inorganic trace minerals. Mahan said that it is important to not only look at the mineral levels that are being fed to pigs, but also the source of the minerals. Organic trace minerals offer a form of supplementation that can be more naturally absorbed, stored and utilized by the animal.

Though there has been limited new research carried out in the area of trace mineral nutrition recommendations, Alltech has remained steadfast in the investigation of the nutritional benefits and appropriate levels of organic trace minerals for animals and their effects on the consumer and environment. To that end, Alltech has partnered with scientific experts, such as Mahan, in the investigation of trace mineral technology.

“As an industry, our focus, now more than ever, needs to be on efficiency. With proven methods for attaining improved productivity with less input, we need to further examine utilizing these technologies,” said Dr. Ryan Samuel, research project manager at Alltech. “In fact, current recommendations for mineral nutrition may be adding to the inefficiency and waste coming from our pigs’ diets.”

Alltech is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Midwest Swine Nutrition Conference held annually since 2000.



DuPont Announces Investment in Seed Treatment Solutions for Growers

Today, DuPont announced construction on two state-of-the-art centers dedicated to developing and testing seed treatment formulations, applications and seed handling techniques in an important step toward bringing new solutions to growers. These facilities – the first two centers of the new DuPont Integrated Seed Science Network – will be located in Wilmington, Del., and Johnston, Iowa, and will play an integral role in the expansion of the DuPont seed treatment portfolio.

“Seed treatments play a vital role in the success of a crop – from protecting seeds from pests and disease to complementing germplasm and traits to promoting plant vigor and stand establishment,” said Mick Messman, director of the DuPont Seed Treatment Enterprise. “DuPont Pioneer and DuPont Crop Protection have come together under the DuPont Seed Treatment Enterprise to develop a superior pipeline of integrated products to meet the demands of our customers around the world. These new facilities will support us in that mission.”

As part of this new venture, DuPont launched several new seed treatment products this year under the DuPont™ Lumigen™ brand, including the release of Dermacor® seed treatment products in the Brazilian soybean market and DuPont™ Lumiderm™ insecticide seed treatment for canola in Canada. DuPont is launching DuPont™ Lumivia™ insecticide seed treatment for 2015 U.S. spring planting. It will be available in the Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment (PPST) lineup as PPST 250 plus DuPont Lumivia for select Pioneer brand corn products.

The new seed science centers will build on a strong pipeline of seed treatment products and combinations by enabling DuPont to test new formulations under unique environmental conditions to create tailored treatments that meet specific grower needs, while also evaluating product dust-off. Facilities outside the United States will be added as needed to support the global market opportunity.

“The testing at our seed science centers will help us understand all of the dynamics of seed treatment application,” said Messman.  “Gathering this information is beneficial not only to us, but to our collaborators and customers as we will be able to better identify and develop improved seed treatment application combinations and techniques.”

Construction of the Wilmington location is scheduled to be completed in September of 2014 and the Johnston location in summer 2015.