Wednesday August 6 Ag News

INOCULATING CORN AND SORGHUM SILAGE
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               To make good silage, sometimes we need a little help from inoculants to improve fermentation.  What do these inoculants do and how can you get the best use from them?

               Of all the topics I provide advice about, silage inoculants is one of the most difficult.  There is no clear cut, consistent way to predict when inoculants will be most useful or cost effective.  Silage fermentation is just too complex.

               Inoculants primarily reduce storage losses.  Fermentation starts and ends quicker with inoculated silage so more silage remains for feeding.  Typically, you save about 5 percent.  Sometimes inoculants improve feeding value, although such results are a bit inconsistent.

               Inoculants consistently improve wet silage, especially sorghum silage.  If you start chopping early enough to prevent silage from being too dry at the end, inoculants should help.  When you begin chopping, grab a handful and squeeze it tightly in your fist.  If any free juice squeezes from the forage, it is wet enough to benefit from use of an inoculant.

               In the past, inoculants rarely improved properly made corn silage – silage at the right moisture, chopped fine, packed well, and sealed tight.  Nor did they improve dry silage.  But recently developed inoculants, with more effective strains of fermentation bacteria, are producing slightly better quality silage even from these feeds.

               If you use an inoculant, make sure that it contains live bacteria.  Also check to see that the inoculant provides at least 100,000 colony forming units per gram of wet forage when applied at the recommended rate at the chopper.  You need plenty of live bacteria for the inoculant to do you any good.

               But used in the right conditions, inoculants can be worth it.



Mercer Resigns as Natural Resources Commissioner

Gov. Dave Heineman announced today that long-time Natural Resources Commissioner Dick Mercer is resigning from the Commission.

“Dick Mercer has a long history of involvement with water and agriculture issues in Nebraska,” said Gov. Heineman.  “Dick has been an outstanding and respected leader on water issues. He has built an exceptional legacy as someone who cares and advocates for soil and water conservation.”

Gov. Heineman appointed Mercer to the Natural Resources Commission to represent the statewide interests of groundwater users in 2008.  He had been elected to the Commission in 1992 to represent the Middle Platte Basin.

Mercer, now retired, has been a Buffalo County farmer and cattle feeder since 1949.  He has served on a long list of boards including the Central Platte Natural Resources District for 40 years, the Nebraska Environmental Trust for 10 years, and the Groundwater Foundation for 10 years.  He has also served on the state Water Policy Task Force and Water Funding Task Force.

“No one is more trusted and more respected on water issues than Dick Mercer,” said Gov. Heineman.  “I appreciate our friendship and his many years of service.”

Mercer’s resignation is effective August 15, 2014.



Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers Marks 10th Anniversary

To celebrate the accomplishments of the last decade, the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) is hosting a 10th anniversary reception Aug. 14 at the Iowa State Fair from 10 a.m. to noon in the Farm Bureau Shelter House.

The organization would like to invite you to join them for cake and ice cream in celebration of a decade of success.

The reception includes a short program on the impact CSIF has made on Iowa's livestock family farms and an economic snapshot on the importance of livestock to the state. The program starts at 10:30 am and features special guests Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill, Iowa Pork Producers Association CEO and CSIF Board President Rich Degner.

Over the past ten years the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers has helped more than 2,700 farm families interpret rules and regulations, site livestock barns, enhance neighbor relations and plant over 44,126 trees.



Froman to Highlight Iowa’s Ag Exports and President’s Trade Agenda in Des Moines

Top U.S. trade official will visit Des Moines to discuss Iowa’s major role in international trade and the opportunities that trade deals the United States is negotiating now will provide to Iowa families and farmers

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will travel to Des Moines, Iowa to showcase the major contributions that Iowa makes to the United States economy through exporting. Ambassador Froman will meet with farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and elected officials to discuss how Iowa stands to gain from the current U.S. trade agenda, especially through unprecedented trade deals that are being negotiated with countries in the Asia-Pacific and the European Union.  Iowa is the second-largest agricultural exporter in the United States.  President Obama’s trade agenda will break down barriers to Iowa’s top 4 export markets: Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Germany.

Kimberley Family Farm Tour
In the morning, Ambassador Froman will visit the Kimberley Family Farm, where the Kimberleys raise corn and soybeans on roughly 4,000 acres of land. Once harvested, the Kimberleys’ crops are marketed through a cooperative and eventually used in biofuels, livestock feed, or exported. On average, more than one out of every four rows of U.S. soybeans are exported to China, which support numerous jobs in the United States.  The Kimberley family will take Ambassador Froman on a tour of their facilities with an emphasis on the technologies that enable their productivity, including the latest in agricultural equipment and touch-screen crop monitors that digitally map soybean and corn fields.

Kemin Industries, Inc. Tour
Later in the morning, Ambassador Froman will go to Kemin Industries, a Des Moines company that manufactures more than 500 specialty ingredients for specialty ingredients for global feed and food industries around the world. Showing the high-tech aspects of Iowan agricultural exports, Ambassador Froman will tour the company’s new Molecular Advancement Center and view several demonstrations.

Iowa State Fair with Senator Chuck Grassley
In the afternoon, Ambassador Froman will meet U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley at the Iowa State Fair for a tour of the Agriculture Building and lunch at the pork tent.

Governor’s Charity Steer Show
Later that afternoon, Ambassador Froman will join Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds for the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, hosted by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.  All proceeds from the Governors Steer Show go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.



Meeting Between US and Japanese Trade Negotiators Regarding TPP and Agriculture

Acting Deputy USTR Wendy Cutler and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Darci Vetter held two days of meetings with Ambassador Hiroshi Oe and MAFF Director General Makoto Osawa, of Japan, regarding TPP agriculture market access issues.  They continued to make some progress in narrowing the gaps on treatment of a range of agricultural products.  Dates for the next meetings will be set in the near future, and technical experts continue to meet this week.



Russian President Orders Restrictions on Food, Ag Imports From US, EU

(AP) -- President Vladimir Putin has ordered government agencies to restrict imports of food and agricultural products from the countries that have imposed sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

The text of Putin's decree released by the Kremlin on Wednesday says that such imports will be "banned or limited" for one year. The decree doesn't name any specific countries or products, but contains an order to government agencies to spell them out.

The move follows the latest round of sanctions against Russia imposed by the European Union last week, which for the first time targeted entire sectors of the Russian economy.

The U.S. and the EU have accused Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March, of fomenting tensions in eastern Ukraine by supplying arms and expertise to a pro-Moscow insurgency, and have imposed asset freezes and loan bans on a score of individuals and companies.

Russia depends heavily on imported foodstuffs -- most of it from the West -- particularly in the largest and most prosperous cities such as Moscow. Agricultural imports from the United States alone have amounted to about $1 billion annually in recent years and in 2013 the EU's agricultural exports to Russia totaled 11.8 billion euros.

The order says the limits are being imposed "with the goal of guaranteeing the security of the Russian Federation" and calls for undertaking measures to guard against quick price hikes. Both those clauses appeared to indicate that the scope of the measures wouldn't be wide.

Putin's order appears to show that Russia, although increasingly suffering the effects of Western sanctions, is disinclined to back down on Ukraine. Russia denies allegations that it is supporting the Ukrainian rebels or supplying them with equipment and has rejected claims that its artillery has been firing from across the border.

As tensions over Ukraine rise, a respected newspaper this week cited unnamed sources as saying Russia is considering closing its airspace to European carriers flying to Asia. The report sent the stocks of some airlines sharply lower.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday said he wouldn't comment on "rumors" of airspace being closed, but said "our Western partners should think about their companies and their citizens," the Interfax news agency reported.

Russia last week banned the import of apples and some other fruits from Poland, saying this was because of sanitary concerns, but raising speculation that the move was in retaliation for Poland's support of the Ukrainian authorities.



ASA Responds to Russian Ban on U.S. Food Imports

In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement Wednesday of an impending retaliatory ban on a significant number of agricultural imports to Russia, American Soybean Association President Ray Gaesser highlighted soybean farmers’ concerns with the ban, that would halt the import of a yet-to-be-determined list of farm and food commodities from countries that have placed sanctions on Russia as a result of its building aggression in neighboring Ukraine.

“Russia is a key trading partner for U.S. agriculture, and the Russian people are our customers like so many others in the world’s emerging markets. However, we would add that Russia, while very important, is only one of hundreds of our customers worldwide. By limiting his people’s access to American soybeans and other products, he does a great disservice to his Russian countrymen and women.

“ASA pushed hard for the establishment of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia last year because of the significant growth and opportunity presented in the Russian marketplace. Soybeans are the biggest crop export from the U.S. to Russia, due in large part to that country’s burgeoning economy and growing demand for meat. Sanctions and bans like the one proposed by President Putin serve only to hurt the Russian people by limiting their access to the food and products they need and want.

“It remains to be seen which commodities and products appear under the Russian ban, and while we certainly want to see a key market protected, it is equally important for American farmers to demand a higher standard from our trading partners. In this case, that standard is not being met, and we urge President Putin to rescind this ban.”



Vilsack Provides Six-Month Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced continued progress on implementing the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), which President Obama signed into law nearly six months ago on Feb. 7, 2014. The 2014 Farm Bill reforms agricultural policy, reduces the deficit, and helps grow America’s economy.

"I am pleased to report that we have made tremendous progress in the first six months since the Farm Bill was signed,” Vilsack said. “Thousands of farmers and ranchers have received critical disaster assistance, innovative new conservation programs are up and running, new risk management programs for producers are available with more tools to come, the new Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research has been incorporated, and much more. Thanks to the hard work of thousands of USDA employees across the country, we are continuing to get new initiatives off the ground and make important reforms to existing programs that are helping to boost the country’s economy.”

Since the Farm Bill was signed into law, USDA has made progress throughout all 12 titles of the 2014 Farm Bill.

Among the first major Farm Bill initiatives to be implemented were disaster relief programs for livestock producers, many of whom have been waiting years for assistance. After the 2008 Farm Bill passed, it took over one year to set up disaster assistance programs. In 2014, it took under 10 weeks. As of July 31, 2014, approximately 165,000 claims have been processed totaling $1.85 billion disbursed through the Livestock Indemnity Program, Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and Tree Assistance Program.

The 2014 Farm Bill established new risk management programs for producers, some of which USDA is in the process of developing and others that are in operation already. In May, USDA awarded $3 million to the University of Illinois, the University of Missouri and Texas A&M to develop online tools and outreach training that will help farmers and ranchers determine which new risk management options can best protect their businesses. USDA also awarded $3 million to state Cooperative Extension services to provide in-person education to help producers make the most educated decisions regarding new Farm Bill programs.

Innovative new conservation programs have also been established, including the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), an entirely new approach to conservation. RCPP brings together businesses, universities, tribes, municipalities and other non-government partners to identify and invest in creative solutions to the conservation issues in their local areas. The program has drawn an overwhelming response from partners across the nation, with more than 600 initial proposals being submitted requesting more than six times the $394 million that is available in funding for the first year. In the coming months, USDA will begin awarding funding for RCPP projects designed by local partners specifically for their region. With participating partners investing along with the Department, USDA’s $1.2 billion in funding over the life of the five-year program can leverage an additional $1.2 billion from partners, for a total of $2.4 billion for conservation.

Additionally, USDA recently incorporated the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) and announced the appointment of a 15-member board of directors. The new foundation will leverage public and private resources to increase the scientific and technological research, innovation, and partnerships critical to boosting America's agricultural economy.

USDA's Farm Bill implementation team is composed of key sub-cabinet officials and experts from every mission area of the Department. Through outreach and listening sessions we are sharing information and hearing from stakeholders. To stay up-to-date on USDA's Farm Bill implementation progress, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.


The following is a detailed list of USDA’s implementation progress to date:

TITLE I – Commodity Programs
    Agricultural Risk Coverage Program and Price Loss Coverage Program: On April 29, USDA began a competitive process to award funding for Farm Bill decision aids and outreach tools for the new Agricultural Risk Coverage Program and Price Loss Coverage Program. Awards totaling $6 million were announced in May 2014. On August 1, farmers and ranchers began receiving acreage history and yield updates to prepare them for later enrollment in these safety-net programs.
    Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance: On April 14, USDA published a final rule to implement the disaster assistance provisions. Sign up for these programs began on April 15, 2014.
    As of July 31, 2014, approximately 238,000 applications have been received and $1.85 billion in payments have been disbursed through the Livestock Indemnity Program, Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and Tree Assistance Program.
    On July 31, USDA extended the deadline for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program to August 15, 2014.
    On July 22, USDA announced Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) assistance for losses to bush or tree fruit crops due to frost or freeze during the 2012 crop year.
    Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: On June 23, USDA announced new support for beginning farmers and ranchers, including waiving fees for certain disaster assistance programs, eliminating payment reductions under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and increasing payment rates by 50 percent under Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).
    Dairy Forward Pricing Program: On March 21, USDA re-established the Dairy Forward Pricing Program and on March 28, extended Milk Income Loss Contracts until September 1.
    Loan Rates: On June 24, USDA announced loan rates for 2014 Crop Peanuts. County and regional loan rates were announced in a press release on March 28, 2014.
    Extension of Programs: On March 28, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) published in the Federal Register notices for the extension of the following programs: (1) Marketing Assistance Loans; (2) Milk Income Loss Contract; (3) Dairy Indemnity Payment Program; (4) Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program; (5) Loan Deficiency Payments; and (6) Sugar.

TITLE II – Conservation
    Regional Conservation Partnership Program: In May, the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) was announced. RCPP streamlines conservation efforts by combining four programs (the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, and the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion) into one. USDA will provide $1.2 billion in funding over the life of the five-year program and can leverage an additional $1.2 billion from partners for a total of $2.4 billion for conservation. $400 million in USDA funding is available in the first year. On August 4, USDA announced that nearly 5,000 organizations partnered together to submit nearly 600 pre-proposals by the July deadline.
    Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program: On May 1, USDA announced the availability of $20 million through this program.
    Conservation Programs: Applications are currently being accepted for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
    On June 4, USDA announced the continuation of programs to conserve sensitive land and help new, minority and veteran farmers get their start in agriculture. Farmers, ranchers and landowners committed to protecting and conserving environmentally sensitive land may sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during specified continuous sign-up periods. Secretary Vilsack also announced that retiring farmers enrolled in CRP could receive incentives to transfer a portion of their land to beginning, disadvantaged or veteran farmers through the Transition Incentives Program (TIP).  TIP funding was increased by more than 30 percent in the 2014 Farm Bill, providing up to $33 million through 2018.
    On June 19, USDA pledged $5 million to state and local partnerships in six states for accelerating tree planting along the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
    On June 20, USDA announced that it will provide up to $25.5 million of conservation investments over the next five to ten years as part of its contribution to accelerate and focus conservation efforts that will benefit ranchers and also the distinct population of greater sage-grouse population that lives along the border of Nevada and California. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also announced a $6.5 million commitment over the next ten years to implement a wide range of priority conservation activities on the public lands it manages to improve sage-grouse habitat.
    On June 23, USDA announced that producers with expiring CSP contracts have from July 11 until September 12, 2014 to renew and add conservation activities that will support their natural resource improvement activities and fine-tune their conservation plans.
    On July 2, USDA announced targeted conservation funding of up to $50 million over the next five years in the Red River of the North Basin to minimize flooding, boost soil health, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat in the watershed.
    On July 18, USDA announced a $262 million investment to rehabilitate dams that provide critical infrastructure and protect public health and safety in 26 states.
    Conservation Compliance: On July 22, USDA updated procedures that implemented Farm Bill requirements on highly erodible land and wetland conservation for crop insurance purposes. 

TITLE III – Trade
    U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Study: On May 22, USDA submitted a report to Congress on the existing market in the U.S. for the U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish.
    Emerging Markets Program (EMP): On April 17, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) published a Notice of Funding Availability for EMP, with $10 million available in 2015. EMP applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the fiscal year. Applications received after May 19, 2014, will be considered for funding if funding remains available.
    Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC): On April 17, FAS published a Notice of Funding Availability for TASC, with $9 million available. On May 6, 2014, FAS published a final rule to broaden the range of projects funded by the program. Applications received after May 28, 2014, will be considered if funding remains available.
    Market Access Program (MAP): On April 16, FAS announced the 2014 funding for the Market Access Program. Sixty-two non-profit organizations received $171.8 million in funding.
    Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMD): On April 16, FAS announced the 2014 funding for FMD, with 22 trade organizations receiving $24.6 million.

TITLE IV – Nutrition Programs
    Multiagency Taskforce on Commodity Programs: On April 24, the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS) signed a memorandum appointing members to the multi-agency taskforce to provide coordination and direction for commodity programs, and the first meeting of the taskforce was held on May 29.
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Pilot: On April 7, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced an RFP for this pilot program, which will take place during the 2014-2015 school year.
    Unprocessed Fruit and Vegetable Pilot: On July 21, USDA announced a request for applications from states interested in participating in the Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables.
    SNAP-related Provisions: On March 21, FNS released an Implementation Memorandum to States communicating major SNAP-related provisions of the Act.
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): On July 9, FNS published a final rule phasing out the eligibility of women, infants and children from CSFP.
    Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Payments: On March 5, FNS released an Implementation Memorandum to States on the elimination of standard utility allowances in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for LIHEAP payments less than $20.
    Community Food Projects: On February 27, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program, with $5 million available.

TITLE V – Credit
    Microloans: On March 26, FSA implemented non-discretionary microloan provisions.
    Modifications to Farm Loan Programs: On March 24, FSA implemented changes to various farm loans, such as expanding eligibility for beginning, disadvantaged and veteran farmers and urban youth, increasing maximum amounts, eliminating some term limits, and lowering some interest rates.

TITLE VI – Rural Development
    Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) and Intermediary Relending Program (IRP):  On May 20, USDA announced that assistance is being provided through two USDA Rural Development (RD) programs: IRP and RMAP. The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorized both programs through 2018. For Fiscal Year 2014, $18.9 million in IRP loans are available, and $25.4 million in RMAP loans and grants are available. On July 31, USDA announced the selection of 10 rural microenterprises to receive grants totaling $300,000 through RMAP.
    Business and Industry Loan Guarantee: On May 8, USDA announced that $48 million in loan guarantees for local food projects is now available through RD's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
    Definition of Rural Housing: On March 13, RD issued guidance to State Directors, field staff and stakeholders on implementing new eligibility requirements regarding the definition of rural housing. On May 5, RD published maps identifying which rural areas are eligible for housing programs.
    Rural Cooperative Development Grants: On April 29, USDA announced the availability of $5.8 million through this program.
    Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program: On April 22, USDA announced 116 project awards through this program. The total award of nearly $387 million included $150 million in grants supported by the Farm Bill.
    Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG): On March 25, RD published a notice in the Federal Register extending the application period for Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014 funding for VAPG, with up to $25.5 million available for these grants.

TITLE VII – Research and Related Matters
    Pollinator Research: On August 6, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a $6.9 million grant to Michigan State University to develop sustainable pollination strategies for specialty crops in the United States so specialty crop growers are better able to manage pollinators for improved crop yields.
    Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR): On July 23, Secretary Vilsack announced the creation of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the appointment of a 15-member board of directors.
    Agricultural and Food Policy Research Centers: On April 15, awards for four research centers, totaling about $4 million, were announced.
    Non-Land Grant Colleges and Universities: On July 2, USDA announced the availability of $4 million in grants to support research, education and outreach activities at non-land-grant colleges and universities.
    Tribal Land-Grant Colleges: On July 2, USDA announced the availability of $1.7 million in funding to improve the capacity of tribal land-grant colleges to undertake food and agriculture research.
    Central State University: On June 23, USDA announced the availability of funds to support food and agriculture science facility improvement at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. CSU was designated as an 1890 land-grant university in the 2014 Farm Bill.
    Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative: On March 17, NIFA released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, with $20 million available in FY 2014.
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)/Citrus Disease Research: On March 17, NIFA released a Notice of Funding Availability for SCRI, with $76.8 million available in FY 2014. On June 12, USDA announced the availability of $25 million in SCRI funding for research and Cooperative Extension Service projects to combat huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening disease. The 2014 Farm Bill provides $25 million per year for a total of $125 million of the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative funding toward citrus health research over the next five years.
    Citrus Disease Subcommittee: A subcommittee has been formally established within the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, under the Specialty Crop Committee. On May 13, USDA announced new appointments to the Citrus Disease Subcommittee.
    Budget Submission and Funding: On March 10, REE submitted its first Budget Submission and Funding report to Congress. The second report was submitted on May 6.
    Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP): On April 11, USDA announced the availability of more than $19 million in grants to help train, educate, and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of agricultural producers through the BFRDP, including funding for a cooperative agreement to maintain an online clearinghouse to make information available.
    Sun Grant Program: On June 13, NIFA announced the availability of $2.5 million in grants to enhance national energy security through the development of bio-based transportation fuels, biopower, and new bio-based products.

TITLE VIII – Forestry
    Insect and Disease Infestation: On March 19, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell sent a letter to all state governors notifying them of the opportunity to submit requests for designating their priority insect and disease areas for treatment. On May 20, Secretary Vilsack announced action to combat insects and diseases that weaken forests and increase fire risk. FS has published a final rule implementing section 8006.

TITLE IX – Energy
    BioPreferred: USDA published a final rule that would allow traditional biobased products, including forest products, to be eligible for the BioPreferred program if these products apply an innovative approach during its lifecycle.  On August 1, USDA’s BioPreferred program held a public meeting to discuss incorporating mature market (wood) products into the BioPreferred program.
    Biodiesel Fuel Education Program: On May 6, NIFA announced availability of $960,000 for grants to educate consumers about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.
    Rural Energy for America Program: On May 5, USDA published a notice of funding availability announcing the availability of approximately $70 million in funding for loan guarantees and grants.
    Biomass Crop Assistance Program: On June 9, USDA announced support for agriculture producers and energy facilities working to turn renewable biomass materials into clean energy. Of the total $25 million per year authorized for BCAP, the 2014 Farm Bill provides up to 50 percent ($12.5 million) each year for matching payments for the harvest and transportation of biomass residues. BCAP matching payments will resume this summer, while crop incentives will begin in 2015. On July 23, USDA announced 36 energy facilities that were selected to accept biomass deliveries.
    Repowering Assistance Program: RD announced it is accepting applications from companies seeking to offset the costs associated with converting fossil fuel systems to renewable biomass fuel systems. USDA plans to make up to $12 million in payments for eligible biorefineries through RD's Repowering Assistance Program.

TITLE X – Horticulture
    Farmers Market Promotion Program: On May 8, USDA announced the availability of $15 million through this program.
    Local Foods Promotion Program: On May 8, USDA announced the availability of $15 million through this program.
    Specialty Crop Block Grants: On April 17, USDA announced the availability of approximately $66 million through this program.
    Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention: On April 3, USDA announced $48.1 million in funding for 383 projects to help prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases.
    National Clean Plant Network: On March 24, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the National Clean Plant Network, with $5 million available. On June 30, 2014 USDA announced $5 million in Farm Bill support had been provided for 19 projects under the National Clean Plant Network.
    Christmas Tree Research and Promotion Order: On April 7, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a notice lifting stay on the Christmas Tree Research and Promotion.
    Bulk Shipments of Apples to Canada: On April 4, 2014, AMS published an interim rule in the Federal Register amending regulations under the Export Apple Act to allow bulk containers to be shipped to Canada without U.S. inspection.

TITLE XI – Crop Insurance
    Permanent Enterprise Unit Subsidy: On May 1, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) completed the update to its systems to reflect the permanent enterprise unit subsidy as mandated by the Farm Bill. This will impact crops beginning with the May 20, 2014 actuarial filing and continue through the November 30, 2014 actuarial filing.
    Prohibition of CAT on Crops Used for Grazing: On April 15, RMA issued a guidance document to amend the Special Provisions of Insurance for the annual forage policy. This amendment sets forth the prohibition of CAT coverage on crops and grasses used for grazing.
    Premium Amounts for Catastrophic Risk Protection (CAT): On April 3, RMA issued a public release of actuarial documents to revise the premium rates charged for CAT coverage to be based on the average historical "loss ratio" plus a reasonable reserve.
    Publication of Information on Violations of Premium Adjustments: On March 27, RMA established a section entitled "Rebating Violations and Sanctions" in the Frequently Asked Questions section of its public website. RMA will add information to this section when it determines that rebating violations have occurred.
    Changes to Crop Insurance Provisions to Benefit New Farmers: On June 30, USDA announced new beginning farmer benefits and other changes to crop insurance that provide flexibility to farmers.
    Supplemental Coverage Option: On July 29, USDA announced continued progress in implementing provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill that will strengthen and expand insurance coverage options for farmers and ranchers. The new Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), available through the federal crop insurance program and set to begin with the 2015 crop year, is designed to help protect producers from yield and market volatility.
    Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance: On July 17, USDA announced that approximately $13 million in Farm Bill funding is now available for organic certification cost-share assistance, making certification more accessible than ever for small certified producers and handlers.
    Whole-Farm Revenue Protection: On May 21, USDA announced Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, which will provide flexible coverage options for specialty crop, organic and diversified crop producers.

TITLE XII – Miscellaneous
    Outreach to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers:  On July 29, USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach announced the availability $9.1 million in funding for financial assistance through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program.
    Sheep Production and Marketing Grant: On July 28, AMS announced new programs to assist the sheep industry with the production and marketing of their products in the United States.   Through the new Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, approximately $1.5 million in grant funds are now available to assist the sheep industry.
    Pima Cotton: On May 2, USDA announced that FAS will accept claims under the Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund for calendar year 2014.
    Catfish Inspection: On April 30, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration signed an MOU to improve food safety, fraud prevention, and inspection of catfish and catfish products. FSIS continues to submit monthly reports to Congress on implementation of this provision from the Farm Bill.



NFU Calls Ability to Deliver Grain Shipments by Rail at Harvest

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson warned the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that BNSF Railway (BNSF) and Canadian Pacific (CP)’s ability to deliver grain and ethanol at harvest are “substantially inadequate” and are resulting in farmers piling grain on the ground because of lack of transportation options.

“We are especially concerned regarding wheat, since harvest has already started and grain remains in the bin from last year’s harvest,” noted Johnson in a letter today to the STB chairman and vice chairman.  “While BNSF claims that the total number of late shipments of wheat has declined nationwide, 95.42 percent of all past due cars are concentrated in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. BNSF has promised to improve their performance, but we are still subject to delays and Average Train Speed at year-long lows,” the letter notes.

“Grain shipments in North Dakota are critical,” said Johnson.   BNSF reported in its latest weekly update that there have been 2,399 delayed rail cars with an average delay of 23.6 days. CP reported 22,457 open requests with an average of 11.71 weeks.   The letter cites anecdotal evidence from four different grain elevators indicating that their oldest orders are from early March and shuttle orders are up to 2,000 cars behind. “These numbers are staggering and simply unacceptable,” he said.

Johnson notes that in South Dakota, NFU members are hearing about significant delays directly from local grain elevators across the state. At one particular elevator that handles 15 million bushels of grain per year, 3 million of those bushels will not move before this year’s harvest.  “Due to the backlog, farmers are now dumping wheat on the ground because the elevators will not take on the increased liability,” he said.

Johnson also voiced his concern about the ethanol industry, which relies heavily on rail for transportation.  “While the June 20 decision rightfully addressed grain shipments, we encourage STB to consider shipments of ethanol as a priority as well,” he said.  “Failure to bring ethanol to market will hurt consumers because of higher gasoline prices, and will work against our efforts to offset imports of foreign oil.”



Optimism in Air at Beef Checkoff Meetings

Strong cattle and beef prices, tremendous results from a return-on-investment study, an industry forecast ripe with opportunity, and an engaged community of beef producers and importers combined to create an air of optimism and opportunity at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference July 31-Aug. 2 in Denver -- all despite the realities of an ever-shrinking beef checkoff budget.

"I have been involved in the Beef Checkoff Program for many years, and I can honestly say that these were some of the most encouraging checkoff meetings I've experienced," said Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) Chairman Kim Brackett. "Our strong marketplace, combined with a remarkable level of cooperation between all participants and a clear willingness of everyone present to share their thoughts and ideas created a feeling of hope and promise for the future of our industry."

Among the highlights of the conference was the release of a new study about the Return on Investment (ROI) of checkoff programs funded with the CBB budget. That study, by Dr. Harry Kaiser - Gellert Family professor of applied economics and management at Cornell University - concludes that each dollar invested in the Beef Checkoff Program between 2006 and 2013 returned an impressive $11.20 to the beef industry.

Add to that what could be called a trifecta for the cattle industry in July - the highest monthly cattle prices on record, the highest year-on-year increase in cattle prices, and the largest year-on-year decrease in corn prices in history - and you've got the makings for a celebration of sorts.

"Folks arrived enjoying a strong cattle market that seems too long in coming, and then learned from Dr. Kaiser's ROI study that the checkoff programs we come together to plan at these meetings are making a difference - a big difference - in the strength of our market," Brackett said. "It was impossible not to be invigorated as we laid the groundwork for fiscal 2015 checkoff programs."

The beef producers and importers who make up checkoff program committees reviewed 2015 program proposals from eight different industry organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture; American National CattleWomen; Cattlemen's Beef Board; Meat Import Council of America, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Livestock Producers Association; North American Meat Association; and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. (Proposals and other committee materials are available for review at Checkoff Committees.)

Within the proposals, committees and subcommittees reviewed a total of about 100 different tactics for building beef demand in the coming fiscal year, in line with the goals of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan. They scored each tactic and are forwarding the results of their reviews to the Beef Promotion Operating Committee, which will review the committee recommendations at its meeting in Denver, Sept. 16-17, when it will make decisions about which tactics to fund in FY15, which begins Oct. 1, 2014.

Beef Board CEO Polly Ruhland said the checkoff's new committee structure and processes are impressive to see in action.

"In the many years I have worked in beef-industry efforts and organizations associated with the Beef Checkoff Program, I have never seen the kind of complete cooperation and engagement in the process by the producers and importers who pay into it," Ruhland said. "I am proud to work for an industry with the level of passion, dedication and efficiency required to provide an 11-to-1 return on investment. What I witnessed at this summer conference was what I have always known we could accomplish when we work together and stay focused on the tasks at hand."

During its meeting at the summer conference, the Beef Board unanimously approved a $40.2 million budget for FY15, down 2.6 percent from $41.3 million in FY14, which itself was down 4.2 percent from 2013. Of that $40.2 million, about $37.5 million will be available for funding of the contractor proposals that make the Operating Committee's final cut in September. The remainder of the budget covers other checkoff expenses, including evaluation, program development, USDA oversight, and program administration.

"Given our extremely tight supplies, in addition increased efficiencies in cattle production, we continue to have budgeting challenges in our path," Brackett said. "And we've heard from CattleFax economists that we're seeing signs of herd expansion more quickly than originally expected. While that boosts supply, remember, too, that retaining more cattle also means fewer dollars for the checkoff program, so our budget challenges aren't going away - but neither are our successes, as we saw in the results of our ROI study.

"It comes down to this," she said. "Are we making a difference? Definitely yes. But can we kick back and rest on the fruits of our efforts? Definitely not. We must continue to devote ourselves to meeting consumer demand for our end product, and that means constant change and constant improvement. But based on what I saw at this year's summer conference, I know we have an industry that is determined to fight hard to maintain a strong beef industry that we will be proud to hand down to our children and grandchildren."



EPA Shenanigans Panned in #DitchTheRule Animated Video

A new animated video produced by the American Farm Bureau Federation is part of the organization’s popular Ditch the Rule campaign. The two-and-a-half minute animation explores how the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule is regulatory overreach and unnecessary.

Download the Video here... http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/pd15/media/1418551519/201408/519/1418551519_3714149347001_07-2014RevFinal.mp4. 

“This video offers a fresh take on a serious subject of concern to farmers, ranchers and other landowners,” said Mace Thornton, AFBF’s executive director of communications. “It is time to get animated, share the video and join the movement to Ditch The Rule,” he urged.

If adopted, the new rule would enable the agencies to micro-manage farming and impose unworkable regulations on farmers and other landowners. It would grant federal agencies – EPA and the Corps – rather than state and local governing bodies, primary oversight of land use, exposing farmers to penalties for common farming practices of up to $37,000 per day.

Farm Bureau, together with dozens of other agricultural and land-use groups and hundreds of members of Congress, is fighting EPA’s attempt to redefine the Clean Water Act through the overreaching waters rule.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/01/2014

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 902,000 barrels per day (b/d)—or 37.88 million gallons daily. That is down 52,000 b/d from the week before and a 13-week low. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 940,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 14.41 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 18.3 million barrels. That is a 1.8% decrease from last week.

Imports of ethanol were zero b/d, down from 7 b/d last week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 393.1 million gallons daily, the highest weekly rate in more than three years (since the week ending 6/10/2011). This equates to an annualized rate of 143.5 billion gallons.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.64%. This is the lowest percentage of the year, owing to the reduced ethanol output rate and extremely high gasoline demand.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.677 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 100,058 metric tons of livestock feed, 89,137 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 5.31 million pounds of corn distillers oil daily.



Land O’Lakes Posts Higher 2Q, First Half Sales and Earnings

Land O’Lakes, Inc. today announced second quarter and first-half 2014 results, reflecting record sales and earnings and improved financial performance across all businesses.

For the three months ending June 30, Land O'Lakes, Inc. reported net earnings of $96.4 million, a 27 percent year-over-year increase, on sales of $4.04 billion, a 6.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year. For the first half of 2014, Land O'Lakes, Inc. realized net earnings of $221.1 million, a 50 percent increase over the first six months of 2013, on sales of $8.33 billion which were 6.4 percent higher than 2013.

“We are pleased with our overall performance for the first half of 2014, which has been driven by improving commodity markets and the success of strategic investments we have made in our core businesses over the recent past,” said Chris Policinski, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. “Our performance continues to improve as we sharpen our focus on addressing consumer interest for more convenient and more nutritious products in our food businesses and on helping farmers produce more food in an increasingly sustainable manner in our agricultural businesses.”

Segment Performance:
Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods reported earnings higher than the same time last year with growth attributed to rising butter and cheese markets, internal manufacturing efficiencies and targeted, effective marketing.

Crop Inputs, operated under the Winfield Solutions business, reported a strong second quarter and first-half performance with a focus on delivering solutions to farmers which improve on-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability. Continuing to build its presence in the precision agriculture segment, WinField’s gains are partly due to higher product sales for alfalfa and soybeans as members expanded their acreage for these crops.

Animal Nutrition, operated under the Purina Animal Nutrition business, reported strong second quarter and first-half performance with high volumes and margins throughout its lifestyle and livestock portfolios. Animal Milk Replacer reported strong sales volume increases and margin expansion. Results from the company’s premix business, NutraBlend, were also favorable.

The Layers segment, which is operated through MoArk, reported improved earnings from 2013, an increase due to strong egg pricing and improved business performance. The company has divested the Midwestern assets and substantially all of the Western assets of this business and is considering options with respect to the Eastern assets.

Land O'Lakes' total debt as of June 30, 2014, was $1.54 billion, down $114 million from the same date one year ago. The decrease was primarily due to the Moark asset sales, partly offset by increased working capital.



Vilsack Announces New Global Open Data Partners and Measures to Enhance U.S.–Africa Trade at Africa Leaders Summit

This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack joined President Obama, members of Congress and other U.S. government officials to welcome African heads of state and government leaders for the first-ever Africa Leaders Summit. At the Summit, Vilsack announced four new partners in the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) initiative and up to $1 billion in export credit guarantees that will enhance trade between the U.S. and Africa. The export credit is a part of President Obama's Doing Business in Africa Campaign. The Ghana Open Data Initiative, Sierra Leone, IBM and Kellogg Company will join over 100 GODAN partners who work to make agricultural and nutritional data available, accessible and useable for unrestricted use worldwide.

"At its core, this Summit is about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa," Vilsack said. "USDA looks forward to further partnering with African nations through the GODAN initiative, and with the new trade opportunities that new financing guarantees will make possible."

Launched in October 2013, GODAN supports efforts to make agriculturally and nutritionally relevant data available for public global use. Open data on agriculture, nutrition and food systems can be a powerful tool for long-term sustainable development by improving the economic opportunities for farmers and the health of all consumers. The initiative encourages collaboration and cooperation among existing agriculture and open data activities, and brings together all stakeholders to solve long-standing global problems. GODAN is the first global open data initiative spanning public and private entities including donors, international organizations and businesses.

Through the Doing Business in Africa Campaign, the U.S. government is strengthening its commercial relationship with the continent of Africa, a diverse region that offers substantial trade and investment opportunities across national and regional markets. The campaign encourages U.S. commercial engagement in Africa by harnessing the resources of the U.S. government to assist businesses in identifying and seizing opportunities and to engage with members of the African Diaspora in the United States. USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation will make available up to $1 billion in financing guarantees to export U.S. agricultural commodities to Africa over the next two years. The Department, which currently works with nine eligible banks in 49 African countries, will also conduct outreach seminars to Africa in 2015 to promote the use of its credit guarantee program for the export of U.S. agricultural products.

The U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit is a historic opportunity to strengthen ties with our African partners and highlight America's longstanding commitment to investing in Africa's development and its people. USDA collaborates with its partners in Africa to help strengthen connections between the U.S. and African agriculture sectors and to work towards common goals. USDA implements programs and activities across the continent in a wide range of areas, including food security, trade capacity, investment, climate-smart agriculture, school attendance and literacy, and open data systems.



Missouri Voters Pass Farming Initiative

Missouri voters appeared to narrowly approve a measure enshrining an unusual right in the state's constitution: the right to farm.

Amendment 1, which was among the most hotly contested issues in Missouri's primary election on Tuesday, passed by roughly 2,500 votes -- a margin that is slim enough to qualify for a recount if opponents request it, state officials said.

The initiative, backed by a coalition of agricultural-industry groups seeking to protect growers from laws like those passed recently in other states that require changes to farming practices, would guarantee Missourians the right to "engage in agricultural production and ranching practices." Supporters, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, said they were concerned about a 2010 California law mandating roomier cages for egg-laying hens, as well as a recent ban on genetically modified crops in two counties in Oregon.

If upheld, Missouri's measure would be the second of its kind. North Dakota voters passed a right-to-farm amendment in 2012, and similar proposals have been considered in state legislatures in Indiana and Oklahoma.

The broad wording of Missouri's ballot initiative means its practical effect on state and local laws is unclear, according to David Saxowsky, associate professor of agricultural law at North Dakota State University. "It's ambiguous," he said, and ultimately the courts will have to interpret it.

Supporters said they hoped the amendment would provide a bulwark against legislation that could interfere with the livelihoods of farmers who grow crops and raise livestock.

"We've been worried that things we're doing now on the farm could be outlawed in the next few years," said Chris Chinn, a fifth-generation hog farmer in northeastern Missouri, who supported the measure. "This gives me a more optimistic outlook for a future."

The issue for the past year has divided farmers, as well as business and environmental groups in Missouri, one of the largest agricultural states.

Opponents of the amendment, including the Missouri Farmers Union, Sierra Club and the Humane Society of the United States, argued it paves the way for large industrial farms to dodge laws that seek to regulate harmful practices.

"This is a struggle over what kind of agriculture we want in this country," said Joe Maxwell, a fourth-generation hog farmer and former lieutenant governor who spearheaded a campaign against the amendment. "Do we want big corporations to own everything, with farmers contracted to plant their seeds and do their bidding, or do we want family farmers who can sustain the land and use good, solid animal-husbandry practices?"

The amendment expands on right-to-farm statutes that exist in all 50 states to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits, said Rusty Rumley, a senior staff attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center at the University of Arkansas. It comes years after the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group that writes model state legislation, drafted a template for lawmakers seeking to enact right-to-farm policies.

Missouri officials said Amendment 1 had 498,751 votes for it and 496,223 against it with all precincts reporting. Once the state certifies the election results, parties will have seven days to request a recount.