Thursday October 16 Ag News

October’s Rural Mainstreet Index Plummets:  Farmland Price Index Sinks to Record Low

The Rural Mainstreet Index moved to its lowest level in more than four years, according to the October survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. The index has been trending lower since June 2013 when the reading stood at 60.5. 

Overall: The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral, sank to 43.4, its lowest level since February 2010, and down from September’s 48.2.

“The stronger U.S. dollar, weaker global growth and abundant supplies have pushed U.S. grain prices down by more than 30 percent over the last 12 months. This has weakened the farm economy.  Furthermore, the same factors have weakened oil prices and I expect these lower prices to begin negatively affecting areas of the region heavily dependent on energy commodity sales,” said Ernie Goss, Ph.D., the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Even so, some farmers have been protected from current low commodity prices. As indicated by Jeff Bonnett, president of Havana National Bank in Havana, Ill., “Many of our farm operators had sold a good portion of their (current) corn at $5, or a little over, going into this farm year. That will work in their favor with corn prices hovering between $2.75 to $3 at this time.”

Farming and ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for October slumped to 20.2, the lowest level since initiation of the survey in January 2006, and down from September’s 33.7. “Much weaker crop prices continue to take the air out of the bubble in agriculture land prices. This is the 11th straight month that the index has moved below growth neutral,” said Goss.

The October farm-equipment sales index slumped to a record low 15.1 from 17.6 in September, also a record low. The index has been below growth neutral for 15 straight months. “This is lowest reading that we have recorded for the equipment index since we began the monthly survey in 2006. The more than 30 percent decline in agriculture commodity prices has pushed farmers to significantly shrink their equipment purchases,” said Goss.

This month bankers were asked to project farmland price changes for the next year. More than three-fourths of the bank CEOs expect farmland prices to decline over the next year with an average decline of 5 percent reported.  Additionally, bankers expect cash rents to decline by an average 3.4 percent over the next year.  This is down from an expected gain of one percent recorded in March of this year.

Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for October fell to 43.0 from 44.3 in September. The state’s farmland-price index for October sank to 13.1 from 23.8 in September.  Nebraska’s new-hiring index decreased to 46.9 from September’s 47.0. 

Iowa: The October RMI for Iowa sank to 40.5 from September’s 47.2. The state’s farmland-price index for October slumped to 18.9 from 34.1 in September. Iowa’s new-hiring index for October slipped to 53.9 from September’s 55.2.  James Brown, president of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora, reported, “We are just beginning to see recognition from farmers that cash rent prices need to be renegotiated and land prices will drop at least 10 percent.”

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included. The survey is supported by a grant from Security State Bank in Ansley, Neb.



Nebraska Third on USDA’s List of Top 100 Ag Co-ops

 Nebraska is home to nine of the U.S. top 100 agricultural cooperatives, third in the nation behind Iowa and Minnesota, according to recently released USDA data.  The number of top 100 co-ops in Iowa, 16, is up from 11 a decade ago.  Minnesota has 13 co-ops in the top 100.

  These statistics underscore what most Midwesterners already know – Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska are extremely important to the nation’s agricultural economy, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.  Farmer-owned co-ops play a major role in making it an agricultural powerhouse.

   USDA’s annual list of the nation’s top 100 agricultural cooperatives, by business volume, indicates that Illinois and Wisconsin have five each, then California, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Ohio are all tied with four.

  Looking at business volume where a cooperative has its headquarters, Minnesota ranks first among the states, with $68.8 billion. Missouri is second at $16.2 billion and Illinois is third at $13.2 billion.   

   Like the nation’s ag co-op sector as a whole, the top 100 cooperatives also enjoyed a third consecutive year of record sales.  They reported revenue of $174 billion in 2013, an increase of almost 9 percent over the $166 billion reported in 2012.

   Net income (after taxes) remained virtually unchanged from 2012, at $3.5 billion. The previous records for sales and net income were set in 2012.          

   The largest co-op in Nebraska continues to be Ag Processing Inc. of Omaha.  It remains in the number 5 spot in the nation, with revenue of $5.678 billion, up from $4.937 billion in 2013.

Other top 100 co-ops in Nebraska are:
            27.  Producers Livestock Marketing Association of Omaha.
            30.  Aurora Cooperative Elevator Co. of Aurora.
            33.  Cooperative Producers Inc. of Hastings.
            43.  Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester.
            47.  United Farmers Cooperative of York (up from # 52 in 2013).
            50.  Central Valley Ag Cooperative of O’Neill.
            53.  Frenchman Valley Farmers Cooperative, Inc. of Imperial.
            88.  Ag Valley Cooperative Non-Stock of Edison.
          
   Twenty-three cooperatives improved their ranking by double-digits.  Six of these are mixed co-ops (co-ops that handle grain and farm supply sales).  Dairy and grain each had two co-ops make double-digit gains, while cotton, rice and sugar each had one co-op jump by at least 10 places.

   Grain cooperatives have experienced the largest increase in top 100 representation during the past decade.  There were 19 grain cooperatives in the top 100 in 2004.  That number rose to 41 in 2013.  Dairy cooperative representation in the top 100 fell from 28 to 21 during the same period, while farm supply cooperatives increased from 13 to 16.



Iowa Leads USDA's List of Top 100 Ag Co-ops

Iowa is home to more top 100 agricultural cooperatives than any other state, according to recently released USDA data. The number of top 100 co-ops in Iowa, 16, is up from 11 a decade ago.

"These statistics underscore what most Iowans already know – the state is extremely important to the nation's agricultural economy," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. Farmer-owned co-ops play a major role in making it an agricultural powerhouse

USDA's annual list of the nation's top 100 agricultural cooperatives, by business volume, indicates Minnesota ranks second among the states, with 13. It is followed by Nebraska with nine, Illinois and Wisconsin with five each, then California, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and Ohio, which are all tied with four.

Looking at business volume where a cooperative has its headquarters, Minnesota ranks first among the states, with $68.8 billion. Missouri is second at $16.2 billion and Illinois is third at $13.2 billion.

Like the nation's ag co-op sector as a whole, the top 100 cooperatives also enjoyed a third consecutive year of record sales. They reported revenue of $174 billion in 2013, an increase of almost 9 percent over the $166 billion reported in 2012.

Net income (after taxes) remained virtually unchanged from 2012, at $3.5 billion. The previous records for sales and net income were set in 2012.

CHS Inc., Saint Paul, Minn. – an energy, farm supply, grain and food co-op – has been the nation's largest ag co-op during the past decade. It held onto the No. 1 spot in 2013, with $44 billion in revenue. It was followed by Land O' Lakes Inc., Saint Paul, Minn., with sales of $14 billion, and Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Mo., with almost $13 billion in revenue.

Wheaton-Dumont Cooperative Elevator, a grain co-op based in Wheaton, Minn., made the biggest climb up the Top 100. In 2012, it was not even on the list, ranking 150th. The co-op rose 58 spots, to 92nd place, in 2013.

The Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, Wahpeton, N.D., a sugarbeet co-op, was the next biggest "gainer," moving from 131st place in 2012 to 98th in 2013.

Twenty-three cooperatives improved their ranking by double-digits. Six of these are mixed co-ops (co-ops that handle grain and farm supply sales). Dairy and grain each had two co-ops make double-digit gains, while cotton, rice and sugar each had one co-op jump by at least 10 places.

Grain cooperatives have experienced the largest increase in top 100 representation during the past decade. There were 19 grain cooperatives in the top 100 in 2004. That number rose to 41 in 2013. Dairy cooperative representation in the top 100 fell from 28 to 21 during the same period, while farm supply cooperatives increased from 13 to 16.

The Sept.-Oct. issue of USDA's "Rural Cooperatives" magazine includes the top 100 list and an article that examines some of the financial trends it reveals.



ASA Director Miller Brings International Marketing Info to Nebraska College Students

ASA Director and USSEC Vice Chair Jim Miller recently spoke to students about marketing U.S. soy to international customers. Miller presented to 30 students in three classes, with one presentation being videotaped for a fourth class, at Northeast Tech in Norfolk, Neb.

During the presentations, Miller lectured about top export markets and rising global consumption. He also explained the significance of U.S. soy exports, the competitive advantage of U.S. soy and sustainability.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Announces Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the “Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship” that will award an annual $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding junior, senior or graduate level student.  Eligible students must be a resident of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry related degree.  The scholarship will be awarded based on student need, Nebraska beef industry involvement (past achievements and future plans) and academics.  Students will be required to complete a written application and finalists will be invited to interview with the selection committee.  The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is establishing this scholarship account with $50,000 and is asking for donors to help to fully endow this scholarship at $250,000.

“With beef production the number one industry in Nebraska and as Nebraska becomes the beef epicenter of the United States, it is more important now, more than ever before, to reward our future beef industry leaders who will have an impact on the Nebraska beef industry,” says Scott Langemeier, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation President.

The first Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship will be awarded in the spring of 2015.  Applications for the scholarship will be available from the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation January 1, 2015. 

For more information on this scholarship and how you can donate, please contact Jana Jensen, NCF Fundraising Coordinator at 308/588-6299, janajensen@nebcommfound.org or Lee Weide, Nebraska Cattlemen Vice President of Operations at 402/475-2333, lweide@necattlemen.org.



Lawsuit Against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Missouri River Flooding Grows to Six States      

More than 200 farmers, small businesses, other property owners and two Native American tribes in Nebraska have joined a lawsuit in federal court challenging actions of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and to recover losses caused by devastating, recurrent flooding along the Missouri River. The amended complaint filed today by Polsinelli PC and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC brings to 436 the total number of plaintiffs in six states, including the latest, North Dakota.

Originally filed in March 2014, the lawsuit charges that increased flooding along the Missouri River resulted from changes in Corps policies and procedures.  Flooding along the river has dramatically increased in frequency and severity since 2006, including the record flood of 2011 that lasted more than 100 days and was declared the worst in the region’s history. Flooding continued in 2013 and 2014.

“We are pleased the Court granted our motion to increase the number of plaintiffs in this very important lawsuit impacting people who have developed farms, businesses and communities on this land in reliance on the Corps managing the river in a way that would deter flooding,” said Plaintiffs’ Lead Counsel R. Dan Boulware, a partner at national law firm Polsinelli, PC. “The timing is crucial as there has been additional flooding in 2014 impacting the fortunes and futures of families and business owners.”

Late yesterday, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims granted a motion allowing an amendment to Ideker Farms, Inc. et al v. United States of America authorizing additional plaintiffs to join the suit. These include two Native American tribes with lands in Nebraska and Iowa – the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska – and the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds, an agency of Nebraska; and claimants from North Dakota.
 
By state, the current breakdown of claimants is:
-    Iowa – 127
-    Missouri – 146
-    Kansas – 18
-    Nebraska -90
-    North Dakota – 38
-    South Dakota -17

Plaintiffs’ Co-counsel Benjamin Brown, a partner at Cohen Milstein, added: “These new plaintiffs fit seamlessly into the case because, like the initial plaintiffs, their Constitutional property rights have been violated.  When the federal government determines that the broader public interest is best served by reversing policies that have been in place for generations and subjecting people’s property to recurrent flooding, it needs to pay just compensation rather than simply turning its back on those citizens, whether they are farmers, homeowners, or Native American tribes.”

Ideker Farms, Inc. et al v. United States of America was filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims by Polsinelli PC, based in Kansas City, Mo., and Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, of Washington, D.C., on behalf of farmers and other property owners in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota for damages sustained from one or more floods from 2007 to the present.  Four floods from 2007 to 2011 received a Presidential Declaration for Disaster.

The claims are brought under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for the unconstitutional taking of property without compensation.  According to the Plaintiffs, for at least six decades prior to 2004, the U.S. Corps of Engineers had prioritized flood control when managing operations of dams, reservoirs and other structures along the river.  During that time, floods were shorter and less frequent.  However, Corps policy changed beginning in 2004 to conform river operations with environmental laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, The National Environmental Protection Act, the Clean Water Act, and the 2000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinions. 

For named plaintiff Roger Ideker of Ideker Farms, Inc., of Corning, Mo., a third-generation farming operation, the change in Corps policy has had a significant impact. “I know I speak for many farmers and others along the Missouri River when I say that the flooding we have experienced since 2006 has been much different than that of the past. The frequency and severity make it a real and continuing hardship and threat to our way of life.”

The lawsuit alleges that the Corps policy changes directly led to the recurrent flooding. These include:
-    Increasing the water storage levels and altering the schedule for water releases from the six large reservoirs located along the river’s upper basin upstream from Yankton, S.D.;
-    Changing the structure of dikes and dams along the river to scour the banks and make the river more shallow;
-    Creating secondary channels that increase the frequency and duration of floods.

In addition, the lawsuit states that after 2004, the Corps’ operating criteria for releases from the Missouri River reservoirs, as provided in the Corps’ Master Manual, no longer required that certain releases, including early releases, had to be made based upon the Corps’ forecast of the annual snowmelt and rainfall runoff.  And, as a result of that deviation from the prior mandatory release criteria, which deviation was done to serve the interests of fish and wildlife, flooding has occurred from 2007 to the present that would not have occurred under the prior criteria that prioritized flood control. 

“The U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers knew these changes would lead to the river spreading out, causing more substantial flooding for the surrounding lands,” stated Boulware and Brown.

For additional information including a copy of the complaint visit: www.MissouriRiverFlooding.com or call 816-364-2117.



Nebraska State Senators and Public Power CEO’s to Address Wind and Solar Power Opportunities

Two favorite sessions of attendees will return to the annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference this year October 29-30 at the LaVista Conference Center. Nebraska State Senators and the Chief Executive Officers of Nebraska’s three largest public power utilities will address the theme of the conference, Turning Challenges Into Nebraska Opportunities, in their respective sessions.

On Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. Gary Gates of Omaha Public Power District, Pat Pope of Nebraska Public Power District and Kevin Wailes of Lincoln Electric System will speak at 10:00 a.m. The CEO’s will report on the status of their voluntary energy portfolio goals, the challenges and opportunities they see relative to upcoming EPA carbon emission regulations, and other renewable energy related issues.   

“Conference attendees really appreciate the willingness of  the public power CEO’s to provide their ‘state of public power” address,” said Dan McGuire, conference co-chair. “The CEO’s insights into both the challenges and opportunities their utilities face relative to additional renewable energy generation by adding wind and solar power to the utility’s portfolio is of great interest and value to the conference participants.  Our public power state is in the middle of a record setting three year stretch of integrating 750 MWs of additional Nebraska wind energy to our state’s public power portfolio.   This is an exciting time for wind energy development in our state.”

Nebraska State Senators Ken Haar, Heath Mello, Jeremy Nordquist and Ken Schilz will participate in a panel discussion Thursday afternoon at 2:45 p.m. to discuss what has happened in the Legislature regarding wind and solar energy legislation, and what needs to happen in the future to advance those industries.

“This is a great opportunity to not only hear from but meet the State Senators who have been instrumental in the legislative changes made in recent years to improve the competitiveness of Nebraska wind and solar energy,” Said John Hansen, conference co-chairman. “These State Senators will be in key positions of leadership on renewable issues in the next four years   This panel is always one of the most popular sessions of the conference,” he added.

Registration for the conference is $125 through October 28 and $150 for walk-in registrations the day of the conference. For conference and tour registrations, and to view the program, go to www.NebraskaWindandSolarConference.com.  For hotel reservations, contact Courtyard by Marriott Omaha-La Vista/Hotel & Conference Center, 12520 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE 68128 402-339-4900. To view last year’s presentations, go to http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2013conference/2013conference.htm.



More People Need More Protein

In a world where one in nine people are undernourished, U.S. soybean growers recognize that soy protein, livestock and biodiesel are part of the solution to feeding a growing population.

“The world has a protein gap that needs to be filled,” said American Soybean Association World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Chairman Andy Welden. “Our crop offers soybean meal for livestock feed and human food, which at the same time, creates an abundant supply of soybean oil for biodiesel.”

October 16 is annually recognized as World Food Day. The 2014 Theme is Family Farming; Feeding the world, caring for the earth. The United States produces more than 3.2 billion bushels of soybeans a year, offering an abundant supply of meal for human foods and livestock feeds as well as oil for biodiesel and other uses. U.S. soybean growers also participate in support sustainability programs for conservation and other environmental practices.

Key Facts for World Food Day include:
-    805 million people are estimated to be chronically undernourished in 2012–14, down more than 100 million over the last decade, according to the United Nations. The vast majority, 791 million, live in developing countries.
-    Developing countries will account for much of the increase in projected growth in global consumption of meats and crops in 2013-22, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The developing-country shares of the projected growth include 81 percent for meat and 83 percent for grains and oilseeds.
-    The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) assists developing country entrepreneurs and leaders in filling the “protein gap” with nutritious soy-based foods as well as livestock and aquaculture feeds. See slideshare for more information.
-    Increased Biodiesel Production Benefits Poultry and Livestock Farmers As more soy oil is processed for biodiesel production, more soy meal is available for livestock feed and human food. See slideshare for more information.
-    Along with reducing the cost of livestock feed, biodiesel also adds value to animal fats. In 2013 demand for fats and oils for biodiesel production increased the value of beef tallow an estimated $567 million, pork fat an estimated $165 million, and poultry fat by more than $51 million, making the production of animal protein more economical.




ASA and USBCA Urge White House to Push China on Timely Biotech Approvals

As a charter member of the U.S. Biotech Crops Alliance (USBCA), ASA and USBCA members urged President Barack Obama to address the persistent delays in the Chinese approvals process for new biotech traits during next month’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit.

As the most significant market for U.S. soybeans, China purchased more than $14 billion in American beans last year alone. However, as the letter noted, the U.S. agricultural crop value-chain currently faces serious challenges in providing for predictable and stable trade to China due to the inability to secure timely import approvals for new biotechnology products and a growing concern that factors other than science are being used as justification to reject applications.

In the letter, ASA and the USBCA urged the president to make the issue of transparent and predictable approvals a top priority, and to advance the relationship between the U.S. and China beyond the status quo.



Pork Board Countering Anti-Antibiotic Boosters' Claims

A leading U.S. pork association will use an online marketing campaign to counter a critical television documentary on antibiotics use in livestock, pointing consumers to industry-funded websites that defend the practice, according to an association email.

The National Pork Board sent out an email about the strategy to food and agriculture officials in advance of Tuesday evening's PBS Frontline program entitled, "The Trouble with Antibiotics".

The industry was taking steps to "monitor, engage and respond to any and all media coverage of this story," Jarrod Sutton, vice president for social responsibility at the National Pork Board.

One of those steps is to use "Paid Search Engine Optimization (SEO)", according to the email. SEO is a widely employed marketing tactic that aims to get a website to show up higher in a search engine's results for particular search terms.

Sutton says they were notifying "our customers and consumers" of something they might find of interest.



Survey Shows Consumers Watching Their Meat Purchases

Oklahoma State University's October Food Demand Survey shows that while people are spending more in grocery stores on food, they are less willing to buy steak, hamburger, chicken breast and deli ham than one month ago.

Consumers are 1.81% less likely to buy steak from the grocery store in October than they were in September, reports PorkNetwork. Consumers are 5.13% less likely to buy hamburger than they were last month.

Only pork chops and chicken wings saw an increase in the consumers' willingness to pay. Consumers are 7.98% more likely to buy pork chops in the grocery store than they were last month.

Consumers are spending less eating out this month. They are 4.33% less likely to eat out than they were last month.



Expo Breed Sales Offer Nothing Less Than the Best

The Top of The World Jersey Sale kicked off the 2014 World Dairy Expo Sales, Tuesday, September 29. This year’s highest selling consignment was TLJ Visionary Bree-ET. She is sired by All Lynns Legal Visionary-ET, and her dam is GR TLS Britany Bobbi J Dale. Bree was consigned by Travis Lehnertz of Plainview, Minn., and purchased by Matthew Steiner of Marshallville, Ohio for $10,100. Ratliff Action Angela-ET was the second highest sale at $7,300. Angela is sired by Forest Glen Avery Action-ET, and her dam is Ratliff Price Alicia. She was consigned by Ron and Christy Ratliff of Garnett, Kan. and purchased by Sistrunk Farms of Bastrop, La. The 2014 sale saw a total of $89,200 in sales between 21 lots with an average of $4,247.62. Ten states and three countries were represented at the Top of the World Jersey Sale.

The World Ayrshire Event Sale, held Wednesday, October 1; kept the momentum moving forward with a high sale of $17,000 for Onword Wilton April sold to David Koss, Jason Steinlage and Eric Lang of Lawler, Iowa. April was consigned by P & A Ayrshires of Dyersville, Iowa. Onword Lazy M Distinct Arrow purchased by Monica Streff of Peshtigo, Wis. for $6,300, was the second highest sale of the event. Included in this sale were eight live animals, two picks of flushes and five embryo packages. Buyers from seven states and two countries were represented at the 2014 World Ayrshire Event Sale. The average for all 15 lots was $4,450.

Rolling through the middle of the week the World Premier Brown Swiss Sale had a full house on Thursday, October 2, in the Estrumate Sale Pavilion. High selling lot was Brown Heaven Bonanza Frosty for $12,000 to Bradner Farms of Abbotsford, British Columbia. Frosty’s consigner was Brown Heaven Farm of Vercheres, Quebec. The second highest sale of the evening was Blessing Faust Alexa for $9,900. She was purchased by Cynthia Ziegler of Belleville, Wis., and consigned by Blessing Farm of Ft. Wayne, Ind. There were a total of 25 lots on The World Premier Brown Swiss Sale, and seven of those cattle were exhibited at the World Dairy Expo International Brown Swiss Show. The average for the Brown Swiss Premier Sale was $5,910. Eleven states and two countries were represented at the 2014 sale.

The World Premier Milking Shorthorn Sale was nothing short of a success on Thursday, October 2, with six lots and a high sale of $7,500. Ecua Farm Zeus Patty-EXP was the high seller, and sold to Mike Halpin of Cullom, Ill., with Tyler Endres of Arlington, Wis. as the consigner.  Patty is sired by GMC Robin Zeus – EXP- ET, and her dam is Ecua Farm Kaiser Patty-EXP. Second highest lot was $4,700, for Lands-Brook Crimson. She was sold to Kaden and Carlton Petroshus of Gobles, Mich. Consigner was Larry Landsgard—Lands-Brook Farms of St. Olaf, Iowa. Crimson is sired by Lands-Brook Cancun – EXP - ET, and her dam is Lands-Brook Chippewa. There were six total lots with an average sale of $4,567. Buyers came from four states and two countries at the 2014 World Premier Milking Shorthorn Sale.

The International Guernsey Classic was held Friday, October 3. With 26 lots, the highest sale was $8,000 for Guernsey View Wii’s Amy. Her sire is Golden J Ronald Grumpy, and her dam is Guernsey View Nikki’s Wii. Amy was purchased by Ros-Sue-Kim Guernseys of Gackle, N.D., and consigned by Cedar Ridge Farms, LTD of Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. The first choice female out of Coulee Crest Nick Lorilyn was the second highest sale at $5,400, purchased by Steve Thomas of Greenwood, Wis., and consigned by Coulee Crest, LLC of Cashton, Wis. Buyers were from 12 states and two countries, U.S. and Australia. The average sale for females was $4,160 and the average embryo sale was $458 per embryo.

Friday evening marked the close of cattle sales with the World Classic ’14 Holstein Sale. A high price was commanded for De-Su 1912-ET at $74,000, the highest sale of the night. She was purchased by Siemers Holsteins of Newton, Wis. She was consigned by Skyreach, Ferme Viano & Kings-Ransom of Quebec and New York. De-Sue 1912 - ET is sired by Mountfield SSE Dcy Mogul, and her dam is Clear-Echo M-O-M 2150 - ET. At $70,000, the price was right for the first choice female of Calbrett Supersire Barb, making her the second highest sale of the night. Sire options for this first choice are Main Event or Delta. First choice was purchased by James Vierhout of Hull, Iowa, and consigned by Diamond Genetics, Mercuro, Anderstrup, Drakkar of Zwolle, Netherlands. Buyers from 14 states and four countries bid on 52 of the breed’s finest with an average sale of $23,234. This year a special donation calf from St. Jacobs and Woodmansee, Vail-Hez Ashock Ms Horace-ET, raised $31,000 for the Horace Backus Scholarship Fund for the Holstein Foundation.

World Dairy Expo is recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry. Last week 77,204  dairy producers and industry experts from 94 countries traveled to Madison, Wis. The world-class event drew 2,385 head of North American dairy cattle and 835 exhibiting companies to the trade show. Next year, World Dairy Expo’s theme is “Dairy in Our DNA” and will be held Sept. 29 through Oct. 3, 2015. Visit worlddairyexpo.com for more information.



CME Group’s Risk Ranch Wins Best Children’s App Award

CME Group’s educational children’s app, Risk Ranch, has been awarded the Best Children’s App Award by BestMobileAppAwards.com. 

Risk Ranch is designed to help children look at agriculture as a business, whether they aspire to be a farmer in the future or just have an interest in learning where there food comes from.  Fun and fast-paced, the single-player game engages kids with real-life content, challenging players to take on the role of a modern farmer and bring a steer to market, teaching youth the importance of agricultural economics and risk management. Risk Ranch is free and available for download from both the iTunes App Store and Google Play. The app is also playable online at cmegroup.com/4Hcarnival.



Syngenta ranked a top 10 biotech employer for third time

Syngenta ranked in the top 10 among the world’s top biotech employers, according to an annual survey conducted by Science magazine. The company finished as the No. 9 employer, placing four spots up from 2013.

Employees were asked to rate companies on multiple characteristics, including treating employees with respect, ensuring work-culture values align with employees’ personal values, and other factors. The top three characteristics for Syngenta were identified as: treats employees with respect, is socially responsible and work culture values aligned.

“At Syngenta we are motivated to innovate through our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life and guided by the objectives we set in The Good Growth Plan. This extends to the way we work in teams, how we promote employee health and how we reach out to the local community,” said Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, head of Biology Research for Syngenta. “It is our culture and focus on innovation to sustainably grow more food with less inputs that makes Syngenta a great place to work. I am very proud that this is recognized by the biotechnology industry at large.”

Last year, Syngenta opened the Advanced Crop Lab that enables completely new capabilities to measure the performance of crops and do it faster than ever.  The company is also in the process of building a brand new R&D lab and office facility designed to maximize collaboration across disciplines. When completed in 2016, employees will have the most advanced capabilities to enable their considerable talents here in Research Triangle Park.

“This combined new facilities investment of over $150 million demonstrates the commitment  Syngenta has for  innovation and creates extra confidence among our colleagues that their work will make a difference ultimately to the farmers  we serve,” said van Lookeren Campagne.

This year marks the sixth straight year that Syngenta has ranked as one of the top 20 best biotech companies for which to work worldwide, and the third year that they’ve placed in the top 10.The complete rankings can be found online at the Science magazine website.