Thursday October 2 Ag News

NE Soybean Association Selects 2015 Young Leader

Brent and Brenda Svoboda of Pender, NE have been selected as the Nebraska Soybean Association’s (NSA) 2015 Young Leader.

The Young Leader Program is sponsored by the American Soybean Association and DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred.  It is designed to recognize and strengthen leadership in the agricultural community as well as cultivate producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry.

The Svoboda’s are involved in the farming operation in Wayne County where they raise corn and soybeans and also do custom farming, spraying and trucking.  Brent holds a degree in Agriculture Business/Business Administration from Wayne State College.   Brenda is a graduate of the Physical Therapy Assistant program from Northeast Community College and works at the Pender Community Hospital.   They are involved with several community organizations as well as the United Methodist Church of Pender. Brent is a member of the FFA Alumni, NE Corn Growers, NE Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers and is a 4-H Volunteer.    Brent says  the ” the top issues facing agriculture would be correctly informing consumers and government officials about our products and production practices. If Government officials had a better idea of our production practices they could better rule on regulations and trades issues producers are facing”.

The Svoboda’s will join the 2015 class of Young Leaders, which is made up of selected leaders from each soybean producing state,  to participate in a challenging and educational leadership experience in late November at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA.  They will complete the second part of training February 24-Feb 28, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ  in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic. 

NSA Young Leader committee chairman, Jason Lavene of Bertrand says “this program has been instrumental in helping to identify and develop some of the top soybean industry leaders in the state.  Several past winners have gone on to serve in leadership positions with our state and national organizations.”



Farmers, motorists urged to focus on safety during harvest

Take a second for safety. As farmers are entering the fields to harvest and traveling roads, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is asking farmers and those driving near harvest equipment to take precaution during this busy harvest season.

Agriculture remains one of the more dangerous occupations in North America, but exercising caution, getting rest and being safety-minded can go a long way toward making it safer for everyone involved.

“With an expected large crop and a later harvest this year, farmers will be working hard to get the crops out of the fields,” said Tim Scheer, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from St. Paul, Nebraska. “Working hard and fast in the field or on the farm could cause a chance for error where an injury or fatality could be prevented by taking appropriate precautions or simply taking time.”

This caution for safety isn’t for farmers alone, said Scheer. Motorists driving on rural roads during harvest should watch out for slower moving farm equipment. Rural intersections will have heavier-than-normal travel and dusty conditions that could limit visibility, as can sun glare in the morning and evening. Standing crops in the field may also block a clear view of oncoming traffic.

The “Take a Second for Safety” tagline echoes the efforts of the NCB and NeCGA at events this year. At Husker Harvest Days, Nebraska Corn hosted a giveaway of two grain engulfment rescue tubes to be given to local fire departments. Cedar Rapids, Nebraska and Newcastle, Nebraska volunteer fire departments were the fortunate recipients of these tubes.

“We hope to never have to use a grain rescue tube in the event of a grain engulfment,” said Emily Thornburg, NeCGA’s program director. “But in the case that one does happen, our goal is to have emergency personnel armored with the tools they need to save a life.”

The goal of Nebraska Corn’s efforts is to help fire departments across the state receive rescue tubes, as well as helping them obtain training in the event that someone working in or around grain becomes engulfed. The chances of survival for that person are greatly increased if there is a grain rescue tube available to fire departments nearby.

On the trainings, Nebraska Corn has worked with the Safety & Technical Rescue Association (SATRA). SATRA encourages seven grain entrapment prevention principles to keep in mind when working around grain.
-    Prevent entrapments by developing a zero-entry mentality.
        Stay out of the bin, if at all possible.
-    NEVER enter a bin with grain in it by yourself.
        The entry supervisor, entrant and attendant must work together and be able to communicate effectively with each other.
-   NEVER enter a bin with grain in it without training.
        The employer should provide annual hands-on training.
-   Complete the permit properly and identify all hazards.
        Have all potential hazards been identified and addresses?
-   Shut down and lockout equipment.
        All equipment involved in the storage, drying, and material handling systems should be locked out and tagged during entry, service, and maintenance operations.
-   Maintain control of the lifeline.
        Your lifeline is useless, unless it is secured properly.
-   Identify and contact the emergency response group.
        Check of make sure emergency response group is properly trained and check with your local fire department for expected response time to your location for this type of incident.

“While we all recognize the excitement and enjoyment of harvest,” Scheer said. “Staying focused and resting regularly are two proactive steps in keeping things safe around the farm for everyone, including family members and employees helping to harvest the crop.”



Solar Tour of OPPD, Creighton University and Metropolitan Community College Solar Facilities October 28 ahead of 2014 Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference

Participants arriving on Tuesday, October 28 for the October 29-30, 2014 Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference in La Vista have an opportunity to take a very educational and informative bus tour of three impressive solar and sustainable energy facilities in Omaha. The tour manager is Michael Shonka, an Omaha area solar expert and member of the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference committee. The cost of the 1:30-4:30 PM tour is only $10. The tour bus will leave from in front of the Embassy Suites LaVista at 1:30 PM and expects to be back to the Embassy Suites by 4:30 PM. The tour bus stops will include the following solar facilities:

·         A first stop at the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) Omaha Service Center near Eppley Airfield where OPPD renewable installations will be viewed and a briefing provided.  This 75,000 square-foot facility is loaded with “green” features such as: a 60 kilowatt (kW) PV solar array, solar tracking system, 1.2 kW vertical-axis wind turbine, ground loop heat pump system as well as many other energy efficient and environmentally friendly features.  OPPD was awarded with a Platinum Certification according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards developed by the United States Green Building Council for its improvements in energy and water efficiency, reduced emissions, and overall stewardship practices during the construction and operation of the building.

·         A second stop at the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Ft. Omaha Campus for a tour of their Solar Lab and Greenhouse which includes a combination of radiant floor heating and solar electric power. MCC is empowering today's students to be future leaders in the growing clean and green economy. MCC's approach to sustainability is three-pronged; sustainability touches our classrooms, campus and the community. MCC partners with Central Community College, WasteCap Nebraska, and the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities and is in its second year of a monthly presentation series on topics related to sustainability, energy, the environment, and how they apply to you. MCC is committed to leading and fostering a sustainable environment for our community. A briefing will be provided by MCC officials.

·         A third stop at the Creighton University parking lot photovoltaic (PV) structure for a tour and briefing. Creighton University Energy Technology Program is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program. Creighton’s program considers interdisciplinary investigations of energy issues, including: Design; Material Science; Physics; Atmospheric Science; Communication; Policy. Creighton University officials will provide a briefing.

Participants wanting to sign up for the tour must do so at www.NebraskaWindandSolarConference.com and pay the $10 tour fee. They can do so when they register for the conference.

Registration for the conference is $125 until 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 Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista/Hotel & Conference Center, 12520 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE 68128 402-331-7400. To view last year’s presentations, go to http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2013conference/2013conference.htm.



Iowa Harvest Weight Limit Effective Wednesday

As combines start hitting the field this week throughout the state, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into effect a proclamation granting a temporary weight limit exemption for trucks on Iowa roads. The proclamation specifically increases the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover, by 12.5 percent per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit.

"I am pleased today to sign this proclamation to allow Iowa farmers to move their crop yields in an effective and efficient manner," said Branstad. "Iowa's farmers are a critical component of Iowa's economy and this proclamation will ensure they're able to transport their crop ahead of deteriorating weather conditions."

"Governor Branstad and I continue to look for ways in which government can assist Iowans and today's harvest weight proclamation is another way we're able to ensure producers can get their yield out of the fields and to market," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The 2014 proclamation again applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system. Trucks cannot exceed the truck's regular maximum by more than 12.5 percent per axle and must obey the posted limits on all roads and bridges.

"With a bountiful crop expected this harvest season, we are proud Iowa farmers have the privilege of another weight limit exemption. We as farmers understand the harvest weight proclamation is not a right by law, but a petition to the Governor," said Jerry Mohr, a farmer from Eldridge and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). "ICGA provided Governor Branstad the information required for a proclamation, as well as information on the estimated harvest predictions. On behalf of the Iowa farmers, we sincerely thank the Governor for the proclamation, which will significantly improve farmers' efficiency during harvest."

The proclamation directs the Iowa Department of Transportation to monitor the operation of the proclamation, assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved. Farmers who are transporting grain are also required to follow their vehicle safety standards on axle weights.

The exemption will be granted for 60 days beginning Oct. 1.



Soy Buyers Prefer Predictability of U.S. Shipments

Some international buyers prefer U.S. soy to that from top competitors Brazil and Argentina because they can count on it reaching them in a timely manner, according to a new soy-checkoff-funded study.
In fact, foreign soy buyers often pay as much attention to the timeliness of a shipment delivery as they do to the price. That’s because late shipments can be expensive for buyers, as they incur costs in trying to find replacement crop, slowing down crush facilities and other problems that arise when shipments don’t arrive in the time frame that was promised.

“Our industry depends on the reliability of our transportation system to keep us competitive in the global market,” says Dwain Ford, soybean farmer from Kinmundy, Illinois, and United Soybean Board (USB) International Opportunities Target Area coordinator. “This study really shows the advantage the roads, rails and rivers give us and how important it is to maintain and improve our infrastructure.”

Conducted in partnership with the checkoff-supported Soy Transportation Coalition, the study gathered input from buyers in China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam to get firsthand reports on the timeliness of shipments and the repercussions late shipments have on their businesses. In most of these markets, U.S. shipments were the most predictable, with several participants adding that they prefer to buy from the United States because of this predictability.

Argentina has the advantage when it comes to shipping costs because of its relatively short distances from the growing areas to major ports for export. But U.S. soy rises to the top because of the relatively short amount of time it takes for soybeans to move from the growing areas to export position, which greatly impacts the United States’ edge in delivery predictability. Even though U.S. soybeans have the longest distances to travel, the extensive U.S. rail and river infrastructures move these beans quickly, and the port infrastructure allows for timely loading and limited delays. Both Brazil and Argentina have significantly less rail and underdeveloped inland waterway systems, so roads are the main mode used to move products from growing areas to export position.

“It’s great to see the infrastructure here in the United States is still doing its job,” adds Ford. “But if our competitors continue to update their infrastructure and we don’t, we could easily fall behind. It’s vital to U.S. soybean farmers and the U.S. soy industry that we protect this advantage.”



RFA Announces New Leadership

Wednesday, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) elected new leadership at its annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. The Board selected Randall Doyal, General Manager and CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel, as the next Chairman of the Board of Directors. Doyal heads an ethanol facility in Claremont, Minn., that produces 50 million gallons annually.

An industry expert, Doyal’s career in the ethanol industry began in 1982 at Mountain Development Corporation. In addition to Al-Corn Clean Fuel, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Guardian Energy, LLC and Renewable Products Marketing Group. Doyal previously served as Vice-Chairman and Treasurer of the RFA.

“It is truly an honor to be selected by my peers to head the Renewable Fuels Association. The RFA has the technical knowledge, political influence, and market acumen to positively impact today’s ethanol industry, which will in turn help bolster biofuels production and consumption across the nation. I am proud to take the helm and lead this great organization as ethanol is establishing itself as an indispensable part of this country’s motor fuel supply. We will work to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and expand markets abroad. The future is bright and I look forward to this new challenge,” Doyal said.

Additionally, RFA elected:
-    Vice-Chairman Mick Henderson, General Manager of Commonwealth Agri-Energy in Hopkinsville, Ky.
-    Treasurer Walter Wendland of Golden Grain Energy, LLC in Mason City, Iowa.
-    President Bob Dinneen, CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association in Washington, D.C.



Propane use for crop drying depends on weather and corn markets as well as crop size
U.S. Energy Information Administration

The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects this fall's corn harvest to be slightly larger than last fall's record harvest. Depending on the timing and moisture content of the crop, the harvest could have effects on the propane market, as propane is among the fuels used for crop-drying. Propane consumption in corn-producing states typically rises in September and October with the corn harvest, followed by a larger rise related to space-heating needs in January.

The weather influences both the moisture content of the crop and when it reaches maturity. If weather is favorable, farmers may let their corn dry in the field, especially if there is not a price incentive to get it to market right away. Last year, propane demand in the top five corn-producing states increased in October to levels that rivaled the normal peak demand in January, drawing down propane inventories before the heating season began. Propane inventories in the Midwest were drawn down by 4.1 million barrels (130,000 bbl/d) in October, which was the largest October stock draw since 1985.

As a result, Midwest inventories of propane started the heating season at relatively low levels and remained at the bottom of the five-year range through December. Logistical problems, including the closure for maintenance of the Cochin Pipeline that transported propane from Canada to the Upper Midwest and disruptions of rail transportation, prevented Midwest inventories from being replenished before winter began. With prolonged cold weather in January and February, propane inventories dipped well below the five-year range.

Midwest propane inventories are higher going into this harvest season. As of September 26, inventories were above the five-year average and 3.7 million barrels higher than year-ago levels. However, recent infrastructure changes may affect propane supplied to the Midwest in the coming months, especially under high-demand conditions. The Cochin Pipeline was reversed earlier this year and now moves condensate from the Midwest to Canada. However, at least some of these supplies will be replaced by additional supplies from several existing pipelines that move propane north from Conway, Kansas, to the upper Midwest, as well as by expanded rail and storage capacity in the region.



Farmland From Academy Award-Winning Director James Moll Makes Its Streaming Debut on Hulu

Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Moll's feature length documentary, Farmland, is now available to stream on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service. Beginning today, Farmland will be available exclusively on the platform for four weeks - providing viewers with the opportunity to stream Farmland from their connected TVs, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. 

During its theatrical debut this year, Farmland was shown in more than 170 theaters across the country including Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Landmark Theatres, and many key independent theaters. It will now be available digitally for the first time.

Many Americans have never stepped foot on a farm or ranch or even talked to the people who grow and raise the food we eat, yet are increasingly passionate about understanding where their food comes from. Farmland takes the viewer inside the world of farming for a first-hand glimpse into the lives of six young farmers and ranchers in their twenties. Through the personal stories of these farmers and ranchers, viewers learn about their high-risk/high-reward jobs and passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation, yet continues to evolve.

"This is a film for anyone who eats," says Moll.  "It's not what you'd expect. The world of farming is complex and often controversial, but the farmers themselves are some of the most hard-working and fascinating people I've ever met."

Produced by Moll's Allentown Productions, Farmland received notable attention during its theatrical run securing reviews in several national mediums and recognition in film festivals across the country, including Atlanta, Cleveland and Newport Beach, Calif. The film also earned a 92 percent audience rating on RottenTomatoes.com.

Farmland was made with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance®.

Check out the official trailer for the feature length documentary at farmlandfilm.com and be sure to watch Farmland in its entirety on Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/farmland.



USDA Dairy Products Production - August 2014 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 940 million pounds, 0.9 percent above August 2013 but 1.7 percent below July 2014.  Italian type cheese production totaled 399 million pounds, 4.5 percent above August 2013 but 2.5 percent below July 2014.  American type cheese production totaled 374 million pounds, 2.0 percent below August 2013 and 1.3 percent below July 2014.  Butter production was 131 million pounds, 2.4 percent below August 2013 and 4.3 percent below July 2014.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with August 2013)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 118 million pounds, up 11.6 percent.
Skim milk powders - 53.7 million pounds, down 2.5 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with August 2013)
Dry whey, total - 69.7 million pounds, down 8.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 99.3 million pounds, up 14.9 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 45.4 million pounds, up 15.1 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with August 2013)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 65.9 million gallons, down 9.2 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 37.2 million gallons, down 3.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.17 million gallons, down 13.9 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.39 million gallons, down 19.0 percent.



NCBA Kicks Off Fall Membership Drive

This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association kicked off the 2015 Fall Membership Drive. NCBA president and Victoria, Texas, cattleman Bob McCan says there has rarely been a more important time for producers to be involved.

“With a new Congress about to be seated, and so many priorities for cattlemen and women still up in the air, it’s a great time to make your voice heard in Washington,” said McCan. “Yet this year, we continue to face a number of issues like the expiration of key tax extenders, lending uncertainty for investments. We also face more regulation from the Administration including the ‘waters of the United States’ proposed rule and the proposed rules to allow imports from regions in Brazil and Argentina that are known to harbor foot and mouth disease.”

NCBA is urging more cattle producers to join this fight and engage in these issues that are critical to the future viability of our industry.

“This has been a great year for many of our producers who have seen some much need moisture and positive market signals, but it’s critical that we remain engaged,” said McCan. “The year ahead could be a major year, not only for stopping and fighting regulations, but for encouraging and shaping legislation on border security and immigration, tax reform, and pending trade agreements. I would encourage you to renew your membership, or join today.”

Thanks to a strong partnership with our 45 state affiliate associations, our membership at the end of fiscal year 2014 was 30,296. The top ten affiliates for new member recruitment this year were:
    Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers
    Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
    Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association
    Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association
    Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association
    Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association
    Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association
    Kansas Livestock Association
    Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association
    Ohio Cattlemen’s Association

Your NCBA membership not only helps support our efforts in Washington, D.C., but comes with great benefits including discounts from RAM, New Holland Agriculture, Roper/Stetson, John Deere, Cabela’s and Caterpillar. You will also receive a subscription to National Cattlemen and updates from Washington. Join today and as a new member you will receive a one liter bottle of Dectomax® pour-on from Zoetis. For complete information and to join visit www.beefusa.org or call 1-866-BEEFUSA (1-866-233-3872).



From #FarmtoPork
Kay Johnson Smith, President & CEO, Animal Agriculture Alliance

I couldn't be prouder of the experience you'll read about below, detailing a project that the Alliance has been working on for over a year--a tour of North Carolina pig farms and processing facilities that truly opens the barn doors in the name of radical transparency.

Though it's hard to boil the success of this trip down to mere numbers, I will tell you that 12 bloggers toured 3 of our members' pig farms, 1 of our members processing facility and as a result of all that we showed them--nothing was off the table--they responded by writing more than 14 blogs, countless Facebook posts, Tweets and Instagram pictures about the experience. All in, these bloggers reached more than 17 million people--that's right, million (and counting). And they told the story of #farmtopork through the empathetic, credible lens of an average consumer.

Perhaps it's the proximity to Halloween or the crisp, cold breath of fall in the air that reminds me that this trip was not without it's challenges and scary moments. It's scary to open up to the complete unknown, to 12 bloggers who have no first-hand knowledge of life on the farm. It's scary to not know what they're going to write--or if they're going to respect and understand what they're seeing. But the scariest moment of all was when HSUS and other activists co-opted our hashtag and began harassing the bloggers via email and social media.

I can understand passion, after all that's what kept me doing this job for more than 20 years. But what I can't understand are the lengths these activists will go to to undermine and intimidate. Over the years, I've often told myself and my staff that if they're attacking us, it just means we're doing our job. After all, they can't host their own farm tours because they don't have any farms.

Luckily for us, the bloggers weren't scared of the ghouls and goblins that mask food bullies and activists. And we at the Alliance aren't scared either--and we're going to continue to tell agriculture's story and connect with influences, no matter the scare tactics.



Farm to School Programs Create New Opportunities for Farmers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

This October, just like every other month during the school year, school menus will feature an array of products from local and regional farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Kids of all ages will dig up lessons in school gardens, visit farms, harvest pumpkins, and don hair nets for tours of processing facilities. Science teachers – and English, math, and social studies instructors, too – will use food and agriculture as a tool in their classrooms, so that lessons about the importance of healthy eating permeate the school learning environment.

An investment in the health of America’s students through Farm to School is also an investment in the farmers and ranchers who grow the food and an investment in the health of local economies. In school year 2011-2012, schools purchased $386 million in local food from farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food processors and manufacturers. And an impressive 56 percent of school districts report that they will buy even more local foods in future school years. Farm to school programs exist in every state in the country.

For example, the Lake County Community Development Corporation in Bozeman, Montana reports a 40 percent increase in revenues to farmers based on school sales alone. The Southwest Georgia Project, a community development non-profit, notes that “We’re actually seeing our farmers have hope. The farm to school program allows them to see an opportunity for a sustainable living for themselves and their families.” Testimonials in a USDA video released this week highlight the degree to which farm to school programs support healthy eating behaviors among children and provide positive economic impacts to local communities.

Strengthening local food systems is one of the four pillars of USDA's commitment to rural economic development, and Farm to School programs can play an important role. To support the expansion of Farm to School programs into more schools and expand opportunity for farmers and ranchers, USDA offers grants, training, and technical assistance. Since the start of our Farm to School Grant Program in fiscal year 2013, for example, USDA has awarded grants to 139 projects spanning 46 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 16,200 schools and 4.55 million students, nearly 43% of whom live in rural communities.

Just this week, I visited the George Washington Carver Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia and the Virginia State Fair to announce more than $52 million in new USDA grants nationwide to support the development of the local, regional and organic food sectors. You can learn more about USDA’s investments at www.usda.gov/results.

At USDA we’re transforming school food and creating a healthier next generation. We’re happy to celebrate in October, but we’re going to be cheering for schools with farm to school programs all year long. When students have experiences such as tending a school garden or visiting a farm, they’re more likely to make healthy choices in the cafeteria. I see the change every time I visit a cafeteria; students light up when meeting their farmer. They are piling their trays full of healthy foods, they are learning healthy habits that they will carry with them for life, and they are learning an appreciation for the American farmer that they will carry with them their entire lives.