Tuesday October 7 Ag News

Cuming County Board of Supervisors Seeking Extension Board Nominations

The Cuming County Board of Supervisors, are seeking nominations for individuals interested in serving a three-year term on the Cuming County Extension Board.  Due to changes in the laws, Extension Board Members will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors rather than being elected, as had been the practice in the past.

Two positions on the Cuming County Extension Board are up for appointment. The district lines are defined according to the Cuming County Board of Supervisors districts.  Nominees are needed for the districts served by Supervisors Glen Wiechman, District V and Steve Sill, District VI. Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the Extension Office or the Cuming County Clerk, Bonnie Vogltance, to determine which supervisor district you reside in.

A nominating committee is seeking nominations or calls from interested individuals.  This nominating committee will be responsible for preparing a slate of potential candidates that will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.  If you are interested in being a candidate, please feel free to contact the Cuming County Extension office 402/372-6006. You may also contact nominating committee members Sandy Rasmus at 402/372-6930, Daryle Urwiler at 402-528-3524, and Kayla Consbruck at 402-372-9033.

According to Extension Educator Debra Schroeder the operation of Extension should be given serious consideration by all county residents.  It operates the tax funds under the guidance of the Cuming county Extension Board.

Extension programs focus on priority needs and problems in five major programming areas including 1) Agriculture, 2) Natural Resources, 3) Home Economics and Family Life, 4) 4-H and Youth Development, and 5) Community Resource Development.



Nebraska Pork Producer’s Leaders Earmark $10,000 for Herd Plans

Jan Miller, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NePPA) has announced the Board of Directors has earmarked $10,000 to reimburse Nebraska producers who voluntarily initiate a herd plan with their veterinarian prior a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) outbreak or positive test. Five thousand dollars is immediately available and an additional five thousand dollars will be awarded in 2015.

Following four successful NPPA PEDv Reporting Workshops held throughout the state in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the NPPA Board of Directors moved to take a proactive approach to combating PEDv. The earmarked monies will fund reimbursements of $100 to producers who voluntarily complete a herd plan with their veterinarian prior any PEDv outbreak on “registered premises identified as reproductive units only.”

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s June 5, 2014 Federal Order includes federal assistance of $150 to a producer’s veterinarian to establish a mandatory herd plan “following” any PEDv outbreak after June 5, 2014. “NePPA salutes this plan and has added an incentive to be proactive in responding rather than being reactive following an outbreak. Establishing herd plans prior to an outbreak will assist the producer’s biosecurity plans for PEDv and will be of major importance in the case of any future foreign virus or disease outbreak”, said Jan Miller, NePPA President.

A reimbursement of $100 is available to producers to assist in the payment to their veterinarian for a completed herd plan. The reimbursement initiative will begin on October 15, 2014 and conclude on April 30, 2015. Further information will be made available along with an application form on the Nebraska Pork Producers Association website, www.nepork.org, starting October 15.



Nebraska Governor and US Senate Candidates Confirmed for Conference

Nebraskans will be electing a new Governor  and United States Senator this November and attendees of the seventh Annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference will get the chance to hear the candidates address how challenges in renewable energy can be turned into opportunities. The conference is being held October 29-30, 2014 at the LaVista Conference Center. A tour of solar  and sustainable energy facilities is being held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Nebraska Gubernatorial candidates Chuck Hassebrook (D) and Mark Elworth Jr. (L) will speak with attendees on Wednesday, October 29 at 2:45 p.m. US Senate candidates Dave Domina (D), Jim Jenkins (I) and Todd Watson (I), will be a part of a panel on Thursday October 30 at 1:10 p.m.  Gubernatorial candidate Pete Ricketts (R) and US Senate candidate Ben Sasse (R) were invited to participate in the sessions, but both candidates declined.

“We are pleased to have three of the candidates for US Senate and two of the candidates for Governor confirmed to attend the conference because it reflects their recognition of wind and solar as a vital economic resource for the State of Nebraska,” said Adam Herink, Co-Chair of the conference. “This will provide an opportunity for them to address the challenges of advancing wind and solar energy in Nebraska, and their ideas to turn those challenges into opportunities.”

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 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.



10th Annual EHS Summit Kicks Off Oct. 14 in Kearney

Safety professionals from across the state will gather in Kearney, Nebraska, for the 10th annual Environmental, Health and Safety Summit Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The daylong summit, which is presented by the Nebraska Ethanol Board, includes speakers from agencies across the country including the Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resource Specialists, Nebraska Safety Council, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Urban Air Initiative.

“This is a great opportunity to network and learn about the latest government regulations,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “We are proud that the summit has grown to include diverse companies beyond the ethanol industry during the past 10 years.”

Originally established to provide compliance, safety, public health and emerging technology information for the rapidly developing ethanol industry, the program has attracted the attention of other professional sectors as government regulations continue to increase, Sneller said.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works with a variety of private partners and ethanol plant personnel, who focus on compliance, worker safety and public health issues, to put on the summit. College students also are invited to attend and may qualify for a scholarship to waive the admission fee.

The event is presented in cooperation with the Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers (ANEEP) and open to professionals who work in environmental compliance, worker safety, and processing and manufacturing. For registration details, contact the Nebraska Ethanol Board at 402-471-2941 or visit www.ne-ethanol.org.



Hundreds of Students Expected to Learn How to Enhance Environment Through Land Judging Event in David City

More than 200 high school students are expected to roll up their sleeves and get a little muddy while learning how to protect Nebraska’s soil and how to conserve the land for the state’s long-term use. The 2014 Land Judging event will be held in David City in central-eastern Nebraska on Wednesday, October 8th starting at 9:30 am. The media is welcome to attend.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District is hosting the competition. The students will walk away with a better understanding of the area’s soil structure. This is vital in finding out the best way for local residents to live off the land and evaluate it for possible food growth and water retention. This knowledge is important to all Nebraskans as the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District urges the public to use soil and water conservation practices as much as possible.  Students at Wednesday’s competition will be learning how they can play a role in protecting Nebraska’s natural resources now and for the future.

Students interested in learning more about the state’s natural resources are expected to come to the competition from several surrounding communities. There will be many photo and video opportunities at this event for the media. High school students will get an up close look at the different types of soil in the David City area. Soil takes long periods of time to develop but can be destroyed or eroded away in very short periods. The educational benefits these students will learn and leave with are expected to benefit Nebraska locally and regionally forever.

Where: Land Judging will be held at David City Auditorium, 699 Kansas St., David City, NE
When:  Introductions: 9:30 am
  Land Judging Competition: 10:00 am - Noon
  Results and Awards: 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm



Experience the Power of Red

High school students and their parents are invited to explore opportunities available to help them prepare for a future in agriculture and natural resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Science & Natural Resources (CASNR) is hosting “Experience the Power of Red” on Saturday, October 18, on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the East Campus Union and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided for pre-registered participants.

“Power of Red” will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the 29 majors and two pre-professional programs within CASNR, interact with the Deans, faculty and staff, experience East Campus life, explore career opportunities as well as connect with current and future students. There will be an opportunity to register for a $500 scholarship and other cool prizes. This is an outstanding way to explore a variety of career options and see what CASNR has to offer.

Academic interest areas featured at the open house include: agribusiness/agricultural economics; agricultural education/agricultural journalism/hospitality, restaurant and tourism management; agronomy; animal science; applied science; biochemistry; food science and technology; food technology for companion animals; forensic science; grazing livestock systems; horticulture; insect science; mechanized systems management/agricultural engineering/biological systems engineering; microbiology; natural resources, including applied sciences, environmental restoration science environmental studies, fisheries and wildlife, grassland ecology and management, natural resources and environmental economics and water science; PGA golf management; plant biology; turfgrass and landscape management; veterinary science; and the Engler Entrepreneurship program.

Debra Schroeder and Larry Howard, Extension Educators encourage high school students to continue their career preparations by becoming a student in the College of Agricultural Science & Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Take the first step by attending “Experience the Power of Red”. To pre-register before the October 11 deadline call 1-800-742-8800 (Ext 2541) or register on-line at http://casnr.unl.edu/openhouse.

Contact UNL Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 to pre-register and for carpooling opportunities.



Americans showing increased preference for pork

Results of a consumer tracking study released by the Pork Checkoff found that more American consumers are reporting an enduring love for pork. Key research findings show more U.S. consumers rate their enjoyment of pork higher than in previous studies. Also, consumer-buying habits measured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture also show more consumers are buying pork.

"People are becoming more passionate about their consumption of pork," said Iowa Pork Producers Association President-elect David Struthers, a hog farmer from Collins. "These studies confirm that consumers are eating more pork in recipes and as a menu item because of its value, flavor and versatility."

Consumers taking part in the Pork Checkoff study were asked to rate pork cuts on a 10-point scale, resulting in a demonstrated increase in the volume of consumers who rank pork as an eight or higher.

The tracking study indicates the size of the Pork Checkoff's consumer target market has grown to 43 percent of U.S. households, up seven points from 36 percent in May 2013, the last time the survey was fielded. In 2010, the consumer target was just 27 percent of U.S. households. Growth in the target size is attributed to people rating pork cuts higher, as well as their confidence in cooking meat.

The study also found that a majority of all fresh pork eaten - 84 percent at home and 80 percent away from home - is consumed by consumers in the Pork Checkoff's target market. The total percent of pork eaten by the consumers grew significantly since the Pork Be Inspired® campaign was introduced in 2011.

"The industry is beginning to see the impact of new marketing campaigns. We're making a distinct difference in the marketplace and in how American consumers view and buy pork," Struthers said. "Across the board, consumers are buying more pork from stores and foodservice outlets."

The tracking study results are further reinforced by the Pork Checkoff's key measure of domestic marketing, which is real per capita consumer pork expenditures. Using USDA data, consumer pork expenditures measure the volume (in pounds) and value (in dollars) of pork sold in the United States. Data through May 2014 showed year-to-date per capita pork expenditures grew by 7.5 percent.

The consumer tracking study also asked pork eaters, "Other than price, what most influences your meat-purchasing decisions?" The top three drivers of meat purchases are quality (63 percent), followed by appearance (50 percent) and convenience (32 percent).

The nationally fielded tracking study is conducted by the Pork Checkoff twice each calendar year and most recently in November 2013. Respondents are representative of the U.S. population for gender, age, ethnicity and income.



Kaeding Joins Iowa Farm Bureau - 'America Needs Farmers' Teams

Iowa City native and former National Football League (NFL) Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding is the newest member of the America Needs Farmers (ANF) team, joining an impressive roster of other former Hawkeye and NFL stars supporting the ANF campaign to raise awareness about the food and energy options that today's farmers provide. Since the ANF partnership between the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the University of Iowa (U of I) Athletic Department was founded four years ago, more than $70,000 have been contributed to the Iowa Food Bank Association through donations and sales of ANF merchandise.

Kaeding has spent quite a bit of time on his family's Muscatine County farm growing up, which led to his deep-rooted respect for today's farmers and excitement to join the ANF team. "To me, ANF means an appreciation for the hard work and all the other great things that farmers do," said Kaeding, who sees the ANF partnership between U of I Athletics and IFBF as a perfect fit. The calling card of Iowa football is their work ethic and doing things the right way, and that's the exact same thing you'll find on Iowa farms." To view Kaeding's full story about joining the ANF team and why America Needs Farmers, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org.

After finishing his NFL career as one of the most accurate placekickers in the league's history, Kaeding returned to Iowa City to start a second career as a restaurateur. Kaeding's restaurant, Short's Burger & Shine, features beef from local cattle farmers and a kitchen stocked with products from local Iowa farms. A large Iowa craft beer selection has also been a popular draw for consumers seeking a locally-brewed beverage to go along with their locally-raised beef.

The fourth annual ANF Game Day will be celebrated at Kinnick Stadium November 1 against Northwestern. On ANF Game Day, ANF 'Farm Strong' merchandise will be available at Herky's Locker Room locations around the stadium. A portion of proceeds from the sale of ANF 'Farm Strong' merchandise goes to support the Iowa Food Banks.

With most people two to three generations removed from the family farm, IFBF and the U of I joined forces to promote the ANF message and talk to consumers about the food, fuel and fiber raised by farmers.

"Consumers want to know more about where their food comes from, and the ANF effort is just one way farmers are helping build that understating," said Craig Hill, IFBF president. ANF was first launched in 1985 during the height of the Farm Crisis by legendary Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry, who wanted to show an increasingly urban nation why agriculture matters. For more information about the Iowa Farm Bureau/U of I ANF partnership and events and activities during this year's ANF Game Day, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org.

To learn more about the growing number of Iowans in need and how you can connect with your local food pantries, click on http://iowafba.org/.



Meat Export Volumes Lower in August, but Value Remains Strong

For the second consecutive month, August export value for U.S. beef and pork increased year-over-year despite declines in volume. Export value for both products remains on a record pace, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

August beef exports overcame a 3 percent decline in volume to 102,456 metric tons (mt) to set a new monthly value record of $655.2 million – up 16 percent from a year ago. For January through August, beef exports were up 3 percent in volume (790,208 mt) and 13 percent in value ($4.55 billion) compared to the same period last year.

Pork export volume was down 6 percent year-over-year in August to 162,992 mt – due in part to market access issues in Russia and the China/Hong Kong region – but export value still achieved a 6 percent increase to $529.9 million. For the first eight months of the year, pork export volume was up 6 percent to 1.48 million mt while value increased 15 percent to $4.53 billion.

Despite supply crunch, beef export value races to new records
August fed beef slaughter was down 10 percent year-over-year, making the beef export value record even more noteworthy. Export value per head of fed slaughter reached $326.94, up 29 percent from a year ago and shattering the previous record ($299.14) set in June. For January through August, per-head export value was $279.48 – up 15 percent from the same period last year. Exports equated to 14 percent of total beef production and 11 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively, last year.

“International buyers are certainly concerned about supplies, and whether we will be able to meet the growing demand for U.S. beef,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “But price and supply concerns notwithstanding, their enthusiasm for U.S. beef has never been higher. We continue to see an outstanding response to our marketing campaigns and educational seminars informing buyers about the unique attributes of U.S. beef.”

January-August beef export highlights include:
-    Exports to Hong Kong were up 30 percent in volume (93,668 mt) and 50 percent in value ($667.8 million). After slowing in July, export value rebounded in August to $103.3 million (+32 percent).
-    Exports to Korea continue to perform extremely well, with volume up 14 percent to 76,144 mt, valued at $522.1 million (+44 percent).
-    A strong summer performance put exports to Taiwan on a record pace, with volume totaling 22,755 (+11 percent) and value up 16 percent to $190.6 million.
-    Exports to Mexico slowed slightly in August but remain strong for the year, totaling 155,573 mt valued at $742 million. These totals are up 19 percent and 33 percent, respectively – but as USMEF has previously noted, data from early 2013 may have understated last year’s exports.
-    Exports to leading market Japan were down 3 percent in volume (161,098 mt) but increased 2 percent in value to $1.01 billion. The U.S. continued to gain market share, with Japan importing less beef from other suppliers.

Price trends, Russian import ban impact August pork exports
Pork export value per head of slaughter was $64.08 in August (+22 percent) and $65.29 for January through August (+21 percent). Exports accounted for 28 percent of total pork production and 23 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 26 percent and 22 percent, respectively, during the first eight months of 2013.

August pork exports may have slowed due to the late-July peak in U.S. pork prices, with international buyers waiting for greater price stability before bolstering inventories. Exports also felt the impact of Russia’s import ban, which was imposed Aug.7 on pork muscle cuts from the United States, Canada and the European Union. U.S. pork exports to Russia were 5,738 mt in August – less than half the July volume.

“When a large buyer like Russia exits the market, the global impact can be widespread,” Seng explained. “For example, when Russia suspended imports of EU pork in January (due to African swine fever), there was a large increase in European pork entering Asian markets at very low prices. Similar trends could emerge as a result of this import ban, especially with Canadian pork that had previously been shipped to Russia in large quantities now seeking alternative markets.”

Canada’s pork exports fell 12 percent in August, with plummeting volumes for Russia partially offset by increases to China/Hong Kong, Korea and Mexico.

Mexico, which is the leading volume destination for U.S. pork, continued to perform very well in August – with exports reaching 56,528 mt (+13 percent) valued at $133.5 million (+30 percent). For the first eight months of the year, exports to Mexico maintained a record pace of 444,685 mt valued at $1.02 billion.

Other January-August pork export highlights include:
-    Exports to Korea were up 31 percent in volume (89,334 mt) and 49 percent in value ($278.3 million). In just eight months, pork export value to Korea has already surpassed the 2013 year-end total of $276. 1 million.
-    Colombia has rapidly emerged as the leading market for U.S. pork in the Central-South America region, with exports totaling 32,949 mt (+69 percent) valued at $91.7 million (+85 percent).
-    Although exports to Australia slowed in August, January-August totals were still up 7 percent in volume (39,004 mt) and 16 percent in value ($136.2 million).

August exports to the China/Hong Kong region slowed for the fifth consecutive month, pushing January-August totals down 15 percent in volume (237,753 mt) and 10 percent in value ($530.1 million) from a year ago. On Aug. 12, China delisted six U.S. pork plants and six cold storage facilities, significantly reducing U.S. supplies eligible for the market.

Pork muscle cut exports to Japan slumped in August, pushing the January-August volume slightly below last year’s pace (272,222 mt, -1 percent), while export value remained 3 percent higher at $1.26 billion. As noted above, this market has seen an influx of pork from European suppliers in recent months, with EU pork exports to Japan increasing about 50 percent from a year ago.

Lamb exports strengthen in August
After a difficult start in 2014, lamb exports have shown renewed momentum in recent months. August exports were up 4 percent in volume (807 mt) and 15 percent in value ($2.14 million). For January through August, exports were still 19 percent lower in volume (7,210 mt) and down 3 percent in value ($18.94 million). Exports have expanded to the Caribbean, Panama, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates this year, partially offsetting lower totals for Canada.



NPPC WEIGHS IN ON MEXICAN PORK IMPORTS

The National Pork Producers Council last week submitted written comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Animal Plant and Inspection Service’s (APHIS) proposed regulation that would lift some restrictions on the importation of pork and pork products from certain Mexican states that are free of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) while continuing to protect against introduction of the disease into the United States. NPPC urged APHIS to require Mexican pork producers to follow the same on-farm sanitary, biosecurity and surveillance procedures as U.S. pork producers in the event of a CSF outbreak. NPPC also stressed the importance of current and credible requirements for reducing the risk of CSF introduction from Mexico or other countries that choose to request similar recognition of disease-free zones.



FDA PUBLISHES ANTIBIOTICS DATA REPORT; HARVARD STUDY ON ANTIBIOTICS RELEASED
(from NPPA newsletter)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week published its annual report on sales and distribution data of antibiotics approved for use in food-producing animals. Collected under the Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2008, the data for 2012 – the latest year for which data are available – show 61 percent of the antibiotics sold for use in food-producing and non-food-producing animals were medically important. Of all antibiotics, 42 percent labeled for production and therapeutic uses were medically important, and 59 percent of medically important antibiotics were sold over the counter. For antibiotics important to human medicine, production uses are being phased out under FDA’s Guidance 213 and over-the-counter sales will end in favor of Veterinary Feed Directives. Comparing data from 2009 to 2012, the report found that sales of antibiotics increased by 16 percent, but sales of medically important antibiotics labeled for production and therapeutic uses went up just 9 percent. FDA noted in the report that “animal drug sales data represent a summary of the volume of product sold or distributed through various outlets by the manufacturer intended for sale to the end user, not the volume of product ultimately purchased by the end user for administration to animals.”   Here's the link to the report.... http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForIndustry/UserFees/AnimalDrugUserFeeActADUFA/UCM416983.pdf. 

In a related matter, a new study from Harvard University’s School of Public Health on the risk to human health of antibiotics use in animal agriculture found that “the limited data available make it hard to quantify the relationship between antibiotic use in animals and the occurrence of clinical [antibiotics] resistance.” The study authors note that “the evidence for human health risks directly attributable to agricultural antibiotics runs the gamut from speculative to scant.”  Here's the link to the Harvard study....  http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eva.12185/pdf.  



U.S. Energy Information Administration's October 2014 Short-Term Energy Outlook

Winter Fuels Outlook:
“U.S. households in all regions of the country can expect to pay lower heating bills this winter, because temperatures are forecast  to be warmer than last winter and that means less demand for heat.”

Propane:
“The propane market starts this winter in better shape than last winter.”
“Midwest propane inventories toward the end of September were about 15% higher than at the same time last year.”
“Retailers in several Midwest states also report many customers are filling their propane tanks early.”
“Midwest households that paid extremely high prices for propane last winter will see the biggest drop in their heating bills, which on average should be almost $800 less for the season.”

Natural Gas:
“U.S. natural gas inventories have recovered from their big drawdown last winter and are expected  to exceed 3.5 trillion cubic feet  at the start of this year’s heating season.”
“Rising domestic natural gas production this year, along with a mild summer that resulted in less electricity generation to meet air conditioning demand, contributed to the record build in natural gas inventories.”
“Even if this winter is as cold as last year’s, the net withdrawal from natural gas inventories over the heating season would not be as large as  last winter’s drawdown because domestic gas production this winter is expected to be significantly higher than it was last winter.”

Heating Oil:
"Heating oil prices are expected to be lower this winter because crude oil prices are lower.”

Electricity:
“While electricity prices are expected to be higher this winter, households that rely on electric heat will see lower electric bills compared to last winter because temperatures are forecast to be warmer and that will result in less heating demand.”

Click here for the outlook... http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/.  



Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue Unmoved
As has been the case in recent weeks, retail fertilizer prices continued to be extremely steady the last week of September, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN.  Half of the eight major fertilizers registered lower prices compared to a month earlier while the other half were higher. Neither group featured a significant move in either direction.

DAP, urea, UAN28 and UAN32 were slightly lower in price compared to a month previous while MAP, potash, 10-34-0 and anhydrous were a tad higher.  DAP averaged $579/ton, urea $514/ton, UAN28 $328/ton and UAN32 $373/ton. MAP averaged $599/ton, potash $477/ton, 10-34-0 $556/ton and anhydrous $695/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.56/lb.N, anhydrous $0.42/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

In addition, anhydrous is now up 7% with both MAP and 10-34-0 6% more expensive. UAN28 is 2% higher and UAN32 is 1% more expensive.  Potash remains the only nutrient which is still lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. It is down 4%.



CWT Assists with 5.2 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 6 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 546,747 pounds (248 metric tons) of Cheddar and Gouda cheese, 49,604 pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 4.676 million pounds (2,121 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, Central America and the Middle East. The product will be delivered October 2014 through March 2015.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 86.190 million pounds of cheese, 48.240 million pounds of butter and 37.847 million pounds of whole milk powder to 43 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.157 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them in the rapidly growing world dairy markets. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



USDA Expands Access to Credit to Help More Beginning and Family Farmers

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will improve farm loans by expanding eligibility and increasing lending limits to help more beginning and family farmers. As part of this effort, USDA is raising the borrowing limit for the microloan program from $35,000 to $50,000; simplify the lending processes; updating required "farming experience" to include other valuable experiences; and expanding eligible business entities to reflect changes in the way family farms are owned and operated. The changes become effective Nov. 7.

"USDA is continuing its commitment to new and existing family farmers and ranchers by expanding access to credit," said Harden. "These new flexibilities, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, will help more people who are considering farming and ranching, or who want to strengthen their existing family operation."

The microloan changes announced today will allow beginning, small and mid-sized farmers to access an additional $15,000 in loans using a simplified application process with up to seven years to repay. These efforts are part of USDA's continued commitment to small and midsized farming operations, and new and beginning farmers.

In addition to farm related experience, other types of skills may be considered to meet the direct farming experience required for farm loan eligibility such as operation or management of a non-farm business, leadership positions while serving in the military, or advanced education in an agricultural field. Also, individuals who own farmland under a different legal entity operating the farm now may be eligible for loans administered by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Producers will have an opportunity to share suggestions on the microloan process, and the definitions of farming experience and business structures through Dec. 8, 2014, the public open comment period.

FSA is also publishing a Federal Register notice to solicit ideas from the public for pilot projects to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of farm loan programs. Comments and ideas regarding potential pilot projects will be accepted through Nov. 7, 2014.

Since 2010, USDA has made a record amount of farm loans through FSA — more than 165,000 loans totaling nearly $23 billion. More than 50 percent of USDA's farm loans now go to beginning farmers. In addition, USDA has increased its lending to socially-disadvantaged producers by nearly 50 percent since 2010.

These programs were made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.



Consumer Reports Wrong on GMOs

A report recently published by Consumer Reports contains several factual errors and promotes misinformation in a way that is counter to that publication's stated mission, the National Corn Growers Association said today.

"Claims made in reference to the amount of testing GMO products undergo prior to market release are untrue," said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a Maryland corn farmer. "GMO products undergo extensive, rigorous testing prior to approval. In the United States, there are two mandated steps to GMO approval, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when appropriate. While review by the Food and Drug Administration is not mandatory, all GMO products available today have gone through FDA testing for safety. The industry unanimously agrees that the FDA review must be completed before commercialization and actually meets FDA requirements prior to USDA and EPA review."

Additionally, Bowling noted the article vaguely references livestock feeding studies pertaining to the safety of GMOs. Time and time again, studies purporting negative health effects have been completely discredited and hold no weight in respected scientific circles. In failing to even explain which instance Consumer Reports finds credible, the magazine provides vague speculation instead of sound, well-researched facts. In fact, researchers at UC Davis recently published a paper in the Journal of Animal Science, reporting that there is no difference between GMO-fed livestock and conventional-fed livestock in more than 100 billion animals reviewed.

Finally, the article falsely claims that GMO crops have led to increased pesticide use. The opposite is actually the case. From 1996-2009, the use of biotechnology has reduced the amount of pesticides used by 379 million pounds.

"For generations, Americans have trusted Consumer Reports for its independent research," Bowling said. "We urge the magazine's editors to publicly correct these errors and, in the future, commit itself to what it does best - help us find the right kitchen appliance."



Will You Push the Button for the World Soy Foundation This Harvest?

This harvest, U.S. soybean farmers will be spending countless hours in the fields—gathering a portion of the food and feed for the rest of the world. As a farmer, seeing that tank on the combine fill up quickly with high-yield soybeans is sure to spark a grin, and pushing that button on the master control lever to pour part of a season’s worth of work into the bin brings an accomplished feeling.

While farmers are taking to the fields, armed with the latest reports, technology and most of all, eager determination, the World Soy Foundation (WSF) is kicking off a new year of the Acre Challenge and is looking to partner with all those farmers “pushing the button” as they harvest their acres. The campaign’s slogan: “Push the Button. Give Your Acre. Be Part of the Solution.” relates back to their deep roots in agriculture. The Foundation was founded by farmer leaders that believed in the power of their soybean crop to be part of a solution to relieving world hunger and malnutrition.

Those farmers posed a challenge to their fellow growers through the Acre Challenge. They challenged other growers to give the value of just one of their acre of soybeans and be part of the group of U.S. soybean farmers helping to alleviate hunger around the world. The fiscal year and one of the WSF’s most successful Challenge campaigns in their history just ended. Nearly 570 U.S. soybean farmers from 31 states accepted the Challenge and helped them raise approximately 101 percent of their $100,000 goal.

The WSF would like to specifically recognize the top supporting state of the 2013-2014 Challenge, Iowa. The generosity of 70 farmers raised over $16,605 to help the WSF continue reducing malnutrition through the power of soy! It is not without farmers like the Iowa farmers that WSF can continue addressing one of the gravest issues of our world today.

But, just as farmers will be looking to their next planting season in the coming months, the WSF is also planning for this year’s Acre Challenge, and they’re kicking it off with their “Push the Button” campaign. The campaign urges farmers to consider joining the WSF and the Acre Challenge during their harvest. As that button is pushed to pour out acres and acres of soybeans, the value of just one of those acres could make a world of difference to a hungry, malnourished child in countries across the world like Guatemala, Honduras, or South Africa.

Scott Fritz, WSF Board Chair and Indiana grower said, “Farmers and industry together, as partners, can help feed young hungry kids around the world by introducing soy and soy protein into their diets through the work of the WSF. A young child lacking protein in the formative years can never recover and helping kids develop healthily is something we can all feel and understand.”

So, during this harvest, consider the campaign’s motto and “be a part of the solution” to reducing malnutrition and hunger—push the button for the WSF and share the value of an acre. Click HERE to check out an infographic, “Hunger vs. the Power of Soy,” to learn how the value of an acre is more than just dollars and cents... http://www.worldsoyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Hunger-Infographic-JPEG.jpg.    

To “push the button”, simply calculate the value of an acre of soybeans in your operation yield multiplied by price), or visit the WSF website to give securely online (http://www.worldsoyfoundation.org)  . A check can also be mailed to: World Soy Foundation; 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100; St. Louis, MO. 63141.