Wednesday December 17 Ag News

Beef Profit Workshops at 11 Nebraska Sites This Winter

During the winter of 2015 Nebraska Extension will host 11 Beef Profitability Workshops to help beef producers evaluate their operations to make them more profitable thorough latest research information.  Examples of some of the topics that will be presented at each location by presenters:
    Harvesting crop residues – does it affect future crop yields?
    Balancing the Ranch for Protein
    Alternative Forages for Grazing – what works
    Fencing and Watering Options on Crop Residue
    Mineral Nutrition
    Composting Livestock Carcasses
    Windrow Grazing
    Forage Testing and What the Numbers Mean
    EPDs and Bull Selection
    Economics in the Beef Industry

A team of UNL Extension Educators, including Steve Pritchard, Larry Howard, Dennis Bauer, Gary Stauffer, Jim Jansen, and Steve Niemeyer will present information as well as practical approaches for beef producers.

These workshops have been held across Nebraska for the pasts eleven years.

These workshops are sponsored by Nebraska Extension.  The cost is $10.00 but may vary from location depending on local sponsorship.  Register by calling the local Extension office in the host county at least three days before the workshop to ensure there are enough handouts and refreshments.

For more information or assistance, please contact Steve Niemeyer, UNL Extension Educator in Garfield, Loup, and Wheeler counties at 308-346-4200 in Burwell or sniemeyer1@unl.edu.

Location sites are follows:
Jan 29  Center at Courthouse meeting room at 1:00 P.M.  Contact Ruth Vonderohe at 402-288-5611 - Speakers : Dennis Bauer and Steve Pritchard         
Jan 29  Pierce  at the Courthouse at 6:00 P.M. with supper contact Ann Fenton 402-329-4821 - Speakers:  Dennis Bauer and Steve Pritchard
Jan 30  Leigh at Colfax County Fairgrounds  11:00 P.M. with Lunch contact Aaron Nygren 402-352-3821 - Speakers: Steve Niemeyer and Gary Stauffer
Feb 2 Hartington at Courthouse 6:00 P.M. with supper contact Jim Jansen 402-254-6821 - Speakers: Steve Pritchard and Gary Stauffer
Feb 3  Neligh  at Courthouse  12:00 noon  with lunch  contact Rod Wilke  402-887-5414 - Speakers: Dennis Bauer, Larry Howard and Jim Jansen
Feb  5- Ord at Valley Fairgrounds  1:30 P.M.  Doug Anderson  308-750-5071 - Speakers:  Steve Niemeyer, Gary Stauffer and Larry Howard
Feb 10 – O’neil at Courthouse  1:30 P.M.  no meal  Gary Stauffer 402-336-2760 - Speakers: Dennis Bauer and Gary Stauffer
Feb  10 – Basset at 6:30 P.M.  no meal Dennis Bauer  402-387-2213  - Speakers:  Gary Stauffer and Dennis Bauer
Feb 17 – Albion  at 1:30 P.M.  no meal  Steve Pritchard  402-395-2158 - Speakers:  TBA
Feb 19 -  West Point at courthouse  6:30 P.M. no meal Larry Howard 402-372-6006 - Speakers: TBA
Feb 24 – Taylor at Community room  1:30 P.M. no meal  Steve Niemeyer 308-346-4200 - Speakers: Dennis Bauer, Gary Stauffer, and Larry Howard



Farm Credit Services of America To Distribute Record $160 Million Cash-Back Dividend for 2014

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a customer-owned financial cooperative, has approved a 2014 cash-back dividend of $160 million to its eligible customer-owners. FCSAmerica serves the credit and risk management needs of farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The 2014 cash-back dividend represents the largest annual dividend approved by the cooperative’s Board of Directors. Since 2004, FCSAmerica has distributed $990 million to its eligible-customer owners. Eligible customers can expect 2014 payments to be distributed in March 2015

The FCSAmerica Board also has approved a patronage program for 2015, ensuring a portion of the cooperative’s earnings will be returned to farmers and ranchers for the 12th consecutive year.

“Cash-back dividends are one of the unique aspects of our cooperative model,” said Jeremy Heitmann, a southeast Nebraska family farmer who serves as chairman of the FCSAmerica Board of Directors. “We are proud to return a portion of net income to those farmers and ranchers whose decision to do business with FCSAmerica strengthens the cooperative for all our benefit.”   

“Our customer-owners use their dividends to invest in their operations, their families and local communities,” said Doug Stark, CEO and president of FCSAmerica. “In the past 11 years, that has amounted to nearly a billion dollars that FCSAmerica has returned to its customer-owners to benefit agriculture and main streets across our four states. The portion of earnings retained each year by FCSAmerica helps build the cooperative’s financial capacity and strength to serve borrowers through all economic cycles, now and into the future.”



Iowa Soybean Association recognizes Governor Branstad for distinguished service

Farmer members of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recognized Governor Terry Branstad for his tireless support of Iowa agriculture and the soybean industry during the organization’s 50th Anniversary Symposium and Recognition Banquet held today in Des Moines.

ISA board president Tom Oswald presented Governor Branstad with the ISA Distinguished Service Award at the event’s opening luncheon.

“It is an honor to receive this award from the Iowa Soybean Association,” he said. “Agriculture is an important part of our state’s economy and I am proud to work so closely with a farmer group that is leading the industry.”

Oswald, who farms near Cleghorn, acknowledged the support and partnership of the Governor during his tenure.

“Governor Branstad is a long-time friend of the Iowa soybean farmer and we are appreciative of his service to agriculture and the positive impact he has had on the industry,” said Oswald. 



Iowa Soybean Association recognizes agricultural, environmental leaders

The state’s top agricultural chief, a high school senior preparing to study agricultural business at Iowa State University and a nationally respected leader in soil and water conservation were recognized by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) for their dedication to Iowa’s farmers and the soybean industry.

Receiving ISA leadership awards during a banquet held in conjunction with the ISA’s 50th Anniversary Symposium were:
• Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Spirit Lake
• Rising Star — Macy Marek, Washington
• New Leader — Julie Kenney, Nevada
• Environmental Leader — Tim Smith, Eagle Grove
• Legacy of Leadership — Curt Sindergard, Rolfe

The Friend of the Iowa Soybean Farmer Award, sponsored by Cargill, was presented to Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and a fourth generation farmer from Spirit Lake. Northey’s priorities as Secretary of Agriculture have advanced science and new technologies to better care for our air, soil and water. He also reaches out to Iowans to share the story of Iowa agriculture. Each year, Northey travels the state to better understand the needs of farmers and determine how he can better lead the Agriculture Department and its service to Iowans.

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America, recognizes an ISA member’s son or daughter who’s active at the local, state and national level and preparing to continue ag studies in college. Marek is a senior at Washington High School and is the sixth generation on her family's diversified livestock and grain farm. She is a member of the Washington FFA and has participated in a program that gives students the opportunity to learn firsthand production practices for raising corn and soybeans. Marek is also involved in Business Professionals of America and is employed at Bazooka Farmstar. She will be attending Iowa State University next fall and majoring in agriculture business.

The New Leader Award, sponsored by DuPont Pioneer, recognizes an ISA member’s outstanding involvement and commitment to promoting the soybean industry and agriculture. After a decade of working in communications for DuPont Pioneer, Kenney recently took on a more active role with her husband Mark on their Story County family farm. She’s also a volunteer with CommonGround—a group of female farm bloggers across the state—and was a featured panelist for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Food Dialogue event at the World Food Prize this fall. She has also hosted farm tours and participated in national media tours to discuss modern farming practices with consumer audiences.

The Environmental Stewardship Award, sponsored by Monsanto, was awarded to Smith for his commitment to conservation and championing water quality practices. In 2011, Smith became involved with the Mississippi River Basin Initiative program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He has implemented cover crops, strip tillage, Prairie STRIPS and nutrient management practices on this farmland and installed a bioreactor to reduce nitrate levels in water moving across his land. Smith is an advocate for implementing practices that improve environmental performance and frequently hosts tours and participates in farm forums to share his personal and practical experiences.

The Legacy of Leadership Award, sponsored by Stine Seed Company, was presented to Sindergard for 18 years of service on the ISA board. During his tenure, Sindergard served on each of the association’s four board committees and held the offices of president, president-elect and treasurer. He was involved in numerous soybean-related boards and committees including the American Soybean Association, Soy for Life Foundation, Environmental Stewardship Foundation and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Sindergard provided vital leadership and insight during his years of service on the board and contributed to setting forward thinking objectives to improve the competitiveness of Iowa’s soybean farmers.



NeFBF on Congressional Action Tax Extenders
President Steve Nelson

“Today is a good day for Nebraska farmers and ranchers and Nebraska’s rural communities. Last night the Senate passed a previously approved House measure that establishes a temporary one-year extension of several federal tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013. Those provisions are important, particularly the small business expensing and bonus depreciation provisions of Section 179.”

“These provisions provide an incentive for farmers and ranchers to reinvest dollars in their family operations in the form of vehicles, equipment and machinery. This reinvestment not only helps rural farm and ranch families, but the local rural businesses that farmers and ranchers partner with on such purchases.”

“While this is a positive step, we will continue to support measures to reinstate these tax provisions on a permanent basis for the benefit of rural Nebraska, which helps keep our rural communities strong.”



NCGA Urges President to Sign Tax Extenders Bill

Hill The National Corn Growers Association today asked President Barack Obama to sign the tax extenders bill passed by the Senate Tuesday, but also urged broader tax reform in 2015.

"HR 5771 is an important but temporary first step to tax laws that allow farmers to reinvest in their operations. We urge the President to sign this bill into law," said NCGA President Chip Bowling.

"If signed by President Obama, the bill will retroactively extend a package of more than 50 expired tax breaks through the end of 2014. Included among them is the Section 179 provision, which maintains the expensing limitation at $500,000 per year and a 50 percent bonus accelerated depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets.

These provisions are particularly important to farm operations, which require a significant investment in machinery and equipment.

"A new tractor, grain bin, or pivot will be nice to have under the Christmas tree," said Bowling. "But farmers shouldn't have to wait until the last two weeks of the year to find out whether they can afford to reinvest in their operations. This waiting game has a ripple effect across the agriculture industry and rural communities. NCGA looks forward to working with the next Congress to provide farmers with the certainty they need to make long-term business decisions."

At a Glance: Tax Extenders Bill
On Tuesday, the Senate passed H.R. 5771, a bill to retroactively extend more than 50 tax relief provisions for 2014, behind a strong push from national agriculture groups and business constituencies. The bill now awaits President Obama's signature. NCGA appreciates the efforts of our members and grower leaders who helped deliver a strong message of support for this legislation.

Key provisions of the bill include the following:
Business Tax Extenders: The top tax extenders advocated by NCGA included in the bill are the Section 179 provision, which maintains the current expensing limitation at $500,000 per year and a 50 percent bonus accelerated depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets.

Energy: The bill reinstates the tax credit for second-generation biofuel production as well as income and excise tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures. In addition, the tax credits for producing electricity using wind, biomass and other renewable energy sources are extended through 2014.

Waterways: The barge diesel user fee will increase from 20 cents per gallon to 29 cents per gallon, effective April 1, 2015. The fees go toward the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF), which finances construction and major rehabilitation on the nation's inland waterways. The fee increase is expected to generate $260 million over the next 10 years. The user fee will be used for repairs along most of the largest waterways, including the Ohio, Mississippi and lower Missouri Rivers, as well as the Gulf and Atlantic Intracoastal waterways, supporting 257 locks at 212 sites. The Ohio and Mississippi River systems carry nearly 90 percent of the tonnage transported on inland waterways. NCGA and other agriculture groups have advocated for this increase for many years.



Progress on Relations with Cuba Creates Multiple Opportunities for American Soy

Per an announcement from the White House today, the United States will begin the process of normalizing its relations with Cuba. The announcement brings with it significant implications for the agricultural trade sector, and as producers of the nation’s leading farm export, the American Soybean Association (ASA) cheered the news with the following statement from President Wade Cowan:

“Soybean growers are particularly excited about today’s announcement, specifically because of the promise that the Cuban marketplace holds for American beans, but also in the larger scope of trade’s ability to overcome even the most challenging geopolitical barriers. Trade builds bridges between nations, but it also generates real and concrete value for American farmers by expanding and strengthening our opportunities in foreign markets. Whether it’s the burgeoning Cuban demand for pork, poultry and dairy or that nation’s expanded demand for cooking oils, American soybeans have a significant market opening just off our own shores.

“More important in today’s announcement, however, are the implications for the Cuban people. While we have been able to sell our products in the country for decades, our Cuban customers were unable to secure the same financing and credit opportunities as other trade partners. Conversely, the restrictions on financing made it difficult for our products to compete in that marketplace. The easing of these restrictions will make it easier for American soy to gain a foothold in the market, but more importantly, it will enable the Cuban people to purchase the products that they need and want as their market develops.”



NCGA Welcomes News on Cuban Trade

The National Corn Growers Association welcomed President Obama's announcement today that the United States and Cuba will seek to normalize relations between the two countries.

"Today's announcement is good news for American corn farmers," said NCGA President Chip Bowling. "We have long supported normalized trade relations with Cuba, as we seek to open markets and feed the world. We applaud the Administration for removing regulatory and financial barriers to trade with Cuba and leveling the playing field with other countries."

Although the United States has allowed agricultural exports to Cuba since 2001, financing restrictions and other hurdles have limited the ability of U.S. agriculture to compete with other nations. U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba were valued at nearly $350 million in 2013, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council.

"Cuba's market of 11 million consumers represents a great opportunity to expand trade and increase exports for corn and other ag products," Bowling added. "We will continue to work in close partnership with both the U.S. Grains Council and our livestock allies to promote corn, corn products, and high-quality protein as a nutrition source for consumers in Cuba and around the world."



U.S. Wheat Farmers Anticipate Increased Trade Opportunities with Cuba

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) applaud President Obama’s announcement today that the United States will begin discussions to renew diplomatic relations with Cuba, which will make it easier for Cuba to buy U.S. agricultural products, including wheat. We anticipate that these re-established trade relations will help open a market for U.S. wheat products in Cuba.

Cuba, which does not grow wheat commercially, is the largest wheat market in the Caribbean, purchasing almost all of its wheat from the European Union and Canada. Cuba could import at least 500,000 metric tons of wheat from the United States each year but has not purchased U.S. wheat since 2011. Under the current embargo, the United States can export agricultural products to Cuba through the use of third-party banking institutions, which makes facilitating trade burdensome and often more expensive.   

“U.S. wheat farmers are excited about the prospect of exporting more wheat to Cuba,” says NAWG President Paul Penner. “NAWG has long supported strengthened trade relations with Cuba and see this as a historic step in that direction.”

“The U.S. wheat industry applauds these actions, which take concrete steps away from a policy approach towards Cuba that has accomplished little,” said USW President Alan Tracy.  “If Cuba resumes purchases of U.S. wheat, we believe our market share there could grow from its current level of zero to around 80-90 percent, as it is in other Caribbean nations.” 



Vilsack on Historic New Course for U.S.-Cuba Relations

"Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people. I have no doubt that agriculture will continue to play that powerful role as we expand our relationship with the Cuban people in the coming years.

"Today's announcement expands opportunity for U.S. farmers and ranchers to do business in Cuba. It removes technical barriers between U.S. and Cuban companies and creates a more efficient, less burdensome opportunity for Cuba to buy U.S. agricultural products. It also makes those products far more price competitive, which will expand choices for Cuban shoppers at the grocery store and create a new customer base for America's farmers and ranchers."



Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Wild Birds in Washington State H5N2 Found in Northern Pintail Ducks & H5N8 Found in Captive Gyrfalcons

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5 avian influenza in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. Two separate virus strains were identified: HPAI H5N2 in northern pintail ducks and HPAI H5N8 in captive Gyrfalcons that were fed hunter-killed wild birds. Neither virus has been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the United States and no human cases with these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada or internationally. There is no immediate public health concern with either of these avian influenza viruses.

Both H5N2 and H5N8 viruses have been found in other parts of the world and have not caused any human infection to date. While neither virus has been found in commercial poultry, federal authorities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture also emphasize that poultry, poultry products and wild birds are safe to eat even if they carry the disease if they are properly handled and cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The finding in Whatcom County was reported and identified quickly due to increased surveillance for avian influenza in light of HPAI H5N2 avian influenza outbreaks in poultry affecting commercial poultry farms in British Columbia, Canada. The northern pintail duck samples were collected by officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife following a waterfowl die-off at Wiser Lake, Washington, and were sent to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center for diagnostic evaluation and initial avian influenza testing. The U.S. Department of the Interior's USGS, which also conducts ongoing avian influenza testing of wild bird mortality events, identified the samples as presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza and sent them to USDA for confirmation. The gyrfalcon samples were collected after the falconer reported signs of illness in his birds.

Following existing avian influenza response plans, USDA is working with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as State partners on additional surveillance and testing of both commercial and wild birds in the nearby area.

Wild birds can be carriers of HPAI viruses without the birds appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.

HPAI would have significant economic impacts if detected in U.S. domestic poultry. Commercial poultry producers follow strict biosecurity practices and raise their birds in very controlled environments. Federal officials emphasize that all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue practicing good biosecurity. This includes preventing contact between your birds and wild birds, and reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through your state veterinarian or through USDA's toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds to be low because (like H5N1) these viruses do not now infect humans easily, and even if a person is infected, the viruses do not spread easily to other people.

Avian influenza (AI) is caused by influenza type A viruses which are endemic in some wild birds (such as wild ducks and swans) which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl). AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or "H" proteins, of which there are 17 (H1–H17), and neuraminidase or "N" proteins, of which there are 10 (N1–N10). Many different combinations of "H" and "N" proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype, and can be further broken down into different strains. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity—the ability of a particular virus to produce disease in domestic chickens.



Vilsack: China OKs Viptera

The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture has approved a controversial biotech corn, Syngenta's Agrisure Viptera, one year after China began rejecting shipments of grain it said contained traces of the unapproved trait, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Vilsack said Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang told him during a meeting of U.S. and Chinese officials in Chicago that the corn and two biotech soybeans had been given the green light for import.

Vilsack also said the two had agreed on the need for a "high-level strategic dialogue and discussion on innovation in agriculture generally."

Syngenta submitted the corn for Chinese regulatory review in 2010.



Rabobank Dairy Quarterly Q4: Dairy prices continue to fall

Prices in U.S. wholesale markets have further to fall in coming months, and the onset of price recovery may also kick in later, as the local market cycle continues to lag behind the offshore market, according to the latest Dairy Quarterly report from the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research (FAR) and Advisory Group.

The report also finds international dairy markets continue to suffer from low prices, though the rate of decline in the price of dairy commodities has slowed compared to that seen in Q3 2014.
Exceptional milk production growth in export regions in the last nine months has outstripped weak local consumption, boosting supply in the international market and forcing prices to fall. However, low prices have succeeded in clearing huge volumes, with trade growth up 15 percent year on year. While Rabobank believes that there are signs of price stabilization, climbing off the market floor may take some time.

“Low prices were required to help clear a market still dealing with exceptionally strong supply growth, a rising U.S. dollar, a weak economic environment and reduced buying from China and Russia,” says Rabobank analyst Tim Hunt.

China has continued to buy far less from the international market than this time last year – with incoming shipments down almost 50 percet in October year-over-year as the country continues to work its way through excess inventory. Meanwhile, Russia’s enforced ban on imports from key suppliers has meant that globally, prices have had to fall by 30-50 percent from their peak, to encourage buying from second-and-third- tier importers, such as South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, to clear the market.

While these markets have taken advantage of discount products, helping to avoid the accumulation of supply-side stocks, the challenge of avoiding stock accumulation will likely become greater in coming months. Much depends on how quickly the world’s dairy suppliers respond to recent price cuts.

Low prices, compounded in the EU by the risk of superlevy payments, should see producers in many export regions hit the brakes in H1 2015. Together with some improvement in consumption in the US, and to a lesser extent the EU, this will reduce the amount available on the international market in 1H 2015. However, this is unlikely to prove sufficient to generate any meaningful price recovery as demand looks set to continue at weak levels due to Chinese purchases tracking below the prior year and a continuing Russian trade ban.

Rabobank expects the market to gradually tighten in 2H 2015. However, it may take a weak southern hemisphere production peak in 2015 to finally tip the balance for a price recovery to gain momentum.



OTA Claims Hard-Won Victory in Check-off Exemption for Organic

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) announcement of a proposed rule to exempt more organic farmers and handlers from paying into conventional commodity check-off programs, saying this is an important step that recognizes the organic industry's unique needs, and lets the industry decide where its dollars are best spent.

"OTA has worked very hard to get this exemption on the books, and we are optimistic that this important regulation will now soon take effect," said Laura Batcha, CEO and Executive Director of OTA. "The organic sector is a fast-growing, distinct industry with its own unique demands for research and promotion. We're pleased USDA is moving swiftly to allow the industry to use its money to grow and develop its own sector."

National commodity research and promotion check-off programs, funded by producers of the specific commodity, have been a part of American agriculture for almost fifty years. There are now 22 national check-off programs in place, ranging from the oldest check-off program begun in 1966 for cotton, to one of the newest that promotes American-grown mangoes. The iconic "Got Milk" and "The Incredible Edible Egg" campaigns are examples of promotion and education programs paid for by successful producer-funded check-offs.

The proposed exemption, which was expanded by Congress in the Farm Bill of 2014, would extend the exemption for organic farmers, handlers, marketers, or importers from just the 100 percent organic label to the primary organic label (95 percent organic) and pertain not exclusively to farmers or handlers who work solely with organic products, but also to those who produce, process, handle and import both organic and conventional products.

The exemption from conventional commodity check-off program assessments is very significant for certified organic operations. USDA estimates that not having to contribute to conventional check-offs will free up an extra $13.6 million for organic stakeholders to invest back into the organic industry.

"These additional savings that will be available as a result of this exemption can be used by organic farmers, ranchers and handlers to address everyday problems and to tackle issues that will help advance their businesses and the organic sector," said Batcha.

The USDA proposed rule will also exempt eligible operations from paying into the portion of the assessment in federal marketing order programs designated for market promotion activities. There are 23 marketing order programs with market promotion authority.

The USDA published the notice of the proposed changes in the Dec. 16, 2014, Federal Register, with a 30-day public comment period.

"OTA is heartened by USDA's quick action to get this provision implemented and to allow for a concise 30-day comment period. It is the result of the clear and unambiguous Farm Bill language passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by the President. These important gains for organic farmers and the organic industry were achieved through lots of hard work by organic stakeholders," said Marni Karlin, Vice President of Government Affairs for OTA.

The 2014 Farm Bill also authorizes USDA to consider and hold a vote on an organic research and promotion check-off program if the organic sector submits to the agency an official proposal for an organic check-off. OTA has been gathering input from organic stakeholders for the past three years on how best to shape a check-off program that could effectively serve the industry.

The organic industry is experiencing booming times, with organic sales hitting a new record of over $35 billion in 2013. More than 80 percent of families in the U.S. now buy organic products.

"The successes in the organic industry have been enormous," said Batcha. "However, there is still much that needs to be done in the way of educating consumers about organic, devoting more research dollars to organic agriculture, and helping farmers to convert to organic. Giving the industry more ability to invest in its future is very significant."



New Holland Wins Four AE50 Awards  for Engineering Innovation

New Holland Agriculture and Construction has been honored with four prestigious AE50 Awards for smart engineering innovations by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). The AE50 awards are presented for the fifty most innovative product ideas to enter the market in 2014. They honor new product ideas that are ranked highest in innovation, significant engineering advancement, and impact on the market served.

“We’re proud to receive these awards recognizing industry-leading advances in technology,” says Abe Hughes, New Holland’s Vice President of North America. “In 2015, New Holland will be celebrating our 120th year as an innovator, and these AE50 awards affirm our continued commitment to providing the smart, cutting-edge technology growers need to increase their efficiency and profitability.”

The New Holland award winners include:
-    QuickMax™ disc cutterbar quick-change knife system
-    41-foot760CG Varifeed™ grain header
-    Integration of LIN remote-control actuators on New Holland CR combines
-    Triple-Clean™ cleaning shoe technology for CX5000 and CX6000 Elevation combines

The optional QuickMax™ quick-change knife system provides a quick and easy method to flip or replace the cutterbar knives on New Holland Durabine® disc headers for Speedrower® self-propelled windrowers or on Discbine® 313 or 316 disc mower-conditioners. The QuickMax system greatly improves the operator’s productivity because it allows a full set of cutterbar knives to be flipped or replaced in about a third of the time required to change knives on the standard, bolted, retention system.

The 41-foot 760CG Varifeed™ grain header was developed specifically for the harvester who is using a controlled traffic harvesting method, to limit ground compaction to very small, specific tracks in the field. This header provides the exact product needed to optimize this harvesting practice, which increases yields and reduces or eliminates the need for tillage to break up compacted soil.

The header is ideal to work in combination with a 120-foot sprayer, which is compatible with 40-foot or 60-foot seeders, ensuring that only three defined paths are needed to plant, care for and harvest a 120-foot swath of crop. In addition to being sized specifically for those following controlled traffic farming methods, the header also provides extra-wide cutting width to take advantage of the higher capacities of today’s combines.

The integration of electrical LIN (Local Interconnect Network) remote-control actuators as standard equipment in New Holland CR combines enhances the accuracy and reliability of these harvesters. This is the first time an agricultural equipment manufacturer has adapted the use of LIN to connect to electrical remote actuators in harvester equipment. This kind of communication has been widely adopted by the automotive industry to support the increasing number of distributed electronic systems in today's vehicles.

LIN is used for communication between components in the combine. A single data wire replaces the heavy power cable and small electronic actuators replace hydraulic pumps and hoses. The system automates the operation and diagnostics of a variety of functions without the use of hydraulics (including threshing concave position, sieve opening, unloading tube pivot point position, unloading spout position, straw chopper deflector plate position, etc.). This technology is offered as standard equipment on all New Holland CR combines and will be adapted to even more of the combine functions in the future.

The new Triple-Clean™ cleaning shoe of New Holland CX5000 and CX6000 combines is a simple and innovative feature that increases the cleaning capacity by as much as 15% more than a dual-cascaded cleaning system.Through the extra cascade in the center of the grain pan, an additional air blast from the new Triple-Clean™ cleaning fan removes large volumes of chaff and short straw, before final cleaning even starts on the main sieves. This means that the grain is almost completely cleaned in the first 20 inches of the cleaning shoe, resulting in excellent grain quality. This triple cascade approach maintains the highest quality of cleaning even when the machine is working at its highest capacity.