Thursday March 19 Ag News

March Rural Mainstreet Index Negative:  Farm Equipment Sales Decline to Record Low

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index for March slumped from February’s weak reading, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.   

Overall: The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100, sank to 43.6, its lowest level since February 2010, and was down from last month’s 46.4.

“The stronger U.S. dollar is undermining the farm and energy sectors by weakening agricultural exports, crop prices, livestock prices and energy prices. Rural Mainstreet businesses dependent on export, agriculture or energy are experiencing pullbacks in economic activity," said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for March was unchanged from February’s weak 39.4. “Even though crop prices have stabilized, demand for farmland remains weak pulling agricultural land prices down again. This is the 16th straight month the index has moved below growth neutral,” said Goss.

Despite the weakness in farm income, nonfarm investors continue to purchase farmland with the share of outsiders buying farmland rising from 14.4 percent last June, to 17.5 percent this month.

The March farm-equipment sales index plunged to a record low of 15.2 and down from February’s already fragile 19.5.  The index has been below growth neutral for 20 straight months. “With farm income expected to decline for a second straight year, farmers have become very cautious regarding the purchase of agricultural equipment,” said Goss.

Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for March sank to 43.3 from 44.4 in February. The state’s farmland-price index advanced to 38.9 from 33.3 in February. Nebraska’s new-hiring index grew to 51.3 from February’s 50.7.

Iowa: The March RMI for Iowa fell to 43.0 from February’s 46.7. The state’s farmland-price index for March slipped to 42.1 from February’s 41.5. Iowa’s new-hiring index for March declined to 53.8 from February’s 57.2.

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

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.



Ricketts Unveils Ag Magazine, Ag Poster Contest Winners

Today, Gov. Pete Ricketts unveiled the new edition of the Nebraska Agriculture and You magazine and highlighted the winners of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) poster contest following his National Ag Week tour across the state.

“I hope Nebraskans will appreciate the opportunity to learn more about our state’s number one industry,” said Gov. Ricketts. “The Nebraska Agriculture and You magazine is designed to help provide a broad view of the agriculture sector in our state, while the poster contest gives teachers a chance to engage elementary-age students in a discussion about from where their food comes.”

NDA Director Greg Ibach said the Nebraska Agriculture and You magazine, now in its third edition, shares information about the state’s agricultural industry with consumers. It covers a wide variety of topics, such as ethanol, GMOs, potatoes, popcorn, and what “sustainability” means.

“The Nebraska Agriculture and You magazine is a wonderful tool for consumers interested in learning more about where food comes from and the families who produce it,” Ibach said. “We appreciate the financial partnerships from agribusinesses and other organizations, whose advertisements enable us to produce this magazine and distribute it to the public free of charge.”

The magazine will be circulated to locations across the state where the general public can enjoy it, such as the lobbies of doctor and dentist offices, hair salons, and automotive shops. Magazines also will be distributed to public libraries, county extension offices, and chambers of commerce. Individuals may request magazines from NDA by calling 800-422-6692. A digital copy of the magazine also is available on the NDA website at www.nda.nebraska.gov.

Gov. Ricketts also announced the winners of the 2015 National Ag Week in Nebraska poster contest sponsored by NDA. The contest was open to all first through sixth grade students in Nebraska.

NDA received nearly 2,400 posters as part of this year’s contest.

“This year’s theme was ‘A Day on the Farm,’ and it is apparent from the quality of the posters that many of the teachers used the contest to discuss agriculture in their classrooms. Creating educated consumers starts with quality conversations, even at the elementary age level,” said Gov. Ricketts. “I am excited with the large number of posters.”

POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
In the 1st and 2nd grade division:
1st place is: Kaylea McCaulley a second grader from Weeping Water Public School
2nd place is: Kate Mogensen a second grader from Weeping Water Public School
3rd place is: Jessica Hovie a second grader from Arcadia Public School
Governor’s Choice is: Levi Othmer a first grader from Johnson County Central in Tecumseh

In the 3rd and 4th grade division:
1st place is: Saryn Prickett a third grader from Alma Public Schools
2nd place is: Luke Christie a third grader from Sandhills Public Schools in Halsey
3rd place is: Maggie Fischer a third grader from Ord Elementary
Governor’s Choice is: Jamie Bennett a fourth grader from C. Ray Gates Elementary in Grand Island

In the 5th and 6th grade division
1st place is: Emily Chamberlain a sixth grader from Wayne Elementary
2nd place is: Andrew Cone a sixth grader from Logan Valley Public Schools in Hooper
3rd place is: Elizabeth Rowe a fifth grader from Shell Creek Elementary in Columbus
Governor’s Choice is: Brandon Hollister a fifth grader from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island

The winning posters can be viewed on the NDA website at http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/kids/poster/2015/2015contest.html.



AGRICULTURE GROUP HONORS JOHANNS, NAMES NEW MEMBERS

Mike Johanns has been recognized by the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement for his advocacy of agriculture.

      The banquet honoring Johanns and 10 new members of NHAA took place March 12 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus. Formed in 1916, the NHAA is dedicated to preserving and improving Nebraska agriculture. Each year, the group recognizes at least one honoree and elects new members.

      During more than 30 years of public service, Johanns has worked tirelessly for Nebraska and American agriculture as a U.S. senator, U.S. secretary of agriculture and Nebraska governor.

      A member of the Senate from 2009 to 2015, Johanns served on several committees including the Agriculture committee. He championed new trade agreements and worked to strengthen ties with Asia-Pacific countries to expand the market for agricultural products.

      As U.S. secretary of agriculture from 2005 to 2007, Johanns conducted 32 international trips to advance trade, aid and food safety. Johanns opened or increased access to 40 international markets and accomplished agricultural breakthroughs as a member of the U.S. negotiating team for the World Trade Organization Doha Development Round.

      Johanns developed an in-depth farm bill proposal, which became the foundation for improvements and reforms adopted in the final 2008 farm bill. He also promoted renewable fuels and advanced natural resources conservation.

      During his tenure as Nebraska governor from 1999 to 2005, Johanns advocated for rural communities, farmers and ranchers. He led seven delegations of agriculture, business and government leaders on international trade missions. He also created incentives for business growth and job creation, emphasizing value-added agriculture, especially ethanol.

      This year's new NHAA members, listed by hometown, are:

      AXTELL: A lifelong Nebraska farmer and supporter of agriculture, Steve Nelson is a member of many state and national agricultural organizations. Past president of the Kearney/Franklin Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Farm Bureau, he also was on the American Farm Bureau board of directors and was chairman of the Feed Grains Committee.

      BELDEN: Jana Miller promotes agriculture locally, nationally and internationally. She produces corn, soybeans and pork with her husband, Jim. Miller was president of the Nebraska Pork Producers and was on the board of directors of the National Pork Producers.

      HEMINGFORD: Chris Cullan is a strong leader for agriculture in western Nebraska. A farmer and certified seed dealer, he also is a Nebraska Wheat Board representative.

      HUMBOLDT: As president of Nebraska Agriculture Builders, Ben Steffen is dedicated to the sustainability of the agriculture industry. He is also a member of the University of Nebraska President's Advisory Committee and served six years on U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns' Ag Advisory Council.

LINCOLN:
      > UNL Extension engineer Paul Jasa has developed educational programs related to no-till equipment and system management since 1978. He manages research and demonstration projects at UNL's Rogers Memorial Farm.

      > Steven Jones, UNL professor of animal science, has taught more than 4,000 students in the past 30 years. A leader in online course development, he created a beef carcass 3-D digital model and software program to be used in beef anatomy instruction.

      > Jack Schinstock, emeritus professor of biological systems engineering, also served as assistant dean and associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He helped students obtain financial aid, created scholarship programs for community college transfer students and developed the CASNR study abroad program.

> Ken Vogel is a retired USDA research geneticist. His research has had a significant impact on U.S. strategic bioenergy plans. Vogel also was adjunct professor of agronomy at UNL.

      LYMAN: A cropland and commercial cow-calf operator, Alton Lerwick is one of the pioneers of no-till in Nebraska. He has been involved with cooperative research projects with the University of Nebraska and the University of Wyoming for more than 30 years.

      SCOTTSBLUFF: Jim Schild is an extension educator known for innovative approaches to traditional extension programming. He is associate director at UNL's Panhandle Research and Extension Center.



USE CARE WHEN BURNING GRASSLANDS
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               Prescribed burning CRP or pasture can improve stands, prepare them for interseeding, control weeds and trees, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve forage quality.  But it must be done safely.

               Fire improves many grasslands, but it can be dangerous.  Wildfires occur easily when it is hot, dry, and windy.  And when is it not windy in Nebraska?  So if you decide to burn, do it safely.

               Fire is useful on CRP or other fields that are overgrown with much dead mulch from previous years.  This mulch can smother plants and new seedlings, causing stands to get thinner.  Fire removes this mulch, enabling stands to thicken, and it improves wildlife habitat.  Fire also can reduce the invasion of woody plants like cedar trees, weeds, or cool-season grasses invading warm-season grasslands.  These less desirable plants are injured or killed by a well-timed burn.  This can be especially useful for summer pastures.

               Timing is important, though.  Right now is a bit too early to burn warm-season grasses.  Burning now will open up the ground for weeds to invade, soil to erode, and moisture to evaporate.  The best time to burn warm-season grasses is when they just start to grow, usually mid-April to early May.  Burning then will result in rapid greenup and thickening of desirable warm-season plants.

               Be careful, though.  Never burn unless weather conditions, topography, and other factors enable you to control the fire.  Plus, make sure your burn is legal.  You must obtain a burn permit from your local fire chief.  And finally, never burn unless someone experienced in prescribed burning is part of your burning crew.

               Fire is a valuable tool.  But like any other tool, in the wrong hands it can be dangerous.



U.S. Pork Exports Up 10 Percent to $6.67 Billion In 2014

For the fourth year in a row, U.S. pork exports eclipsed the $6 billion mark. In 2014, 4.803 billion bounds of pork and pork variety meats valued at $6.674 billion were exported, up 2 percent and 10 percent, respectively from 2013.

“We saw a dynamic environment for U.S. pork exports last year,” said Brian Zimmerman, chair of the Pork Checkoff’s Trade Committee and a Beatrice, Neb., producer. “Our strong global partnerships and rising demand across the globe for our product meant that despite record prices, we continued to see growing revenue from exports. However, our exporters dealt with many trials, as it was a highly competitive market.”

In 2014, 26.5 percent of U.S. pork and pork variety meat were exported, adding $62.45 per hog marketed. Strong pork variety meat demand around the world continues to increase exports and positively impact producer profitability. For every $1 million of pork variety meats exported, the live value of hogs is increased by $0.20 per cwt, according to a regression analysis conducted by Iowa State University.

“While 2014 exports remained strong, the industry faced many challenges, such as market closures, increasing competition, export port issues, a high-valued U.S. dollar and global trade shifts,” said Becca Hendricks, vice president of international marketing for the Pork Checkoff. “Checkoff resources were extremely important in monitoring and reacting to situations to allow for continuous trade.”

During 2014, more than 100 countries around the world imported U.S. pork.

    The top five markets in total pounds of pork exported were: Mexico (1.501 billion pounds), Japan (1.033 billion pounds), China and Hong Kong (743.6 million pounds), Canada (457.2 million pounds) and Korea (298.5 million pounds).

    The top five markets in total value exported were: Japan ($1.932 billion), Mexico ($1.558 billion), Canada ($904.7 million) China and Hong Kong ($775.4 million) and Korea ($444.6 million).



Record Pork Production for February

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.77 billion pounds in February, up 3 percent from the 3.65 billion pounds produced in February 2014.

Beef production, at 1.79 billion pounds, was slighty above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.17 million head, down 3 percent from February 2014. The average live weight was up 25 pounds from the previous year, at 1,355 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 21 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 36,700 head, down 30 percent from February 2014. The average live weight was up 26 pounds from last year, at 293 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.96 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.08 million head, up 5 percent from February 2014. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.3 million pounds, was up 6 percent from February 2014. Sheep slaughter totaled 164,700 head, 2 percent below last year. The average live weight was 141 pounds, up 3 pounds from February a year ago.

January to February 2015 commercial red meat production was 7.9 billion pounds, down slightly from 2014. Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 24 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 3 percent.

State Production (million pounds, % of Feb'14)
Nebraska ...........:                548.2            107      
Iowa ..................:                568.9            106      
Kansas ...............:                370.6            102      



February Milk Production in the United States up 1.7 Percent

Milk production in the United States during February totaled 16.2 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from February 2014.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,736 pounds for February, 9 pounds above February 2014.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.31 million head, 100,000 head more than February 2014, and 3,000 head more than January 2015.

Iowa Milk Production
Milk production in Iowa during February 2015 totaled 371 million pounds, up 5 percent from February 2014 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Milk Production report. This is the highest February milk production for Iowa since 1969. The average number of milk cows during February, at 210,000 head, was unchanged from last month, but 5,000 more than a year ago. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,765 pounds, up 40 pounds from last February.

February Milk Production up 1.7 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during February totaled 15.1 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from February 2014. January revised production, at 16.5 billion pounds, was up 2.2 percent from January 2014.  The January revision represented an increase of 17 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,757 pounds for February, 8 pounds above February 2014. This is the highest production per cow for the month of February since the 23 State series began in 2003.  This comparison is based upon all months of February being adjusted to 28 days.

The number of milk cows on farms in te 23 major States was 8.62 million head, 106,000 head more than February 2014, and 2,000 head more than January 2015.



Pork Act Delegates Elect Candidate Slate, Approve Advisements

The pork industry held its annual business meeting, the National Pork Industry Forum, March 5-7 in San Antonio. At the meeting, Pork Act Delegates ranked nine candidates for the National Pork Board and submitted the list to the U.S. secretary of agriculture. The candidates, ranked in order, are:
    David Newman, North Dakota
    Patrick FitzSimmons, Minnesota
    Carl Link, Ohio (second term incumbent)
    Bill Tentinger, Iowa
    Gary Asay, Illinois
    Kristine Scheller-Stewart, Missouri
    Thomas Goodwin, Idaho
    Michael Gruber, Texas
    Ed Keller, New York

The U.S. secretary of agriculture will select six members from the slate elected by the delegates to fill the roles of outgoing board members effective July 2015. Five of the nominees will serve a three-year term, and the sixth will complete a two-year term due to a recent departure. There are 15 pork producers on the board, each limited in serving no more than two terms.   Delegates also elected three members to the Nominating Committee, which recruits and screens candidates for the National Pork Board. Members of the Nominating Committee are not approved by the secretary. In other business, delegates approved two non-binding directives for the National Pork Board.

The approved motions read:

    Premises ID: The National Pork Board encourages all producers and veterinarians to work with their veterinary diagnostic laboratory service providers to adapt and use methods that electronically incorporate premises identification numbers into all of their diagnostic lab records to enhance the systems of traceability and animal health information management infrastructure necessary to support the 21st century U.S. pork industry.

    Transportation and Biosecurity:  The Minnesota Pork Producers Association recommends that the National Pork Producers Council, National Pork Board and North American Meat Association cooperatively address issues around transportation and bio-security. Items to be addressed are as follows, but not limited to:
        o Trucking schedules and wait times
        o Truck unloading/animal handling
        o Biosecurity

Reports on the two advisements will be delivered at the 2016 Pork Forum.



National Pork Board Reports Solid Consumer Demand for Pork in 2014

Five years after setting an aggressive goal of 10 percent growth in real per capita consumer expenditures for pork, the National Pork Board announced it met that goal with total consumer expenditures growing 15.7 percent since 2009. Pork expenditures – the product of total pork volume available in the U.S. multiplied by the average U.S. Department of Agriculture retail pork price – grew by 7.6 percent in 2014 from just the previous year.

“2014 was a fantastic year of growth for the pork industry. Overall, there was less pork to sell due to the impact of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), a production virus. So growth in the second half of the year came largely from higher pork prices,” said Dale Norton, a Bronson, Mich., pig farmer and president of the National Pork Board. “Pork expenditures directly correlate to consumer demand. Despite record high prices, demand grew and was even higher than expected.” The inventory of both breeding herds and the stock of pigs bound for market increased. As of year-end 2014, total U.S. pig inventory increased 2 percent to 66.1 million head over 2013, marking a solid rebound.

“So far, this winter has been relatively mild for PEDV cases and pig inventory is strong,” Norton said. “But barring any recurrence of the virus, we should see more pork enter the market in the second half of 2015.”

Norton added, that this may require adjusting the Pork Checkoff’s marketing plan to balance any potential increase in product hitting the consumer market. An influx supply of pork could lower consumer prices at the meat counter, but likewise may lower producer revenue.

“The last two years have been outstanding for pork demand,” said Steve Meyer, president of Paragon Economics and a Pork Checkoff consultant. “We haven’t moved demand upward by this magnitude since the 1990s.” Meyer attributed the growth to the National Pork Board’s focus to capitalize on food trends such as the rise of foodies and a growing passion for protein.

Pork Be inspired® resonates with consumers
In 2014, the National Pork Board centered its consumer messaging on pork’s inspiration as a menu item and for creative home meals. Marketing of pork directly reached consumers, as well as engaged foodservice and retail decision-makers.

    National Advertising – The yearlong national print, TV and digital advertising campaign included 49 print ad insertions, 10 weeks of cable TV and 18 digital media partners.

    Retail Marketing – National retail promotions with the top 10 retailers efficiently contributed to demand growth, costing only five cents per incremental pound of pork sold.

    State Association Marketing – Cooperative advertising between the National Pork Board and state pork associations led to more alignment and effective results. In 2014, 19 state associations participated in a cooperative advertising buy.

    Multicultural Marketing – According to the U.S. Census, approximately 92 percent of population growth in the United States from 2000 to 2010 can be attributed to multicultural audiences who have a combined purchasing power estimated at $3 trillion. The National Pork Board added multicultural outreach to its marketing plans in 2013. Advertising and public relations efforts aimed at diverse audiences were expanded in 2014 and a comprehensive communications plan was developed to guide the Pork Checkoff into the future.

“The pork expenditure results offer solid insight into what we view as a consistently growing consumer demand for pork,” said Ceci Snyder, vice president of domestic marketing for the Pork Checkoff. “Despite record-high pork prices, demand for pork has increased. As we head into a year of higher supplies, we need to constantly remind consumers of pork’s unique combination of flavor and versatility.”

A new television advertising campaign will debut in May and will build on new market research. The Pork Checkoff will measure consumer response to the new ads through tracking studies in the months ahead.



Young Farmers Still Concerned About Adequate Land

Finding and securing adequate land to grow crops and raise animals was once again the top challenge identified in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual outlook survey of participants in the Young Farmers & Ranchers program. That challenge was identified by 29 percent of respondents, followed by government regulations, which was identified by 13 percent of the respondents.

For young people who want to begin farming or ranching or expand an established farm or ranch, securing adequate land remains their top challenge,” said Jon Hegeman, AFBF’s national YF&R Committee chair and a farmer from Alabama. “Another major challenge is coping with burdensome government regulations.”

Other issues ranked as top concerns by young farmers and ranchers included the willingness of parents to turn over the reins, 10 percent; overall profitability, 10 percent; taxes and the availability of water, both 7 percent; and urbanization and the availability of ag financing, each coming in at 5 percent.

The 23rd annual YF&R survey revealed that 84 percent of those surveyed are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Last year, 91 percent of those surveyed said they were more optimistic about farming compared to five years ago.

The 2015 survey also shows 92 percent of the nation’s young farmers and ranchers say they are better off than they were five years ago. Last year, 93 percent reported being better off.

Ninety-one percent of respondents considered themselves lifetime farmers, while 97 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps. The informal survey reveals that 88 percent believe their children will be able to follow in their footsteps.

The majority of those surveyed – 75 percent – consider communicating with consumers a formal part of their jobs. Many use social media platforms as a tool to accomplish this, in addition to traditional outreach methods such as farm tours, agri-tourism and farmers’ markets.

The popular social media site Facebook is used by 74 percent of those surveyed. Twenty-three percent of respondents said they use the social networking site Twitter, 19 percent have a farm blog or webpage and 14 percent use YouTube to post videos of their farms and ranches.

“Use of social media platforms to interact with consumers – our customers – continues to grow and will help young farmers be successful,” Hegeman said.

High-speed Internet is used by 74 percent of those surveyed, with 23 percent relying on a satellite connection and fewer than 3 percent turning to dialup.

Again this year the young farmers and ranchers were asked about their rural entrepreneurship efforts, with 45 percent reporting they had started a new business in the last three years or plan to start one in the near future. Among those respondents, access to start-up funding, help developing business plans and navigating legal issues were identified as areas of greatest concern.

The survey also shows that America’s young farmers and ranchers continue to be committed environmental caretakers, with 58 percent analyzing the nutrient content of soil and 56 percent using conservation tillage to protect soil and reduce erosion on their farms.

AFBF President Bob Stallman said the results of the YF&R survey show young farmers are optimistic and U.S. agriculture is in very capable hands.

“I am confident that the optimism and dedication of our young farmers and ranchers will ensure that a bright future lies ahead for our country and agriculture,” Stallman said. “They are the hope for the future of American agriculture and food production.”

The informal survey of young farmers and ranchers, ages 18-35, was conducted online in February. The purpose of the YF&R program is to help younger Farm Bureau members learn more about farming and ranching, network with other farmers and strengthen their leadership skills to assist in the growth of agriculture and Farm Bureau.



NCGA Offers a Chance for LAIB Graduates to Further the Leadership Education

The National Corn Growers Association invites graduates of the Leadership At Its Best Program the opportunity to further refine their leadership skills through the Advanced Leadership Program, co-sponsored by Syngenta. With two sessions, Advanced Leadership provides intensive training that will hone their media, leadership and lobbying skills, and prepare participants to lead the industry.

"We are excited to offer this program through which another class of leaders will elevate their skillset and help further their work on behalf of U.S. farmers," said NCGA President Chip Bowling.  "NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership, and, as a graduate of the program, I personally understand the important role this program plays in helping develop the skills and build the relationships necessary to lead such a dynamic organization in an ever-changing environment."

Advanced Leadership training aims to help develop top-notch state and national leadership that is empowered to elevate the leaders around them within the industry and their communities. It builds upon the Leadership at Its Best Program, also co-sponsored by Syngenta, which has helped develop corn industry leadership since 1986.  States may nominate two applicants, one as a primary candidate and one alternate. Nominees must be a member of NCGA, a graduate of Leadership at Its Best, and about to assume, or already in, a senior national or state leadership post.

The first session of the Advanced Leadership will take place in Greensboro, NC from September 14 to 16, 2015. During this session, participants will focus on leadership and communications skills and association management. The second session, held January 24-28, 2016 in Washington D.C., will include rigorous media training, a deeper review of key public policy issues and a focus on communicating with consumers.

Participants must be registered members of NCGA.  Those interested should contact their state corn organization, which will submit nominees for the programs, by May 1, 2015.



Pass Trade Promotion Authority Now, American Farm Bureau’s Stallman Tells Congress

 American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman today urged Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority to give U.S. negotiators the leverage they need to keep America competitive in the international marketplace. TPA lets Congress consult on trade agreements, but also requires up or down votes without amendments that could jeopardize years of negotiations with foreign governments.

Stallman, a beef and rice farmer from Columbus, Texas, testified before the House Committee on Agriculture.

“America’s farmers and ranchers exported more than 152 billion dollars’ worth of farm goods last year,” Stallman said. “That’s a testament not just to their hard work and productivity, but the benefits of opening new markets around the globe, too.

“Farmers and ranchers need access to new markets around the world. The U.S. is on the verge of completing ambitious trade negotiations from Europe to Asia, but we cannot move forward unless barriers such as high tariffs and non-scientific standards are addressed,” Stallman said. “We must forge deals that knock down those trade barriers. Getting there means giving the president the Trade Promotion Authority necessary to reach those market-opening agreements.”

Congress and the administration must continue to shape and set priorities based on actual business conditions. TPA will give Congress the authority to provide valuable oversight to the trade agreement process while the administration represents our priorities before other countries. Having TPA in place before the next set of agreements reaches the table will ensure that our best interests are represented. Congress needs to pass TPA now to keep agricultural trade going forward tomorrow.



Three Years Later, U.S.-Korea FTA Shows Importance of Strong Trade Policy
The U.S.-Korea free trade agreement (FTA), often called KORUS, entered force on March 15, 2012, giving the United States more open access to Korea’s $1 trillion economy and 49 million consumers. Three short years later, this FTA is being heralded as a success by the agriculture industry and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), with U.S. agricultural exports to Korea growing 31.2 percent last year - seven times faster than average agriculture export growth with the rest of the world.

Prior to the FTA, the United States had a relatively open market for corn in Korea, but the agreement locked in zero tariffs and negated the country’s ability to reinstate tariffs at higher levels. It also created new opportunities for U.S. sorghum, barley and other value-added co-products.

Active in Korea since 1972, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) was a part of the FTA implementation process undertaken by USTR and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Korea’s corn imports reached an all-time high of 10.2 million metric tons (401.6 million bushels) in 2014, with imports of coarse grains and other feed ingredients also climbing to a new record of 12.7 million tons (500 million bushels),” said USGC Director of Korea Byong Ryol Min. “Of feed corn imports, which make up 80 percent of Korea’s total corn imports, 53 percent was from the United States.

“While this isn’t a record amount of U.S. corn imports to Korea, it helps demonstrate the importance of barrier-free trade between the United States and Korea.”

As KORUS implementation anniversary also highlights the importance of trade agreements to opening markets. Two potentially landmark multilateral agreements – the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with Pacific Rim countries and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union – are underway but could be stymied by a lack of trade promotion authority (TPA), which allows U.S. negotiators to finalize agreements for Congressional approval.



Farmers and Ranchers Warn: Estate Taxes Can Kill Family Businesses

Farm Bureau member Brandon Whitt this week urged Congress to repeal the estate tax to free up farmers and ranchers to build stronger businesses and benefit their local communities. Whitt, who farms in Tennessee, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, where he outlined the harmful impact the estate tax has on family-owned businesses.

“Agriculture looks different on farms from state to state but we all face the same reality that an uncertain tomorrow can bring,” Whitt said. While facing unpredictable weather and fluctuating markets, farmers and ranchers make decisions to expand their businesses and remain competitive. “Why should uncertainties over estate taxes be added to these others? Our job is hard enough as it is.”

Whitt’s family knows the harmful effects of the estate tax firsthand. Batey Farms, which Whitt runs with his wife – the 7th generation on the farm – and father-in-law, changed completely when his father-in-law was forced to sell off land to pay estate taxes: The land was lost to development, never to be recovered. Today, they continue to face expensive, long-term decisions to make Batey Farms viable far into the future, but they are committed to preserving the land for their community and future generations.

“We believe that our farm adds value to our town, that our neighbors value our open space, that our customers value having a local food source and that our farm market creates a sense of community,” Whitt said.

Around 90 percent of farm and ranch assets are illiquid, with the value tied up in land, buildings and equipment. For Whitt’s family, and thousands of others just like them, the ability to grow a business and pass it on to the next generation is slowed by a tax policy in direct conflict with the desire to preserve and protect our nation’s family-owned farms and ranches.