Wednesday June 10 Ag News

Ricketts, trade mission team share Nebraska beef story during Italy stops

Governor Pete Ricketts and members of the trade mission team to the European Union met with a beef distributor in Italy Monday to focus on driving the value and demand for Nebraska beef products. Trade mission team members represented all segments of the beef production chain during events with Inalca, one of the largest purchasers of Nebraska beef in the European Union.

“Any good business person knows that your current customers are your best customers,” said Gov. Ricketts. “That’s why it is so important to meet face to face with the leaders at Inalca to better understand their business and find out how we can assist them in expanding their customer base. What is good for them, is good for us.”

The meetings with Inalca in north central Italy are part of the Governor's inaugural trade mission, which is stopping in Italy, Belgium, and Denmark, June 7-16. The trade mission, being coordinated jointly by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, includes 30 Nebraskans.

Inalca is headquartered near Modena and has been processing and distributing meat products since 1966. Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said trade mission participants had the chance to tour the Inalca processing facility and visit with the company owners to gain an understanding of additional ways for Nebraska to grow its market share in the European Union.

“While the United States and the European Union may take different stances on beef trade policy, Nebraska’s beef community has found a way to be successful in what could be considered a limited marketplace,” Ibach said. “We need to continue to build on our relationships with existing European partners, and the best way we can do that is tell our story.”

Nebraska cattle feeder Mike Drinnin said he found value in the conversations he was able to have with Inalca company officials.

“They were very interested in hearing specifics of why we utilize certain practices,” said Drinnin from Clarks, Nebraska. “The dialogue is meaningful because it helps us all get a better understanding of who our customers are, and the type of quality they demand. And we know the Nebraska beef industry can deliver that quality.”

Tomorrow the delegation will take part in a luncheon meeting with customers to whom Inalca distributes Nebraska beef before departing for Belgium.

“There seems to be a genuine interest from our customers in learning about what we do in Nebraska,” Gov. Ricketts said. “From the cow-calf producer to the processor, our trade team is able to share their knowledge base in a personal, meaningful way that I believe can result in more sales down the line.”

Export sales are an important part of the overall Nebraska agriculture economy. For the beef sector, exports add roughly $350 in value to every animal sold. Beef and beef product exports from Nebraska to the European Union have steadily increased in the past four years. In 2010, Nebraska exported more than $67.5 million in beef and beef products, but reached more than $136.7 million in 2014.



Ricketts and Trade Delegates Tout Nebraska as Ideal Food Processing Location

The 2015 World Expo on “Food” in Milan, Italy, served as a key visit on the itinerary of Gov. Pete Ricketts and his first trade mission to the European Union.

“Nebraska has a real strength in food production and food processing, so it’s a natural tie in with our farmers’ and ranchers’ outstanding reputations for producing high-quality meat and other agricultural products,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Add in the University of Nebraska’s nationally acclaimed food science program, and there are all sorts of outstanding opportunities for international companies wanting to do business in Nebraska.”

Gov. Ricketts and delegates visited the World Expo in Milan on the second day of their stay in Italy. Expo Milano 2015 runs from May 1-October 31, during which time more than 140 participating countries will showcase best practice technologies to guarantee a healthy, safe and sufficient food supply. In addition to the exhibitor nations, the Expo partners with a myriad of international organizations, expecting to welcome more than 20 million visitors to its 1.1 million square meter exhibition area. The Expo offers a platform where ideas are exchanged and solutions are shared about food safety, creativity, and innovation.

Gov. Ricketts and delegates met with key executives and organization representatives at the World Expo, including CNH Industrial, a multinational company headquartered in Italy. CNH Industrial’s Grand Island facility manufactures many of the combines for the North American market.

Gov. Ricketts and delegates toured the CNH Industrial pavilion, which showcased cutting edge technology, including harvesting equipment, tractor prototypes, and biofuel projects. After the tour, the Governor and Nebraska’s Directors of Agriculture and Economic Development met privately with leaders at CNH Industrial’s corporate headquarters in Turin, Italy.

The group also visited with the Secretary General and Vice President of Coldiretti, an Italian farmer and food processor association.  Coldiretti hosted a luncheon for Gov. Ricketts and delegates that included several company executives. Coldiretti is the largest farmer’s association in Italy and one of the largest in all of Europe.

“Getting the opportunity to learn more about how Italy approaches its quality food production and food processing provided excellent points of comparison and benchmarking with Nebraska’s own high standards of food production and output,” said Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

On Wednesday, Gov. Ricketts and the Nebraska delegates hosted a promotional event in Bologna, Italy, an area well-known for food and food processing companies.  The business seminar introduced Italian company officials to resources and services that the state offers and showcased the benefits of doing business in Nebraska.

The event featured a welcome from the Consul General and remarks by Gov. Ricketts, Nebraska Ag Director Greg Ibach, and Hicks-Sorensen.  Potential investors also heard from Rolando Flores, Director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Food Processing Center, and Dan Duncan, Director of UNL’s Innovation Campus.

Marco Checchi, a Bolognese businessman and CEO of Pelliconi SpA, talked generally about his experience in investing in the U.S. market. Suji Park, who moved her global headquarters to Nebraska, talked specifically about her experience with investing in Nebraska.

Following the seminar, Gov. Ricketts and delegates traveled to the Roadhouse Grill, where they dined and met with customers who had purchased Nebraska beef.

Biofuels and biosciences have also been a significant focus for the Governor’s first international trade mission. The delegation met with representatives from Enel Energy, an Italian power company that does extensive work with biofuels and renewable resources.

After wrapping up business in Italy, Gov. Ricketts and the delegation flew to Brussels, Belgium.



Fischer Applauds EPW Markup of Bill to Stop WOTUS

This morning, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee completed its markup of S. 1140 – The Federal Water Quality Protection Act – a bill introduced by Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) that would halt the Obama administration’s rule to expand the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS). This legislation, which U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) is cosponsoring, would direct the administration to issue a revised proposal that would set clear limits on federal regulation of water, require consultation with states and impacted stakeholders, and ensure that a thorough economic analysis is conducted.

Senator Fischer released the following statement after the markup:
“This morning, the Environment and Public Works Committee took an important step to protect Americans from the federal government’s takeover of their water resources. The WOTUS rule would impede states' efforts to protect water, impose costly and time-consuming permit requirements on landowners and local governments, and harm families across Nebraska. Today’s markup is an important step in stopping this rule and halting the damage it will inflict on our state’s families and economy.”

In April, Senator Fischer joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues to introduce S. 1140 – The Federal Water Quality Protection Act. The bill, which passed out of committee this morning, would prevent this joint rule from the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA, originally known as the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and now renamed by the administration as the “Clean Water Rule,” from taking effect. It would also send the agencies back to the drawing board with specific directions from Congress. ‎

Farmer Co-ops Applaud Senate Committee Approval of Federal Water Quality Protection Act
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) today applauded the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee’s approval of S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. The bill, introduced by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), addresses the overreach by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in finalizing their controversial rule to redefine “waters of the United States” (WOTUS)  under the Clean Water Act.

“The Committee’s action today is an important first step in protecting farmers, ranchers and their co-ops from an unprecedented expansion of federal jurisdiction that goes well beyond anything envisioned when the Clean Water Act was passed or reauthorized,” said NCFC President and CEO Chuck Conner. “Without question, the WOTUS rule finalized late last month by EPA and the Corps would result in greater federal regulatory controls of day-to-day farming operations, higher costs and inefficiencies, and no real improvements to water quality.”

“I would like to thank both Senators Barrasso and Donnelly for their leadership on this issue,” Conner continued. “It is imperative that the Senate finds time on their calendar to take up and approve this legislation as quickly as possible.”

Senate Committee Votes to Stop EPA’s Regulatory Land Grab
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works advanced legislation today to force the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to rewrite their “waters of the United States” rule, a move applauded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council.

During the markup, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso stated that the final rule, published on May 27, is actually worse than the proposed rule.

“No matter what concessions the EPA has claimed, they have added new provisions that greatly expand their authority,” he said during the markup. “Instead of clarifying the difference between a stream and erosion of the land, the rule defines tributaries to include any place where EPA thinks it sees an ordinary high-water mark; what looks like - not what is - what looks like an ordinary high-water mark.”

Barrasso added that even worse than the tributary definition, the EPA proposes to make these decisions from their desks, using aerial photographs and laser-generated images, claiming a field visit isn’t necessary.

Senate EPW Committee Chairman Inhofe expressed his concerns over the rule in a letter sent to the EPA. In the letter, he said according to the Army Corps, 60 percent of the substantive comments received on the proposed rule opposed the rule. Yet, the bill was finalized with problematic terms and little regard for stakeholders. The rule still claims jurisdiction over areas located within a 100-year floodplain and ambiguously defines areas with a significant connection to water ways.

“The EPA and Army Corps’ have no interest in listening to the concerns and considerations of those closest to the land,” said NCBA President Philip Ellis. “The rule puts yet another regulatory burden on the rural economy and private landowners. This bill will ensure that our private lands remain viable and productive, leaving landowners free to undertake stewardship and production decisions without interference by the EPA and the Administration.”

Similar to S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, the House passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act in May.  Without legislative action, the rule will go in effect by the end of summer, making it imperative the Senate pass this legislation without delay.



CONTROLLING SUMMER GRASSES IN ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist

               Wet soils in alfalfa fields right after cutting will certainly do one thing.  It will help weedy grasses like foxtail and crabgrass grow.

               So, how do you reduce the amount of foxtail and other weedy grasses in your hay?  Well, the best way to start is to keep your alfalfa thick and thrifty so it will compete aggressively with invading grasses.  Thick initial stands and good soil fertility are needed.  In addition, harvest alfalfa only after it begins to bloom or when new shoots appear at the base of the plants.  Then alfalfa should regrow rapidly so grasses don't get much time to become a problem.

               Unfortunately, this method often is easier said than done.  It also may sacrifice some forage quality since harvest occurs after bloom begins.  So this method may not solve all your problems.

               Herbicides are another option.  Roundup works great, but only for Roundup Ready varieties.  In conventional alfalfa, two herbicides that control annual grasses well are Select Max and Poast.  These herbicides work well on seedling grasses that are less than 4 inches tall, and alfalfa tolerates both herbicides very well.  Another herbicide option, but a much more risky option, is Gramoxone Extra.  Gramoxone burns back top growth of all green plant material.  This will kill most annuals like foxtail, but it also can injure alfalfa regrowth that has already emerged.  Therefore, only use Gramoxone immediately after harvest and before any new regrowth shoots appear.  None of these herbicides have any soil residual activity, so good plant coverage is necessary and you may need to repeat the spraying if new weeds emerge.

               If weedy grasses are a problem in your hay, thick and vigorous alfalfa stands and some well-chosen herbicides can help you get it under control.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2015 winter wheat cropis forecast at 61.3 million bushels, down 14 percent from last year’s crop, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 42 bushels per acre, down 7 bushels from a year earlier. Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 1.46 million acres, up slightly from a year ago.  This would be 91 percent of the planted acres, below last year’s 94 percent harvested.

USDA: Winter Wheat Production Up 2 Percent from May
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.51 billion bushels, up 2 percent from the May 1 forecast and up 9 percent from 2014. Based on June 1 conditions, the United States yield is forecast at 44.5 bushels per acre, up 1 bushel from last month and up 1.9 bushels from last year.

Hard Red Winter production, at 887 million bushels, is up 4 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 414 million bushels, is down less than one percent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 204 million bushels, is up slightly from last month. Of the White Winter production, 12.4 million bushels are Hard White and 191 million bushels are Soft White.



Cover Crops and Prairie Strips Field Day in Ida County

Iowa Learning Farms, along with the STRIPS project and the Iowa Cover Crop Working Group, will host a field day on Tuesday, June 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Donna Buell farm, rural Holstein.

The STRIPS project, Science-based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips, is at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, Prairie City. The project focuses on planting a small percentage of a field into strips of perennial prairie plants to reduce soil erosion and water runoff, and to create habitat for pollinators. Iowa farmers are now applying this conservation practice on their own fields for the benefits that the research results have shown.

Speaking at the field day is host farmer Andrew Nees, tenant of landowner Donna Buell. He will share his experience with the 2014 installation of perennial prairie strips within the corn-soybean fields. The farm has been converted to organic and the addition of the perennial plants helps this ecosystem. Nees currently farms organically with his father and is establishing his own farm operation with Buell’s assistance. Tim Youngquist, STRIPS project farmer liaison, will discuss details of installing prairie strips as well as the benefits that this conservation practice offers.

Also speaking are Mark Johnson, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Ida County farmer Jerry Sindt. They will discuss using cover crops in a cash crop rotation. Cover crops along with prairie strips can be a good combination to reduce soil erosion, use nitrogen and to build carbon and organic matter in the soil.

The field day site will be on the Donna Buell farm where the prairie strips are located, northeast of Holstein. From Holstein, go north on Highway 59 about one mile; turn right (east) onto D15 (140th St.) and go two miles. The field site is on the southeast corner of Harvest Ave. and 140th St.

Following the speakers, attendees can enjoy a complimentary supper. The field day is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested by June 19. Contact Iowa Learning Farms to reserve a place for the meal by calling 515-294-8912 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit the website, www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/. 



Banned by Metro, Corn Farmers Coalition Effort Looks to Break New Ground in Washington

For the last seven years, many Washington-area residents have marked the arrival of summer by the reappearance of family farmers’ faces in the subway cars and stations of the city’s massive Metro complex. This year they are likely to be looking at fragrance ads and empty advertising real estate, given the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority’s rejection of the Corn Farmers Coalition’s well-known annual campaign.

The ads began to go up as scheduled, but installation was halted and the ads removed following a decision by the WMATA board of directors to reject all “issues and advocacy” advertising throughout the system. The move comes after a controversial political group sought to place ads in the Metro featuring a cartoon of the prophet Muhammad, a drawing that was linked to deadly violence in Texas last month.

“This is a disappointing development to say the least,” said Dan Nerud, a farmer from Dorchester, Nebraska and director on the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.  “We think it is important to educate legislators and other thought leaders in our nation’s capital about the men and women who grow corn. The Corn Farmers Coalition simply highlights the constantly improving practices and technology that have allowed us to become the most productive farmers in the world, and to do so while making major environmental improvements.”

While the diverse ad campaign is moving forward, with digital and traditional print ads in publications like the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Hill and Roll Call, putting the large-scale ads in heavily trafficked Metro stations around Capitol Hill has become the most recognized element of the campaign. Corn Farmers Coalition is investigating several advertising options to address the gap left by the Metro decision including placing television ads during the Sunday morning talk shows in Washington.

"This direct outreach puts a face on today's family farmers and raises overall awareness with legislators, leaders of governmental agencies, think tanks, lobbyists and environmental groups,” said Dennis Maple, president of Indiana Corn Marketing Council and farmer from Greentown, Ind. “Awareness of the innovation, technology, and generations of accumulated knowledge represented by family farmers should be a part of our national dialogue about agriculture and food.”

For more information go to: www.cornfarmerscoalition.org.



USDA Pegs 2015 Bean Production at 3.85 BB, Corn at 13.6 BB

USDA estimated soybean production will hit the high end of pre-report estimates at 3.85 billion bushels, while corn production was pegged at 13.63 bb, near the average estimate.  USDA pegged the national average soybean yield at 46 bushels per acre, and the corn yield at 166.8 bpa.

USDA also forecast all wheat production near the high end of the pre-report guesses, at 2.121 billion bushels. The hard red winter wheat production estimate came in higher than expected, at 887 million bushels, on increased head counts in USDA's objective yield survey.

Globally, USDA made a large adjustment to 2014-15 corn ending stocks -- up to 197 million metric tons from 192.5 mmt last month -- after adjusting Brazilian corn production 3 million metric tons higher and Argentine production up 0.5 mmt.  World soybean ending stocks for 2014-15 came in below analysts' pre-report estimates at 83.7 mmt.



NCGA Highlights Sustainability, Soil Health at White House Meeting

The National Corn Growers Association joined more than a dozen organizations and companies at the White House today to emphasize how the agricultural supply chain works together to advance sustainability and discuss how the federal government can help support this work.

As part of the White House Ag Sustainability Roundtable, Dr. Nick Goeser highlighted NCGA’s active participation in Field to Market and NCGA’s administration of the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) programs designed to document and demonstrate the value of best management systems for conservation and sustainability, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. As part of this commitment, the Soil Health Partnership will expand its SHP Demonstration Farm Network from 40 to 100 farms by 2018.

“Everyone across the ag supply chain has a role to play and a responsibility with conservation, but no one organization or company can do it alone,” said Goeser, who serves as director of the Soil Health Partnership. “We all must work together to understand the environmental impact at each point in the supply chain and adopt the best systems to reduce our environmental footprint.”

The Roundtable included representatives from the White House Council for Environmental Quality, USDA, and one of the President’s top advisors on environmental issues.



Ethanol Production at 5-Month High

U.S. ethanol stocks rose 100,000 barrels (bbl) to 20.2 million bbl while up 9.9% year on year during the week-ended June 5, with domestic ethanol production rising to a 5-1/2 month high, according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration released Wednesday.

Regionally, a massive supply draw of 600,000 bbl along PADD 3 Gulf Coast was offset by sizable stock increases in PADD 1 East Coast and PADD 2 Midwest, where supplies surged 300,000 bbl and 400,000 bbl, respectively.

The EIA report showed domestic production rose 20,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 2.0%, to 992,000 bpd last week, the highest since Dec. 19, 2014, while up 5.1% year on year.

Blender inputs, a gauge for ethanol demand, rose 10,000 bpd, or 1.1%, to 884,000 bpd, while up 1.7% year on year.

Implied gasoline demand remained volatile, spiking 622,000 bpd to 9.6 million bpd last week after sinking over 750,000 bpd the week prior. Year over year, implied gasoline demand last week is up 976,000 bpd, or 11.3%, from the comparable year-ago period, EIA data showed.



Ag Gets Waiver From ‘Hours Of Service’ Rule

America’s hog, cattle and poultry farmers have been granted a two-year waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation hours-of-service rule for certain drivers.

The rule, issued in mid-2013 by DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), requires truck drivers to take a 30-minute rest break for every 8 hours of service. It would have prohibited drivers hauling livestock and poultry from caring for animals during the rest period.

The National Pork Producers Council, on behalf of other livestock, poultry and food organizations, in 2013 petitioned the FMCSA for a waiver and exemption from complying with the regulation. The groups this spring asked the FMCSA to renew the waiver and to extend it for the two-year maximum allowable under federal law.

In petitioning the agency, the livestock organizations noted that the rule would cause livestock producers and their drivers irreparable harm, place the health and welfare of the livestock in their care at risk and provide no apparent increased benefit to public safety – and likely decrease public safety – while forcing the livestock industry and its drivers to choose between the humane handling of animals or complying with the rule.

The groups also pointed out that the livestock and poultry industries have programs – developed and offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture – that educate drivers on transportation safety and animal welfare. The pork industry, for example, has the Transport Quality Assurance program.

“This decision will help ensure the continued humane treatment and welfare of livestock while traveling on the nation’s highways,” said NPPC President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “The waiver will ensure that during hot summer months livestock won’t be sitting in the sun for extended periods, with drivers unable to care for them because they’re required to take a 30-minute break.”

Official notice of the decision is set to be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register, and the waiver will become effective June 12.

“America’s livestock and poultry farmers are pleased that the FMCSA recognized that its rule would not be practicable for drivers who transport hogs, cattle and poultry,” Prestage said. “We’re grateful for FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro’s recognition of the ongoing commitment of America’s pork, livestock and poultry producers to animal welfare and highway safety.”



ASA Lauds House Passage of COOL Repeal

With a vote late Wednesday night, the House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal the country of origin labeling standards for meat products sold in the United States. The legislation followed last month’s final ruling from the World Trade Organization that the COOL statute represents a violation of U.S. commitments under the WTO. The American Soybean Association (ASA) has supported repeal of the COOL rule based on potential retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soy exports, and on adverse impacts to the livestock industry, which represents the largest consumer of domestically produced soybean meal. In a statement, ASA Chairman and Iowa soybean farmer Ray Gaesser commended the House, and in particular House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, for passage of the bill and called on the Senate to take up and pass legislation to avert any potential trade disruptions or retaliation:

“The WTO has now issued its final and last ruling that COOL unfairly discriminates against livestock from Canada and Mexico, and is incompatible with the way our customers in the livestock industry do business. Canada and Mexico will be able to retaliate by raising tariffs on U.S. meat and other exports to their countries unless we repeal COOL, so repealing COOL is the only sensible thing to do. Failure to do so will impact U.S. meat and other exports to those countries. And let’s be clear, these two countries are critically valuable trading partners: Mexico is the United States’ top export customer for U.S. meat products, and Canada is our third largest customer. In 2014 the United States exported nearly $7 billion worth of U.S. pork, poultry, and beef to these markets – all fed on diets of U.S. soybean meal. Furthermore, as a leader in the global agricultural trade sector, it is incumbent on us to uphold our commitments under the WTO. We demand the same from our trade partners, and after multiple rulings against the U.S. on COOL, it’s clear the rule needs to go. We hope the Senate will follow suit and pass legislation to repeal the COOL rule quickly, so we can maintain these key relationships.”



House Passes COOL Repeal Legislation
 
Today, the House of Representatives passed the Conaway/Costa bill (HR 2393) to repeal Country of Origin Labeling for beef, pork and chicken. The bill passed with a strong bi-partisan vote of 300 to 131. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Chugwater, Wyoming, cattleman Philip Ellis said this strong action by the House sends a clear signal that this is a failed program.

“COOL has been without benefit to the U.S. cattle industry and producers like myself,” said Ellis. “And now with retaliation eminent from our largest trading partners, it is time this legislation is repealed. There is no other fix that can be put in place to bring value to this program or satisfy our trading partners.”

Canada and Mexico have announced they will seek $3.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs, raising prices for U.S. beef, pork, ethanol, wine and a host of other products.

“It is imperative that the Senate act quickly to pass this legislation,” said Ellis. “The governments of Canada and Mexico have been very clear that they fully intend to retaliate to the fullest extent allowed by the WTO and the only step before that happens is to determine the actual amount. Retaliation will be in the billions, and our economy cannot afford that hit.”

The USDA’s Economic Research Service estimates that each dollar of agricultural exports stimulates another $1.22 in business activity and that every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports requires 7,580 American jobs throughout the economy.

“COOL retaliation will have a major impact on our economy and our trading relationships, now and into the future,” said Ellis. “Cattlemen and women support consumers in the information they seek, we are open and transparent, and we can do that without costly and trade distorting rules. We support voluntary labeling efforts that provide consumers with information they want and benefit cattle producers who can provide that information.”



NFU Calls Vote to Repeal COOL in House "Disappointing, Knee-Jerk Overreaction;"

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson called today’s voice vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) a “disappointing, knee-jerk overreaction” and urged the U.S. Senate to continue its thoughtful handling of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute. Johnson also noted that NFU will work with Congress on a clear path forward that will both resolve the WTO dispute and continue to provide consumers with accurate information about the origin of their food. 

“Instead of allowing members of Congress the opportunity to debate and come to a reasonable solution to deal with the WTO compliance issue, the House has instead given us a reflexive reaction to repeal a very popular labeling law that provides important information to the nation’s consumers and is strongly supported by both consumers and family farmers,” said Johnson. “The House leadership is not interested in any reasonable solutions and blocked all amendments.”

Johnson noted that in past disputes, WTO members found ways to work together to arrive at a resolution that worked for all parties. “Unfortunately, today’s action by the U.S. House of Representatives does not work towards a resolution that maintains the integrity of COOL and satisfies WTO obligations. It instead signals an acceptance of defeat when there are still viable alternatives,” he said.  

Johnson said he has faith that calmer heads in the Senate will prevail and allow for discussion about an alternative proposal for moving forward. “We call upon the U.S. Senate to avoid the rush to judgment demonstrated by the House today and work with COOL supporters on a viable alternative that will finally bring this long process to closure,” he said.

Johnson said family farmers and ranchers across the country appreciated the work of: Reps. Collin Peterson, D-Minnesota; Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut; Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts; Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio; Rick Nolan, D-Minnesota; Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky; Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon; Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas; and others who stood strong for COOL and the right to know the origin of our food. “We greatly appreciate their continued willingness to stand up for America’s consumers and farm families,” said Johnson.



ASA Commends House on Passage of Grain Standards Act Reauthorization, Calls on Senate for Quick Action

The American Soybean Association (ASA) today commended the House of Representatives on passage of a bill to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA), and called on the Senate to act quickly on its version of the legislation. Unless a bill is enacted by September 30, important provisions of the current USGSA will expire, putting the reliability of export inspection of soybeans and grain at risk.

“ASA applauds the House for its timely approval of this bill, which would require swift action by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) in the event of a disruption in export inspection services, as occurred at the Port of Vancouver in Washington State last summer,” said ASA President and Texas soybean farmer Wade Cowan. “ASA urges the Senate to take up its version of the legislation as soon as possible to ensure our growers and their foreign customers that the U.S. inspection system will continue to represent the ‘gold standard’ for quality exports of U.S. soybeans and grain.”

ASA and other farm organizations had urged both the House and the Senate Agriculture Committees to provide assurances in their bills to prevent another disruption in export inspection services. As a result of a labor dispute at the Port of Vancouver in 2013 and 2014, first the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and then FGIS declined to provide services in July 2014, citing concerns over inspector safety. The resulting 36-day suspension of export inspections before the WSDA resumed services last August raised major questions among producers and foreign buyers about the reliability and transparency of the U.S. inspection system.

“Following Senate action, ASA asks both chambers to quickly resolve differences between their respective versions of this legislation in order to ensure enactment of a final bill well before September,” Cowan added. “We would note that both bills require delegated state inspection services to provide advance notice of any pending withdrawal of services, and would strengthen the statutory requirement that FGIS step in to prevent a disruption of services. We simply cannot afford another situation where the reliability of our export inspection system is put at risk, which would only benefit U.S. competitors.”



Ethanol Demand for 2014/15 Crop Forecast Revised Down

In its monthly report on world ag supply and demand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture held forecasts for production and use steady from last month while beginning and ending stock were raised. With prices also steady, the outlook for corn farmers remains largely unchanged from May.

USDA projects beginning stocks of 1.87 billion bushels, a 25-million-bushel increase. The revision, the result of a reduction of the forecast corn use in ethanol reduction for 2014/2015, is based on data reported in the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production report through April. In turn, as demand for 2015 was not revised, the ending stocks and total supply forecasts increased by the same amount.

Forecasts continue to show farmers planting 89.2 million acres and harvesting 81.7 million acres, with an average yield of 166.8 bushels per acre and production of 13.6 billion bushels, down from 2014 corn production of 14.2 billion bushels.

Despite total supply and ending stocks revisions, USDA continues to estimate the average farm price for the current market year at $3.55 to $3.75 per bushel, and a broader range of $3.20 to $3.80 for the next market year, which begins Sept. 1.



National Pork Board’s Sherrie Webb named Alliance chairperson

The Animal Agriculture Alliance Board of Directors recently elected Sherrie Webb,director of animal welfare for the National Pork Board (NPB), as chairperson of its board of directors. Webb’s two-year term in this position began May 1. The Alliance's 31-member board of directors consists of representatives from all major sectors of animal agriculture.

"I look forward to working closely with the Alliance staff to execute the Alliance’s mission of bridging the communication gap between farm and fork,” Webb said. “Each day it becomes more critical for the animal agriculture industry to come together to collaboratively address the challenges facing all of us, and I’m happy to have this leadership role to help the Alliance meet its stated mission and objectives," Webb said.

"We are excited to work with Sherrie as chairperson of our board," said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. "Her technical knowledge and deep background in animal welfare will be extremely valuable to our team. Her leadership and guidance will help the Alliance to remain a leader in speaking on behalf of the animal agriculture community as a whole."

As director of animal welfare, Webb works with veterinarians, producers and other segments of the pork chain to identify welfare issues concerning the swine industry and work collaboratively to provide solutions to these issues. Prior to joining Pork Checkoff in 2005, Webb received her master of science degree in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Webb has represented NPB on the Alliance’s board of directors since 2008 and succeeds Paul Pressley, executive vice president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, as chair.



CWT to Continue Offering Dairy Farmer-Funded Export Assistance through 2018

The board of directors of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today voted to continue Cooperatives Working Together, the farmer-funded export assistance program, through 2018 at the current funding level of four cents per hundredweight. NMPF developed and manages the 13-year-old self-help program, known as CWT.

CWT’s extension until December 31, 2018, comes at a time of increasing U.S. milk production, declining world dairy prices and increased global competition due to the removal of European Union milk quotas.

“With the United States exporting the equivalent of one-seventh of its milk production, today’s vote will help ensure that this country remains a consistent and competitive supplier of dairy products to the world,” said NMPF Board Chairman Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO.

“Through its vote, the NMPF board recognizes how important CWT is in helping every farmer gain access to fast-growing overseas markets,” Mooney added. “The program remains a tremendous self-help tool for all of America’s dairy producers.”

CWT is a voluntary membership program funded by contributions from 37 dairy cooperatives and more than 100 individual farmers. The money raised from the CWT membership fee of four cents per hundredweight helps maintain U.S. exports in an increasingly competitive world market.

CWT’s member cooperatives submit bids requesting help with sales in specific foreign markets. Only if the amount is justified is the bid accepted and financial assistance provided. The bidder then has six months to deliver the product to the overseas purchaser.

Through the first five months of 2015 alone, CWT has helped its members contract to sell 35.1 million pounds of cheese, 26.6 million pounds of butter and 20.1 million pounds of whole milk powder. Together, these transactions will export the equivalent of 1.07 billion pounds of milk to customers in 28 countries on five continents.



DFA Statement on MFA Video – Cactus-Acres Holsteins, Colorado

Animal abuse in the dairy industry is not tolerated.

That's why, when Dairy Farmers of America members Jim and Marie Goedert of Cactus-Acres
Holsteins in Fort Morgan, Colo., were notified of employees mistreating animals at their
operation, they took immediate action. Officials from the Morgan County, Colo., Sheriff's Office
recently contacted the Goederts to discuss a video they received from a former employee of the
dairy, who turned out to be an undercover agent from the animal rights extremist group Mercy
For Animals. Over a two-month period, this individual recorded incidents of abuse.

When the Goederts viewed the video, they immediately disciplined the employees involved.
Many had already been terminated due to concerns about animal mistreatment. The family also
is fully cooperating with authorities and intends to press charges against the people mistreating
their animals.

It is disheartening that groups like Mercy For Animals, which claim to have animal care and
wellness at heart, seek change through deceit and misconception, rather than working with the
industry to proactively address their concerns.

When animal abuse is witnessed, it should be immediately reported, not recorded.

On dairy farms throughout the country, animal care is the number one priority. On Cactus-Acres
Holsteins, when the instance of abuse or mistreatment was brought to light, consequences were
swift, and policies and procedures immediately were put into place to prevent further instances.
DFA works with several industry organizations to continuously improve standards and best
practices to ensure the nation's dairy herd is well taken care of. We were the first in the industry
to develop an on-farm evaluation program in 2007 called the Gold Standard Dairy Program. The
program incorporates industry best practices, resources for producers and extensive training for
field staff in the areas of animal care and wellness, environmental responsibility, employee
training and milk safety and quality.

As its animal care component, the Gold Standard Dairy Program utilizes the National Dairy
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program. FARM establishes industry
guidelines for animal care best practices and utilizes second-party on-farm evaluations and
third-party verification to ensure the integrity of the program.

The dairy industry has a history of dedication to the care and wellness of animals, and family
farms throughout the country are committed to their herds - from one cow to 10,000.