Thursday July 23 Ag News

Tool Developed at UNL Helps Farmers Improve Irrigation Efficiency

Soybean growers who are striving to maximize water use efficiency can turn to an online resource developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). The SoyWater tool processes information about soil, precipitation and soybean variety to provide farmers with recommendations for the timing and amount of water applications.

UNL Professor Emeritus of Agronomy and Horticulture Jim Specht spearheaded the effort to develop SoyWater with research funding provided by the Nebraska Soybean Board. During his 40-year career, Specht has studied how soybeans respond to water. He sees SoyWater as a way to put that research into practice for farmers.

“SoyWater allows farmers to apply the right amount of water just-in-time, so you don’t over irrigate,” said Specht.

Specht recently explained how SoyWater works while installing soil water sensors at a research plot on UNL’s East Campus. The sensors measure moisture content at varying depths in the soil. Farmers can use similar sensors to accurately measure the amount of water available to their growing soybean crop at various locations in their fields. This data, combined with information about the type of soil and the way the specific variety of soybean uses water, is processed by SoyWater to aid farmers in scheduling irrigation.

Nebraska has more irrigated acres than any other state, and the SoyWater tool contributes to more sustainable farming operations by avoiding unnecessary irrigation. “By eliminating a single one-inch irrigation event with a 200-acre pivot, a farmer could save more than 5 million gallons of water,” said Specht. “You’re using the aquifer in a more conservative, sustainable way.” He says SoyWater can also help farmers manage disease, control pests more effectively and reduce irrigation costs.

“The less water you can use to get the same yields, the more profit in the bank,” said Specht. “You maximize yields and get more bang for your irrigation buck.”

Nearly half of Nebraska’s soybean acres are irrigated. Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board, says SoyWater is a useful tool for soybean growers. “If farmers can more accurately know when to irrigate, they can reduce energy use and conserve water resources,” said Bohuslavsky. “That can make their operations more sustainable and profitable.”

To learn more about the SoyWater online tool, visit SoyWater.unl.edu.



UNL Extension Hosts Project SENSE Field Days

PROJECT SENSE  (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment) focuses on improving the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use.  Nebraska Extension is working directly with producers in conducting research trials on their own fields. PROJECT SENSE is a collaborative effort between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Nebraska Corn Board, nd five Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) in Nebraska, and producers participating in the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.

Growers in attendance will see a live demonstration of a group applicator outfitted with crop canopy
sensors, and how they can improve nitrogen use efficiency. Strategies which direct crop nitrogen status at early growth stages are a promising way to improve nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and improve groundwater nitrate levels.  Stops include: 

July 28 - Platte County Fairgrounds - Columbus - 6:00 p.m.
July 29 - Loup River Inn - Fullerton - 6:00 p.m.
Aug 6 - Ken Seim Farm - Chapman - 10:00 a.m.
Aug 20 - York County Fairgrounds - York - 6:00 p.m.
Aug 24 - Thayer County Fairgrounds - Deshler - 6:00 p.m.

The 6 p.m. programs start with a meal/supper and the 10 a.m. demo day will conclude with a noon lunch.  Please preregister 2 days in advance of each demo day for meal planning purposes. To preregister, call 402-624-8000 or e-mail christina.franklin@unl.edu.



Nebraska Extension Mobile Science Lab to be at the Dodge County Fair

The Nebraska Extension Mobile Science Lab, a classroom on wheels, will be at the 2015 Dodge County Fair on July 30th! We are inviting area educators and producers to visit and learn more about how to connect with this valuable resource. The lab can be arranged to visit your school, FFA Chapter, organization, or community event. Hope to see you there!

 Presentation Times:
    4-5:00 p.m. FFA Chapters and Teachers (4-12 grade)
    5-6:00 p.m. Ag Producers and Adults
    6-7:00 p.m. Elementary Aged Youth (Make solar bead bracelets or key chains)
    7-8:00 p.m. Middle and High School Aged Youth

Trailer Staff
Racheal Slattery - Nebraska Extension Assistant (ARDC) - Southeast Research & Extension Center
Nathan Mueller - Nebraska Extension Educator (Dodge County)
Bev Grueber - North Bend Central Elementary Teacher
Jeremiah Schutz - USDA-NRCS Resource Conservationist

Their Mission:
-    Youth participating in science and agricultural literacy education will increase in the Southeast District.
-    Youth with limited options will have opportunity to engage in science and agricultural literacy.
-    Youth enrollment in science majors at NU campuses will increase.
-    Teachers of students in grades 4-12 will enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence to teach inquiry-based science.
-    Youth and adult learners will benefit from collaborative science education efforts among Nebraska Extension, public institutions, and private industry.



Analysts Predict Cattle Inventory Report Will Show 2% Uptick in Size of US Herd

Analysts predict a cattle inventory report Friday will show that lush pasture and grass conditions across the central U.S. contributed to the decision by many farmers to rebuild herds in the past year, resulting in a nearly 2% uptick in the size of the nation's herd.

Despite the fact that prices for both light-weight and market-ready cattle have fallen from all-time peaks, industry watchers forecast the semi-annual U.S. cattle inventory report -- scheduled for release on Friday at 3:00 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) -- to show producers continue to aggressively expand, rather than quickly selling livestock to feedyard operators. With the value of cattle in all weight classes historically high and forage relatively inexpensive, analysts believe producers continued to have incentive to grow their operations.

Analysts and economists participating in The Wall Street Journal cattle inventory survey expect government data to show the U.S. herd as of July 1 is up 1.7% from the same time in 2014, a dramatic reversal for an industry that contracted for nearly a decade due to prolonged drought and consolidation.

The nation's herd at the start of the month will have consisted of around 97.664 million cattle and calves, according to the average prediction of three analysts and economists for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's report. Estimates ranged from 1.2% to 2.2% above the supply as of July 1, 2014.

The average estimate for calves born as of July 1 is about 34.37 million head, representing an increase of 1.4% from 2014.

Analysts predict there has already been a 2.3% increase in the number of cows and heifers that have given birth compared with last year, with a 2.8% increase in beef cows that have calved, with signs pointing to a continuation of that trend in the months ahead.

While the number of young animals roaming pastures has likely grown, because it takes around 18 months for cattle to grow to market-weight, industry watchers say it could be months before the crop of calves born in the past year to be sold to beef packers.

"Really expansion of the cattle herd has just gotten started in earnest," said Scot Miller, owner of commodity brokerage Scot Miller & Associates. "We're going to see larger numbers on feed to some degree, but that is still a ways down the road."

Market analysts expect the agency to report the number of beef heifers, or females, being retained to replace cows in order to breed new calves up a staggering 5.1% from last year, reflecting the continued efforts to hold productive animals on the farm for breeding. Those heifers remaining on the farm are expected to contribute to an increase in supplies of cattle and beef when they calve in the years ahead.



Record High Pork Production for June

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.02 billion pounds in June, up 5 percent from the 3.82 billion pounds produced in June 2014.

Beef production, at 2.00 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.47 million head, down 5 percent from June 2014. The average live weight was up 25 pounds from the previous year, at 1,332 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.0 million pounds, 7 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 35,200 head, down 22 percent from June 2014. The average live weight was up 52 pounds from last year, at 336 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 15 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.43 million head, up 16 percent from June 2014. The average live weight was down 3 pounds from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up slightly from June 2014. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,900 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, up 1 pound from June a year ago.

By State Prod.        (million lbs. - % of June '14)
Nebraska .........:             602.0             97      
Iowa ................:             581.3            114      
Kansas .............:             432.4             96      

January to June 2015 commercial red meat production was 23.7 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2014. Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 20 percent, pork was up 7 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.



Science Committee Once Again Ignores Data, Science

Today the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittees on Energy and Oversight will hold a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Historically, this committee has held biased, one-sided hearings by refusing to invite ethanol stakeholders – only critics. Today’s hearing will be no different. In response, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, released the following statement:

“Holding a hearing on the RFS without any biofuels stakeholders is unacceptable and defeats the very purpose of what this congressional committee is tasked to accomplish. Inviting only vocal critics of the RFS and refusing to invite a single producer or stakeholder in the ethanol industry to testify fails to provide this committee with the appropriate and necessary information to make decisions backed by facts and data. If this is not a classic example of political theatre, I don’t know what is.”



 Smith Votes to Streamline Food Labeling Laws

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, to create uniform national standards for voluntary labeling of non-genetically engineered food products.  

“The world population now exceeds seven billion people, and this number is expected to swell to nine billion by 2050,” Smith said.  “Biotechnology, including genetically modified crops, allows farmers to produce higher yields while reducing the use of pesticides and conserving our natural resources, such as land and water.

“Despite the clear benefits of biotechnology, states have started adopting labeling laws with varying standards and definitions.  To comply with a patchwork of state laws, farmers would have to implement costly crop segregation procedures, buy new equipment, and alter distribution chains.  New costs would be passed onto consumers, with the biggest burdens falling on those who could afford it least.  Today’s legislation passed by the House creates a uniform, science-based labeling standard for food which empowers both consumers and agriculture producers.”



Regarding the House Passage of GMO Labeling Bill H.R. 1599
Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau President

“We are very pleased that the House has passed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R.1599). We also want to thank all three of Nebraska’s House members; Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1), Congressman Brad Ashford (NE-2) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3) for their strong support and leadership throughout this process. This important bill now moves to the Senate where we hope it will be met with swift approval.”

“Bringing a greater clarity to food labeling, H.R. 1599 empowers consumers by continuing to require warning labels for foods that may have adverse effects on the public. But it also strengthens confidence in the safety of GMOs by creating a national GMO labeling uniformity. It strengthens the GMO approval process and provides consistent information to consumers about ‘non-GMO,’ ‘GMO’ and ‘natural’ food labels.”

“This bill is a step in the right direction offering a solution for anti-GMO initiatives which misleads consumers, creates fear about the food they eat, ignores science and weakens the public’s understanding of the food farmers and ranchers produce. H.R. 1599 restores reason to discussions surrounding GMOs. We look forward to this bill becoming law in the very near future.”



ASA Praises House Passage of Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act

The American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomes a vote today from the House of Representatives to approve H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, which would establish a national, voluntary framework for the labeling of foods either containing or not containing genetically engineered ingredients.

“The passage of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is a significant victory for the freedom of soybean farmers to make the most of the broad range of advances that biotechnology provides for our industry,” said Wade Cowan, ASA President and a soybean farmer from Brownfield, Texas. “Congressmen Pompeo and Butterfield as well as Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Peterson have each worked tirelessly alongside farmers and industry to ensure that our ability to make the most of this technology, which has been unanimously proven safe, isn’t infringed upon. We send them our most sincere thanks, and look forward to working with our partners in the Senate to advance this legislation to the President.”

The legislation would require developers of genetically engineered plants to obtain FDA safety clearance on all new plant varieties before those foods are introduced into commerce; uphold FDA’s authority to specify special labeling if it finds a health or safety risk is posed by such a variety; create a legal framework governing the use of label claims regarding either the absence or presence of GMOs in a food product; require FDA to define the term ‘natural’ on food labels.

“The bill accomplishes much, including the prevention of a state-by-state patchwork of conflicting labeling laws that would drive up grocery costs,” added Cowan. “Additionally, the bill empowers and guides those companies who wish to label and market their products as GMO-free to do so by through a USDA-accredited certification process. ASA believes this approach, which would label a select subset of products marketed at a premium, makes far more sense than labeling the vast majority of common, everyday products in the grocery store. What it also avoids is the inevitable demonization of these products based on debunked science and willful misinformation. With the advent and advance of modern biotechnology, farmers have made massive strides toward addressing the significant challenge that lies ahead of us—to feed a global population of nearly 10 billion by 2050. We simply can’t meet that challenge if we allow our technology to be stigmatized based on false safety claims.”

ASA’s focus now shifts to the Senate, where a companion bill from Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota awaits markup in the Agriculture Committee.



NCGA Applauds House Passage of Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act

The National Corn Growers Association today praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. This important legislation will create a consumer-friendly, science-based labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms, as well as for GMO-free foods.

"Bipartisan support for this legislation, evident on the floor during today's House vote, continues to grow" said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team chair John Linder, a farmer from Ohio. "We applaud the House for tackling this critical issue head on, and now urge the Senate to act as soon as possible"

Introduced by Reps. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., a group of 106 Democrats and Republicans have cosponsored the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. This legislation sets a uniform, common-sense national standard for labeling foods with GMOs and for GMO-free foods.

"We must pass federal legislation this year to avoid realization of the threat of an unworkable patchwork of state GMO labeling mandates which will drive up costs for farmers and consumers alike," Linder said. "With Vermont's state labeling law is set to take effect next July, the looming impacts of this situation increase the urgency of the need for Congress to act on a national labeling law."



NAWG Praises House Passage of Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, Looks Forward to Senate Action

NAWG praises members of the United States House of Representatives for passing the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by a 275-150 vote today and establishing a uniform, science-based, voluntary food labeling standard.

“The bipartisan efforts showcased today reflects the support from American consumers and farmers toward a consistent and transparent food label that is founded in science,” said NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash. “The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act provides a clear, common-sense labeling standard that eliminates the current state-by-state unworkable patchwork. We commend the House for passing this standardized labeling rule and we encourage the Senate to move on this legislation in the same bipartisan, supportive fashion.”

The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, which was first introduced in March by Congressmen Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), attracted 106 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. The bill mandates a uniform, national food label that is scientifically based and it creates a consumer-friendly GMO-free certification program. It also allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue working together on food labeling decisions.



NMPF Hails House Passage of Voluntary GMO Food Labeling Bill

The National Milk Producers Federation today thanked the House of Representatives for passing legislation establishing a voluntary, national standard for labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients.

NMPF said the House bill, known as the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, protects consumer choice while it creates a uniform, science-based labeling standard for foods made with GM ingredients. The organization pledged to work with the Senate to pass a similar bill to ensure that the final legislation meets the needs of America’s dairy farmers.

“Today’s bipartisan vote demonstrates the broad support for voluntarily labeling foods with GM ingredients,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “A patchwork of state-by-state labeling requirements is simply not an option, as testimony at several congressional hearings clearly showed.”

Last year, Vermont became the first state in the nation to enact a mandatory GMO labeling bill, raising the specter of similar measures in states across the country. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act would pre-empt the Vermont bill, which is scheduled to go into effect next year.

The House bill also creates a voluntary non-GM labeling program modeled after the National Organic Program. It gives shoppers options without forcing the food industry to comply with slightly different requirements in each state. 

“This important legislation gives consumers the information they want in a consistent and factual way,” said Mulhern. “It also reaffirms the authority of federal regulators over food safety and labeling, and prevents the creeping development of dozens of different state food labeling laws.”

House passage of the legislation, by a margin of 275-150, came two days after more than 475 organizations from all 50 states issued a letter supporting the bill.

Genetically modified food ingredients have been proven safe by nearly 2,000 studies from the leading scientific bodies worldwide. Included are the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association. Up to 80 percent of the food available in the United States contains genetically modified ingredients.



Roberts Files Amendment to Repeal Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling to Avoid Billions in Retaliation

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today filed an amendment to repeal mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef, pork and chicken – required by Canada and Mexico to prevent billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. economy.

“As I’ve said before, whether you support or oppose COOL, the fact is retaliation is coming,” said Roberts.

“We need to protect the U.S. economy from potentially $3 billion in tariffs. Canada and Mexico have repeatedly stated that Congress can prevent retaliation and protect our vast exports by simply taking up the House-passed repeal bill, and I am offering an amendment to do just that.

“We can continue to discuss voluntary labeling programs similar to those already in the marketplace – once COOL is repealed.”

The U.S. Senate has debated COOL for nearly three decades. In what continues to be a divisive issue, Chairman Roberts has attempted to find a workable solution for all stakeholders that will also meet U.S. commitments to trading partners. However, the fact remains that Canada and Mexico have won their case at the World Trade Organization four times and soon will have the ability to impose potentially $3 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports every year.

The amendment was offered to the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act, commonly known as the highway bill. Co-sponsors include Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; John Boozman, R-Ark.; Richard Burr, R-N.C.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; Cory Gardner, R-Colo.; David Perdue, R-Ga., James Risch, R-Idaho; Ben Sasse, R-Neb.; and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Chairman Roberts has opposed COOL from its inception. The Senate Agriculture Committee in June held a hearing on COOL and trade retaliation.



Roberts Introduces Bill To Repeal Meat Labeling;  Canada, Mexico Reject Voluntary Approach

Legislation introduced today by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., would repeal country of origin labeling requirements for beef, pork and poultry and stave off trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico, a move hailed by the National Pork Producers Council.

The U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law requires meat to be labeled with the country where the animal from which it was derived was born, raised and harvested. (It also applies to fish, shellfish, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and certain nuts.)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) in May rejected an appeal by the United States of the international trade body’s October 2014 ruling that the COOL provisions on beef and pork discriminate against Canadian and Mexican animals that are sent to the United States to be fed out and processed. The WTO decision will allow punitive tariffs to be put on U.S. goods going into Canada and Mexico, which are asking for a combined $3.1 billion in retaliation. A WTO arbitrator now is determining the level of retaliation.

“We’re grateful that Chairman Roberts recognizes that repeal of COOL meat labeling is the only move left, with retaliation from Canada and Mexico imminent,” said NPPC President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “The United States had its day in court, and it lost. We’re in the sentencing phase now, and without repeal, a sentence of up to $3 billion soon will be imposed on our exports.”

According to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, the average U.S. pork producer is expected to lose $10 per hog beginning later this year and into next year. Based on Hayes’s estimates, Prestage said retaliation from Canada and Mexico against U.S. pork likely would double pork producer losses. “Retaliation would be devastating and undoubtedly would cause financial ruin for some pork producers,” he said.

A measure also introduced today by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., would repeal mandatory meat labeling and replace it with a voluntary labeling program.

But because Stabenow’s bill – like the existing law – calls for labels to provide information on where animals are born, raised and slaughtered, it still would necessitate segregation of Canadian and Mexican livestock, leading to discrimination against them – a violation of international trade rules.

Canada issued a statement today rejecting Stabenow’s voluntary approach and said it would continue to pursue retaliation. “The only acceptable outcome remains for the United States to repeal COOL,” said Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

“While we appreciate Sen. Stabenow’s efforts, we can’t support her bill because it would continue key features of a labeling regime that’s already been found to violate WTO rules,” NPPC’s Prestage said. “More importantly, it doesn’t satisfy Canada and Mexico, so it won’t stop retaliation, and we can’t afford to have our products restricted, through tariffs, to two of our top three markets.

“We don’t like it, Congress doesn’t like it, but the reality is that after four losses at the WTO, Canada and Mexico hold the cards.”

Although the United States could seek a WTO ruling on voluntary labeling or any other legislative proposal to which Canada and Mexico object, that process could take as long as two years, and Canada and Mexico likely would continue retaliating pending a decision. The current WTO arbitration panel will not review any new U.S. COOL proposal but only will determine the level of retaliation.

(When the European Union in a WTO case on beef hormones said it was in compliance and asked the United States to drop its retaliation, the United States refused to lift the retaliation. The EU’s only recourse was to file a WTO action to prove its compliance. The United States would find itself in a similar situation if it claimed a new COOL proposal brings it into WTO compliance.)

The House in June passed on a 300-131 vote legislation repealing the COOL meat labeling provisions.



Stabenow’s Solution Guarantees Trade War with Canada and Mexico
Senator Stabenow (D-Mich.) introduced legislation today that fails to fix mandatory Country-of-Origin labeling, driving the United States even closer to the forthcoming trade war with Canada and Mexico. With four decisions against the law, the World Trade Organization will soon allow Canada and Mexico to impose over $3 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs annually on an array of U.S. commodities. Philip Ellis, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president, said Senator Stabenow’s amendment does not address all the issues with the program, and therefore is not a viable solution.

“The ten-year cost of COOL is over $8 billion according to the USDA, and we are now facing retaliation by two of our largest trading partners for violating our international trade obligations,” said Ellis, a rancher from Chugwater, Wyo. “The Canadian and Mexican governments have already stated a voluntary label does not fix the issue and they will pursue retaliation. Our country is about to be heavily taxed on commodities ranging from wine, to apples and even jewelry and furniture, because we have not held up our end of our trade deals. Instead of providing a fix, Senator Stabenow is perpetuating the problem and forcing us to face retaliation.”

Overseen by USDA’S Agricultural Marketing Service, mandatory Country-of-Origin labeling is a marketing program, separate from any food safety regulations, which intended to drive demand for U.S. beef. However, unlike industry-led efforts, the government-mandated program failed to increase demand for U.S beef and is leaving cattle producers, packers and retailers bearing the cost of a failed experiment. Canada and Mexico account for over $1 billion each in U.S. beef purchases – money that goes directly into the pockets of America’s producers. To lose access to these two countries due to tariffs levied because of COOL could cost U.S. cattle producers $115 to $120 per animal sold.

In June, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted 300 to 131 to fully repeal COOL for beef, pork and chicken. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman, Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) is leading the effort in the Senate to fully repeal COOL, having introduced an amendment today that brings the U.S. back into compliance. 

“Labeling can be a valuable marketing tool, but it’s not the role of the government to market our product, and frankly, they do a poor job of it,” said Ellis. “We greatly appreciate the support of Senator Roberts to repeal this program that has been burdensome to cattle producers for over a decade. The beef industry has many successful labeling programs already in place that consumers know, are willing to pay for, and that drive demand for U.S. beef. It is unfathomable that some are calling a program that forces our country into a trade war, and has a negative return-on-investment in the millions, a success worth keeping.”

The World Trade Organization has made its final decision regarding COOL. Senator Stabenow’s bill does not address Canada and Mexico’s concerns. The only way to fix this issue is full repeal of COOL, and NCBA stands firmly behind Chairman Roberts, urging support of his amendment.



 NFU Calls Senate Bi-Partisan COOL Compromise “Only Viable Path Forward for Food Labeling”

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson called the introduction of today’s bipartisan compromise on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) the only path forward for food labeling and thanked Senators Stabenow, D-Michigan, Hoeven, R- North Dakota, and the other bill cosponsors for their hard work in fighting for a national policy on clear and honest food labeling for consumers and family farmers.    

“This is the only politically viable means of preventing Congress from completely stripping away a clear national label for livestock born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S. by developing a clear, strong, and honest “made in the USA” label that consumers can ask for and trust,” said Johnson. “This compromise maintains integrity of the ‘Made in the USA’ brand and will prevent the packers from deliberately deceiving consumers as they have in the past,” he noted.

The Senate bill was introduced on the heels of the recent passage of the bill in the House of Representatives that completely repeals COOL for meat and poultry and a series of World Trade Organization (WTO) decisions that could eventually allow Canada and Mexico to retaliate against the U.S. if we fail to change the law.

“It’s a sad state of affairs that the WTO has stripped us of our sovereign right to label our food, but that is the reality of the current world we live in,” noted Johnson.

Johnson noted that it wasn’t easy for NFU to accept the loss of mandatory labeling, which it has pushed for over two decades, but also acknowledged that consumers and farmers will at least be left with a labeling option that has integrity.  He also noted disappointment that Congress went beyond the scope of the WTO dispute and included repeal of mandatory labeling for chicken, ground beef and ground pork.

“Clearly, the loss of mandatory labeling, especially for food not included in the dispute, was a bitter pill to swallow, but this is truly the only path forward for those of us fighting for consumers who want to know where their food comes from and for America’s family farmers who are proud to provide it.”



Biodiesel Credit for Producers Eyed

The Senate Finance Committee voted 23-3 to approve a measure containing a retroactive 2015 and 2016 biodiesel tax credit, but the credit would now go to producers not blenders.

The measure includes a new amendment to the tax extenders package for the biodiesel tax credit that was offered by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

The change turns the $1 gallon credit into a subsidy for production instead of seeking to create demand incentive by paying the credit to blenders.

"[T]his change is contrary to the original intent of the biodiesel tax credit, which was to promote the use of biodiesel in the marketplace and ultimately reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," the National Association of Convenience Stores said in a news release Thursday.

NACS, an international trade group representing retailers and suppliers, said the change would also affect how retailers are able to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"In fact, EPA has indicated in its recently proposed 2014-2016 volume obligation that the biodiesel blender's credit helped increase demand for biodiesel, enabling EPA to propose a larger biofuel obligation," said NACS.



NCGA Seeks Growers to Lead the Way on Action Teams, Committees

The National Corn Growers Association reminds growers that it is seeking applications from members interested in working on an NCGA action team or committee in the 2016 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of their industry and to become a part of the national agricultural leadership community.

"As a grassroots organization, NCGA relies on its members to step forward and take an active role in developing the policies that will lead our industry forward," said NCGA First Vice President Rob Elliott. "We have opportunities this year in all of the areas the organization touches, thus allowing members to take their involvement to the next level while exploring in great depth the areas which interest them the most. I encourage those interested to apply prior to the August 14 deadline to ensure consideration."

Positions are available on all teams and committees: CornPAC, Ethanol Committee, Grower Services Action Team, Production and Stewardship Action Team, Public Policy Action Team, Research and Business Development Action Team and Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. Positions are also available on the Corn Board standing committees, which are the Bylaws Committee and Nominating Committee.

Qualified applicants must be a NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates have interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.

Action teams and committees are composed of up to 14 voting members representing a cross-section of corn production. The teams may utilize staff, growers and industry members to serve as resources, as determined by the action team or committee chair.

Duties of the action teams and committees include:
-    Conducting an annual planning process regarding the work and results of the team.
-    Defining programs to be implemented by the action team and implementing them with evaluation measurement for each program.
-    Seeking necessary information and expertise to advise the team.
-    Advising the Corn Board on policy positions or requesting action of the Corn Board.
-    Keeping the Corn Board informed of all obligations and contractual relationships entered into and seeking Corn Board approval for contracts or obligations that are out of the ordinary, such as those that are multi-year obligations.
-    Working through the Corn Board on public policy actions or positions.

Deadline for receipt of applications in the state corn association offices, where applicable, is August 14. State offices will then coordinate applications and submit directly to NCGA by August 19. Interested parties can contact Kathy Baker at the NCGA office with questions, at (636) 733-9004.