Tuesday December 15 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Says Vilsack Missed Opportunity to Explain Livestock Antibiotic Use

The Nebraska Farm Bureau has expressed disappointment in remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a Dec.1 speech Vilsack gave to the European Parliament concerning the use of antibiotics in United States livestock farming.

During the speech, Vilsack indicated the Obama Administration recognizes the use of antibiotics in agriculture “is a problem,” and that the Administration is working on a “system under which we’re reducing significantly the level of antibiotics being used in livestock.”

In a Dec.7 letter to Vilsack, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson told Vilsack that his remarks only further fed into public concern that the use of antibiotics in livestock is the direct cause of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that can make people sick, when in fact, scientific assessments of such risk note that the chain of events that would have to occur for antibiotic resistance in humans from livestock is not only extensive, but extremely unlikely.

“In a risk assessment conducted by a team of scientists led by Dr. H. Scott Hurd, DVM, PhD, on a specific antibiotic widely used in cattle, swine and poultry, they found there is considerably greater chance of being struck by lightning or dying from a bee sting than any risk of being harmed by livestock antibiotics. The reality is that concern over antibiotic resistance does not equal real numeric risk,” wrote Nelson.

In the letter, Nelson also pointed out that as the government representative of U.S. agriculture it is his duty to combat inaccurate and nonscientific attacks on American farmers and ranchers and the food they produce.

“Unfortunately, your speech in Brussels served as a missed opportunity to educate those who simply don’t know how food is produced and why the judicious use of antibiotics in the livestock industry is vital for both animal and human health,” Nelson wrote.



FARM BEGINNINGS PROGRAM TO START JAN. 9

    Nebraska Extension will offer the Farm Beginnings Program for the eighth year, beginning Jan. 9 in Weeping Water. The program provides educational training and support to help people who want to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise.

    Participants engage in a mentorship experience, network with a variety of innovative farmers and attend practical, high-quality seminars, field days and conferences. The program is unique in that several successful farmers participate as presenters, explaining firsthand the nuts and bolts of their farming operations. While not a program for someone wanting to get into conventional farming, it has attracted several people interested in farming on a smaller scale, some who have migrated from urban to rural areas.

    The program provides an opportunity for people interested in learning about growing alternative crops, producing fruits and vegetables for direct sale, or growing livestock for direct marketing to hear about these types of farming from those who are making a living from them. If interested, participants can request a farm mentor.

    The program consists of 11 sessions from January through April that cover a variety of topics including building networks, goal setting, whole farm planning, marketing, business and farm management, and financial management. Participants will work on developing their own business plan as they progress through the course.

    In addition to several farm tours, participants will be able to attend the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society's Healthy Farms Conference at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City on Jan. 29 and 30. The conference has been held annually for several years and features sessions that focus on sustainable agriculture, including vegetable production, grass-fed beef, pasture poultry, meat and dairy goat production, composting, cover crops, organic farming, growing crops in high-tunnels, bee keeping, farm transitioning and agri-tourism.

    The program will begin at the Cass County Extension Office at 8400 144th St., Suite 100, in Weeping Water.

    The program costs $500. Partial scholarships are available. For a brochure and application, go to http://nemaha.unl.edu and scroll down to the Farm Beginnings article.

    For more information on the program, contact Nebraska Extension educator Gary Lesoing at glesoing2@unl.edu or (402) 274-4755.



Families and Businesses add to Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Brand Wall

Eleven members of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association added their family and/or business brands to the ICA Brand Wall this year. The Brand Wall started in 1995, when 10 ICA members wanted to go an extra step in support of ICA.

Since then, 151 more families and businesses have joined them in making a donation to ICA to secure their spot on the wall. Brand Wall members contribute $1000 to ICA in order to display their brand. Of the 182 brand slots on the wall, 21 remain unclaimed.

This year’s Brand Wall additions honor:
    3D Rueber owned by Dick, Dean, David & Dakota Rueber of the Westgate/Luxemburg area
    Amana Farms & Jon Haman of Amana
    Amstutz Cattle Inc. owned by Aaron & Mindy, Brandt, Tucker, & Wesley Amstutz of Bloomfield
    Clan Farms Inc.owned by Nicholas & Sue Hunt of Atlantic
    Deering Prairie View Farms owned by Charles & Kim, Kelsie, Tanner, Whitney & Morgan Deering of Postville
    Miller Farms owned by Thom & Mary Miller, Molly, Abby, Eli & Katie of Winfield
    River Family Farms owned by Ross and Vivian River of Maquoketa
    Smith Family Farms owned by Eric, Dianna, Dustin, Emily & Liz Smith of Decorah
    SP Genetics owned by Isaiah Shnurman, Sampson Shnurman & Travis Parton of Bevington
    Spring Valley Ranch owned by Matt & Cassie Winters & Family of Volga
    Ultra Ova owned by Toby & Casie Muller & Family of Adair



 ICA Recognizes 2015 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Participants and Names 2016 Class

Seventeen young Iowa cattle producers from around the state participated in the 2015 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association program is consists of a series of educational sessions designed to develop leadership qualities in young cattle farmers. The group met four times, focusing on leadership strategies, policy development, production practices and legislative advocacy.

2015 participants include:
Andrew Sauer, Cedar County
Brad Evans, Lucas County
Brandon Ledger, Lee County
Carrie & Nate Horman, Story County
Dustin Howell, Louisa County
Ethon Smith, Fremont County
Greg Bartelma, Jasper County
Jeff Van Voorst, Sioux County
Joe Brewer, Dallas County
Justin Sullivan, Madison County
Matt Winters, Clayton County
Nick Knepper, Delaware County
Skylar Speer, Madison County
Josh Zuck, Fayette County
Jeff Jamison, Clarke County
Cassie Johnson, Woodbury County

The YCLP class also helps develop and employ the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s Carcass Challenge. We commend this year’s YCLP class for their recruitment efforts. Earlier in November, 55 head of feeder steers were delivered to Amana Farms. The proceeds from the Carcass Challenge will be used to fund educational programming, leadership development, and advocacy trainings for cattle producers.

The 2016 YCLP class has also been named, and will meet for the first time in January.  2016 participants include:
Aarik Deering, Allamakee County
Ashlee Bell, Scott County
Brett Wiggins, Jasper County
Clayton Hester, Mahaska County
Dane Kuper, Mitchell County
Darrin Crawley, Guthrie County
Dillon Green, Sioux County
Drew Van Laar, Madison County
Dustin Balsley , Mitchell County
Haley Pagel, Fayette County
Josh Wiig, Montgomery County
Justin Mendenhall, Decatur County
Kellie Gregorich, Jackson County
Kellin Chambers, Pottawattamie County
Matt Groves, Cass County
Melinda Brahms, Cass County
Nick Andresen, Ida County
Ron Lyon Jr, Madison County
Ryan Carlson, Boone County
Sara Shepherd, Adair County
Scott Cherne, Clayton County
Skyler Rinker, Boone County
Tanner Deering, Allamakee County
Will Longinaker, Fremont County



Cover Crops Intended for Forage Require Careful Herbicide Use

Many farmers are now becoming more interested in cover crops due to their soil conservation and water quality benefits, and livestock producers may find them attractive as food for grazing animals. But farmers need to exercise caution when it comes to herbicide selection if they intend to graze or harvest the cover crop.

“It is important for livestock producers to consider restrictions on labels of herbicides used earlier in the growing season for corn and soybeans if they intend to use the cover crop as a forage source,” said Bob Hartzler, professor in agronomy and extension weed specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

A new ISU Extension and Outreach publication, “Herbicide use may restrict grazing options for cover crops,” can be downloaded from the Extension Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu. Authored by Hartzler, along with extension field agronomists Meaghan Anderson and Rebecca Vittetoe, the guide lists herbicide products compatible in cropping systems that use cover crops for forage. 

The guide contains two tables — one for corn and the other for soybeans —  that list 46 herbicides, dividing them into three categories according to the minimum interval between application and the time when cover crops can be planted. Cereal rye and wheat are cleared for planting and use as forage with more herbicides than other plants commonly used as cover crops.

Hartzler warns producers that these tables do not eliminate the need to read the label and determine specific use restrictions. The two primary reasons for these restrictions are that herbicide residues may prevent the successful establishment of the cover crop, or residue tolerances have not been established for the presence of the herbicide within the cover crop.

“Regardless of the reason for the restriction, failing to follow the label guidelines is a violation of the label and against the law,” he said.

Due to the large number of generic and private brand herbicides, the tables do not include all products, and ISU Extension and Outreach does not endorse particular brands based on their inclusion.

Despite having to pay attention to herbicide interaction with cover crops, farmers will find that they are well worth the extra effort. Cover crops reduce soil erosion, limit nitrogen leaching into groundwater, suppress weeds and increase soil organic matter.

For more information on cover crops, refer to the numerous publications and videos available in the Extension Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu, or contact a local extension field agronomist .



Minn. Lifts Bird Flu Quarantines

(AP) -- Minnesota has lifted the last remaining quarantines on poultry farms that were infected with a deadly form of bird flu, officials announced Tuesday, marking a milestone in the state's recovery from an outbreak that cost its turkey and egg producers more than 9 million birds.

Ninety percent of the 108 infected farms were cleared to restock as of Oct. 6. The few remaining sites have now completed the cleaning, disinfection and testing needed to gain approval for restocking, the Board of Animal Health said in a statement.

Minnesota announced its first case of the highly pathogenic N5N2 avian influenza March 5 and confirmed its last case June 5. Restocked poultry on all affected farms have tested negative, providing additional assurances that the virus has been eradicated from Minnesota, the board said.

"While seeing no new cases of HPAI is encouraging, we know that detecting future cases remains a possibility," State Veterinarian Bill Hartmann said.

U.S. poultry producers, primarily in the upper Midwest, lost more than 48 million birds to bird flu, mostly in April and May. Minnesota, the country's top turkey producer, and Iowa, the top chicken-egg producer, were the hardest-hit states.

While no strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza are currently circulating in Minnesota's domestic flocks, the board said it remains vigilant in case the disease reappears.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says wild birds, particularly ducks, appear to be the main reservoir for these viruses and could still be a threat to poultry this fall and winter. The agency has spearheaded extensive improvements in biosecurity practices to prevent and respond to any future cases.



Any News Suggesting Prices Have Bottomed?
Stephen R. Koontz, Professor, Dept of Ag Econ, Colorado State University
 
The main question I continue to get through this fall and early winter is: when will the plunge in the cattle market be over?  The why of what's been happening have been fairly well-discussed: heavy slaughter weights, large inventories of market-ready cattle, and the strong dollar.  The strong domestic demand discussed by Dr. Tonsor in this column was present in the third quarter but it has not been enough.  Further, weakness in the historically strong hamburger market suggests all may not well for the fourth quarter.
          
So are any of the right things happening to turn the market around?  Yes, modestly.  The best news from last week is the turnaround in beef trade numbers.  Beef imports were down and exports were up and both rather sharply.  Import tonnage for October was off 18% and exports were up 18%.  As a result net imports were down 35%.  Cheapening wholesale beef prices is the likely cause.  Net beef imports went from 6% to 2% of the volume of monthly commercial beef production.  Of course this is a too-simple way of thinking about the issue as the US exports very high and very low value products while importing primarily lean meat to be used in hamburger.  But the volume remaining in the domestic is reduced.

The thing that market watchers will need to see next is some additional softening of retail beef prices.  Retail beef prices are off from record highs but retailer margins remain very strong.  Featuring of beef and a willingness to sacrifice margin for sales will move additional volume.  My take on fed cattle and beef inventories the last half of this year is that feedlots first had heavy inventories to work through, then packers, and now the retail level.  Inventories remain problematic for everyone but the retail margin is usually biggest before the featuring starts.

Steer slaughter weights appear to have turned the corner.  Steer weights were 923 pounds last week and that is six weeks past their high of 930.  Heifer carcass weights are still increasing but steers appear to be in the seasonal decline.  Further, the cattle of feed reports show continued light placements and a drawdown of the inventory of cattle on feed that have been on feed for over 120 days and 90 days.  These numbers are down 6% and 3%.  While these are in line with normal seasonal declines, the last three months of placements have been modest and this week's report will tell us if its four months.

What do the futures contract charts say?  There are no clear bottoming patterns and the downtrends are firmly in place.  Further, support has been broken but the market has not softened much thereafter.  These are mainly technical signals for continued down moves.  There are a few shorter term signals - a couple of strong closes on single days - but key reversals can be very short-lived.  These patterns have preceded corrections to the upside in the down trending markets.

Hedgeable margins for cattle feeders are not strong but they look better than they have in two years.  The hard break downward in feeder cattle prices are creating a much better outlook for that industry next year.  And while calf prices are considerably off from last year, the returns to cow-calf producers remain strong.  It is likely herd expansion will continue.  The focus on feed costs in last week's column is a very useful perspective to keep.  Forage and feed grain prices are substantially reducing the high costs of the past five to seven years.

I think that's the operative phrase for cattle market outlook is: "Next year."  We need to see two months of strong marketings, more solid trade movement, and retail featuring.  These are the things to watch for.  And it is then that cattle prices will show some strength.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Downward Trend

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to fall the second week of December 2015, although not to any great extent, according to retailers tracked by DTN.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers edged lower compared to a month earlier but only by small, insignificant amounts of 2% or less. DAP averaged $534/ton, MAP $555/ton, potash $417/ton, urea $397/ton, 10-34-0 $575/ton, anhydrous $625/ton, UAN28 $284/ton and UAN32 $330/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, all fertilizer prices remained unchanged since last week. The average urea price was at $0.43/lb.N, anhydrous $0.38/lb.N, UAN28 $0.51/lb.N and UAN32 $0.52/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer moving lower in recent months, only one fertilizer is now higher compared to a year earlier. 10-34-0 is about 1% higher than last year.

The remaining seven nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. Urea is almost 18% lower, potash is 13% lower, UAN28 and anhydrous are both 12% lower and UAN32 is 10% lower. Both DAP and MAP are now 6% lower than a year ago.



USDA Removes Farm Program Payments to Managers Not Actively Engaged in Farming

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today finalized a rule to ensure that farm safety-net payments are issued only to active managers of farms that operate as joint ventures or general partnerships, consistent with the direction and authority provide by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill. The action, which exempts family farm operations, closes a loophole where individuals who were not actively part of farm management still received payments.

"The federal farm safety-net programs are designed to protect against unanticipated changes in the marketplace for those who actively share in the risk of that farming operation," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "To ensure that help goes to those who genuinely need it, such as America's farm families, the Farm Bill authorized USDA to close a loophole and limit payments from those not involved on a daily basis in nonfamily farm management."

Since 1987, the broad definition of "actively engaged" resulted in some general partnerships and joint ventures adding managers to the farming operation, qualifying for more payments, that did not substantially contribute to management. The rule applies to operations seeking more than one farm manager, and requires measureable, documented hours and key management activities each year. Some operations of certain sizes and complexity may be allowed up to three qualifying managers under limited conditions. The changes apply to payments for 2016 and subsequent crop years for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs, Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) and Marketing Loan Gains (MLG) realized via the Marketing Assistance Loan program.

As required by Congress, the new rule does not apply to family farms, or change regulations related to contributions of land, capital, equipment, or labor. The changes go into effect for the 2016 crop year for most farms. Farms that have already planted fall crops for 2016 have until the 2017 crop year to comply. For more details, producers are encouraged to consult their local Farm Service Agency office.



AFBF's 2016 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show Features Workshops on Regulations, Technology and More

Election of a new president and vice president to lead the American Farm Bureau Federation, great speakers and dynamic educational workshops will highlight the organization's 2016 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in January. The event takes place Jan. 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Nearly 7,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation are expected to gather to hear from distinguished leaders and participate in a grassroots policy-setting process that will guide AFBF through 2016. During the annual convention's business session, voting delegates will select new leaders for the nation's largest farming and ranching organization.

Farm Bureau members may choose from two dozen workshops covering a variety of topics and issues on Sunday, Jan. 10 and Monday, Jan. 11. Topics covered will include environmental regulations, the latest ag technology trends, trade, food safety and transparency, economic issues affecting today's farmers, and skills and ideas leaders can take home and apply at their county and state Farm Bureaus.

In addition, directly related to AFBF's mission to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities, a trio of workshops will zero in on today's hottest rural development topics. Finding and funding rural entrepreneurs, navigating grant programs, and serving those who have served our nation through the Farm Bureau Patriot Project will be covered.

Full workshop descriptions will be available in the program on-site in Orlando.

Convention kickoff
The convention kicks off with the opening general session on Sunday morning, when AFBF President Bob Stallman will share Farm Bureau's direction for 2016. At the closing general session on Monday morning, acclaimed real estate mogul and "Shark Tank" investor Barbara Corcoran will give the closing keynote address, providing insights on teamwork and courage when faced with pressure-filled situations.

Cultivation Center
On Sunday and Monday, the Cultivation Center on the IDEAg Trade Show floor will serve as the educational centerpiece of the trade show. Located in the middle of the show floor, behind the AFBF booth, the Cultivation Center features a seating area where exhibitors, sponsors, educators and ag enthusiasts will present 15- to 30-minute sessions. Topics will include exhibitors' newest and best ideas, FRED Talks (Farmer and Rancher Education) and previews of upcoming convention sessions.

The Cultivation Center is also the location for the AFBF Presidential Candidates Forum (Jan. 9), Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge live competition (Jan. 10) and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet "final four" round (Jan. 11).

Foundation for Agriculture events
Members attending the convention are encouraged to support ag literacy by bidding on items in the online/onsite auction and purchasing tickets to attend Flapjacks With the Foundation, the Foundation Golf Classic or the Foundation's Night Out, which includes a live auction featuring sports packages and trips. Learn more at annualconvention.fb.org.

Registration
Before registering online at http://annualconvention.fb.org/register/, farmer and rancher members should check with their state Farm Bureau office to see if they have already been registered. The full Farm Bureau member convention registration fee is $100 for Saturday, Jan. 9 through Tuesday, Jan. 12 and includes the IDEAg Trade Show, Young Farmer & Rancher competitive events, general sessions, workshops, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Silent Auction and the annual business session of voting delegates where the new AFBF president and vice president will be elected. Non-members may register for $250.



Soy Growers Back Proposal to Designate Cottonseed as Oilseed

The American Soybean Association (ASA) wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this morning to support a request from the National Cotton Council urging the Department to use its discretionary authority to establish a cottonseed program under Title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014.

“ASA is aware of and concerned about the difficult economic conditions currently facing U.S. cotton growers and the cotton industry,” wrote ASA President Richard Wilkins in the letter. “Participation in the STAX program in 2014, at only 24 percent of producers, leaves a large majority of cotton farmers with no protection against low prices other than crop insurance and the marketing loan program. Allowing farmers with generic acres the option to sign up for a cottonseed PLC or County-ARC program would offer producers an improved safety net.”

“We do not believe a cottonseed program would have a negative impact on the production of soybeans or other oilseeds, or on vegetable oil prices,” added Wilkins. “The PLC and County-ARC programs are decoupled, so payments are not tied to current-year planting of any crop and producers can respond to market signals. This market-oriented approach is similar to programs in effect under the 2008 Farm Bill, when production of cotton and cottonseed was much higher, but did not negatively affect production or prices of soybeans or other oilseeds.”

“All of us in agriculture need to work together to support a safety net that works for all farmers,” commented ASA Chairman Wade Cowan of Brownfield, Texas.  “Soybean growers are pleased to work with fellow producers from the cotton belt to make sure such a safety net exists.”

ASA’s support is conditional on the determination that the estimated cost of the program can be offset, if necessary, without negatively impacting funding for other farm bill programs or reducing funding for crop insurance, and that it will not violate U.S. commitments under the WTO.



Export Exchange 2016 Set For Oct. 24-27, 2016, In Detroit

Members of the global coarse grains, ethanol and co-products markets will gather under one roof next fall at Export Exchange 2016, scheduled for Oct. 24 to 27, 2016, in Detroit, Michigan.

This biennial event, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), aims to facilitate connections that will build and sustain business in the grain and ethanol trade for years to come.

“We are expecting more than 200 international buyers of coarse grains, co-products and ethanol to attend Export Exchange 2016 along with an estimated 300 producers and agribusiness representatives, making this the industry’s premiere opportunity to network with your key customers," said USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann.

In addition to networking opportunities, Export Exchange 2016 general sessions will address critical issues facing U.S. agricultural exports, offering the customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of U.S. corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), ethanol and other products.

“The global demand for DDGS has increased significantly over the last several years, and Export Exchange provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring buyers and sellers together with the goal of promoting continued growth in the international market,” said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

More information will be distributed in the coming months to members of the grains industries and will be available online at www.exportexchange.org or on social media using the hashtag #ExEx16. Those interested can sign up for a mailing list to automatically receive conference updates by emailing info@exportexchange.org.



NSP Announces Annual Yield Contest Winners
New World Record Non-Irrigated Yield Set

National Sorghum Producers is proud to announce the winners of the 2015 NSP Yield Contest. Farmers from 29 states entered to win this year’s contest. Producer yields are highlighted in seven different categories with this year’s top yield at 239.85 bushels per acre, which is a new world record non-irrigated sorghum yield.

“I congratulate all of the 2015 Yield Contest winners,” said NSP board of directors Chairman James Born. “The yield contest year-after-year demonstrates the yield potential of sorghum and allows us to recognize outstanding growers across the nation for their dedication to management and the yields they have been able to achieve in doing so.”

The 2015 first place winners of the NSP Yield Contest were Jim Boehlke – Bell-Key Farms of Idaho in the Conventional-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 237.93 bushels per acre; Rigdon Farms of Maryland in the No-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 239.85 bushels per acre; Santino Santini, Jr. of New Jersey in the Conventional-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 188.73 bushels per acre; Ki Gamble of Kansas who won the Reduced-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 233.39 bushels per acre; Robert Hoffines of Pennsylvania in the Double Crop Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 172.13 bushels per acre; Robert Santini, Jr. of New Jersey in the Mulch-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 198.08 bushels per acre; and Chris Santini of New Jersey in the Double Crop Irrigated category with a yield of 183.00 bushels per acre.

"Yields continue to improve each year since we set out to reach 250 bushels per acre," said NSP Chairman James Born. "The number of entries surpassing 200 bushel plus has increased, and we look forward to the potential in next year’s contest."

The national winners will be further recognized at Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 4, 2016, at an awards dinner sponsored by Dupont Pioneer.

To see a complete list of the NSP Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest. 



Ardent Mills to Help Farmers Double U.S. Organic Wheat Acres by 2019

Leading the way to meet growing customer and consumer demand, Ardent Mills, the premier flour-milling and ingredient company, is announcing a new organic initiative committed to helping U.S. wheat growers double organic wheat acres by 2019.

"Ardent Mills' vision is to be the trusted partner in nurturing our customers, consumers and communities through innovative and nutritious grain-based solutions, and our new organic initiative demonstrates one of the many ways we're bringing that vision to life," says Ardent Mills Chief Executive Officer Dan Dye. "Today, there is growing demand from restaurants and food companies for organic wheat flour for use in fresh, packaged and menu recipes. This is a significant opportunity for growers to become a part of an emerging market and to create additional value for their crops on the path to organic certification. We have been providing organic flour since 1996 and feel we are well positioned to meet this bold challenge."

Ardent Mills VP of Risk Management Mike Miller says, "We're very excited to work with farmers as they transition to this growing market and to provide our customers with an assured supply in support of their new product and menu introductions. We know there is demand that will continue to increase well into the future. We've heard from farmers we work with, and we understand the barriers that they face when transitioning to organic. Ardent Mills is addressing these challenges with our Organic Initiative 2019."

"Based on our customer and consumer research, we see considerable demand for products produced with wheat from our program. We will provide a robust supply chain to meet the growing consumer demand for a variety of organic grain-based products," notes Ardent Mills VP of Sales Dean Grossmann.

As farmers join the Ardent Mills' organic initiative, they will have access to direct support services, workshops and long-term contracts for transitional and organic wheat bushels.

"Oregon Tilth is eager to share best practices and share knowledge among farmers working through the challenges of transition to organic agriculture. We believe that collaborative education – peer-to-peer learning, model sharing and capacity building – serves to support successful entry into organic farming, offering buyers and farmers a solid path to connect market opportunities with on-the-ground efforts to implement sustainable conservation practices on the farm," explains Sarah Brown, Oregon Tilth Education Director.

"Ardent Mills has been a great industry partner and we commend the company for reaching out to our growers to offer new incentives to meet a growing market segment," states Brett Blankenship, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers. "There is an opportunity for a premium, and the incentive gives farmers access to an additional market and a new income stream while meeting growing consumer demand for organic wheat flour and organic foods," he notes. "Ardent Mills is to be commended for developing an incentive-based approach that may be attractive to our growers."

Farmers interested in working with Ardent Mills on its Organic Initiative 2019 should contact Shrene White by  email at Organic.Initiative2019@ardentmills.com, or phone toll free 844-421-2068 or visit ardentmills.com/tcap.



Trade and Tech Fuel Farming Discussions

This December, the National Corn Growers Association's Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team met in St. Louis to review the organization's policy in their area of expertise, discuss progress on several ongoing programs and hear from industry representatives about upcoming challenges and opportunities.

Looking at a variety of issues, including how to best support agricultural exports, stress the importance of respecting refuge requirements and facilitate successful communication across the value-chain on their issues, the team will use their in-depth knowledge of the subject matter to develop the nuanced, strategic suggestions needed to help the Corn Board guide NCGA policy effectively.

"It can begin to feel like farmer leaders spend a large amount of time participating in meetings for a variety of agricultural groups during the winter months," said Team Chair John Linder, a farmer from Ohio. "Yet, as I have become increasingly involved, I have come to deeply appreciate the breadth and scope of the myriad issues facing farmers today.  By developing teams with specialization in major areas of opportunity and taking the time to analyze the issues in a critical, thorough manner, we are able to most effectively provide input on how, in our area, the Corn Board can shape NCGA policy and, subsequently, maximize the effectiveness of farmer-funded market development and production activities."

The meeting, held in conjunction with meetings for the other five action teams and committees, allowed the growers to dig into the specific policies listed in the portion of the strategic plan corresponding with their team's focus area. Carefully debating the implications of any proposed changes, team members worked diligently to carefully craft a precise, well-constructed document for presentation to the Corn Board and, eventually, Corn Congress.

"Through these discussions, we develop a solid appreciation for the importance of the exact connotation of each word used, and of those not used, in our strategic plan," said Linder.  "Examining the future of the industry, the scope of NCGA's role in it and the potential pitfalls of seemingly benign statements leads us to policy recommendations that play a vital role in determining how the organization will proceed on our behalf."

The team also delved into a variety of areas certain to impact the future of corn farming through presentations from and discussions with leadership from agri-industry.  Through these discussions, the farmers gained up-to-the-minute information that they will scrutinize and, as events unfold, incorporate into future recommendations.

In addition to Linder, team members include Vice Chair Don Duvall of Illinois, Corn Board Liaison Kevin Ross of Iowa, Mike Beard of Indiana, Chris Edgington of Iowa, Janna Fritz of Michigan, Robert Hemesath of Iowa, Wayne Humphreys of Iowa, Jon Miller of Ohio, Jim Raben of Illinois, Jay Reiners of Nebraska, Chad Wetzel of Texas, Tim Wiersma of Minnesota and Patrick Pfingsten of the Indiana Corn Growers Association. NCGA staff in attendance included Director of Biotechnology and Crop Inputs Nathan Fields, Director of Public Policy Zach Kinne and Administrative Assistant Maggie Fogerty.



ASA, Farm Groups Press for Progress on Ag Issues During Nairobi WTO Ministerial

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative yesterday, the American Soybean Association led a coalition of agricultural organizations in urging Secretary Tom Vilsack and Ambassador Michael Froman to work toward positive outcomes for agriculture in this week’s WTO Ministerial in Nairobi.

Leading off the letter, the groups noted the longstanding differences on market access and domestic supports within the Doha round of WTO negotiations, and called on U.S. negotiators to lead a push to conclude the Doha Round at this Ministerial.

With regard to export competition, the letter strongly supports U.S. efforts to eliminate export subsidies (including by the EU and Canada), reform export credit programs, and eliminate State Trading Enterprises and single desk trading.

“Such an agreement would continue global momentum established in these important areas and prevent countries from backsliding on their past policy changes going forward,” the groups said, while at the same cautioning against weakening such rules in developing nations, specifically noting subsidies by Brazil and other emerging nations for transportation, handling and processing costs for exported commodities.

“This issue is critically important because we believe certain competitor countries could use the provision as legal cover for programs they are currently using to compete unfairly with U.S. exports,” wrote the groups. “For example, India subsidizes transportation costs for exported sugar, and Brazil uses its PEP and PEPRO programs to subsidize various commodities into traditional U.S. markets.”

Finally, the letter urged the elimination of residual export subsidies in the agricultural sector, but cautioned against language that would legitimize subsidies in developing nations. 

Signatories to the letter include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Milk Producers Federation, National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, USA Rice, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council and U.S. Wheat Associates.

The Nairobi Ministerial continues through Friday.



Growers continue to see strong soybean cyst nematode presence across Midwest

Throughout soybean harvest, Syngenta has been asking growers across the Midwest about their soybean crop and the types of pest pressure they faced this season. Many growers spoke about the weather, insects and diseases, but they named one pest above all others as a consistent problem: soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

SCN, the No. 1 pest in U.S. soybeans, affects the crop every year. The 2015 season was no exception. Once SCN presence is confirmed in a field, it cannot be removed, only managed.

SCN infects soybeans at the roots. Nematodes penetrate into the root tissue and leave behind unprotected wounds, which can lead to dwarfed or stunted plants in severe cases. These compromised root systems damage the plant’s ability to take up moisture and nutrients, and can reduce yield. In most cases, no aboveground symptoms are visible from SCN presence. This makes SCN one of the hardest pests to diagnose without sampling. University extension services, such as Iowa State University, are urging growers to sample soil for SCN and, if found, to plant resistant seed varieties treated with nematicide seed treatments.

Like the nematode’s pervasive presence, acceptance of the severe threat that SCN poses is beginning to spread.

“We have a big issue with nematodes that people don’t realize,” said Steve Boever, a grower in Readlyn, Iowa.

Boever has dealt with SCN pressure in the past, but this year he planted seed treated with Clariva® Complete Beans seed treatment, a combination of separately registered products, to fight SCN. A more robust root system is one of the biggest changes that Boever noticed this season.

“Big roots mean big yields,” Boever said. “These have been my best beans in 30 years.”

Boever is not alone in fighting SCN. Growers across the U.S. are now giving the pest more attention. Grower reports across the Midwest in 2015 have confirmed its presence in all major soybean-producing states. With the spread of this pest, there is also a proliferation of soybean diseases. When SCN infects soybeans, wounds to the roots can lead to increased damage from SCN-related diseases, such as sudden death syndrome (SDS).

With new growers confirming SCN presence in their fields every year, the best way to protect soybeans is to rotate with non-host crops like corn, alfalfa and cereals, and to plant SCN-resistant varieties treated with Clariva Complete Beans. For additional activity against SDS, growers can add Mertect® 340-F fungicide to Clariva Complete Beans. Mertect 340-F adds proven, effective SDS protection and, in combination with Clariva Complete Beans, rounds out a powerful seed treatment program to protect soybeans.



Santa’s veterinarian clears reindeer for Christmas flight

Following a health checkup at the North Pole, Santa’s veterinarian has given the green light to Rudolph’s red nose and the rest of the reindeer that will be traveling the world this Christmas Eve.

Dr. Joe Kinnarney, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, visited the North Pole today to ensure that Santa’s team of nine were up-to-date on their vaccinations and healthy enough to make their annual trek around the globe.

“After a thorough examination I can tell you that Santa’s reindeer are perfectly healthy and in great shape, and ready for their flight.,” Dr. Kinnarney said.

The reindeer’s annual exam includes a health check about 10 days prior to their Christmas Eve flight to make sure they’re healthy and not showing any signs of disease—such as brucellosis, tuberculosis or chronic wasting disease—that can be transmitted to other animals.

“Santa’s reindeer need to be in tip-top shape to complete their Christmas Eve flight on time, so it’s vital that they receive a pre-trip veterinary exam to make sure they are free of any injuries that might slow them down,” Dr, Kinnarney said. “Because the reindeer will be visiting all corners of the globe, we need to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and free of disease so they don’t pick up or spread any infections to other animals around the world.”

In addition to presents for children around the world, Santa is required to bring with him an official “North Pole Certificate of Animal Export” that allows him to freely cross borders and ensure health officials that his reindeer are no threat to animal or public health.

Dr. Kinnarney will make a follow-up trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to provide a pre-flight checkup and to inspect the reindeer upon their return on Christmas morning.

For kids who want to help the reindeer on their journey, Dr. Kinnarney recommended leaving a plate of graham cracker reindeer cookies, their favorite snack, for Santa to feed them between stops.

Dr. Kinnarney’s work is consistent with the role veterinarians play every day to ensure the health of animals, people and the environment across the globe. Far from just being “dog and cat doctors,” veterinarians work with all kinds of species, in all types of environments, to make the world a healthier place for all forms of life.

While unavailable for comment due to his busy work schedule, Santa issued a statement, saying, “Without my reindeer there simply would be no Christmas. Proper veterinary care ensures that, year in and year out, my team and I are able to deliver presents to boys and girls around the world. Dr. Kinnarney is definitely on the ‘nice list’ again this year.”

For more information on Dr. Kinnarney’s role as North Pole Veterinarian, including answers to kids’ questions about reindeer, visit avma.org/holiday.