Tuesday December 22 Ag News

Area Youth Participate in Nebraska Youth Pork Conference

Blake Guenther, Kiley Guenther, Connor Klitz and Braxton Deets all from West Point, participated in a “pilot” of the Nebraska Youth Pork Conference – “Makin’ Bacon … and a WHOLE Lot More!” conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on December 13 - 15.  A total of 19 youth, nominated by extension educators from across the state, participated in this inaugural program, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Extension, and the UNL Department of Animal Science.

The ultimate goal of the program, according to Dr. Bryan Reiling who developed and coordinated the program in consultation with Kyla Habrock, Education Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, was to educate youth about the pork industry and pork product utilization through a variety of engaging activities that simultaneously functioned to enhance basic life skills including leadership, teamwork, and communication. 

Understanding pork, as a wholesome, flavorful, and versatile food product for the consumer was a primary focal point of the conference.  Working alongside meat science faculty, these youth fabricated a pork carcass into retail cuts.  They learned that the pig’s not all chops, or ribs, or bacon; and they learned how the origination of those cuts, in addition to consumer demands, affect value. 

The conference then moved from the meat laboratory to the new Food Innovation Center on Nebraska’s Innovation Campus where they learned about the versatility of pork as an entrée.  Two chefs, Kevin and Roger Mandigo, provided culinary instruction as youth prepared and served a multitude of pork entrée items ranging from gluten-free breaded pork cutlets and pan-seared pork chops to seasoned and sauted fresh pork belly. 

Related lessons provided information on food safety.  Yes, we’ve got the safest food supply in the world, but the pork industry continually strives to further enhance the safety of their product through incorporation and usage of HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) programs.  Conference participants learned the importance of proper temperature control and sanitation in the handling and preparation of food products; that consumers must also take responsibility for food safety.

Working in small groups, conference participants were challenged with tackling one of three issues related to pork production and/or consumption of pork products.  They conducted research and developed group presentations (skits) to address issues from the viewpoint of consumers, the pork producer, and the meats industry.  Issues discussed included the usage of antibiotics, animal welfare, and the World Health Organization’s implication that meat causes cancer.  Through this activity, not only did participants learn more about the issues, the truths and fallacies; they better understood the importance of good communication – what we way, and how we say it.

There were numerous activities designed to reinforce basic life skills, but the Escape Room was definitely the highlight.  Small groups of conference participants were locked together in a room; using the tools and clues provided, they had one hour to break the code that would allow them to escape.  All 19 youth agreed or strongly agreed that the Escape Room was an effective “capstone” activity to showcase the importance of leadership, communication, and teamwork!

Overall, this “pilot” of the Nebraska Youth Pork Conference was very successful, and evaluation input provided by inaugural participants will be used to further enhance future programs.



Applications Being Accepted for Ethanol Blender Pumps in NE

The Nebraska Energy Office is accepting applications through December 31, 2015 for funding through the Access Ethanol Nebraska (AEN) grant program to install ethanol blender pumps across the state of Nebraska, allowing greater access to ethanol for Nebraskans and out of state visitors. Over $6 million in federal, private and state funds will be available for the blender pumps, fuel storage tanks, necessary infrastructure, marketing and education.

Access Ethanol Nebraska is a public-private partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Nebraska Department of Agriculture, with the Energy Office as the lead agency. Federal funding for the AEN came from the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) grant through the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, which requires a dollar to dollar match from the state, private industry and foundations.

A portion of the matching funds will come from Legislative Bill 581 (LB 581) passed by the Nebraska Unicameral last session, which allows for some ethanol infrastructure. Additional funding will come from the Corn Board through the state corn checkoff, which is paid by Nebraska corn farmers. Funding also will come from the Ethanol Board and "Prime the Pump;" a non-profit organized and funded by the ethanol industry to improve ethanol infrastructure. The Energy Office is also pursuing matching funds from Nebraska ethanol producers.

"We encourage Nebraska retailers to take advantage of this program to not only increase access to ethanol blended fuels for motorists in Nebraska, but to increase the sales of ethanol," said David Bracht, Director of the Nebraska Energy Office. "Typically sales of mid-level ethanol blend fuels have increased 45 — 55% at Nebraska stations that have installed multi-product ethanol dispensers."

Nebraska ethanol plants produce around 2 billion gallons of ethanol a year, of which over 95% is shipped to other states or countries. In 2014, Nebraska motorists used an estimated 77 million gallons, or approximately 10% of the 764 million gallons that Nebraska produces. As a result of consuming less than is produced there is an abundance of a Nebraska made product to sell to other states creating economic development/prosperity for the state.

This collaboration reflects Governor Pete Ricketts' mission to Grow Nebraska with employment and economic development through a variety of areas highlighting Nebraska's best resources. It also will further the Energy Office's mission to "promote the efficient, economic and environmentally responsible use of energy."

Letters detailing the program and requirements were sent to Nebraska fuel retailers this week. Information and requirements of the program, as well as the application are available at http://neo.ne.gov/cleanfuels/AEN.htm.



Iowa State Dairy Association to Hold 2016 Annual Meeting

The Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) will hold its 2016 Annual Meeting on Friday, January 8, 2016. The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Prairie Links Golf & Event Center, 19 Eagle Ridge Dr. in Waverly, Iowa. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; all ISDA members are invited to attend and anyone interested in the dairy industry is encouraged to attend and to explore opportunities of becoming a member.

This year our guest speakers are Mr. Gary Sipiorski, Dairy Development Manager with VitaPlus, Madison, Wisc., and Mr. Mike Naig, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Des Moines. Sipiorski will talk about the World of Dairying Today and how Iowa fits. Secretary Naig will talk about the current agriculture budget and how IDALS and the dairy industry can work together.  They will take questions from the audience. 

After the presentation, lunch will be provided and the business session will begin with officer reports and activity updates. Changes to ISDA policy will be discussed and voted on by the 2016 ISDA voting delegates. Current ISDA policy can be viewed on the ISDA website at www.iowadairy.org.

There is no cost to attend but please RSVP to Sue Ann Claudon by January 4, 2016, by calling (515) 330-7906 or emailing sueannc@iowadairy.org.

In the event of winter weather, please log on to the ISDA website to check on the status of the meeting.



Iowa Farm Bureau to feature regional 'Take Root' farm transition workshops for farm families

Transitioning the family farm from one generation to the next is a common goal for Iowa farm families, but is often an emotional and complex process for all involved.  Thanks to Iowa Farm Bureau’s Take Root Program, farm families can get the necessary help and resources needed to start the process and put the plan in place.            

“Take Root is more than just estate and transition planning,” said Amanda Van Steenwyk, farm business development manager at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).  “Take Root provides strategies and resources that will improve family communication, assist in navigating through the emotional obstacles, and identify the business and estate planning tools that correspond with transferring the family business to the next generation.”

Since the program’s inception in 2013, more than 2,500 members have participated in Take Root workshops held throughout the state as they began to navigate the farm succession planning process.

The next round of Take Root workshops, beginning in January 2016, will have a different format, with changes allowing farm families to go more in-depth with their planning.  The enhanced Take Root program will now feature a series of two three-hour workshops, where attendees will receive information and resources useful in developing a managed, comprehensive approach to family farm succession.

During the initial workshop, families will learn how to start the conversation about farm transition planning.  “We know it’s an emotional process,” Van Steenwyk said.  “The farm wasn’t created in a day, so we know there are emotional ties that we will work through as well.”

During the second workshop, families will interact with a panel of farm business experts who will provide insight on estate, tax and financial planning, leases and tenant qualities, and beginning farmer opportunities.

“The workshops are designed to answer any questions families have regarding farm business transitions and helping to provide a framework on how to carry on the family’s farming legacy,” Van Steenwyk said.

“Another great addition to the Take Root program is the incorporation of the Ag Transitions software program,” Van Steenwyk said.  “Through the Take Root program, participants can create an Ag Transitions account which helps break a comprehensive succession plan into categorized blocks, allowing for easier presentation and understanding.”

On January 19 and February 2, Take Root workshops will be held in Mount Pleasant.  Decorah will host Take Root workshops on February 11 and 25.  Workshops will be held in Algona on February 17 and March 9.  Participation in the Take Root workshops are a member benefit for Iowa Farm Bureau members.  Non-members are welcome to attend for $55 per family.

For a complete agenda and details on how to register for the two Take Root workshops, go to www.iowafarmbureau.com/takeroot.



AFBF Appoints National YF&R Committee Members

The American Farm Bureau Federation has appointed new members to its national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the 2016-2018 term beginning in March. The committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or a couple may hold each committee appointment.

AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment of the following new members to the committee: Ryan Amberg, New York (vineyard supplier); David Bentrem, Pennsylvania (beef cattle and American quarter horses); Chandler and Jenna Bowers, Texas (beef cattle, crops and grain storage); Billy and Kalena Bruce, Missouri (beef cattle and agritourism); Richard and Megan Floyd, South Carolina (crops); Patrick and Nicole Hackley, Montana (beef cattle and crops); Peter and Lydia Whitman, Clinton, Iowa (beef cattle, corn and soybeans); and Kevin and Haley Wilson, North Carolina (beef cattle and hay).

"The individuals selected to serve are great leaders and have already given so much back to their communities," said Stallman. "I look forward to the work they will do on the YF&R Committee as well as watching them become even stronger advocates for today's agriculture."

Peter and Lydia Whitman have each been finalists in the IFBF Young Farmers Discussion Meet, and have served in leadership positions within the Clinton County Farm Bureau.  The Whitmans have a deep commitment to growing the grassroots of the Iowa Farm Bureau, specifically initiating programs and events to attract young farmers to the Clinton County Farm Bureau.

“The hands-on style of leadership and volunteerism demonstrated by the Whitmans show the commitment and passion they have for agriculture today,” said IFBF President Craig Hill.  “As our young farmer programs continue to grow and excel, the Whitmans embody the positive characteristics of a young farm family, and will serve as excellent representatives of Iowa agriculture.” 

Committee members are responsible for YF&R program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF's Annual Convention each January and the Harvest for All program. They also provide support in planning and implementing leadership conferences.

National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. They study farm and food policy issues, participate in leadership training exercises and hone other professional skills during their two-year terms as committee members.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes men and women between the ages of 18-35. Learn more online at http://www.fb.org/programs/yfr/home/. 



Growth Energy and New Holland Announce Boomer Tractor Sweepstakes Winner

Growth Energy and New Holland Agriculture are pleased to announce the 2015 Growth Energy Individual Member Sweepstakes winner. Mr. Bill Howell  was presented with the Boomer 47, a 47 hp tractor customized with Growth Energy racing decals at Haley Equipment in Carroll, Iowa.

“We are proud to support farmers and those who choose to work the land and who work so hard every day to grow crops to help feed the world and fuel our nation,” said Growth Energy Co-Chair, Tom Buis. “Our members are working hard to revitalize our rural economies, create new jobs and ensure our nation will have a sustainable and secure energy future. This sweepstakes was part of a larger effort to continue to build grassroots support for biofuels across the country. Our growing grassroots advocates, such as Mr. Howell, help promote our industry and ensure that lawmakers in Washington understand the important role biofuels play in America’s heartland.”

New Holland and Growth Energy presented the custom Boomer 47 to Mr. Howell on Monday, December 21 at Haley Equipment Inc. in Carroll, Iowa. Clay Haley represent Haley Equipment during the event, with Scott Wangsgard and George Rigdon representing New Holland Agriculture.

“New Holland is proud to support Growth Energy in their individual membership growth initiatives and we look forward to continuing the partnership in 2016,” said Ron Shaffer, Director of Commercial Sales Regions and Network Development for New Holland North America. “We are also pleased to have the opportunity to provide Mr. Howell with the Boomer 47 and we hope he will find it to be a valuable asset to his operation.”



ASA and Fellow Farm Groups Press EPA on Enlist Duo Scrutiny

In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy today, the American Soybean Association (ASA) worked with a coalition of major farm groups in pressing the agency to withdraw its request to vacate the registration for Dow’s Enlist Duo herbicide, highlighting the urgent need for new modes of action to tackle resistant weeds on farms across the country.

“U.S. growers have an urgent need for a new mode of action as these regulatory delays have exacerbated the proliferation of hard-to-control weed populations. These delays are necessitating more intense weed control practices that complicate environmental management,” wrote the groups in the letter. “Herbicide tolerant cropping systems allow growers to more efficiently use active ingredients for weed control while providing environmental benefits like reduced tillage that improves soil heath and limits nutrient run-off. Additional herbicide modes of action will help proactively manage weed herbicide resistance.”

The groups cited the already-exhaustive review undertaken by both USDA and EPA on the Enlist family of products.

“Among the many new requirements for registration of Enlist Duo at EPA was an unprecedented review of the potential effects of the product on threatened and endangered species. After an exhaustive state-by-state review, EPA concluded that use of Enlist Duo in accordance with the product label, which imposed a 30-foot wind directional buffer zone, would have no effect on threatened and endangered species. This review took place on a product that simply combines two herbicides that have each been on the market for decades…” wrote the groups.

The groups also took issue with EPA’s reference to additional and new data in its decision to reevaluate Enlist Duo.

“There will always be new information to be considered about products EPA has registered. Congress has recognized this, and included in FIFRA several vehicles for reviewing products. But none of these vehicles authorize the agency to withdraw a previously approved product in the absence of an ‘imminent hazard,’” wrote the groups. “… No one has suggested that the information EPA now is considering with Enlist Duo comes close to meeting that threshold."

Joining ASA on the letter is the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council and the National Farmers Union.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on November 30, 2015 were down 3 percent from the previous month but up 21 percent from last year. Total red meat is a record high for the month of November, since the data was first recorded in 1916. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 27 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 7 percent from the previous month but up 14 percent from last year. Total pork is a record high for the month of November, since the data was first recorded in 1915. Stocks of pork bellies were up 131 percent from last month and up 15 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2015 were down 11 percent from the previous month but up 22 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 27 percent from last year. Total chicken is a record high for the month of November, since the data was first recorded in 1939. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 46 percent from last month but up 1 percent from November 30, 2014.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2015 were down slightly from the previous month but up 13 percent from November 30, 2014.  Butter stocks were down 26 percent from last month but up 23 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 1 percent from last month but up 7 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 4 percent from last month but up 1 percent from a year ago.



USFRA Releases New 'Day on a Farm' Video Series

A single produce farm that raises GMO, conventional and organic crops. A cattle ranch that perseveres through the serious California drought. A pig farm that specializes in day-one animal care. A family dairy farm where producing quality milk is job #1, every day of the year. These are America's farms and ranches.

People can now learn more about where their food comes from through U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance's (USFRA) new "Day on a Farm" online video series, created in collaboration with the popular online kitchen and home destination Food52. All four videos are now live on USFRA's FoodDialogues.com website and USFRA's Facebook page, and also on Food52's YouTube channel.

"More than ever, people are interested in learning how their food is grown and raised, but most don't have an opportunity to hear directly from farmers and ranchers or to see food production in action," said USFRA CEO Randy Krotz. "America's farms and ranches are as diverse as the consumers who eat their food - and our goal is to show a variety of farming and ranching practices and the people at the forefront of these practices. USFRA is excited to partner with the Food52 community to bring food production to life."

The video series highlights farmers and ranchers who share stories about how they personally manage common food production practices like antibiotics, GMOs, sustainability, and animal welfare while growing and raising food.



All Fertilizer Prices Lower Again
National retail fertilizer prices continued to drift lower the third week of December 2015, according to dealers tracked by DTN. That's a move that could offer modest breaks for corn budgets in 2016.

All eight of the major fertilizers edged lower compared to a month earlier, but none were down significantly. DAP had an average price of $532 per ton, MAP $544/ton, potash $410/ton, urea $392/ton, 10-34-0 $571/ton, anhydrous $612/ton, UAN28 $279/ton and UAN32 $331/ton.

Urea fell through the $400-per-ton level in recent weeks. This is the first time the fertilizer's price has been below this level since the first week of September 2010 when the price was at $392 per ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.43/lb.N, anhydrous $0.38/lb.N, UAN28 $0.50/lb.N and UAN32 $0.52/lb.N.



End of Year Priorities Clear the Way to Focus on Trade in 2016
Philip Ellis, NCBA President

Cattlemen and women can rest a little easier as they move into the New Year knowing several policy victories were contained in the Omnibus Appropriations bill. For NCBA, top among these was Country of Origin Labeling. Cattle producers have long known that consumers were unaware COOL labeling existed, and it had no discernable impact on the price or demand for U.S. beef. However, the largest issue remained the threat of retaliatory tariffs and the long term damage that violating our trade agreements would have had on future trade negotiations. While NCBA continued to urge action to avoid these outcomes, unfortunately it took within hours of implementation of tariffs for Congress to act.

While COOL certainly captured the headlines, the Omnibus contained many more priorities for cattle producers including language to continue congressional oversight of the dietary guidelines process. With passage, Congress made it clear that the current and future Dietary Guidelines will be based on scientific agreement and limited to nutrition and dietary information. The bill also increases scrutiny on beef imports from regions with known animal disease issues, funds wildfire reserves, continues prohibitions on environmental permitting and reporting and blocks the Department of Interior from designating de facto wilderness areas. 

Just as timely, Congress also passed tax extenders legislation, which always seem to fall to the last minute, forcing producers to either make decisions during the year speculating on the tax ramifications or push major decisions to the last days of the year in order to take advantage of these provisions. While that is again the case this tax year, the good news is Section 179 was made permanent at $500,000, 50 percent bonus depreciation was extended through 2019 and the Conservation Easement Tax Credit was permanently extended. This was remarkable news for NCBA, as we’ve been working on certainty in the tax code for a number of years, and without the appetite by Congress to take up full tax reform, it subjected many of these critical provisions to short term extensions. Now with permanent and multi-year extensions, producers will be able to plan with their financial advisor to grow and expand their operations.

This end to 2015 puts the cattle industry in a great place to set our sights on expanded trade and access to Asia and the Pacific Rim in 2016. While the priorities for the industry will be set by our producer leadership in San Diego, Calif., we know that passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be a major focus for the year ahead. The cattle industry has already lost over $100 million in trade into Japan, thanks to a preferential trade agreement between Japan and Australia. That gap will continue to grow as the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement continues to ratchet down Japan’s tariff on imported beef. The good news is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, negotiated by the U.S. Trade Representative, would reduce Japan’s tariffs on imported beef below Australia’s preferential agreement upon passage. That would instantly level the playing field, and allow U.S. producers to seize and build on our lost market share. The cattle industry cannot afford to push passage of TPP back, every day without an agreement costs us market share in the Pacific. With over $7 billion in U.S. beef exports in 2014, exports help stabilize our markets, allow our producers to fetch a premium for muscle cuts internationally, and add value to variety meats that otherwise would sell for little to nothing domestically. Trade represented $350 in value per head in 2014, and it represents the future of the profitability of the beef industry. I hope you’ll visit our website at www.TPPNow.com to see more benefits to the cattle industry from trade and learn how this agreement will impact your bottom line.

We were pleased to see so many priority issues the Omnibus. While this wasn’t an ag bill, it addressed the industry’s top concerns and will allow the NCBA to focus on passage of the TPP in 2016. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Diego, Calif., Jan 27-29. For more information and to register, visit www.BeefUSA.org, or call (303)-694-0305. And from my family to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



RFA Analysis Shows Uptick in Number of Automakers Who Have Approved E15 for Use in New Vehicles

An analysis of 2016 model year (MY)  warranty statements and owner’s manuals conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) shows that auto manufacturers explicitly approve E15 (15 percent ethanol 85 percent gasoline) use in more than 70 percent of new vehicles. This is up from 2015, when just over 60 percent of MY 2015 automobiles were clearly approved for E15.

RFA’s analysis shows that, for the first time, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA Group) has approved the use of E15 in its MY 2016 Chrysler/Fiat, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles. FCA’s decision means it joins the other members of the “Detroit Three” (General Motors and Ford) in unequivocally allowing E15. Other key points from RFA’s analysis include:

    GM started approving the use of E15 with its MY 2012 vehicles, while Ford joined a year later with its MY 2013 vehicles.

    More than 45 percent of the vehicles sold in the United States this year have been produced by the Detroit Three, according to industry data.

    Other automakers offering explicit approval of E15 in MY 2016 vehicles include Toyota/Lexus, Audi/Porsche/Volkswagen, Honda/Acura, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Together with the Detroit Three, these manufactures have produced approximately 72 percent of the vehicles sold in 2015.

    When flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) produced by Nissan and Mercedes-Benz are included, RFA estimates the percentage of MY 2016 automobiles explicitly approved by manufacturers to use E15 is even larger (FFVs are approved to use up to 85 percent ethanol blends).

    With a U.S. market share of 8.5 percent, Nissan Motor Company is the largest “hold-out” when it comes to approving the use of E15 in its vehicles. Nissan even goes as far as suggesting that “E-15 fuel will adversely affect the emission control devices and systems of the vehicle,” which raises questions about why Nissan is not able to provide the same quality of technology as automakers approving the use of E15. Curiously, Nissan also warns drivers that oxygenates like ethanol “can cause paint damage.”

    Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru also continue to exclude E15 from their fuel recommendations. Together, these three foreign automakers account for about 11 percent of U.S. auto sales. While Subaru recommends that gasoline used in its vehicles contain “no more than 10% ethanol,” it allows the use of gasoline containing 15% MTBE—a toxic substance banned in dozens of states because of groundwater pollution concerns.

    Interestingly, BMW’s MINI Hardtop appears to allow the use of 25% ethanol blends. The manufacturer states, “Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 25%, i.e., E10 or E25, may be used for refueling.”

“This analysis should open some eyes and finally lay to rest the ridiculous myth that automakers do not allow the use of E15 in their vehicles,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “In fact, 2016 will be the fifth year in a row in which some auto manufacturers have explicitly included E15 in owners’ manuals and warranty statements as an approved fuel. With each passing year, more and more vehicles sold in the U.S. carry the manufacturer’s unequivocal approval for E15; and with each passing year, the auto warranty misinformation campaign undertaken by AAA and Big Oil fades further into irrelevance.”

Dinneen also noted the utter hypocrisy of statements made by AAA and the oil industry that using E15 may void auto warranties. “Ironically, not a single automaker approves the use of 85 octane gasoline, and the Department of Energy (DOE) warns that using such fuel may void warranties,” he said. “Yet, 85 octane gasoline continues to be sold all across the Rocky Mountain region and refiners are fighting tooth and nail to keep this inferior gasoline in the marketplace.”

While automakers began approving the use of E15 in their vehicles in 2012, approximately 6 million miles’ worth of testing by DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the use of E15 is safe in all vehicles built since 2001. E15 waivers issued by EPA in 2010 and 2011 effectively approve  the use of E15 in all vehicles built since 2001; this means more than 85 percent of the total current U.S. vehicle fleet can safely and legally run on E15.



NCGA Encourages Members to Apply for Leadership Academy

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers they are invited to become a part of the change they desire by actively honing their leadership skills through the Leadership at Its Best Program co-sponsored by Syngenta.  Growers must be nominated by their state corn association. Interested members should contact their state associations now for further information.  The deadline for state associations to submit their nominees to NCGA is March 25,.

"For 30 years, Leadership at Its Best has helped train strong, confident volunteers who have helped shape the industry through their subsequent work at the state and national level," said NCGA President Chip Bowling.  "Just like in our business, we must always cultivate the next generation of leaders. NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership, and I can personally attest that the time and effort dedicated are repaid in full through the incredible relationships built with like-minded individuals."

Open to all NCGA membership, Leadership at Its Best provides training to interested growers. The first session, held in August in Greensboro, N.C., addresses personal communications skills, public speaking and association management.  The second session will be held in March 2017 in Washington and focus on public policy issues, meeting with their congressional delegation and parliamentary procedure.  Through this program, participants build the skill set needed to become a more confident public speaker with a solid background in the procedures and processes used by NCGA and many state organizations.

Since 1986, the National Corn Growers Association, the state corn associations and, most importantly, the U.S. corn industry, have benefited tremendously from the Syngenta co-sponsored Leadership at Its Best Program.  More than 620 growers have gained invaluable media, communications, association management and public policy knowledge and skills over the lifetime of the program.
 
Participants must be registered members of NCGA.  Those interested should contact their state corn organization which will submit nominees for the programs. Members wishing to apply but living in states without an affiliated state organization are welcome to submit their forms directly to NCGA.



Brazil Eyes WTO Suit vs. US Soy
Alastair Stewart, DTN South America Correspondent

Brazil's government will once again consider whether to question U.S. soybean subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Valor Economico, a local business daily reported Wednesday.

Depressed international prices have spurred Brazilian farm groups to formally request the government study a challenge to U.S. weather and price insurance schemes.

According to Valor, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry's plan is to study the issue in the first months of 2016.

Aprosoja Brasil, a grain producer group, has hired a U.S. law firm to help build the case. It claims that subsidized U.S. farm support deprives Brazilian farmers of $1 billion a year in soy revenues.

If the ministry were to decide to pursue the case, it would certainly increase animosity between the two main soy-producing countries.

Brazil has been toying with a challenge for some time, even before it won its landmark WTO decision against U.S. cotton subsidies. The cotton decision provided a blueprint for how the Brazilians should proceed and established important precedents.

Interest in such an idea has grown over the last year as, with international prices depressed, the alleged distortion caused by the U.S. programs increase. Also, the enacting of the 2014 Farm Bill provides clear rules to be questioned.

According to Valor, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry wanted to wait until after last week's WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, before it studied the case.



ASA Disappointed in Nairobi WTO Results

Following the conclusion of the World Trade Organization’s Nairobi Ministerial this past weekend, the American Soybean Association (ASA) expresses its disappointment with the decision to allow the continued use of export subsidies by developing nations.

Specifically, ASA is disappointed that the agreement on export competition reached at the WTO Ministerial in Nairobi will allow developing countries to use marketing, processing, and transportation subsidies for exported commodities under Article 9.4 until 2023 – practices that undercut U.S. exports and distort trade.  ASA supported the position of the United States and many others that the ability of developing countries to utilize Article 9.4 export subsidies expired in 2004, at the end of the implementation period of the Uruguay Round commitments.

“The Nairobi agreement effectively raises these subsidies from the dead and legitimizes their use without any meaningful discipline until 2023,” said ASA President Richard Wilkins, a farmer from Greenwood, Del. “It will be important for the U.S. Trade Representative to work to ensure that countries do not attempt to shield these programs by shifting their subsidies under Article 9.4.”

“In addition, we saw India hold the Doha negotiations hostage in Bali and now again in Nairobi.  India’s continued efforts to roll back previous commitments and to block meaningful trade liberalization by developing countries going forward makes us concerned about future talks,” said Wilkins. “We appreciate Ambassador Froman’s statement that the Doha Round is effectively over and that future negotiations must take place under a new architecture.  Simply put, we believe the United States should only engage in future WTO negotiations it they occur under a markedly different framework than the flawed Doha mandate.”

On the positive side, the Nairobi agreement does reflect the U.S. goal to immediately eliminate the use of export subsidies by developed countries, and includes a relatively short elimination period for their use by developing countries (other than the Article 9.4 export subsidies).  Additionally, the agreement reached in Nairobi harmonizes terms of export credit programs with those of the U.S., and allows countries to continue their food aid programs, including monetization of commodities, as long as monetization does not disrupt local markets.

“On balance, we are disappointed in the Nairobi results,” said Wilkins. “We recognize that U.S. negotiators faced a very difficult environment in which to make progress.  The only silver lining to this agreement will be if future WTO negotiations truly take place on a new, sounder foundation that is based on the acceptance of greater disciplines by all parties.  ASA will continue working with other U.S. farm and commodity groups, the Administration, and the Congress to insist that this be the case.”



U.S. Wheat Associates Welcomes WTO Elimination of Export Subsidies

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, is very pleased with the recent decision by WTO members to eliminate agricultural export subsidies. 

Long banned for industrial goods, export subsidies are, along with guaranteed prices above world market levels and input subsidies, among the most harmful and distorting practices for world agricultural trade.  Although the WTO already banned export subsidies for industrial goods, many member countries are still authorized to use agricultural export subsides. While authorized subsidies are rarely used anymore, agreeing to eliminate them is no small matter. For example, while the European Union, collectively the world's largest wheat producer, no longer uses export subsidies it still has standby authority to do so. Other countries are using unauthorized export subsidies and should be challenged to prevent continued violations of current disciplines. Certainly, eliminating export subsidy authority at once for developed countries and by the end of 2018 for developing countries is a major step forward for world wheat trade.

USW is concerned, however, that the Nairobi Ministerial also reauthorized developing and least developed countries' use of processing and transport subsidies for agricultural products, an authority that had expired in 2004. While this reauthorization is limited and temporary, it is still a step backward for agricultural trade similar to the setback of the 2013 Bali Declaration. 

There were also changes in language affecting food aid and export credits, but our negotiators successfully defended U.S. practices in those areas. While further negotiations will take place on special safeguards and government food stockholding for developing and least developed countries, no commitment was made to continue the Doha Development Agenda as such, which we consider a positive outcome. It is long past time for countries to shelve the failed Doha negotiations and move on to more productive trade liberalization efforts to address the challenges of the 21st century.