Wednesday January 20 Ag News

Nebraska Farmers Union Asks State Senators to Return Smithfield PAC Donations, Declare Conflict of Interest, or Not Vote on LB176

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) released a copy of the letter they circulated to State Senators asking them to consider returning their Smithfield Foods, Inc. contributions to their campaigns, file a conflict of interest form, or to simply not vote on LB176 scheduled for debate tomorrow, Thursday, January 21st.

LB176 is the bill sponsored by Sen. Schilz that is being strongly lobbied by Mueller Robak who has a $5,000 per month contract beginning in January of 2015 to represent Smithfield Foods Inc. the nation’s largest hog producer and processor that would allow hog processors to directly own hogs in Nebraska.

The data Nebraska Farmers Union obtained from the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission revealed that 20 State Senators have received a total of $12,200 in recent political campaign contributions from Smithfield Foods, Inc. with all of the contributions coming in early January 2016 with the exception of one $1,000 contribution to Senator Ken Schilz in 2015.

Three State Senators have received $1,000 political campaign donations from Smithfield Foods, Inc.:  Sen. Ken Schilz in 2015 and Senators John Murante, Chairman of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and Jerry Johnson, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee in early January.

Four Senators received $750 each in political campaign donations from Smithfield Foods, Inc.: Senators Rick Kolowski, Tommy Garrett, Jim Scheer, and Dan Watermeier.

Twelve Senators received $500 each in political campaign donations from Smithfield Foods, Inc.:  Senators Nicole Fox, Curt Friesen, Tyson Larson, Mark Kolterman, Heath Mello, Joni Craighead, Dan Hughes, Patty Pansing Brooks, Laura Ebke, Brett Lindstrom, Adam Morfeld, and Burke Harr.

Senator John McCollister received a $200 political campaign contribution from Smithfield Foods, Inc. 

NeFU President John Hansen said “Given the history of large amounts of corporate ag money being invested in political campaigns and high priced lobby firms, we are simply saying that in order to protect the public perception of the objectivity of the Legislature, we hope that many of the checks are returned.  If the checks are kept, we suggest that at a minimum, a conflict of interest filing should be considered.  Another simple option would be to vote “Present” but not cast a yes or no vote on LB176.  Our organization has been and continues to be a strong defender of our unique unicameral system of government and the hard working men and women that make the sacrifice to serve.  NeFU has also been a long-time supporter of transparency and clean government measures.”

Hansen noted that Smithfield’s Accountability and Disclosure filing was sought after several Senators had noted in recent meetings on LB176 that the proponents were getting good sized campaign contributions.  “$11,200 of campaign contributions to support corporate pork legislation in one month is not chicken feed,” he concluded.



Beef Feedlot Roundtable Offered Feb. 9 at Three Iowa Locations

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Beef Center and the University of Nebraska are teaming up to offer a Feedlot Roundtable session at Cresco, Ida Grove and Manchester on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. These sessions are offered annually in Nebraska and Iowa for feedlot operators and interested agri-business people.

Topics for this year’s session include the following:
-    A review of silage research from production to use in the feedlot
-    Starch digestion by ruminants
-    Economic trends and outlook in the beef industry
-    Changing distillers grains and their use in feedlot cattle diets.

Dan Loy from Iowa State and Galen Erickson, Matt Luebbe and Kate Brooks from University of Nebraska will be the speakers.

The Feedlot Roundtable will be offered via Internet connection for Iowans at the ISU Extension and Outreach offices in Howard County, Ida County, and Delaware County. This webinar is part of an agreement between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and UNL Extension to share livestock educational resources and programs. See the program flier.

The $10 fee is payable at the door and covers materials and refreshments. To register, please contact the location you will attend by Feb. 8. Contact information is as follows:
-    Cresco, Howard County Extension, Sue Barnes, skbarnes@iastate.edu, 563-547-3001
-    Ida Grove, Ida County Extension, Kandice Moore, kandicem@iastate.edu, 712-364-3003
-    Manchester, Delaware County Extension, Denise Schwab, dschwab@iastate.edu, 319-472-4739

More information is available from the Iowa Beef Center website at www.iowabeefcenter.org, local county extension offices or ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialists.



2016 Commodity Classic Living Up to Its “Bigger & Better” Promise

The 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, March 3-5, is being billed as the biggest and best ever.  With registrations on a record pace and the largest trade show in the event’s history, it’s pretty clear that is going to be the case.

Commodity Classic Co-Chair Sam Butler, a soybean farmer from Alabama, said virtually everything about the 2016 Commodity Classic is setting new standards.   “I really don’t know where to start. Everything from the educational sessions to the Evening of Entertainment to the trade show is bigger and better,” Butler said.  “This is also the first time Commodity Classic has been in New Orleans, and that takes the excitement level up a few notches as well.”

The participation of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers in the 2016 Commodity Classic has added considerable excitement and participation from leading equipment companies, including a number of short line manufacturers.

“In the past we’ve had about 250,000 to 300,000 square feet of trade show space.  We have 600,000-plus square feet for the trade show this year,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chair Wesley Spurlock, a corn farmer from Texas.  “With the addition of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers this year, we’ve seen many big equipment companies triple the size of their footprint for 2016.”

As the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, Commodity Classic offers a unique experience for farmers that cannot be found anywhere else.   Spurlock noted that all educational sessions, entertainment and experiences at Commodity Classic are selected by a committee made up of farmers.

“So you get this view from all different commodities from all levels.  And we’re all in the room working together.  It’s a great collaboration because we’re not dealing with the politics.  We’re dealing with putting on a show that fits who we are and who you are,” Spurlock said.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, produced by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.



Current trends in school-based agricultural education focus of 2016 National Agriculture Education Summit in Indianapolis

Hundreds of agricultural education thought leaders, higher-education executives and business professionals will converge on Indianapolis next week for a three-day summit to focus on what is trending in school-based agricultural education.

A joint project of the National Council for Agriculture Education, the National FFA Organization, and the National FFA Foundation, the 2016 National Agricultural Education Summit will be Jan. 26-28, 2016 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing.

The event will focus on trends in school-based agricultural education.

“Changes in our industry and demographics are challenging teachers to find ways to meaningfully engage all students through experiential learning. The summit brings together a variety of national leaders in agricultural education to study, debate and seek solutions to the barriers we face," said Mike Honeycutt, managing director of The Council.

Topics that will be featured during the conference include a panel on the impact of career and technical education on agricultural education; infusing agricultural education standards into programming and resources; being an advocate for agricultural education; agriculture teacher recruiting and retention; safety in the agricultural education classrooms and more.

The newly revised National Quality Program Standards will also be unveiled at the event, followed by a panel discussion on how to use on a state level.



Secretaries of the Navy, Agriculture Launch Deployment of Great Green Fleet

Today, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack kicked off the Great Green Fleet with the deployment of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) during a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island.

The Great Green Fleet is a Department of the Navy initiative highlighting how the Navy and Marine Corps are using energy efficiency and alternative energy to increase combat capability and operational flexibility. At the close of the ceremony, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) left the pier to begin its deployment, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship running on an alternative fuel blend as part of its regular operations.

"When it comes to power, my focus has been about one thing and one thing only: better warfighting," said Mabus. "The Great Green Fleet shows how we are transforming our energy use to make us better warfighters, to go farther, stay longer, and deliver more firepower. In short, to enable us to provide the global presence that is our mission."

The blend fueling the JCS CSG's surface ships contains alternative fuel made from waste beef fat provided by farmers in the Midwest. It was purchased at a cost-competitive price through a partnership between the Department of the Navy and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aimed at making alternative fuel blends a regular part of the military's bulk operational fuel supply.

With the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Stockdale in the background, Mabus and Vilsack explained why this milestone alternative fuel purchase is important to the Navy and Marine Corps, and how it supports America's farmers, ranchers and rural manufacturing jobs.

Secretary Mabus said "Diversifying our energy sources arms us with operational flexibility and strengthens our ability to provide presence, turning the tables on those who would use energy as a weapon against us."

"The Navy's use of renewable energy in the Great Green Fleet represents its ability to diversify its energy sources, and also our nation's ability to take what would be a waste product and create homegrown, clean, advanced biofuels to support a variety of transportation needs," said Secretary Vilsack. "Today's deployment proves that America is on its way to a secure, clean energy future, where both defense and commercial transportation can be fueled by our own hardworking farmers and ranchers, reduce landfill waste, and bring manufacturing jobs back to rural America."

JCS CSG, the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet, deployed using energy conservation measures (ECMs), including stern flaps, LED lights, and energy efficient operational procedures, and alternative fuel in the course of its normal operations. Other ships, aircraft, amphibious and expeditionary forces, and shore installations using ECMs and/or alternative fuels in the course of performing planned mission functions will be part of the Great Green Fleet throughout 2016.

Stockdale is the first surface combatant to receive alternative fuel as part of its regular operational supply. Following the ceremony, Secretary Mabus and Secretary Vilsack flew out to the destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) to witness it replenishing its tanks with alternative fuel from fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). The remainder of the CSG's surface ships will receive fuel from fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), which will take on over three million gallons of the alternative fuel blend in Washington state before joining the CSG on deployment.

The advanced fuel blend was produced by California-based AltAir Fuels from a feedstock of beef tallow - waste beef fat - provided by Midwest farmers and ranchers, and traditional petroleum provided by Tesoro. Pursuant to Navy requirements, the alternative fuel is drop-in, meaning it requires no changes to ship engines, transport or delivery equipment, or operational procedures. The Defense Logistics Agency awarded a contract to AltAir Fuels for 77.6 million gallons of the alternative fuel blend, at a cost to DLA of $2.05 per gallon, making it cost competitive with traditional fuel.

Through the Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA is able to partner with the Navy to help diversify its fuel supply and simultaneously support America's own farmers, ranchers and rural economies.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale, USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) are part of the JCS CSG.

Sailing the Great Green Fleet in 2016 was one of the five energy goals Sec. Mabus set in 2009 for the Navy and Marine Corps. It was named to honor President Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, which helped usher in America as a global power on the world stage at the beginning of the 20th Century. The GGF will usher in the next era of Navy and Marine Corp energy innovation.



Ready to Do Business, the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo Rolls into Tampa Bay Next Week

The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo begins in earnest Tuesday, January 26th at the Tampa Convention Center with events that attract advanced biofuel advocates from across the country. And, with its first visit to Tampa Bay, event organizers are providing special opportunities for local residents to experience the festivities for themselves, including a screening of Merchants of Doubt Tuesday evening.

“When the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) was born some 23 years ago,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe, “we were the very definition of a ‘mom-and-pop’ industry. But we’ve come a long way in two decades. Biodiesel producers stretch from ‘coast-to-coast,’ with plants in nearly every state.”

Biodiesel is made from locally available byproducts and coproducts – soybean oil in the Grain Belt, recycled cooking oil in urban areas, animal fats from rendering plants in the Southwest and more. Last year, the U.S. industry’s more than 160 plants produced close to 2 billion gallons of cleaner-burning renewable fuel, and with the capacity for almost 3 billion gallons, those plants are poised for record growth in 2016.

“As the only advanced biofuel commercially available nationwide, biodiesel is uniquely positioned to provide an alternative to petroleum diesel that reduces carbon emissions by as much as 86 percent,” Jobe said. In addition to federal policies to support renewable energy, Jobe pointed to states like California setting their own low carbon fuel standards with the expectation that biodiesel will help them meet their targets.

The events kick-off Tuesday morning with Jobe’s “State of the Industry” presentation and a keynote address from former U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis, Executive Director of RepublicEn.com, an organization “committed to building public understanding of free enterprise and its promise to solve energy and climate challenges.”

That afternoon, the Expo Hall opens and convention guests will be treated to dozens of exhibitors and a Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase that includes models from PACCAR / Peterbilt, Hino Trucks, General Motors and more. 

Biodiesel is particularly popular for helping municipalities, school systems and others across the country meet their sustainability goals by employing biodiesel in the management of their fleets. Tampa Bay is no exception, with biodiesel powering buses at the University of South Florida. In fact, one of USF’s “Bullrunners” will be on display at the Showcase.

With more and more manufacturers eager to promote biodiesel for their diesel vehicles, Tampa Bay residents are invited Wednesday to check out a selection of the latest biodiesel cars and trucks from local dealers at a unique ride-and-drive event taking place just outside the convention center.

Beyond the ride-and-drive, Tampa Bay residents are invited to explore all the conference has to offer on Wednesday. And Tuesday, residents are invited to a special screening of the documentary Merchants of Doubt, sponsored at 9 p.m. by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Award-winning director Robert Kenner takes audiences on a satirically comedic, yet illuminating view of a secretive group of silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who aim to spread maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to climate change.

The conference comes to a conclusion Thursday with a presentation to conference guests by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.



Vilsack on Senate Progress to Reauthorize Child Nutrition Programs

In anticipation of legislation this week from the Senate to reauthorize child nutrition programs, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provides the following statement:

We are pleased the Senate is making bipartisan progress to reauthorize critical child nutrition programs. The Senate's bill is a win for children, parents, schools and for our country's future. It maintains our commitment to science-based nutrition standards for school meals and protects the advancements we have made in children's health since the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Rather than diminish the progress made since the changes were implemented in 2012, the Senate's bill ensures progress will continue improving our children's diets, and it promises to end partisan battles about the future of our kids.

The bill is consistent with the approach taken at USDA all along, which is to provide reasonable flexibility for schools as they continue transitioning to the updated standards -- an approach that is working. A 2014 Harvard study shows that in some schools, under the updated standards, kids are now eating 16 percent more vegetables and 23 percent more fruit at lunch. A 2015 study by the University of Connecticut's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that kids ate nearly 20 percent more of their vegetables in the schools they examined after the standards were updated. And a study of schools in Washington State just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that the nutritional quality of meals chosen by students has improved since HHFKA was implemented, while program participation did not change. Multiple surveys have documented how the majority of parents and students like the new meals, and—most important—new evidence suggests after decades of a growing obesity epidemic that harmed the health and future of our children and cost our country billions, we are starting to see progress in preventing this disease. The bill sustains and supports this progress.

We applaud the Senate's bipartisan progress and urge Congress to reauthorize these programs for our young people without delay.



IDFA and NMPF Commend Senate Action on Child Nutrition Legislation

The Senate Agriculture Committee today approved legislation to enhance the quality of nutrition in federal feeding programs, including provisions that would help reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools and improve the health of America’s children, according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). The two dairy associations praised Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for constructing child nutrition legislation that is inclusive and bipartisan.

IDFA and NMPF support the nutrition bill because almost all age groups consume less dairy than recommended by the newly-released 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), and this legislation offers the opportunity to improve dairy intake among the nation’s youth. The nutrition bill approved today reflects the latest findings of the DGA, which indicated that consumption of dairy foods provides numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

“Along with dairy’s long-established role in promoting bone health, reducing the risk of insidious chronic diseases and conditions demonstrates why milk is offered with every school meal and dairy foods are prominent parts of other nutrition assistance programs,” said Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA.

The measure approved Wednesday directs the Department of Agriculture to review milk consumption in both the school meal programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). It also calls for adjustments to promote greater consumption of milk as recommended by the DGA.

Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, said that passage of the legislation “will help reverse the trend of declining milk consumption in schools, a trend that unfortunately is in direct conflict with federal Dietary Guidelines, which say children should be drinking more milk for lifelong health. If the trend is allowed to continue, it will have serious consequences for children’s health today and throughout their adult lives,” he said. Mulhern noted that from 2012 to 2014, schools served 187 million fewer half-pints of milk, although total public school enrollment grew during that period.

The Senate bill also calls on USDA to address the needs of lactose-intolerant students by offering lactose-free milk through the USDA Foods Program.

The child nutrition reauthorization bill is now expected to move to the full Senate for consideration. The House has begun consideration of a similar measure but has not approved any legislation so far. Authorization for federal child nutrition programs formally expired at the end of September 2015, but the existing programs continue to operate pending approval of the reauthorization bill.



Farmer Co-ops Express Support for “All Forms” Provision in Senate Child Nutrition Bill

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) today expressed its support for language included in the Senate’s child nutrition reauthorization bill to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to include all forms of fruits and vegetables, including frozen, canned and dried, in some circumstances.

Included in the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016, which was marked up and reported out by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today, the provision allows certain school districts to petition USDA to purchase canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables for use in the FFVP.

“This provision will help provide schoolchildren in some of the country’s poorest school districts with greater access to the important vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables. The science is clear in showing equivalent nutritional benefits of canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables when compared to fresh,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC. “Since canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables are often much more affordable options, this option will give these school districts greater flexibility and empower them to provide healthy food to their students.”



Obama Vetoes Anti-WOTUS Resolution

President Obama delivered an expected veto of a congressional resolution that would kill the administration's 'Waters of the United States' rule redefining the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

"Because this resolution seeks to block the progress represented by this rule and deny businesses and communities the regulatory certainty and clarity needed to invest in projects that rely on clean water, I cannot support it," Obama said in his veto message.

Republicans were unable to muster veto-proof, two-thirds majorities in either the House and Senate, but GOP leaders believe the measure will serve to highlight election-year differences between the parties.

The WOTUS rule took effect last August, but courts have put it on hold nationwide while legal challenges are considered. The White House blocked Republicans from using the fiscal 2016 omnibus spending bill to ensure that the rule couldn't be enforced if the courts lift the stay.

The Senate scheduled a vote for Thursday morning on overriding the veto. The House approved the resolution, 255-166, on Jan. 13 with the support of 12 Democrats. The Senate approved the measure in November, 53-44. The resolution was drafted under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to reject major new regulations.



Fischer Statement on Obama’s Veto of WOTUS Repeal

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement this morning regarding President Obama’s veto of legislation to repeal the WOTUS rule last night:

“The bill the president vetoed would have stopped a rule that threatens the economic security of countless Nebraska families. Nebraskans value clean water. They also work hard to preserve and protect this critical natural resource. While the courts explore the legality of this rule, I will continue the fight to protect Nebraskans from this unnecessary federal intervention.”



Smith Statement on President’s Veto of Resolution to Block WOTUS

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Obama vetoed the resolution passed by Congress to disapprove the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Waters of the U.S. rule, known as WOTUS.

“It is not at all surprising the President chose to veto our resolution to block WOTUS given this administration’s legacy of governing through an endless flow of regulation,” Smith said.  “We must continue to keep this issue at the forefront, as this rule is one of the largest abuses of executive power in modern history.

“Immediately after the EPA finalized WOTUS, I introduced the resolution of disapproval in the House on behalf of all farmers, land owners, and local officials frustrated by the administration’s refusal to acknowledge their concerns.  As the courts continue to closely examine this rule, I will not stop fighting on behalf of Nebraskans to prevent WOTUS from ever being implemented.”

Smith introduced H.J. Res. 59, the House resolution to disapprove WOTUS under the Congressional Review Act, in July 2015.  Last week, the House passed S.J. Res. 22, the Senate companion to Smith’s resolution.



Statement by Steve Nelson, on Behalf of Common Sense Nebraska Coalition, Regarding Presidential Veto of Congressional Resolution on “Waters of the U.S.” Rule

“We are greatly disappointed by President Obama’s veto of SJ Res.22 which would have effectively killed the EPA’s and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ “Waters of the U.S.” rule. While disappointed in the President’s action, we are not surprised.”

“The Administration has time and again proven they will take whatever steps necessary to advance this federal overreach that threatens the private property rights of Americans.”

“Even though the Government Accountability Office has found the EPA used illegal ‘covert propaganda’ to sway public opinion in favor of the rule and the courts have temporarily halted implementation of the rule, this administration continues to move forward.”

“We will not rest until this rule is stopped.”



Iowa Cattlemen disappointed in President Obama’s veto of WOTUS Resolution

After bi-partisan passage in both chambers of Congress, President Obama vetoed Senate Joint Resolution 22, disapproval of the EPA’s “waters of the United States” rule. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association strongly supports a full repeal of the WOTUS language and is disappointed by the President’s move.

Thirty-two states and countless stakeholders have challenged the WOTUS rule, which failed to bring clarity and stability to the agriculture industry. In addition, the Government Accountability Office is currently reviewing EPA's tactics to promote the rule, including social media campaigns that may be considered "covert propaganda" to drum up support for the rule.

The WOTUS rule is currently not in effect in Iowa, due to a temporary stay issued by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Appeals in October. This action prevents implementation of the rule until the Court can determine jurisdiction over the many pending lawsuits.

“The WOTUS rule has been a major concern for our members. Iowa’s cattlemen are dedicated to improving water quality, but this rule has generated mass confusion,” says Phil Reemtsma, president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “The rule, as currently written, would prohibit Iowa cattlemen from taking proactive measures to protect water quality in the state.”

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue to work towards a full repeal of WOTUS and encourage members to take voluntary measures to protect water quality.



Nothey on Veto of WOTUS disapproval resolution

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following President Obama’s veto of the Senate Joint Resolution 22, a disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.  Sen. Joni Ernst introduced the resolution which would have nullified the rule and require EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries of the Clean Water Act.

“President Obama and his administration have continued to push this regulatory overreach and not responded to legitimate concerns raised by agriculture, environmental, business, municipalities and other stakeholders about what this rule would mean.  Unfortunately, his unwillingness to listen to and work with Congress and the 32 states that have filed motions in federal court seeking a stay of implementation of the rule means we will continue to have uncertainty while this works through the courts.  Rather than work with stakeholders, the President’s veto prevents the opportunity to work together on a new rule we can all support.”



Corn Growers: WOTUS Veto Harms Farmers

The following is a statement from National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling regarding President Obama's veto of a resolution disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency's new definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS).

"We are disappointed in the President's veto, especially in light of the recent GAO report that stated EPA engaged in ‘covert propaganda’ in an effort to sell the American public on this rule.  This administration continues to ignore the will of Congress and the significant impact this will have on our country’s farmers at a time when they cannot afford more regulatory confusion and red tape.

“This resolution would have given us the opportunity to work together on a better rule we can all support. Instead, the future of WOTUS remains in the hands of the courts -- which may takes months, if not years, and comes at a considerable cost.

"Clean water is important to all of us. America's corn farmers are committed to protecting our water resources for future generations. NCGA has and will continue to work with the EPA on this important issue."



President Vetoes Resolution of Disapproval of WOTUS
 
After bi-partisan passage in both chambers of Congress, President Obama vetoed Senate Joint Resolution 22, disapproval of the EPA’s “waters of the United States” rule. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Philip Ellis said this is a clear indication the President does not understand the role America’s cattle producers, land owners and state governments play in preserving our natural resources.

“We are extremely disappointed the President chose to side with the EPA, which has pulled out all the stops and shown an appalling disregard for the law throughout this rulemaking process,” said Ellis. “In siding with the EPA, the President has ignored the will of Congress, including members of his own party. Moreover, he has taken side against the 32 states, and countless stakeholders who have challenged the WOTUS rule. With Congress clearly showing their disapproval of this rule, the consequences of WOTUS implementation now rest solely with President Obama.”

The Senate voted 53-44 on Nov. 4, 2015 and the House voted 253-166 on Jan. 6, 2016 in support of S.J.Res. 22. Public Lands Council President Brenda Richards said that while the outcome remains certain, the path is now much longer.

“Rather than ditch the rule, the President ignored the tidal wave of opposition to appease the EPA’s radical agenda,” said Richards. “Due to the President’s veto cattle producers, stakeholders, states and ultimately taxpayers are now going to have to spend millions of dollars on litigation to ultimately determine what we already know; the WOTUS rule extends beyond Congressional intent under the Clean Water Act and violates Supreme Court precedent. Once again the regulatory train wreck has landed squarely on America’s rural economy.”

NCBA and PLC filed a lawsuit in the Southern District Court in Texas on July 2, 2015. That litigation will continue. While the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals considers jurisdiction, a temporary nationwide stay on implementation of the WOTUS rule remains in effect.

“Cattle producers need regulatory certainty,” said Ellis. “While the WOTUS rule remains at the EPA, we will continue to pursue litigation and legislation to bring about that certainty. This is a top priority for our members and today’s action shows that we have only begun our fight.”



ABI Approves of Change in Butter Trading Standards at Chicago Mercantile Exchange

New grading standards that will take effect next month at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) will make butter marketing easier for both buyers and sellers of the product, according to the American Butter Institute (ABI), which pushed for the change in the grading requirements announced recently by the CME.  ABI worked closely with the CME to recraft the rules and thanks the CME for this effort, according to Irv Holmes, President of ABI.

As of February 1st, butter sellers will no longer be required to provide a USDA grading certificate, unless a buyer requests one. In lieu of a USDA Grade AA certificate, sellers can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) as an acceptable document for deliverable loads of butter in the spot market. Butter sold with a COA will continue to meet the grading standards of a Grade AA certificate, according to CME, which said the change will allow more eligible loads of butter to be transacted in the spot market.

Holmes noted that the “ABI membership proposed this change based on member feedback and discussions across the industry, including collaborative efforts between the CME and ABI.”

“We are pleased to work with the ABI and industry participants to incorporate their feedback in enhancements to our Spot Butter Call contract,” said Tim Andriesen, CME Group Managing Director, Agricultural Products.

ABI created a task force in 2015 to gain industry agreement and lead ABI’s efforts toward ending the current CME rule that sellers must supply a USDA certificate in order to sell butter on the CME spot call.  Holmes said there are several benefits of eliminating the grade certificate requirement, including added liquidity to the cash spot session, which enhances real price discovery, and a reduction in the cost of selling butter on the CME by eliminating the requirement of a grader.  It also recognizes the fact that the vast majority of salt bulk butter sales occur with a COA and not a grading certificate.

Holmes said that grading requirements “have been burdensome for some market participants, which means less butter is offered on the CME.  This evolution of document requirements moves the butter industry forward and reduces unnecessary costs.  It’s a win-win for buyers and sellers, and in an era of increasing price volatility, this change will aid in the efficient marketing of butter.”