Tuesday Feburary 9 Ag News

Columbus and West Point Sites for February TQA, PQA Plus
    
The Nebraska Pork Producers Association will be holding TQA® and PQA Plus® training in conjunction with a Veterinarian Feed Directive (VFD) and Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA) workshops on February 23 in Columbus at the Holiday Inn Express and again on February 25 at the Cuming County Courthouse in West Point, Nebraska.

The same program will be repeated on February 23rd and February 25th. TQA Training 8:00 – 10:30 a.m., PQA Plus Training 10:30 – 1:00 p.m., Lunch 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., VFD Training 1:30 – 2:00 p.m., and CSIA 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Producers are welcome to attend all or any part of the day long trainings.

The February 23rd program will be held at the Holiday Inn Express in Columbus and the February 25th program will be held at the Cuming County Courthouse in West Point. The Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) will be done by Chris Delva with Hormel Foods. Dr. Ron Brodersen, Whole Hog Genetics and Ron Ketchem with Swine Management Services will conduct the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) training. Lunch will be served at both locations from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. for all attendees. 

The afternoon workshops will follow lunch. Outlining the VFD process for authorizing the use in animal feed that require the supervision of a licensed veterinarian will be discussed first followed by  Dr. Benny Mote, UNL Extension Swine Specialist conducting the Common Swine Industry Audit training.

All of the training, lunch and related materials are FREE of charge.  Registration is available on-line at www.nepork.org or by calling (402) 472-0493.



2015 Outstanding Pork Service Award Winners Announced

Scott Spilker, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association has notified the winners of the 2015 Outstanding Pork Service Awards. The Outstanding Pork Service Awards are given annually to recognize exceptional work by an individual, company, or organization that has advocated the fundamental efforts of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

The 2015 winners are: Doug Noer, Meat Director of Grand Island Hy-Vee for Promotion; Hormel Foods, located in Fremont for Outstanding Allied Member; Dr. Amy Millmier Schmidt, Assistant Professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln for Producer Outreach; and Chad Moyer, KTIC Radio, West Point will receive the Industry Outreach Award. Long time pork producer and industry supporter, Reynold Vering of Howells will be inducted into the Checkoff Hall of Fame.

The official recognition ceremony will be during a luncheon at the 2016 Nebraska Pork Producers Association Annual Meeting on February 17, 2016, at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Governor Pete Ricketts will be the guest speaker for the Allied and SIP Sponsored Breakfast.

Other guest speakers include Kevin Waetke, VP of Strategic Communications for the National Pork Board; Ansley Mick Executive Director of We Support Agriculture and Dr. Ron Brodersen, President of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). Phil Seng President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation will be discussing foreign trade, product distribution, and expectations for 2016 now that the Trans Pacific Partnership has passed. 

Register at www.nepork.org.



BEEF FROM NEBRASKA HEADED TO ISRAEL FOR FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE

WR Reserve, a beef processing company in Hastings, Nebraska, will send the first significant shipment of beef from the United States to Israel since that country placed a ban on U.S. beef imports in 2003. Israel is one of the last countries to open its doors to U.S. beef imports following a finding of a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States in December 2003.

“This is a major step toward increasing Nebraska beef exports to an important market,” Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach said. “We applaud WR Reserve for complying with a rigorous inspection process that included Israeli government regulator visits and final sign off by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.”

NDA officials and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) worked collaboratively to provide outreach to USDA in an effort to achieve final approval for the company to begin exporting product.

“Nebraska beef producers are the best in the world,” said Senator Fischer. “This historic agreement with Israel is a testament to our producers’ tireless commitment to delivering safe, high-quality beef products to dinner tables around the globe. I was pleased to work with the USDA and the Israeli government to enable our state to supply the first American beef shipments to Israel in over a decade.”

Fishel Ziegelheim, owner/manager of Minnesota-based Noah’s Ark Processors, parent company of WR Reserve, said the final approval could not have been achieved without the assistance of the various parties involved. The company is excited to move forward and provide Israeli customers with high quality Nebraska beef.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome the opportunity to export to the State of Israel,” said Ziegelheim. “It is our intention to represent the United States and the State of Nebraska in the most professional manner, both in the highest level of Kosher and the highest level of quality.

According to USDA data, $405 million of beef products were imported by Israel in 2014, with 95 percent of those imports coming from Latin America and the rest from Europe.

“We consider this a real success story that we will be able to build upon to continue to position beef from Nebraska as the world’s choice of beef,” said Ibach.



Ricketts Celebrates First Beef Exports to Israel in a Decade

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts joined fellow Nebraskans congratulating WR Reserve, a beef processing company in Hastings, Nebraska,  which will send the first significant shipment of beef from the United States to Israel since that country placed a ban on U.S. beef imports in 2003.  Israel is one of the last countries to open its doors to U.S. beef imports following a finding of a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States in December 2003.

“This is great news for Nebraska’s number one industry,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Growing opportunities for Nebraska beef overseas is one of the ways we can grow Nebraska, and continue to create great opportunities for the next generation of Nebraska’s ag producers.  Thank you to Senator Fischer for working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to make this a reality.”

Governor Ricketts has made growing export opportunities for Nebraska agriculture a top priority for his administration.  In the first year of his administration, the Governor led two international trade missions and a beef promotion trip to New York City.

“This is a major step toward increasing Nebraska beef exports to an important market,” Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach said.  “We applaud WR Reserve for complying with a rigorous inspection process that included Israeli government regulator visits and final sign off by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.”

NDA officials and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) worked collaboratively to provide outreach to USDA in an effort to achieve final approval for the company to begin exporting product.

“Nebraska beef producers are the best in the world,” said Senator Fischer.  “This historic agreement with Israel is a testament to our producers’ tireless commitment to delivering safe, high-quality beef products to dinner tables around the globe.  I was pleased to work with the USDA and the Israeli government to enable our state to supply the first American beef shipments to Israel in over a decade.”

Fishel Ziegelheim, owner/manager of Minnesota-based Noah’s Ark Processors, parent company of WR Reserve, said the final approval could not have been achieved without the assistance of the various parties involved.  The company is excited to move forward and provide Israeli customers with high quality Nebraska beef.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome the opportunity to export to the State of Israel,” said Ziegelheim.  “It is our intention to represent the United States and the State of Nebraska in the most professional manner, both in the highest level of Kosher and the highest level of quality.”

According to USDA data, $405 million of beef products were imported by Israel in 2014, with 95 percent of those imports coming from Latin America and the rest from Europe.

“We consider this a real success story that we will be able to build upon to continue to position beef from Nebraska as the world’s choice of beef,” said Ibach.



Fischer Praises Nebraska Beef Agreement with Israel

This morning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new agreement with Israel to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports for the first time since 2003. Shipments will come from Nebraska’s WR Reserve plant in Hastings. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement regarding the announcement:

“Nebraska beef producers are the best in the world. This historic agreement with Israel is a testament to our producers’ tireless commitment to delivering safe, high-quality beef products to dinner tables around the globe. I was pleased to work with the USDA and the Israeli government to enable our state to supply the first American beef shipments to Israel in over a decade.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro released the following statement:

“Resuming U.S. beef exports to Israel has been a high priority for me since I arrived to Israel.  Today marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Israel trade relations and is an outstanding example of the power of the U.S. government working collaboratively with the private sector to achieve our foreign economic policy objectives.  This agreement gives Israeli consumers access to the world’s highest quality beef.  At the same time, it creates and supports jobs in the great state of Nebraska.  Later this year, we hope to serve U.S.D.A. - certified beef at our July 4th celebrations, for the first time in nearly 13 years.”

Barb Cooksley, president of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, released the following statement:

“We are pleased the first kosher beef from the U.S. to return to the Israel market since 2003 will be from Nebraska. Nebraska Cattlemen appreciates Senator Fischer’s work to help get the market reopened. This is another example demonstrating she understands how important trade is to ranchers, feeders, processors, and all Nebraskans.”

Since December 2003, Israel has banned beef imports from the United States due to a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

During a visit by Senator Fischer to Israel last fall, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro asked her to work with the USDA to bring Nebraska beef to Israel. The ambassador was especially interested in serving Nebraska beef at the embassy’s Fourth of July celebration. Subsequently, Senator Fischer reached out to the USDA and joined officials from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in a concerted effort for Nebraska to lead the charge and lift the ban on U.S. beef imports. This agreement opens new markets to Nebraska producers, businesses, and the communities who rely on them for economic progress.

According to the USDA, in 2014, Israel imported beef products worth $405 million. Ninety-five percent of these imports originated in Latin America.



 Smith Statement on Agreement with Israel to Import Nebraska Beef

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its agreement with Israel to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports, which has been in place since 2003.

“It is fitting Nebraska’s Third District – the number one agriculture district in the country – will supply Israel with its first U.S. beef shipment after the lifting of this multi-year ban,” Smith said.  “This success story exemplifies how important it is for us to work with our trading partners around the world to combat non-scientific trade barriers and open more markets to Nebraska products.” 

WR Reserve in Hastings will send the first significant U.S. beef shipment from the United States to Israel.  In November, Smith sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking the USDA to assist WR Reserve (referred to in the letter as Nebraska Prime) in acquiring the appropriate certifications to provide kosher meat products for international markets, including Israel.  To view the letter, click here.

Smith serves on the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy.



No-Till, Cover Crops, and Planned Grazing Educational Workshop
Lifelong Learning Center – Norfolk, Nebraska
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
9:00 a.m.  – 3:00 p.m.

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. - Registration (coffee and rolls provided by LENRD)

Welcome & Opening Session – 9:30 a.m.

Soil Bugs, Predators, Granivores and Pollinators
Dr. Jonathan Lundgren is an agroecologist, Director ECDYSIS Foundation, and CEO for Blue Dasher Farm. He received his PhD in Entomology from the University of Illinois in 2004, and was a top scientist with USDA-ARS for 11 years. One of his priorities is to make science applicable to end-users, and he regularly interacts with the public and farmers regarding pest and farm management and insect biology. Lundgren’s research program focuses on assessing the ecological risk of pest management strategies and developing long-term solutions for sustainable food systems. His ecological research focuses heavily on conserving healthy biological communities within agroecosystems by reducing disturbance and increasing biodiversity within cropland.

Improving Soil Health in Corn/Soybean Rotations
Dan Gillespie has applied continuous no-till systems in a corn/soybean rotation since 1991, adding cover crops in 2006.  Dan will talk about cover crop seeding approaches and the Soil Health benefits and rapid soil organic matter improvement gained from integrating cover crops into no-till systems.

Lunch  -  12:00  – 12:45 p.m.  (Provided by LENRD)

Natural Cycles and Impacts of Insects: Using Them to Your Advantage Jonathan Lundgren, Ph.D.

Broadcast Seeding with Hi-Boy Pneumatic Systems.  Marty Marx will share information and results on one of the latest approaches to seeding cover crops in Wayne Co. last year.

Adjourn – 2:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District

Please RSVP by February 12, 2016 at noon for meal count To your local NRCS Office or Call LENRD, 402 371 7313



Willow Holoubek Selected as 2016 NE Outstanding LEAD Alum

Annually the Nebraska LEAD Alumni present the award for Outstanding LEAD Alum.  The 2016 recipient is Willow Holoubek of David City, member of LEAD class 26. Through her hard work to ensure a future for agriculture in the state, Willow Holoubek is deserving of this award. Holoubek has been the organizational director for A-FAN, the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska since 2010. Holoubek is responsible for administering the day-to-day management of the organization, in addition to working with A-FAN's various committees and Nebraska agriculture promotion and education projects. Holoubek also serves as a resource for Nebraska farmers and ranchers looking to expand their livestock operations. A-FAN is a non-profit organization charged with developing educational opportunities and creating awareness about the importance of Nebraska agriculture, in addition to helping Nebraska farmers and ranchers in the responsible development and expansion of Nebraska's livestock farms.

Holoubek also has worked as a private consultant and project coordinator in the area of bioenergy development, as the executive director of the Butler County Development Board, as program technician for USDA's Farm Service Agency, and as a clerk in the Butler County Treasurer's Office.  Holoubek has deep roots in agriculture, spending the last 20 plus years working with her husband, Mark, and four children on the family's grain and livestock farm near David City where they raise purebred Angus cattle, corn, soybeans and dairy-quality alfalfa. Willow Krause Holoubek earned an animal science degree from the University of Nebraska and is originally from the Alliance area.

The following are supportive comments: "Willow is a champion for animal agriculture in the state of Nebraska.   She continues to work hard to bring livestock opportunities to the state and she has been a strong leader of AFAN.   Her passion for agriculture shows through as she promotes Nebraska and the livestock industry."

 “Willow has been a strong supporter and advocate for growing our rural communities.   Her knowledge and background in rural development lends itself well to her profession working with the AFAN organization.   She goes above and beyond to tell the story of what livestock development means to our small towns and to people in the industry.     Her drive and passion for growing Nebraska Agriculture is a top priority of hers and will always be.”

“Willow once was quoted in her role as Executive Director of the Butler County Economic Development Board, ‘In a few years we will look back and know that we made a difference.’ Perhaps this is the agricultural legacy of which Willow can be very proud and remembered:  A deep-rooted Nebraskan who can look back and know that she made a difference in Nebraska.”



Upper Big Blue NRD Welcomes New General Manager

The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mr. Dave Eigenberg has accepted the position of General Manager of the NRD to replace John Turnbull who retired January 30th. Mr. Eigenberg will begin work on March 1, 2016. In the interim, Rod DeBuhr, Upper Big Blue NRD Assistant General Manager, will be assuming managerial duties until Mr. Eigenberg arrives.

Mr. Eigenberg is completing his ninth year as the Deputy Executive Director of the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission in Athens, Georgia. From 2003 to 2007, he was the Division Director for Agricultural Water Conservation with the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission. He spent two years as a Research Associate with Albany State University—Flint River Water Policy and Planning Center in Albany, Georgia.

Previously, Mr. Eigenberg was the General Manager of the Lower Republican NRD in Alma, Nebraska, from 1998 to 2001. He was also a University of Nebraska Extension Educator for a time, as well as an Extension Technologist for the University at Clay Center and Lincoln. Prior to his completion of his Masters Degree in Mechanized Systems Management, (Minor in Water Resources Planning and Management) at UNL, he managed the family farm near Glenvil, Nebraska. His Bachelors degree is in Agriculture, with a minor in Ag Economics.



Beck Ag Offers Free Educational Program on Three Major Trends in Agriculture

Beck Ag, Inc., a leader in facilitating ag business conversations, is inviting producers and other ag professionals to participate in a free educational Experience Exchange Panel focused on three overarching trends in agriculture: land ownership changes, use of precision and decision tools that generate “big data” and transitioning farm leadership to the next generation. These trends influence major decisions about how each operation grows, manages its production and continues into the future.

The program will be offered on two different dates; February 26 at 8:00 a.m. CST and February 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST. Register to participate at www.BeckAgLearningExchange.com.

“These are the three trends we’ve heard producers bring up time and again as we’ve facilitated discussions on behalf of leading companies in agriculture,” says Margaret Oldham, Director of Experiential Learning at Beck Ag. “Our experience has shown that creating convenient opportunities for producers to discuss issues with university experts, consultants, as well as their peers, has the power to provide solutions for all kinds of challenges facing agriculture. We’re excited to apply our third party experience sharing approach to help producers and their business partners navigate these important industry trends.”

In this 90-minute Experience Exchange Panel experts and producers will discuss the forces behind these trends and considerations for implementing changes. Participants can join the discussion from the convenience of their home or office via telephone and webinar. During the live discussion, participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and interact with panelists. Afterwards, the discussion will continue in the secure online community, BeckAgConnects, where panelists will provide additional insight and address questions. Beck Ag, Inc. • 611 Valley Drive, Suite C, Wayne, NE 68787 • 1-866-375-4390

Panelists include:
· Dave Widmar: a senior research associate for the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, partner with Agricultural Economic Insights, and managing partner of Widmar Family Farms

· Dr. Rajiv Khosla: a professor of Precision Agriculture at Colorado State University and Senior Science Advisor in the U.S. Department of State

· Dr. Patricia (Pat) Frishkoff: author of the USDA’s “Farm Succession Risk Management Checklist” and co-owner of LIFE, Leadership in Family Enterprise, consulting firm

· Brian Naber: consultant who provides sales, service and marketing guidance to small business owners and managers and is a contributing author to Business to Business Magazine

· Kris Tom: eighth generation farmer and independent consultant for Ag technology companies who works with numerous precision agriculture companies to implement technology on their farm

“Since 1997, Beck Ag has facilitated more than a million conversations with ag professionals to help improve business results,” Oldham says. “In our recent BeckAgConnects membership survey, 78 percent of respondents said it is valuable to have a private online community and 74 percent said the content is useful. In addition, 73 percent indicated they share the information with others. These forms of experience sharing are powerful tools to help producers prepare for these three important changes.”

Seats for the webinar are limited. Oldham encourages producers and professionals to register now at www.BeckAgLearningExchange.com.




Dips in Farm Sector Profitability Expected Into 2016

Farm sector profitability is forecast to decline for the third straight year. According to USDA's Economic Research Service, net cash farm income is forecast at $90.9 billion for 2016, down about 2.5 percent from the 2015 forecast levels. Net farm income is forecast to be $54.8 billion in 2016, down 3 percent. If realized, 2016 net farm income would be the lowest since 2002 (in both real and nominal terms) and a drop of 56 percent from its recent high of $123.3 billion in 2013.

Cash receipts are forecast to fall $9.6 billion (2.5 percent) in 2016, led by a $7.9-billion (4.3 percent) drop in animal/animal product receipts and a $1.6-billion (0.9 percent) decline in crop receipts. Nearly all major animal specialties—including dairy, meat animals, and poultry/eggs— are forecast to have lower receipts, as are vegetables/melons and feed crops. While overall cash receipts are declining, receipts for several commodities are expected to increase by at least 1 percent relative to 2015 forecast levels. Direct government farm program payments are projected to rise $3.3 billion (31.4 percent) to $13.9 billion in 2016 in response to the expected price environment.

Farm asset values are forecast to decline by 1.6 percent in 2016, and farm debt is forecast to increase by 2.3 percent. Farm sector equity, the net measure of assets and debt, is forecast down by $55 billion (2.2 percent) in 2016. The decline in assets reflects a drop in the value of farm real estate, as well as declines in crop inventories and financial assets. The increase in farm debt is driven by increases in both real estate debt (up 1.1 percent) and nonreal estate debt (up 3.8 percent).

Median Income of Farm Operator Households Expected Up Slightly in 2016
The median income of farm households increased steadily over 2010-14, peaking at an estimated $80,620 in 2014. After a slight dip in 2015, median household income is forecast to rebound in 2016 to an expected $81,666. Median farm income earned by farm households is forecast to be -$1,473 in 2016. Most farm households earn all of their income from off-farm sources—median off-farm income is forecast to increase 4.1 percent to $75,354 in 2016. (Because farm and off-farm income are not distributed identically for every farm, median total income will generally not equal the sum of median off-farm and median farm income.)



Vilsack on Farm Income Forecasts for 2016

 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement today on the Farm Income and Financial Forecasts for 2015 and 2016, released by USDA's Economic Research Service.

"Today's farm income forecast anticipates continued growth in median farm household income to a record level of $81,666 in 2016, up 4.5 percent. This trend reflects the investments made by USDA and the work of the Obama Administration to protect and ensure a strong farm safety net. Since 2009, USDA has made significant and targeted investments of more than $850 million across the United States toward building a robust local and regional food system that has the infrastructure to support a more diverse agricultural economy. For those producers challenged by weather, disease and falling prices, we have built a strong safety net to help keep them farming or ranching another season. During the same time period, rural communities have been infused with billions of dollars to build schools, hospitals, and public safety headquarters.

"Businesspeople and businesses of all sizes have availed themselves of USDA's business loans and grants to spur growth that complements the agricultural economy. We've brought new or improved high-speed internet service to six million Americans in rural areas, along with investments in electricity, water and wastewater, and clean power. Taken together, these investments are strengthening rural communities.

"And we will continue to stand with farming families, small businesses and rural communities as they continue to help our country build a brighter future. Thanks to their ability to remain competitive through thick and thin, America's farming families continue to be respected the world over for their high-quality goods, ability to manage risk and their capacity to reshape rural communities with biobased innovations that have led to increased job opportunities.

"Overall, net farm income for all producers is forecast down slightly, 3 percent, relative to 2015. This is an improvement from the double digit declines seen in 2014 and 2015, and it reflects a more competitive trade environment, softening projection for global demand and a continuation of the dip in agricultural commodity prices. While agricultural exports climbed more than 45 percent in value, totaling $911.4 billion over the past 5 years and besting all previous records in terms of value and volume and acting as an engine for America's farm economy, today's forecast shows how weaker foreign demand can weigh on farm income.

"Nevertheless, today's forecast indicates a farm economy that has absorbed a challenge and will begin to see greater opportunities for growth in the months ahead. USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will continue to ensure American farming families have open markets and a level playing field by working to remove unfair barriers to trade and negotiating trade agreements, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, that benefit all of agriculture."



NASS Conducting March Hogs and Pigs Survey

Beginning in late February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact pork producers and contractors nationwide regarding information on market hog and breeding stock inventories as well as farrowing intentions in support of the quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, scheduled to be released March 25.

Producers who receive the questionnaire in the mail can respond via the Internet, mail or fax. Producers who don't respond in one of those ways will have the opportunity for a telephone or personal interview.

As is the case with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified.



Ag Committee Congratulate NASDA on 100th Anniversary

Members of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, including Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan.; Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; and Ben Sasse, R-Neb.; this week introduced S.Res. 360, a resolution acknowledging the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's (NASDA) 100th anniversary and its commitment to promoting the interests of American farmers and ranchers, both domestically and abroad.

On May 4, 1916, NASDA held its first meeting in the Committee on Court of Claims of the Senate. Since then, NASDA has continued to be an exemplary nonpartisan representation of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four territories. NASDA makes stronger all voices of agriculture by achieving consensus on a variety of issues, including food safety, agriculture labor, international trade and the environment.

S.Res.360 passed the Senate by unanimous consent.



ASA Highlights Soy-Specific Elements of White House Budget, Pledges Renewed Defense of Crop Insurance

The American Soybean Association (ASA) took a hard look at the budget proposal for fiscal year 2017 issued this morning from President Barack Obama. The association expressed strong opposition to a proposed $18 billion cut to crop insurance and a lack of funding for infrastructure improvements. ASA noted the budget contains funding for multiple soybean farmer priorities, including increased resources for oversight at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and full funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.

“We once again find ourselves fighting attempts to cut crop insurance,” said Richard Wilkins, ASA President and a farmer from Greenwood, Del. “Our policy has always been that we will strongly and absolutely oppose any attempt to target farm bill programs for additional cuts, and it goes without saying that we will continue to fight proposed cuts to the farm safety net. All it takes is a quick glance around the farm economy to see that we need a stronger safety net for our farmers, not a weaker one.”

Wilkins also pointed out the association’s disapproval in the budget’s 22 percent cut to funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the maintenance and construction of locks and dams on the nation’s waterways. Specifically, the budget cuts more than 41 percent from the Corps’ construction account, $2.7 billion from the operations and maintenance account, and fails to fund the Navigation Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP), a priority for ASA.

“We’re disappointed with this budget’s neglect of investments in waterways infrastructure, which is vital to rural economies as it is a means of efficient transportation of soybeans and a key component of our global competitiveness in export markets,” said Wilkins. “Infrastructure investments should not be limited to highways, mass transit, and high speed rail, but should include those aspects important to rural America too. ASA will continue to work with industry partners and Congress to build on the successful increases in investments achieved in FY16 Appropriations for our ports and waterways operations & maintenance and infrastructure improvements.”

While noting the association’s displeasure in the infrastructure and crop insurance provisions in the budget, Wilkins did point out several areas in which the budget addressed and increased funding for farmer priorities.

“Clearly we absolutely oppose any cut to crop insurance, and the proposed hobbling of the Corps funding, but there is plenty in the president’s budget that we support, including $330 million in funding for commodity market oversight at the CFTC,” said Wilkins. “Market integrity is not front-of-mind until something goes wrong, and adequate resources for oversight of futures markets are an important priority for farmers.”

The budget’s continued funding for programs that promote trade with both emerged and developing markets is also something ASA welcomed, and Wilkins said the association will fight for in future budgets.

“The MAP and FMD programs are an essential part of our industry’s work to establish and expand the beachhead for American soybeans in foreign markets,” he said. “That money helps to fund valuable research and market development work by the U.S. Soybean Export Council, which translates directly into increased exports and revenue for American soybean farmers.”

From a legislative standpoint, the president’s budget is a non-starter in an election year and with a Republican-controlled Congress, however Wilkins said the release of the budget can start a productive conversation on the importance of funding many of the programs critical for soybean farmers.

“Every year, we bring the same funding fight down to the wire in November and December. Party leaders hold one another’s feet to the fire, and at the eleventh hour we manage to eke out funding for programs that are essential to farmer success,” said Wilkins. “Regardless of the long-term prospects of this specific proposal, let’s use it to at least start a discussion about how important these programs are to farmers, and how we get them funded for the coming year.”

“That work has to start with farmers,” added Wilkins. “We need to turn up our volume and increase our face-time with lawmakers so that they understand these programs aren’t simply line items on a budget, but real, working tools that help us operate more successfully.”



Anhydrous Continues to Move Lower

Fertilizer prices continue to slowly decline in price, according to retailers tracked by DTN for the first week of February 2016.

All eight major fertilizer prices slipped lower compared to a month earlier, with only one down any significant amount. Anhydrous was down 5% compared to last month and the nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $555/ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were lower but just slightly. DAP averaged $488/ton, MAP $502/ton, potash $381/ton, urea $370/ton, 10-34-0 $549/ton, UAN28 $263/ton and UAN32 $305/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.34/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.48/lb.N.

Thanks to the price slide, all fertilizers are lower compared to a year earlier. All but one fertilizer is now double digits lower. The only fertilizer not down much is 10-34-0, which is down 7% versus the same time a year ago.

DAP is now 14% lower, MAP is 16% less expensive, UAN32 is 17% lower and UAN28 is 20% less expensive from a year previous. Potash, urea and anhydrous are all now 22% lower compared to a year earlier.



Why Consumers Distrust Animal Ag and How We Close the Gap  

Closing the gap on three issues driving consumer distrust in animal agriculture – animal housing, emerging genetic advancements and antibiotics use – will be the focus of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) 2016 North American Strategy Conference on Animal Agriculture, May 18-19, at McDonald’s Hamburger University in Chicago.

CFI’s latest consumer trust research reveals that a near-record 60 percent strongly agree with the following statement: “If animals are treated decently and humanely I have no problem eating meat, milk and eggs.” Yet, a much smaller percentage of consumers, 25 percent, strongly agree that U.S. meat comes from humanely treated animals.  

“Leaders in animal agriculture must effectively address this disconnect between consumer support for consuming meat, milk and eggs and growing doubt that farm animals are treated humanely,” said Charlie Arnot, CEO of CFI. “Our conference, ‘How Do We Close the Animal Ag Gap?’, will explore why the divide exists and what those in animal agriculture can do to close it, focusing specifically on three topics we believe are drivers for consumer distrust.”

Expert speakers and panelists will present and participate in moderated discussion on each topic.

From gestation stalls to cage-free eggs, animal housing has received considerable attention as consumers express interest in the issue, asking restaurants and retailers to meet their expectations. Paul Shapiro, vice president of farm animal protection, The Humane Society of the United States, will join Janeen Salak-Johnson, Ph.D, associate professor, stress physiology and animal well-being, University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences, on the first panel, addressing topics related to animal housing.

In the second panel session, Alison Van Eennenaam, Ph.D, Cooperative Extension Service specialist, animal genomics and biotechnology, University of California, Davis, will be joined by Bill Christianson, DVM, Ph.D, chief operating officer of PIC, and Mark Walton, Ph.D, chief marketing officer of Recombinetics, to discuss emerging genetic advancements being used in animals. PIC recently announced the development of the first PRRS-resistant pigs. Recombinetics is developing technology to inhibit horn growth in dairy cows.

The third session will examine antibiotic use in agriculture as it relates to animal well-being and human health. Leah Dorman, DVM, director of food integrity and consumer engagement, Phibro Animal Health, will join Maryn McKenna, journalist, author and contributor at National Geographic, on the panel.

The Strategy Conference will close with a panel of consumers offering their insights and perspectives on various issues related to animal agriculture.

The annual CFI North American Strategy Conference on Animal Agriculture, sponsored by the United Soybean Board, hosts leaders from local, state, national and international producer organizations and livestock coalitions, along with allied industry, branded food companies and government organizations. Free to attend, the Strategy Conference begins Wednesday, May 18, at 1 p.m., and adjourns Thursday, May 19, at noon. Learn more and register to attend at www.FoodIntegrity.org. 



U.S. Wheat Associates Directors Elect 2016/17 Officers

The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board of Directors unanimously elected new officers for the 2016/17 (July to June) fiscal year at their meeting Feb. 6, 2016, in Washington, DC. The board elected Chris Kolstad of Ledger, MT, as Secretary-Treasurer, current Vice Chairman Jason Scott of Stevensville, MD, as Chairman and current Secretary-Treasurer Mike Miller of Ritzville, WA, as Vice Chairman. They will take office at the USW Board meeting in July 2016 in Fargo, ND, when current Chairman Brian O’Toole of Crystal, ND, will become Past Chairman. USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat production industry.

“Wheat has paid the bills on my family’s farm for 100 years and I want to thank the board for giving me the opportunity to give something back to this country’s wheat industry,” Kolstad said. “I look forward to working with USW’s directors and staff, as well as with the National Association of Wheat Growers, to make sure U.S. wheat remains the world’s top choice for quality and value.”

Kolstad is the fourth generation of his family to farm in Montana’s “Golden Triangle” region. He and his wife Vicki have four children, including their son Cary who is a partner in their operation. They grow hard red winter (HRW) wheat, dark northern spring wheat and durum, plus barley and dry peas. A commissioner of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, Kolstad has represented his state on the USW board since 2012. He is also a member of the Montana Grain Growers Association and Montana Farm Bureau. His community leadership includes serving on his local school board, as treasurer of his family’s church and as a regular blood donor who has given almost 19 gallons of blood since 1972.

Jason Scott is a sixth generation wheat farmer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where he manages his family’s soft red winter (SRW) wheat, row crop and vegetable operation. He also owns and operates a Pioneer Hi-Bred® seed dealership with his father. Scott has been a member of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board since 2003 and served as president from 2005 to 2007. Scott received the Maryland Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award in 2011. In his seven years on the USW Board, Scott has represented his state and USW on two board team delegations to Africa and Europe and served as Secretary-Treasurer. He and his wife Casey have a young daughter.

Mike Miller is a fourth generation farmer who operates a dryland wheat farm and grows multiple crops on a separate, irrigated farm in east central Washington. He has served on many local, state and national boards, and is in his third term on the Washington Grain Commission and his fifth year as a USW director representing Washington. Miller is also very active in supporting wheat research and development. He and his wife, Marci, have three children.

Brian O’Toole is the president of T.E. O'Toole Farm Seed Company. He and his wife Sara have four children and raise wheat, edible beans and sugarbeets on their northeast North Dakota farm. O'Toole is an experienced agricultural and community leader. He serves on the North Dakota Wheat Commission, on the board of the Wheat Marketing Center in Portland, OR, and is Chairman of SBARE Wheat Granting Committee. He is also past president of the North Dakota Crop Improvement and Seed Association and past president of Crystal Farmers Elevator Co-op. O’Toole has received the Young Outstanding Farmer Award, Master Farmer Award and Friends of 4-H Award. He has served as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice Chairman of USW.

USW’s mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of U.S. wheat producers and their customers.” USW activities in more than 100 countries are funded with producer checkoff dollars managed by 18 state wheat commissions and USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service cost-share programs. USW maintains 17 offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat food processors and government officials understand the quality, value and reliability of all six classes of U.S. wheat.