Wednesday March 9 Ag News

NDA SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS

Grant proposals are now being accepted by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) for its 2016 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program is designed to help develop and promote specialty crops such as potatoes, dry edible beans, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops through research, marketing and education programs. The deadline for submitting proposals to NDA is April 1, 2016, at 5 p.m.

“We have seen many successes in the specialty crop sector in recent years as a result of this program,” NDA Director Greg Ibach said. “It has been especially pleasing that the approved grants have included proposals submitted by individuals and organizations from many areas of the state. I encourage interested parties to continue to submit innovative projects and ideas to our office for review.”

NDA administers the state’s SCBG program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For the 2016 SCBG program, NDA anticipates approximately $620,000 will be available to fund new projects. Producers, organizations and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply.

The proposals are the first stage of a two-stage process. They will be reviewed and scored using select criteria. Those who make it through the first stage will be asked to submit additional information. In October, NDA and USDA will announce the projects that will receive funding.

Ibach said 13 specialty crop projects were funded last fall through the program for a total of $588,900. Among projects approved in 2015 were promotion and development of farm-to-school programs, research on best production practices and health benefits of pinto and Great Northern beans, winter greenhouse production of medicinal herbs and increasing production of hops in Nebraska.

The USDA has a few new requirements for this year. Instructions for submitting a proposal, proposal applications, performance measures and program guidelines are available on NDA’s website at http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html. All proposals must be saved as a Microsoft Word .docx file and sent electronically to casey.foster@nebraska.gov by the April 1 deadline. For questions, contact: Casey Foster at (402) 471-4876, or by the email listed above.

To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects under the SCBGP, visit the USDA’s website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. 



Ricketts Proclaims National Auctioneers Day in Nebraska

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring April 16, 2016 National Auctioneers' Day in Nebraska. The Governor recognized the valuable service Nebraska's auctioneers provide to the public. The ceremony was attended by members of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association, who thanked Governor Ricketts for his recognition of the auction industry.

The Auction method of marketing provides consumers, businesses, farmers, ranchers and public institutions an economical method of selling goods. The Nebraska Auctioneers Association provides education, training and a code of ethics for its members. These dedicated auction professionals have made a commitment to their clients, customers and the public that extends beyond that of laws and regulations.

Association Board Member, Mark Beacom with Auction Solutions in Omaha, Nebraska, thanked the Governor for recognizing National Auctioneers' Day and stated that auctions are the most transparent and efficient means of selling assets, and there is no better way to determine the true market value.

Nebraska auctioneers are active in supporting charitable organizations by contributing their time and talent to non-profit fundraising auctions. Additionally, the auction profession is focused on donating to charities devoted to serving kids through their support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and many local organizations here in Nebraska.

The Association will be holding their Annual Convention May 27-29, 2016 at the Sandhills Convention Center in North Platte, Nebraska. The Nebraska State Auctioneer Championship Contest will be held Friday, May 27, at 6:00 p.m., during the convention. The public is welcome to attend and participate as some of Nebraska's best showcase their skills and compete for the title of Nebraska Champion.



AgriBank Announces 2016 Board of Directors
​
AgriBank today announced the election of one new member of its 18-member board of directors for 2016, as well as the re-election of three directors and election of officers. Stan Claussen was elected as a new board member. Ernie Diggs, Brian Peterson and Keri Votruba were re-elected to the board. Matthew Walther and Votruba were elected as the board's chair and vice chair, respectively.

The elections took place this week at the AgriBank 2016 Annual Meeting in Phoenix.

MATTHEW WALTHER (CHAIR)
Matt Walther, of Centerville, Ind., has a farming operation consisting of 2,000 row crop acres of corn, soybeans and wheat, and a 120-head cow/calf herd. He has served on the AgriBank board since 2011.

KERI VOTRUBA (Vice CHAIR)
Keri Votruba, of Hemingford, Neb., owns and operates a family farming operation consisting of wheat, corn, alfalfa, peas, sunflowers, cow/calf and a background lot. He has served on the AgriBank board since 2004.

STAN CLAUSSEN
Stan Claussen, of Montevideo, Minn., co-owns and operates a 5,500-acre farm consisting of corn, soybeans, sugar beets, canning peas and sweetcorn. Prior to joining the AgriBank board, he had served on the United FCS board since 1995.

ERNIE DIGGS
Ernie Diggs, of Paris, Tenn., owns and operates a family farm currently growing white food-grade corn, soybeans, canola and wheat, and which has produced giant freshwater prawns, clover seed, alfalfa, rape seed, cattle and hogs. He has served on the AgriBank board since 2012.

BRIAN PETERSON
Brian Peterson, of Trenton, Mo., owns a dairy farm that includes 1,026 acres, 160 milk cows plus replacements, and 800 acres of mixed hay. He has served on the AgriBank board since 2012.

ABOUT AGRIBANK
AgriBank is one of the largest banks within the national Farm Credit System, with nearly $100 billion in total assets. Under the Farm Credit System's cooperative structure, AgriBank is primarily owned by 17 affiliated Farm Credit Associations. The AgriBank District covers America's Midwest, a 15-state area stretching from Wyoming to Ohio and Minnesota to Arkansas.



Opening speakers and AMPI leaders offer industry insight at annual meeting

Growing Midwest milk production and rising foodservice sector sales are among the performance highlights to be shared at the annual meeting of Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI). The cooperative’s dairy farmer-owners will gather as part of a two-day annual delegate meeting, which begins Monday, March 21.

Nearly 350 people, including AMPI elected representatives from six Upper Midwest states and industry leaders, are expected for the milk marketing cooperative’s annual business review. The group will meet at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington, Minn.

During the opening program, attendees will hear from Vita Plus Dairy Development Manager Gary Sipiorski as he analyzes the volatile margins of the dairy industry and offers options for tackling the future. Entrepreneur and inventor of the Lay’s Oven Baked Potato Crisps, Jeff Stamp will then deliver a motivational message about farm lessons that aren’t taught at a university.

The annual member business meeting convenes March 22 and will include insight into the cooperative’s 2015 performance delivered by the AMPI leadership team. AMPI Chairman of the Board Steve Schlangen, a dairy farmer from Albany, Minn., will review the steps taken to ensure a long-term market for members’ milk. AMPI Co-Presidents and CEOs Donn DeVelder and Sheryl Meshke will then detail progress made on the cooperative’s strategic plan and set the stage for the years to come.

AMPI delegates will vote to determine the cooperative's position on issues and policies. The deliberations are the culmination of the cooperative’s grassroots policy-making process.

AMPI Young Cooperators — members under the age of 40 — will also gather at the annual meeting. The education and leadership development program provides an opportunity for members to learn more about the milk marketing business they own, while networking and socializing with fellow young dairy farmers.

AMPI is headquartered in New Ulm, Minn., and owned by 2,200 Midwest dairy farm families from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. AMPI members annually market about 5.9 billion pounds of milk, resulting in $1.7 billion in sales for the cooperative.

AMPI owns 10 Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese, butter, dried whey and sliced American cheese is produced. The cooperative’s award-winning cheese, butter and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers.



NMPF Board of Directors Approves Changes in FARM Program Version 3.0

The National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors yesterday approved changes to the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program to strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of its animal care standards. 

Revisions to the FARM Program occur every three years and are based on input from farmers, veterinarians, and others involved in the FARM Program’s Technical Writing Group, NMPF’s Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee, and recommendations received through a public comment period. The revision process began in May 2015; the NMPF Board’s decision to approve the recommended revisions was the final step in the nearly 10-month process. The updates approved Tuesday during NMPF’s Board of Directors meeting will be reflected in version 3.0 of the program when it is implemented starting Jan. 1, 2017.

“The core of the FARM Program is the concept of continuous improvement,” said NMPF president and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Not only do dairy farmers in the program work hard to evolve and improve their practices over time, but we work hard to ensure that the FARM Program guidelines reflect the more up-to-date scientific research and advice from our technical experts.”

One outcome of the revisions is a greater emphasis on accountability among program participants. The advisory committees identified several FARM Program guidelines which they felt deserved heightened focus and attention. Such criteria include a greater emphasis on employee training, having a documented Veterinarian-Client Patient Relationship, updated protocols on euthanasia and non-ambulatory cattle, and the cessation of tail docking.

Though evaluations on the new version of the FARM Program won’t begin until January 2017, new resources and training materials will be available to program participants beginning this April to help prepare for the changes.

For a complete summary of all the changes made to the program, visit www.nationaldairyfarm.com.



Commodity Classic Rises to Whole New Level

With nearly a quarter more attendees compared to last year, the 2016 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, which took place last week in New Orleans, shattered many previous records for the landmark event.

“We had a great show in New Orleans, with terrific weather and a fantastic location,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chair Wesley Spurlock. “As it was the first time in that venue, and with a new affiliate – the Association of Equipment Manufacturers – we were expecting a great event and got what we expected. A lot of smiling faces and growers who left town more informed, engaged and energized as we head into planting season.”

Total attendance was 9,770, compared to 7,936 in 2015. Another record set was in the number of growers attending, at 4,596.  Additionally, the trade show featured an all-time high of 433 participating companies, including 128 first-time exhibitors. These exhibitors filled a record 253,300 net square feet of booth space, 49 percent more space 2015’s trade show in Phoenix.

“The 2016 Trade Show was definitely a highlight for many growers, with one-and-a-half times the space as last year,” Commodity Classic Co-Chair Sam Butler said. “The strong presence of new exhibitors, especially when it comes to farm equipment, combined with the new AG CONNECT Main Stage and longer hours for growers, made it a key destination for Commodity Classic.”

The 22nd annual Commodity Classic will take place March 2-4, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. 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.



 New coker now operating at CHS Refinery at McPherson, Kansas

Member-owners of CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP), the nation's leading cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, are now benefitting from the recently completed coker at the company's central Kansas refinery.

Construction of the coker unit at the CHS Refinery at McPherson began in March 2013 and took nearly 2.8 million construction man hours to complete. The unit began operating on Feb. 5, 2016.

"The new coker allows the refinery to process a larger variety of crude oils, thus delivering the best value to our owners and customers by purchasing the most cost-effective crude oil available," said Jim Loving, CHS senior vice president, refining, pipelines and terminals. "We're also able to meet increased product demand while creating an even safer operating environment for our employees."

During the refining process, the coker converts the heaviest portion of crude oil into more valuable liquid products that can then be converted into gasoline or diesel fuel. Any remaining product is sold as petroleum coke for use in industrial applications.

The CHS Refinery at Laurel, Mont., began operating a new coker unit in 2008. Upgrades at each refinery are expected to bring combined production to 160,000 barrels a day in 2019. In recent years, CHS has invested $2 billion in refined fuels manufacturing and distribution upgrades and ownership to serve our owners and customers.

Safety is a central feature of the new unit which has a fully automated decoking control system. This allows operators to drill out and remove coke from the drums from a protected area that is a safe distance away from the coker. Prior to successful startup, unit operators were extensively trained and equipment was thoroughly checked and tested.

"Replacing our previous coker, built in 1952, was essential for the refinery's continued operation," said Rick Leicht, McPherson refinery vice president. "Our new coker is state of the art and improves operational safety and reliability. In addition, we have flexibility in processing the most economically favorable crude oils."



Sustainable U.S. Soy Approved by European Feed Manufacturers' Federation

The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) was positively benchmarked against the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation’s (FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines through the independent International Trade Centre (ITC) customized benchmark tool on March 8, 2016.

U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) chair Laura Foell, an Iowa farmer, stated, “This is yet another step in the right direction for the U.S. Soy industry. The SSAP is a commitment to the future by U.S. soybean farmers. Because sustainability’s fundamental principle is continuous improvement, the SSAP is constantly evolving. We look forward to continuing to supply the EU and countries around the world with healthy, sustainable soybeans from U.S. farmers.”

FEFAC’s Soy Sourcing Guidelines seek to facilitate mainstream market supply for soy, which is produced in accordance with baseline environmental and social criteria. The independent ITC benchmarking provides transparency to interested EU feed associations and member companies who wish to make further progress toward the mainstream market transition for the supply of sustainably produced soy to the EU feed sector.

USSEC, together with members of the U.S. Soy family, developed the SSAP in 2013. The protocol helps to ensure that U.S. Soy is produced following a strong set of conservation regulations combined with wide adoption of best management practices by a majority of U.S. farmers. The methodologies for measuring sustainable performance are thorough and transparent, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. The SSAP verifies that U.S. Soy is sustainably produced and aims to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally, socially and economically produced commodities. The protocol covers four key components including sound environmental objectives, social responsibility, conservation focused management practices and continuous improvement.

This crop year, over 3 million metric tons, equivalent to 110.22 million bushels, of U.S. Soy have been exported and certified under the SSAP program.

FEFAC was founded in 1959 and represents 25 national associations in 24 EU member states as well as associations in Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, Russia and Norway with observer/associate member status. Sales of the European compound feed industry are estimated at € 50 billion annually.

The ITC was formed in 1946 by a joint mandate between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). ITC created a Standards Map process which provides comprehensive, verified and transparent information on voluntary sustainability standards and other similar initiatives. The main objective of the program is to strengthen the capacity of producers, exporters, policymakers and buyers, to participate in more sustainable production and trade.



U.S. Corn, Wheat Stocks Remain Unchanged From February WASDE
Chris Clayton, DTN Ag Policy Editor
Emily Unglesbee, DTN Staff Reporter

U.S. ending stocks for corn came in unchanged for March at 1.837 billion bushels, which was lower than pre-report estimates which had forecast stock increases.

Soybean ending stocks were raised 10 million bushels to 460 million bushels, slightly above the pre-report average among analysts for the USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates for March.

USDA also left unchanged the U.S. wheat ending stocks at 966 million bushels, the same as the February report.

CORN
USDA made virtually no changes in U.S. corn numbers for the 2015-16 crop from the February report. USDA did make a small change to the corn food, seed and industrial use were lowered slightly for the 2014-15 crop, reflecting a 9-million-bushel reduction in corn used for ethanol production, dropping ethanol use to 5.2 billion bushels for the old crop.

USDA lowered old-crop ending stocks for Brazil and also revised Brazil's exports for 2014-15 as well. That dropped the 2015-16 beginning stocks by just over 1 million metric tons. USDA also slightly lowered global production by 440,000 metric tons. For 2015-16 global ending stocks, USDA lowered its estimates by 1.84 million metric tons.

SOYBEANS
U.S. soybean ending stocks were increased by 10 million bushels from the February report because soy crush was reduced by the same volume. Crush was reduced to 1.87 billion bushels due to lower projected domestic soybean meal use or disappearance.

USDA also lowered the average price per-bushel for 2015-16 crop 5 cents to $8.75 a bushel.

USDA lowered global soybean ending stocks for 2015-16, dropping it 1.55 million metric tons from last month. USDA kept Brazil's soybean production at 100 million metric tons, the same as February, and also left Argentina's production at 58.5 million metric tons, also the same as last month.

WHEAT
The pre-report average pegged higher ending stocks for wheat, but USDA left the number unchanged at 966 million bushels. USDA had no changes in domestic production, use or exports for wheat from the February report.

World wheat supplies were lowered by 3.3 million metric tons due largely to a 2.4-million-metric-ton decline in production in India. Consumption in India also was lowered by 1 million metric tons due to the smaller crop.

ANALYSIS
On the domestic side, USDA kept its estimate of U.S. corn ending stocks for 2015-16 unchanged at 1.837 billion bushels, which was a little less than expected. USDA's estimate of U.S. soybean ending stocks for 2015-16 was increased from 450 million to 460 million bushels, slightly more than expected. USDA's estimate of U.S. ending wheat stocks for 2015-16 was kept unchanged at 966 million bushels, which was slightly less than expected.

On the global side, USDA's estimate of global ending corn stocks for 2015-16 was reduced from 208.81 mmt to 206.97 mmt, less than expected. The world ending soybean stocks estimate for 2015-16 was reduced from 80.42 mmt to 78.87 mmt, less than expected. USDA's estimate of world ending wheat stocks for 2015-16 was reduced from 238.87 mmt to 237.59 mmt, less than expected.



Vetter Receives President's Award From Wheat Growers

Last week, Darci Vetter was selected as the inaugural recipient of the National Association of Wheat Growers President’s Award. Vetter serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the rank of Ambassador at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, presented her the award during the Commodity Classic in New Orleans. 

“Ambassador Vetter has been an instrumental voice for the wheat industry, and a champion for all of agriculture. We sincerely appreciate all the work she has done on behalf of wheat growers across the nation, particularly for her role in concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations,” said Blankenship, “Because of her hard work, U.S. wheat farmers could have new market opportunities in places like Japan and Vietnam if Congress approves TPP. We are grateful for her efforts and for having such a champion of agriculture at USTR. I am proud to recognize Ambassador Vetter as the first ever President’s Award recipient.”

The President’s Award was designed to highlight individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of the agriculture industry. It is given to someone who expresses a passion for the wheat industry, based on the individual’s demonstration of commitment to the welfare and goals of America’s wheat farmers.



Hibner Appointed To Represent Agribusiness Sector On USGC Board of Directors

Greg Hibner, president of J.D. Heiskell & Company’s Hawkeye Gold division, has been selected to represent the agribusiness sector on the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Board of Directors.

“We are pleased that Greg has accepted this leadership role within the Council,” said USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann, who farms in Nebraska. “He has both experience with membership organizations and a wealth of expertise in farming, commodity trading and marketing to help him provide us with valuable insights during his tenure on the board.”

Hibner has nearly 30 years of commodity processing, international trading and ethanol experience. In his current role, he oversees the operations of J.D. Heiskell & Company’s Hawkeye Gold division, which markets and trades distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) domestically and internationally. Hawkeye Gold also provides support for Gold Star Feed and Grain, a group of four dairy feed mills in the Northeast owned by J.D. Heiskell.

He previously spent 23 years working in Tate & Lyle’s commodity division, serving most recently as manager of co-product sales and trading.

Hibner is also active in agriculture with land across Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas producing corn, sorghum, soybeans, wheat and irrigated cotton and previously helped found a 2,000-head cattle feeding operation that primarily fed corn co-products.

“Greg’s appointment to our board will be invaluable towards helping us anticipate and meet the agribusiness sector’s needs,” Tiemann said. “His deep experience with the Council and other agriculture industry organizations will offer us a unique perspective on challenges and opportunities our members face in the international marketplace.”

Hibner’s appointment to the Council's board follows more than 20 years of active membership in industry trade associations including the Council, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Growth Energy and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA).

“In my career, I’ve marketed corn gluten feed to Europe, corn gluten meal to South America and Southeast Asia and DDGS globally,” Hibner said. “International trade will always include both opportunities and obstacles, disputes and challenges. As a longtime member of the Council and a new board member, I am enthusiastic about addressing all of these through pursuit of the organization’s mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives.”

Hibner replaces Steve Brody, who represented DuPont Pioneer as a USGC delegate, and will serve a term until July 2017.

Hibner’s role as the leader of the Council’s Value-Added Advisory Team (A-Team) has been taken up by Sean Broderick from CHS Inc.



NFU Concludes 114th Anniversary Convention, Delegates Adopt Special Policy Orders

Family farmers and ranchers are the best advocates for agriculture, and over the last four days, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has provided more than 500 members and delegates of the 114th Anniversary Convention with the advocacy tools they need to be better informed about topics important to farm policy and the industry.

“We came to Minneapolis from farms and ranches that operate thousands of acres to farms that operate less than half an acre. We have full-time farmers and part-time farmers as members. And yet, we all share a common bond because in many ways we face the exact same challenges. We all make NFU a much stronger organization,” said NFU President Roger Johnson during his State of the Farmers Union address.

Throughout the convention, several high-level officials highlighted the program, speaking about the opportunities and challenges facing American agriculture today. In addition to a special video message from President Barack Obama, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and General Wesley Clark gave keynote remarks. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (D), U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.), and U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) also addressed the convention.

Attendees also participated in industry tours and breakout panels discussions focused on farm safety, value-added grains and grassroots advocacy.

While education is a focus of the annual meeting, the “most important aspect is the policy adoption process” at the conclusion of the convention. Johnson explained, “It is the job of the delegates to decide on our policy positions for the coming year.”

In a unique grassroots process, 136 delegates from member states come together to review, line-by-line, the organization’s policies. In addition, the delegates adopted 10 special orders. The adopted orders place special emphasis on the issues of:
    Family Farming and Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL)
    Family Farming and Trade Policy
    Family Farming and Cotton
    Family Farming and the Current Farm Bill
    Family Farming and ARC-County Payments
    Family Farming and Animal Disease Protection and Research
    Family Farming and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
    Family Farming and Future Farm Bills
    Family Farming and Leading the Way on Climate Change
    Resolution Establishing an NFU Dairy Price Committee & Campaign

Farmers Union delegates re-elected Donn Teske of Kansas as NFU Vice President. “Serving as vice president has been a true honor, and I’m pleased to continue to serve Farmers Union members in this role,” Teske announced to the crowd during his acceptance speech.

Johnson concluded, “At the end of the day, we are only as strong as our members, and I’m proud to say Farmers Union members are the best and brightest in the country. I’m optimistic about what lies ahead for our great grassroots organization and for agriculture.”

More from the convention, including audio of the speeches and the full text of the adopted policy manual, will be available at www.nfu.org.