NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 4 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.44 million cattle on feed on April 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 4 percent from last year. Placements during March totaled 455,000 head, up 3 percent from 2015. This is the largest number of placements for March since the data series began in 1994. Fed cattle marketings for the month of March totaled 425,000 head, up 8 percent from last year. Other disappearance during March totaled 10,000 head, down 5,000 head from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in Iowa for all feedlots totaled 1,270,000 head on April 1, 2016, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. The inventory was unchanged from March 1, 2016, but down 3 percent from April 1, 2015. Feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head had 640,000 head on feed, up 2 percent from last month but down 4 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 630,000 head on feed, down 2 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year.
Placements during March totaled 143,000 head, a decrease of 14 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head placed 94,000 head, up 2 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 49,000 head. This was down 34 percent from last month and down 18 percent from last year.
Marketings for March were 137,000 head, up 5 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head marketed 81,000 head, up 4 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 56,000 head, up 8 percent from last month but down 2 percent from last year. Other disappearance totaled 6,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on April 1, 2016. The inventory was 1 percent above April 1, 2015. The inventory included 7.36 million steers and steer calves, down 1 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 68 percent of the total inventory. heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.49 million head, up 4 percent from 2015.
On Feed by State as of April 1 '16
(1,000 hd - % of April 1 '15)
Colorado .........: 900 101
Iowa ...............: 640 96
Kansas ............: 2,180 103
Nebraska ........: 2,440 96
Texas ..............: 2,500 101
Placements in feedlots during March totaled 1.89 million head, 5 percent above 2015. Net placements were 1.83 million head. During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 352,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 275,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 495,000 head, and 800 pounds and greater were 770,000 head.
Placements by State - March 2016
(1,000 hd - % of March '15)
Colorado .........: 165 110
Iowa ...............: 94 104
Kansas ............: 425 104
Nebraska ........: 455 103
Texas ..............: 455 108
Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.75 million head, 7 percent above 2015. Other disappearance totaled 62,000 head during March, 10 percent below 2015.
Marketings by State - March 2016
(1,000 hd - % of March '15)
Colorado ........: 150 107
Iowa ..............: 81 103
Kansas ...........: 390 105
Nebraska .......: 425 108
Texas .............: 395 103
NDA DIRECTOR IBACH TOUTS VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE AS GOOD FOR ALL NEBRASKANS
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director (NDA) Greg Ibach shared his support of the proposed Costco processing facility as an opportunity to grow Nebraska jobs by growing Nebraska livestock production.
“The Costco facility will grow jobs beyond the farm gate,” said Ibach. “Job opportunities for electricians, carpenters, insurance professionals, production consultants and truckers are just a sample of the career opportunities that will come to communities where value added livestock facilities are located.”
The project also creates a new market for local corn and soybean farmers. This change in the grain demand model will increase the price of locally grown crops resulting in an increase in net farm income for the region.
“Typically for a farm to expand it means another farm has shrunk or gone out of business,” said Ibach. “The Costco facility will allow 75-100 farms in east central Nebraska to grow without negatively impacting other farms.”
Costco has stated that their business model is structured as a partnership of local farmers and businesses working towards common goals. Costco has expressed that in order for them to have long-term success their local partners must also be successful. The resulting benefits will have long term positive impact for local farmers, the region and the state.
Local lending institutions have reviewed the prospectus during the grower network recruitment efforts and shared their support of the project.
“A preliminary review of the proposed business plan appears to be very good for Nebraska farmers,” said Scott Meister, Fremont market president of Pinnacle Bank. “This represents a model we have not seen before that provides greater benefits to the poultry grower.”
“Nebraska has a golden opportunity to invite in a world-class company to be part of our community, a company that embodies Nebraskan values, a company we’ll be proud to have in our state, and fits Nebraska like a hand in a glove,” said Ibach. “As a state rooted in agriculture we need to embrace this opportunity and give them a Big Red Welcome!”
UNL'S BLOCK AND BRIDLE CLUB TO HONOR BOSSHAMER
Ann Marie Bosshamer of Kearney will be recognized as the newest University of Nebraska-Lincoln Block and Bridle honoree.
The Block and Bridle Club focuses on building leaders in the livestock and meat industries. The award recognizes those who have contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities and involvement with UNL.
Bosshamer is the executive director of the Nebraska Beef Council, where she leads a team to collect and manage beef check-off funds in the state. In 2015, check-off collections totaled $9.2 million. Of those funds, $3.5 million are managed by the Nebraska Beef Council. Known throughout Nebraska as the "Voice of Beef," Bosshamer has made many presentations to producer groups and has narrated dozens of radio advertisements to promote beef.
Communicating beef to a national and international audience is a passion of Bosshamer's. She works with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to share the story of beef to international guests and other influential groups. Her tours for national media and agricultural influencers have helped define Nebraska as a place where people care about animals and nurture the land.
In addition, Bosshamer is a leader in youth mentorship. She has committed many hours to youth and students, having made several presentations to classes at UNL. The Nebraska Beef Team, created by Bosshamer more than 10 years ago, has become a national model for beef education. A joint program with UNL, the Nebraska Beef Team places students in grocery stores to provide credible information and help customers select and cook great beef.
Bosshamer graduated from UNL with a degree in diversified agriculture in 1992. She worked as a Nebraska Extension assistant in Lancaster County until she began her career with the Nebraska Beef Council in 1996.
Bosshamer will be recognized at the Block and Bridle Club Honoree Banquet at 6 p.m. April 30 at the Nebraska East Union, 1705 Arbor Drive. Tickets are $10 for club members and $20 for non-members. They can be purchased by contacting a Block and Bridle officer or Andi Hallberg at andi.hallberg@unl.edu. A reception for Bosshamer and her family, friends and past honorees will precede the banquet at 5 p.m.
The Block and Bridle Club is part of the Department of Animal Science within UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Northeast Community College seeks Ag-ceptional Woman of the Year nominees
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture reports that the number of farms operated by women nearly tripled from 1978 to 2007 and the statistic continues to rise. Northeast Community College recognizes the vital role that women play in agriculture and honors one individual each year during its AG-ceptional Women’s Conference.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2016 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year Award, which will be presented during the 2016 AG-ceptional Women’s Conference on Friday, November 18, in the Lifelong Learning Center at Northeast Community College here. The recipient will be featured in a video tribute sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.
Corinne Morris, dean of Agriculture, Math and Science, said she looks forward to honoring all women in agriculture during the annual event.
“This will be our 8th annual conference and it never ceases to amaze me what these women can achieve. At Northeast Community College, we recognize the contributions women make as advocates for agriculture, in their own operations, and in their communities. They make a difference and we want to provide a day to educate, motivate and celebrate these special people. The AG-ceptional Woman of the Year Award draws attention to the importance of their role in agriculture. We encourage you to nominate a deserving woman in agriculture for this award.”
Karen Grant, Meadow Grove, was honored as the 2015 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year for her dedication, strength, skills and influence in agriculture. Her daughter, Kristen, made her feel special by taking the time and effort to nominate her for the award.
“The fact that my daughter and family felt I was deserving of the award is heartwarming. I have a new spring in my step and I know I am appreciated,” Grant said. “Receiving this honor in front of my peers at the conference has provided me a new dimension of appreciation and respect. There are so many women deserving of this award; I hope others will take the initiative to nominate and honor their mom or friend.”
Past AG-ceptional Woman of the Year honorees include: Bonnie Schulz, Battle Creek, in 2010; Jan Miller, Belden, in 2011; Nancy Kirkholm, Homer, in 2012; Jan Frenzen, Fullerton, in 2013 and Dawn Winkelbauer, Norfolk, in 2014.
The deadline for nominating the 2016 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year recipient is May 1. Nomination forms may be accessed at: www.northeast.edu/agceptional.
For additional information, contact Morris at (402) 844-7361 or find us on Facebook at AG-ceptional Women
Ricketts Announces 2016 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Recipient
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts joined the Sand County Foundation, the Nebraska Cattlemen, Cargill, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust to announce Plum Thicket Farms as the recipient of the 2016 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The annual award honors Nebraska landowner achievement in voluntary stewardship and management of natural resources.
Plum Thicket Farms is located on the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills. It is a diverse crop farm and cattle ranch owned and managed by Rex and Nancy Peterson and their son Patrick and his wife Krista. Under Patrick’s leadership, the farm was transformed to a no-till operation to prevent erosion and improve water retention, despite knowing the crop yields would initially take a hit. After eleven years, their investment in no-till management is paying off.
Cover crops are an important aspect of the Petersons’ commitment to biodiversity. The family uses a multispecies “cocktail” of annual forages for intensive grazing. The mix contributes to the health of the soil, while also providing a nutritional food source for the cattle and pollinator habitat.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists who have responsibly managed our natural resources,” said Governor Ricketts. “Congratulations to the Peterson family on winning this highly-coveted award. They are one of numerous Nebraska families in agriculture who have voluntarily adopted innovative conservation practices.”
The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of renowned conservationist and author Aldo Leopold, who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. Award applicants are judged based on their demonstration of improved resource conditions, innovation, long-term commitment to stewardship, sustained economic viability, community and civic leadership, and multiple use benefits.
“Governor Ricketts understands that Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are integral to the health of the state’s natural resources,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President. “We appreciate the Governor’s continued participation in this important celebration of sustainable agriculture on private lands.”
“There is only so much land to work with, without being able to create more, we as producers strive to make what we have more sustainable by providing it with the greatest care,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Barb Cooksley. “We owe everything to the land we work, live, and play on. The Petersons work hard to make sure they take care of the land that takes care of them.”
"The Nebraska Environmental Trust is so proud to be a part of the Leopold Conservation Award and to recognize great families like the Petersons and all the applicants," said Nebraska Environmental Trust Executive Director Mark Brohman. "The Petersons are a very deserving family who make all Nebraska landowners proud."
"Cargill values the work being done by farmers and ranchers across Nebraska that focuses on environmental stewardship,” said Jarrod Gillig, General Manager of Cargill in Schuyler. “The Petersons’ diverse management practices are a great example of how production agriculture can benefit rangeland, soil health, and wildlife habitat collectively.”
The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is possible thanks to generous contributions from many organizations, including: Cargill, Farm Credit Services of America, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, Nebraska Audubon Society, Nebraska Land Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Association of Resource Districts Foundation, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assoc., World Wildlife Fund, DuPont Pioneer, and The Mosaic Company.
USDA Seeks Proposals to Protect and Restore Nebraska Wetlands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of $15 million through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership. This program helps eligible conservation partners leverage local resources to restore wetlands on agricultural land. Proposals must be submitted to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by May 16, 2016.
Through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership, eligible conservation partners; state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and Tribal governments, match federal funding and technical assistance to increase the support they provide landowners interested in enrolling their agricultural land into conservation wetland easements. The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership is a special enrollment option under NRCS’ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Proposals must be submitted by close of business on May 16 to:
USDA-NRCS Attn: Craig Derickson
Federal Building, Room 152
100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508
According to NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson, wetland reserve easements allow landowners to enhance and protect habitat for wildlife, reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
“NRCS easement programs help productive farm and ranchland continue in agricultural production while also protecting the natural resources of these areas, providing benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program, while also benefitting their communities,” Derickson said.
Nationwide, in 2014 and 2015, NRCS invested more than $600 million through its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program to help landowners engage in voluntary conservation. Their collective efforts provide long-term protection of an estimated 250,000 acres of farmland, grassland and wetlands through more than 750 easements.
“NRCS is committed to protecting and enhancing our nation’s wetlands. We are looking to our partners for innovative project proposals that will leverage our Farm Bill conservation funding. This will allow us to expand our work on critical wetlands and gain results that will benefit all Nebraskans,” Derickson said.
Iowa Corn Promotion Board To Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 2,5,7,8
Since 1978, Iowa corn growers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. As established by Iowa Code, a portion of the board seats are up for election each year.
On July 19, 2016 corn growers in Crop Reporting Districts 2, 5, 7 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for their representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) for a 3-year term. Crop reporting district 8 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for a 2-year term. The Board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research into news and value-added corn uses, and education and the corn industry.
Other corn producers within districts 2,5,7 and 8 who have produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015) and are interested in running for a position may still file a petition with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. Petitions can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Corn office and must contain the signatures of 25 corn producers from the same district as the prospective candidate. Completed and notarized petitions must be delivered to the Iowa Corn office no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 29, 2016. Once all grower petitions have been received, a final list of candidates will be generated and all names will be listed on the election ballots.
Current candidates are as follows:
USDA Crop Reporting District #2 (Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Mitchell, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, and Wright)
- Monica Lursen, Butler County
- Tom Renner, Cerro Gordo County
USDA Crop Reporting Distrcict #5 (Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, Grundy, Boone, Story, Marshall, Tama, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, and Poweshiek)
- Michael Fritch, Jasper County
- Roger Zylstra, Jasper County
USDA Crop Reporting District #7 (Adair, Adams, Cass, Clarke, Decatur, Fremont-Page, Madison, Mills-Montgomery, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Taylor, and Union)
- Ralph Lents, Adair County
- Delbert Westphalen, Cass County
USDA Crop Reporting District #8 (Marion, Warren, Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Union, Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, and Wayne)
- Blake Reynolds, Warren County
- Gary Petersohn, Ringgold County
Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local extension office on July 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available by request June 1-27 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at (515)225-9242 or corninfo@iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than July 19.
Branstad to Sign Proclamation Monday near Boone
The state of Iowa will celebrate Soil and Water Conservation Week from April 24-May 1, recognizing that the abundance of our agricultural products and quality of life are dependent upon the proper use and management of soil and water resources.
As part of the week’s events, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will sign a proclamation to celebrate Iowa’s Soil and Water Conservation Week on April 25 at 2 p.m. near Boone. The signing will be held at Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm on the SW corner of Hwy 30 and V Avenue.
The governor and attendees will tour the location’s bioreactor research site while learning about new cover crop research from the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University. The Conservation Station from the Iowa Learning Farms will also be present.
“Iowans in our towns and on our farms continue to engage in water quality and soil conservation efforts. This week is an opportunity to celebrate all the work that has been done and highlight the efforts currently underway to prevent erosion and improve water quality,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said. “It is vital that we preserve the soil and water resources that help make Iowa agriculture so productive and such a key driver of our state’s economy.”
“Improving Iowa’s soil and water quality is of paramount importance and we welcome Governor Branstad as he helps raise awareness to the ongoing research and education designed to protect our natural resources,” said John Lawrence, Agriculture and Natural Resources director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Iowa Nutrient Research Center was established in response to legislation passed in 2013. Working in partnership, researchers from the Iowa Board of Regent’s universities pursue science-based approaches to evaluate current and emerging nutrient management practices. The center also provides recommendations on implementing current practices and developing new ones.
ISU Extension and Outreach has also created an online tool called ‘Managing the N Factor’, designed to highlight practices available to improve the quality of water throughout the state. The website walks visitors through facts about nitrates and the use of nitrogen in crop production. It also highlights new research being done by university scientists, discusses nutrient management and provides videos and publications to further inform stakeholders about practices that minimize nitrate loss.
Because land, climate and agricultural enterprises vary from one area of the state to another, ISU research farms located across Iowa provide an opportunity for researchers to find solutions to local problems and to study the impacts of regional differences. More than 130 Iowa State faculty members use the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ farms for teaching, research and extension.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping celebrate the week by providing information on issues critical to soil and water health. Research, publications and infographics will be shared on social media to help readers understand the value of bioreactors, saturated buffers and cover crops. Information on nitrogen and its management will also be provided.
Beef Fuels Team Beef at the 2016 Boston Marathon
The national beef checkoff, through its Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), ensured that beef was proudly represented during the historic running of the 120th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18.
Twenty-one members of Team Beef started in Hopkinton, Mass., and ran along the rolling streets into downtown Boston on “Marathon Monday” to celebrate Patriots Day alongside more than 30,000 other marathon runners from 99 countries. Members of Team Beef received nutrition education on how best to incorporate lean beef into their diet during training, beef recipes and cooking tips and a Team Beef running jersey to wear during the race.
Each of the members of Team Beef participating in the Boston Marathon this year had to achieve a strict qualifying time during a previous marathon. For most marathon runners, achieving a ‘Boston Qualifying’ time is a ‘Bucket List’ accomplishment.
Jose Cervantes of Boise, Idaho, was the first Team Beef member to cross the Boston Marathon finish line with a final time of 3:07:53. Ruel Sword of Woodway, Texas, was the first female finisher for Team Beef with a final time of 3:24:23. The average finish time for the Team Beef runners was 3:44:37. Team Beef runners were from New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Idaho, Colorado and Texas.
Laurie Winkelman, a dairy cattle nutritionist from Appleton, Wisc., commented after the race, "As a runner and person with a keen interest in nutrition, being a part of Team Beef is a great way to spark discussions with consumers. The discussions I have with 'non-farm' consumers usually evolve to greater concepts of food production and agriculture. Team Beef is an excellent vessel to reach a group of people (runners) who may have lots of questions, ideas or misunderstandings about how their food is produced."
Mother and daughter pair, Connie and Elizabeth Wilkinson of Joplin, Mo., ran the Boston Marathon together in 2015 and were able to do so once again in 2016. After the race, Connie reflected, “I heard MANY, MANY ‘Go BEEF!’ chants from spectators along the way. Lots of fist pumping ... beef's name definitely gets out there in this race!”
Social media activity surrounding Team Beef at the Boston Marathon this year can be found by searching the #BeefFuelsBoston hashtag. Nearly 60,000 Twitter impressions were achieved.
USDA's Cold Storage Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers March 31, 2016 were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year, according to USDA's Cold Storage report released on Friday afternoon. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 5 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 9 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 6 percent from last month but down 5 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2016 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 8 percent from last month and up 6 percent from March 31, 2015.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2016 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from March 31, 2015. Butter stocks were up 3 percent from last month and up 32 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 5 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 10 percent from last month but up 6 percent from a year ago.
USDA TO CONTINUE APPROVING ‘PORK. THE OTHER WHITE MEAT’ PAYMENTS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Wednesday decided that, based on its review of the value of four “Pork. The Other White Meat” trademarks the National Pork Board purchased from the National Pork Producers Council, it would continue to approve the Pork Board’s annual payments for the trademarks. NPPC sold the trademarks to the Pork Board in 2006 for about $35 million. NPPC financed the purchase over 20 years, making the Pork Board’s annual payment $3 million.
The sale was an arms-length transaction with a lengthy negotiation in which both parties were represented by legal counsel, and USDA, which oversees the federal Pork Checkoff program administered by the Pork Board, approved the purchase.
In 2012, the Humane Society of the United States, a lone Iowa farmer and the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement filed a lawsuit against USDA, seeking to have the sale rescinded. A U.S. District Court dismissed the suit for lack of standing, but a federal appeals court in August 2015 reinstated it. Subsequently, USDA agreed to review the purchase, including conducting a valuation of the trademarks.
In a frequently-asked-questions document on its website, AMS set the value of the four trademarks at between $113 million and $132 million. It is unclear whether HSUS will continue to press its lawsuit.
NFU Pleased by White House Efforts to Improve Competition in U.S. Industries
Several industries have been on a decades-long trajectory towards increased market concentration, according to a recent report from the Council of Economic Advisers. Last week, the White House expanded their efforts by issuing an Executive Order, requesting that government agencies recommend opportunities to encourage competition in their respective fields.
National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to see the administration take a proactive approach to stimulating competition, an issue the family farm and ranch organization has continuously acknowledged as a mounting challenge for the farm sector.
“Competition drives innovation, motivates integrity and stimulates rural America. I applaud the White House for taking the lead in addressing a concern for many industries, agriculture included. We need to renew competition in the farm sector,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.
Several industry-specific studies have consistently concluded that competition is declining as concentration increases over longer periods of time. Between 1972 and 2002, industry concentration — as measured by the share of revenues held by the top four firms — increased in eight of the nine agricultural industries, according to a Congressional Research Service study.
“What we’ve witnessed in recent history is extreme consolidation of the agriculture supply chain, which has shifted the power to just a few companies. As a result, we’ve seen family farming and rural communities shoulder a lot of the burden, such as increased operating costs for producers and consolidation of farmland,” Johnson reinforced.
He added, “Many of the recent mergers and acquisitions of American food and agribusinesses have perpetuated this trend.”
The Council of Economic Advisers determined further examination of specific factors contributing to increased market concentration, such as market structural changes through the supply chain, could be beneficial to the administration’s efforts to improve competition.
“NFU will continue to support initiatives that work to increase competition in agriculture, and we look forward to any further analysis that could help guide future solutions to this problem,” Johnson concluded.
Interstate Organics Launches Feed Mill
Interstate Commodities, Inc., a grain and feed ingredients merchandising business, announced the launch of Interstate Organics, LLC, a state-of-the-art all organic feed mill, strategically located in the heart of America.
"As a third-generation, family owned company, for the past 70 years we've sourced, high-quality, fair priced ingredients to our satisfied customers across the globe," says Greg, Oberting, president and CEO of Interstate Commodities, Inc. Our rich history and proven stamina within the industry have set the stage for this exciting new venture.
Our finished feed offers a blend of high-quality organic ingredients, providing optimal organic nutrition for animals. Interstate Organics, LLC delivers expert logistics, superior customer service and is a large capacity finished feed mill. Third party manufacturing is available upon request.
Interstate Organics, LLC is fully operational and further brand/product development is forthcoming.
March Egg Production Down 2 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.50 billion during March 2016, down 2 percent from last year - according to USDA's Chicken and Eggs report released Friday. Production included 7.36 billion table eggs, and 1.14 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.05 billion were broiler-type and 91 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during March 2016 averaged 361 million, down 1 percent from last year. March egg production per 100 layers was 2,353 eggs, down slightly from March 2015.
All layers in the United States on April 1, 2016 totaled 361 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 361 million layers consisted of 303 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.74 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on April 1, 2016, averaged 75.5 eggs per 100 layers, down 2 percent from April 1, 2015.
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 4 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during March 2016 totaled 52.2 million, up 4 percent from March 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 48.5 million on April 1, 2016, down 2 percent from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 136 thousand during March 2016, down 61 percent from March 2015.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during March 2016 totaled 804 million, up 2 percent from March 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 650 million on April 1, 2016, up 1 percent from a year ago. Leading breeders placed 8.41 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during March 2016, up 17 percent from March 2015.
IOWA: Iowa egg production during March 2016 was 1.07 Billion eggs, up 14 percent from last month, but down 25 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The average number of all layers on hand during March 2016 was 47.7 million, up 6 percent from last month, but down 20 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for March were 2,231, up 8 percent from last month, but down 6 percent from last year.
Japanese Executive Millers Return for Annual U.S. Wheat Tour
On the heels of a momentous event celebrating 60 years with a U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) office in Japan, a team of four senior executives from Japan’s leading milling companies will travel to the United States to continue building upon that legacy. As a part of USW’s market development activities, the trip includes stops in Oregon and Washington, DC from April 28 to May 4, 2016.
“Japan is a loyal U.S. wheat customer because our relationship is built on mutual trust and our commitment to the best interests of our end-use customers,” said USW Vice President and West Coast Office Director Steve Wirsching. “But as with every relationship, it is important to keep the lines of communications open and to demonstrate full transparency in our practices. This trade team visit is essential to that mission.”
USW collaborated with the Oregon Wheat Commission to organize and host this trade team.
The Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) established the first overseas U.S. wheat export office in Tokyo in 1956 and in that same year, the first team of Japanese millers visited the United States to learn observe U.S. wheat production, quality and marketing. Over the years, bringing trade teams to the United States has become a tradition and for well over a decade, this particular activity has become an annual trip for Japanese executive millers. Often the team extends its traditional trip to the Pacific Northwest to include a visit to Washington, DC.
During its visit to Oregon, the team will follow the wheat through the supply chain from farm to shipment, demonstrating at the each step the U.S. wheat industry’s commitment to quality and efficiency. Their time will include meetings and tours with the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Louis Dreyfus export terminal. Once in Washington, DC, the team will shift its focus to trade policy and get an overview of the U.S. and global wheat market situation. They will also discuss modern farm management systems, dietary trends and views on competitive markets.
“Japan is an essential market for U.S. producers, purchasing 3.2 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat annually, making it the single largest buyer of U.S. wheat in the world. Japanese consumers demand high quality and expect a consistent and reliable supply of wheat food products,” said Wirsching. “At the 60 year anniversary event, the head of the Japanese Millers Association explained that U.S. wheat accounts for six percent of the daily caloric intake of the average Japanese consumer. That is a vivid illustration of the success of this partnership and how much is required from our farmers and wheat supply system.”
MONSANTO ANNOUNCES 2016 REGIONAL “FARM MOM OF THE YEAR” WINNERS
As spring arrives in full force, two things are sure to follow – planting will begin, and Monsanto will announce its new crop of “Farm Moms.” For most areas of the country, planting has officially started, and now today Monsanto is proud to announce it has selected five fantastic women as its regional winners in its 2016 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest.
“Once again we are so honored to have read nominations for hundreds of the strongest, kindest and most passionate women when it comes to their families, farms, communities and agriculture,” says Tracy Mueller, corporate brand manager for Monsanto. “What all of these women accomplish on a daily basis is phenomenal, making our job to select just one winner per region a difficult one. However, we are thrilled to introduce America to our five new regional farm moms. We were impressed with their drive and willingness to speak out for agriculture, and we know America will be, too.”
The 2016 regional winners of the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest include:
- Northwest Region: Katie Heger (Underwood, N.D.)
- Southwest Region: Nikki Weathers (Yuma, Colo.)
- Midwest Region: Karen Kasper (Owatonna, Minn.)
- Northeast Region: Ann Stamp (Cranston, R.I.)
- Southeast Region: Mary Courtney (Bagdad, Ky.)
Each regional farm mom winner will receive a $5,000 award. Their biographical information and original nomination is currently posted online at AmericasFarmers.com, where visitors can click to vote for their favorite farm mom. The farm mom who receives the most votes between April 24 and May 4, will be named the “National Farm Mom of the Year.” As a bonus, she will also receive an additional $5,000 prize.
“For so long, women on the farm have been the unsung heroes, quietly going about their day taking care of what needed to get done,” says Donnell Scott of American Agri-Women. “But in reading these nominations, it’s clear all of the nominees have made such a positive and meaningful impact on everyone around them that is deeply appreciated. AAW is honored to help Monsanto select the finalists and learn more about all of the amazing women in agriculture.”
For a list of winners, past or present winner profiles and official contest rules, visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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