Monday April 11 Ag News

Wisner-Pilger Superintendent Recognized with State FFA Cornerstone Award

Mr. Chad Boyer was honored at the Nebraska State FFA Convention with the Cornerstone Award.  The Cornerstone Award was developed to recognize school administrators for their outstanding support of agricultural education in their school district.  Nebraska FFA enthusiastically recognizes outstanding administrators for their support of agricultural education and FFA during the annual state convention.  Mr. Boyer’s nomination was prepared by Eric Leisy and Michael Borgelt.

Mr. Chad Boyer began his career as Superintendent of Wisner Pilger Schools in July 2012.  During his four year tenure at Wisner Pilger he has become knowledgeable of the community, its rich Agricultural traditions and that Agriculture is the foundation of the local economy.  Mr. Boyer has actively supported the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter the entire time that he has been Superintendent for Wisner Pilger School system.  This involvement has included attending FFA Alumni activities, Parent’s Nights and Annual FFA Banquets. He actively supported Mr. Schroeder’s nomination for the FFA’s 2015 Gary Scharf award by writing a letter of support and also attending State FFA Convention when the award was presented.  Mr. Boyer is supportive of activities the FFA Chapter wants to do for FFA week.  If there are potential issues with plans he openly discusses his concerns, helping our FFA members understand the potential implications for the FFA Chapter and School.  He also willingly listens to our perspectives.    He encourages hands on learning experiences especially the FFA test plot.  Due to the 2014 twin tornadoes that destroyed the middle school in Pilger a new Elementary and Middle school are being built on land owned by the school district that had been used for over five years as the FFA test plot.  Mr. Boyer was willing to work with the community and FFA Chapter to explore and find a new option for the FFA Test plot.  Working with a local producer we were able to work out an agreement to rent 5.6 acres to continue the strong real life experience of corn production that is provided through our test plot providing rich learning experiences in Agronomy and Ag Business through our Junior and Senior years.  He continues to allow any profits from the test plot to be divided among the Senior FFA members as part of their scholarships for their college educations.

As Mr. Mark Schroeder prepares to retire after a prestigious 39 year career (37 years at Wisner Pilger) of leading the Wisner Pilger Ag Program, Mr. Boyer has lead the School Board in working to recruit a strong educator to fill Mr. Schroeder’s position. The school district also has broken apart the teaching assignment that Mr. Schroeder has carried for over 25 years of teaching both Ag and Industrial Arts.  They are advertising for two full time instructors—one in Agricultural Education and one in Industrial Arts.      

From both student and parent perspectives, Mr. Boyer takes a strong personal interest in the students and their achievements.  He wants to learn more about projects including SAEs and the various Career Development Experience Contests as well as our strong competition in the Leadership Skill Events.  Through his personal interest in the students at Wisner Pilger and his sincere interest in what they are involved in he has developed a strong understanding of the benefits students experience through their involvement in the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter.  The Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter is the largest student extra-curricular activity for students.  Under Mr. Boyer’s leadership the school administration and school board are supportive of the vast variety of activities that the FFA Chapter is involved in.  Mr. Boyer and the School Board have been supportive of the annual request to the Louis and Abbey Faye Dinklage Foundation that provides financial support for leadership skill development of the FFA Chapter members in activities and contest including and not limited to:  Washington Leadership Conference, Chapter Officer Leadership Training, attending National FFA Convention and competing in State and National Contests. In 2015 alone the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter members have qualified to compete in the State Land Judging Contest and are the alternate team to those going to National Land Judging.  A week later ten members from the Chapter attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville and four of our members earned the right to compete in the National FFA Livestock Judging Contest.  Three weeks later members competed in the District 3 Leadership Skills Events earning Reserve Champion honors in the Sweepstakes Contest for Large Schools and won the Ag Demonstration Contest, Junior Public Speaking Contest, Cooperative Speaking Contest, and were Reserve Champion in Cooperative Speaking, Junior Public Speaking and Natural Resources Speaking along with members that were named as alternates to State competition in Creed Speaking, Junior Public, and Senior Public Speaking.  In January 2016 the Junior Livestock Judging Team qualified as one of three teams from District 3 to compete at State Convention.  Thirteen members completed their applications for the State FFA Degree and one member went the extra mile to also complete the Star Battery Application.  At the same time ten members also completed their applications for National FFA Scholarships. All of these accomplishments have occurred in the last four months under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Schroeder who has been supported and encouraged by Mr. Boyer.



Eric Leisy Wins State FFA Star Farmer

Setting lofty goals and reaching them is nothing new for Eric Leisy.  Eric’s goal throughout his FFA Career has not only been to ear his State FFA Degree, but he set his sights on winning the State FFA Star Farmer in Production.  Friday April 8, at the final session of the Nebraska FFA Convention, it was announced that Eric Leisy was selected from 24 of the top FFA members in Nebraska to win the 2016 State Star Farmer in Production Agriculture.  Eric has spent the last three months preparing and refining his written applications and State Degree credentials.  He also practices his interview skills with former State and National FFA Award winners.  Eric is the first Wisner Pilger FFA member to win the coveted Star Farmer Award.

Eric is the son of Pam and Steve Leisy of Wisner.  He currently is serving as the President of the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter and is the third consecutive generation in the Leisy family to serve as President of the Wisner Pilger FFA Chapter.  Mark Schroeder, Eric’s Ag Education Instructor commented, “Eric is person of high integrity, strong moral character and exhibits two traits rarely seem today--humility and self-control.  Because Eric leads with these qualities he improves all he touches and builds the institutions and people he touches.  Eric will continue to share his leadership talents during his college and professional career.  He will continue to manage his farming operations in a manner that will leave them better for future generations.”

In addition to winning the Star Farmer Award, Eric won first place in the Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship proficiency award area sponsored by the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association.  This is an accomplishment based on the very talented applicants in all the challenging areas of Crop Production.  Eric interviewed with the other finalists in all three areas to win top individual ranking. Eric’s Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency award application will compete at the national contest against the other top Proficiency Award finalists in the nation.

In 2015 Eric’s application in Grain Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency won the top award in Nebraska’s FFA State competition and he also earned a gold in the National FFA competition.
Eric’s projects consist of renting a total of 67 acres for crop production. Eric produces corn and soybeans for his three proficiency areas. He takes all financial risk involved in running and operating his own business as a producer. Eric makes all managing and marketing decisions, while understanding the ins and outs of how to grow his operation in the future. His proficiency area of Grain Production Entrepreneurship involved producing corn on 32 acres on dryland ground whereas Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production involved producing soybeans on 35 acres of dryland ground. The Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship proficiency area involved combining all corn and soybean acres and running the operation as a whole.

Eric is a Senior currently serving as the FFA Chapter President and served as Parliamentarian as a Junior.  While at State Convention Eric also competed in the Natural Resource Speaking Contest with his speech on Water Issues earning a gold medal.  He earned Reserve Champion honors at the 2015 District 3 Contest earning the right to compete at the State Convention. Dovetailing with his Proficiency Award Applications and strong understanding of record keeping he earned a blue in the mentally challenging 2016 Farm Management Career Development Event at State Convention.  He has earned his Chapter degree and represented the Chapter and District III in the State FFA Natural Resource Speaking contest in 2014-2015 winning the District Contest and qualifying for finals at state earning the third gold. Eric also participated in the Fifth Annual Ag Issues Academy at the Nebraska State Convention in 2014. He also participated in District III Agronomy Career Development Event contest where he placed 2nd overall and got awarded a purple ribbon. Eric also takes an interest in the Land Judging contest where he received a blue ribbon in 2014.  He has participated in Chapter Officer Leadership Training, State and National Convention, and will attend the Washington Leadership Conference this summer. He ran cross country, plays basketball, is on the golf team, is a member of the academic team; academically is on the honor roll and a member of the National Honors Society.

Eric has been accepted to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources to major in Ag Economic and Ag Business with a minor is Water Management and Sciences.  He will begin his Freshman year in August 2016. 




The 2016-2017 Nebraska FFA State Officer Team

Kaitlyn Hanvey, State President - Verdigre FFA Chapter
Nic Taylor, State Secretary - Logan View FFA Chapter
Cheyenne Gerlach, State Vice President - Tri-County FFA Chapter
Collin Swedberg, State Vice President - Wallace FFA Chapter
Manuel Acosta, State Vice President - Bayard FFA Chapter
Halle Ramsey, State Vice President - Ord FFA Chapter
Christy Cooper, State Vice President - Waverly FFA Chapter




URBAN YOUTH TO EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE FARM

Agriculture is the number one industry in Nebraska, yet many elementary school students don’t know where their food comes from or how it’s produced. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) works to educate youth about agriculture.  This week, NAYC members will host the annual Urban Youth Farm Tour enabling elementary age students from Lincoln the opportunity to visit area farms for the day to experience agriculture up close and learn from those who know it best—working farmers and ranchers.

The tour will take place on Friday, April 15. The NAYC members will be joined by nearly 250 elementary students and their teachers from Prescott, Fredstrom, Hartley and Riley Elementary Schools in Lincoln as they visit operating beef, dairy and grain farms near Wahoo.  Students will also learn about sheep, pigs and goats during the tour.

“For many of these students, this will be their first trip to a farm,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “These tours will give students a chance to learn more about agriculture and how it impacts all of our lives.  We need students to understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced.”

The Nebraska Corn Board is sponsoring the transportation costs for the students to attend.

The NAYC consists of 23 college-age men and women who have been selected by NDA to promote agriculture to youth. Council members are chosen based on their enthusiasm, interest and leadership in agriculture. This year, the NAYC is celebrating its 45th anniversary of promoting agriculture to Nebraska youth, from preschoolers to high school students.



Winter is Learning Season for Nebraska Soybean Growers

Spring is a season of optimism for farmers, as they prepare to plant what they hope will be a profitable crop. But knowledge gained over the winter can help that hope become a reality. For several Nebraska soybean growers, this winter has been a time to learn more about emerging markets for their crops and the logistics of getting soybeans to their customers.

A tour sponsored by Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) took soybean growers to the Philippines and Vietnam. Ron Pavelka, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB), says the trip helped participants better understand the needs of their customers. He says the two nations have different viewpoints about U.S. soybeans, but the knowledge gained by meeting with soybean purchasers can position U.S. producers for future growth in both countries.

The Philippines is already an important market—the number two importer of U.S. soybean meal. “Customers in the Philippines value the high quality of our soybeans,” said Pavelka. “They are very relationship-oriented and it’s important for our producers to visit regularly to strengthen those ties.”

Vietnam is an emerging market with a lot of potential and Pavelka says the trip helped participants understand what needs to be done to increase U.S. market share. In Vietnam, buyers are very price conscious and often buy from other nations. Pavelka says a proposed feed trial at an aquaculture facility in Vietnam could help demonstrate the value of higher quality U.S. soybeans.

In December, some NSB members traveled to Panama for the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) meeting and to tour the Panama Canal, including an expansion that is expected to open this spring. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the STC, says soybeans are the number one U.S. agricultural commodity transported through the canal. He says it’s important for farmers to see the infrastructure they benefit from. “The temptation for farmers is just to fixate on production; not considering how the transportation chain affects the price they get for their crops,” said Steenhoek.

NSB director Greg Anderson says to see the size of the ships passing through the canal brings home the realization of today’s global marketplace. “We understand supply and demand,” said Anderson, “but it’s important to understand how we get our supply to the demand.”

Most Nebraska soybeans are shipped via rail to ports in the Pacific Northwest rather than the Panama Canal. But Steenhoek says it’s important for farmers to understand and advocate for improvements in all levels of the transportation system. He says that more efficient transportation ultimately leads to a stronger bottom line for soybean farmers.



Preseason Field Check of Planting Equipment
Paul Jasa - NE Extension Engineer

As you wait to start planting, take time now to check on how well your planter will perform in the field. As with any piece of equipment, the operator’s manual is the starting point for the initial settings and adjustments. Recommendations and trouble-shooting tips are available in the manual and from others who own and operate similar equipment.

In the off season, you should have checked all sprockets, chains, bearings, and related drive components for wear and replaced parts as necessary. Likewise, the seed meters should have been cleaned and maintained at the end of last planting season before putting the planter away for storage. If these maintenance items were not performed then, do so now to minimize downtime during the planting season. Remember, the best time to check over the planter and make the appropriate repairs is at the end of the planting season while everything is still fresh in mind.

Make sure the tires are properly inflated so that the drive wheels turn the seed meters as designed. Even on planters with hydraulic or electric drives, the tires need to be properly inflated so that the toolbar is at the correct height and level from side-to-side. Level the planter front to back in the field, not at the shop, as the tires and row units sink into the soil differently compared to sitting on concrete. While in the field, check and adjust your planter to improve its performance. By doing this before planting season, you will save valuable time at planting.

1)    Level the planter, making sure that the toolbar is at the proper height and leveled front-to-rear, perhaps even slightly “tail” down. This allows for the full range of movement of the parallel links on the row units and aids in seed-to-soil contact. If the toolbar is too high, the downpressure springs are ineffective. If the toolbar is too low, you may break downpressure springs by over-extending them.

2)    Make sure the planter carrying wheels are centered between the row units and carrying some weight. This is especially important for producers using the ridge-plant system to help keep the planter on top of the ridge.  Remember that the toolbar height will change by the height of the ridges and needs to be reset as the carrying wheels settle into the furrow.

3)    Once the planter is leveled, try blind planting with no seed in the boxes or other products on the planter (everything empty as that’s the lightest the planter will be). Stop with the planting units in the ground and check to see if the depth gauge wheels are in firm contact with the soil. If they are not, tighten the downpressure springs (or increase the air pressure on the airbags, if so equipped) and try planting again. If you cannot tighten the springs, you may have to add extra springs or add weight directly to the row unit to get the gauge wheels in firm contact with the soil. Conversely, if you cannot slip the depth gauge wheels slightly, especially on wetter soils, you may have to reduce the downpressure to avoid over-compacting the soil next to the seed-vee.

4)    Check to see if you can slip the seed meter drive wheels as the downpressure springs will be lifting the toolbar. You may have to add weight to the planter frame for the springs or airbags to work against and to keep the drive wheels firmly on the ground to reduce slip. Don’t loosen the springs to get the drive wheels back in contact with the soil as penetration to seeding depth is necessary. Extra weight will be needed for dry soils or heavy residue and on planters with inter-plant units.

5)    Place a small amount of seed into a couple of seed boxes and plant a short distance. Check seeding depth, seed-to-soil contact, seeding depth uniformity, and seed spacing uniformity. Evaluate seed-vee closing and check to make sure you’re not over compacting the seed zone or packing below the seeding depth.

 Make the necessary adjustments or add the required equipment to improve planter performance and check the planter again. Even though a preseason planter check was made, all of these items should be rechecked when actual planting begins and as conditions change during the planting season.



Growth Energy CEO to Speak at Ethanol 2016: Emerging Issues Forum

Ethanol and biofuel experts from across the nation will be in Omaha for the annual Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum April 28-29 at the La Vista Conference Center.

Tom Buis, acting CEO and co-chair of Growth Energy, is one of the featured speakers April 28. Growth Energy represents producers and supporters of renewable energy, who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic wellbeing and create a healthier environment for all Americans.

“Tom Buis is a key figure among the group of national biofuel experts who will join us at the Ethanol Forum,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “Tom’s extensive experience in agriculture and policymaking offers us the chance to hear about opportunities and challenges facing the biofuels sector.”

Buis joined Growth Energy in March 2009 as the CEO of the organization. Prior to Growth Energy, he was elected National Farmers Union’s 13th president. Buis served nearly five years as senior agriculture policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). In addition, he worked for U.S. Rep. Jim Jontz (D-Ind.) for nearly five years as legislative assistant and legislative director. He was also special assistant for agriculture to U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh (D-Ind.). Before moving to Washington, D.C. in 1987, Buis was a full-time grain and livestock farmer in west-central Indiana.

Buis will participate in the government policy panel alongside Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition executive director, and Mark Palmer, Nebraska Ethanol Producers Association executive director.

The two-day forum, which is in its 11th year, is arranged for ethanol producers and others integrally involved in production, technology, policymaking and marketing of ethanol and its co-products. The forum runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday.

Other topics during the forum include ethanol marketing challenges; domestic and international ethanol marketing opportunities and barriers; emerging trends in ethanol co-products; low carbon fuel standards; and integrating technology for efficiency, profitability and sustainability.

More than 130 ethanol industry leaders are expected to be in attendance. Online registration and a detailed agenda are available at www.ethanol.nebraska.gov. Registration is open until 5 p.m. April 27. Scholarships also are available to college and university students and can be accessed online.

The Ethanol 2016: Emerging Issues Forum is presented by the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Clean Fuels Development Coalition, American Coalition for Ethanol and the Nebraska Ethanol Industry Coalition.



ASA Urges Vilsack, Froman to Pressure EU on Unapproved Soy Traits

In a letter sent today to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, the American Soybean Association (ASA) urged the administration to press the European Commission to approve three biotech soybean traits, each of which has been awaiting final approval since January.

The traits include Monsanto’s dicamba-resistant and Vistive Gold high-oleic soybeans, as well as an isoxaflutole-resistant soybean from Bayer CropScience.

“Commission officials have assured the U.S. soybean industry repeatedly during the months of February and March that there were no concerns over these dossiers and that approval would proceed in line with the Commission’s pledge to authorize those biotech events which have received positive EFSA opinions within a reasonable timeline,” said ASA President Richard Wilkins in the letter. “Approval of these events is needed now for the EU Commission to have any semblance of a working biotech approval process. … Timely approval by the European Commission also will avoid the risk of unnecessary costs and disruption to the essential supply of feedstocks needed by the EU’s livestock, poultry and feed industries, which are more than 70 percent dependent on imports of protein.”



Aspiring Iowa Ag Leaders Embark on Mission to Southeast Asia ILEAD Explores Market Potential for U.S. Corn in All Forms

Members of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) program recently traveled to Malaysia and the Philippines on an international trade mission to gain first-hand knowledge of the significant market potential for U.S. agricultural exports to the region.

"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said ILEAD Class 7 Member Sara Ross, an agribusiness professional who farms with her husband Kevin in Minden, Iowa where they grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa and run a cow-calf operation. "We traveled half way around the world to talk with various people in the agriculture sector and learn how important agriculture is to each of those countries and what they import and export with the United States and other countries."

The I-LEAD program is on its seventh class and is charged with the task of developing these young men and women into strong leaders for Iowa agriculture. The purpose of the I-LEAD foreign mission is to help class members gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the global food system and develop a deeper appreciation for the views of their international customers.

"The mission provided participants the opportunity to meet with grain buyers and explore the region’s food and fuel needs," said Iowa Corn Growers Association Director Mark Recker, a farmer from Fayette County. "We visited with feed buyers in the region to understand their needs as our importing customers. We gained insights about their ethanol industry and the opportunities to increase ethanol blends."

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) partnered with Iowa Corn in showcasing the organizations’ market development activities. The team’s itinerary highlighted some of the challenges, opportunities and successes of agriculture in Southeast Asia.

"Getting to visit farms in both countries was an eye opening experience as they plant and harvest by hand, but use iPads and other technology on their farms," explained, Ross. "One of my favorite stops was the port near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This port, Westport, is as big as the United States’ two largest ports combined. Seeing how they are planning for the future and are ready and able to handle ships that haven’t even been built yet was amazing. We met many wonderful people in both countries and learned so much along the way!" In addition, both countries also present a difference in trading environments. Malaysia is a signatory to the mega-trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), where the Philippines has high tariffs and tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on many products, including corn.

Southeast Asia’s consumption of food is growing at double-digit rates annually. The Philippines and Malaysia provided a unique contrast for the class learning about the developing world. For example, the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is less than $3,000 per year, whereas the wealthier Malaysia boasts a GDP per capita of almost $12,000.

"It was good for the I-LEAD class to see differences in cultures, understand perceptions on GMOs and see first-hand transportation infrastructure for exports," explained Recker. "We visited countries that cannot provide enough food to feed themselves. They live on importing grains and meats and look to us as a key trade partner."



Iowa Cattlemen Urge Passing of Trans-Pacific Partnership

Several Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) leaders and staff members are headed to our nation’s capital this week to meet with legislators on behalf of Iowa’s cattle producers. A key issue that will be discussed is the Trans Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement that stands to benefit all of agriculture, but especially the beef industry.

The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP)  was signed by 12 countries on the Pacific Rim including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States on Oct. 12, 2015. TPP will provide a platform for U.S. exports in a region that includes some of the world’s most robust economies, representing nearly 40 percent of global GDP.

TPP will reduce tariffs and level the competitive playing field for US beef exports to key international markets. In particular, beef’s largest export market, Japan, will see a tariff reduction from 38.5% to 9% over the next 15 years. Currently, U.S. beef is competing with Australian beef, which has an 11 percent tariff advantage into Japan. TPP will help U.S. beef regain over $100 million in additional beef sales that have been lost to Australian beef.

Beef exports currently add more than $350 to each head of cattle sold in the U.S. Additional foreign marketing opportunities will allow the U.S. to not only maintain current demand, but potentially add more value to asking price of a fed steer long term.

ICA joins the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and 225 other food and agricultural organizations calling on members of Congress for a swift vote on TPP.  “Passing TPP is vital to a stable and profitable future for our cattle producers,” says ICA president Phil Reemtsma. “We urge all of Iowa’s delegation to support the agreement.”



Corn Growers Call on Congress to Pass TPP in 2016

The National Corn Growers Association today joined more than 220 national and state food and agriculture organizations in expressing support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and urging Congress to pass the agreement in 2016.

In a letter to Senate and House leaders, the organizations write, "Delaying the launch of TPP by even a year would represent a $94 billion permanent loss... to the U.S. economy. With net farm income at its lowest level since 2002, the costs of inaction are too high to ignore. We must act now."

Last year, the United States agreed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement with 11 Asia-Pacific countries representing 40 percent of the world's economy. TPP countries currently account for 42 percent of U.S. ag exports, at a value of $63 billion annually.

"The TPP presents a valuable opportunity for U.S. agriculture; one that we cannot afford to miss. TPP Is important for the future of rural America, and we urge passage of TPP during this session of Congress," the letter concludes.



Ag and Food Coalition; Pass TPP Now
 
Today, 225 food and agricultural companies and associations including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sent a letter to members of Congress calling for a swift vote on the Trans Pacific Partnership. NCBA President Tracy Brunner says cattle producers cannot wait any longer to level the playing field.

“Japan is our largest export market and our Japanese customers demand high quality U.S. beef,” said Brunner. “However, due to the Australia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, U.S. beef faces a tariff that is 11 percent higher than Australian beef, our leading competitor. That tax alone makes our beef less competitive and gives Australia’s beef producers a significant advantage that has allowed them to capture over $100 million in additional beef sales at the expense of U.S. producers.”

With the implementation of the Australia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in early 2015, the tariff rate on Australian beef exports to Japan immediately dropped from 38.5 percent to 28.5 percent. On April 1, 2016, that tariff again dropped to 27.5 percent and will continue to decrease every April until the tariff rate hits 19 percent in 2031.

“On April 1, Australian beef producers got a tax break on beef exports to Japan and we paid for it in lost sales,” said Brunner. “We know Japanese consumers want U.S. beef, but just like domestic consumers, they make their buying decision based on price and appearance. Until we level the playing field through TPP, U.S. beef is going to be at an economic disadvantage in Japan. That is why we cannot afford to delay passage of TPP; every day costs our producers real money.”

Upon implementation of TPP the tariff rate on U.S. beef into will immediately drop from 38.5 percent to 27.5 percent. Moreover, that rate will continue to decrease over the following 16 years until it settles at 9 percent.

“TPP is a great agreement for U.S. beef producers and rural America,” said Brunner. “Trade supports U.S. jobs, commodity prices, and the next generation of U.S. beef producers. We are pleased to join with other food and agricultural groups in calling on Congress to pass TPP this Congressional session.”



NAWG, State Wheat Groups Urge Congress to Move on TPP

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and 17 state wheat organizations have joined a wide coalition of agricultural organizations in urging Congress to act quickly on the Trans-Pacific Partnership  (TPP). In a letter to U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, NAWG emphasized to Congress the urgent importance of passing TPP.

“TPP will directly benefit U.S. wheat farmers by opening markets for their exports, and improving their competitiveness in the global market,” says NAWG President Gordon Stoner, a Montana wheat grower. “Every day of inaction on TPP means that U.S. wheat farmers are missing out on new economic opportunities, and without enactment, our farmers are at a competitive disadvantage to countries that already have bilateral agreements in place with other countries participating in the TPP.”

TPP will eliminate barriers to trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The letter stresses the importance of boosting exports to regions of the world with growing middle classes; tearing down harmful tariffs which decrease the U.S.’s competitiveness in international trade; and establishing high-standard trade rules, which will allow the U.S. to become a leader in market-driven and science-based avenues of trade, directly improving the U.S. food and agriculture industry.

The Asia-Pacific market hasn’t been fully tapped by American exports, and the U.S. is at risk of falling behind other countries in establishing trade relationships which benefit U.S. wheat farmers. NAWG’s support of TPP and its participation in the coalition letter underlines its support of trade deals that will improve the wheat industry both home and abroad.

The following state wheat organizations also joined onto the letter: California Association of Wheat Growers, Colorado Association of Wheat Growers, Idaho Grain Producers Association, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kentucky Small Grain Growers, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, Montana Grain Growers Association, Nebraska Wheat Board, Nebraska Wheat Growers Association, North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, Oregon Wheat Growers League, South Dakota Wheat, Inc., Texas Wheat Producers Association, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Washington Grain Commission.



Dairy Organizations Seek Congressional Support for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the International Dairy Foods Association asked members of Congress in a letter today to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement while also addressing a number of critical implementation and enforcement issues that are key determinants in how the agreement is likely to work in practice. As part of this, the dairy associations urged the federal government to ensure that the other participating countries adhere to their respective commitments within the pact.

The TPP is an historic pact between 12 countries containing features that will help America’s dairy farmers and processors in the future. After months of analysis and deliberation, all three organizations have endorsed the pact, saying the agreement presents, on balance, a step forward for U.S. dairy farmers and companies that process and market their milk.

In the letter, the three dairy groups outlined the benefits the agreement could bring to the industry, such as improving the rules of the road governing trade throughout the TPP region. For instance the letter addresses TPP’s ground-breaking commitments on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues, as well as geographical indications (GIs) and common food names.

“The geographical indications provisions in TPP, for the first time, establish a more equitable process for considering GIs and emphasize the importance of safeguarding usage of common food names,” the letter said. “This is a key priority for our industry as we face the European Union’s global efforts to wield GIs as nontariff barriers to trade in order to limit competition and market access from U.S. suppliers.”

However, the three organizations also noted several issues that need to be addressed during the TPP’s implementation process, which are vital to ensure that the agreement lives up to its potential to create improved international opportunities. The letter asks Congress to insist that both Canada and Japan be held to their own commitments – both existing ones and new ones under the agreement. It also highlighted the importance of the United States carefully ensuring active enforcement of its own market access provisions.

“TPP can help support the continued growth of a robust U.S. dairy industry, provided not only that the commitments captured in the text of the agreement are fully implemented, but also that countries are not allowed to backtrack on existing market access agreements to offset what has been granted via TPP,” the letter continued.

“The fine print in implementing TPP really matters. We are endorsing the outlines of the agreement, but will continue to insist that the terms agreed to need to be followed by the other countries in this agreement. The U.S. needs to be continually vigilant with the TPP signatories and really hold their feet to the fire both now and down the road,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF.

“The SPS and GI commitments in particular should help keep in check the ability of countries to erode existing and future market access for U.S. dairy exporters through arbitrary, unjustified and oftentimes sudden regulatory determinations,” said Tom Suber, president of USDEC. “But for them to live up to their potential we need to ensure our trading partners realize we’re serious about their compliance with these pieces.”

“The successful negotiation and implementation of ambitious trade agreements like TPP are vital to the future growth of America’s dairy industry,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “For those benefits to be realized, however, it’s imperative that our trading partners be held accountable and live up to their current and future commitments.”



Agricultural, Food Groups Urge Support For TPP

The National Pork Producers Council today joined 225 other agricultural and food organizations in expressing support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and in urging congressional lawmakers to back the deal.

The TPP, negotiations on which concluded last October, is a regional trade deal that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, which account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP.

“If faithfully implemented, TPP will help level the playing field for U.S. exports and create new opportunities for us in the highly competitive Asia-Pacific region,” said the agricultural and food groups in a letter to Senate and House leaders.

NPPC believes the deal could be the “biggest commercial opportunity ever for U.S. pork producers.” Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes estimates the agreement will exponentially increase U.S. pork exports to Pacific Rim countries and help create more than 10,000 U.S. jobs tied to those exports.

“While U.S. pork producers support the TPP, it is imperative to make sure other countries do not artificially stimulate pork production through support programs in a way that will undermine the concessions they made in the TPP negotiations,” said NPPC President John Weber, a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “We appreciate the strong support we are receiving from both the Obama administration and Congress to ensure that U.S. pork producers receive the full benefit of the TPP deal. There are still some critically important issues that need to be worked through, but I’m confident they will be resolved well before Congress votes on the deal.”

In addition to removing export barriers, the TPP agreement includes high-standard rules that will encourage market-driven and science-based terms of trade that will help the U.S. food and agriculture industry compete in the Asia-Pacific region, the agricultural and food groups pointed out in their letter.



North American Producers Committed To Responsible Pork Production

North American pork producer leaders meeting last week in Whistler, British Columbia, confirmed their industry’s common focus on producing nutritious, sustainable and affordable pork.

Hosted by the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), the meeting was attended by representatives of the CPC, the National Pork Producers Council and the Mexican pork producer organization, Confederación de Porcicultores Mexicanos (CPM).

“It was gratifying to see how pork producers from our three countries all recognize they have a fundamental role in maintaining the foundation of a healthy, safe, environmentally sustainable and affordable food supply,” said CPC Chair Rick Bergmann. “This foundation includes the adoption of new approaches and methods demonstrated by sound science to provide the best possible care and handling of our pigs, allow for environmentally sustainable use of our natural resources and achieve favorable results in the quality, safety, affordability and availability of our pork products.” He noted that population estimates indicate agriculture needs to double production to meet the world’s needs in 2050.

“Hog producers are very innovative, employing the best proven genetics, using research from animal nutritionists and adopting production technologies that, when combined, have achieved tremendous advances in our industry’s ability to produce high-quality food in a sustainable manner,” added NPPC President John Weber, referring to a 2012 Iowa study showing that, relative to a 1959 baseline, pig production has achieved a 35 percent decrease in its carbon footprint, a 41 percent reduction in water usage and a 78 percent drop in land needed to produce a pound of pork.

In their discussions, the leaders recognized that, in addition to production efficiencies and environmental sustainability, pork producers share with the rest of society the expectation that pigs are raised in a manner that respects their animal welfare needs as well as society’s concerns that the industry uses antimicrobials prudently.

“Pork producers are deeply committed to the humane and respectful treatment of all pigs in their care,” said CPM President Jose Luis Caram. “In addition to the sensibilities that farmers have toward their animals, producers look also to animal behavior scientists and veterinary practitioners for guidance on housing and nutrition, which is reflected in industry codes of conduct and recommended practices.”

The pork producer leaders found that another commitment in common is the judicious use of animal health products and for farmers to play their part to preserve the continued effectiveness of antibiotics for humans and for animals. The industry continues to promote sound management, nutrition and good housing as the first line of defense to maintain and protect animal health, recognizing that animal health products should never be used as a replacement for good animal husbandry. They do believe, however, that producers and their veterinarians must retain the ability for the welfare of their animals to prevent disease and treat sick pigs with medications that are approved for veterinary use.

“North Americans should feel confident that their pork farmers are capable stewards of their animals and deeply committed to meeting our customers’ and our fellow citizens’ needs and expectations,” concluded Bergmann, who farms in southeastern Manitoba.

Pork is an important source of many essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, bioavailable iron and zinc, B vitamins and energy. Replacing some carbohydrate with protein foods, such as pork, may have clinical benefits such as reduced appetite and calorie intake, improved blood lipids and muscle mass maintenance.



 Growth Energy Continues Ethanol Foreign Market Expansion Efforts

This week, Jim Miller, Vice President and Chief Economist of Growth Energy will travel with Steve Bleyl, Executive Vice President of Green Plains Inc., and Doug Berven, Vice President of Corporate Affairs of POET to Chinese Taipei to present papers on the benefits of ethanol as part of a larger U.S. delegation that will participate in a workshop on Ethanol Trade Development as part of APEC’s Renewable Fuel Strategy.  In addition to these presentations, other U.S. experts, including Paul Trupo, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Dr. Michael Wang, Argonne National Laboratory, Angela Tin, American Lung Association, Mike Dwyer, U.S. Feed Grains Council, Ed Hubbard, Renewable Fuels Association and Marc Rauch, Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher of The Auto Channel will discuss emissions, health impacts, engine performance and how ethanol produces both food and fuel.

Representatives from several countries will provide case studies concerning their successes, challenges and potential for increased ethanol utilization. 23 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members are expected to be represented at the conference. The forum was organized by United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) under an APEC grant.

Following the APEC workshop, the team, including representatives from Growth Energy, the Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Grains Council and the Renewable Fuels Association will travel to Beijing where they will be joined by Robert Hurley, Jr. of Marquis Energy. They will meet with China’s National Energy Administration, which oversees the country’s domestic ethanol program, as well as representatives of major energy producers and traders.  The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen the government-to-government ethanol working group that was established last year and encourage the Chinese to include ethanol industry participation.

Following the trip to China, Steve Bleyl, Jim Miller and Mike Dwyer of the U.S. Grains Council will travel to India for a follow-up mission designed to set up a bi-lateral ethanol industry working group with Indian colleagues under the umbrella of the US-India Business Council.  It is hoped the group will be able to develop a strategy to expand India’s use of ethanol in its transportation fuel supply that can be presented to the Modi government.

“These trade missions are critical in expanding the use of ethanol globally and building additional markets for U.S. fuel ethanol,” explained Jim Miller. He added, “Biofuels, like ethanol are cleaner burning and reduce harmful toxins and greenhouse gas emissions. As nations across the globe look to reduce their carbon footprint, more and more are turning to clean burning ethanol which has a proven record of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Steve Bleyl noted, “As the U.S ethanol industry continues to grow, we need to expand along the domestic market and there are opportunities around the globe to expand the marketplace and increase our customer base. To meet the need for increased demand, it is important, now more than ever, to develop partnerships with other nations by providing them with cleaner burning fuels like ethanol that can help accomplish their sustainability goals. As the global community looks to implement the use of renewable fuels to improve air quality issues, I am thrilled to be engaged in these trade missions, and the opportunities they provide to bring homegrown American ethanol overseas.”

Doug Berven added, “Biofuels like ethanol can solve many of the problems in countries around the world. Ethanol replaces cancer-causing agents in gasoline and reduces tailpipe emissions, two important qualities for dense, urban areas in particular,” Berven said. “We can improve the health and lifestyles of families everywhere.”

Robert Hurley, Jr., explained, "Since the U.S. and China lead the world in terms of gasoline consumption, it is important that the two countries collaborate on leading the global initiative towards a cleaner energy mix for the future.  China reinforced their commitment to clean energy in their recently announced five year economic and social development plan.  I believe the U.S. can serve as a valuable partner to China in achieving these targets based on our extensive industry experience."

Marc Rauch concluded, “There's a great need for the entire world to understand the benefits of ethanol, not just the United States. There is enormous potential for the growth of ethanol in Asian markets, which opens greater opportunity for the U.S. ethanol industry. I'm extremely excited and honored to have been asked to be part of this program.”



CWT Assists with 1.7 Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 11 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association who have contracts to sell 1.614 million pounds (732 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and 132,277 pounds (60 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from April through October 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 13.975 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 7.716 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 14.808 million pounds of whole milk powder to fourteen countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 410.706 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Pig and poultry diets: DDGs may be door to mycotoxin exposure

Since the release of Alltech’s 2015 North America Harvest Analysis results, some pork and poultry producers have found a new source for mycotoxin contamination, this time during the process of renewable fuel production.

A byproduct of ethanol production, distiller’s dried grains (DDGs), have become increasingly popular with livestock and poultry producers. During ethanol production, yeast utilizes the highly digestible starch materials to produce ethanol. After the starch is used, production is left with primarily protein and fiber, the main components of DDGs, which provide an excellent feedstuff source for animals.

“The problem with DDGs is that any component that is not used for ethanol will be concentrated just like the fiber and the protein, and this includes mycotoxins,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, Alltech Mycotoxin Management team nutritionist. “In fact, mycotoxins concentrate up to three times more in DDGs than in grains.”

Since Sept. 1, 16 DDG samples have been analyzed through the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analysis program. The average sample contained 6.31 mycotoxins with type B trichothecenes present in 94 percent of samples, fusaric acid in 94 percent and fumonisins in 81 percent.

“The major change in DDG quality has been due to type B trichothecenes and type A trichothecenes, as both of these toxins have increased since harvest,” said Hawkins. “Over time, these mycotoxins can have significant impact on feed intake, weight gain, gut health, immune response and feed conversion rate (FCR).”

Hawkins advised poultry and swine producers to also stay vigilant about corn grain storage. Further analysis has shown that, since harvest, this feedstuff has increased from a low to moderate mycotoxin risk as grain storage time increases.

Since Sept. 1, the Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis program has analyzed 132 corn grain samples. Researchers found an average 3.24 mcyotoxins per sample with fumonisins present in 77 percent, type B trichothecenes in 62 percent and fusaric acid in 55 percent of samples.

“Of the three mycotoxins present in corn grain samples, the levels of type B trichothecenes, part of the DON family, have been increasing the most since harvest,” said Hawkins. “Even at these low levels, mycotoxins can still hinder monogastric gain and FCR.”

Hawkins suggested that producers implement a quality control program to monitor the toxic content of DDGs and to make sure that the incoming supply of DDGs has manageable levels of contamination, including testing grains and feed for moisture, mold count, yeast count and mycotoxins, ensuring that corn grain is properly stored and implementing quality feeding conditions.

Another common approach to dealing with mycotoxins in DDGs is blending, which involves taking a high toxin source of DDGs and mixing it with another supply that has a lower level of contamination.

When all possible preventative measures have been taken, the use of a mycotoxin mitigating substance (or a sequestering agent) in the feed can help reduce or prevent the negative effects mycotoxins have on the animal and additionally improve immune function, gut health and integrity. The most effective agents are those that help combat the risk of multiple mycotoxin contamination.

“The crux for producers is that the animal remains the best indicator of a mycotoxin presence,” continued Hawkins. “If the animal is not performing to its fullest or unexplained symptoms persist, consider the nutrient quality of the DDGs and the role that a mycotoxin may be playing.”

For more information about mycotoxin symptoms and how to manage challenges on-farm, please visit Knowmycotoxins.com.