Wednesday April 6 Ag News

Ronnie Green named next UNL chancellor

University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds announced April 6 that following a national search, he has named Ronnie D. Green the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Green's appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Regents by its May 25 meeting.

If confirmed on that date, Green, currently NU’s vice president for agriculture and natural resources, Harlan Vice Chancellor of the UNL Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and UNL interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, would begin his new role immediately to allow for a smooth leadership transition. He would succeed current Chancellor Harvey Perlman, who is stepping down after more than 15 years of leadership of NU’s largest campus.

“Under Chancellor Perlman’s leadership, and thanks to the efforts of talented faculty, staff and students, UNL is experiencing impressive momentum. My goal was to find the right person to build on that momentum,” Bounds said. “Ronnie Green is that leader. He has a deep understanding of and commitment to the mission of a land-grant university. He recognizes UNL’s potential to reach an even higher level of excellence. And the feedback I’ve received from a range of university constituents — students, faculty, staff, leaders in agriculture and business and others – confirms Nebraskans’ confidence in Ronnie’s ability to lead UNL forward.”

Green — a first-generation college graduate originally from Fincastle, Va., who earned his doctorate from UNL — said he is humbled to have the opportunity to lead the institution he has served since 2010.

“Every day the University of Nebraska-Lincoln impacts the lives of students, Nebraskans and people around the world. I’m honored to be a part of that,” Green said. “We are in many ways a fundamentally great university. There’s no doubt in my mind we can be even greater. UNL has the opportunity to lead the way in addressing key global challenges, to attract many more talented students and serve them more effectively, and to meet the needs of Nebraska’s workforce and economy. I’m excited to work with faculty, staff, students and all Nebraskans to build UNL into a globally leading, distinctive Big Ten university.”

Bounds praised the work of the 25-member advisory committee that assisted him with the search. Chaired by Susan Sheridan, George Holmes University Professor of Educational Psychology at UNL, the group worked with search firm Isaacson, Miller, to identify, recruit and screen potential candidates.

Bounds also thanked the Nebraskans who engaged in the search process by providing input on the development of the job description, attending public forums with the four finalists, or sharing their feedback on the candidates.

“In talking with candidates, it was clear they recognized what an exciting opportunity the UNL chancellorship represents,” Sheridan said. “The search committee was impressed by Dr. Green’s record of success, his connection to Nebraskans and his vision for UNL’s future. I have great confidence in his leadership qualities and commitment to UNL’s continued success.”

Reporting to the NU president, the UNL chancellor is the chief executive officer for the campus, which serves more than 25,000 students in nine academic colleges, employs more than 6,400 faculty and staff, has an operating budget of more than $1.2 billion and research expenditures of more than $275 million, and includes a nationally prominent Division I athletics program.

In his current role, Green leads all NU programs in agriculture and natural resources, including oversight of the UNL College of Agriculture and Sciences and Natural Resources, the two-year Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, the statewide Agricultural Research Division, Nebraska Extension, and two university-wide institutes, the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute and the Rural Futures Institute.

In nearly six years at UNL, Green has led IANR through a period of significant growth and momentum as the Institute works toward its goal of positioning the university as a leader in sustainably feeding a growing global population. Enrollment in CASNR and NCTA have grown to a record high of nearly 3,500; faculty numbers have increased by nearly 30 percent and annual research funding in IANR has grown to more than $125 million. IANR has received nearly $150 million in private giving during Green’s tenure.

IANR is driving the development of Nebraska Innovation Campus, home to the Department of Food Science and Technology, a state-of-the-art greenhouse center and a number of private-sector partners including those specializing in food. And, a number of UNL’s key international partnerships, including those in Brazil, India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, Rwanda and other countries, are based on mutual expertise in water, food science, food innovation, biotechnology and other areas that draw on the expertise of IANR faculty.

In his role as interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, which he has held since July 2015, Green serves as UNL’s chief academic officer. He oversees academic programs in each UNL college as well as University Libraries, Graduate Studies, the Nebraska Public Policy Center, Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, the Jeffrey S. Raikes School for Computer Science and Management, international programs and Programs of Excellence.

If confirmed as chancellor, Green will immediately begin national searches for both the IANR and academic affairs leadership positions.

Green was raised on a mixed livestock and cropping farm. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Virginia Tech and Colorado State University, respectively. He has served in university faculty positions, in executive positions in government and the private sector, is widely published in the field of animal genetics and has held leadership roles in a number of prominent national and international organizations. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Subject to Board approval, Green’s base salary as chancellor will be $430,000, plus standard university employee benefits. He will have a deferred compensation agreement in which 11.5 percent of his annual base salary will be set aside each year and which would vest after five years on the job and every two years after that. Green will also receive an annual housing allowance of $24,000, plus a vehicle or vehicle allowance of $9,600 annually.



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding Ronnie Green Appointment as UNL Chancellor

“The selection of Dr. Ronnie Green as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor is great news for Nebraska agriculture and for Nebraska in general.”

“In a state where agriculture accounts for roughly one out of every four jobs, it is important to have leadership at our University that understands the importance of agriculture to our state and our economy. Dr. Green has demonstrated on numerous occasions that he both knows and cares about Nebraska and he’s proven he has a clear vision for the University’s future in worldwide agriculture issues.”

“We very much look forward to working in collaboration and partnership with the University under the leadership of Dr. Green as he works for the betterment of our University and our state.”



Ricketts Congratulates Newly Appointed UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the news of Dr. Ronnie Green’s appointment as the next Chancellor for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Susanne and I congratulate Dr. Ronnie Green on his appointment as the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  We have worked together to grow, strengthen, and promote agriculture in our state during his time at the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and I look forward to collaborating with him in his new role to expand educational opportunities for the next generation of Nebraskans.”



Fischer Statement on Selection of Ronnie Green as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement this afternoon, congratulating Dr. Ronnie Green as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln:

“It’s with great pleasure that I congratulate Dr. Ronnie Green on his selection as the next Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have known and worked with Dr. Green since he first came to UNL. His wealth of experience and passion for agriculture, our state’s number one industry, make him an excellent fit for this position. Under Dr. Green’s leadership and steady hand, our world-class university will remain a center of innovation and growth for years to come.”



Central Valley Ag Delivers Value

Earlier this year, Central Valley Ag (CVA) developed a new mission statement to fully express who they are as a cooperative. The new statement, “Embracing the Cooperative Spirit to deliver value to our members” speaks volumes about how committed CVA is to its member-owners. As we all know, actions speak louder than words, and Central Valley Ag’s recent actions show just how committed they are to living their mission statement.

Recently, CVA’s Board of Directors approved the delivery of age-based equity redemption checks to patrons who have turned at least 65 by December 31, 2015. A total payout of $2,110,234.00 was approved based on Central Valley Ag’s continuing success. Including this recent payout, CVA will have paid out over $8.2 Million in cash patronage, estates and equity throughout this fiscal year.

“This payment represents the spirit of the cooperative system, and we thank you for your support,” said Central Valley Ag CEO, Carl Dickinson.

The success of Central Valley Ag is a result of its member-owners support, Board of Directors vision, and the employee’s dedication to great customer service.



Debating OSHA Rules on Anhydrous

The debate on whether Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will apply the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) regulations to products such as anhydrous ammonia continues to be a threat to our livelihood and the agricultural industry.

In an effort to express how costly these changes would be to both fertilizer retailers and farmers, a group of cooperative managers and producers recently visited Washington, D.C. to meet with our Congressional Delegation. Central Valley Ag’s Board Chairman, Dave Beckman had this to say about the visit to Washington; “It will be logistically impossible for the industry to meet OSHA’s compliance deadline of September 30, 2016, with the large number of storage tanks that would have to be replaced. OSHA has grossly underestimated the cost of compliance at $2,100 per retail facility when in fact Agricultural retailers have estimated costs to range from $20,000 to $77,000 per facility. When costs to an industry exceed $100 million, OSHA is required to adhere to notice, comment and publication procedures under the Administrative Procedures Act which they have bypassed with their low compliance estimate.”

The PSM was written with large-scale anhydrous manufacturing and distribution facilities in mind, and historically agriculture retailers been exempt from these regulations. If the PSM rules are enforced, the industry estimates that the per acre costs for farmers to convert to dry or liquid fertilizer could increase input costs $18 to $30 per acre.

“The enforcement of PSM regulations on agricultural retail facilities will drive up costs to producers on all sources of commercial nitrogen fertilizer, not just anhydrous ammonia,” said Beckman.

The attached documents further explain how OSHA’s PSM standards would affect both your operation and our cooperative. If the PSM rules are enforced, many anhydrous ammonia retailers, including Central Valley Ag, are faced with the prospect of having to substantially consolidate anhydrous facilities which will create transportation delays and inefficiencies and reduce our overall inventory. Many companies are deciding to exit the anhydrous ammonia business because they refuse to pay or cannot afford the compliance costs. Many Nebraska cooperatives have estimated the total cost of compliance to be as high as $10 million for each company.

This issue effects our entire industry, and more work needs to be done. To fully appreciate the consequences of OSHA’s actions, Congress will need to hear from those most affected, you, our agricultural producers. We highly encourage you to review the information below and contact your representative about this issue.



Students to Showcase Projects at 2016 Nebraska FFA Agriscience Fair

A year of research and work will culminate for more than 100 students at the Nebraska FFA Agriscience Fair April 6.

The fourth annual contest will take place during the Nebraska FFA State Convention at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the Nebraska FFA Agriscience Fair is to build awareness of science through research of current and diverse agricultural issues and to cultivate career readiness skills through the interaction of students, educators, the public and the research community.

Students research current and diverse agricultural issues which prepare them for future careers. Topics students have researched in the past include the effects of growth hormones on meat/milk production, chemical effects on water quality and the effects of packaging techniques on food spoilage rates.

Each participant will meet with judges at the FFA State Convention to present findings from their research. They will also create a display, turn in a logbook, abstract summary, review of literature report, materials and methods report, results report and conclusion report to be judged. The Agriscience Fair is open to FFA students in middle and high school in Nebraska.  The contest is sponsored by DuPont Pioneer and CHS Foundation.

“The needs of the agriculture work force are changing. In the future we are going to need more people that understand the scientific side of agriculture. We need innovative thinkers working for companies like DuPont Pioneer developing the next break through that will help farmers be more productive and efficient on their acres,”  Mark Deterding, DuPont Pioneer commercial unit lead, said. “The Agriscience Fair allows us to help inspire students to think of the many different ways they can work in agriculture. The innovative ideas developed by students in the Agriscience Fair shows the amazing potential these students will bring to the industry.”



TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPRING SOIL MOISTURE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Most of us have more moisture in our soil profiles this spring than we’ve experienced in a long time.  Let’s take full advantage of this promising condition.

               Do you remember when we last had soil profiles nearly completely full of moisture throughout our area?  I know I don’t?  Because full profiles are unusual for most of us, some suggestions might be helpful as reminders of how to take advantage of your good fortune.

               First consider pasture fertilization.  Good moisture is needed to make full use of nitrogen fertilizer.  Our university recommendations are based on available moisture for various areas.  When soil moisture is high at the start of the growing season, like this year, heavier rates can be expected to produce economically higher grass yields as long as you can use the extra grass either for grazing or by cutting excess for hay.  I suggest applying an extra twenty to forty pounds of nitrogen per acre this spring if you can use that extra growth.

               Alfalfa production should also benefit from all this moisture.  Older dryland fields probably will benefit the most since they usually extract most of the deep profile moisture within three or four years of stand life.  Most of our alfalfa fields tend to be low in phosphorus, especially if they haven’t had any fertilizer added for several years.  If your soils would benefit from a bit more phosphorus, this is a good spring to apply it since your alfalfa should be able to make immediate use of the increased nutrition to boost hay yields.

               Lastly, look to plant and fertilize annual forages.  If you plant summer annual grasses or might double crop forages after wheat, take advantage of extra moisture if it remains available at planting time.

               Extra moisture is valuable.  Take full advantage of it this year.



Rural America a Solid Business Investment, Iowa Farm Bureau President Says

Iowa Farm Bureau President and American Farm Bureau Federation Board Member Craig Hill addressed the importance of boosting rural economies in testimony before a Senate subcommittee today.

Vibrant rural economies play a critical role in helping farmers and ranchers offset the challenges of today's farm economy since "the vast majority of farm families rely on off farm income to diversify risk and keep the family economically viable," Hill said. "With lower commodity prices farmers will have to find new and innovative ways to remain profitable and continue farming in future years."

Iowa Farm Bureau has been active in developing and promoting rural businesses through its Renew Rural Iowa program, which provides education, mentorship opportunities and funding for rural business startups. According to Hill, "This investment by the Iowa Farm Bureau has grown over the years to a total of $32 million invested across 13 companies making an impact in rural Iowa."

AFBF's Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge also highlights innovative rural businesses across the country, and for the last two years, the competition winners hailed from Iowa.

Hill emphasized the importance of Agriculture Department programs in helping rural communities, and noted ways USDA can make the programs more accessible.

"While USDA has been a great partner for our rural businesses, the complexity of the application process and length of time for approval are a hindrance to business development and harm the viability of the programs," Hill said. To that end, AFBF is analyzing data from a recent survey it conducted to evaluate USDA programs.

"Through the efforts of organizations like the Farm Bureau and USDA Rural Development, we can continue to improve the health and vitality of rural America," Hill said.

Iowa Farm Bureau supports House proposal to fund continued conservation progress
Meanwhile back in middle-America, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members applaud the Iowa House proposal to prioritize existing funds towards sustainable water quality and soil conservation practices, which protect Iowa’s fertile fields and watersheds. IFBF has long advocated for funding to advance the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, a science-proven conservation plan which has received national merit since it was announced three years ago.

“IFBF farmers are committed to conservation progress and this plan helps prioritize water quality funding while creating a long-term sustainable funding source to help us increase that momentum,” said IFBF President Craig Hill. “The 2015 Iowa Farm and Rural Life poll shows that Iowa farmers have implemented as much as $2.2 billion in the last ten years to put conservation measures in place. Because we believe in doing right by the land and our neighbors downstream, we know that work must continue. The latest House proposal, which utilizes existing funds without raising taxes, is a positive step towards ensuring that continued conservation is a success, for both urban and rural watershed stakeholders.” IFBF urges lawmakers to make water quality funding a priority this Session.



U.S. Meat Exports Sluggish in February

February exports of U.S. pork and beef were roughly steady with last year’s volumes but export value moved lower as prices continued to decline from the 2014 highs, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The price reductions reflect more abundant red meat supplies and a fiercely competitive international marketplace.

Pork export volume was 171,413 metric tons (mt) in February, down 1 percent from a year ago, while value fell 12 percent to $414.3 million. For the first two months of the year, pork export volume remained 1 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 338,423 mt, but value was down 12 percent to $819.1 million.

February beef exports totaled 83,203 mt, up slightly from last year, while value dropped 18 percent to $437 million. January-February exports were up 2 percent in volume (165,504 mt) from a year ago but fell 16 percent in value ($875.1 million).

USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng said the February results fell short of expectations.

“Given the headwinds U.S. exports faced early last year, including the severe congestion in the West Coast ports, we expected to see year-to-year increases in most markets, but the actual picture was mixed,” Seng explained. “Beef exports did rebound in most Asian markets compared to February 2015, but these gains were largely offset by declines in our neighboring markets. U.S. pork continues to regain traction in China/Hong Kong, but exports slowed to our other major Asian destinations.”

2016 pork exports off to strong start in China/Hong Kong, Oceania, Central America
Momentum continues to build for U.S. exports to China/Hong Kong, extending the trend that began in the fourth quarter of last year. Through February, exports were 86 percent above last year’s pace in volume (73,536 mt) and 50 percent higher in value ($138.6 million).

“Declines in Chinese hog numbers and pork production have pushed prices to the highest level since 2011, triggering larger imports from all suppliers,” Seng said. “To capitalize on these supply and demand dynamics, USMEF has stepped up efforts to educate importers about the availability, quality, consistency and affordability of U.S. pork. At the same time, the import market continues to receive large volumes of very competitively-priced product from Europe. We are in a battle for market share, not only in China but also in all key Asian markets.”

Other notable January-February results for U.S. pork include:
-    Pork shipments to both Australia and New Zealand were up substantially, as exports to the Oceania region increased 56 percent from a year ago in volume (11,379 mt) and 14 percent in value ($31 million).
-    Exports to Central America were up 38 percent (10,322 mt) with value up 26 percent ($23.6 million), driven by strong growth to Honduras and Guatemala.
-    Led by strong results in the Dominican Republic, exports to the Caribbean were up 12 percent from a year ago in volume (6,475 mt) and steady in value ($15.3 million).
-    Export volume to the ASEAN region was steady with last year at 6,450 mt while value increased 13 percent to $15.9 million, led by growth in the Philippines and Vietnam.
-    Exports to South Korea and Mexico were down significantly from last year’s large volumes, while exports to Japan were also lower. Larger domestic supplies and lower prices have, to some extent, slowed import demand in these key markets. But exports to Japan are expected to regain momentum in coming months as Japanese ham and sausage manufacturers rebuild their frozen pork inventories and U.S. chilled pork continues to regain traction. Korea’s imports are expect to slow slightly from last year’s large volumes, but frozen U.S. pork will benefit from zero duties. Further weakness in the Mexican peso is creating challenges in the top volume market for U.S. pork, as Canada has been gaining market share.

Overseas gains for beef exports offset by slow demand in Mexico, Canada
Through February, beef export volume moved higher than a year ago in most Asian markets and Central America and was relatively steady in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Demand slowed substantially, however, in Mexico and Canada, last year’s No. 1 and No. 4 volume destinations for U.S. beef.

“U.S. beef is well-positioned to regain market share in Asia this year,” Seng explained. “Increased slaughter numbers are generating larger supplies of the cuts needed to serve our Asian customers, and this will bolster our marketing efforts in both the foodservice and retail sectors. But we need to find even more innovative ways to maintain beef demand in Mexico, where the weak peso has effectively offset any softening of U.S. beef prices.”

January-February market highlights for U.S. beef include:
-    Japan reclaimed its position as U.S. beef’s leading volume destination (32,890 mt, +11 percent year-over-year). Japan was also the top value market, though export value was down 12 percent to $180 million. U.S. exports to Japan are expected to recover market share this year, with smaller available supplies (and higher prices) from Australia, as well as recent strengthening of the yen, helping offset some of Australia’s tariff advantage.
-    Exports to Korea increased 28 percent from a year ago in volume (23,045 mt) but fell 2 percent in value to $135.5 million. Smaller domestic production and high prices have helped stimulate demand for larger imports. High-quality U.S. beef is well-positioned to help meet this need, while also helping to fuel consumption growth in Korea.
-    Exports to Hong Kong rebounded to 20,545 mt (+18 percent) but value fell 14 percent to $118.6 million.
-    Taiwan, where the U.S. is the dominant supplier of chilled beef, achieved year-over-year growth in both volume (5,052 mt, +25 percent) and value ($44.2 million, +6 percent).
-    Exports to Central America increased by 50 percent (2,252 mt) with value up 37 percent ($12.6 million), driven by strong growth to El Salvador, Panama and Honduras.
-    Exports to Mexico fell 18 percent in volume (31,850 mt) and 28 percent in value ($143.4 million), while exports to Canada were down 11 percent (17,532 mt) and 25 percent ($104.7 million), respectively.

Lamb exports edge higher in volume; value trends lower
February exports of U.S. lamb were slightly higher than a year ago in volume (830 mt) but dipped 24 percent in value to $1.3 million. For the first two months of the year, exports increased 17 percent to 1,801 mt but value fell 19 percent to $2.8 million. Volumes increased to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and Costa Rica, but were partially offset by lower exports to Saudi Arabia, the Bahamas and Panama.



Virtual Field Trip Makes Students Smart About Farming
   
Students from around the country had the opportunity Tuesday to take a farm field trip from the comfort and convenience of their classrooms as part of a special program created by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance in conjunction with Discovery Education. Titled "The Smart Farm: Where Technology and Innovation Meet," the live virtual field trip reached more than 1,200 schools.

The National Corn Growers Association is a proud founding affiliate of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. "Before today, I couldn't imagine taking more than 35,000 students on a field trip to a farm - but that's exactly what USFRA did today with its Virtual Field Trip," said NCGA President Chip Bowling, who represents the organization on the USFRA board of directors. "Today's virtual field trip was a great way to share what takes place on farms like mine with audiences that can't visit rural communities."

Available at no cost, the event was hosted from Deere & Company World Headquarters in Moline, Ill., and transported classrooms across the country to a hog, corn and soybean farm to see today's modern agricultural practices in action. Students also heard from fourth generation farmer Ryan Veldhuizen, who was featured in James Moll's award-winning documentary, FARMLAND, as he discussed technology and innovation on today's smart farms.

Discovering FARMLAND's standards-aligned curriculum guides, lesson plans and interactive resources have become increasingly popular with high school teachers and students who are using these timely tools to gain real-world insights about where their food comes from. The program covers key issues in modern agriculture including: how technology has transformed the industry, challenges farmers face such as weather and growing conditions, common stereotypes around farmers and ranchers, and market supply and demand. The curriculum brings to life many of the themes covered in the FARMLAND film, and teaches students about food choices, sustainability, entrepreneurship and antibiotics, among many other topics.

For more information, visit the program website, www.discoveringfarmland.com, or the USFRA website, www.fooddialogues.com.



Inhofe, Roberts Request Investigation of Anti-Farmer Campaign

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Tuesay sent a letter to Arthur A. Elkins Jr., the inspector general of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requesting an audit and investigation of an EPA grant to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission used to support an anti-farmer advocacy campaign in Washington state.

The campaign included billboards and a website that support increased regulation of agriculture in Washington state.

"We are troubled to learn that EPA's financial assistance appears to improperly fund an advocacy campaign in Washington state that unfairly targets and demonizes farmers and ranchers. According to a recent news report, the EPA-funded advocacy campaign includes multiple billboards, bus placards, and an interactive website urging the public to contact state lawmakers. The website assists the public in contacting lawmakers by providing a pre-written email criticizing the actions of agricultural producers and blaming them for polluting local waterways. Further, the billboards and placards do not cite EPA as a funding source of the campaign. According to an EPA Region 10 official, the failure to attribute EPA as the source of the funding 'looks like a violation'," the Senators said.

"It appears a large portion of the EPA financial assistance went to pay a public relations and lobbying firm, Strategies 360, to conduct an advocacy campaign called 'What's Upstream?' in partnership with environmental activists, including Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and Western Environmental Law Center."

"This Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission grant appears to be part of a broader war on farmers and rural communities that the Obama Administration, through the EPA, has been waging in concert with its allies in the environmental activist community. It is imperative we learn whether EPA officials are turning a blind eye to this deceptive wrongdoing, and why the administration did not perform the necessary oversight to confirm taxpayer dollars are not mismanaged, and ensure well-established and important federal restrictions against lobbying are being followed," the Senators concluded.

At the request of Inhofe, the Government Accountability Office issued a legal determination in December 2015 that found EPA had violated the Antideficiency Act and congressional bans against using federal funds for grassroots lobbying and covert propaganda.



Informa Lowers Brazil Soy Outlook

Informa Economics raised its forecast for corn production in Brazil and Argentina, according to a report by the private forecaster Wednesday.

Corn output in Brazil, among the world's largest exporters, will total 83.7 million metric tons for 2015, Informa said. That is 1.2 million tons above the firm's March forecast, though if accurate would be almost one million tons below last season's harvest.

Corn production in Argentina is forecast at 27.5 million tons, up 500,000 tons from its previous estimate, Informa said. If realized, Argentina's corn harvest would be one million tons above the previous year.

"Currently, nearly half of Argentina's corn is mature," with about 15% harvested, Informa said in Wednesday's report. "Harvest normally is half complete by the middle of May and usually is completed in August."

Meanwhile, Argentina's soybean crop is pegged at 59.5 million tons for 2015, which is 500,000 above Informa's last forecast. Brazil's soybean output is projected at 100.5 million tons, or 800,000 tons less than the prior forecast.



Over 150 million miles driven on E15

An important milestone for higher ethanol fuel blends was reached recently. Major gasoline retailers working with Growth Energy have reported that over the past 12 months, using the U.S. average gas mileage of 20 MPG, consumers have surpassed 150 million miles using E15 without any negative effects.

NASCAR® has trusted E15 for over five years and eight million miles of racing because it burns cleaner, cooler and increases octane, which improves engine performance. We’re now seeing consumers choosing it for the same reasons. Retailers including Sheetz, Kum & Go, MAPCO, Minnoco, Murphy USA and Protec have responded to consumer demand for lower cost and higher performing fuel by adding E15 at their pumps and, their choice is paying off.

“I have been using E15 for the last three years at Minnoco and have noticed no mileage loss, better engine performance and great savings at the pump,” said Mark Foudray, a loyal E15 consumer from Shakopee, Minnesota.

Steve Anderson, an AAA approved and ASE certified service consultant and owner/operator of Marshall Cretin Minnoco from St. Paul, Minnesota, also lauded E15’s engine boosting qualities, saying, “We have a loyal following for the E15 product. Approaching 1,000,000 gallons pumped we have nothing but positive results.” He added, “E15 has higher octane and burns cleaner —the interior of the engines are cleaner and the tailpipe makes more air, and less pollution. E15 has been widely tested and is safe for all vehicles model year 2001 and newer. We see over 50 percent of our customers purchasing E15 on a daily basis. The statistics don't lie. It is a great product and we are pleased to offer it as a choice to our fueling customers.”

Higher ethanol blends are increasingly popular choices for consumers who demand a 21st century fuel for 21st century cars, and E15 checks that box. In addition, E15 and higher ethanol blends are better for our environment and the air we breathe, as they emit less emissions than other harmful alternatives and cost consumers less at the pump.

“I have been selling E15 to our customers since the fall of 2013. Since I introduced it, there has not been one complaint due to mileage loss or engine performance. I hear only positive comments with drivability and the lower cost at the pump. Today's cars are designed to utilize the higher octane to improve performance through different computer management systems. I see higher-level blends of ethanol, like E15, being the next fuel of future,” said Joel Hennen, a third generation owner/operator of Hennen’s Auto Service from Shakopee, Minnesota.

“This milestone is a clear indication that American consumers are embracing biofuels like ethanol, and E15 particularly, because they recognize its many benefits—from increased engine performance and reduced oil imports, to less toxic emissions,” said Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy, “Americans want more options at the pump and we hope that this will motivate more retailers to offer E15 at their locations, because consumers are ready for the fuel that’s made for today’s cars.”



Monsanto Reports Lower Profits

Monsanto Co. said profit tumbled in its latest quarter as the world's biggest seller of corn and soybean seeds continues to grapple with an unfavorable agricultural market.

Following the weaker-than-expected results, shares in the company fell 0.7% in light premarket trading. The stock declined 13% this year through Tuesday's close.

The St. Louis-based maker of Roundup weed killer has been struggling with a sharp downturn in the U.S. farm economy and pressures in overseas markets. Farmers' incomes have been pinched as grain and oilseed prices have sagged for three straight years following a string of bumper harvests, and strength of the U.S. dollar has meanwhile made Monsanto's products more expensive overseas.

Last month, Monsanto cut its outlook for this year, projecting $4.40 to $5.10 in adjusted earnings per share, down from a prior forecast of $5.10 to $5.60. That followed an announcement in October that it would cut 2,600 jobs -- or 16% of its workforce -- as it tries to shore itself up.

The company on Wednesday backed its outlook for the year. Chief Executive Hugh Grant said Monsanto is making progress on efforts to reignite momentum, led by new corn hybrid portfolio introductions and the launch of new Roundup varieties, and expressed optimism that business conditions would improve starting next year.

In its latest quarter, Monsanto saw revenue from seeds and genomics, its biggest business, drop 8.6% as sales of most seed types fell. Sales in its agricultural productivity segment, meanwhile, slid 30% to $715 million.

In all, the company reported a profit of $1.06 billion, or $2.41 a share, down from year-earlier earnings of $1.43 billion, or $2.90 a share. Excluding restructuring charges, earnings per share fell to $2.42. The completion of the company's $3 billion accelerated share buyback program helped support per-share earnings, as did a lower tax rate.

Total sales slid 13% to $4.53 billion.