Wednesday May 11 Ag News

PQA Plus Advisors Training

Would you like to become a Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) 3.0 Advisor? Sign up today to attend one of the trainings in Columbus (5/20), Norfolk (5/26) or Lexington (5/30).

PQA Plus 3.0 incorporates People, Plane, Pigs along with the ability to customize to meet specific farm SOPs, caretaker focus on what they need to know and aligns with the Commons Swine Industry Audit.

Click here for conference registration... http://www.nepork.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Conference-Registration.pdf.  If  you have any questions about registration, please call Benny at 402-472-6033 or by email at benny.mote@unl.edu.




Quality assurance sessions scheduled for Iowa hog farmers

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to offer free Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) and Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) programs for Iowa hog farmers.

Special quality assurance training sessions will be hosted at the 2016 World Pork Expo on Wednesday, June 8,and Thursday, June 9. All sessions will be hosted in room A-2 of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Interested individuals should pre-register by contacting IPPA at (515) 225-7675 or bmeyer@iowapork.org. Session details are as follows:

Wednesday, June 8
PQA Plus - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
TQA - 9:30 a.m. - Noon

Thursday, June 9
PQA Plus - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Additionally, Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) training sessions will be offered in each of the eight IPPA districts throughout the summer.

District 1
Thursday, July 21
Sioux County Extension & Outreach
400 Central Ave. NW Ste. 700
Orange City

District 2
Tuesday, August 23
Humboldt County Extension & Outreach
727 Sumner Ave.
Humboldt

District 3
Thursday, August 25
North Iowa Area Community College
203 Brantingham St, Room 108
Charles City

District 4
Tuesday, August 9
Delaware County Extension & Outreach
1417 N. Franklin St.
Manchester

District 5
Monday, June 27
Cass County Extension & Outreach
805 West 10th St.
Atlantic

District 6
See World Pork Expo special sessions

District 7
Tuesday, August 9
Mahaska County Extension & Outreach
212 N. I St.
Oskaloosa

District 8
Thursday, August 11
Johnson County Extension & Outreach
3109 Old Hwy. 218 S.
Iowa City

All district locations offer TQA from 9:30 a.m. to noon and PQA Plus from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All sessions are sponsored by IPPA and the Pork Checkoff. Producers are encouraged to pre-register to allow adequate space and materials. To pre-register or for more information, contact IPPA at (515) 225-7675 or e-mail bmeyer@iowapork.org.

PQA Plus and TQA are part of the industry-aligned We Care responsible pork initiative, which establishes ethical principles for pork producers to produce safe food, protect and promote animal well-being, protect public health, safeguard natural resources, provide a safe work environment and contribute to a better quality of life in their communities.

"Pork producers, their employees and pig transporters continue to show their dedication to continuous industry improvement through certification in PQA Plus and TQA," said IPPA President Al Wulfekuhle. "These programs, along with the We Care initiative, continue to show our customers the strong commitment we have to food safety and animal care."



Beef Nutrition Showcase to Spotlight Feed Efficiency Trial Results

A culmination of five years of extensive research through the USDA’s National Program for the Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle will be on display next month, according to Iowa Beef Center director Dan Loy.

“Iowa State is one of the eleven universities involved in this USDA project that has genotyped and phenotyped more than 8,000 head of cattle from nine breeds across the nation to date,” Loy said. “We’re hosting a Beef Nutrition Showcase highlighting several outcomes of the project research on Saturday, June 11 at the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition Farm.”

Set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the farm located five miles northwest of the Iowa State campus at 3405 North Dakota Ave., the event will provide opportunities for attendees to view multiple ongoing feed trials and learn how selection tools from the USDA grant are now being applied to real-world feedlot production.

Patrick Wall, extension beef specialist, said one trial will be of special interest to those wanting to learn more about expected progeny differences (EPDs.)

“One of the featured trials is testing the American Hereford Association’s new Feed Intake EPD, specifically to see if feedlot managers can potentially use a sire’s EPD for intake to enhance the management and ultimate profitability of a pen of cattle,” Wall said. “The program also will highlight a Residual Feed Intake (RFI) test of Limousin cattle, trace mineral interactions on a group of purebred Red Angus, and a zinc metabolism study on Angus genetics.”

A steak sandwich dinner will conclude the event at the Hansen Student Learning Center in Ames. There’s no cost to attend but people are asked to preregister by June 6 to ensure an adequate meal count. Preregister by calling Wall at 515-450-7665 or email him at patwall@iastate.edu. For additional details on the program schedule, see the program flier.

Additional information for the nationwide USDA grant project is available at www.beefefficiency.org.



Fertilizer Prices Firm Once Again

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of May 2016 continue to remain constant. Retail fertilizer prices have been unwavering for four consecutive weeks now.

Five fertilizers slipped lower while the other three fertilizers were higher compared to last month. None of the five fertilizers moved by any consequence. DAP averaged $475/ton, MAP $502/ton, potash $366/ton, urea $385/ton and 10-34-0 $560/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were higher compared to the month earlier but again the move was fairly minor. Anhydrous averaged $589/ton, UAN28 $274/ton and UAN32 $321/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.42/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.49/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices have stabilized in recent weeks, but still remain lower compared to a year earlier. All fertilizers are now double-digits lower.

UAN32 is 13% lower, 10-34-0 is 14% less expensive and both urea and MAP are 16% less expensive from a year previous. In addition, DAP, anhydrous and UAN28 are all 17% less expensive while potash is 26% lower.



Growth Energy praises partnership with Kum & Go, congratulates on opening over 100 stores offering E15

Kum & Go will be offering E15 at more than 100 stores across the country by the end of the year. The company will be offering consumers a choice of E15 at pumps across 10 states and at about 30 locations. Growth Energy has worked in partnership with Kum & Go to give American consumers access to higher ethanol blends and its co-chair, Tom Buis, released the following statement:

“Kum & Go has stepped up and responded to consumer demand for lower cost, higher performing, and more environmentally friendly fuel by adding E15 at their pumps. It’s been a pleasure working with such a forward-looking company and we congratulate Kum & Go on this important milestone.

“This milestone underlines the fact that American consumers have embraced E15 for the savings it provides at the pump and because they demand 21st century fuel for 21st century cars. E15 is specially designed to work with today’s modern cars because the extra octane helps engines perform at their best.”



Ethanol Foes Aim to Dismantle RFS Progress with Newest Legislation

Yesterday, a familiar cast of anti-ethanol legislators introduced a measure targeted at halting the progress made under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). HR 5180, the Food and Fuel Consumer Protection Act of 2016 would limit the total volume of ethanol contained in transportation fuel to 9.7 percent. Growth Energy co-chair, Tom Buis released the following response:

“This bill is incredibly flawed because the ethanol industry is already producing over the bill’s 9.7 percent threshold and growing. Perhaps more importantly this bill would deal a blow to American consumers who have embraced ethanol as a less expensive, 21st century fuel that is higher performing and allows for consumer choice.

“Homegrown ethanol is an American success story that’s helped usher America’s path to energy independence with a clean-burning fuel that’s better for the air we breathe and our environment. American farmers have shown that they can feed and fuel the world and any claim that says we cannot have both food and fuel is simply a self-serving charge aimed at driving a specific agenda with no factual merit.

“The fact is that consumers are demanding and using higher blends of biofuels, like E15, because it is an advanced fuel with higher-octane levels that increases performance in 21st century vehicles. Furthermore, E15 burns cleaner, lowers toxic emissions, and saves consumers at the pump—facts the oil industry desperately attempts to blur with negative advertising campaigns and misleading legislation.

“This legislation is a measure that would move the clock backward and demolish the progress made under the RFS to move America forward in terms of energy independence, consumer choice at the pump, and a cleaner future.”



June Dairy Month is a time to recognize dairy’s nutritional and environmental benefits

More than 75 years since the annual celebration began, June Dairy Month continues to recognize dairy foods and the farmers who produce them. Beginning in 1937, the observance was created as a way to help distribute extra milk when cows started on pasture in the summer months. June Dairy Month’s rich history continues, with communities, companies and people from all over celebrating the many reasons why dairy makes sense for families and the environment.

Recently, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines reaffirmed dairy’s important place in the diet by maintaining its recommendation that people ages nine and older consume three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. Dairy foods including milk, cheese and yogurt are full of vitamins and minerals and help build strong bones and healthy muscles, control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In celebration of June Dairy Month, show your commitment to eating three servings of dairy every day by taking the Dairy 3 for Me pledge. Support your pledge by finding a new favorite dairy-inspired recipe, such as this Frosty Orange Banana Sipper made with milk and yogurt. At about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving of milk, families can count on dairy to be a nutritional bargain. “Dairy foods are good for your health and your budget, not to mention they taste great.” says Midwest Dairy Association registered dietitian Stephanie Cundith. “A pledge to three daily servings of dairy is a wise investment for many reasons.” 

In addition to dairy’s contribution to healthy eating, dairy farmers contribute to protecting the environment through their longstanding commitment to sustainability. In fact, 8,000 Midwest dairy farm families work 365 days a year to ensure nutritious milk and dairy foods are available now and in the future while using a variety of conservation practices and on-farm efficiencies to reduce their environmental impact.



Farm Bureau Survey: Farmers Want to Control Their Own Data

Farmers and ranchers want to control the information their equipment collects every time it passes through a field, a survey released today by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows. Farmers also believe that creating a cooperative-style central repository for their data is the best way to enhance its security and maximize its value.

“We asked our members what they thought about data, and it is clear that boosting farmer confidence in security and data management will be critical to unlocking the potential this technology holds,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “This survey also shows that we are on the right track with various ag group initiatives designed to improve data integration and promote transparency about how the data is collected and used.”

AFBF is a founding member of the Ag Data Coalition, an organization created by several leading agricultural groups and companies to help farmers better store and manage their information in a central location. The ADC will establish a co-op-style repository for agricultural data, with farmers having a governing role over the group.

Duvall said that is consistent with survey findings that 71 percent of respondents said they are interested in having access to the kind of data bank that ADC is developing, while 82 percent say it is important that farmers have a voice in the ag data co-op.

Survey respondents also ranked vendor transparency high among their priorities. Farm Bureau and other groups recently introduced a tool, the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator, to explain in plain English the convoluted details often found in data contracts with agricultural hardware and software providers.

The survey, meanwhile, revealed a high level of misunderstanding among respondents regarding data details in their contracts. When asked whether they knew if their contracts indicated they owned or controlled their own data, 55 percent of those surveyed said they did not know. Twelve percent said the contracts did not indicate control or ownership, and only 33 percent said their contracts specifically indicated that growers owned or controlled the data they generate.

When asked whether contract details about sharing data with a third party, business partner or affiliate required approval of the grower, only 32 percent said they did. Fifty-four percent were unsure and 14 percent said prior approval from a grower was not required for data sharing.

“This indicates a higher level of clarity and transparency is needed to secure grower confidence,” Duvall said. “One of the topics I hear most about from farmers on the data issue is having a clear understanding about the details of ‘Terms and Conditions’ and ‘Privacy Policy’ documents we all sign when buying new electronics. You should not have to hire an attorney before you are comfortable signing a contract with an ag technology provider. Farmers have real questions and the Transparency Evaluator goes a long way in helping farmers better understand the contracts before they sign on the dotted line.”

The survey also revealed other issues that must be addressed to help promote farmer acceptance, noting the following:
-    Seventy-seven percent are concerned about which entities can access their farm data and whether it could be used for regulatory purposes;
-    Sixty-seven percent said they will consider how outside parties use and treat their data when deciding which technology or service provider to use;
-    Sixty-six percent believe farmers should share in the potential financial benefits from the use of their data beyond the direct value they may realize on their farm;
-    Sixty-one percent are worried that companies could use their data to influence market decisions; and
-    Fifty-nine percent were confused whether current agreements or contracts allowed technology or service providers to use their data to market other services, equipment or inputs back to them.

This year’s poll follows a 2014 survey that led to the development and publication of a set of Thirteen Principles on Data Privacy and Security that same year. Thirty-eight different agricultural companies and farm groups have signed on to the principles, to date.

Since then, Duvall said Farm Bureau has focused its efforts on “bringing life” to the principles. Farm Bureau’s work to date has primarily centered on three major projects:
-    Creation of the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator;
-    Development of a cooperative data repository by the Ag Data Coalition; and
-    Additional education for farmers and ranchers on issues pertaining to data technology.

The new ag data survey of about 400 farmers and ranchers was conducted from January through April 2016. Additional highlights can be found at: www.fb.org/tmp/uploads/BigDataSurveyHighlights.pdf.



New ASA Strategic Plan Enhances Policy and Trade Advocacy

The American Soybean Association (ASA) has a new strategic plan to guide the Association from 2016 through 2020. The plan provides strategic and structural changes that place enhanced emphasis on ASA's advocacy work and efforts on policy and trade to benefit U.S. soybean farmers.

ASA's strategic plan includes highly focused mission and vision statements, and forward-thinking structural changes that support goals in the areas of policy advocacy, governance and financial stewardship.

"As an association, the future is strong for ASA. We have committed ourselves to a new strategic plan to take us through 2020," said ASA President Richard Wilkins, a soybean farmer from Greenwood, Del. "Through a series of significant changes, the new structure will enable ASA to focus more of our time and energy on the policy issues that drive profitability for soybean farmers all across the country. The plan also enables states to set, meet and drive their own membership goals in the innovative ways that best fit their needs. All of this will foster better cooperation between the proud organizations at the state and national levels, and at the end of the day, will mean a stronger and healthier industry."

The ASA Board of Directors approved the new strategic plan at its annual winter meeting in St. Louis, Mo. The plan is the product of nearly two years of discussions by an ASA task force comprised of farmer leaders and state and national soybean staff, led by former ASA president Steve Wellman, a farmer from Syracuse, Neb.

ASA Chairman Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas, said, "We are a proud organization with a long history of driving profitability for our farmer members, and this plan will help ensure that we progress in that role over the next five years. In 2020, ASA will celebrate 100 years of championing the issues of soybean farmers, and there is no better way to honor that legacy than by making the strategic changes necessary to ensure our organization is strong and agile for years to come."



National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation Name Mark Poeschl Chief Executive Officer

The National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation announced today that Mark Poeschl of Brookville, Ohio, will become the new chief executive officer of both organizations effective Aug. 1, 2016.

National FFA Advisor and FFA Board of Directors Chair Dr. Steve A. Brown shared the news with agricultural education state leaders and National FFA staff, saying, “Mark’s management and leadership experience will embrace the mission of FFA and enhance our vision to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture. I look forward to working with a visionary leader who will continue developing student success within agricultural education.” Beth Bechdol, chair of the National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees, said, “Mark has clearly demonstrated in his professional experiences his abilities to collaborate, innovate, communicate and lead. I am confident he will continue the positive momentum generated by our retiring CEO, Dr. Dwight Armstrong, and ensure even greater success for National FFA and the students we serve.”

Poeschl, a former FFA member and past state FFA president from Nebraska, brings strong business, customer service, financial, IT and global perspectives to the organization. He currently serves as vice president, group director, stakeholder engagement at Cargill, Inc., Cargill Animal Nutrition. During his tenure at Cargill, Poeschl was deeply involved in the successful integration of Provimi Holding BV as well as major capital expansion programs in the United States, South Africa, Jordan, France, Ireland and the Netherlands. In addition, he built and implemented business plans to assure profit objectives are consistently achieved and was actively involved in developing and executing Cargill Animal Nutrition’s global 2020 strategy. Poeschl played a key role in talent selection and career development in the company and was instrumental in collaborating and implementing long-range business strategies. In 2016 he began working on sustainable and responsible animal protein production issues with key stakeholders.

In accepting the position, Poeschl said, “I am honored and excited to assume this leadership role in the FFA, an organization that has been instrumental in both my personal and career development. I have deep admiration and affection for the FFA and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the organization. It will be a privilege to work with the FFA team, FFA members and agricultural education professionals.”

Poeschl is a 1983 graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln who began his career at Ralston Purina, St. Louis, Mo. In 1987 he moved to the animal nutrition firm Carl S. Akey, Inc., in Lewisburg, Ohio, where he co-led the company's sale to Provimi Holding BV. He served as president and CEO of North American Nutrition, a subsidiary of Provimi Holding BV, from 2007 to 2009. Poeschl then served as group vice president at Provimi Holding BV. In 2011 he moved to Cargill Animal Nutrition.

Poeschl and his wife, Nancy, have two sons, Nathan and Christopher. Over the past few years, they volunteered to serve as judges at the National FFA Convention & Expo. They also established a scholarship endowment for FFA members through the National FFA Foundation. In addition, Poeschl assists in the oversight of a family farming operation in Nebraska.

Poeschl succeeds outgoing CEO W. Dwight Armstrong, Ph.D., who retires June 30 after leading the organization for the past seven years during an era of dramatic growth and success. “Mark Poeschl is a strong leader with sound values centered on servant leadership," Armstrong said. "His management experience, global perspective and financial acumen will serve FFA well, and I know our staff will enjoy Mark’s leadership style and friendly personality.”



NFU Commends Sen. Grassley’s Reintroduction of Legislation Banning Packer Ownership of Livestock

A staunch advocate for more competition in agriculture, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the following statement commending U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for reintroducing legislation to ban packer ownership of livestock:

“The livestock market today is heavily concentrated among a handful of conglomerates, and our family farmers and ranchers are forced to compete in an increasingly uneven playing field in the marketplace. I applaud Senator Grassley for championing this important piece of legislation that places the family farmer first.

“Recent mergers and acquisitions – such as the mergers of JBS USA and Cargill pork divisions or Tyson Foods and Hillshire Brands – have only advanced the concentration in the packing industry. When you concentrate livestock ownership among a few multinational firms, competition in the livestock sector is severely reduced and there’s a strong potential for market price manipulation. In addition, consumers are experiencing increased food costs at the grocery store while the family farmer is receiving pennies of every dollar spent on food.

“NFU will continue to advocate for opportunities to increase competition for our family farmers and ranchers, and we look forward to working with the Senator to move this legislation forward.”



U.S. Grain Elevators Facing A Host Of Challenges In New Crop Year

U.S. grain merchandisers are beginning the new-crop growing season facing significant challenges, according to a new research report by CoBank. Low price volatility, ample grain and oilseed inventories, slow farmer selling and an anemic export program suggest elevators are in for a difficult 2016-2017 season.

“With no relief immediately in sight, grain merchandisers will undergo further belt-tightening in the year ahead,” said Tanner Ehmke, senior economist with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. “Most grain elevators have solid balance sheets thanks to multiple years of strong revenues. Nonetheless, pressure for consolidation will likely intensify in an environment of slimmer profit margins.”

Amid ample inventories in the U.S. and a lackluster export market, the grain and oilseed basis markets continue to remain stagnant, offering limited opportunities for elevators to profit on old-crop basis appreciation. However, grain elevators could still stand to profit by year’s end off the opportunity to buy wider new-crop basis postharvest, says Ehmke.

A growing concern among co-op managers is the availability of storage space this fall. High carryover stocks mean inventories will continue to build. Elevators are already holding a significant amount of farmer-owned old-crop in their facilities. Most years, inventories are about 10 percent farmer-owned, but many co-ops report that level at around 30 percent this year. Experts predict that only a major weather-induced crop failure could reverse this trend, and even then supplies are expected to remain sufficient to meet demand.

“Barring any significant weather-related crop losses this year, grain handlers could be tasked with managing huge farmer-owned inventories into the new-crop year and creating, at least temporarily, additional storage,” notes Ehmke. “Whether or not farmers will be willing to sell grain remains the co-ops’ wildcard.”

The risk of a repeat La Niña event, which is normally associated with dryness in the Midwest, is another area of concern. The National Weather Service forecasts a 50 percent chance of another La Niña this fall. If that happens, grain companies will likely experience another season of low grain drying revenue which can account for as much as 10 percent of a typical co-op’s profits.

With a stagnant basis market, and storage and weather concerns looming, co-op managers anticipate consolidation in the industry to continue. “Mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures could become more likely,” says Ehmke. “Efforts to reduce price risk exposure based on these headwinds will be critical for co-ops looking ahead to the end of 2016.”

A brief video overview of the report, “Grain Elevators Braced for a Challenging 2016” is available on CoBank’s YouTube Channel. A summary of the report can be found on CoBank.com.