Wednesday June 8 Ag News

WINDROW GRAZING TO EXTEND GRAZING, PRESERVE QUALITY
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               How do you handle pastures that grow too fast?  That’s what brome, bluegrass, and other cool-season grasses have done lately.  There are several options.

               Your first option, obviously, is to graze them as you normally do.  In all likelihood, though, your animals will refuse to eat much of the lower quality stemmy growth and also trample a bunch, wasting a lot of potential feed.

               To improve grazing results a little bit, move animals through multiple pastures very quickly.  Fast moves can accomplish two things.  First, animals moved frequently into fresh pasture will have more chances to select the best quality forage to graze.  And second, more leaves are left behind to encourage more rapid regrowth.  Extra cross fencing might be needed, though, to assure sufficient recovery periods.

               Another obvious way to conserve extra growth is by cutting hay from parts of the pasture.  Normally I try to avoid extra hay cutting but if you have the equipment, along with some time, cutting hay for use later in summer or winter is a good option.

               A combination of haying and grazing called windrow grazing might be the best option.  To try it, first cut and windrow about a week’s worth of pasture.  Then build an electric cross fence that gives animals access to just a couple days worth of these windrows.  When they finish that piece, move the fence to give them some more windrows.  As they near the end of the windrows you already cut, lay down another patch and repeat this strip grazing of windrows as long as you wish or can.

               Windrow grazing sometimes doubles the number of grazing days compared to regular grazing because less forage is wasted by trampling.  Maybe it can work for you, too.



 Competition Heats Up as Formula SAE Races to Lincoln

Universities from around the world will showcase and race their custom Formula-style cars at Lincoln Air Park June 15-18 during the Formula SAE series.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board is a proud sponsor of the Husker Motorsports team, which races on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline). Formula SAE combustion engine teams have the choice of using either E85 or unleaded gasoline.

“E85 provides several technical advantages over gasoline,” said Charles Lee, a junior mechanical engineering major and the team’s lead powertrain engineer. “The high ‘latent heat of vaporization’ of ethanol creates a cooling effect to the combustion process, and the high octane rating makes E85 the ideal choice for an efficient, powerful engine. Aside from the technical benefits, we use E85 to help support Nebraskans.”

The Lincoln Formula SAE competition started in 2013 with only seven teams in the combustion category competing with E85. This year, 20 cars will race with E85 in their tanks.

“Higher ethanol blends have become widely accepted as racing fuels, and it’s great to see students from across the world choosing to race on E85,” said Megan Grimes, Nebraska Ethanol Board public relations coordinator. “The cleaner-burning, higher octane benefits of ethanol is why NASCAR now races on E15.”

This year’s competition will include 100 teams – 80 combustion and 20 electric – from all over the world. According to James Peck, a senior mechanical engineering major and the team’s project manager, the size and diversity of the event makes it a great experience.

“Although we’re competing against one another, the atmosphere is always friendly and helpful,” he said. “Everyone is willing to talk about their car or help by lending tools, parts and materials. It’s an honor being the host team because we represent our sponsors locally and university fans can come watch the race.”

The Husker Motorsports team recently competed at Formula SAE North in Barrie, Canada, June 2-5. They were one of only eight teams to complete the endurance portion of the competition and placed ninth overall out of 25 teams.

Husker Motorsports is advised by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lecturer William Dick and comprised of 35 UNL students. The following students serve as the leadership team: Sam Buller, Lincoln, Neb.; Steven Christy, Lincoln, Neb.; Jake Culey, Kearney, Neb.; Dylan Hall, Newcastle, Neb.; Jason Hartwell, Lincoln, Neb.; Charles Lee, Omaha, Neb.; Alan Neesen, Omaha, Neb.; James Peck, Hancock, Mich.; Cody Thompson, Gretna, Neb.; and Daniel Widdershoven, Omaha, Neb.



UNL QUARTER-SCALE TRACTOR TEAM WINS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

    The University of Nebraska-Lincoln quarter-scale tractor A team took top honors at the International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition in Peoria, Illinois, June 2-5. Twenty-seven teams from the United States, Canada and Israel tested their skills at the event hosted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 

    The competition is unique among student engineering-design contests, providing a realistic 360-degree workplace experience. Teams are given a 31-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine and a set of Titan tires. The design of the tractor is up to them and is perfected over the course of a year. Industry leaders judge each design for innovation, manufacturability, serviceability, maneuverability, safety, sound level and ergonomics. Teams also submit a written design report before the competition. At the event, they sell their design in a formal presentation to industry experts playing the role of a corporate management team. Finally, machines are put to the test in three tractor pulls, a maneuverability course and a durability course.

    The competition gave team members an opportunity to experiment with complex technology that's becoming increasingly common in the industry. That experience is helpful to tractor team members, many of whom are agricultural engineering majors, according to Roger Hoy, professor in biological systems engineering and tractor team adviser.

    "In addition to learning a lot about communication, leadership, teamwork fundraising, testing and development, the team members got a glimpse into future career opportunities in agricultural engineering," Hoy said. 

    The UNL agricultural engineering program is one of the nation's top programs and emphasizes hands-on applications.

    Team captain and recent graduate Ryan Hanousek of Cairo incorporated his efforts on the team into his agricultural engineering senior capstone project. He said it was rewarding to see the long hours and hard work result in the win.

    "Our tractor was built in record time, so we were able to spend all spring, including spring break, testing and trying to prevent any failures that could happen at competition," he said. "It was great to be rewarded for our hard work with a win and establishing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as one of the top tractor teams in the world." 

    Kansas State, the University of Kentucky, Modesto Junior College and Université Laval rounded out the top five in the competition. All four have won or finished among the top five in previous competitions.

    UNL has enjoyed numerous top-10 and top-five finishes since the event's inception in 1998. The team finished out of the top 15 in 2015, but UNL earned most-improved honors in 2016.

    This is the first win for the A team, which is made up of juniors and seniors. The UNL X team, made up of freshmen and sophomores, also fared well at the competition. The team won the design category and placed third overall in the X team division.

    The performance gives team members momentum for the 2017 competition, Hoy said.

    "They were already sketching new designs for next year on the drive back to Lincoln," he said. 

    Along with Hoy, Joe Luck, assistant professor in biological systems engineering, is a team adviser.

    Team members, listed by hometown are:

A TEAM:
    Cairo: Ryan Hanousek (captain)
    Eagle: Micah Bolin (captain)
    Humphrey: Travis Classen
    Lindsay: Caleb Lindhorst
    Neligh: Ethan Mosel
    Omaha: Sydney Gard (captain)
    St. Edward: Evey Choat
    Weeping Water: Greg Frenzel
    Peoria, Illinois: Rachel Noe
    Lexington, Kentucky: John Evans

X TEAM:
    Dannebrog: Jason Shultis (captain)
    Eagle: Jonah Bolin, Noah Bolin
    Fullerton: Seth Wetovick
    Glenvil: Josh Murman (captain)
    Grand Island: Anna Siebe
    Grant: Zak Kurkowski   
    Lincoln: Jack Moore   
    Ord: Devon Vancura   
    Shelby: Colton Rathman (captain)   
    York: Keith Kopcho
    Fayetteville, North Carolina: Jordan Bothern



Pork Quality Assurance Plus® Revisions Unveiled at World Pork Expo

Revisions to the voluntary Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) 3.0 were announced during World Pork Expo in Des Moines. The updated program, effective as of today, reflects pork producers’ commitment to continuous improvement and more fully incorporates the six We Care℠ ethical principles and the role of caretakers.

New research information has been incorporated to increase the program’s effectiveness and to help ensure its validity with customers and consumers. Pork producers maintain a commitment to providing a safe, high-quality product while promoting animal well-being, environmental stewardship and public health.

“PQA Plus demonstrates to our customers our commitment to doing what is right when it comes to raising and caring for pigs and producing pork,” said Stephen Summerlin, senior vice president of live operations for Seaboard Foods. “It also lets our employees on our farms, as well as our supplier partners in raising pigs for our pork brands, know that we have high standards and expectations for food safety and animal care.”

“PQA Plus has been and still is the heart of our industry’s commitment to doing what’s right for people, pigs and our planet,” said Jan Archer, National Pork Board incoming president and a pork producer from Goldsboro, North Carolina. “This program is the standard that pork producers have endorsed since 1989. Through this program, we earn the credibility from our consumers.”

The PQA Plus enhancements include:
-    The We Care ethical principles now serve as program chapters.
-    The 10 Good Production Practices are now sub-chapters and align with a caretaker’s daily flow of responsibilities.
-    The site assessment now aligns with the Common Swine Industry Audit.
-    Flexibility in the program allows for customization and alignment with an farm’s standard operating procedures.
-    Online training is divided into 14 individual modules that range from 2 to 14 minutes.
-    To help prepare for the implementation of FDA guidance 209 and 213 on Jan. 1, 2017, a new 12-page Responsible Antibiotics Use Guide accompanies the new version of PQA Plus.

For more information on the revised PQA Plus program, visit pork.org/certifications.



National Pork Board Continues To Lead on Antibiotic Awareness

The National Pork Board continues to take a prominent role in the ongoing conversation about antibiotic use in pork production. From the Don’t Wait… Be Ready! national producer awareness and education campaign, to ongoing engagement with consumers and influencers, to increased investment in antibiotic research, the National Pork Board is taking unprecedented action on this globally important topic.

“Today, more than ever, we take our role as pig farmers very seriously when it comes to using antibiotics responsibly,” said Derrick Sleezer, outgoing president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer from Cherokee, Iowa. “Just as in human medicine with patients and doctors, we realize that producers and veterinarians play a role in maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. Our industry’s We CareSM  principles serve an essential role in guiding what we do to protect people, pigs and the planet.”

Much of the National Pork Board’s 2016 efforts have centered on ensuring that all producers are aware of and prepared for the Jan. 1, 2017, implementation of new regulations from the Food and Drug Administration that will affect on-farm antibiotic use. Materials available from the Pork Checkoff’s online Antibiotics Resource Center (pork.org/antibiotics) explain how producers should prepare for the expansion of the veterinary feed directive (VFD) and the elimination of growth promotion use of antibiotics deemed medically important to human health.

“We are confident that America’s pig farmers will be ready for the new antibiotic regulations coming in 2017 because they know it’s the right thing to do,” Sleezer said. “We’re asking producers to sign the Pork Checkoff’s “I’ll be ready!” pledge at this year’s World Pork Expo to show pig farmers’ commitment to doing their part for antibiotic stewardship.”

Beyond producer education efforts, the National Pork Board continues to invest Checkoff funds on alternative antibiotic technologies, studying the environmental fate of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more. Work also is underway to find new ways to evaluate models and metrics for collecting data on antibiotic use in the U.S. pork industry. All of these efforts have the additional scrutiny of the National Pork Board’s Blue Ribbon Panel on antibiotic stewardship. The third-party panel, which began meeting in February, will provide objective, independent counsel on the National Pork Board’s current and future research, education and communication priorities.

On the consumer side, the National Pork Board plays a leading role in how to understand and address the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This was clearly demonstrated when the Pork Checkoff hosted a national dialogue by The Atlantic Media Group called Resistance: The Antibiotic Challenge. The March event in Washington, D.C., brought together key opinion leaders from human health, animal health, government, pharmaceutical, retail and consumer segments to discuss the challenge of responsible antibiotic use in the 21st century. Representatives from the National Pork Board, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Veterinary Medical Association and other organizations shared what is being done to address concerns about antibiotic resistance.

“This year, we’ve demonstrated that U.S. pig farmers are dedicated to finding solutions to antibiotic resistance and to doing our part in responsible antibiotics use,” Sleezer said. “Producers have a solid track record on related initiatives, such as the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus program and an investment of more than $6 million in Checkoff-funded antibiotic research since 2000. These steps demonstrate how our producers care about this important topic and stand ready to do what’s required to keep pigs healthy and the American food supply safe.”



Cost-Shares Available For Iowa Water Quality Practices

As farmers across the state of Iowa work to implement nutrient reduction practices, funds have become available to help offset the cost of cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

The funds are available through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced.

The cost share rate for first-time users of cover crops is $25 per acre, no-till or strip till are eligible for $10 per acre and farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre. Any farmer not already using these practices will receive priority consideration for this assistance. Farmers that have used cover crops in the past may be available for $15 per acre for using cover crops.

“We continue to hear from farmers interested in doing even more to limit nutrient loss and better protect water quality," Northey said, "and these funds will help them try new voluntary science-based conservation practices on their farm."

Farmers are encouraged to visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office to apply for these funds and inquire about additional opportunities for cost share funding through other offered programs.

IDALS received $4.4 million for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative in the 2015 fiscal year. These funds will allow IDALS to continue to encourage the broad adoption of water quality practices through statewide cost share assistance as well as more intensive work in targeted watersheds.

In the two years this program has been available, over 1,400 farmers have put in new nutrient reduction practices on over 144,000 acres.

“Farmers are continually making decisions about nutrient management practices and will have many opportunities to attend field days and gather information,” said Jamie Benning, water quality program manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “As they are looking to evaluate some of these practices on their farms, this program will cover part of the cost of implementing these nutrient reduction practices. ISU Extension and Outreach has been encouraging all farmers to implement one new practice, such as cover crops, nitrification inhibitors, strip till or no-till which have cost-share funds available through this program.”

There are many practices that can be used to help reduce nitrogen loss from the soil. Researchers with ISU Extension and Outreach work to develop and evaluate practices that limit the amount of nitrogen that is lost. A website called ‘Managing the N Factor’ has been created to provide information on nitrogen management practices.

Iowa State researchers have also been active participants in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy which is using a science and research based framework to assess and reduce nutrients in Iowa waters.



Biodiesel Supporters to Testify at EPA Hearing

Biodiesel advocates from across the country will testify at an EPA hearing in Kansas City Thursday in support of stronger biodiesel and other Advanced Biofuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The supporters, led by National Biodiesel Board Chairman Ron Marr and Vice President Anne Steckel, includes fuel producers from Louisiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota and Rhode Island. The group will highlight biodiesel’s impact in creating jobs, reducing pollution and diversifying the fuel supply to strengthen U.S. energy security.

“Biodiesel is the most successful Advanced Biofuel in the nation, and plants like mine can do so much more with the right policy signals,” Marr, biodiesel manager at Minnesota Soybean Processors, said in testimony to be delivered at the hearing. “Our industry is ready to expand production with new jobs and economic impact. By the EPA’s own analysis, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 57 percent and as much as 86 percent. So if our nation is serious about cutting emissions in the transportation sector, this proposal needs to be strengthened to truly capture biodiesel’s potential while putting more Americans to work in the clean energy sector.”

Biodiesel – made from a diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats – is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide. It has made up the vast majority of Advanced Biofuel production under the RFS to date, and according to the EPA, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel.

The EPA proposal would establish a 2.1-billion-gallon Biomass-based Diesel requirement in 2018, up from the 2-billion-gallon requirement for 2017. NBB has called for at least 2.5 billion gallons in 2018, as the industry is already on pace to exceed 2.1 billion gallons in 2016. There remains substantial unused production and distribution capacity in the United States.

“Ending our dependence on fossil fuels is among the great challenges of our time. Changing the way we power our vehicles requires bold, aggressive action, and the RFS is the most effective policy we have for accomplishing that,” said Anne Steckel, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs, in prepared testimony. “The RFS is not a status quo policy. It was designed to drive investment and innovation by providing stability and incentives for the development of clean alternative fuels. But this proposal falls short of that goal.”

The RFS – a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush – requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels in the U.S. fuel stream. The law requires increasing volumes of Advanced Biofuels in the coming years. Under the law, Advanced Biofuels must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum fuels.

Biodiesel falls under the Biomass-based Diesel category, which is an Advanced Biofuel category intended to ensure that the RFS also addresses the diesel fuel market, not just gasoline. The Biomass-based Diesel category is filled by both biodiesel and renewable diesel, a similar diesel alternative made from the same feedstocks using a different technology.

In addition to calling for a higher Biomass-based Diesel volume, NBB is advocating a stronger overall Advanced Biofuel volume.



Stable Fertilizer Prices Continue

Average fertilizer prices continued on their stable path the fifth week of May 2016, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. Prices have held steady for eight consecutive weeks now.

All eight fertilizers were lower compared to last month. But, as has been the case in recent weeks, none of these fertilizers saw a significant drop. DAP had an average price of $473 per ton, MAP $499/ton, potash $363/ton, urea $375/ton, 10-34-0 $559/ton, anhydrous $579/ton, UAN28 $268/ton and UAN32 $313/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.41/lb.N, anhydrous $0.35/lb.N, UAN28 $0.48/lb.N and UAN32 $0.49/lb.N.

Despite the holding pattern in retail fertilizer prices in recent weeks, all fertilizers remain double-digits lower compared to a year ago.

10-34-0 is 14% lower while UAN32 is 16% less expensive and both DAP and MAP are 17% lower. Urea, anhydrous and UAN28 are all 18% lower from a year previous.



Apply Now for the 2016-17 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2016-17 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program.

For more than 30 years, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program has identified and developed grower leaders who continue to shape the future of agriculture.

“The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program has had a tremendous impact on the soybean industry and many of our current grower leaders at the national and state level are program alumni,” said ASA President Richard Wilkens, a farmer from Greenwood, Del. “The program provides industry-leading training that develops the participant’s leadership potential while fostering collaboration among farmers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Young Leader participants gain experience while building life-long friendships. The program continues to be ground-breaking, encouraging diversity and recognizing the important role women and young farmers play in agriculture as it has since its inception in 1984. We can’t thank DuPont Pioneer and DuPont Crop Protection enough for their longstanding support of the program.”

The ASA DuPont Young Leader program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase I of the training takes place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2016. The program continues Feb. 28 – March 4, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“Every year we continue to be amazed by the passion and enthusiasm of each class of young soybean leaders,” said Tim Glenn, President, DuPont Crop Protection. “DuPont values the long-standing partnership with The American Soybean Association in support of the DuPont Young Leader program as it strives to shape the future of agriculture.”

Grower couples and individuals are encouraged to apply for the program which focuses on leadership and communication, agricultural information and the development of a strong peer network. ASA, its 26 state affiliates, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario and DuPont, will work together to identify the top producers to represent their state as part of this program.

“We had no idea what an impact the ASA DuPont Young Leader Program would have on us. We have sharpened our communication and leadership skills, gained confidence in our ability to advocate, and made lifelong friendships with other farmers across the country. So many new opportunities have opened up to us in the past year, and it all started with the Young Leader Program,” said Young Leader alumni Adam and Lindsey Hendricks, of Kentucky.

Applications are being accepted online now. Interested applicants should click here for additional program information and to apply... https://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/. 



USDA Extends Organic Livestock-Poultry Rule Comment Time

U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership Tuesday announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted their request for an extension of the public comment period for the agency's proposed rule regarding revised organic livestock and poultry production standards.

"We are pleased the USDA acted immediately to allow producers, consumers, retailers and animal health experts more time to offer their comments on the proposed rules," the lawmakers said. "We will continue to work with the Department to address the concerns being raised by our constituents."

In a letter to Secretary Vilsack dated May 26, Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Members Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., expressed multiple concerns with the proposed rule, urging USDA to address those concerns prior to publishing a final or interim final rule.

The comment period will be extended 30 days to July 13.



NMPF Board Adopts Resolution Urging Congress to Pass Federal Biotech Labeling Standard

With Vermont’s biotechnology food labeling law about to take effect in July, the National Milk Producers Federation today urged Congress to take immediate action to establish a federal standard that would preempt state GMO food labeling mandates.

At its summer meeting today, the NMPF Board of Directors expressed its concern that, despite months of negotiation in the Senate, Congress still has not acted to establish a uniform national disclosure policy that provides consumers with clear and consistent information on food biotechnology.

In a resolution adopted at Wednesday’s meeting, NMPF’s board voiced concern that if the Vermont law goes into effect, other states may adopt similar approaches. The Vermont law is already causing disruptions in the marketplace, even before it takes effect, and a further worsening of this situation will severely harm farmers by threatening the continued utilization of agricultural biotechnology, according to NMPF.

“Plants produced through biotechnology not only are completely safe for consumers, they also improve our environment by reducing energy, water and pesticide use,” said Randy Mooney, Chairman of NMPF and a dairy farmer from Rogersville, Missouri.  “Farmers have overwhelmingly adopted these crop technologies because they increase productivity while enhancing agricultural sustainability.”

NMPF’s Board of Directors, and its Young Cooperator national advisory council, have been visiting their elected officials this week on Capitol Hill to reinforce the need for the Senate to reach agreement on a uniform national standard – and to do so as quickly as possible.  The House of Representatives has already passed its own version of a federal GMO labeling preemption, but the food industry is waiting on the Senate to act so that a single, uniform law can be implemented in 2016.

The NMPF resolution approved Wednesday also affirmed the importance of federal policy making clear that milk and meat from animals that consume GM feed are not subject to biotech labeling disclosure because the animal products are in no way genetically modified.

“There is no difference in milk or meat from cows that have consumed biotech crops, and that’s why any federal labeling disclosure needs to ensure the common-sense treatment of animal feed,” Mooney said.

Mooney told a hearing last month of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock that the failure by Congress to address this issue “threatens the viability not only of my farm, but also the 30,000 farmers I represent. It also threatens our ability to feed the world’s growing population.”



Soy Growers Push for Immediate Approval of Soy Traits in Europe

The American Soybean Association (ASA) ramped up its call for approval of three outstanding soybean traits by the European Union this week, saying that the tools are a critical part of the industry’s ongoing quest to meet sustainability and consumer demand goals, and that continued delays pose serious issues both for farmers and industry.

In a letter to European Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis Tuesday, ASA expressed deep concern with the EU’s delayed authorization of three new soybean traits: Monsanto’s dicamba-tolerant RR2Xtend and Vistive Gold high oleic traits, as well as Bayer CropScience’s isoxaflutole-resistant Balance Bean trait. All three traits received positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority in May and June of last year, and have awaited approval for five months following an Appeals Committee ruling in January.

“The Commission’s lack of action in providing final authorization for these soy events has already caused unnecessary uncertainty, disruption and cost in the agricultural supply chain. Immediate authorization by the European Commission is needed to avoid substantial additional unnecessary costs and possible 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 vegetable protein,” the letter stated.

ASA also cited repeated assurances over the course of several months from EU officials that approval of the three traits was imminent as providing a false sense of security for farmers looking to utilize the traits to meet sustainability goals and comply with the food industry’s ongoing move away from trans fats in the American marketplace.

“As the threat of resistant weeds continues to move across soybean country, and the specter of increased input costs coupled with a down farm economy looms over so many soybean farmers, we need more options in the marketplace. We are not benefited by new products that are stuck in a malfunctioning approvals pipeline,” said ASA President Richard Wilkins, a farmer from Greenwood, Del. “Add to that the ability of high-oleic soy to help answer the growing market for cooking oils free of trans fats, and you see the real value in these three traits.

“The European Commission must abide by the timelines set out in in its own regulations, as well as its obligations under the World Trade Organization, and give these traits the approvals that it has said are forthcoming,” Wilkins added.



USDA Leads Trade Mission to Ukraine, Romania

Leaders from five state departments of agriculture and eight U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse on a trade mission to Ukraine and Romania June 11 to June 18 to expand export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.

"Both Ukraine and Romania offer potential as markets for U.S. farm and food products," Scuse said. "U.S. exports to Romania have been on the rise, and could be further helped by passage of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. In Ukraine, the continuing economic and political transition could likewise lead to new business opportunities. I look forward to joining U.S. agricultural leaders as we seek to enhance our trading relationship with both nations."

Mission participants come from across the United States and represent a range of agricultural products and commodities. They will meet with potential customers and host government representatives, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in Ukraine and Romania.

Mission participants include representatives from the Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Oregon departments of agriculture, as well as the following companies and organizations:
-    American Commodity & Shipping Inc., Vienna, Va.
-    Case IH (Case New Holland), Washington, D.C.
-    Cuba Beverage Co., San Diego, Calif.
-    JM Grain, Garrison, N.D.
-    LL International, LLC, Corte Madera, Calif.
-    Missouri Rice Council/USRPA, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
-    Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc., Kalida, Ohio
-    Valley Milk, LLC, Turlock, Calif.

USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for U.S. exporters, giving them the opportunity to gather market intelligence and develop strategies to start or expand their sales in key markets overseas. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.