Friday July 29 Ag News

Lower Elkhorn NRD appoints new board member to Subdistrict 2

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors interviewed two candidates at their July meeting to fill their vacant seat.  Mark Hall and Garry Murren, both of Norfolk, spoke to the board and shared their reasons for applying and their interests in protecting our natural resources.  Hall was selected by a vote of 7 to 6 over Murren, a long-time friend of his family.

Hall is ready for the challenges ahead.  He commented, “Providing good quality water and preserving it for the future is very important.  I’m excited to learn more from the board members and staff as well as the public I’ll be representing.  The NRD has a wide range of responsibilities and I look forward to discovering more about the various programs offered.”  Hall is a farm manager and was previously a computer technician.

The seat was previously held by Chris Carlson of Norfolk, since 2005.  Carlson recently moved outside of the district and was no longer able to represent Subdistrict 2.

In other action, the board approved a flow meter installation and maintenance inspection policy, and discussed phase requirements for the groundwater management area.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 25th at 7:30 p.m.  A budget hearing will be held at the start of the meeting to set the fiscal year 2017 budget.



Using Benchmarks to Evaluate Your Herd
Steve Tonn, NE Extension Educator, Washington County

In today’s agriculture, knowledge is power.  Production data provides producers with the knowledge necessary for management decisions.  The old saying of “If you can’t measure it, You can’t manage it” is still true and even more valuable today.

The fall will soon be here and for many preparing grain bins, combines, trucks and grain carts will be their first thoughts.  However for cow calf producers data collection and analysis on their cow herd should also be an important fall task.  Maybe consider combining data collection with pre-weaning vaccinations rather than at weaning time. This may spread out the work load and make it easier to collect the data.

What are some key data to collect?  Number of cows exposed for breeding, average cow age, pregnancy percentage, calving percentage, weaning percentage, average weaning age, average weaning weight, weight per day of age, adjusted 205 day weight, pounds weaned per cow exposed, replacement percentage, culling percentage, cow weight, % calves born at 21 days, % calves born at 42 days, % calves born at 63 days, % calves born after 63 days, calf death loss %, % heifers calved early, % heifers calved at 21 days, % heifers calved at 42 days, % cows calved at 21 days, % cows calved at 42 days, and average cow condition score at weaning.

Why is data collection so important?  Because then it allows you to use a powerful management tool called benchmarking.  Benchmarking allows producers to measure their production performance compared to previous years and/or other producers. For cow calf producers it is the management process of comparing their herd’s production performance to the average of a set of benchmark herds to identify their herd’s strengths and weaknesses.  Benchmarking can help direct your management efforts toward critical production factors.

The North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association has developed the Cow Herd Appraisal Performance Software (CHAPS) program to help producers understand cow calf records. Search the internet for CHAPS 2000 for more information on the software program.  It is available for purchase by producers.

One of the values of the program is the five-year averages that provide benchmarks for CHAPS and non-CHAPS producers.  The benchmarks provide valuable information on how your herd competes within the industry.  I have attached a copy of the benchmarks from the CHAPS herds with a total of 88,000 cows exposed to bulls and processed from 2010 to 2014.  These benchmarks are from larger sized herds than what you may have but why not compare your herd to the best.

The current benchmark values indicate the average CHAPS producer had a Pregnancy Rate of 93.1%; Pregnancy Loss .65%; Calving Rate 92.5%; Calf Death Loss 3.4%; Weaning Rate 89.8%; Average Weaning Wt. 558 lbs.; and Lbs. Weaned/Cow Exposed 495. See the attached table for more benchmarks.

How do your production records compare to these benchmarks?  Where did your herd beat the benchmark averages?  Where did the benchmark averages beat your herd’s numbers?

Examine your herd’s weaknesses one by one to see if you can do something to improve. Depending on the situation, it may take a whole year or more to remove or change a major weakness, but benchmarking should help you to focus your limited management time. As you remove your weaknesses from your herd, herd profits tend to go up.

Another step beyond production benchmarking is to do financial benchmarking on your whole farm. To truly benefit from financial benchmarking your farming operation internally and externally to peer farms, membership in an organization committed to this concept as a best practice can yield the most benefits.



Soybean Aphids Found in Northeast Nebraska; Scouting Warranted 
Thomas Hunt - NE Extension Entomologist

This week soybean aphids were found in several northeast Nebraska fields at low numbers. Although it has been too hot for soybean aphids to thrive, populations could quickly increase with cooler temperatures. Scouting is recommended at this time.

On Thursday, July 28 low numbers of soybean aphids, about 5-10 aphids per plant, were found in a Wayne County soybean field. The infestations appeared to be recent as all the aphids were found on the top 1-2 inch leaflets. The field was in early R3, which makes sense as aphids prefer later maturing soybeans (e.g., late planted soybean). Other fields with aphids averaged about 2-3 aphids per plant. Natural enemies of the aphid, such as lady beetles, green lacewings, insidious flower bugs, and other insect predators were found along with the aphids. These natural enemies may help hold the populations in check or at least slow their growth.

While the field should be monitored, it does not require any management action as the aphid numbers are well below the 250 aphids-per-plant threshold and the field has plenty of soybean aphid predators. It does, however, signal the need to begin scouting soybean fields for soybean aphids.

Many of these fields could be considered to be “seeded” with soybean aphid. When temperatures decline, we could see soybean aphid populations increase significantly. In past years we have monitored soybean fields that were almost devoid of aphids in mid-July, but by mid-August were well over 2000 aphids per plant. Given this, it’s time to review soybean aphid biology and management. If you have not started to scout for aphids, start now.



Sclerotinia Stem Rot (White Mold) in Soybean: What to Look For 
Loren Giesler - Extension Plant Pathologist

Over the past couple weeks there have been questions on what to look for when scouting for signs of white mold in soybean. This article is intended to show the differences in the apothecia and other common fungi observed in soybean fields. Apothecia are the mushroom like fruiting structures formed by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white mold. These structures release the spores that start the disease cycle.

White mold or Sclerotinia stem rot is a disease that starts earlier in the season during flowering. The actual infection occurs on the senescing flower which is used by the fungus as a food source. Infections in soybean typically start at a node. You can tell when the infection occurred based on how high up the plant the stem lesions and fungal growth are. The much warmer temperatures during flowering this year should result in much lower or no disease development in many portions of the state where there was significant disease the past three years. When temperatures are over 85°F during flowering, there is a much lower risk of development.

Typically, plant symptoms will not appear until the fungus has progressed to the point that plants are dying. In the field you will notice individual or small pockets of dead or dying plants. Upon close inspection you will see a white cottony fungal growth on the stems. You may also see dark black bodies (sclerotia) of the fungus on the stems. If it is drier and plants are dead, the stems will be very light (bleached) in color. When dead stems are split, often you will see the sclerotia inside. Keep in mind that the disease will not spread much if temperatures are in the 90s. The optimum temperature for growth of this fungus is 75°F.



SOYBEAN MANAGEMENT FIELD DAYS SET FOR AUG. 9-12 AT FOUR LOCATIONS

    The 18th annual Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 9-12 will focus on staying competitive in a global marketplace, increasing profits and meeting the world's growing food and energy needs starting in Nebraska. The field days will offer producers research-based information to improve their soybean profitability.

    The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are funded through soybean checkoff dollars. The efforts of the checkoff are directed by the United Soybean Board, promoting progress powered by U.S. farmers.

    "Management is the key word for the 2016 Soybean Management Field Days," said Ron Pavelka of Glenvil, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board of Directors. "This year's program will address those big challenges that each farm must manage ... water, weeds, fertility, pests and markets. In a year full of production and economic challenges for Nebraska soybean farmers, I would encourage growers to take this opportunity to put their checkoff to work on their farms."

    The event consists of four stops across the state, each with replicated research, demonstration plots, lunch and time for questions. Producers can obtain ideas and insight about the challenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today's global economy.

    Presenters include university specialists, educators and industry consultants. Topics include soybean irrigation; soil fertility, PPO herbicide and conventional soybean studies; grain marketing and farm management; soybean production management strategy comparison; sprayer management for successful weed control in soybeans; and Nebraska soybean checkoff investment. Updates on biodiesel use and markets will also be provided.

    Agronomists, plant disease and insect specialists will be available to address production-related questions. Participants can bring unknown crop problems for identification. Growers can also bring two pressure regulators from each span of a pivot for pressure testing during the field day. Growers will be provided a report on regulator performance.

    The field days begin with 9 a.m. registration and conclude at 2:30 p.m. Free registration is available the day of the event. Dates, locations and directions are:
    > Aug. 9, Robert Johnston Farm near Orchard, south of 859th Road and 514 Avenue.
    > Aug. 10, Shane Greving Farm near Chapman, 374 Ninth Road.
    > Aug. 11, Eberspacher Family Farms near Cordova, 4754 Saltillo Road.
    > Aug. 12, Goff Farms near Schuyler, 1046 County Road H.

    For more information on the field days and driving directions, visit http://ardc.unl.edu/soydays or contact the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff at 1-800-852-BEAN or Nebraska Extension at 1-800-529-8030.



Corn Disease Update: Southern Rust Confirmed in 10 Nebraska Counties 
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, NE Extension Plant Pathologist

Southern rust has been confirmed in samples from 10 Nebraska counties — Adams, Butler, Clay, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Pierce, Polk, Thayer, and Valley. All were from fields with a low incidence of disease at the time. Southern rust is likely more widespread than just these counties. Scouting is recommended to determine its distribution in your fields and area.

Warm temperatures and high humidity will promote development and spread of disease. Rust diseases produce large amounts of spores that can be easily moved by wind for long distances. The fungus can quickly cause disease during favorable conditions because most commercial dent corn hybrids have little resistance to the disease.

Having a history of southern rust in corn does not have any impact on disease development now, because this pathogen does NOT overwinter in infected residue. The spores must be carried into the area by winds from diseased areas. Southern rust has been confirmed across much of Kansas and other states to our South. If the disease continues to spread and worsen in Nebraska, those fields planted later are at highest risk for disease and potentially severe yield impacts because of how early the disease is developing. However, it is important to remember that it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for widespread and severe southern rust to develop if it is going to do so. For that reason, we recommend scouting fields, especially those at higher risk, such as later planted fields that are earlier in their maturity and have the greatest potential for yield loss.

Many people have noted the lack of activity on the southern corn rust monitoring website that historically was used to track observations of southern rust across the country. Federal funding for this website and its affiliated southern rust monitoring projects was eliminated and activity there by state pathologists has greatly declined during the last two years. The Nebraska section is being maintained; however, information for some states may not be current. Access reports from local university plant pathologists, diagnostic laboratories, and county Extension offices for the most recent information regarding southern rust distribution.

The characteristics used for differentiating common rust and southern rust are described and illustrated in the NebGuide, Rust Diseases of Corn in Nebraska. The simplest and most reliable way to differentiate the diseases without a microscope is to examine both leaf surfaces for spore production. Southern rust spore production is usually limited to the upper leaf surface and tends to be tan to orange. The most reliable method for identifying corn rust diseases is based on examination of microscopic spore characteristics. This can be done for samples submitted to the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic.

Gray Leaf Spot
Gray leaf spot fungal disease has begun to develop in some areas of the state during recent days. Look for gray to tan rectangular lesions that develop on lower leaves first. Gray leaf spot lesions don’t cross leaf veins, giving them smooth linear margins. If favorable conditions continue, lesions will grow larger, taking up more leaf area, and develop higher on the plant with greater potential for yield impact above the ear leaf.

Common Rust
Common rust has been developing across Nebraska for several weeks.  Common rust spores are usually brick-red to brown in color, however, the color difference is not a reliable method for identification when both are not available for comparison and because the spore type can change and turns black later in the season for both diseases. Common rust spores can be produced abundantly on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. Common rust is usually not a substantial threat to plant health and corn yield, as many contemporary hybrids already have some resistance that slows spread of the disease.

Fungicides
Timely fungicide applications can be very effective at controlling rust and other fungal diseases in corn. It is important to remember that making applications too early might mean that the protection they provide may be worn off before substantial southern rust or gray leaf spot develops, leaving plants vulnerable to disease spread. Systemic fungicides can provide protection from disease spread for about 21 days, so application timing is important to make the best use of the protective and curative characteristics of the products. Applications made several weeks ago likely no longer provide protection from fungal foliar diseases. Pay close attention to the label restrictions on the most recent version of the product’s label as changes have been made for pre-harvest intervals and other use parameters.

A list of foliar fungicides labeled for use on corn in Nebraska and their characteristics are summarized in the 2015 Guide for Weed Management with Insecticides and Fungicides. Results from foliar fungicide trials conducted in Nebraska corn are available in CropWatch. These results were gathered from trials with natural infestations of gray leaf spot and sometimes mild southern rust.
Physoderma Brown Spot

Another disease that has begun to develop in Nebraska corn fields is Physoderma brown spot. This disease is normally not a concern, except in rare cases, such as on susceptible hybrids exposed to wet conditions. However, the yellow lesions on the leaf blade may be misleading for some people who mistakenly call it southern rust.

The pathogen causing Physoderma brown spot requires standing water on plant parts. Lesions can develop in a banding pattern across the leaves after they emerge through the plant’s whorl during alternating wet/dry periods. The pattern can appear across whole leaves or all the leaves of a plant. Lesions may develop in both the midrib and on the leaf blade with very different appearances. On the leaf blade, the small yellow/brown lesions may be alarming and appear similar to southern rust pustules, but lack the colored spores on the surface that can be wiped away. Lesions that develop in the midrib are often larger than those on the leaf blade and are usually black. The pathogen overwinters in infected corn residue from previous seasons. Management of Physoderma brown spot is rarely necessary.



Councell Elected New U.S. Grains Council Chairman

Chip Councell, a 10th generation farmer from Talbot County, Maryland, was elected as the new U.S. Grains Council (USGC) chairman during the organization’s 56th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting this week in Louisville, Kentucky.

Councell and his family produce corn, wheat and soybeans and operate a a farm stand selling local consumers a wide variety of produce including watermelons, sweet corn and pumpkins. Through work with USGC and the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, he has become a leading farm educator and conservationist.

“At this point in my life, my passions are my family, my farm and the U.S. Grains Council," Councell told USGC delegates shortly after his election. "Our programs are having a true impact around the world, and despite challenges facing the farm economy now, I am excited and optimistic about the future of our industry."

Councell told delegates the organization will continue to focus on its core market development mission for feed grains while building export markets for U.S. ethanol and communicating to customers about the work the U.S. grains industry does to produce reliable and high-quality crops.

"Our mission statement – developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives – is direct and to the point. Those six words guide us in every commodity, in every market, in every country around the world," he said. "Over the next year, we will expand on what we have done for 56 years – we will continue to develop markets and look for new opportunities for barley, sorghum, corn, DDGS, ethanol and beyond."

He takes the helm at the Council having served for two years as an officer of the organization and in community and farm organization leadership positions both locally and nationally. In 2010, the family was selected as Talbot County’s Soil Conservation District Cooperators of the Year for their conservation efforts and in 2014, Councell was selected for the Maryland Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame for his contributions to the local industry.

At the Louisville meeting, the Board of Delegates also elected other members of the Council’s 2016-2017 Board of Directors. That body now includes:
    Philip "Chip" Councell, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, chairman
    Deb Keller, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, vice chairman
    Jim Stitzlein, Consolidated Grains and Barge Company, secretary/treasurer
    Alan Tiemann, Nebraska Corn Board, past chairman
    Thomas Sleight, U.S. Grains Council, president and chief executive officer
    Darren Armstrong, Corn Growers Association of North Carolina, Inc., at-large board member
    Ray Defenbaugh, Big River Resources LLC, agribusiness sector/ethanol and co-products director
    Craig Floss, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, checkoff sector director
    Dick Gallagher, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, corn sector director
    Greg Hibner, Hawkeye Gold, LLC, a J.D. Heiskell Company, agribusiness sector director
    Charles Ray Huddleston, Texas Grain Sorghum Association, sorghum sector director
    James Raben, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, at-large director
    Charles Ring, Texas Corn Producers Board, at-large director
    Mark Seastrand, North Dakota Barley Council, barley sector director
    Jim Stuever, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, at-large director

The new board was seated Wednesday and will serve until July 2017.



Educational Series to help Livestock Industry Prepare for Veterinary Feed Directive
 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Farm Bureau, and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association are partnering to offer an educational series about the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Iowa State Extension beef specialist Chris Clark said Iowa veterinarians, livestock producers, and feed industry personnel are invited to participate.

“The program will include a general overview of the VFD, species break-outs and discussion panels featuring veterinarians, producers and feed industry personnel,” Clark said. “The implementation date of Jan. 1, 2017, is approaching and at this point people may have some specific questions or scenarios that they are unsure about. Hopefully we can help answer some questions and clarify some of those issues.”feedlot cattle

Iowa veterinarians, livestock producers and feed industry personnel are invited to attend any of the 11 locations. Each program features breakout and discussion sessions, with a primary objective of helping attendees learn about the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties.

“Implementation of the VFD will require cooperation and communication between veterinarians, producers and feed industry personnel,” Clark said. “It’s important that each party knows not only their own responsibilities but also what to expect from the other two parties. It may be really valuable to hear what others are thinking and planning in regard to implementation of the VFD.”

The series runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1 with specific times set for each location. There is no fee to attend, but preregistration is encouraged to assist organizers with planning. Please register by calling the number associated with the desired session.

    Monday, Aug. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. – First United Methodist Church, Emmetsburg; RSVP to the Palo Alto County Extension Office, 712-852-2865

    Tuesday, Aug. 23, 1 to 4 p.m. – ISU Extension meeting room, Orange City; RSVP to the Sioux County Extension Office, 712-737-4230

    Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. – ISU Extension meeting room, Storm Lake; RSVP to the Buena Vista County Extension Office, 712-732-5056

    Wednesday, Aug. 24, 1 to 4 p.m. – NE Iowa Dairy Center, Calmar; RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739

    Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Buzzy’s, Welton; RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739

    Thursday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to noon – Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence; RSVP to the Benton County Extension Office, 319-472-4739

    Monday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to noon – Swan Lake Conservation Center, Carroll; RSVP to the Carroll County Extension Office, 712-792-2364

    Monday, Aug. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. – Cass County Community Center, Atlantic; RSVP to the Cass County Extension Office, 712-243-1132

    Tuesday, Aug. 30, 1 to 4 p.m. – ISU Extension Office Hancock County, Garner; RSVP to the Hancock County Extension Office, 641-923-2856

    Wednesday, Aug. 31, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – ISU Extension Office Washington County, Washington; RSVP to the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811

    Thursday, Sept. 1, 1 to 4 p.m. – Carpenters Hall, Chariton; RSVP to the Lucas County Extension Office, 641-774-2016

For more general information, contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or email at caclark@iastate.edu. You also can contact your regional Iowa State Extension livestock specialist.



New Soil Health Management Manual, Field Guide and Assessment Card Available

The Iowa Soil Health Management Manual, Iowa Soil Health Field Guide, and Iowa Soil Health Assessment Card were recently published to increase understanding of soil health concepts and awareness of best management practices to protect soil health. These three publications are a collaborative effort between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and can now be ordered or downloaded for free at the Extension Store.

The manual, field guide and assessment card were developed as sources of information for farmers, agronomists and other agriculture professionals managing soils and to provide documentation of how different management practices affect soil.

“These publications introduce a concise and practical synthesis of soil health concepts and allow readers to link principles of soil health to actual management practices that build soil health,” said Mahdi Al-Kaisi, professor of agronomy and extension soil management specialist at Iowa State University.

The Iowa Soil Health Field Guide highlights the relationship between soil characteristics and provides information about soil health and its importance to sustainable agriculture systems. The Iowa Soil Health Management Manual provides information about soil functions and services that are essential for sustainable agriculture systems, and the Iowa Soil Health Assessment Card includes rating descriptions for each indicator presented on the score card that represents the worst and best soil conditions at the time of evaluation.

“These educational materials explain the concept of soil health, as well as promote soil health,” said Al-Kaisi. “The soil assessment card is easy to use in diagnosing soil health field indicators and potential solutions or recommendations to improve soil health.”

Print and electronic versions of the publications are now available online at the Extension Store. The publications are free of charge; a shipping and handling fee is required for the print versions. For questions regarding the publications or information about soil health, please contact Mahdi Al-Kaisi at 515-294-8304 or malkaisi@iastate.edu.



NCGA Thanks President Obama for Signing National Biotech Disclosure into Law

The National Corn Growers Association praised President Barack Obama today for signing into law an important agreement that protects America's food supply from a harmful patchwork of state-level food labeling laws. The law will provide consumers with more information than ever before and ensure a transparent, national food labeling system.

"We are grateful to President Obama for swiftly signing into law a bill that is crucial for American farmers and consumers," said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling.  "His signature brings consistency to the marketplace and prevents the negative ramifications of conflicting state and national food labeling standards."

America's corn farmers, along with other family farmers across the country, rely on agricultural biotechnology to meet the demand of an ever-growing global population, while reducing their impact on the environment. The bill passed today ensures that mandatory, on-pack labels do not place an unwarranted stigma on safe, proven technology.

NCGA, working with partners across the value chain, has pushed for a solution to this issue for more than two years now as a member of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food.

"We are pleased to have been part of a coalition of more than 1,100 agricultural and food groups representing the entirety of our national food supply system, from farm to fork, in coming together to advocate for a bipartisan solution," Bowling added. "We look forward to continuing our work with the coalition to ensure that, as the law enters the rule making process at USDA, implementation remains in line with Congressional intent." 



Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding President Signing GMO Labeling Law

“Biotechnology is a critical part of food production which has made it possible for farmers to reduce their environmental impact while continuing to produce safe and healthful crops for consumers domestically and around the world. President Obama’s signing of the GMO Labeling bill into law will help eliminate a state-by-state patchwork of unnecessary GMO labeling laws that would only drive up costs for consumers.”



ASA Applauds President for Signing GMO Compromise Bill into Law

Today President Barack Obama signed the landmark GMO labeling compromise bill into law. American Soybean Association President Richard Wilkins, a soybean farmer from Greenwood, Del. applauded the President with the following statement:

“The American Soybean Association congratulates and thanks President Obama for today signing into law the bipartisan GMO compromise bill. This law will provide stability in the marketplace for both producers and consumers, while avoiding a messy patchwork of state laws. We are happy to put this fight behind us, and continue to provide safe, affordable food for the American people, just as we have for generations.”



DFA Statement - President Barack Obama Signs Federal GMO Labeling Legislation
John Wilson, Senior Vice President and Chief Fluid Marketing Officer

“Today marks a significant victory for agriculture producers as well as consumers with President Barack Obama signing into law a federal framework for the labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods.

This bill provides one uniform, national standard for the labeling of GM foods so every consumer in the United States, not just Vermont, can have easy access to information about the food they purchase.

We support the sound science behind GMs and the increased productivity and sustainability they have afforded the nation and the world. This bill allows consumers the choice and opportunity to have a greater understanding about the food our nation’s farmers provide.

We would like to thank the president, the House of Representatives and the champions of the legislation, specifically Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas and Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, for their leadership in this effort.”



WEST COAST DOCKERS UNION MEETS TO CONSIDER EARLY CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents about 20,000 dock workers at 29 West Coast ports, will meet Aug. 10-12 in San Francisco to decide whether to begin talks now on an extension of its contract with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents port facilities owners. The PMA and ILWU signed a five-year contract in early 2015 – retroactive to July 1, 2014 – after protracted labor talks and a nearly four-month work slowdown that negatively affected U.S. exporters. The U.S. meat and poultry sectors lost an estimated $40 million a week during the slowdown.

Over 110 trade associations in March sent a letter to the ILWU and the PMA, urging them to begin early discussions on a contract extension or a new contract. The groups, representing manufacturers, farmers and agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors, transportation and logistics providers and other supply chain stakeholders, also suggested the two sides develop a new model, including early and continuous dialogue between the parties, for future negotiations and called on the union and the port association “to avoid actions that would slow, stop, or disrupt cargo movement during negotiations.”

The International Longshoremen’s Association, representing East Coast and Gulf Coast dock workers already has begun talks on an extension of its current contract, which expires in September 2018.



Premier Ag Sector Investment Banker to Headline Export Exchange 2016

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are pleased to announce that Christopher W. Nolan Sr., managing director and co-head of food, beverage and agribusiness coverage at PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance LLC, will be the keynote speaker for Export Exchange 2016, scheduled for Oct. 24 to 26 in Detroit.

Nolan’s experience in providing advisory services to the world’s leading ag commodities trading companies gives him a unique outlook on the international grains market, which he will discuss during his presentation entitled Global Megatrends Affecting Agribusiness.

Held every other year by USGC and RFA, Export Exchange brings together international buyers and U.S. sellers of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), as well as other feed grain products. The 2016 event is expected to attract nearly 500 attendees, including 200 from 30 countries participating as part of USGC trade teams.

"I am honored to be the keynote speaker at Export Exchange,” Nolan said. "The international grains market is always expanding, and I look forward to sharing my views on the trends and future for this booming industry.”

Prior to joining PwC CF, Nolan was a mergers and acquisitions specialist for 23 years. His background includes numerous domestic and cross-border transactions in the food, beverage, agriculture, industrial, building products, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors.

His current focus has enabled him to complete numerous advisory assignments in food, beverage and agribusiness, including transactions related to ag equipment, animal feed, dairy and dairy ingredients, and milling.

"We are pleased that Mr. Nolan will address the Export Exchange as its keynote speaker,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “As a veteran investment banker with more than 20 years of mergers and acquisitions experience and a current focus in the ag sector, he can provide a bird’s-eye view of the global grains market.”

"We are thrilled to have Christopher Nolan joining us to provide the broad perspective our customers at Export Exchange are looking for as they learn about the advantages of U.S. grain products," said Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer. "Agriculture is the most global of all sectors, and it's critical both our customers and those serving them in the U.S. grains industry have a high-level view of the factors affecting their businesses in the years to come."

Other confirmed speakers include:
-    Nancy DeVore, president of DHF Team, who will speak on the global grains outlook;
-    Dr. Jerry Shurson, professor of swine nutrition at the University of Minnesota, who will speak on DDGS nutrition;
-    Kyle Tapley, senior agricultural meteorologist at Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Information Systems, who will discuss weather trends and the global grain market; and
-    Paul Hishmeh, director of data and technology at Field to Market, who will present on big data and sustainability.

More information about ExEx 2016, including registration details, is available at www.exportexchange.org or on social media using the hashtag #ExEx16.



Caterpillar Planning More Layoffs
Another dismal earnings report by Caterpillar Inc. will lead to more layoffs by the heavy equipment maker. The company said in a statement that it will be restructuring in light of global uncertainty and political turmoil overseas.

Exact details about where the job cuts will happen were not released, but Caterpillar had 100,000 full-time workers on its payroll at the end of the second quarter. That was down from 111,200 a year earlier. The company employs about 800 in the Milwaukee area alone.

Caterpillar reported this week that its second-quarter net income dropped to $550 million, compared with $802 million in mid-2015.

In February, Caterpillar said it was cutting 700 jobs and closing five manufacturing plants across the country in 2016.



Mid-Year BASF Sales, Earnings Down

In the second quarter of 2016, BASF saw a slight improvement in the macroeconomic environment. The increase in oil price and pickup in demand since the end of March underline this development.

"We experienced robust demand, especially from the automotive and construction industries. However, the macroeconomic situation remains difficult to predict," said Dr. Kurt Bock, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.

Sales of BASF Group decreased by 24% in the second quarter to €14.5 billion compared with the same period of 2015. Two-thirds of this decline were the result of portfolio effects (minus 16%). These were mainly due to the divestiture of the gas trading and storage business as part of the asset swap with Gazprom at the end of September 2015.

In addition, lower raw material prices, especially in the Chemicals segment, led to a drop in sales prices (minus 7%).

Except for Agricultural Solutions, all segments contributed to the slight increase in sales volumes. In the chemicals business, which comprises the Chemicals, Performance Products and Functional Materials & Solutions segments, volumes rose 4%. There were negative currency effects in all divisions (minus 3%).

In the second quarter, income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined by €336 million to €1.7 billion compared with the strong prior-year quarter. Significantly higher earnings in the chemicals business could not compensate for substantially lower contributions from the Oil & Gas segment. Compared with the previous second quarter, EBIT was down by €321 million to €1.7 billion.

In a market environment that remains difficult, second quarter sales in the Agricultural Solutions segment declined by 13% to €1.5 billion compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Lower volumes and negative currency effects were the key factors for this development. Prices rose slightly. EBIT before special items fell by €45 million to €320 million, owing primarily to lower sales volumes. In the first half, sales declined by 9% to €3.2 billion. EBIT before special items decreased by €28 million to €911 million.