Monday October 31 Ag News + Crop Progress

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending October 30, 2016, unseasonably warm conditions persisted throughout the week, with temperatures averaging nine degrees above normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation was limited to a few counties in the northeast. Many producers finished soybean harvest and were focusing on corn. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 10 percent very short, 32 short, 56 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 29 short, 61 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 69 percent, near 70 both last year and the five-year average.

Sorghum harvested was 81 percent, ahead of 66 last year and 70 average.

Soybeans harvested was 91 percent, near 95 last year, and behind 96 average.

Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 7 poor, 31 fair, 54 good, and 7 excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 95 percent, near 96 last year and 92 average.

Alfalfa fourth cutting was 92 percent.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 5 percent very poor, 11 poor, 28 fair, 50 good, and 6 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 11 short, 87 adequate, and 1 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Corn for grain and soybean harvest progress remains behind both last year and the five-year average, although there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the week ending October 30, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Besides harvest, other activities included chopping and baling corn stalks, tillage, and applying manure and fertilizer. There were reports of outside piling of corn for grain.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus.

Seventy-one percent of the corn crop for grain has been harvested, 2 days behind the five-year average. Moisture content of all corn being harvested remained at 17 percent, unchanged from the previous week. Central and southeast Iowa were the only 2 districts with over 80 percent of the corn for grain crop harvested.

Eighty-nine percent of the soybean crop has been harvested, one week behind last year, and 5 days behind normal. Farmers in southwest and south central Iowa still have one-third or more of their soybean crop to harvest.

Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 68 percent moderate to heavy. Off-farm grain storage availability was rated 75 percent adequate to surplus. On-farm grain storage availability was rated 67 percent adequate to surplus.

Pasture condition rated 60 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were described as favorable, with reports of cattle in fields feeding on stover.




USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Corn harvest pace had caught up to normal, while soybean harvest pulled ahead of average as of Oct. 30, according to USDA's latest Crop Progress report released Monday.

The nation's corn crop is 75% harvested, compared to 61% last week, 82% last year and a 75% average.

Eighty-seven percent of the soybeans are harvested, compared to 76% last week, 91% last year and an 85% average. 

Winter wheat planting is 86% complete, compared to 79% last week, 87% last year and an 88% average. Winter wheat is 70% emerged, compared to 60% last week, 69% last year and a 69% average.  Winter wheat condition decreased slightly to 58% good to excellent, compared to 59% last week.

Sorghum harvest was 76% complete, compared to 67% last week, 77% last year and a 68% average.



Winkelbauer resigns from Lower Elkhorn NRD board

At their October board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Luke Winkelbauer.  Winkelbauer farms in the Norfolk area and represented Subdistrict 2 on the board.

Winkelbauer is the fourth board member to step down this year.  Former board members Cory Beller, Chris Carlson, and Tim Tighe resigned after moving out of their respective subdistricts.  Winkelbauer did so because of the time commitment.

In his resignation letter, Winkelbauer said, “At this time, I am unable to fulfill the time commitment needed to fully engage and participate with the discussions and decisions required, as well as being able to attend the meetings and events."  Winkelbauer said that he hopes to someday return to the board when he has the time available.

LENRD general manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Luke is an extremely hard worker and his time commitment is currently involved with his family operation.”  Sousek thanked him for his time on the board.

In other items of business, the board voted 7-6 to reject signing a contract with JEO Consulting Group in the amount of $23,000 to conduct an economic study on the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, near Pierce.

The reservoir has had problems with algae blooms in 7 out of the last 10 years.  It could take as much as $500,000 to do the necessary work to address the issue.

While the economic study could have helped determine if that work would be worthwhile, some of the board members felt the $23,000 price tag of the study was too high.

"A few months ago, we were looking into some possible projects at Willow Creek," Sousek said. "Those projects came with a very large price tag, so the discussion at that time was that maybe we need to look and see what the economic value of the lake actually is.  We'll keep plugging away and we'll try to find more creative ways to find a solution or address the issues that we're currently having at the Willow Creek reservoir."



 Hoskins Producer Selected To Participate in the 2017 Young Leader Program

       Blake Hokamp of Hoskins, NE has been selected as the Nebraska Soybean Association’s (NeSA) 2017 DuPont Pioneer Young Leader. The Young Leader Program is sponsored by the American Soybean Association and DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred.  It is designed to recognize and strengthen leadership in the agricultural community as well as cultivate producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry.

        Blake farms a corn and soybean rotation in Wayne county near Hoskins, NE.  He assists with his families farm and custom farming operation and serves as a Yield Specialist and Agronomist for AgVenture.  He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska– Lincoln with a bachelors degree in Agronomy and Crop Production.  

        Blake considers  the  top issues facing the soybean industry  are being able to  have more end users right here in the U.S. as well as building all kinds of specialty markets in our area  for things like high oleic or non-gmo . This gives farmers options to consider.  He feels diversification of technologies will be needed to break our yield ceilings.  Using the best management practices is a start to gaining higher yields with less inputs. 

        Blake will be a part of the 2017 class of DuPont Pioneer Young Leaders, which is made up of selected leaders from each soybean producing state, to participate in an educational leadership experience in late November at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA.  He will complete the second part of training February 28 –March 3, 2017  in San Antonio, TX  in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic.



Fall is Optimal for Marestail Management 
Rodrigo Werle - NE Extension Cropping Systems Specialist

With corn and soybean harvest nearing completion in Nebraska this is a great time to begin scouting fields for winter annual weeds. The primary species to look for is marestail, as many populations in Nebraska have evolved resistance to glyphosate and ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Timing is critical to successful control of marestail, especially in no-till soybeans as herbicide options are limited.

During the 2016 growing season, UNL extension educators and specialists received numerous reports from producers and consultants about unsatisfactory marestail control, particularly in soybeans. Poor control in soybean was often due to late application of herbicides where marestail had already bolted and was too big for successful control.

During the 2016 Soybean Management Field Days, and the 2016 Water and Crops Field Day at North Platte, 290 farmers and consultants were surveyed and over half reported problems with glyphosate-resistant marestail in soybeans. Of those who reported problems with marestail, only 25% apply herbicides in the fall. However, UNL research suggests fall management of marestail and other winter annual weeds is often more effective than spring applied management programs.

Benefits of Fall Herbicide Application for Marestail Control
Marestail is classified as a surface-germinating, facultative winter annual weed. This means that no-till (where surface disruption is minimal) favors marestail establishment and that seedlings can emerge in the fall and spring depending on climatic conditions. According to research conducted in eastern Nebraska, more than 90% of marestail emerged in the fall. Studies have indicated that fall-emerging marestail tend to have higher winter mortality; however, plants that do survive produce more seed and are more competitive compared to spring-emerged marestail.

Marestail plants can produce up to 200,000 seeds and spread mainly by wind. Even if you have not had previous problems, it may be worth taking time to walk your field edges this fall to determine if a preventative application is justified and to avoid surprises in the spring. Marestail starts off as a small rosette, typically 1-4 inches across, and may require special attention when scouting fields as plants can be easily covered by crop residue.

Fall Herbicide Recommendations
For successful marestail management in the fall, apply herbicides following harvest while weather conditions remain favorable (air temperature above 50°F and low winds). Preliminary data for eastern Nebraska suggests that a fall burndown applied with a residual herbicide may eliminate the need for an early spring burndown for marestail control; however, this would not replace an at-planting residual application for management of additional troublesome weed species such as waterhemp and Palmer amaranth.

If marestail management is postponed until early spring, as soon as weather conditions become appropriate (temperature above 50°F), apply a burndown along with residual herbicides to control established plants prior to bolting and to suppress the ones that may not have emerged.

For specific herbicide options to control marestail and other winter annual weeds please check the Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska or contact your local UNL extension educator, and always read herbicide labels before application.

Keep in mind that using effective herbicides from different modes of action will help you battle the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. (Rotation, rotation, and rotation!)



NITRATE NITROGEN (NO3-N) OR NITRATE (NO3-) – KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

               I just got the nitrate test results back from the lab and the level was 3,000.  Am I in trouble?

               Every year I get questions similar to this one.  Unfortunately, with just this information I can’t give a useful answer.  So – I ask the question “Was this reported as nitrates or as nitrate nitrogen?”

               So – why is it important to know the difference between nitrate nitrogen and nitrates?  Well, using the previous example, if the score was 3,000 parts per million of nitrate nitrogen, then the forage has a nitrate concentration that is almost 50 percent higher than what we often consider to be the potentially toxic level.  It would be risky for cattle to eat this forage without taking some precautions.

               However, 3,000 parts per million of nitrate should cause no worries since this is less than one-third the danger level for nitrates.  Thus, the same level can range from quite dangerous to perfectly safe.

               These big differences are due to how individual labs test for and report results for nitrates.  Labs that report nitrate concentration are referring specifically to the nitrate ion,  designated chemically as NO3-.  Most labs and advisors consider 9,000 to 10,000 parts per million of the nitrate ion to be the level where toxicity concerns begin.

               Some labs, though, report the amount of nitrogen in the nitrate ion as nitrate nitrogen and report it chemically as NO3-N.  Thus, a much smaller amount of nitrate nitrogen is needed to produce the same effect as the entire nitrate ion.  As a result, the danger level for nitrate nitrogen begins somewhere between 2,000 and 2,300.

               Next time you test your hay or corn stalks or cover crop for nitrates, look closely to see how your lab reports your results.  Then, when you talk with someone about the safety or feeding alternatives for your forage you can be sure both of you are talking the same language.



Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics Set for November 

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. They offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, Nov. 3
    Fairbury — Thursday, Nov. 3
    Valentine — Tuesday, Nov. 8
    North Platte — Thursday, Nov. 10
    Norfolk — Tuesday, Nov. 15
    Lexington — Thursday, Nov. 17
    Norfolk — Wednesday, Nov. 30

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Green Plains Reports Third Quarter 2016 Financial Results

Omaha-based Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2016. Net income attributable to the company was $7.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016 compared with net income of $6.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2015. Revenues were $841.9 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared with $742.8 million for the same period last year.

"We generated $42 million of segment operating income for the third quarter of 2016, which is our best performance since the end of 2014. Based on current markets, we expect a stronger fourth quarter," said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer. "We have grown significantly over the last year as we have increased our ethanol production capacity organically and through acquisitions by nearly 50 percent to approximately 1.5 billion gallons per year, and acquired Fleischmann's Vinegar Company. We continue to focus on our core competencies as we efficiently integrate these acquisitions and aggressively grow our platform to create long-term shareholder value."

During the third quarter, Green Plains produced 292.2 million gallons of ethanol compared with 215.6 million gallons for the same period in 2015. The consolidated ethanol crush margin was $52.6 million, or $0.18 per gallon, for the third quarter of 2016 compared with $34.9 million, or $0.16 per gallon, for the same period in 2015. The consolidated ethanol crush margin is the ethanol production segment's operating income before depreciation and amortization, which includes corn oil production, plus intercompany storage, transportation and other fees, net of related expenses.

Revenues were $2.5 billion for the nine-month period ended Sept. 30, 2016, compared with $2.2 billion for the same period in 2015. Net loss for the nine-month period ended Sept. 30, 2016, was $(8.0) million, or $(0.21) per diluted share, compared with net income of $10.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the same period in 2015.

"We experienced a stable ethanol margin environment in the third quarter as we continued to see strong ethanol demand worldwide driven by increasing consumption of gasoline and broader appetites for an efficient source of octane," added Becker. "As we continue to expand and diversify our operations, we expect to immediately benefit from the recently acquired businesses."

Recent Highlights
-    On Aug. 15, 2016, Green Plains completed a private offering of $170 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% convertible senior notes that will mature on Sept. 1, 2022. The net proceeds from the offering were used to finance the recent acquisitions.
   
-    On Sept. 23, 2016, Green Plains acquired three ethanol plants located in Madison, Ill., Mount Vernon, Ind. and York. Neb. for approximately $237 million in cash plus certain working capital adjustments from Abengoa BioEnergy. Concurrently, the ethanol storage assets were sold to Green Plains Partners LP for $90 million. All three plants are currently operational and will add 236 million gallons per year of ethanol production capacity.
   
-    On Oct. 3, 2016, Green Plains acquired SCI Ingredients Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fleischmann's Vinegar Company, Inc., for approximately $250 million, financing the transaction with $135 million of debt and the balance with cash on hand. Fleischmann's Vinegar Company will operate as a standalone business.

Results of Operations
Consolidated revenues increased $99.1 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Revenues from ethanol, corn oil and cattle sales increased $82.7 million, $20.9 million and $13.1 million, respectively, while revenues from grain decreased $17.1 million. Ethanol and cattle revenues were affected by increased volumes sold, partially offset by lower average realized prices. Corn oil revenues were impacted by increased volumes sold. Grain revenues were impacted by both lower volumes sold and lower average realized prices.

Operating income increased $11.0 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2016, compared with the same period last year primarily due to increased margins on ethanol production and cattle. Interest expense increased $1.6 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2016, compared with the same period last year primarily due to higher average debt outstanding. Income tax expense was $5.1 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2016, compared with income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the same period in 2015.

Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the third quarter of 2016 was $49.1 million compared with $36.3 million for the same period last year.



USDA Invests $1.7 Billion to Protect Sensitive Agricultural Lands through Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue nearly $1.7 billion in payments to more than half of a million Americans who have contracts with the government to protect sensitive agricultural lands. The investment, part of the voluntary USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), will allow producers to protect almost 24 million acres of wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat in 2016.

CRP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who remove environmentally sensitive land from production to be planted with certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat. In return for enrolling in CRP, USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Landowners enter into contracts that last between 10 and 15 years.

Of the nearly $1.7 billion in payments, an estimated $62 million will be issued for CRP acres in Nebraska. That covers about 780,000 acres enrolled in the program through 22,710 contracts.

“We have seen record demand to participate in this important program,” said USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Despite the current enrollment limit of 24 million acres, USDA is committed to continuing our important partnerships with farmers, ranchers, state and local governments and sportsmen to maintain the environmental benefits provided by the Conservation Reserve Program.”

More than 1.3 million acres were newly enrolled in CRP in fiscal year 2016 using the continuous enrollment authority, double the pace of the previous year. In fiscal year 2016, FSA also accepted 411,000 acres through its general enrollment authority, plus 101,000 acres in the new CRP-Grasslands program, which balances conservation with working lands. More than 70 percent of the acres enrolled in CRP-Grasslands are diverse native grasslands under threat of conversion, with more than 97 percent of the acres having a new, veteran or underserved farmer or rancher as a primary producer.

During its 30-year history, CRP has reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff by 95 and 85 percent, respectively, and restored 2.7 million acres of wetlands. It also has protected more than 170,000 stream miles with riparian buffers, enough to go around the world seven times. The program provides 15 million acres that are beneficial to pollinators, and hundreds of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat that has resurrected waterfowl and gamebird populations, like pheasants, quail and prairie chicken.

CRP has sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking nine million cars off the road, and prevented nine billion tons of soil from erosion, enough to fill 600 million dump trucks.



ISU Economists to Present on Impact of Downturn in Iowa Agriculture

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host Ag Outlook and Management seminars across the state during the months of November and December.

The program is designed to provide participants with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential, and management implications.

Speakers will vary by location but will include Iowa State University state specialists Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist; Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist; Lee Schulz, extension livestock economist; and Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and extension economist. This program takes a deep look into the outlook for agriculture in 2017 and provides an opportunity to discuss the current situation with university experts on the Iowa economy.

“This program will discuss the current downturn in the agricultural sector and its impacts on farmers and the ag industry, and present strategies to deal with them,” Zhang said. “Speakers will provide an overview of crop, livestock and land markets, and discuss ag policy.”

The seminars will be held in eleven locations across the state
    Spencer – Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8:30 a.m. Spencer School Administration Building
    LeMars – Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. Plymouth County Extension Office
    Altoona – Monday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. Polk County Extension Office
    Waterloo – Thursday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Hawkeye Community College, Tama Hall Room 102
    Fort Dodge – Thursday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. Webster County Extension Office
    Mason City – Friday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. NIACC, Muse-Norris Center
    Eddyville – Friday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. IHCC Bioprocess Training Center
    Greenfield – Monday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. Warren Cultural Center Auditorium
    Iowa City – Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. Johnson County Extension Office
    Mt. Pleasant – Thursday, Dec. 8. Henry County Extension Office
    Clarinda – Thursday, Dec. 15. Wibholm Hall

There is a registration fee for the program at most sites that includes a catered meal, refreshments and all training materials. Additional registration information can be found at www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html.



15 new blender pumps and 3 underground storage tanks to be installed through the “Fueling our Future 100” Initiative

 Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that $368,200 has been awarded through the 4th round of the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative to support the installation of 15 new blender pumps and 3 underground storage tanks that can be used to distribute higher blends of renewable fuels.  The funds are being awarded to 6 fuel retailers to assist in installing renewable fuels infrastructure at 7 sites across the state.

In total, 217 blender pumps and 18 underground storage tanks will be installed at 70 sites by 17 companies to provide consumers with access to higher blends of ethanol through the program.

The funding for the projects is from a $5 million competitive grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) program Iowa received to support the initiative.  All funds must be matched by non-federal funds, including up to $2.5 million from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure program.  The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million.

Pumps and tanks funded through this round of funding for the program are required to be operational by the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2017.  Pumps and tanks funded through this program are required to be in operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol for at least 5-years from the date they enter service.

This new program is a partnership across state government, including collaboration between the Governor’s office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa Economic Development Authority.



Iowa Near the Top of U.S. Rural Income Growth

 The United States Census Bureau released its report on income and poverty in urban and rural America in September. While the report focused on nationwide trends, Iowa State University associate professor and extension rural sociologist David Peters was more interested in how rural Iowans had been affected over the last decade.

“The results were a bit surprising,” Peters said. “Despite recent concerns of a decline in rural Iowa’s income, this proved not to be the case. Over the last decade rural households are doing well and, in fact, are doing better than urban Iowans and better than other rural areas in this country. The statistics certainly fly counter to the narrative that you can’t make a living in rural Iowa.”Iowa farmland landscape

The 2015 median household income in rural Iowa was $60,223, almost 11 percent higher than urban incomes ($51,705). Rural Iowans also have become wealthier than rural residents in other states. After being on par with national rural averages prior to 2012, incomes of rural Iowans were about 10 percent higher than those living outside the state.

“I would have suspected rural incomes to go up and down mirroring market trends,” Peters said. “When commodity prices were high we didn’t see a huge jump in income and didn’t see a corresponding decline as prices have gone down.”

Peters attributes that steadiness to a decoupling of farm and rural economies. Many rural residents are able to easily commute to larger cities for jobs, meaning that for many residents income is consistent even when farm commodity prices decline.

“Unlike states like Nebraska or the Dakotas, Iowa has a number of fairly good sized cities spread out throughout the state,” Peters said. “Most rural Iowans can reach one of these cities after driving for only 25-30 minutes. People who choose to live in small towns can still easily be engaged in a meaningful career in larger cities.”

Incomes in rural Iowa have also grown faster than those in urban parts of the state. Since 2005, the median income of rural Iowans has grown by 9.6 percent while urban Iowans have seen their income grow by just 3.7 percent.

Iowa ranks 21st nationally in rural median income, with its rural income growth of nearly 10 percent over the last decade the sixth-highest growth rate in the country. Conversely, Iowa has the 30th highest urban income average and its 3.7 percent growth is 26th-best.

“Iowa needs to focus on professional service jobs,” Peters said. “High-end technology and service jobs are wonderful to target and Iowa should continue to pursue those type of jobs. However the state has to pay attention to middle skill jobs because they provide good incomes and are more stable through periods of recession. There must be a focus on good high school and technical degree granting jobs; you can make a good living in rural Iowa and those industries are thriving.”

Detailed information on income trends in both rural and urban Iowa can be found in Peters’ publication "Household Income Trends in Iowa and the U.S, 2005-2015: Rural versus Urban Differences" (SOC 3077).



Reminder: Free BQA Certification Period Ends in Two Weeks!

The countdown continues for beef and dairy producers to become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certified for free online through Nov. 13. As an added bonus, anyone who becomes certified during this period is eligible to win a prize package, courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the BQA program, funded in part by the beef checkoff.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will pick up the $25-$50 online training fee for every person completing BQA training through Nov. 13. That includes anyone who works with cattle – whether they be beef- or dairy-focused. Visit http://www.bqa.org/certification to take advantage of the open certification period.



ASA to NYT: GMO Article Paints Incomplete Picture

The American Soybean Association (ASA) responded to an article from The New York Times  Saturday calling into question the pesticide use and yield data over the 20-year history of GMO cultivation in the United States and Canada as compared to Western Europe. ASA President and Greenwood, Del., soybean farmer Richard Wilkins noted in a statement that dialogue on the issue is critical, in light of inaccuracies and omissions in the article:

“We appreciate a continued dialogue on the issue of GMOs and biotechnology. We continue in our work to be more open and transparent on our operations and we welcome the questions that this article raises. In the interest of a fair and honest discussion of this issue, we have to confront the inaccuracies and false conclusions of the article.

“In his interpretation of the data, the author fails to standardize the data from France when comparing it to similar data from the U.S., where we have more than 9 times the amount of arable land. Additionally, while he has no problem drawing sensational and plainly false links to sarin and Agent Orange, the author fails to distinguish between even the most basic types of chemicals used. For example, over the past two decades, farmers have excelled at replacing more toxic herbicides with less toxic ones, even when applied at a higher poundage.

“The article also lacks any mention of reduced or eliminated tillage as a result of increased use of GMOs on American soybean operations. Our farmers live on their land, drink from the wells, and rely on productive soil that will yield for their children and grandchildren as well. GMO technology provides for weed control without tilling the soil multiple times. This has dramatically increased the use of conservation tillage, reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“While it is fair for the Times to point out that GMO technology is not a ‘silver bullet,’ it is important to remember that farmers are practical businesspeople. They look at what will give them the best total return, factoring in yield, seed price, input price and the price of practices like tillage. Farmers are not loyal to GMO technology based on principle, but rather on sound business logic, and overwhelmingly, these men and women have made the determination that GMO technologies make economic sense. The business judgements of millions of individual farmers – made each year for the past 20 years – provide a more complete picture about the benefits of GMOs than the New York Times’ cherry-picked data.”



'World's Largest Livestock Event' Returns to Kentucky

The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), the largest all-breed, purebred livestock expo in the world, returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center Nov. 1-17. The event draws nearly 30,000 entries across 10 livestock divisions, all under one roof.

Representing the 48 contiguous states, NAILE exhibitors show cattle, mules and donkeys, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas, sheep and horses, as they compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. The expo also attracts livestock breeders and agriculture professionals from around the world, contributing an estimated $8 million to the area's economy.

NAILE strives to prepare the next generation for tomorrow's breeding challenges, hosting the National Collegiate and 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contests. The exposition's premier event, the Sale of Champions, benefits young exhibitors who often go on to pursue careers in agriculture. In 2015, the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion auction of steers, hogs and lambs brought in a record-breaking $110,000. Through the years, more than $1.75 million has been raised to promote youth involvement in agribusiness and fund charitable endeavors.

The expo kicks off with the North American Quarter Horse Show in Broadbent Arena Nov. 1-9. Consistently ranked as a top five show by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), this competition features events such as halter, reining, cutting and team penning.

The North American Championship Rodeo is also held in conjunction with NAILE, Nov. 10-12 in Freedom Hall. Top cowboys and cowgirls compete for $80,000 in prize money and the title of Regional Champion in events ranging from bull riding to steer wrestling and women's barrel racing to team roping. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each night and tickets range from $25-$32 for adults and $5-$10 for children, depending on the evening.

The Giant Country Store draws shoppers interested in browsing the latest in western wear, livestock gear, musical instruments, handcrafted furniture, art, jewelry and more. The Farm City Luncheon is also a NAILE tradition. Produced by Louisville's Agribusiness Industry Network, the program includes the presentation of the "Agribusiness of the Year" award and "Wing Tip Rodeo." Ticket order forms are available at www.agribusinesslouisville.com/farm-city-luncheon.html.



Ethanol Workshop In Mexico City Offers Information, Expertise To Local Industry

Mexican authorities considering how ethanol fits into their country's energy mix heard from U.S. researchers about air quality, lung health and other quality of life benefits and from Colombian and Paraguayan regulators about their successful implementation of biofuels programs at a recent workshop hosted by Mexico's Secretariat of Energy (SENER) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Mexico City.

For two days, national and foreign experts shared their experiences and technological advances in production, distribution and commercialization of ethanol for mixture with fuels. Environmental issues were a specific focus of the event, with topics covered including ozone formation, air quality in high altitude metropolitan areas like Mexico City and ethanol’s effects in vehicles and on health. The economic, social and environmental advantages and disadvantages of ethanol in comparison to other oxygenates such as MTBE and aromatics, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, were also discussed in depth.

Among the experts were representatives from the National Federation of Biofuels of Colombia, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Paraguay, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy For All. From the United States, there were experts from Oakridge Labs, the American Lung Association, Urban Air Initiative, Growth Energy, the U.S. Grains Council, University of Illinois-Chicago, and Lifecycle Associates as well as a number of independent consultants who are considered experts in their respective fields.

They talked about their experience in the blending of ethanol into their gasolines by showing the background, regulatory framework, research and the benefits obtained in their countries in air quality, jobs, rural development, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and others.

In each of the cases covered in this workshop, convincing scientific data was shown on the effects of ethanol use and the benefits reached on the areas mentioned above, leading to technological improvements and widespread benefits.

The workshop was one part of a larger effort by U.S. industry to share information with Mexican regulators as they consider increased use of ethanol produced locally from sorghum or imported from the United States.

"Workshops like these are extremely important for sharing knowledge and experiences around the benefits that biofuels like ethanol provide countrywide. In the U.S., we have seen ethanol reduce harmful emissions, create jobs and provide consumer choice and savings at the pump," said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, about the effort. "Growth Energy will continue our dialogue with colleagues in Mexico regarding how embracing ethanol will help contribute to a cleaner environment, improve water quality, and create a stronger rural sector and happy consumers."

At the conclusion of the workshop, USDA and SENER agreed that it would be helpful to establish a bilateral ethanol working group to continue the dialogue established at the Mexico City workshop and to plan a “study group” of Mexican government and industry representatives to come to the United States to see firsthand the U.S. ethanol supply chain and experts to learn further about the benefits of ethanol blending.

“There is still much work to be done, not only in Mexico but around the world, to educate governments and its citizens on the powerful role that ethanol blending can play in mitigating carbon emissions in the transportation fuel sector and improving air quality without risking groundwater contamination," said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, which works globally to promote the export of U.S. ethanol and feed grains. "It is encouraging to hear that SENER wants to continue the dialogue established in Mexico City with the formation of a standing bilateral working group of representatives from Mexico and the United States and that Mexico supports a visit to the United States to better understand our ethanol supply chain and to visit further with fuel and environmental experts to better understand the issues."

The workshop was intended to contribute to dialogue in Mexico about the many benefits of ethanol and to support alliances that will allow for the formation of associations and further research to help Mexicans to realize the benefits that the United States and other Latin American countries have achieved with the introduction of ethanol in their fuels.

"As the world leader in biofuel production, innovation and use, the U.S. has a wealth of information, analyses and industry experience that can be shared with Mexico and its policymakers as they work to allow the introduction of cleaner, less carbon intensive, biofuel into their fuel market," said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). "Biofuels have been critical in the fight to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in our most congested cities. We look forward to working together with Mexico as it evaluates the benefits that biofuels can offer."



Donnell Rehagen Named as National Biodiesel Board Chief Executive

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) today named Donnell Rehagen as the trade group’s chief executive. Rehagen was named interim CEO in June after serving 12 years as NBB’s chief operating officer.

“We couldn’t be more excited to elevate Donnell to the permanent position of CEO,” said NBB Chairman Ron Marr. “His detailed knowledge of our organization and deep understanding of our industry certainly leads to a smooth transition. But the main reason we have asked him to take on this position is his proven ability to think strategically about our issues and apply creative solutions that lead to success.”

As COO, Rehagen managed the implementation and execution of NBB’s budget and the day-to-day responsibility of managing the organization’s program managers, staff and contractors. Additionally, Rehagen has led the annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, NBB’s signature event that attracts thousands of enthusiasts to learn more about biodiesel and for industry professionals to network with their peers.

Prior to joining NBB in 2004, Rehagen was the fleet administrator for the Missouri Department of Transportation where he was responsible for all aspects of the department’s $400 million fleet including implementation of their biodiesel (B20) use program.

“Donnell will be just the fourth chief executive to lead NBB in our nearly 25 years as the country’s largest trade association representing the biodiesel industry,” Marr said. “It’s that kind of stability in our leadership and our commitment to providing our membership the tools to be successful that has helped make biodiesel a 2 billion-gallon-per-year industry.”

Rehagen said he is excited for the opportunity take on new responsibilities to help the industry meet current challenges and prepare for more growth ahead.

“I have a passion for this industry,” Rehagen said. “I’m proud to be a part of the team that has helped lead biodiesel’s growth to become the first advanced biofuel to reach full commercialization, but I also recognize the challenges we face. It is incumbent upon us as an organization to define and manage a path that ensures we continue the industry’s ascent.”

The 2018 Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume requirements are expected to be announced by the end of the month and Rehagen said he’s hopeful the EPA will recognize the national benefits that will be realized by increasing biodiesel’s requirement to 2.5 billion gallons.

Additionally, Rehagen said he will immediately continue the task he began as interim CEO of helping to coordinate members’ visits to Capitol Hill at the end of November. NBB is pressing Congress to provide a long-term extension of the biodiesel tax incentive and convert it from a blender’s credit to a producer’s credit to keep the focus on domestic production.

Chairman Marr also thanked the Governing Board’s search committee who led the search effort that attracted nearly 300 applicants.

“We had no shortage of qualified candidates. This was no easy task. But when our decision was made, it was exciting to look around the room and have everyone agree that we could not have found a more outstanding leader for our organization,” Marr said.

Jon Leafstedt and Gary Weihs, managing partners with Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness, and renewables sectors, conducted a rigorous national CEO search for the NBB and assisted in evaluating a strong slate of well-qualified CEO candidates.

Donnell has a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Southwest Missouri State University.

He was born and raised in Jefferson City, where he and his wife Shelly have raised four children of their own. They are also the proud grandparents of two young grandsons.



CWT Assists with 2.4 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 11 requests for export assistance from Foremost Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), and United Dairymen of Arizona. These member cooperatives have contracts to sell 1.784 million pounds (809 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 652,568 pounds (296 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from October 2016 through January 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 44.192 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 10.979 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 19.096 million pounds of whole milk powder to twenty-three countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 794.321 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

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

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.