Weekend Ag News Wrap-Up - Sunday October 2

NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY UP 9 PERCENT

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on September 1, 2016, was 3.55 million head, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was up 9 percent from September 1, 2015, and up 3 percent from June 1, 2016.

Breeding hog inventory, at 420,000 head, was up 2 percent from September 1, 2015, but down 1 percent from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.13 million head, was up 10 percent from last year, and up 3 percent from last quarter.

The June – August 2016 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.10 million head, was up 5 percent from 2015. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 185,000 head, up 3 percent from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 11.35 for the June – August period, compared to 11.10 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 185,000 sows during the September – November 2016 quarter, up 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for December 2016 – February 2017 are 180,000 sows, up 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period the previous year.



IOWA HOGS & PIGS REPORT

On September 1, 2016, there were a record high 22.0 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. The September 1 inventory was up 7 percent from the previous quarter and up 2 percent from the previous year.

The June-August quarterly pig crop was 5.50 million head, up 4 percent from the previous quarter but virtually unchanged from last year. A total of 500,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.0 for the June-August quarter, tied with the September-November 2015 quarter for the highest pigs per litter on record.

As of September 1, producers planned to farrow 490,000 sows and gilts in the September-November quarter and 490,000 head during the December 2016-February 2017 quarter.



United States Hog Inventory Up 2 Percent

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on September 1, 2016 was 70.9 million head. This was up 2 percent from September 1, 2015, and up 4 percent from June 1, 2016.  Breeding inventory, at 6.02 million head, was up 1 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from the previous quarter.  Market hog inventory, at 64.8 million head, was up 3 percent from last year, and up 4 percent from last quarter.

The June-August 2016 pig crop, at 32.0 million head, was up 2 percent from 2015. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 3.02 million head, up slightly from 2015. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 51 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 10.58 for the June-August period, compared to 10.39 last year. Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 8.20 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 10.60 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.

United States hog producers intend to have 2.93 million sows farrow during the September-November 2016 quarter, down slightly from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2015, and down 2 percent from 2014. Intended farrowings for December-February 2017, at 2.93 million sows, are down slightly from 2016, but up 1 percent from 2015.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 47 percent of the total United States hog inventory, unchanged from last year.



NEBRASKA GRAIN STOCKS

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 216 million bushels, up 19 percent from 2015, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 84.0 million bushels are stored on farms, up 65 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 132 million bushels, are up 1 percent from last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 16.2 million bushels, up 4 percent from last year. On-farm stocks of 2.15 million bushels are down 19 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks of 14.0 million bushels are up 8 percent from 2015.

Wheat stored in all positions totaled 94.9 million bushels, up 66 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 15.5 million bushels are up 128 percent from a year ago while off-farm stocks of 79.4 million bushels are up 58 percent from last year.

Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 1.63 million bushels, up 80 percent from 2015. On-farm stocks of 85,000 bushels are down 32 percent, while off farm holdings of 1.55 million bushels are up 98 percent from last year.

On-farm oats totaled 1.0 million bushels, down 41 percent from 2015.

IOWA: Iowa corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016, totaled 419 million bushels, up 13 percent from September 1, 2015, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Grain Stocks report. This is the highest Iowa corn stocks have been on September 1 since 2006. Of the total stocks, 33 percent were stored on-farm. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance totaled 599 million bushels, 19 percent above the 505 million bushels used during the same period last year.

Iowa soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2016, totaled 36.6 million bushels, down 2 percent from the 37.3 million bushels on hand September 1, 2015. Of the total stocks, 18 percent were stored on-farm. Indicated disappearance for June - August 2016 is 147 million bushels, 67 percent more than the 88.2 million bushels used during the same period last year.

Iowa oats stocks stored on-farm on September 1, 2016, totaled 1.90 million bushels, down 39 percent from September 1, 2015.



USDA Grain Stocks Summary
Corn Stocks Up Slightly from September 2015
Soybean Stocks Up 3 Percent
All Wheat Stocks Up 21 Percent

Old crop corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 1.74 billion bushels, up slightly from September 1, 2015. Of the total stocks, 627 million bushels are stored on farms, up 6 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 1.11 billion bushels, are down 2 percent from a year ago. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance is 2.97 billion bushels, compared with 2.72 billion bushels during the same period last year.

Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 197 million bushels, up 3 percent from September 1, 2015. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 41.6 million bushels, down 16 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 155 million bushels, are up 10 percent from last September. Indicated disappearance for June - August 2016 totaled 675 million bushels, up 55 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Based on an analysis of end-of-marketing year stock estimates, disappearance data for exports and crushings, and farm program administrative data, the 2015 soybean production is revised down 2.82 million bushels from the previous estimate. Planted area is unchanged at 82.7 million acres, and harvested area is revised down 82,000 acres to 81.7 million acres. The 2015 yield, at 48.0 bushels per acre, is unchanged from the previous estimate. A table with 2015 acreage, yield, and production estimates by State is included on page 17 of this report.

All wheat stored in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 2.53 billion bushels, up 21 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 726 million bushels, up 12 percent from last September. Off-farm stocks, at 1.80 billion bushels, are up 24 percent from a year ago. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance is 758 million bushels, up 6 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Durum wheat stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 92.0 million bushels, up 24 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 65.5 million bushels, are up 46 percent from September 1, 2015. Off-farm stocks totaled 26.5 million bushels, down 9 percent from a year ago. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance of 40.0 million bushels is up 12 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Barley stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 230 million bushels, up 5 percent from September 1, 2015. On-farm stocks are estimated at 130 million bushels, 4 percent below a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 99.6 million bushels, are 20 percent above September 2015. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance is 71.5 million bushels, 8 percent below the same period a year earlier.

Oats stored in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 78.7 million bushels, 16 percent below the stocks on September 1, 2015. Of the total stocks on hand, 37.2 million bushels are stored on farms, 22 percent lower than a year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 41.5 million bushels, 10 percent below the previous year. Indicated disappearance during June - August 2016 totaled 42.9 million bushels, compared with 49.4 million bushels during the same period a year ago.

Old crop grain sorghum stored in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 36.6 million bushels, up 99 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 3.76 million bushels, are up 98 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 32.9 million bushels, are up 99 percent from September 1, 2015. The June - August 2016 indicated disappearance from all positions is 53.7 million bushels, up 238 percent from the same period a year ago.

Old crop sunflower stocks in all positions on September 1, 2016 totaled 414 million pounds, up 74 percent from a year ago. All stocks stored on farms totaled 62.4 million pounds and off-farm stocks totaled 351 million pounds. Stocks of oil type sunflower seed are 235 million pounds; of this total, 37.8 million pounds are on-farm stocks and 197 million pounds are off-farm stocks. Non-oil sunflower stocks totaled 179 million pounds, with 24.6 million pounds stored on the farm and 154 million pounds stored off the farm.



2016 NEBRASKA SMALL GRAIN ACREAGE AND PRODUCTION

Winter wheat production is estimated at 70.7 million bushels, up 54 percent from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 1.31 million acres, up 8 percent from 2015. Planted acreage totaled 1.37 million, down 8 percent from a year earlier. The yield is a record high 54.0 bushels per acre, up 16.0 bushels from last year and up 5 bushels per acre from the previous high set in 2014.

Oat production is estimated at 1.50 million bushels, down 44 percent from 2015. Area harvested for grain, at 25,000 acres, is down 38 percent from last year. Planted acreage totaled 135,000, unchanged from a year earlier. Average yield is 60.0 bushels per acre, down 7.0 bushels from 2015.

IOWA: Oat production is estimated at 3.27 million bushels, down 21 percent from last year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Small Grains 2016 Summary. Oats planted, at 120,000 acres, is down 4 percent from last year. Harvested area for grain is 43,000 acres, down 25 percent from 2015. Oat yield, at 76.0 bushels per acre, is up 3.0 bushels from last year.

Winter Wheat production, at 1.07 million bushels, is up 37 percent from last year. Planted acreage, at 25,000, is up 25 percent from 2015. Winter wheat harvested area is 17,000 acres, up 13 percent from last year. Winter wheat yield, at 63.0 bushels per acre, is up 11.0 bushels from 2015.



USDA Small Grains 2016 Summary

All wheat production totaled 2.31 billion bushels in 2016, up 12 percent from the revised 2015 total of 2.06 billion bushels. Area harvested for grain totaled 43.9 million acres, down 7 percent from the previous year. The United States yield is estimated at 52.6 bushels per acre, up 9 bushels from the previous year and represents a new record high. The levels of production and changes from 2015 by type are winter wheat, 1.67 billion bushels, up 22 percent; other spring wheat, 534 million bushels, down 11 percent; and Durum wheat, 104 million bushels, up 24 percent.

Oat production is estimated at 64.8 million bushels, down 28 percent from 2015. Yield is estimated at 66.0 bushels per acre, down 4.2 bushels from the previous year. Harvested area, at 981,000 acres, is 23 percent below last year.

Barley production is estimated at 199 million bushels, down 9 percent from the revised 2015 total of 218 million bushels. Average yield per acre, at 77.9 bushels, is up 8.8 bushels from the previous year and is the highest yield on record since estimates began in 1866. Producers seeded 3.05 million acres in 2016, down 16 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 2.56 million acres, is down 19 percent from 2015.



Pig Farmers Connect Farm to Fork during October Pork Month

October became known as Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. Today, it serves as a celebration to thank pork producers and share their stories with consumers.

“If you eat, you have a connection to a farmer every day,” said Russ Vering, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and pork producer. “October Pork Month is an opportunity to refresh the connection consumers have with farmers. Our mission is to produce safe, nutritious food in a responsible manner for families across the United States and around the world.”

In 2008, pork producers adopted six We Care ethical principles at the National Pork Industry Forum. The pork industry follows the six guiding ethical principles of the We Care initiative to maintain a safe, high-quality pork supply. Producers are committed to:
 ·    Producing safe food;
 ·    Safeguarding natural resources in all industry practices;
 ·    Providing a work environment that is safe & consistent with the other ethical principles;
 ·    Contributing to a better quality of life in communities;
 ·    Protecting and promoting animal well-being; and
 ·    Ensuring practices to protect public health.

“The ethical principles define our values and who we are,” Vering said. “Consumers can be confident that the pork they eat was raised using these ethical principles.”

Pork is the world’s most widely eaten meat, representing 36 percent of all meat consumed, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

“For the past 55 years the Nebraska Pork Producers Association has been proud to represent all of Nebraska’s pork farmers,” said Vering. “These family owned operations have compiled a rich history of continually providing a safe, healthy and nutritious product.”



Fetal Programming – Rethinking Cow/Calf Feeding Programs
Steve Tonn, Nebraska Extension Educator – Beef Systems
Washington County Extension

Fetal programming refers to a maternal stimulus or stress at a critical period in fetal development that can have long term effects on the offspring.  From a cattle standpoint, many factors influence livestock nutrient requirements including breed, season, and physiological functions.  Fetal programming responses can result from a negative nutrient environment, which can be caused by 1) breeding of young dams who compete for nutrients with rapidly growing fetal systems, 2) increased incidence of multiple fetuses, 3) selection for increased milk production, which competes for nutrients with increased demand from fetal and placental growth, or 4) breeding of cattle during high temperatures and pregnancy occurring during periods of poor pasture conditions.

We typically have been concerned about cow nutrition during the last trimester of pregnancy because approximately 75% of fetal growth takes place during the last 2 months of gestation.  Calf nutrient requirements are therefore relatively low during the first two trimesters of gestation.  For that reason, many people believed that cow nutrition could only effect calf growth during the last trimester of gestation.  Recent research demonstrates that this is not the case.

Proper cow nutrition is important during the first three months of gestation for normal embryo development including differentiation, circular system, fetal organ, and placental development.  The fetal organs develop at the same time as development of the placenta and limbs, which start as early as day 25 of gestation.  Following limb development is a sequential development of other organs including the pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, thyroid, spleen, brain, thymus, and kidneys.  In male fetuses, testicular development is initiated by day 45 and ovarian development begins in females fetuses by day 50.  Therefore adequate blood flow and nutrients are critical for further development.  Smaller organ development could possibly be detrimental to calf performance and could possibly make calves more susceptible to health issues.

During mid gestation (3 to 6 months) production oriented tissues, such as muscle, appear to be responsive to fetal programming effects in utero.  Muscle formation is divided into two waves of muscle fiber synthesis.  The first wave begins at mid gestation, whereas the second wave occurs from six to nine months of gestation.  Therefore, nutrient restriction during mid gestation is expected to decrease muscle fiber formation, leading to lower birth weight and weaning weights.  Nutrient restriction during mid gestation may also have consequences on organ development.  University of Wyoming research showed that heifers born to cows fed at 70% of their nutrient requirements had smaller ovaries and luteal tissue.  Luteal tissue is crucial for progesterone synthesis and pregnancy maintenance.  Therefore, smaller ovary and luteal tissue could possibly affect a cow’s reproductive performance during her first breeding season.

Late gestation (6 to 9 months) is probably the most important gestation period in terms of potential impact on production oriented tissues such as muscle and adipose tissue.  Muscle fiber number is set at birth, meaning that after the calf is born, there is no net increase in the number of existing muscle fibers.  Therefore, if nutrient restriction during late gestation reduces muscle fiber number, growth performance following birth might be compromised.  In addition, maternal nutrient restriction may also compromise marbling expression resulting in carcasses with lower quality and marbling score.  Research has shown that cows calving in poor body condition have reduced reproductive performance, weaker calves, produce less colostrum, and their calves have increased sickness and death rates.

This newsletter focused more on the effects of gestational nutrient restriction but it is important to remember that excessive nutrient consumption and stress can also have potential for programming calf development in utero.  Fetal programming or cow-calf nutrition (with its effects on calf traits and performance) has significant economic implications for beef cattle producers.  We may need to rethink our beef cow feeding programs, especially our supplementation programs, to also include their impacts on the unborn calf and its performance throughout its life.



2017 Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is seeking donations of steers for its 18th Annual Retail Value Steer Challenge (RVSC) feeding competition. This is the primary fund raiser for the Foundation and by participating in the RVSC you join other Nebraska cattle producers to support NCF projects. Funds from this event support:
-    Youth and Adult Leadership Programs
-    NCF Education Programs - Scholarships
-    NCF Research Programs and Infrastructure Projects
-    History Preservation
-    Judging Teams at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Northeast Community College, Norfolk and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Curtis

Your involvement ensures these programs succeed. You also receive complete carcass data on your steer or steers and the chance to win prize money. And, you are helping the state's leading industry sponsor programs that benefit our industry. Contributors should contact their tax professional as to the tax deductible status of this contribution. NCF is a 501 (3) C entity.

NCF welcomes steer donations by individuals, businesses, groups of individuals or businesses and NC affiliates. Participants can donate their own steer or purchase a steer from the Foundation for $900. Steers need to be delivered to Darr Feedlot at Cozad between October 15 and 25.

Winners will be announced at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Conference in June, 2017.

For more information or to enter a steer contact Lee Weide at 402.475.2333, lweide@necattlemen.org or Jana Jensen, NC Foundation Fundraising Coordinator, at 308.588.6299, janajensen@nebcommfound.org.



Nebraska Corn is Now Accepting Applications for Seven College Internships

Nebraska Corn is now accepting applications for seven internships starting in May 2017. Qualified college students will have the opportunity to apply for internships hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska, across the United States and internationally.

Two opportunities are year-long internships in the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) offices in Lincoln. The balance of the internships will be during the summer, located in NCB cooperator offices across the United States. These cooperators include: the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver, Colorado; and the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C. The international internship will most likely to be with the U.S. Grains Council in the Panama City, Panama office.

“Through partnerships with our national cooperators, Nebraska Corn is able to offer one of the best internship programs in the state,” said Emily Thornburg, director of communications at NCB. “We offer a diverse group of opportunities, with the focus ranging from public policy, to marketing and communications and international relations. I would encourage any college student hoping to excel in an agricultural focused career to apply for these internships.”

Applications are due to the Nebraska Corn Board office by 5pm on Friday, October 21, 2016. To apply for an internship or to learn more about the program, click here.

The seven Nebraska Corn internships available are listed below:
• Communications Internship
with the Nebraska Corn Board in Lincoln, NE {May 2017 – May 2018}
• Marketing and Communications Internship
with the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis, MO {Summer 2017}
• Public Policy Internship
with the National Corn Growers Association in Washington, D.C. {Summer 2017}
• Promotion and International Relations Internship
with the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver {Summer 2017}
• Public Policy and International Relations Internship
with the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C. {Summer 2017}
• International Agricultural Relations Internship
with the U.S. Grains Council or U. S. Meat Export Federation (location TBD) {Summer 2017}
• Communications Internship
with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association in Lincoln, NE {May 2017-May 2018}

Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of Nebraska Corn added, “Investing in our future agricultural leaders is a priority that we have long supported. Our internship program has been engaging students for over 20 years, and year after year, we see outstanding students go through the program and go on to excel in the industry.”



PLAN ACCESS TO WINTER HAY
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               What happens to your hay if you have a snowy or muddy winter?  Will you be able to get to it?  Prepare now for winter barriers with proper placement.

               As I think back about some of the long, cold, and snowy periods we all have experienced in years past, I begin to realize how lucky we have been the past few winters.  Sure, we've had some cold and snowy weather.  But it rarely lasted terribly long.

               But what if it does last a long time this winter?  Will you be ready?  Will you have adequate feed supplies for your livestock on hand?  Will you have easy access to all your hay supplies during a blizzard?  And will you be able to get it to your animals?

               While driving across the state, I see many hay stacks and round bales stored next to trees or in low spots or along fence lines that might get drifted in during a blizzard.  In some cases, the access road to this hay might get drifted in.  And in a lot of sites, when the snow eventually melts during winter or next spring, it might be too muddy to get to the hay.

               I also wonder how well the hay is organized.  Is good hay separated from poor hay?  Has it even been tested so you know what hay should be fed to cows needing only a maintenance diet and what hay should be saved for animals needing extra protein and energy.  And then, can you get to either one whenever you want?  Also, has the hay been tested for nitrates?  Nitrate poisoning occurs most frequently when high nitrate hay is fed to hungry animals right after a snow storm.

               Don't neglect planning for bad weather in placement of your hay yards.  Then if storms do occur, you'll be ready.



Ricketts Announces Cheyenne County as Nebraska’s Newest Livestock Friendly County

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Cheyenne County has become the newest county in the state to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“Officials and residents in Cheyenne County have shown great enthusiasm in receiving the Livestock Friendly designation,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Livestock and agribusiness development is very important to the economic growth of Cheyenne County which had $115 million in livestock sales and $205 million in total ag receipts according to the last Census of Agriculture.”

Created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature, the LFC program is designed to recognize counties in the state that support the expansion of the livestock industry.  In 2014, livestock receipts in the state comprised over half of the $24 billion of Nebraska’s total on-farm receipts.  The LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

“Cheyenne County is an area of the state that offers real opportunity for livestock development due to its access to natural resources and a willing workforce,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach.  “People in the county understand the economic benefit and multiplier effect livestock expansion can have to rural areas.”

With the addition of Cheyenne County, there are now 39 counties designated as Livestock Friendly through the state program.

Counties wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation.  Next, a completed application must be submitted to the NDA.  Local producers or groups can encourage county officials to apply.

Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available on the NDA website at www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.



Iowa Organic Conference highlights perennials and their benefits

The 16th Annual Iowa Organic Conference will be held Nov. 13-14 on the University of Iowa (UI) campus in Iowa City, as a joint effort between Iowa State University and the UI Office of Sustainability. Producers and experts from across the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.

"The U.S. market for organic products reached $43 billion in 2015 and the demand for organic grains and produce continues to exceed supply," said Kathleen Delate, ISU organic agriculture specialist. "Growers everywhere are encouraged to consider the potential for organic production. With worldwide interest in perennial systems that retain cover on the land, our conference theme is 'Perennial Passion: Building Resilience into Organic Systems' to highlight how organic practices, including pastures, buffers, and perennial plants, have been critical for preserving pollinator habitat and reducing erosion." To complement this theme, Monday's keynote speaker is Fred Iutzi, president of The Land Institute.

On Sunday, Nov. 13, the conference begins at 2 PM, with Farmer-Mentor Round-tables (farmer experts to answer questions on organics), then a keynote talk at 4 PM by Caroline Halde of Quebec, who will share a fascinating slide show of extraordinary local food producers who use organic practices very successfully to meet market demand. A reception, featuring local and organic food and drinks, will be at 6 PM in the UI Memorial Union, followed by the movie, "What's on Your Plate" at 7 PM, which explores the benefits of local and organic food production in our food system.

The conference lunch on Monday afternoon highlights local and organic produce, meats, and dairy products assembled into a gourmet meal by UI award-winning Executive Chef Barry Greenberg and his team.

Monday's break-out sessions include transitioning into organic farming, weed management, organic livestock health, organic no-till for grain and vegetable crops, and growing small grains. The conference also includes information on soil and water quality research, crop insurance for organic producers, economics and financial assistance for organic producers, and local food system initiatives, including food hubs and Grow Johnson County. Farmer-Mentor Round-tables will allow farmers interested in transitioning to organic or with specific organic questions, to meet one-on-one with organic farmers and organic certification experts.

"The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest University-sponsored organic conference in the country," says Delate. Last year's conference brought over 50 exhibitors, ranging from organic seed sales to local food system non-profits, to government offices working with transitioning and certified organic farmers.

Despite the challenges of wet weather at planting and the early weed management period this year in many parts of the state, organic farmers are anticipating successful yields with organic soybean prices currently averaging $19 per bushel and organic corn at $8.50 per bushel.

Conference information is available online at: https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/2016-iowa-organic-conference/. The link to register for the conference is: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/116550. 



U.S. DISTRICT COURT DISMISSES HSUS LAWSUIT ON REGULATING CAFO EMISSIONS
(from National Pork Producers Assoc. newsletter)

A U.S. District Court this week dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Humane Society of the United States and other activist groups against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleging the agency would not regulate confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The groups requested in 2009 that EPA begin rulemaking under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate air emissions from CAFOs. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Circuit threw out the case because the plaintiffs didn’t give EPA 180-days’ notice of their intent to sue, which is required by the CAA.

In 2006, nearly 1,900 pork producers and other livestock and poultry farmers entered into a series of legally binding consent agreements with EPA, settling what the agency believed were issues with air emissions associated with livestock production. Part of the agreements was a study of emissions from farms. Purdue University conducted the study and gave the data to EPA, which has been reviewing it and working to develop a tool producers can use to estimate air emissions. That process was impeded by the same activist groups that brought the lawsuit when they opposed efforts by the livestock industry to help set up a science advisory panel of experts in animal systems to assist with EPA’s effort. The agency’s existing science advisory board issued findings on the emissions data in 2013, saying they were “unreliable.”

HSUS indicated it would refile the lawsuit after providing the 180 days’ notice.

MEASURE ALLOWING ONLINE, ELECTRONIC BUYING, SELLING OF LIVESTOCK APPROVED
The Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016 passed the House Monday and cleared the Senate Friday. The legislation, introduced by Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., clarifies that the Packers and Stockyards Act requirements apply to any person engaged in buying and selling livestock in commerce through online, video or other electronic methods. Additionally, the bill specifies that funds for purchasing livestock may be transferred to the account of the seller by electronic funds transfer such as ACH – an electronic network for financial transactions – to meet prompt payment requirements. 



Roberts Applauds Senate Passage of New Livestock Rule

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today applauded unanimous Senate passage of H.R. 5883, the Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016.

H.R. 5883 passed the House of Representatives earlier this week and is identical to S. 3350, introduced by Agriculture Committee Member Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss. H.R. 5883 brings much needed clarity to the livestock marketing sector by making technical changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. Like all businesses, livestock auctions have evolved as technology has allowed for new forms of buying and selling livestock, such as video and online sales. As a result, modern methods of payment, such as use of credit cards, have become common place in the livestock marketing industry. H.R. 5883 revises the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to ensure that these types of businesses and forms of payment are allowed under the Act.

"H.R. 5883 is the sort of practical legislation I vowed to advocate for when I became chairman of this Committee," said Roberts. "It provides clarity to livestock markets that facilitate commerce in the livestock sector and in rural communities across the country by clarifying that modern business practices are permitted under Packers and Stockyards Act."

"Today was a huge step forward for the livestock marketing industry bringing our main regulatory law, which dates back to 1921, into the 21st Century with some common sense updates," said Dan Harris, owner of Holton Livestock Exchange and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Livestock Marketing Association. "We commend the Senate for its passage of this bill and especially appreciate the leadership provided by fellow Holton, Kansas native Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts in bringing this dream into reality."

H.R. 5883 has the support of the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Farmers Union, National Livestock Producers Association, and the United States Cattlemen's Association.

In May, the Committee held a hearing to hear from livestock and poultry producers on marketplace opportunities and challenges.



USDA Adds Online Cattle Auction Data to Daily Reports

The Agriculture Department says it will, starting Oct. 5, add cattle sales that take place on a new online exchange to the regular reports the agency publishes on prices meatpackers pay for cattle in the negotiated markets.

The USDA service mandates participation by large livestock buyers, to add transparency to the marketplace. The Fed Cattle Exchange, run by Superior Livestock Auction, this year launched a platform where feedlot sellers and meatpacker buyers could post online bids, asking prices and eventual deals for slaughter-ready cattle. U.S. cattlemen pushed for the exchange in response to concerns about a lack of transparency in negotiated and futures prices.



Brazilian Cattle Herd Grows To Record 2.15 Million Head

Brazil's cattle herd grew by 1.3% to reach a new report level in 2015, the Brazilian Census Bureau (IBGE) announced this week.  Rising to 215.2 million head last year, Brazil's herd topped the previous record set in 2011 before drought reduced numbers in 2012.

The survey showed that cattle production is expanding in northern Brazil, where productivity is rising from extremely low levels. The herd in the north grew 2.9% in 2015.  In contrast, southern Brazil saw the cattle herd decline due to the pressure of crop agriculture.  Meanwhile, in the center-west states of Mato Grosso, Goias and Mato Grosso do Sul, the herd rose 2.1% to solidify the region as the largest cattle producer.



NCBA and PLC Accepting Applications for Spring Internships

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council’s government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for a 2017 Spring public policy intern as well as a semester law clerk. The deadline to submit an application for either position is Oct. 22, 2016.

The internships give college students the opportunity to work alongside staff on a range of issues that impact U.S. cattlemen and women. The interns will work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA and PLC’s regulatory efforts, providing college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process.

Producer-led and consumer-focused, NCBA is the nation's oldest and largest national organization representing America's cattle producers. PLC is the only organization in Washington, D.C., dedicated solely to representing cattle and sheep ranchers that utilize federal lands. The organizations work hand-in-hand on many issues, sharing office space in the heart of the nation's capital.

The public policy internship will give students an opportunity to learn about career options and provide practical experience. From tax and trade to environmental and food safety regulations, interns will work on a variety of issues and have the opportunity to work specifically in the area of their interest. College juniors, seniors and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

The summer law clerk will provide support to NCBA’s Environmental Counsel on issues relating to environmental legislation and regulations that impact beef producers. The position will also work closely with the Executive Director of the Public Lands Council on issues relating to Federal lands management, grazing, and the Endangered Species Act. To apply for the law clerk position, students must currently be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.

The full-time internship and law clerk positions will begin January 9, 2017 and end May 12, 2017. To apply for the public policy internship or law clerk position, visit www.beefusa.org.