Friday April 14 Ag News

Farmway, CVA Boards unanimously approve bringing merger to a vote

After a review of the recently completed merger study, the Board of Directors of Farmway Co-op, Inc. (Farmway) and Central Valley Ag (CVA) both unanimously approved the next step in a merger of the two cooperatives. The merger proposal will now be presented to Farmway members for a vote.

“By combining two strong financially-stable cooperatives in a merger, a unified cooperative would provide the opportunity for expanded services and facilities, increased savings, and accelerated equity redemptions for the benefit of our member-owners,” said Tim Porter, Farmway Board Chairman. “The Board of Directors asks for member-owner support by voting YES to the unification.”

“The results of the merger study were conclusive and both Boards felt strongly in proceeding with a merger of CVA and Farmway,” said Dave Beckman, Chairman of the Board for Central Valley Ag. “The study outlined benefits in terms of improved efficiencies and cost savings, which we will feel bring additional value to members of both cooperatives.

Initial merger discussions between the cooperatives began in January 2017, with the respective boards meeting in April to unanimously approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger. Farmway will host area informational meetings throughout May starting with the Farmway Annual Meeting May 4th so members can better understand the results of the recently completed merger study and ask questions regarding the proposed merger. Shortly thereafter, Farmway will hold a series of voting meetings for the Farmway membership to vote regarding the merger. Farmway voting members are highly encouraged to attend these meetings and vote.

For the merger to be finalized, Farmway members must approve by a super majority, which is defined as 66%.

ABOUT FARMWAY
Farmway is focused on helping their producer-owners succeed. Headquartered in Beloit, Kans., Farmway has 37 facilities across nine counties in North Central Kansas, offering energy, agronomy, feed and grain solutions. Find out more about Farmway by visiting www.farmwaycoop.com.

ABOUT CENTRAL VALLEY AG
Central Valley Ag is a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in York, Neb. CVA has locations in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. CVA is an innovative leader providing products and services in grain, agronomy, feed, and energy. You can find more information about Central Valley Ag by visiting www.cvacoop.com.



Rep. Bacon Completes Ag Tour of Nebraska

In preparation for the upcoming Farm Bill and to enhance his work in the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) conducted an agriculture tour Monday and Tuesday of this week in central Nebraska where he visited with Nebraska farmers and ranchers. He then concluded the tour on Wednesday with a visit to the Cooper Farm Urban Agriculture Education Center in Omaha, a 100-acre farm owned by the Omaha Home for Boys. The project is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Program, and the Omaha Home for Boys.

“Agriculture is Nebraska’s number one industry and it affects the economy of the entire state, and I want to expand my background and understanding of these industries and their needs, so I can be a strong advocate on the House Agriculture Committee,” said Congressman Bacon. “Ag contributes over $23 billion to Nebraska’s economy and food processing is the leading manufacturing industry in Nebraska.”

While in central Nebraska, Congressman Bacon met with various agricultural industry producers and business leaders and discussed the need for affordable crop insurance and bilateral trade. In addition, he agreed to be a champion for ensuring our ranchers have the resources they need to keep Foot and Mouth Disease out of the ranching industry.

Healthcare and immigration reform were also on the minds of the agriculture community.

“I kept hearing how the Affordable Care Act has hurt farmers due to excessive premiums and many are forced to put spouses to work outside the farm to lower their healthcare costs.  Most stated their annual healthcare expenses were between $20,000 - $30,000 for the family,” said Congressman Bacon.

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers told me that immigrant labor is the backbone of their business. Without the talent of these hard-working people, the entire industry would implode and adversely affect consumers,” added Congressman Bacon. “They also stressed the need to fix our broken immigration system to include securing the borders, employer verification, and an easier way to hire immigrant workers who bring a valued skillset to American farms and ranches.”

Agriculture is a critical catalyst for many of the businesses of the Second Congressional District, including commodity exchange companies, processing plants, financial institutions and urban agriculture. Programs like these will help keep agriculture strong and at the forefront of national treasures now and into the future. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be there in support of the Urban Agriculture Program today.



Coalition Says Tax Reform Bills Fail to Meet Group’s Principles

A pair of bills targeted to changing Nebraska tax policy fail to meet the principles outlined by a growing coalition of taxpayers, business owners, local school board members, superintendents, agriculture, and education groups from across Nebraska. Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education coalition members met this week to discuss both LB 640 and LB 461, bills slated for debate by the full Legislature following the Easter break.

“Our two principles are very clear. We believe adequate and sustainable funding of high quality K-12 education is imperative for the future of Nebraska. We also believe tax reform which reduces the over-reliance on local property taxes is necessary to ensure our tax system is fair to all Nebraska taxpayers, from homeowners in Douglas county to ranchers in the sandhills and all across urban and rural Nebraska,” said Mike Lucas Superintendent of York Public Schools. “We appreciate Senator Groene's efforts with LB 640 but fear for its sustainability and don't see it as a viable, long-term solution. LB 461 doesn't provide meaningful, long-term property tax reform that many of our elected officials have promised.  Property tax reform is the number one issue we hear citizens asking for."

Coalition members noted provisions in both bills not only jeopardize current and future funding for Nebraska schools, but also fail to provide meaningful property tax reform and relief to Nebraska property taxpayers.

“The Legislature should be focusing on measures that work to better the climate for the property taxpayers who have been asked to take on more and more responsibility for funding our schools, while at the same time not put school funding at risk. These bills don’t pass either test,” said Doug Nienhueser, a representative of 'Nebraska Fair,' a group comprised of farmers in Seward and York counties."

Nebraskans United includes property owners, ag and education groups, school board members, superintendents (representing all school districts across the state), and other taxpayers across Nebraska who have come together to urge the legislature to act this year to balance the state's property tax system and reduce the overreliance on property taxes to adequately fund K-12 education. Nebraska needs a more equitable system to fund the state's education priorities.

Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education includes:
Nebraska Farm Bureau                                                  
Nebraska State Education Association
Reform for Nebraska’s Future                                      
Nebraska Council of School Administrators
Nebraska Corn Growers Association                        
Nebraska Farmers Union
Women Involved in Farm Economics                        
Nebraska Soybean Association
Nebraska Pork Producers                                             
The Nebraska Wheat Growers
Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association
Nebraska Fair
Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska                          
Gage County Property Tax Group
Nebraska Grange                                                             
Center for Rural Affairs
Stand For Schools

Greater Nebraska Schools Association: Bellevue, Bennington, Blair, Columbus, Elkhorn, Fremont, Gering, Grand Island, Gretna, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington, Lincoln, McCook, Millard, Norfolk, Norris, North Platte, Omaha, Papillion-La Vista, Plattsmouth, Ralston, Schuyler, South Sioux City, Westside Community Public Schools.

Schools Taking Action for Nebraska Children’s Education: Beatrice, Blair, Chadron, Columbus, Crete, Fairbury, Gothenburg, Holdrege, Nebraska City, Norris, Seward, South Sioux City, Wahoo, Waverly, York Public Schools.



NC Urges State Senators Not to Sweep Brand Committee Funds

Nebraska Cattlemen encourages State Senators, in the budget process, to restore the entire balance of funds to the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC).   

The legislature's Appropriations Committee must advance a budget by Day 70 of the session, and has recommended taking $100,000 from the NBC funds to help balance the state budget shortfall.  The fund balance carried by this agency is not a surplus of unused General Fund Appropriations.   The funds obtained by NBC are producer fees that have been paid for services from a completely cash funded agency which receives no general fund appropriations from the state's general fund.

A sweep of funds from the Nebraska Brand Committee will cause fiscal struggles for the agency.  Depending on the amount swept from the funds, the agency might not be able to meet their financial obligations and stay in compliance with current Nebraska Brand Laws. 

Aggressively addressing the concerns that were raised in the audit during the Summer of 2016, the NBC has pursed new technology which encumbers funds. On top of equipment replacement and upgrades that are needed there are ten (10) open employment positions that need to be filled to provide the mandated services and investigations. 

"Taking even $1.00 is too much" Stated Troy Stowater, NC President. "Those dollars are producer dollars that exclusively fund the brand committee efforts."



2017 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest Results
The Nebraska Cattlewomen are pleased to announce the results of the 2017 Nebraska Beef Ambassador Contest held April 8th in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Nebraska Beef Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for youth, ages 14 - 24 years old, to become spokespersons and future leaders for the beef industry. The two divisions, senior and collegiate, were judged on three different areas of the industry consisting of a mock consumer promotional event, mock media interview and an issues response.  

Hannah Esch of Unadilla took home the first place rank in the collegiate division along with a  $200 cash prize. A scholarship from the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation will be awarded at the completion of her year as Beef Ambassador. She will be competing at National Beef Ambassador Competition in 2018. Hannah is the daughter of Don and Linda Esch and is currently a freshman at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  

Senior contestant TaraLee Hudson, Belevidere, daughter of Corey Bill and Gina Hudson received first place. She received a cash prize of $125. TaraLee is 16 years old and attends Bruning-Davenport High School.

A custom belt buckle will be awarded to both winners at the Nebraska State Fair where both division winners will be greeting visitors at the popular Birthing Pavilion.

"The contest is designed to develop advocates for the beef industry among the youth of the state"  stated Tammy Hanson, NCW chair of the Beef Ambassador committee. "We are fortunate to have these outstanding young women representing us in Nebraska."  



RISKS WITH HEAVY MANURE APPLICATIONS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Last week I told you about applying a heavy dose of manure before planting alfalfa.  Trouble is, there are situations where this may not be a good idea.

               When applying a heavy dose of manure, site selection is critical.  These heavy doses contain a lot of nitrogen and phosphate along with many other nutrients.  That’s fine, even good, for the alfalfa but it can create an environmental risk.

               One of the risks is nitrogen leaching into the ground water or being transferred to creeks or rivers via drainage tile.  Another risk is soil erosion carrying phosphorus and pathogens.

               Alfalfa seedlings initially grow slowly.  It often takes a couple months or more before a new stand of alfalfa is capable of stabilizing soil so it won’t blow or runoff during storms.  And if erosion does occur, the phosphorus, nitrogen, and other nutrients in the manure will move along with the soil, often ending up in rivers, lakes, or ditches where they might do significant damage.

               Take steps to minimize leaching and erosion risk.  Incorporate slurry manures while maintaining as much crop residue as possible to reduce erosion from soil surfaces.  Plant a fast growing companion crop like oats along with the alfalfa to stabilize the site more quickly.  Avoid applying manure to frozen ground or very long before planting alfalfa.  Best of all, only apply heavy doses of manure to sites with minimal leaching and erosion risk, such as flat, heavy soils.

               If these steps can’t be followed, avoid heavy doses.  Test the nutrient concentration of the manure and then limit the amount of manure applied to an amount that will supply just a couple hundred pounds of phosphorus per acre.

               Your good stewardship will pay off in the long run.



Managing Weeds, Insects and Diseases Focus of ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is helping Iowa farmers manage weeds, insects and diseases in their fields.

Pest management is key to high yields and quality grain. ISU Extension and Outreach specialists are working to provide the tools and resources farmers need to manage those pests. And the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic can help farmers and homeowners alike identify diseases and insects that are impacting production.

Four extension specialists are highlighted in the video “Managing Weeds, Insects and Diseases.” They show how they are working to keep pests from harming Iowa farmers.

This is the fourth in the ISU Extension and Outreach – Agriculture and Natural Resources’ video series highlighting the impact being made by extension specialists.  Here's the link... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyDHx-rmZpCl77f6WmYX3rMJWYGuyVNuL. 



Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference Turns 90

The longest-running conference at Iowa State University is turning 90.

The 90th annual Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference will be held on Wednesday, May 17 at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus. The conference is designed for anyone who has an interest in agricultural land, land management and land valuation.

“We are three or four years into this current farm economic downturn and with a newly elected administration the farm economy is facing a lot of uncertainty,” said Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and extension economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “This conference will provide insights into where the ag economy and in particular farmland markets are going.”

This year’s program will examine current issues in rural property management, appraisal, sale and purchase. The six issues with implications to soil management and land valuation that will be presented are:
-    The current situation and uncertainty in agricultural trade and the implications for the agricultural economy;
-    Current situations and future outlook for the agricultural financial conditions in the farm downturn;
-    Weather outlook and its impacts on agricultural production;
-    Panel discussion on the 90-year evolution of soil management and land valuation conference, especially historical focus and future directions;
-    Farm downturn, population change and the impact on rural communities; and
-    A legal update concerning the Des Moines Water Works, as well as mergers and anti-trust regulations.

“These topics represent many hot-button issues in the ag industry,” Zhang said. “We will examine what demand will look like in the future and how big an impact declining profit margins will have on producers and the industry as a whole. The objective is to try to provide insights into the current economic situation and the near-term outlook of the ag economy.”

Additionally, the Iowa Appraiser Examining Board has approved the conference for six hours of continuing education. The Iowa Real Estate Commission has also approved the conference for six hours of continuing education for renewal of a real estate and broker’s license.

New this year, conference participants can provide estimates of land value and commodity price forecasts through a short online survey, carrying on the tradition of asking ag professionals to gaze into a crystal ball. The survey is available online at http://bit.ly/smlv2017.

The conference begins at 8 a.m. on May 17 and will adjourn at 4 p.m. Online registration completed on or before May 3 will cost $100, and $110 after May 3.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.



Iowa Corn Promotion Board to Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 1, 3, 6 and 9

Since 1978, Iowa corn growers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff program.

On July 18, 2017, corn growers in Crop Reporting Districts 1, 3, 6 and 9 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for their representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board for a 3-year term. The Board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research into news and value-added corn uses, and education on corn and the farmers who grow it.

Corn producers within Districts 1, 3, 6 and 9 who have produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016) and are interested in running for a position may still file a petition with the ICPB. Petitions can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Corn office and must contain the signatures of 25 corn producers from the same district as the prospective candidate. Completed and notarized petitions must be delivered to the Iowa Corn office no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 28, 2017. Once all grower petitions have been received, a final list of candidates will be generated and all names will be listed on the election ballots.

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local ISU extension office on July 18 may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested beginning May 31, requests must be made no later than June 26 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at (515)225-9242 or on our website at www.iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn Office no later than July 18. Results of the election will be made public on July 21.

Current candidates are as follows:

USDA Crop Reporting District #1 (Buena Vista, Clay, Cherokee, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sioux)
    Kelly Nieuwenhuis, O’Brien County
    John Schott, Pocahontas County

USDA Crop Reporting District #3 (Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek)
    Greg Alber, Buchanan County
    Ryan Oberbroeckling, Clayton County 

USDA Crop Reporting District #6 (Benton, Cedar, Clinton, Iowa, Jackson, Jones, Johnson, Linn, Muscatine and Scott)
    Pete Brecht, Linn County
    Daron Oberbroeckling, Scott County

USDA Crop Reporting District #9 (Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Louisa, Lee, Mahaska, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington)
    Heath Greiner, Davis County
    Stan Nelson, Des Moines County



USDA WANTS TO ADVANCE ‘MODERNIZATION OF PORK SLAUGHTER’ RULE
NPPC newsletter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) this week said it wants to move forward with a “Modernization of Pork Slaughter” rule. The regulation, would increase efficiency and effectiveness of the federal inspection process and allow for the rapid adoption of new food safety technologies in pork slaughter. It also has the potential to increase U.S. hog slaughter capacity.

The HACCP Inspection Models Project, or HIMP, would allow FSIS to better focus its inspection resources and partner with the pork industry to better ensure safe products are entering the food supply. It shifts certain food safety responsibilities from federal inspectors to packing plant workers and could lead to faster pork production lines.

Currently, five U.S. pork packing plants are participating in HIMP pilot projects; enactment of a modernization rule would make the system available to all packers.



Group Wants Processed Meats to be Banned in Schools

(AP) - An advocacy group sued the Los Angeles school district for serving hot dogs and other processed meats to students, arguing that they increase the risk of cancer, it was announced Wednesday.

According to the Associated Press, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed the lawsuit Tuesday asking a court to ban the district from offering processed meats. It seeks the same ban for the Poway school district in San Diego County.

The suit, filed in San Diego County, says there is a "recognized association between eating processed meats... and developing cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease."

The Los Angeles district is the nation's second-largest with more than 660,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The district lunch menu for April lists several processed meat items, including a "turkey pastrami croissandwich with cheese" and a turkey hot dog. Breakfasts can include beef sausage or turkey chorizo.

The AP reports that serving such meats violates California's Education Code, which requires school food to be of "highest quality" and provide the "greatest nutritional value possible," according to the suit, which names both school districts and the California Department of Education.

A Los Angeles teacher and two parents of Poway district students joined the suit.