Thursday April 6 Ag News

NE FFA Has First General Session Wednesday Night

The 89th Nebraska FFA Convention first general session took place on April 5, 2017 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with state officer Collin Swedberg serving as the session chairperson. Collin is originally from the Wallace FFA chapter, advised by Mrs. Lisa Kemp.

Nebraska FFA welcomed Dean of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Dr. Steve Waller. Dean Waller spoke about the importance of the student leadership Nebraska FFA members exhibit, his enthusiasm for those students and agriculture on UNL’s campus, and his love for Nebraska FFA. 

Twenty-three corporate sponsors have partnered with the Nebraska FFA Foundation for the 2016-17 I Believe in the Future of Agriculture campaign. They challenged local FFA chapters to raise $300,000 at the local level and have offered up to $35,000 in matching funds. As part of this program, local supporters can donate to their local FFA chapter through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. The designated chapter will receive 100% of the money and a portion of the $35,000 matching fund money. Local chapters are using their money for a variety of innovative projects in their communities and schools. The following chapters were recognized for their outstanding efforts and participation in the “I Believe” campaign....
Bloomfield
Bridgeport
Elgin
Fillmore Central
Hartington-Newcastle
Hayes Center
Holdrege
Lakeview
McCool Junction
O'Neill
Oakland Craig
Randolph
Ravenna
Red Cloud
Shelby-Rising City
Southern Valley
Stuart
Sutton
Thayer Central
West Holt

State officer Cheyenne Gerlach gave her retiring address entitled “Service is...” during the first general session, and she encouraged Nebraska FFA members to find ways in which they can serve others in meaningful ways.

Nebraska Agricultural Education welcomed 31 new or new-to-Nebraska agriculture teachers into the profession during the 2016-2017 school year. Those teachers were recognized on stage during the First General Session. These teachers serve in 30 of the 176 Nebraska agricultural education programs across the state.....
Katie Arp, Bishop Neumann
Seth Burge, Conestoga
Bridger Chytka, Thedford
Kathleen Cullinan, Kearney
Nicole D’Angelo, Seward
Jessy Eggerling, Madison
Jessica Evans, Osmond
Johnny Ference, Ord
Abby Ford, Mullen
Bradley Goering, Hyannis
Billy Grannemann, Arlington
Eric Hauge, Friend
Hannah Horak, Shelton
Katie Husman, Diller-Odell
Brian Johnson, Litchfield
Dylan Kent, Emerson-Hubbard
Halie Meints, Bridgeport
Matt Neal, Pierce
Wade Overturf, Wisner Pilger
Miranda Paitz, Cambridge
Brant Peters, Schuyler
Lacey Peterson, Riverside
Tim Potter, Lexington
Kara Reimers, Elba
Catherine Ripp, Lakeview
Amanda Ropp, O'Neill
Tyler Schindler, Omaha Bryan
Paige Shuler, Chambers
Katelyn Sughroue, Hitchcock County
Krystal Wilke, Morrill
Macie Wippel, Kearney

In addition to welcoming new teachers to the profession, the Nebraska FFA Association also granted charters to eight new chapters. The following chapters received their charters during the First General Session.....
Arlington
Bishop-Neumann
Callaway
Kearney
Hitchcock County
Osmond
Plattsmouth
Shelton

The exciting opening session of the 89th Nebraska FFA Convention closed with a moving message from Matt Lohr from Broadway, Virginia. Lohr served as a former state and national FFA officer, a legislator in the Virginia House of Delegates, and as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture. Lohr shared a message of passion and hope, and engaged everyone in the audience in his inspiring message about agriculture, hope, and a life of legacy.



Graham Recognized for Contributions to Humphrey Community and School

The Nebraska FFA Foundation presented Mrs. Robyn Graham with the 2017 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award at the Nebraska FFA Convention on April 5.

Robyn Graham, FFA advisor for Humphrey FFA, was nominated for the award with support by numerous fellow teachers, students, past students and school administration. Toni Rasmussen, former student teacher for Graham, wrote in her nomination that Graham balances her family, students, lessons and FFA program, along with owning a cow-calf operation, farm ground, and coaching the cheerleading and dance teams.

Recently, Graham helped establish a tractor playground in the Humphrey community park. She spent over three years planning, coordinating fundraisers, finding volunteers, explaining and overseeing the project. This project started as an idea from a few committed FFA members and, as Rasmussen writes, “This was a large project that she could have easily turned down since it was so overwhelming. However, she knew the group of students were passionate to complete it and she did not want to turn them down.”

Jennifer Dicke, who grew up with Graham, supported her nomination by saying, “Robyn wears more hats in one year than any of us ever will in a lifetime. Mom, daughter, advisor, teacher, welder, wife, cheer/dance sponsor, gardener, public speaking expert, community leader, playground builder, fruit saleswoman, donkey-rider, best friend and so many more things…she truly has integrated passion for an industry into her students as well as her family and loved ones.

The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture teacher or FFA advisor for what he or she has done in helping others, specifically in the school and community, outside of agriculture education and FFA. Graham was announced as the award winner during the Nebraska FFA State Convention in Lincoln. She received a plaque and $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

The annual award is named for Gary Scharf, who was a victim of an Omaha mall shooting in December 2007. Scharf grew up on a family farm outside of Curtis, Nebraska and worked in the agricultural chemical industry. He made a significant contribution to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA community through his years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, including a year as Board President in 2002-2003.



NE FFA Convention Continues.... 2nd General Session Thursday Morning

The 89th Nebraska FFA Convention second general session took place on April 6, 2017 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with state officer Kaitlyn Hanvey serving as the session chairperson.

Participants of the Next Generation Leadership Summit (NGLS) were recognized during the session. NGLS provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and develop skills needed to become thought leaders and action makers on timely and relevant topics. The theme for the 2017 Summit revolved around solving problems by using critical thinking to improve communities in Nebraska.

The Next Generation Leadership Summit is the result of a partnership between all Nebraska Career and Technical Student Organizations. Participation in the Next Generation Leadership Summit is open to all students participating in one or more of the Nebraska Career and Technical Student Organizations in 9th – 12th grade. FFA members that were accepted this year include:
Waverly
        Hannah Reiter
        Taylor Nielsen
        Kate Cooper
        Isabella Chaffin
Palmyra
        Madison Mills
Shickley
        Courtney Kamler
Mead
        Miranda Mueller
        McKenna Holloway
Kearney
        Madison Friesen
Humphrey
        Ashley Schemek
        Danie Brandl
Heartland
        Olivia Casper
David City
        Hannah Moravec
Central
        Miranda Hornung

Nebraska FFA then welcomed state officers from the Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, and Arkansas associations to give remarks, and recognized the following chapters for their work in addressing food insecurity in Nebraska:
Bloomfield
Cody-Kilgore
Freeman
Heartland
Lewiston
Logan View
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Newman Grove
Norfolk
Norris
North Bend
Ravenna
Scribner-Snyder
Shelby Rising City
Shickley
Valentine

State officer Manuel Acosta from Bayard gave his retiring address entitled “Live to Grow” during the second general session, sharing his inspiring story about choosing to grow in challenging situations.



3rd Session of NE FFA Convention was Thursday Afternoon

The 89th Nebraska FFA Convention third general session took place on April 6, 2017 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with State Officer Cheyenne Gerlach serving as the session chairperson.

Nebraska FFA welcomed Morgan Tranmer on behalf of the World Food Prize to give remarks.  Morgan shared information about experiences that the World Food Prize provides participants. Tranmer’s departing words to FFA members were, “As we reach 9 billion people in 2050, we need young, creative minds like yours.”

Katie Rowley and Michael Dreiling Memorial Scholarship
The Perkins County FFA Chapter presents the Katie Rowley and Michael Dreiling Memorial Scholarship to a first or second year FFA chapter, in memory of two of their members who were lost in a tragic car accident.  The 2017 recipient of the $3,000 scholarship is the Ogallala FFA Chapter.

Jeffrey Hornung, Nebraska FFA Alumni Council member, shared greetings with convention attendees. The Nebraska FFA Alumni assists local chapters and the state association by providing assistance and support to members and advisors.  For the first time, the Alumni Council will provide one-year, complimentary membership to all state degree recipients.

Ag Champions Recognition
The Nebraska Corn Board sponsors the Ag Champions program, which encourages FFA members to become advocates for agriculture.  This year, FFA members created digital platforms to share an agricultural topic of their choosing.  Each of the six winners will receive a $500 scholarship for their advocacy efforts.
Students recognized were:
Heidi Borg, Allen
Miranda Hornung, Central
Isabelle Stewart, Lakeview
Amanda Most, Ogallala
Aubyrn McClintock, Wallace
Rebekah Vote, Wallace

Premier Chapter Awards
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. Top 17 chapters will advance to the national level.
Receiving Bronze awards were Red Cloud and Wallace.

Chapters earning a Silver ranking were:
 Lakeview
Leigh/Clarkson
Lewiston
McCool Junction
Plainview
Southern Valley 
Verdigre 
West Holt

Gold Chapter ratings and those chapters advancing to the national level are:
Ainsworth
Blue Hill
Central
Imperial
Freeman
Gothenburg
Holdrege
Humphrey 
Mead
Nebraska City
Norfolk
Norris
Rock County
Shickley
Stuart
Sutton
Waverly

State Officer Collin Swedberg gave his retiring address entitled “Start LIVING!” during the third general session. He encouraged all to focus less on planning for the future, and more on living in the moment.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau recognizes two outstanding Teachers and Advisors each year as the Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients. Teachers receiving this award have displayed outstanding leadership in their school and community, influenced students to purposefully begin their SAE programs, and create a learning community through relationships with other teachers, community members, students and industry leaders. The 2017 Nebraska Farm Bureau Teacher and Advisor of the Year Award recipients are Jesse Bower of the Sutton agricultural education program, and Amy Tomlinson of the Sandy Creek agricultural education program.



Plan for Pasture Production Variation
Aaron Berger, NE Extension Educator

Warm, windy, dry conditions in the month of March have dried out the top soil in many parts of Nebraska. While there is still adequate subsoil moisture in many locations, the pattern of above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation is concerning.

Forage production from pasture and native range can vary significantly from year to year based on precipitation, temperatures, available nutrients and plant health. The first limiting factor for grass production in the Sandhills and Nebraska panhandle is spring and early summer precipitation. Planning to adjust stocking rates by critical "trigger" dates can help producers manage for expected shortfalls in forage production when precipitation and available soil moisture are below the long-term average.

From a rangeland and pasture production standpoint, it is good to remind ourselves of how critical available soil moisture is to plant growth. Cool- and warm-season grass species have "rapid-growth windows" when optimum air temperature, day length and soil moisture all need to be present to allow plants to fully express their growth potential. Once the "window" of opportunity has passed for a particular grass species, even if it does rain, it is too late to get significant growth from those plants.

From a grassland manager standpoint, lack of soil moisture and precipitation means limited forage growth and less grass available for grazing. Thus reducing what the expected appropriate stocking rate should be for the grazing season.

Precipitation during May, June and July are strongly correlated with forage production on warm-season dominated range sites in the Nebraska Sandhills.

In the Nebraska panhandle where many range sites are dominated by cool-season grass plants, precipitation in April, May and June is the major influencer of forage production.

TRIGGER DATES
Trigger dates by which to reduce stocking rates will vary depending upon the grass species present and available grazing resources. Here are some key trigger dates to consider for the Nebraska Sandhills as well as western Nebraska cool- and warm- season dominated range sites.

• Available soil moisture on April 1:. Look at dormant season precipitation from October – March and dig some post holes to see how much moisture is in the soil profile. A lack of soil moisture in early April will impact growth from cool-season grass species such as Threadleaf sedge (blackroot) and Needlegrasses. Exceptionally dry conditions at this time can trigger the need to plan for a 10-20% reduction in stocking rates on cool-season dominated rangeland.

• Moisture available from the middle of April to early May:. Track actual precipitation and watch forecast as they can give an expectation for the next 30-45 days in terms of precipitation. If prospects are for below average precipitation, additional reductions in stocking rates on pastures should be planned for.

• Late May into early June precipitation:. Needlegrasses will be completing their forage production by this time and western wheatgrass is in its rapid growth window. If March-May precipitation was only 50-75% of the long-term average for precipitation, a stocking rate reduction of 30-40% or greater should be planned for depending upon the grass species present and plant health. Warm-season grasses such as prairie sandreed and little bluestem are just getting started.

• Precipitation and soil moisture available from mid to late June:. Approximately 75 to 90% of grass growth on cool-season dominated range sites will occur by mid to late June. On warm-season dominated range sites 50% of grass growth will have occured. Rainfall after late June will result in limited benefit to cool-season grasses in terms of forage production but would still result in some benefit to warm-season grasses.

• Precipitation and available soil moisture from the middle of June to the middle of July is important for warm-season grass growth.

• Precipitation after July 15 will have limited benefit to forage production from warm-season tallgrass species but can still result in some forage growth from shortgrass warm-season species such as buffalograss and blue grama. However, buffalo grass and blue grama produce limited amounts of forage for grazing.

A proactive approach to reducing stocking rates can help producers manage for variation in forage production. A written grazing and drought management plan that uses trigger dates for executing decisions can be helpful to producers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The National Weather Service at http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov has short and long term forecasts that indicate what is expected in terms of precipitation and temperatures.



FIRM SEEDBEDS FOR PLANTING GRASSES AND ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Pretty soon you are going to be ready to plant grass or alfalfa.  You will hook up your seeder, fill it with seed, and start to plant.  But first, let's check that seedbed.

               In spring I like to remind you to check to see if your seedbed is firm before planting alfalfa or grass.  Instead of just pulling into your field and planting, first get off your tractor and walk across the field.  As you walk, look back at your footprints.  Do you sink in more deeply than the soles of your shoes or boots?  If so, your seedbed may be too soft.  Another technique is to bring to the field a seedbed testing kit.  Now, most folks also call this kit a basketball, but a basketball tests seedbeds better than any other tool I know.  Try to bounce the basketball in your field.  It should be easy to bounce that basketball on a firm seedbed.  If you can't bounce the ball easily, don't plant yet.  Firm that seedbed even more with a flat harrow, a roller, or maybe even irrigate.

               Why so much effort for a seedbed?  Well, when small seeds germinate their first roots must come into immediate contact with moisture and nutrients in the soil if those seedlings are to survive and grow rapidly.  Loose seedbeds can have up to 50 percent dead airspace in the seeding zone.  First roots that emerge into that dead airspace often do not live, and your stand will suffer.  A firm seedbed reduces this dead airspace, which helps you get thicker stands that develop more rapidly.

               This is Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Do you want better, faster developing grass and alfalfa stands with less risk of failure?  A firm seedbed is your first step.



Strong Pace Continued for U.S. Meat Exports in February

February results for U.S. pork and beef exports were well above year-ago levels, with pork exports posting the strongest February volume on record, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.

Pork exports reached 197,025 metric tons (mt) in February, up 15 percent year-over-year, with value up 17 percent to $486.7 million. For the first two months of 2017, exports totaled 399,692 mt, up 18 percent, with value increasing 22 percent to $995.3 million.

February exports accounted for 27.6 percent of total pork production and 22.9 percent for muscle cuts only, up from 23.8 percent and 20 percent, respectively, last year. January-February ratios were also significantly higher at 26.8 percent and 22.2 percent, compared to 23 percent and 19.3 percent in the first two months of 2016. Export value per hog slaughtered averaged $51.94 in February, up 18 percent year-over-year, while the January-February average was up 20 percent to $51.05.

Beef exports totaled 90,417 mt in February, up 9 percent year-over-year, with value up 16 percent to $508.5 million. Through February, beef exports were up 13 percent in volume (186,905 mt) and 17 percent in value ($1.02 billion).

February exports accounted for 12.6 percent of total beef production and 10.1 percent for muscle cuts only, which was steady with last year. January-February ratios were also fairly steady at 12.4 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $276.96 in February, up 13 percent from a year ago, while the January-February average was up 10 percent to $266.34 per head.

“With trade deficits being a hot topic of conversation, especially with countries such as Mexico, China and Japan, it’s important to highlight the sectors in which U.S. products are competitive throughout the world and exports are thriving,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “The red meat sector is certainly in that category, as exports have helped fuel growth in the U.S. industry and, in turn, larger U.S. production has opened further export opportunities and generated positive returns for the entire supply chain.”

Pork exports strong to Western Hemisphere and North Asian markets
Mexico was once again the pacesetter for February pork exports, with volume up 22 percent to 64,990 mt and value increasing 28 percent to $116 million. This pushed the two-month totals for Mexico to 137,396 mt (up 27 percent) valued at $244.7 million (up 39 percent). Mexico’s strong demand is reflected not only in increased buying from the U.S., but also in relatively high domestic hog prices, as per capita consumption of pork continues to grow. Strong demand from Mexico helped move prices for U.S. heavy bone-in hams higher in 2017 – up an average of 4 percent year-over-year.

For Japan, the leading value market for U.S. pork, February exports increased 14 percent to 32,178 mt, valued at $130.4 million (up 18 percent). For January-February, exports to Japan were up 10 percent in volume (63,755 mt) and 14 percent in value ($256.1 million). Chilled pork exports to Japan increased 7 percent through February to 34,682 metric tons.

Other highlights for U.S. pork included:
-    China/Hong Kong continued to take large volumes of U.S. pork variety meats in February, offsetting the slowdown in pork muscle cuts, putting the combined February total at 42,881 mt (up 5 percent year-over-year), valued at $83.2 million (up 12 percent). Two-month totals were up 10 percent in volume (80,893 mt) and 15 percent in value ($159.3 million). China’s hog prices dropped below year-ago levels in February and have continued to drift lower, but China/Hong Kong’s total January-February imports were still up 35 percent from last year’s record pace at 532,600 mt.
-    Pork exports to South Korea, which were slow in the first half of 2016 before gaining momentum later in the year, totaled 14,649 mt (up 26 percent) in February, valued at $38.2 million (up 29 percent). Through February, volume increased 29 percent to 30,722 mt while value improved 39 percent to $83.3 million. Korea’s hog prices have increased an average of 8 percent this year even as production has been growing, which is indicative of strong demand.
-    Led by a year-over-year doubling of exports to Colombia and Chile and solid growth in Honduras, exports to Central and South America were up 45 percent in volume (27,022 mt) through February while value increased 42 percent to $61.8 million.
-    January-February exports to the Dominican Republic were also well above last year’s pace at 5,279 mt (up 28 percent) valued at $11.8 million (up 34 percent).

Chilled beef to Japan, Korea and Taiwan continues to drive export growth
Japan continued to solidify its position as the leading volume and value market for U.S. beef, with February exports climbing 48 percent from a year ago in volume (23,789 mt) and 55 percent in value ($134.3 million). Through February, exports to Japan were up 41 percent in volume (46,276 mt) and 44 percent in value ($259.6 million). This included a 60 percent increase in chilled beef volume to 19,404 mt. Japanese import data showed that U.S. beef overtook Australian beef in the first two months of the year, with U.S. market share climbing to 45.6 percent while Australia’s dropped to 44 percent.

Strong momentum continued for U.S. beef in Korea, where February exports increased 11 percent to 13,093 mt valued at $86 million (up 26 percent). This pushed the two-month totals up 23 percent in volume (28,287 mt) and 31 percent in value ($177.6 million). Chilled exports through February were up 95 percent to 5,384 mt.

In Taiwan, February exports jumped 33 percent from a year ago to 2,886 mt, while value increased 26 percent to $25.3 million. Through February, exports were up 28 percent in volume (6,477 mt) and 25 percent in value ($55.1 million). U.S. beef holds 70 percent of the chilled beef market in Taiwan, the highest of any Asian market. Through February, chilled exports to Taiwan increased 12 percent to 2,479 mt.

Other highlights for U.S. beef included:
-    Exports within North America are off to a solid start in 2017, with January-February exports to Mexico increasing 14 percent from a year ago in volume (36,235 mt) and 3 percent in value ($147.4 million). Exports to Canada are showing signs of a rebound, with volume up 11 percent to 19,446 mt and value up 18 percent to $123.5 million.
-    Beef exports to two key South American markets increased significantly in value through February, with exports to Chile up 22 percent year-over-year to $8.9 million and exports to Peru up 68 percent to $4.3 million. The increase in Chile was achieved despite a 16 percent decline in volume (1,417 mt) while volume to Peru was up 16 percent to 1,130 mt.
-    A rebound in the Philippines and continued growth in Vietnam pushed January-February beef exports to the ASEAN region up 33 percent in volume (4,774 mt) and 19 percent in value ($27.3 million). Exports to Indonesia, which set a value record of $39.4 million last year, are off to a slow start in 2017 with value through February down 48 percent to $3.5 million.
-    Strong growth to most Asian markets helped offset a slowdown to Hong Kong, where January-February volume was down 21 percent to 16,131 mt, valued at $104.7 million (down 12 percent).

Lamb Exports Still Slumping Due to Weak Variety Meat Demand
Exports of U.S. lamb continued the recent trend in which muscle cut exports were solidly above year-ago levels, but total exports fell due to lower shipments of variety meat. February muscle cut exports were 123 mt (up 15 percent) valued at just under $900,000 (up 38 percent), pushing the two-month totals up 30 percent in volume (317 mt) and 33 percent in value ($1.9 million).

Lower variety meat totals pulled total February lamb and lamb variety meat exports down 41 percent in volume (487 mt) while value held relatively steady at $1.3 million. January-February exports were also down 41 percent in volume (1,060 mt) and fell 4 percent in value ($2.7 million). Early 2017 highlights for U.S. lamb include solid year-over-year growth in muscle cut exports to Mexico and the Caribbean.



USGC Corn Export Quality Report Shows Above Average Crop

The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC) corn export quality report for the 2016/2017 marketing year is now available for international grain buyers, end-users and other members of the corn value chain, offering confirmation of the high quality of the most recent U.S. corn crop.

“The United States is proud of its ability to provide export customers with commodity corn in a timely and consistent manner year after year,” said Chip Councell, USGC chairman and farmer from Maryland, in the report’s greeting. “The Council is committed to continuous export expansion based on the principles of mutual economic benefit and increased food security through trade.”

This deep-dive report provides quality information from corn samples collected during the standard federal inspection and grading process for U.S. corn shipments. It is the sixth in an ongoing series, conducted with consistent methodology that allows stakeholders to track the variability of quality characteristics within key export areas.

This year’s analysis found the average aggregate quality of the corn assembled for export early in the 2016/2017 marketing year was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors, and average moisture content was below that in 2015/2016.

Chemical composition attributes indicated higher protein, lower starch and higher oil concentrations than 2015/2016. Early 2016/2017 corn exports had lower stress cracks and higher density than in 2015/2016.

The export cargo quality report's release follows the publication of a harvest quality report focused on the quality of grain in the 2016/2017 crop to the point of unloading at a local grain elevator.

That report revealed the U.S. corn crop benefited from excellent conditions during reproductive growth, as well as high yields, particularly from the western Corn Belt.

The resulting quality of the 2016 corn crop was better than average of the previous five crop years on most attributes, including higher average test weight, kernel volume, oil concentration and whole kernels as well as lower broken corn and foreign material and stress cracks relative to the five-year average.

“These reports provide reliable and timely information, increase stakeholder familiarity with grading and inspection information and allow tracking of year-to-year variations in the U.S. corn marketing system,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies.

“The Council is pleased to be able to offer this information again this year, and we look forward to the rollout events our overseas offices are planning to provide global customers with in-depth reviews of the results.”

See the full report here... https://www.grains.org/sites/default/files/Corn%20Export%20Final%20-%20reduced%20version.pdf. 



 Five Steps Help Properly Steward Treated Seed

As planting season begins across the country, the National Corn Growers Association joins the American Seed Trade Association in reminding farmers to follow five basic steps for stewardship of treated seed:
-    Follow Directions: Follow directions on treated seed container labels for handling, storage, planting and disposal practices.
-    Eliminate Flowering Weeds: Eliminate flowering plants and weeds in and around the field prior to planting.
-    Minimize Dust: Use advanced seed flow lubricants that minimize dust.
-    BeeAware: At planting, be aware of honey bees and hives located near the field, and communicate with beekeeper when possible.
-    Clean and Remove: Completely clean and remove all treated seed left in containers and equipment used to handle harvested grain and dispose of it properly. Keep all treated seed out of the commodity grain channels.

"Seed treatment technologies are an effective agronomic tool that provide seeds with the necessary protection for a strong, healthy start," said ASTA President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne. "It's important to always follow proper handling procedures to ensure seed treatment solutions result in success for everyone involved and minimize the risk of exposure to non-targeted organisms."

For more information, visit the newly redesigned seed-treatment-guide.com. The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship is a partnership between ASTA, Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, CropLife America, National Corn Growers Association and National Cotton Council.



Rural and Agricultural Groups Urge Congress to Oppose Privatization of Air Traffic Control

Today, the Agriculture Retailers Association, Alliance for Aviation Across America, Crop Life America, League of Rural Voters , National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Farmers Union, National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, National Women in Agriculture Association, and USA Rice Federation released a letter urging Congress to oppose privatization of our nation’s air traffic control system. The proposal to privatize air traffic control is being pushed predominantly by the big, commercial airlines, and would take air traffic control away from Congressional oversight and put it under the purview of a private board of mostly commercial interests. The board would direct everything from taxes and fees, to airport investments and access.

The letter comes as the US Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing today entitled, FAA Reauthorization: Perspectives on Rural Air Service and the General Aviation Community.

According to the letter:
“Rural communities, agriculture and small businesses stand to lose the most under a privatized system, where there would be no Congressional oversight to ensure that all stakeholders and communities have access to air transportation… Under a privatized system, a private board dominated by the largest commercial operators would undoubtedly direct resources and investments to the largest hub airports and urban areas where these investments would be most likely to benefit their bottom line.” 

This group rural and agricultural organizations joins a growing number of voices raising concerns about the proposal to privatize the air traffic control system, including local elected officials, consumer advocates, free market groups, major Committees in Congress, chambers of commerce, small businesses, and the American voters.