Department of Natural Resources Issues Closing Notices to Surface Water Irrigators Due to Lack of Water
The current drought experienced by Nebraska has presented challenges across the state. Extraordinarily dry conditions have reduced water supplies available to irrigators and helped diminish streamflows and water levels in reservoirs. As of July 17, 2012, the Department has closed over 1100 surface water permits throughout much of the state. Additional closing notices may be issued depending on flow conditions. The river basins affected include the Big Blue, Elkhorn, Hat Creek, Loup, Niobrara, North Platte, Republican, Salt Creek, and White.
During times of shortage, junior (newer priority) permits must be denied water so that senior (older priority) permits may receive the full amount of their permit. Surface water distribution in Nebraska is based on the prior appropriation doctrine, which is often characterized as “first in time, first in right.” The Department of Natural Resources is the agency authorized by Nebraska statute to regulate surface water. Under Nebraska law, the Department is to assure that all water is being used to the its most beneficial use.
Drought Management Information Meeting July 19 in Le Mars
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Plymouth County will be hosting a meeting Thursday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss drought related issues. The meeting will be held at the Plymouth County Extension Office in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center at 251 12th St. SE, Le Mars.
Meeting topics and speakers include crop growth and development under drought conditions covered by Joel DeJong, extension field agronomist; Beth Doran, extension beef specialist, discussing feeding drought damaged crops; William Edwards, extension economist, will speak on crop insurance considerations; and Jeff Davis, county executive director with Farm Service Agency, will discuss government crop programs.
The meeting will start at 1:30 p.m. and is expected to last about 90 minutes. Begining at noon, producers will have the opportunity to bring five representative corn stock samples for a quick nitrate assessment conducted on site by Beth Doran prior to the start of the meeting. For questions about the meeting, contact the Plymouth County Extension Office at 712-546-7835. No pre-registration is required.
Webinar Examines Livestock and Crop Options during Drought
Iowa crop and livestock producers dealing with drought–related issues are invited to attend an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach webinar Wednesday, July 25 to learn more about options available to them. County extension offices will be hosting the 1- 3 p.m. webinar. There is no charge to attend the webinar.
Livestock
Livestock issues covered during the webinar will include options to help producers manage immediate needs related to stressed pastures and reduced hay supplies. “We also will talk about early weaning to reduce cow requirements and supplemental feeding,” said Dan Loy, Iowa Beef Center director. “Other topics facing producers are feeding value, proper ensiling and potential for nitrate toxicity for corn harvested as silage or green chop.”
Crops
Members of the extension crops team will cover the topics of crop growth and development under drought conditions and feeding drought damaged crops. “We will look at current conditions, short-range and long range forecasts, impacts of drought on forages and crops, and impacts on disease and insect development,” said Roger Elmore, extension corn specialist.
Farm finances
Extension specialists will discuss crop insurance coverage, grain marketing implications and valuing drought-damaged corn silage. Possible disaster programs related to the drought situation also will be covered, said William Edwards, extension economist.
County extension offices hosting the July 25 webinar include
Adair County, Greenfield
Borlaug Learning Center, Northeast Iowa Research Farm near Nashua
Carroll County, Carroll
Cass County, Atlantic
Cherokee County, Cherokee
Crawford County, Denison
Dallas County, Adel
Delaware County, Manchester
Greene County, Jefferson
Guthrie County, Guthrie Center
Hamilton County, Webster City
Hancock County, Garner
Harrison County, Logan
Humboldt County, Humboldt
Iowa County, Marengo
Jefferson County, Fairfield
Linn County, Marion
Madison County, Winterset
Marshall County, Marshalltown
Monroe County, Albia
Page County, Clarinda
Palo Alto County, Emmetsburg
Ringgold County, Mount Ayr
Shelby County, Harlan
Sheldon, Iowa - Northwest Iowa Community College
Union County, Creston
Urbandale Outreach Office, Urbandale
Warren County, Indianola
Wayne County, Corydon
More counties may be added to the list of hosting sites prior to July 25 – contact a local county extension office for nearest location.
Extension agriculture and program specialists will facilitate the program at each site. Time has been allowed for questions and answers following the presentations. The webinar will be recorded and made available on the ISU Extension and Outreach website, www.extension.iastate.edu/.
Nebraska Beef Council Announces New Directors
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors approved the following results of the 2012 Board of Directors Elections:
District 1- Rodney Gray, a cow-calf producer from Harrison, NE. District 1 includes the counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, Scotts Bluff, Banner, Kimball, Morrill, Garden, Cheyenne, and Deuel. This will be Gray’s second four-year term on the board.
District 3- Patrick Knobbe, a feedyard operator from West Point, NE. District 3 includes the counties of Cedar, Dixon, Dakota, Pierce, Wayne, Thruston, Madison, Stanton, Cuming and Burt. This will be Knobbe’s first four-year term on the board.
District 5- Myron Danner, a cow/calf producer from Burwell, NE. District 5, includes the counties of Custer, Garfield, Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Buffalo, Hall and Howard. This will be Danner’s second four-year term on the board.
District 7- William “Buck” Wehrbein, a feedyard operator form Waterloo, NE. District 7 includes the counties of Nance, Merrick, Hamilton, York, Polk, Platte, Colfax, Butler, Dodge, Saunders, Washington, Douglas, Cass and Sarpy. This will be Wehrbein’s first four-year term on the board.
District 9- Anne Burkholder, a feedyard operator from Cozad, NE, was elected as chairman. District 9 includes the counties of Dawson, Frontier, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Red Willow, Furnas, Harlan and Franklin. This will be Burkholder’s first four-year term on the board.
The new board members will take office on January 2, 2012.
Plan to Attend Soybean Management Field Days in 2012
- Aug. 14 - Tim Rowe Farm - Lexington, NE
- Aug. 15 - Kracl Partnership Farm - O'Neill, NE
- Aug. 16 - Keith Pillen Farm - Platte Center, NE
- Aug. 17 - Nick, Ron & Kevin Hotovy Farm - David City, NE
Ensuring continued competitiveness of U.S. soy in the global marketplace is integral as we look towards the future... for your profits as a producer AND for feeding a hungry world. By the year 2020, the world's population is expected to exceed 8 billion people. The U.S. soybean industry can and will be a leader in food production and providing energy to sustain global economic growth. 1-Hour presentations rotate from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Register at 9 a.m.)
By attending Soybean Management Field Days you are taking an important step in helping us meet the challenges of the future. Topics include...
Quest for the Holy Grail in Soybean Production
- Row spacing/seed rate, fungicides
- Soil fertility options for soybean production
- Plant populations/planting date and maturity group interactions
Soybean Seed Treatments and Foliar Fungicides & Growth Enhancement Interactions with Herbicides
- Learn how to identify common soybean diseases
- View trials and results with fungicides and insecticides
- View trails and results with the common seed treatment options on the market
- Biostimulants/inoculants and growth/yield responses
Herbicide - Carrier Rate Study
- Maximizing pesticide applications
- The importance of adequate carrier rates
- Herbicide-resistant weeds update
Managing Land Leases and Soybean Marketing
- Understanding the global soybean market
- Marketing soybeans in the new era
- Current values
- Coffee shop vs. surveys
- Landlord/tenant communications
- Options for cash leases
SoyWater Bit Mobile
- Hands-On Demos…SoyWater Irrigation Decision Software in the UNL Bit Mobile
And you'll be able to tour the Soybean Variety Development and Breeding Advancement Plots. To learn more about Soybean Management Field Days - visit the links on this website... http://ardc.unl.edu/soydays/.
BOSSHAMER’S RECEIVE NAYI’S HIGHEST AWARD
During the 41st Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) held last week, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) presented its highest honor, the NAYI Award of Merit, to Brian and Ann Marie Bosshamer.
“The NAYI Award of Merit is presented each year to someone with a strong commitment to youth and a dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “This year, the members of the NAYC felt that a couple should be bestowed the honor.”
Brian Bosshamer serves as an Extension Educator in Buffalo County, with key responsibilities to guide high school students to consider majors in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has been a strong supporter of NAYI, and encourages youth to attend the Institute. During this year’s NAYI, 11 delegates hailed from Buffalo County, along with 5 members of the NAYC.
Ann Marie Bosshamer is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Beef Council and works to support and enhance youth programs throughout the state. She is a long time NAYI presenter and continues to guide the Beef Council’s support and involvement in NAYI, as well as the Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium, Beef Ambassador Program, 4-H and FFA.
Those nominating the Bosshamer’s said, “The Bosshamer’s are making a difference for Nebraska agriculture, Nebraska youth and the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute each and every day. Together, they show an unending commitment to the future of agriculture though their actions and support of youth in our state.”
FSA County Committee (COC) Nominations Period Ends August 1
Dan Steinkruger State Executive Director for the Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that farmer and rancher candidate nominations are currently being accepted for the local FSA county committees(COCs). The nomination period closes Wednesday, August 1, 2012 with the election taking place between Friday, November 5, and the close of business on Monday, December 3, 2012.
"I encourage all farmers, ranchers, and landowners to participate in the COC election process by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline," said Steinkruger. "We would like as much participation as possible since COCs provide a vital link to have opinions and ideas heard at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With better participation in recent years, we also have seen a trend of increased nominations of minority and women producers that we hope will continue."
To be eligible to serve on a FSA COC a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a COC election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.
Producers may nominate themselves or others and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA COC elections are available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or you may visit any local FSA office to obtain a copy. Nomination forms for the 2012 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by close of business August 1, 2012.
FSA COC members make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other important agricultural issues. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.
Members serve three-year terms. In Nebraska, committees consist of three to 7 members who are elected by eligible producers. Steinkruger added, “It is important that farmers nominate the neighboring producers they want to represent them on FSA COCs.
Hassebrook Resumes Role as Executive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs
Chuck Hassebrook resumed his role as Executive Director for the Center for Rural Affairs on July 15th. Hassebrook took leave from the role of Executive Director to run for the U.S. Senate earlier this year. Board action was unanimous in returning Hassebrook to Executive Director. Brian Depew, who served as Acting Executive Director for the last four months, has returned to Assistant Executive Director.
“I’ve seen many changes at the Center over the last 14 years,” said Jim Knopik, Fullerton, Nebraska farmer and Center Board President. “But one thing never changes – our strong and steady commitment to rural America.” Knopik continued, “As Board President, I couldn’t be more pleased with the leadership displayed by the entire staff. They were well prepared, and they kept the entire organization on course during Chuck’s leave.” We will build on that success as we go forward, continuing to strengthen the Center for the long term,” Knopik concluded.
Janssen 'Friend of Agriculture' by NFBF-PAC
Charlie Janssen of Fremont has been named a "Friend of Agriculture" by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau's political action committee.
Janssen is a candidate for re-election to represent District 15, which covers Dodge County. Janssen was recommended to receive the Friend of Agriculture designation by members of the District 15 Evaluation Committee, which includes representatives of the Dodge County Farm Bureau. He also received the Friend of Agriculture designation in 2008.
"During his first term in the legislature, Charlie has consistently supported the needs and interests of Nebraska agriculture," said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NFBF-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. "Charlie has demonstrated his understanding of the importance of agriculture to the state on numerous occasions in not only his work on the floor of the legislature, but in aiding farm and ranch interests on issues that have come before the legislature's Government and Transportation and Telecommunications Committees on which he has served."
The Friend of Agriculture designation is given to selected candidates for public office based on their commitment to and positions on agricultural issues, qualifications and previous experience, communication abilities and their ability to represent the district, McHargue said.
New Guidelines Developed for Two-Tank Anhydrous Wagons
Size and capacity of farm equipment keeps getting larger and fertilizer equipment is no exception. Each year in Iowa approximately a billion pounds of nitrogen is applied as anhydrous ammonia. As equipment has gotten larger, many dealers are now using multi-tank systems with two anhydrous ammonia tanks mounted on to a single wagon running gear.
With anhydrous ammonia under pressure, safety is always a concern when plumbing and working around application equipment. "Plumbing for a multi-tank system presents unique challenges," according to Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension ag engineer. "Valve location and selection are important decisions impacting safe use. As an example, valves meant to provide excess-flow protection should not be oversized."
A new set of voluntary guidelines for plumbing multi-tank anhydrous ammonia systems has been recently developed by a coalition of state government, academia and industry representatives. "As the use of multi-tank systems increases, tank owners should benefit by having these voluntary guidelines. These suggestions from government, academia and industry experts should help applicators review their practices," said Max Smith, Smith Fertilizer and Grain, Knoxville, Iowa.
"Safety is an important component in maintaining the anhydrous ammonia application industry for Iowa corn production," according to Kevin Klommhaus, feed and fertilizer bureau chief at IDALS.
The guidelines, including sketches of suggested plumbing configurations, can be viewed under the news section at www.agribiz.org. The guidelines are voluntary, but dealers and applicators with multiple-tank systems are encouraged to consider the recommendations as equipment is readied for the fall application season.
New research reveals unintended environmental and economic consequences of U.S. beef farmers and ranchers not using technologies
New research presented at the 2012 American Society of Animal Science meeting provided insight into the consequences if U.S. farmers and ranchers no longer used productivity-enhancing technologies to raise beef cattle. If technologies were withdrawn, 17 million more acres of land and 138 billion more gallons of water would be required to produce the same total amount of beef. At the same time, 18 million extra metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) would be released in the United States alone and 16.9 million acres of forests would be destroyed in other countries. Overall, the U.S. beef supply would decrease 17 percent, stimulating more beef production in other countries.
“Global demand for safe, affordable beef has increased during the last 50 years, and U.S. producers have responded by adopting innovative products and management practices that help them produce more lean beef,” says Jude Capper, Ph.D., adjunct professor at Washington State University and author of this peer-reviewed study. “If use of these scientifically proven, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved technologies were discontinued, our research shows the end result would be sobering: more cattle, more land and more water needed to produce the same amount of beef, and more CO2eq released into the atmosphere.”
Novel approach used to quantify the effects
The research looked at two U.S. beef-production systems that were identical in all ways but one: whether or not productivity-enhancing technologies were used. The Conventional System analyzed included FDA-approved ionophores, steroid implants, melengestrol acetate (MGA) and beta-adrenergic agonists used at current adoption rates. The No-Technology System did not use any of these products.
Capper used a new whole-system environmental and natural resource model to determine the effects of using each system to produce the same amount of beef. This model included all inputs and outputs throughout beef production, from the manufacture of cropping inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) to the arrival of animals at the processor.
Dermot Hayes, Ph.D. economist at Iowa State University, then fed the results into the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development model — which includes a greenhouse-gas assessment — to understand the global agricultural-production and trade consequences.
“Our goal was to make this research as accurate and as real as possible,” says Capper. “That’s why we turned to the best available resources, from the models used to prepare briefings for U.S. trade representatives and Congressional leaders, to the newly developed whole-system environmental model.”
Results show a dramatic difference
Analysis showed that producing the same amount of U.S. beef without using productivity-enhancing technologies would require these additional resources each and every year: 10 million more beef cattle, 17 million more acres of land for grazing and growing feed, 81 million more tons of cattle feed, and 138 billion more gallons of water. In the United States alone, 18 million more metric tons of CO2eq would be released into the atmosphere.
These effects would be equivalent to imposing an 8.2 percent tax on U.S. beef farmers and ranchers, causing domestic beef production to be reduced by 17 percent.
If total global beef production stayed the same in this scenario, other countries would increase beef production. Within 15 years, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Australia would increase beef exports by 36 percent, 24 percent, 11 percent and 5 percent, respectively. These four countries also would release 3.1 billion more metric tons of CO2eq.
“The biggest single impact would come from the destruction of 16.9 million acres of Amazon Rainforest and forests in the West Central Cerrado regions of Brazil,” says Capper. “Losing the ability to use safe, approved technologies will create significant environmental and economic challenges that are undesirable and unnecessary.”
Funds Available for Conservation Research, Demo Projects
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced the State Soil Conservation Committee Research and Demonstration Fund has assistance available to support research or education/demonstration projects that explore sustainable agriculture and projects focused on reducing nonpoint pollution. Funds are available to collaborative teams of scientists, farmers, institutions, soil and water conservation districts and educators.
Applications must be submitted to the State Soil Conservation Committee by Aug. 31 and funding decisions will be made in September.
"These funds are designed to help generate new techniques and conservation practices that can help landowners as they continue their work to better protect our soil and water," Northey said. "Landowners have many conservation tools available and this program is designed to help generate even more practices to reduce erosion and protect water quality."
Proposals must address issues of nonpoint pollution control. Successful projects should be focused on sustaining and improving environmental quality or the natural resource base on which agriculture depends. Applications should also explain how the projects would enhance the quality of life for farmers, rural communities, and society as a whole.
Proposals should clearly explain expected outcomes for the project and how they will assist in working toward these objectives, how project outcomes will be evaluated, and the impact of projects.
"We are looking for projects that make a contribution to the greater good and help us continue towards our goal of better soil and water protection," said Jean Eells, a member of the State Soil Conservation Committee.
Funding level for the grant program is established by the State Soil Conservation Committee and it is anticipated that $150,000 will be available this year. Individual grants cannot exceed $75,000 total over a three year period.
More information about applying for assistance can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov and then click on "Conservation" at the top of the page. Interested applicants can also contact Tarrita Spicer with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5851 or Tarrita.spicer@iowaagriculture.gov.
IFB Calls for Excellence in Ag Award Nominations
It's one thing to succeed in agriculture and another to be honored for excellence. Each year, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) recognizes one young farmer with the Excellence in Ag Award at the IFBF annual meeting in December.
Counties can nominate young Farm Bureau members online at www.iowafarmbureau.com and click on the Bob Joslin Award link. Nominations are due Aug. 31.
The award celebrates a young farmer who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities in Farm Bureau, agriculture and his/her community. Jay Lynch, a grain farmer from Humboldt, was last year's winner.
"It's quite an honor, especially because I give Farm Bureau a lot of credit for getting me actively involved," Lynch said. "Hopefully, I'll have done enough good to offset some of what they've given to me."
The Joslin Award winner receives a plaque, a $750 gift card from GROWMARK and expense-paid trips to the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in Nashville, the GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago and the IFBF Young Farmer conference in West Des Moines.
The Excellence in Ag Award is given in memory of Bob Joslin, who served as IFBF president from January 1986 to December 1987 and was known for his support and encouragement of young farmers.
Five Growers Elected to NCGA's Corn Board
Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected five farmers to serve on the organization's Corn Board. Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA's 2013 fiscal year, are new board members Anthony Bush of Ohio, Don Elsbernd of Iowa and Kevin Skunes of North Dakota. Current board members Keith Alverson of South Dakota and Mike Geske of Missouri were re-elected.
"Each year, we have a terrific slate of candidates for the Corn Board, growers who have already had an impressive career of volunteer service for American agriculture," NCGA Chairman Bart Schott, who chairs the nominating committee, said. "It's inspiring to see such an interest on the part of these growers, especially at a time when our industry faces so many challenges. They are all going to be a great addition to the board, and do great things for all farmers."
Alverson, of Chester, S.D., is a former vice president of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council currently serving on the Corn Board, grows corn and soybeans. He has also served as both secretary and treasurer of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association; chaired NCGA's Ethanol Committee and graduated from NCGA's Leadership Academy program in 2009.
Bush, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, currently chairs NCGA's Public Policy Action Team and has also served on that team for five years, familiarizing himself with both the process of working toward the implementation of a farm bill and the research and development necessary to approach impending legislation proactively. At the state level, Bush has served as treasurer of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. He and his wife, Teresa, farm corn, soybeans and wheat.
A former president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Potsville farmer Elsbernd serves on the NCGA Public Policy Action Team and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. He and his wife, Trish, farm no-till corn and soybeans in northeast Iowa.
A current Corn Board member and board, Geske previously served as president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and chaired NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. Geske farms corn, cotton, rice, soybeans and wheat with his son near Matthews in the Missouri Bootheel region.
Skunes, currently chairman of the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, serves on NCGA's Ethanol Committee in addition to holding a number of posts in his community through his county farm bureau, church and local Lion's Club. Along with his wife, Betty, and two sons, Skunes grows corn and soybeans in Cass County, N.D.
The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
NCGA Presents Senator Stabenow with President’s Award
National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer today presented NCGA’s President’s Award to Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) during NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington. The President’s Award is given annually to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.
“It is my great pleasure to present the NCGA President’s Award to Senator Debbie Stabenow for her continued leadership and support for the agriculture community, especially during the current farm bill process,” Niemeyer said. “She has shown dedication and leadership throughout the 2012 farm bill process and we appreciate her efforts.”
Senator Stabenow was elected in 2000 to represent the state of Michigan in the United States Senate. She is respected for her ability to build coalitions to get things done for agriculture and our nation. As Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she has a powerful and unique role to play in shaping our nation's agriculture policies, which are so critical to our future, Niemeyer noted.
“Senator Stabenow an example of how to work efficiently in Congress,” he added. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with her and her staff on issues important to corn growers.”
EPA Not Considering Waiver for E10 Due to Drought
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is not considering waiving the requirement for ethanol to be blended with gasoline, despite the worst drought conditions in more than 20 years, because there will be enough corn supply during the next crop year, Margo Oge, EPA director of office transportation and air quality said Tuesday. She said despite last week's downward revision for corn yields, USDA still projects the third largest crop for the 2012/2013 year because farmers have allocated more acreage for corn.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/13/12
According to the Energy Information Administration data, ethanol production averaged 802,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 33.68 million gallons daily. That is down 19,000 b/d from the week before. The 4-week average for ethanol production stood at 841,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.89 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol stood at 19.6 million barrels. Gasoline demand for the week averaged 362.4 million gallons daily.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.30%. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol export data implies annualized export demand of approximately 900 million gallons.
On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.160 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 89,506 metric tons of livestock feed, 79,795 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.18 million pounds of corn oil daily.
Pump promotion marks first week of E15 sales
On July 10th, the Zarco 66 “Oasis” station in Lawrence, Kansas, became the first retail gas station to offer E15 ethanol fuel under the waiver granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today, station owner Scott Zaremba is holding a pump promotion for local consumers, offering E15 for $1.15 per gallon from 6:30-8:30 a.m. The event was also attended by local Kansas farmers, East Kansas Agri-Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association.
Since beginning operation, Zaremba has seen more than 10% of his unleaded gasoline sales come in the form of E15. According to the EPA waiver, E15 is safe and effective for light duty vehicles built since 2001. That represents approximately 60% of the nation’s car fleet and is growing.
Some anti-biofuel interests are opposing E15, attempting to scare consumers with manufactured angst about engine failure and other problems. The same voices used the same tactics more than 30 years ago when E10 ethanol blends were first being introduced into the market. As was the case then, ethanol blends will continue to prove themselves as safe, effective, and economical choices for consumers.
“For the first time in 30 years, America finally has a new choice at the pump,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “New fuels and new blends are introducing competition into the tightly held fuels market. As a result of increased ethanol use, drivers are paying less at the pump, rural America is seeing better economic opportunities, and the nation is weakening its dependence on imported oil.”
Dinneen continued, “Anti-biofuel critics can scream until they are blue in the face, but as the drivers in Lawrence are learning, E15 is safe and viable fuel choice. It is only a matter of time before more stations diversify and bring this and other higher level ethanol blends to the market. That’s bad news for the oil industry, but should be welcome news to drivers from coast to coast.”
Given present market conditions, E15 will sell for less than E10 and gasoline not containing ethanol. The Zarco 66 “Oasis” is selling E15 for two cents less than E10. More broadly, a recent study from the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development found the use of 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol in 2011 lowered average gasoline prices by $1.09 per gallon nationally and by $1.69 per gallon in Midwestern states such as Kansas.
Editors Note: Here's a link ot Zaremba's recent editorial letter to the Kansas City Star talking about E15... http://www.kansascity.com/2012/07/17/3710191/e15-adds-another-option-for-drivers.html.
Expert Panel Addresses New Hidden Camera Investigation
A panel of farm animal care specialists established to analyze undercover video investigations at livestock farms has completed a review of an investigation posted on the internet on July 16, 2012 by the group Mercy For Animals. Hidden camera investigations at livestock farms have heightened public attention on animal care issues. In an effort to foster a more balanced conversation and to provide credible feedback to promote continuous improvement in farm animal care, the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) created the Animal Care Review Panel.
The Panel that examined the recent video was comprised of Dr. Janeen Salak-Johnson, University of Illinois; Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University; and Dr. John Deen, University of Minnesota.
Panel members generally agree that while some conditions and practices seen in the video could be improved, most of what is shown does not indicate animals were abused or neglected. One panel members summarized the situation:
“Overall, these animals were well taken care of. There were no signs of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. The sows were clean, free of lesions, calm and in good condition.”
The Panel reviewed a video segment lasting four minutes that was made available to the general public. There was no response from Mercy For Animals to CFI’s request for unedited video so that the panel could review the farm practices in better context.
View the complete report here... http://www.foodintegrity.org/document_center/download/News_section/ACRPstatement7-17-12FINAL.pdf.
NPPC Response: Radical Animal-Rights Group Not Telling Truth About Animal Care
(from the National Pork Producers Council)
Providing humane and compassionate care for their pigs at every stage of life is one of the ethical principles followed by America’s family hog farmers, who know better than anyone what’s best for their animals.
The undercover video from a Minnesota hog farm released today is from an animal rights group that group, along with the Humane Society of the United States, has as a goal ending food-animal production in this country. Both groups repeatedly have grossly misrepresented what is shown in such videos and not told the truth about how farmers raise and care for their animals.
Such groups have used videos, including the one today, in an attempt to link alleged abuse to the use of gestation stalls for sows. Such housing systems, which allow hog farmers to provide the best care to sows, have nothing to do with abuse.
The video released today does not show abuse of animals. An independent panel comprised of animal-care experts who reviewed the video agreed, concluding that “there were no signs of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect. The sows were clean, free of lesions, calm and in good condition.”
Rabobank Anticipates Historically Tight Beef Supplies Will Impact Future of Lean Finely Textured Beef
As the U.S. rapidly enters a period of the tightest beef supplies in modern history, researchers at Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group predict the portion of U.S. beef supply that was made up of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB) will, following necessary industry changes, return to the U.S. food supply. The group cites the industry’s intolerance of wasting the valuable product as the primary reason for the return.
“In the tight U.S. beef market, beef processors consider 2 percent of the beef supply as simply too much to waste,” notes report author Don Close, Vice President, Food and Agribusiness Research & Advisory, Animal Protein.
Lower production levels, due in part to drought in the U.S., and increased global export demands are contributing to the tight market.
The FAR group’s “LFTB: Beef’s Latest Battleground for Survival” report notes that one of the outcomes of the LFTB controversy is a significant cost to the entire U.S. beef industry — from LFTB manufacturers, packers and feeders to retailers and consumers—due to significantly reduced production. LFTB production currently stands at less than 25 percent of capacity.
“It is far too early to determine a final outcome for LFTB. As time moves on, there will be an opportunity for the channel and consumers to better evaluate the relative merits of LFTB as a cost-efficient source of safe, lean beef protein,” says Close. “It will require the beef industry to make a more sustained effort to educate consumers on the product, to dispel the myths and concerns that have grown through the LFTB crisis and to regain the trust of consumers, regulators and retailers, so that the beef industry can ensure the market has confidence in the safety and nutrition of LFTB.”
The report notes the re-entry of LFTB into the U.S. beef supply is contingent on needed changes in the formulation of the product, as well as assurance from the USDA as to the safety and nutrition of the product.
“Over time consumers are likely to accept a return of the product—albeit with greater labeling transparency—as facts about LFTB becomes better understood and consumers have the opportunity to see the benefits of LFTB as a safe, cheap source of beef protein,” says Close.
MISSOURI CATTLEMEN’S HIRES NCBA'S DEERING AS NEW EXECUTIVE
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) names Mike Deering as its new executive vice president. He will assume the position on Sept. 23. Deering currently serves as head of communications for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) policy division in Washington, D.C. MCA President and cattleman Lonnie Duckworth from Butler, Mo., said Deering's vast experience with agricultural associations accompanied by his unwavering passion for Missouri's farm and ranch community makes him uniquely qualified to move MCA forward.
"He has proven himself as a transformational leader at NCBA and we are thrilled to have that kind of leadership for our state," said Duckworth. "Mike is a fighter for the American farmer and rancher and truly believes agriculture is the single most important industry to sustaining life on this planet. We need that kind of passion, loyalty and determination."
Originally from Savannah, Mo., Deering grew up on a diversified family farming operation with cattle, row crops and hay. Deering graduated with an associates from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and a master's from Oklahoma State University. He previously served as the director of special programs and promotions for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation; editor of the Western Livestock Journal; director of news services for the American Farm Bureau Federation; and head of communications for the U.S. Grains Council. He said he is ready for the next challenge.
"I'm ready. There is tremendous opportunity for MCA to reintroduce itself as the definitive voice and trusted leader for Missouri cattlemen and women," said Deering. "From burdensome and unneeded regulations coming from partisan bureaucrats to an onslaught of extremist groups trying to end production agriculture, the challenges are many, but with a vibrant state association, we will secure the future of the Missouri cattle industry."
Editors Note: Deering has been providing regular radio reports on the happenings in Washington DC through the "Beltway Beef" programs Thursday afternoons heard on KTIC 840am. Thanks Mike, and Good Luck!
Costco Calls on Pork Suppliers to Eliminate Controversial Pig Gestation Crates within 10 Years
The Humane Society of the United States welcomes the announcement by Costco—the nation’s second-largest food retailer—that the chain is calling on its pork suppliers to eliminate their confinement of pigs in gestation crates by 2022. “We want all of the hogs throughout our pork supply chain to be housed in groups…and expect that this transition should be accomplished no later than 2022,” wrote Doug Schutt, Costco’s executive vice president of merchandising in a letter sent to the company’s pork suppliers today. “All of us at Costco take animal welfare seriously and consider humane animal handling a business imperative.”
250,000 Demand Tyson Foods Stop The Use Of Gestation Crates in Pork Supply Chain
Almost a quarter of a million people have signed a petition to Tyson Foods, the world’s second-largest meat processor and major U.S. pork supplier, created by consumer watchdog group SumOfUs.org and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) demanding the company to develop plans for getting the gestation crate confinement of pigs out of its supply chain.
The petition follows the announcements of many of the nation’s largest food companies – including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Kroger, Safeway, and Denny’s – that they will eliminate gestation crates from their supply chains. The effort also follows this Spring’s release of undercover footage taken by the HSUS at a pig factory farm that was supplying animals to Tyson Foods, in which breeding pigs were crammed into gestation crates, piglets were kicked like soccer balls and swung in circles by their hind legs, and mother pigs were repeatedly beaten when they resisted being separated from their young, among other abuses.
“Consumer citizens have sent a message that is loud and clear to Tyson’s that they don’t support forcing pigs to spend their lives crammed inside cages so small they can’t even turn around,” said Taren Stinebricker-Kauffman, founder and Executive Director of SumOfUs.org. “Consumers are showing their power over corporations to shift their practices and shift entire industries. It’s time for Tyson to move beyond gestation crates to alternative housing.”
While other leading pork companies – like Smithfield Foods and Hormel – have stated their company-owned pig breeding operations will be gestation crate-free by 2017, and Cargill’s breeding operations are already 50 percent gestation crate-free, Tyson has no plans to get gestation crates out of its supply chain, and continues defending their use.
“Countless people care about how animals raised for food are abused, and gestation crate confinement has come to epitomize that cruelty,” continued Stinebrickner-Kauffman. “The demise of gestation crates has become inevitable, and Tyson should stop lagging behind its competitors and start thinking outside the crate.”
Earlier this Spring, SumOfUs.org members were instrumental at getting Tim Hortons, the fourth largest restaurant chain in North America to commit to getting their pork producers to submit plans for phasing out gestation crates by the end of 2012.
Vilsack Announces Availability of Loans and Grants to Improve Housing for Farmworkers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is accepting pre-applications for loans and grants to build or rehabilitate rural rental housing for domestic farmworkers.
"The Obama Administration believes that strong rural communities are a key to a stronger America. Through this program, USDA is offering financial assistance to expand the availability of safe, affordable rental housing for farmworkers," Vilsack said. "The Department's support for rural rental housing not only helps creates jobs and related employment when new units are constructed, it also does so through the rehabilitation of existing ones."
Through the Rural Housing Service, USDA plans to award loans and grants to increase the supply of available rental housing for domestic farm laborers. The housing is intended for any domestic farm laborer who receives a substantial portion of his/her income from the primary production of processed or unprocessed agricultural or aquacultural commodities. It must be operated on a non-profit basis. Groups eligible for the loans and grants include housing authorities, state and local governments, Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and community- and faith-based groups.
Entities that construct new, off-farm housing for farm workers may be eligible for operating or rental assistance in addition to construction/rehabilitation loans and grants. Under the rental assistance program, USDA Rural Development pays the owner of a housing complex the difference between the tenant's contribution (30 percent of his or her adjusted income) and the monthly rental rate.
Priority will be given to applicants seeking funds for housing projects that are energy efficient and generate energy – such as through geo-exchange systems, wind turbines and photovoltaic systems. In addition, points and consideration will be given for property management green certifications from a variety of credentialing entities.
The application process will be in two phases: the initial pre-application (or proposal) and the submission of a final application. Only those pre-applications or proposals that are selected for further processing will be invited to submit final applications.
For additional information, see page 42258 of the July 18, Federal Register, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-07-18/pdf/2012-17462.pdf. The deadline for submitting pre-applications is September 17, 2012.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
No comments:
Post a Comment