Monday April 22 Crop Progress and Condition + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION, April  22,  2013 

For  the week  ending April  21,  2013,  cold  temperatures  combined with precipitation in the form of snow and rain to halt spring fieldwork, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Soil moisture  supplies  in  the  east  showed  improvement; however, western  counties  received  0.5  inch  or  less  of moisture  during  the week,  doing  little  to  build  soil  profiles.  Young calves  required  attention as wet  soils provided  few dry places  to  lie down.  In  addition,  temperatures which  averaged  9  to  15  degrees  below  normal,  stressed  the  new  arrivals.  The  cold  conditions  lowered  soil temperatures which  declined  into  the  low  40’s  and  upper  30’s  statewide.   Pastures  continued  to  show  little growth forcing producers to draw on already short forage supplies.  Planting activities were at a standstill with only 1.6 days  considered  suitable  for  fieldwork.   Statewide,  topsoil moisture  supplies  rated  10 percent very short, 31 short, 56 adequate, and 3 surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies rated 49 percent very short, 41 short, 10 adequate, and 0 surplus.  
 
Field Crops Report:
Wheat conditions rated 13 percent very poor, 30 poor, 46 fair, 11 good, and 0 excellent. Wheat jointed was 5 percent, behind last year’s 56 and 18 average.  Oats planted were at 69 percent, behind last year’s 84 and 70 average.  Oats emerged were 18 percent, behind 47 last year and 26 average.    

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Stock water supplies rated 8 percent very short, 23 short, 69 adequate, and  0  surplus.   Hay  and  forage  supplies  rated  26  percent  very  short,  45  short,  29  adequate,  and  0  surplus. Cattle and calves condition rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 21 fair, 65 good, and 11 excellent. Spring calving was 84 percent complete.  

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables at: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg//2010s/2013/CropProg-04-22-2013.txt

Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE&region=HPRCC

Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition, April 22, 2013

Wet  conditions  in  Iowa  during  the  week  ending  April  21,  2013 continued  to  limit  fieldwork  according  to  the  USDA,  National Agricultural  Statistics  Service.    Snow was  received  in  northern  Iowa, while  precipitation was mostly  rain  in  southern  Iowa.   The  additional moisture  did  help  to  improve  both  top  and  subsoil  moisture  levels.  Statewide there was an average of 0.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week.  

Topsoil  moisture  levels  rated  3  percent  very  short,  6  percent  short, 60 percent  adequate  and  31  percent  surplus.    Subsoil moisture  levels rated 14 percent very  short, 32 percent  short  and 48 percent  adequate and 6 percent surplus.  

Oat planting was 22 percent complete, far behind last year’s 93 percent and the five-year average of 68 percent.  

Pasture and range condition rated 18 percent very poor, 27 percent poor, 38  percent  fair  and  15  percent  good  and  2  percent  excellent.    Spring calving losses were higher than normal due to the wet and cool weather.
  


IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Allan Curtis, Assistant Climatologist, Midwestern Regional Climate Center 

The past week varied greatly across  the state  for both  temperature and precipitation.    Precipitation  was  widespread  early  in  the  week,predominantly on Wednesday (17th) and Thursday (18th), with areas  in south-central,  southeast,  and  east-central  Iowa  receiving  widespread totals of 4-5  inches or more of rain.   The greatest  rainfall  totals during the week came from Pella with 8.71 inches, and the greatest 1-day total was  6.76  inches  in Centerville  on Wednesday  (17th).   While  rain  fell early  in  the week  for most  of  Iowa,  snow  fell  in  northwest  Iowa  late Wednesday  (17th)  through  Thursday  (18th).    The  resulting  snowfall totals  were  in  the  neighborhood  of  4-6  inches  in  northwest  Iowa including  8  inches  reported  over  two  days,  Wednesday  (17th)  and Thursday  (18th),  in Sibley.     The  statewide  precipitation  for  the week was  one  of  the wetter  ones  in  recent  history with  2.79  inches,  nearly tripling the normal of 0.96 inches.    Temperatures across the state were well below normal with the western half of Iowa  taking  the brunt of  the unseasonably cold  temperatures  to the tune of 12 to 15 degrees below normal for the week.  Statewide, the average  temperature  was  39.3  degrees,  12.1  degrees  below  normal.  Southeast Iowa was the closest to normal at -8.7 degrees below normal.  The worst of the cold came mid-week when large areas of western Iowa saw  temperatures  as  much  as  20  degrees  below  normal.    All  of  the warmest  temperatures  during  the week  occurred  on Monday  (15th)  or over the weekend, Saturday (20th) and Sunday (21st), when temperatures were  in  the mid-70s.   The  highest  temperature was  77 degrees  at Mt. Pleasant on Monday (15th) and the lowest temperature was 11 degrees at Sibley on Saturday (20th).    Four  inch soil  temperatures during week averaged  in  the upper 30’s  in the  northwest  to  the  upper  40’s  in  the  southeast  as  of  Sunday  (21st).  One  day  soil  temperatures,  as  of  Sunday  (21st),  showed  temperatures recovering  from  the  mid-week  chill  with  low  40’s  in  the  northwest ranging to low 50’s in the southeast.



Drought Falls Below 50 Percent for First Time in 10 Months

The area of the contiguous United States in moderate drought or worse fell below 50 percent for the first time since June 2012, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Heavy precipitation across the Plains and the upper Midwest continued to ease drought. The area of the lower 48 states in moderate drought or worse declined to 47.82 percent, from 50.82 percent a week ago.

"We’ve been on a steady but slow recovery path from drought since the peak in September 2012," said Mark Svoboda, University of Nebraska-Lincoln climatologist and a founding author of the Monitor. "We've seen a much more active weather pattern lately across the midsection of the country, which has been eroding the intensity of drought as we head into spring. This is exactly what we needed."

Svoboda, the head of the Monitoring Program area at the National Drought Mitigation Center based at UNL, cautioned that improvement is still needed before the hot, dry season sets in.

Drought Monitor authors synthesize many drought indicators into a single map that identifies areas that are abnormally dry, in moderate drought, in severe drought, extreme drought and exceptional drought.

In the Midwest, heavy rains soaked into thawing soils and reduced drought in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri, observed this week’s narrative accompanying the Drought Monitor map. The area of the Midwest in moderate drought or worse declined to 20.94 percent from 32.24 percent the preceding week, according to statistics released with the map.

In the Plains, drought receded in eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, extreme eastern Nebraska and the Nebraska Panhandle, and most of the Dakotas. An area of exceptional drought, the worst category of drought, was eliminated from South Dakota. Heavy rains also improved conditions in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. But decent precipitation eluded Texas and Arizona, which were among the few areas where drought got worse.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and about 350 drought observers across the United States. The map is released each Thursday based on data through the previous Tuesday morning.

Statistics for the percent area in each category of drought are automatically added to the U.S. Drought Monitor website each week for the entire country and Puerto Rico, for the 48 contiguous states, for each climate region, and for individual states. Data is archived to January 2000.



Forecast for Warmer, Drier Planting Weather Soon

Following a couple weeks of below normal, wet conditions, State Climatologist Al Dutcher says there's another chance for 0.1-0.5 inch of rain Monday, followed by warmer, drier conditions April 23-29. Next week temperatures will climb into  the 50s to 60s with the possibility of scattered light rains.

Overall, it should be the first real opportunity for widespread planting this spring.

Dutcher says many areas of the state are now showing moisture down to 2 feet. Depending on the soil, it often takes several days after a rain for moisture to move down in the profile.

Get daily updates of precipitation and soil temperatures — taken at 4 inches below the soil surface at midnight — on CropWatch.unl.edu/weather.  As the season progresses watch for daily GDD and Et updates for multiple sites across the state.



Don’t Till Wet Soils
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer

With the cool, wet spring this year, many producers may be tempted to head to the field sooner than they should. Some may feel they need to till the soil to dry it out and aid soil warming. Unfortunately, tilling or driving on a wet soil is the primary causes of soil compaction. Too often, when soils are tilled wet, clods may be formed that require additional tillage operations to break them up. This tillage also destroys soil structure and packs the soil below the tillage depth, forming a compaction layer that causes problems with water infiltration and root penetration.

A drier soil is more suited to support the weight of the tillage equipment and tractors and is less likely to compact. However, tillage still destroys soil structure and the soil surface will stay wetter, longer the next time it rains. Without soil structure, subsequent trips over the field will cause additional compaction.

Even with no-till, waiting a day or two for the soil to dry out some will provide better soil conditions for stand establishment. As soil structure improves with continuous no-till, water infiltrates better into the soil and wet soil problems are greatly reduced.

Shallow Corn Planting Can Hinder Root Development
With the later planting season this year, some producers may consider planting shallower to get the crop up quicker. Unfortunately, the corn roots may not develop properly when planting too shallow and the stands may not grow uniformly. To develop a good root system and more consistent stand, plant corn 2 to 3 inches.

Most corn planters are designed for at least a 2-inch planting depth. When running at least 2 inches deep the openers cut through the residue and soil better and form a better seed-vee.

When planting shallower than 2 inches, the angled closing wheels on many planters pack the soil below the seed and don’t properly close the seed-vee. This problem is worse in wet conditions as the wet soils are easily compacted, reducing the penetration ability of the corn roots. When the soil dries, it shrinks some and, depending on the clay content, the seed-vee may open up, drying the soil around the seed even faster. If the seed-vee was smeared some at planting time, this smeared surface will bake hard, making root penetration even more difficult. Even if the corn was planted at least 2 inches deep, soil smearing and seed-vee opening may still be a problem if the corn was “mudded in.” Waiting for proper soil conditions can help ensure your corn gets a steady start.

Also, when planting shallow, the seed zone is more likely to dry out. While the soil may have been fairly wet at planting, the top layer of soil dries fairly quickly. If there is an extended warm, dry period after planting, there may not be enough soil moisture in the seed zone to get all the seeds germinated uniformly. Some plants may get started early while other seeds are waiting for a rain for enough moisture to germinate. Worse yet are the seeds that germinate then die because they didn’t have enough soil moisture to establish a plant. Planting deeper provides a more buffered soil moisture for a more uniform emergence and more moisture to get the plants established. The soil temperature is also more buffered, resulting in more uniform growth.



For Increased Yields Plant Soybeans in Next Few Weeks
Jim Specht, UNL Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture

It’s the third week of April and the welcomed moisture we received has halted any corn planting progress from the first week of April. Often soybean planting is delayed until after corn planting is complete so it’s important to realize how planting date affects soybean yield.

Since 2005 UNL has conducted research on early and late planted soybeans. UNL research conducted by UNL soybean physiologist Jim Specht and funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board found that producers could lose 1/4 to 5/8 of a bushel per day for every day planted after May 1. The amount of yield lost depended on whether the spring was cold (1/4 bu) or warm (5/8 bu). Their research also found that a soybean plant acquires a new node every 3.75 days once the plant reaches V1.

Because producers wanted to know if planting date made a difference in their fields, UNL Extension conducted on-farm research with producers to test the yield differences of early versus late planted soybeans. “Early” were planted April 18 to May 3 and “late” were planted May 14 to May 24.

From 2008 to 2010 the early planted soybeans always out-yielded the later planted soybeans by 1-10 bu/ac, regardless of whether the spring was cold and wet or warm and dry.

When yields from all locations for the three years were averaged, early planted soybeans showed a significant yield increase of nearly 3 bu/ac (Table 1). For research consistency, both the early- and late-planted fields were treated with a fungicide-insecticide seed treatment. We do recommend a fungicide and insecticide seed treatment with early planted soybean, especially in a cool, wet spring like we're experiencing this year.

So why does early planting produce a higher yield in soybeans? The soybean crop needs to collect as much of the seasonally available solar radiation as possible because plants require the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates, protein, and lipids (oils).

With earlier planting, a soybean crop canopy will cover the ground sooner in the growing season, collecting nearly all of the incoming sunlight from that day forward. The longest day of the growing season is June 21. The soybean crop needs to harvest as much sunlight as possible to create pods, seeds, and ultimately yield, and to do that, its leaves have to start collecting sunlight as soon as possible. The goal for a Nebraska soybean producer each year should be to “Have the soybean canopy green to the eye by the 4th of July.” Later planted soybean crops will be deprived of the opportunity to collect as many hours of sunlight as earlier planted crops, and thus will invariably have less yield potential.

Planting Risks
Today's soybean varieties have much greater germination cold tolerance than older varieties. This is why producers can now push the limits of early planting by sowing the new varieties into 40°F rather than 50°F seedbeds. Germination failure in early planting is not so much due to cold temperature, but rather soggy wet conditions coupled with cold temperatures immediately after planting. Soggy soil conditions favor fungal pathogens and, if accompanied by cooler temperatures that slow soybean seed germination, can give pathogens a favorable environment and more time to infect the seedlings before they emerge. The yield reward from early planting should not be used as a reason to plant seed into seedbeds that are too wet to plant.

With the strange April weather we’ve had, you may also wonder about frost risk. The key to assessing risk is to consider expected date of seedling emergence rather than seeding date, since damage only occurs when emerged soybean tissue is exposed to freezing air temperature of 32°F. Soybean typically emerges in 7-10 days (although we’ve seen that vary depending on year). Planting 7-10 days earlier than the percent frost risk factor for which you are comfortable is a good rule of thumb.

Planting Recommendations
Based on five years of research, UNL’s recommendation is for producers to plant their soybeans earlier than they traditionally have. A good guideline is for the southern two-thirds of the state to plant in the last week of April and the northern third of the state to plant the first week of May. Use a fungicide plus insecticide seed treatment to reduce insect and disease risk. When planting rainfed soybeans early, extend the growing season to take advantage of August rains. Change to a quarter or half longer relative maturity (RM) than you would use for a later May planting.

With corn planting to resume full-speed when soil conditions are right, soybean planting may be delayed. This can cost you  yield. Some producers have found that the extra yield pays for itself in hiring someone to custom plant soybeans while they plant corn. Consider penciling this out for your operation. The increased yield benefit of planting early with a custom planter or designating one of your planters to beans may pay for you as well!



Free Farm Finance Clinics for May

One-on-one, confidential Farm Finance Clinics are held across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters.

Clinic Sites and Dates
-    Norfolk – Thursday, May 2
-    Grand Island – Thursday, May 2
-    Valentine – Friday, May 3
-    Norfolk – Thursday, May 9
-    North Platte – Thursday, March 16
-    Lexington – Thursday, March 21

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



USMEF’s Seng Briefs Japanese Media on TPP, U.S. Red Meat Exports

The importance of the U.S.-Japanese economic relationship, particularly as it relates to U.S. agriculture and red meat exports, was highlighted by U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Philip Seng in an address before a packed media audience in Tokyo Friday morning.

“On Feb. 1, 2013, Japan rationalized its import restrictions to allow beef imports from U.S. cattle less than 30 months of age,” said Seng. “The United States appreciates the action and the way this was handled (by Japan). We appreciate how smoothly the process has gone thus far. The U.S. beef industry is committed to the Japanese market and looks forward to an even closer partnership.”

This change in Japan’s policy on beef imports is expected to contribute to a 45 percent increase in U.S. beef exports to that nation in 2013. In 2012, Japan purchased 152,763 metric tons (336.8 million pounds) of U.S. beef muscle cuts and variety meat valued at $1.03 billion.

At the same time, Japan remains the No. 1 value market and No. 2 volume market for U.S. pork, buying 455,776 metric tons (just over 1 billion pounds) valued at nearly $2 billion last year. Seng noted that while volatile weather trends can affect livestock feed costs and supplies, it is anticipated that the U.S. will see increased pork volumes available in the year ahead and continued solid pork exports to Japan, where U.S. pork has been the No. 1 imported pork for eight consecutive years.

Seng also addressed Japan’s involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japanese Prime Minister Abe announced Japan’s commitment to join the TPP discussions on March 15, and less than a month later the U.S. offered its support for Japanese participation in TPP.

“TPP is often referred to in Japan as TPP mondai (question),” said Seng. “I like to call it TPP kikai (opportunity). The USMEF and our industry strongly endorse Japan’s participation in TPP. We stress that the last word in TPP is ‘partnership.’ We regard TPP as a partnership – a collaborative effort.”

The importance of TPP, Seng noted, is that its participants represent 40 percent of global wealth and one-third of global trade. But he acknowledged that there is some reluctance expressed by members of Japan’s agricultural sector.

“I have traveled extensively around the world, and Japanese food is reputed to be the most exquisite,” said Seng. “Everywhere, the concept of umami (distinctive yet subtle Japanese flavor) is in fashion. The United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, all around the world — countries would love to have the reputation that exists for Japanese food. This (TPP) is a huge opportunity for Japanese farmers to build on the excellent reputation of Japanese food with their farm products.”



Total Red Meat Production Up Slightly From Last Year

Total red meat production for the United States totaled 49.6 billion pounds in 2012, slightly higher than the previous year.  Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton.  Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 49.4 billion pounds.  On-farm slaughter totaled 113 million pounds.

Beef production totaled 26.0 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year.  Veal production totaled 125 million pounds, down 8 percent from last year.  Pork production, at 23.3 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year.  Lamb and mutton production totaled 161 million pounds, up 5 percent from 2011.

Commercial cattle slaughter during 2012 totaled 33.0 million head, down 3 percent from 2011, with federal inspection comprising 98.4 percent of the total.  The average live weight was 1,302 pounds, up 25 pounds from a year ago.  Steers comprised 49.8 percent of the total federally inspected cattle slaughter, heifers 28.6 percent, dairy cows 9.6 percent, other cows 10.3 percent, and bulls 1.7 percent.

Commercial calf slaughter totaled 772,100 head, 9 percent lower than a year ago with 98.4 percent under federal inspection.  The average live weight was 260 pounds, down 3 pounds from a year earlier.

Commercial hog slaughter totaled 113.2 million head, 2 percent higher than 2011 with 99.2 percent of the hogs slaughtered under federal inspection.  The average live weight was unchanged from last year, at 275 pounds.  Barrows and gilts comprised 97.0 percent of the total federally inspected hog slaughter.

Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter, at 2.18 million head, was up 1 percent from the previous year with 92.2 percent by federal inspection.  The average live weight was up 5 pounds from 2011 at 143 pounds.  Lambs and yearlings comprised 92.9 percent of the total federally inspected sheep slaughter.

There were 806 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2013 compared with 867 last year.  Of these, 627 plants slaughtered at least one head of cattle during 2012 with the 14 largest plants slaughtering 55 percent of the total cattle killed.  Hogs were slaughtered at 600 plants, with the 12 largest plants accounting for 57 percent of the total.  Likewise, 5 of the 206 plants that slaughtered calves accounted for 57 percent of the total and 3 of the 507 plants that slaughtered sheep or lambs in 2012 comprised 60 percent of the total head.   

Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas accounted for 49% percent of the United States commercial red meat production in 2012, similar to 2011.
(State (million pounds)  -  2012   -   2011)
Nebraska .................:  7,285.1  -  7,163.9
Iowa .........................:  6,638.2  -  6,591.8
Kansas .....................:  5,274.2  -  5,341.1
Texas .......................:  5,013.9  -  5,143.2



CNBC SENIOR ANALYST RON INSANA MODERATES DISCUSSION ON BIOTECH SEEDS AT THE FOOD DIALOGUES℠: CHICAGO

The U.S. Farmers  & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) today convened a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, including farmers, media, industry and academia,  to answer some of the toughest questions surrounding GMOs. This discussion was moderated by CNBC Senior Analyst and Financial Industry Expert Ron Insana at The Food Dialogues℠: Chicago, which took place during the 2013 BIO International Convention. During the panel, “The Straight Story on Biotech in Agriculture: The Media and its Impact on Consumers,” panelists addressed what more can be done to give consumers access to important information about the use of biotech seeds (GMOs) in agriculture.

"The Food Dialogues is a signature event series that was designed by USFRA to answer the tough questions about agriculture,” said Bob Stallman, USFRA chairman and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Biotechnology is a topic that many people have questions about and it’s important that USFRA provides sources of information to consumers – whether at events like today’s The Food Dialogues panel or online on our Facebook page and website. We look forward to our next event in Chicago where we’ll look at the topic of transparency.”

Today’s panel discussion, which streamed live online, was moderated by Ron Insana and featured opening remarks from Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Illinois) and Robert Flider, acting director of the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture. Panelists included:
·    Dr. Bob Goldberg, plant molecular biologist currently using genomics to identify all of the genes required to "make a seed,” UCLA
·    Emily Anthes, journalist and author, Frankenstein's Cat
·    Jerry Slocum, Mississippi soybean farmer
·    Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., freelance writer, speaker, columnist and radio host, Food Sleuth
·    Michael Olson, Producer/Host, Food Chain Radio
·    Pam Johnson, Iowa corn farmer
·    Steve Smith, Chairman, SaveOurCrops.Org

To watch a full replay of today’s panel discussion or for more information on GMOs and agriculture, visit fooddialogues.com. To register for The Food Dialogues: Chicago at Kendall College taking place on June 19, visit fooddialogues.com. Follow USFRA on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD or on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usfarmersandranchers.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 20 percent from last month but down 22 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2013 were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 2 percent from last month and up 7 percent from March 31, 2012.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2013 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 5 percent from March 31, 2012.  Butter stocks were up 7 percent from last month and up 22 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 6 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 6 percent from a year ago.



Brazil's Ports Go 24 Hours

Brazil's principal grain-exporting ports will start working 24 hours, the federal ports secretariat declared last week.

The news was greeted with applause from soybean exporters, for whom the massive lines of ships waiting to load and subsequent delays cost fortunes, and from farmers, who ultimately foot the bill for Brazil's logistical inefficiency.

The announcement may also be met with bemusement from casual observers abroad, who imagined that Brazilian ports were already working 24/7 like most major commodities hubs across the world.

While most terminals operated day and night, nocturnal port movement was limited by the fact most port officials kept office hours. Customs inspectors, sanitation officials, federal police and port authorities typically work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a result, if a grain shipment was only finished after 5 p.m., the ship would not leave port until the next day, not only delaying that ship's journey but the docking of the next vessel.

The new rules will be applied at Santos and Rio ports this week and at Paranagua and Rio Grande ports from May 3.



Second Release of Newly Converted Sorghum Lines Made Available to Seed Industry

The Sorghum Checkoff in collaboration with MMR Genetics (NuSeeds America) and USDA-Agricultural Research Service have released 50 new sources of sorghum germplasm through the reinstated Sorghum Conversion Program.

This is the program’s second of three scheduled releases of sorghum germplasm. In June 2012, the program released 44 converted lines that were distributed to 12 public and private entities engaged in sorghum breeding for the development of new and better hybrid lines of sorghum.

The reinstated sorghum conversion program releases make more of the world’s inventory of sorghum genetics available to public and private breeding programs. The material released provides a brand new source of germplasm with potential yield-improving benefits among other desirable genetic traits. Breeding companies can capture potential traits from this new release of germplasm to incorporate into their current sorghum lines to improve the crop’s productivity.

“The introduction of new genetic sources to the sorghum industry is important in the development of better sorghum hybrids” said Justin Weinheimer, Sorghum Checkoff crop improvement program director. “This program serves farmers by providing new germplasm to public and private breeding programs who can take this material, incorporate it into their existing programs, and get improved sorghum seed to farmers’ fields.”



Dairy Situation and Outlook, April 22, 2013
Bob Cropp, Professor Emeritus University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension

A year ago milk production was running strong, the result of more milk cows and increases in milk per cow. March milk production was 4.3% higher than the year before and 4.2% higher January through March daily adjusted. USDA, NASS has ceased their monthly milk production report showing milk cow numbers and milk per cow but continues its estimated total milk production for 23 states and the U.S. For March USDA estimated milk production to be 0.1% lower than a year ago with U.S. milk production unchanged. Milk production continues to be lower for most Western states with production down 2.8% for Arizona, 3.3% for California, 2.9% for New Mexico and 4.1% for Texas. Idaho had a small increase of 0.5%. For the Northeast milk production was up 1.8% higher for New York, 0.3% for Pennsylvania, 3.0% for Michigan and 2.3% for Ohio. In the Upper Midwest production was up 1.8% for Minnesota, 1.0% for Iowa, and 3.0% for Wisconsin.

USDA is now estimating milk production for the year to total 201.8 billion pounds, 0.7% more than 2012 unadjusted for the extra day in February 2012 or 1.0% adjusted. An annual milk production growth of less than 2% is positive for milk prices especially with the level of anticipated dairy exports this year.

Not knowing what is happening to cow numbers it is not known whether the March milk production was due to more or less cows or changes in milk per cow. Cow numbers could be declining or at least not increasing as dairy cow slaughter thus far this year has been 5.0% higher than a year ago, and a year ago dairy cow slaughter was running 0.4% lower than the year before for this period. However, dairy cow slaughter has slowed for the past couple of weeks. Further, January dairy replacements expected to enter the dairy herd within the next months was 4% fewer than a year ago and average just 31.7 per 100 milk cows which is a little lower than the normal turnover of cows in the herd.

The latest dairy product report was for the month of February. Adjusting the production for 28 days in 2012 and comparing it to 2013 shows production was down 0.7% for butter, 2.2% for American cheese, 3.5% for total cheese and 12.1% for dry whey. While the production of nonfat dry milk was down 22.8% skim milk powder was up 128.6% in response to export potential.

Domestic sales of cheese are reported to be fair with butter sales strengthening. But beverage milk sales continue their downward trend. January sales compared to a year ago were 2.1% lower.

Dairy exports are starting out the year above year ago levels. Compared to a year ago exports were up 34% for butter, 9% for cheese, 37% for lactose, and 43% for whey protein concentrates. But, exports of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder and dry whey were respectively 15% and 9%lower. Exports are anticipated to continue to improve as drought in New Zealand has cut their seasonal milk production short and milk production is running lower in Argentina and Australia with production also lower for most EU countries. With this level of milk production in the major exporting countries we can expect exports of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder and dry whey to also run above year ago levels by summer. With tighter world supplies world prices of dairy products are increasing which will help U.S. exports.

Despite lower dairy product production stocks of dairy products grew from the end of January to the end of February. These increases were as follows: butter 16%, American cheese 3.7%, total cheese 3.8%, nonfat dry milk 13.6% and dry whey 9.2%. Ending February stocks compared to a year ago were as follows: butter +17.1%, American cheese +5.1%, total cheese +4.5%, nonfat dry milk +16.5% and dry whey +38.7%. Stocks normally do increase as we approach May and early summer reflecting the spring flush in milk production.

Dairy product prices have shown real strength in recent weeks reflecting anticipation of continued growth in domestic sales and favorable exports. CME butter was $1.575 per pound the beginning of March and improved to $1.7875 by April 19th. CME cheddar barrels were $1.56 per pound the beginning of March and improved to $1.77 by April 19th. CME cheddar blocks were $1.575 per pound the beginning of March and improved to $1.88 by April 19th. Nonfat dry milk has shown slight strength and is trading in the range of $1.54 to $1.68 per pound. Dry whey prices are steady trading in the range of $0.53 to $0.59 per pound.

Stronger dairy product prices are adding strength to milk prices. The Class III price was $16.93 in March compared to $15.72 a year ago. The Class IV price was $17.75 compared to $15.53 a year ago. April prices will improve to near $17.65 for Class III and $18.30 for Class IV. Dairy futures continue to show strength for distant months. Class III futures are in the low to mid $19s from May through September and end in December at $18.30. Class IV futures are $20 plus from June through October and end in December at $19.40.

Based on existing milk production and market conditions, the Class III and Class IV futures seem quite reasonable. If the growth in milk production continues well below 1% and domestic sales and exports continue favorable, the Class III reaching even higher at $20 by summer or early fall is quite possible. In recent weeks corn and soybean prices have fallen. However, hay and soybean oil meal prices remain high. If crop conditions look good by mid-summer, feed prices will decline further. With higher milk prices and lower feed cost milk cow numbers could once again start to increase by late summer along with higher production per cow increasing the rate of growth in milk production and lowering milk prices at the end of the year and into 2014.



NASCAR Highlights Environmental Benefits of Ethanol this Earth Day

Yesterday, NASCAR™ launched a national commercial promoting its efforts to care for the environment. The NASCAR Green™ video, released to coincide with Earth Day, highlights all that the sport has done to reduce emissions by 20 percent and become the largest recycler in all of professional sports. In particular, the video highlights the important role that corn-based American Ethanol, an important component in Sunoco Green E15 powers every car in every race, plays in helping NASCAR continue its tradition of excellence while working toward a better tomorrow.

"We are excited to see this message, which will air for the rest of the NASCAR season, because it highlights the commitment that both NASCAR and U.S. corn farmers have to acting as good stewards of our environment," said National Corn Growers Association Corn Board Member Jon Holzfaster. "Every day, corn farmers rely on the land, air and water to grow a healthy, abundant crop which, through ethanol fuel blends, goes on to power our nation as it moves toward a greener tomorrow. Earth Day is all about positive change, and so are America's farmers and NASCAR."

To watch the video, click here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m8PsPgobZI. 

To increase awareness of the many benefits of ethanol, the National Corn Growers Association and Growth Energy formed the American Ethanol partnership with NASCAR in 2011. Over the past two seasons, every car in every NASCAR race has been powered by the 15 percent ethanol blend. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races have all showcased the incredible reliability and performance that 15 percent ethanol fuel blends offer.

While the partnership with NASCAR highlights the role American ethanol plays in improving the environment and NASCAR's commitment to doing so, the move to a 15 percent ethanol blend has also highlighted other benefits of this renewable, sustainable biofuel. The rigorous racing conditions have proven the durability and high performance capabilities of the fuel while also helping increase awareness of how ethanol creates jobs domestically and decreases dependence on imported petroleum.



MusicFest lineup set for World Pork Expo

The spotlight will shine on MusicFest at World Pork Expo on Thursday, June 6, as the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) presents world-class entertainment by Transit Authority and Little Texas. What has become the social highlight of World Pork Expo, MusicFest will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Grand Avenue on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. While music fills the air, attendees can enjoy free roasted pork and refreshments, as MusicFest is included in the price of admission to World Pork Expo.

“While the days at Expo are filled with seminars, shopping the trade-show floor, pig shows and much more, MusicFest allows producers and exhibitors to take time out to relax and enjoy some networking and plenty of mouth-watering barbecue,” says Doug Fricke, NPPC’s director of trade-show marketing. “Sharing an evening of friendship and good music is a welcome addition to the already-rich 25th-anniversary World Pork Expo experience.”

Three decades of music
Transit Authority, the premier tribute band to the iconic music group, Chicago, will kick off MusicFest at 4:30 p.m. This eight-piece ensemble features some of the Midwest’s most talented musicians, including the brass and strings that are so aligned with Chicago’s music. Here’s just a sampling of what you can expect to hear: “If You Leave Me Now,” “Saturday In The Park” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” Transit Authority takes the audience through three decades of music and countless hits guaranteed to bring back memories and create a feel-good atmosphere.

High-energy modern country
Also celebrating its 25th anniversary, Little Texas will bring its high-energy brand of rockin’ country to MusicFest at 6 p.m. Known as the “hardest-working band in country music,” the GRAMMY®-nominated group’s original four members have reunited to perform classics that made them the Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Group of the Year in 1994. They also feature songs from their newest album that is changing the sound of modern country. Enjoy the timeless music of multi-platinum Little Texas as they take to the stage with “God Blessed Texas,” “What Might Have Been,” “Kick a Little” and other favorites.

So much more at World Pork Expo
“Whether you’re a pork producer, an employee or a visitor from another country, there is something for everyone at World Pork Expo,” says Randy Spronk, NPPC president and pork producer from Edgerton, Minn. “You can fill your days gathering information at seminars, visiting with fellow producers, or investigating new technologies and products. Then stop and enjoy a summer evening and some camaraderie at MusicFest.”

To receive a $10 early registration discount, go to www.worldpork.org and click on the “Register Today” icon. The website also has the latest details about room availability at the official Expo hotels and a schedule of activities. Regular updates are available when you connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook, follow World Pork Expo on Twitter (#NPPCWPX), or download the official app by searching for “World Pork” in the Apple Store, Android Market or Blackberry’s App World.

This year, World Pork Expo celebrates its 25th anniversary, June 5-7, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. More than 400 commercial exhibits will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, as well as from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 7. The breeding stock sales will continue on Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m. until they're completed (at approximately noon).

World Pork Expo, the world's largest pork-specific trade show, is brought to you by NPPC. On behalf of its members, NPPC develops and defends export markets, fights for reasonable legislation and regulation, and informs and educates legislators. For more information, visit www.nppc.org.



Raquel Gottsch Named to Multichannel News 40 Under 40 Most Influential List

Multichannel News has released it’s 2013 40 Under 40 list of most influential people in the TV and media industries.  Raquel Gottsch, Rural Media Group’s EVP of Marketing, has debuted on the annual list of the top movers and shakers under the age of 40.

The editors of Multichannel News chose the 40 movers and shakers under the age of 40 based upon recommendations, research and select criteria.  All of the individuals on the list have a proven history of helping their companies grow and succeed, while playing an important part in mapping the future of cable and telecommunications. According to Multichannel News, all of the individuals named have, “Come a long way in a relatively short time and continue to make invaluable contributions in their areas of expertise.”

At 28, Raquel Gottsch has been faithfully devoted to her network brands and media family since the first launch of RFD-TV, Rural America’s Most Important Network, in 2000.  For the past 8-years, Raquel has personally overseen all of Rural Media Group’s major marketing and broadcast events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade and RFD-TV’s award-winning float entries.

Throughout much of 2012, Raquel has been assisting her father, Founder and President of Rural Media Group, Patrick Gottsch, with acomplete network rebrand and the hiring of an all-new corporate team. Throughout her career, Raquel has served in a number of progressive media, communications and marketing roles.

Michael LaBroad, CMO for Rural Media Group, commented on the honor, stating, “Raquel Gottsch is a talented and gifted marketer for any age. She possesses the essential balance of strategic and creative skills while staying focused on the measurable objectives required in today's challenging business environment. In my 30-years of working with some of the best, Raquel stands out as a noteworthy success. She isn't just under 40, she is under 30, which really makes this recognition all the more impressive and sincere.”