Thursday June 6 Ag News

Senate Votes to Invoke Cloture on 2013 Farm Bill

The Senate this morning voted 75-22 to invoke cloture on the farm bill. The vote sets up a vote Monday on final passage of the 2013 Farm Bill in the Senate. The American Soybean Association (ASA) joined more than 100 like-minded agricultural organizations yesterday in a letter to Senators urging the invoking of cloture.

By invoking cloture, the Senate will not allow any additional amendments to the bill, and all amendments already filed will have to be germane (or directly related) to the bill. The motion also limits debate on the bill to 30 hours.

According to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the Senate will vote on final passage of the farm bill on Monday at 5:30 EDT. As reported earlier, Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Cochran continue to pursue a pared-down list of amendments to the final bill, which could come up as a package of amendments to be voted on or agreed to by unanimous consent before final passage on Monday.



Johanns Statement on Vote to End Farm Bill Debate

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today released the following statement after voting for a procedural motion to end debate on the Senate’s farm bill:

“Farmers and ranchers need the long-term certainty only a farm bill can provide,” Johanns said. “Congress has drug its feet for too long. While this is not the bill I would have written, I believe – warts and all – it is better than no farm bill and significantly better than the bill passed by the House Ag Committee.”



NCGA Pleased with Successful Cloture Motion, Urges Quick Action

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson released the following statement in response to the Senate’s farm bill cloture vote:

“The National Corn Growers Association is pleased to see the cloture vote on the farm bill received 75 votes, well over the 60 votes necessary to move the legislation forward.  However, there is still important work that needs to be done. We urge the Senate to quickly take action and vote to pass the legislation.”

NCGA was one of the one hundred twenty farm and conservation groups that sent a letter to all senators yesterday urging them to vote for cloture on the farm bill.  



Senate Deserves Dairy Farmers’ Sincere Thanks on Cloture Vote
Jerry Kozak, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“The Senate deserves the sincere thanks of dairy farmers nationwide for its overwhelming majority vote today to end debate on the 2013 Farm Bill. The decision to invoke cloture clears the way for approval of a much-needed reform of the federal dairy program when the Senate votes on final passage of the Farm Bill expected early next week.

“Dairy farmers have been waiting two years for Congress to approve the new dairy program. Thanks to today’s vote, they can look forward to the end of price supports and other Depression-era programs and the launch of a new plan that will insure them against losses when profit margins shrink to dangerous levels. This fight is not over, but a brighter future is in sight.”



NCBA On Cloture Vote

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Scott George, a dairy and beef producer from Cody, Wyo., said his organization continues to be involved in the process on behalf of cattle producers who want a five-year farm bill that is clear of burdens and regulations on beef industry production and marketing practices.

“Cattle producers have been urging Congress to provide the certainty that a full farm bill will bring. Passing a farm bill will allow cattlemen and women to make sound business decisions,” George said. “We sincerely hope the debate on the Senate farm bill will come to a close and the legislation is passed.”

With final voting on the farm bill expected to occur on Monday, the Senate plans to move on to the immigration debate afterward.

The House Agriculture Committee passed their version of the farm bill on May 15, and the full House is expected to take up debate on the legislation later this month. George said the House farm bill, like the Senate’s, does not contain a livestock title, conservation programs are maintained and the research title is also in the bill. Disaster assistance, which would be extended for five years and would apply retroactively to cover losses in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, is included in both the House and Senate bills.



House Ag Appropriations Approves Bill

The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved Wednesday a fiscal year 2014 ag appropriations bill by a voice vote. Discretionary spending in the bill is $1.3 billion, or 6.2 percent below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level, and is $516 million, or 2.6 percent below the president’s budget request. Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AK) noted that the president’s request for Agriculture did not include funding for the P.L. 480 Food for Peace program because the administration proposed changing the program and shifting it to the U.S Agency for International Development, but that the subcommittee had included a provision for food aid with no structural changes to the program.



Johanns, Fischer Question Sec. Jewell on Potential Federal Land Acquisitions in Nebraska

U.S. Sens. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today sent a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell expressing concerns and seeking clarification about potential land acquisitions by the federal government along the Niobrara River and near Ponca Bluffs.

Johanns said, “Just like the hundreds of Nebraskans who have contacted me, I get an uneasy feeling when the federal government starts talking about buying hundreds of thousands of acres of private land. We all need some answers before this plan goes any further and the Department of Interior needs to be clear about their intentions.”

Fischer said, “Local residents are already excellent stewards of the natural resources entrusted to them, and they are rightly concerned about the federal government seizing or controlling the land they have proudly taken care of for so long.  My efforts on this matter are a direct response to the legitimate concerns of these landowners, farmers, fishermen, hunters, ranchers, boaters, and other interested citizens, who deserve more information about the Department of Interior’s proposal and its potential impacts.”

Today’s letter follows a letter from the Senators last week requesting an extension of the public comment period through September 30, 2013.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Come Up Short on Summer Tour
Crystal Klug, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen

The Platte Valley Cattlemen Board has spent the last month thinking of ideas and making phone calls for the annual June Cattlemen’s Tour. Despite our best efforts, the tour is not coming together like we had hoped.

Feedlots are not thrilled about hosting a large group with the current condition of their pens and a lot of the businesses we thought about visiting, we either have already been to or it was bad timing for them. Couple this with the delayed planting season and the potential for a majority of our members to be busy spraying or fertilizing, we made the decision to cancel the tour for this year. We hope to plan another event in its place like a Beef Quality Assurance Training later on in the summer.

We are sure to keep our new grill and Cattlemen members busy this summer.  Be sure to mark your calendars for our popular activities which will include grilling burgers for both Platte and Colfax County Fair Beef Shows, the Central Plains "Beef Industry Day" in Howells in August, and our annual PVC Golf outing on August 19, 2013, at Steepleview Golf Course in Humphrey.

Looking forward to seeing members this summer!



ASA Announces Leadership At Its Best Participants

The American Soybean Associaton is pleased to announce the 2013-2104 participants in its Leadership At Its Best program, co-sponsored with Syngenta. This year, ASA recognizes participants from 16 states and will begin the 22nd year of the leadership program in early August.

This year's Leadership At Its Best class includes: Barry Alexander (Ky.), Heather Feuerstein (Mich.), Rusty Grills (Tenn.), Mike Heffelfinger (Ohio), John Horter (S.D.), Kyle Jeschke (Kan.), Robert Johnston (Neb.), Josh Kirkpatrick (Ind.), Don Lutz (Wis.), Mike Marron (Ill.), Michael McPherson (N.C.), Craig Olson (N.D.), Rolland Schnell (Iowa), Mike Skaug (Minn.), Aaron Thompson (Del.) and Matt Wright (Mo.).

The Leadership At Its Best Program has been key in developing future leaders in the soybean industry. It is the distinguished and specialized training curriculum that develops state and national leaders who can effectively address Congress and the media on policy issues that impact soybean growers. Participants are active members on their state soybean association boards and/or must have an interest in taking on advanced leadership roles at their state or national level.



HILAND DAIRY INTRODUCES NEW ICED COFFEE TO PRODUCT LINEUP

Just in time for warm weather, Hiland Dairy Foods is releasing Hiland Dairy Iced coffees this May. When you combine coffee with wholesome, healthy milk and add in rich flavors like mocha, caramel and vanilla - a delicious, creamy and refreshing taste is born.

“As summer nears, our consumers are wanting a refreshing drink,” said Gary Aggus, president/general manager of Hiland Dairy. “ Our iced coffees provide a sweet, crisp, creamy taste that’s sure to satisfy any coffee lover.”

Hiland Dairy is debuting three iced coffee selections including Hiland Dairy Mocha Iced Coffee that blends coffee and chocolate as a delicious duo; Hiland Dairy Caramel Iced Coffee both creamy and sweet; and, Hiland Dairy Vanilla Iced Coffee which features a touch of exotic spices. All three Hiland Dairy Iced Coffee varieties will be available in one-half gallon sizes with a convenient twist cap pour spout.

As always, Hiland Dairy's products are naturally nutritious with no artificial growth hormones.



Liquid Manure Okay for Switching to Soybeans

Crop producers who have applied liquid manure to fields based on planting corn can switch to soybeans without worrying about penalties for exceeding nitrogen limits on the field.

"Normally, there's a 100-pound per acre limit on nitrogen applications on soybean fields for crop producers who obtain the nitrogen from liquid manure," said Ken Hessenius, supervisor of the DNR field office in Spencer, Iowa.

"But producers who planned to plant corn and applied liquid manure at higher rates may safely switch the crop to soybeans after June 1 without concern about a penalty," he added. "That's one small piece of good news during a wet, cold spring that has delayed corn planting."

The 100-pound available nitrogen limit applies to ground where soybeans have been planted, are growing or will be the next crop growing in the field. The restriction applies to liquid manure coming from livestock facilities that are required to have a manure or nutrient management plan.

"If the planned crop is switched from corn to soybeans, the producer needs to put a note in the their manure or nutrient management plan about why they applied manure for corn and are now planting beans," Hessenius added. "That will ensure there are no questions when the DNR inspects their records."

However, the 100-pound limit is no longer applicable after June 1 based on the assumption that crop producers may have to make changes in planned crops because of the weather.

For more information, see the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/.



FY 2014 Beef Board Budget Approved

National Beef Checkoff leaders this week approved a Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) budget of about $40.7 million for Fiscal 2014, reflecting a 5.6 percent decrease from the Fiscal 2013 amended budget, amid continued tight supplies and an expected slowing of cow slaughter.

The CBB Budget Committee, the Operating Committee, and the CBB Executive Committee each reviewed their respective portions of the proposed budget during separate conference calls on June 4. The budget is based on projected beef checkoff assessment revenues of $39 million in the coming year, down slightly from 2013. In addition, it incorporates an estimated $1.7 million in FY13 funds returned from programs coming in under budget for the current year, plus funds that the Operating Committee decided last September to carry over from FY13 revenues to counter the revenue decline expected in FY14.

As approved, the budget for the fiscal year running Oct. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2014 includes more than $37.9 million for the Operating Committee – made up of 10 Beef Board members and 10 directors of the Federation of State Beef Councils – to assign for funding of national checkoff work plans from promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications budget categories of the CBB budget. It also incorporates $2.8 million to fund a CBB administration and USDA oversight budget approved by the Executive Committee, as well as program development and evaluation expenses approved by the Operating Committee.

“We continue to have budgetary challenges before us, as we knew we would,” said CBB Chairman Weldon Wynn, who also chairs the Operating Committee. “But we’re just really optimistic that the changes we’ve made in the structure of our checkoff committees this year will help us be more efficient than ever with every checkoff dollar we invest through the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.”

Wynn said that a Beef Demand Determinant Study contracted through the Joint Evaluation Committee is going to provide some additional direction to help the checkoff prioritize its investments solidly on efforts that stand to further the goals of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan most effectively. It will do so by ranking demand drivers in order of importance to consumers and the checkoff’s ability to influence them, so that Beef Board members and Federation of State Beef Councils directors serving on joint program committees understand what programs would benefit most from increased – or decreased – emphasis in checkoff work plans.

“We always depend on our evaluation process to help us make some decisions about which work plans are most effective and the most focused on the immediate tasks at hand,” Wynn said. “And this new demand study that we will be reviewing soon should give us an extra level of checks and balances as to the needs and effectiveness of our programs in Fiscal 2014 and beyond.”

Chairman Wynn said he believes that members of the Beef Board and Federation of State Beef Councils who sit on joint program committees this year will have some exciting proposals from potential checkoff contractors under the new checkoff structure.

“We sure look forward to seeing all of the specific work plans from contractors for the checkoff,” he said. “I think we’re going to see contractors and potential contractors getting as creative as possible to help us maintain a strong beef industry and reach consumers across the globe with important information and messages about beef and its benefits to today’s busy and health-conscious consumers. The key will be to leverage every checkoff dollar to its greatest advantage for the producers and importers who hold us accountable for their dollar-per-head investments.”

Individual joint program committees and subcommittees will review preliminary work plans during conference calls in coming weeks. They then will meet in Denver Aug. 7-10 to prepare recommendations and priorities for specific work plans to submit to the Operating Committee, which will consider those work plans for funding with the FY14 budget during its meeting Sept. 24-25.

The 2014 budget recommendation still must be approved by the full Beef Board, which administers the national checkoff program, and by USDA.



America’s Hog Farmers Thank Connecticut Legislature For Supporting Local Farmers

America’s hog farmers and the National Pork Producers Council today hailed the Connecticut Legislature for not approving ill-advised legislation banning the use of gestation stalls for sows. The measure would have dictated to the state’s farmers how they raise and care for their animals and had a devastating effect on sustainable agriculture and local family farms. 

The vast majority of the country’s small hog farmers use gestation stalls for pregnant sows, which allow for individualized care and eliminate aggression from other sows.

The legislation was pushed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other animal-rights groups even though, if approved, it would have prevented farmers from caring for their animals in a way approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The AVMA and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians recognize gestation stalls and group housing as appropriate for providing for the well-being of sows during pregnancy. They point out that there is no scientific consensus on the best way to house gestating sows because each type of housing system has inherent advantages and disadvantages.

The Connecticut measure also would have resulted in financial damage to local farmers, and potentially ruined a safe and sustainable source of food for the state’s consumers.

“The bill was a solution in search of a problem,” said NPPC President-elect Dr. Howard Hill, a veterinarian and hog farmer from Iowa. “This is about HSUS using Connecticut to advance its national vegan agenda, and we thank the Connecticut Legislature for not going along with it.

"This is the latest defeat for HSUS; momentum against these ill-advised measures is building," Hill said. Similar legislation recently was defeated in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Over the past 10 years, HSUS has lobbied other states to pass gestation stall bans. While a few states have enacted bans through ballot initiatives, few state legislatures have approved such a prohibition because of the negative impacts it would have on local producers.

“Decisions about animal well-being and housing should be determined by those who understand the animals and work with them every day,” Hill said.



Farmer-Leaders Discuss Biotech Acceptance in China

China’s love of U.S. soy is no secret. But the country’s slow approval process for soybean varieties improved through biotechnology could challenge for U.S. soybean farmers’ profitability.

United Soybean Board (USB) Chairman Jim Stillman and USB Secretary Lewis Bainbridge recently joined other farmer-leaders in discussions with Chinese decision makers about biotech acceptance.

"Biotechnology helps U.S. soybean farmers produce a reliable supply of high-quality soy meal to use as feed for China’s poultry and livestock," says Bainbridge, a soybean farmer from Ethan, S.D. "We brought up the apparent delay in the approval process because we want to help make it less of an issue in the future."

China is U.S. soy’s largest international customer, importing 849 million bushels of whole U.S. soybeans in the most recent marketing year. There are currently 12 soybean and corn traits awaiting approval in China, many of which have already gained approval in other countries. It’s been 17 months since China approved a new variety.

The slow approval process could hinder U.S. soybean farmers’ ability to sell their crops in the global marketplace and could challenge the market development of new varieties.

"We spoke with the Chinese officials about the new varieties we have in the pipeline," says Bainbridge. "We hope they don’t meet the same resistance."

The checkoff is committed to increasing biotech acceptance in China and throughout the world.



ASA Details Position on Tax Issues to Senate Finance Committee

The American Soybean Association and a coalition of 24 agricultural stakeholders sent a letter this week to Senate Finance Committee members, who are meeting internally on taxes impacting small businesses.

"Due to uncertain and fluctuating income that results from weather-induced production variations and unpredictable markets that create price uncertainty for the products they produce, we need a tax code that allows farmers and ranchers to manage the risks associated with agriculture while complying with tax liabilities," said the groups. "Cash accounting combined with the ability to accelerate expenses and defer income gives farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to manage their tax burden. Section 179 small business expensing provides agricultural producers with a way to maximize business purchases in years when they have positive cash flow. For these reasons, we warn against reducing the number of farms and ranches eligible to use cash accounting and support maintaining the current $500,000 Section 179 small business expensing limitation and the $2 million acquisition limit."

The groups also encouraged a permanent five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment and an expansion of the special use valuation for estate tax purposes.

ASA Leads Coalition Letter in Support of Funding for Oilseed and Other Ag Reports
ASA led a coalition of farm groups this week in a letter supporting a funding request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) that would allow the agency to resume the publication of Current Industrial Reports on edible fats and oils.

Last year, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it would terminate several Current Industrial Reports, including two that covered oilseeds and fats and oil, at which time, ASA joined with other agricultural and commodity groups that were impacted by the termination of the reports to urge NASS to take over the reports. In its FY2014 budget proposal NASS has requested funding to enable them to resume some of the terminated reports, including replacements for the reports on oilseeds and fats and oils.

Resumption of the reports is contingent upon sufficient funding in the FY14 Agriculture Appropriations bill to enable NASS to undertake the Current Industrial Reports as well as other reports that were ceased due to budget constraints and sequestration.

ASA Presses House Ag Appropriators on MAP and FMD
This week, ASA and fellow members of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports wrote to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) and Ranking Member Sam Farr (D-Calif.) to urge strong support for maintaining funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) during the subcommittee’s consideration of the FY 14 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

We strongly urge that MAP and FMD be funded at no less than $200 million and $34.5 million respectively for FY 14, which are the current year levels," wrote the groups. "MAP, which is administered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), forms a highly successful partnership between non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, small businesses and USDA to share the costs of international marketing and promotional activities such as consumer promotions, market research, trade shows, and trade servicing. The FMD program benefits U.S. producers, processors, and exporters by assisting their organizations in developing new foreign markets and increasing market share in existing markets. Overseas promotions are targeted toward long term development. MAP and FMD are distinct, separate programs that address different aspects of market development and promotion and are examples of some of the most successful public-private partnerships."



Crop Insurance Accountability Act Closes Loophole in House Farm Bill

The National Wildlife Federation commends Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) for their leadership in introducing The Crop Insurance Accountability Act today in the House of Representatives.

This important legislation would ensure the continuation of a “conservation compact” between taxpayers and farmers that has been in place for decades, whereby producers protect wetlands and reduce soil erosion on their land in exchange for taxpayer subsidies. The bill mirrors a provision in the Senate Agriculture Committee’s version of the Farm Bill, which makes producers ineligible for crop insurance premium subsidies if they drain wetlands or fail to use a conservation plan on vulnerable land. This commonsense measure is supported by the major conservation, commodity, and crop insurance groups. Unfortunately, the House Agriculture Committee failed to include this important link between wetland and soil conservation and crop insurance subsidies in their version of the bill, despite overwhelming support.

“Taxpayer dollars should not be used to underwrite crop insurance subsidies for risky practices such as draining wetlands or foregoing good conservation stewardship,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are at risk of repeating the mistakes leading to the Dust Bowl, if we do not close the loophole that would allow farmers to receive crop insurance premium subsidies without being held accountable for practicing good stewardship on the land.”

Wetland conservation and soil conservation practices – commonly known as conservation compliance – have long been required as a condition for receiving certain farm bill subsidies. However, conservation compliance provisions are not currently required to receive crop insurance premium subsidies, which results in taxpayers subsidizing more than 60 percent of crop insurance premiums, on average.

“As traditional commodity crop subsidies are reduced or eliminated, and conservation funding decreases, it is critically important to close this loophole which threatens soil and water quality as well as wildlife habitat,” Schweiger said. “Without linking these key soil and wetlands protections to the federal crop insurance program, the estimated $90 billion from taxpayer subsidies for crop insurance over the next 10 years could do a lot of damage. Soil erosion will choke waterways and destroy fish and wildlife habitat, and hundreds of thousands of acres of valuable wetlands will be lost, causing increased flooding and water pollution.”

“We strongly urge members of the House of Representatives to support The Crop Insurance Accountability Act and include it in the final version of the farm bill,” Schweiger said.



More than $267 Million US Ag Products Transacted at Southeast Asia Event

Thanks in large part to the U.S. government's Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, approximately 775,000 metric tons of U.S. agricultural products, valued at more than $267 million, were sold and or negotiated at the 7th Southeast Asia Grain Transportation Conference.

Held in Bali, Indonesia, this past May, the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Soybean Export Council once again brought together more than 100 agriculture companies covering the entire feed to food supply chain, including poultry and livestock integrators, feed and flour millers, soy food and beverage producers, regional and international trading companies, shipping companies, ship chartering companies and port handlers.

"The main objective of the conference is to bring together prospective buyers and sellers and provide a neutral environment in which to encourage networking and business discussions," said Adel Yusupov, USGC director in Southeast Asia. "U.S. sellers benefit significantly by being able to meet with major Southeast Asian importers in one location."

Gaining the Competitive Edge in Agribusiness was the central theme this year as attendees heard in-depth market analyses and participated in panel sessions. USGC's Manager of Global Trade Kevin Roepke gave a well-received presentation on trends in U.S. corn production and transportation sectors. Roepke reassured potential buyers of the U.S. commitment to remain a reliable and leading exporter of corn into the world market.

The conference was well received by the international audience and provided ample time for interactions between U.S. industry and Southeast Asian grain importers. "The true value of this event is in the face time between U.S. industry and international importers," said Yusupov. "It could not be done without the MAP and FMD programs."



USDA Trade Mission Aims to Create Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Turkey

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse is leading a mission to promote U.S. agricultural exports to Turkey, this week. Representatives from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, as well as 20 U.S. companies are participating.

During the mission, the USDA delegation will travel to Istanbul and Ankara to learn about Turkey's rapidly evolving market conditions and business environment – information that will enable businesses to develop export strategies for Turkey. Companies attending the Turkey trade mission represent a wide variety of agricultural products including dry beans, fruit and nuts, agricultural machinery and more.

"People around the world continue to demand U.S. food and agricultural products, boosting American businesses and supporting our rural communities," said Scuse. "By participating in this trade mission, U.S. agribusinesses will gain first-hand market information and meet with distributors, importers and other business contacts so they can position themselves to expand their presence in Turkey by promoting the quality, variety and reliability of U.S. food and agricultural products."

With its rapidly developing economy and expanding middle class, Turkey is becoming a key market for U.S. food and agricultural products. U.S. agricultural exports to the country tripled over the last decade. In fiscal year 2012, two-way agricultural trade between the two countries reached more than $2.4 billion, with U.S. exports accounting for more than 75 percent of the total – a significant contribution to the U.S. agricultural trade surplus.

Turkey is also the second-largest country participant (behind South Korea) in USDA's GSM-102 program, which provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products while providing competitive credit terms to buyers. In FY 2012, GSM-102 supported sales of approximately $700 million in agricultural commodities to Turkey, including 70 percent of all U.S. soybean and soybean meal exports to Turkey and 35 percent of all cotton.

This trade mission is the first major USDA agricultural trade mission this year for U.S. companies. Successful trade missions to China and Russia were held in 2012.



USGC Fostering Grain Trade in Colombia

Colombia is the only South American country with ports on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, but it suffers from significant transportation challenges - poorly maintained roads, under developed river systems and a limited railroad infrastructure. All of which presents significant challenges to moving grain from the ports to the interior of the country, where they are consumed.

For example, a bushel of corn could be moved about 2,000 miles from New Orleans to a port in Colombia for the same cost to move the same bushel roughly 400 miles within Colombia, from Cartagena to Bogota. As the second-largest corn importer in the Latin American region, it is vital to modernize their infrastructure and facilitate the movement of grain.

The U.S. Grains Council has been engaged in this issue for more than 15 years. Last month, the Council sponsored Mike Toohey, president of the Water Way Council, to be the keynote speaker at the Colombian Business Chamber's 4th Annual Forum on Bulk Transportation. The goal of the conference is for Colombian feed grain importers and government officials to find long term solutions to upgrade Colombia's bulk gain transportation system and benefit Colombian customers. Giving the Colombians examples of how the U.S. grain industry has benefited from an efficient river transportation system, Toohey explained how modernization is key to the United States maintaining competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

colombia 2This forum is an example of how a Council initiated study in the late 1990's has been adopted and championed by the Colombian industry association, Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI). ANDI has been a valued partner to the United States by assisting the Council's promotion effort for the recently passed U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, ANDI has been supporting the Council's effort to address a new biotechnology regulation which could have far reaching impacts on grain trade with Colombia.



Tyson Eyes South America Corn Imports

The chief executive of Tyson Foods Inc. said the poultry and livestock producer may have to import corn from South America before the next U.S. harvest but is "comfortable" with its ability to secure grain amid historically tight domestic supplies. The Springdale, Ark.-based company is counting on early-harvested supplies from the southern U.S. to keep its animals fed in August, before corn from the heart of the U.S. Corn Belt enters the pipeline.

Tyson's Donnie Smith said supplies of corn, a key cost for the meatpacker, will be very tight over the next few months due to the worst U.S. drought in decades last year.  He said Tyson, the biggest U.S. meat processor by sales, will look at opportunities to import corn as well.  "We think there's adequate corn, either here or in South America, to bridge the gap," Smith said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects U.S. corn imports will total 125 million bushels in the marketing year ending Aug. 31, up from 29 million the prior year.



U.S. Oil Production Tops Imports for First Time in 16 Years

U.S. crude production exceeded imports for the first time since early 1997 last week as rising output from shale plays cuts the country's dependence on foreign oil, according to government data released on Wednesday.

Imports of crude dipped to 7.268 million barrels per day (bpd) in the week to May 31, while crude oil production rose slightly to 7.300 million bpd, figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed.

While purchases of foreign oil tend to fluctuate and could rebound next week, it still marks the first time production exceeded imports since January 1997, reports Reuters.

Rising production from shale and other non-conventional oil plays over the past two years has reversed a decades-long decline in U.S. oil output, and drastically reduced the need for refineries to buy foreign crude.

In the first quarter of this year, U.S. crude oil imports fell to 681 million barrels, from 785-800 million barrels in the same period of 2012 and 2011.

Imports of light, sweet crude have been particularly hard hit given the low sulfur content of much of the new U.S. output. Nigeria and Algeria have seen their crude exports to the United States halved in the past two years, forcing them to find alternative markets in Europe and Asia.



Beef Can Help with Weight Management

In mid-April, 370 Registered Dietitians from across the country met in Indianapolis for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group symposium, where they heard from beef protein satiety researcher Heather Leidy, PhD, and weight management expert Molly Gee, MEd, RD, LD. The hour-long educational session, funded by the beef checkoff, highlighted recent research about the impact of high-quality protein -- like that found in beef -- and its beneficial role in appetite control and weight management.

Previous checkoff-funded research conducted by Dr. Leidy, suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast, such as one with high-quality proteins like beef and eggs, boosts fullness and reduces hunger and those brain responses involved with food cravings more than a typical ready-to-eat breakfast cereal that is lower in protein. In addition, subjects who consumed a high-protein breakfast experienced a significant reduction in unhealthy evening snacking. (Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA. Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese, “breakfast-skipping,” late-adolescent girls. Am J Clin Nutr 2013Apr; 97(4):677-88.)

During the symposium, dietitians actively Tweeted strategies for successful weight management they learned from the speakers, creating nearly 38,000 online impressions.

“To see this health professional group so actively engaged with protein researchers and health experts was encouraging,” says Garry Wiley, beef producer from Michigan and vice chair of the checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Subcommittee. “As a beef producer, I’m proud to know that our checkoff dollars are being invested to educate this key group which, in turn, communicates the health benefits of beef to their clients and peers.”



Largest endowment in FFA history to impact thousands
A new endowment that has been established with the National FFA Foundation will allow thousands of future FFA members to attend the organization’s largest leadership development conference – free of charge.

Once active, the Glenn and Maggie Stith Leadership Development Fund Endowment could provide about $1,500 each for 110 eligible FFA members from throughout the country to attend the annual Washington Leadership Conference each year. The scholarship will be awarded to the National FFA Organization to cover the cost of each recipient to attend the conference and provide a stipend to cover travel, meals, lodging and other conference-related expenses.

Glenn Stith of Ankeny, Iowa, who grew up on a family farm in Kentucky and was an FFA member in high school, was vice president of U.S. Branded Business for Seeds, Biotech Traits and Chemistry and Global Lead of Seminis Vegetable Seeds at Monsanto for 35 years. After retiring in 2010, he was named senior associate at Context Network, a business management and strategy consulting firm providing services to global agriculture, biotechnology and food companies.

Stith and wife Maggie, a senior regional director at the National FFA Foundation, announced their gift today at the 2013 Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

“My dad told me and my two brothers that we would have to find our own way back from high school sports events. We lived 20 miles away from high school. But my dad took time away from farming to drive us to and from FFA activities,” Glenn Stith said. “That’s how strongly he felt about FFA and agricultural education.”

To be eligible for a scholarship to attend the conference through the endowment, students must be active FFA members in good academic standing with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Qualifying FFA members must demonstrate financial need and be first-time attendees to the conference. Eligible FFA members who reside in Kentucky will be given first preference to receive a scholarship to attend the conference.

More than 1,800 students are registered for the 2013 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year. From June 4-July 21, FFA members will spend a week under the guidance of educational professionals, counselors and professional FFA staff members. In workshops, seminars and small groups, students will focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals and undergo comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters.

Students will also analyze needs of their communities back home, develop a wide-ranging and high-impact community-service initiative and implement their plan with the help of their FFA chapter upon return home. Students in recent years have created food and clothing drives, volunteer campaigns, educational outreach initiatives and more.

"Glenn and Maggie’s generosity will make it possible for thousands of FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference for years to come," said National FFA Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong. “Their generosity focuses on one of our core values, which is living to serve. Giving back and helping future generations has always been a driving force in Glenn Stith’s personal and professional life. He and Maggie encourage others to contemplate how they can make a difference in the lives of others through dedication and support.”

Since being an FFA member, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics from the University of Kentucky and an executive master’s degree from Washington University, Stith has made giving back to FFA a top priority, including stints serving as chair of the foundation’s Sponsors’ Board and on the board of trustees. He became a member of the foundation’s Individual Giving Council last year and will assume chair of the group later this year.

“The most satisfying thing I can do is give back and help young people achieve their dreams and have an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful career like I’ve had,” he said. “I take a great deal of pleasure in contributing. There is no greater satisfaction than being able to give back to a good cause like FFA.”



Safened Sulfonylurea Herbicides Reduce Risk of Corn Injury

Successful weed resistance management requires growers to thoughtfully choose the proper tools for weed management consistent with their farm operation. Uncontrolled grass weeds such as foxtails, different species of Panicum and various species of crabgrass are particularly powerful in preventing corn from attaining its maximum yield.

A diversified weed control program that includes rotating or combining multiple herbicide modes of action is a core principle for successful long-term weed-resistance management, according to Mark Jeschke, DuPont Pioneer agronomy research manager. Grass weed control in corn is achieved primarily with herbicides having one of three modes of action: the chloroacetamide herbicides, glyphosate and the sulfonylurea herbicides. 

Corn shows tolerance to the sulfonylurea herbicides because it rapidly metabolizes the herbicide molecules. However sensitive weeds such as grass and broadleaf plants do not rapidly metabolize these molecules and are therefore controlled. DuPont Crop Protection has developed the “Q” herbicides – Accent® Q, Realm® Q, Resolve® Q and Steadfast® Q – which include a safener for improved corn crop safety. The safener reduces the risk of corn crop injury from herbicide damage without reducing efficacy on targeted weed species. Safeners included in DuPont postemergence corn herbicides help accelerate herbicide metabolism by the cornplant and reduce risk of injury.

Safeners work by reducing the ability of herbicide molecules to reach and interact with their target site in the corn plants, which can be accomplished by directing interaction between the safener and target site. It can also be completed by reducing translocation of the herbicide to the target site and accelerating breakdown of the herbicide into inactive metabolites.