Tuesday August 6 Ag News

UNL Ag Economics Livestock Industry Trends Report Now Available
            A new University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension publication from the Department of Agricultural Economics offers an ongoing factual understanding of livestock industry changes impacting Nebraska.

            The publication, U.S. Livestock Industry Trends and Nebraska's Role, is available at http://go.unl.edu/livestockindustry.

            The report presents a baseline perspective with trend analysis over the past 10 years. Data was assembled from several sources and a set of metrics is used to track trends and compare relationships with other states.

            The report provides readily accessible insight for industry stakeholders, policy makers and researchers.

            In addition, the agricultural economics department will continue to monitor and update the report in an online series called "Nebraska Livestock Industry Data Dashboard." For more information visit the website at http://agecon.unl.edu/livestock.

            Nebraska is among the top livestock producing states in the nation. Currently the state ranks first in commercial cattle slaughter, second in cattle and calves receipts, third in meat production, fourth in all livestock and products cash receipts and beef cows and heifers calved and sixth in all hogs and pigs produced.

            With the U.S. livestock industry always in a dynamic flux, the industry changes rapidly in both structural configuration of livestock production and its geographic location. How Nebraska's livestock industry is adapting to these changes is the focus of this report and the subsequent ongoing data monitoring/analysis series.



Lack of Action on Farm Bill Could Set Back Nebraska's Economy

The lack of Congressional action on a Farm Bill could stifle the economic vitality that Nebraska agriculture has brought to the state over the past several years.

According to Tim Scheer of St. Paul, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, "All the progress achieved and contributions that agriculture has made in the past decade are at risk if Congress continues to drag its feet," he said.  "We need Nebraska farmers to speak up now and get our nation's leaders to cooperate on a Farm Bill.  Congressional leadership stated they were not hearing from farmers last fall, so we need to get our voices heard this year."

The current Farm Bill, crafted in 2008 and extended last year, is set to expire September 30, 2013.   If a new bill or an extension of the 2008 bill is not passed, federal price supports revert to their 1949 levels.   If that happens, some farmers, such as those involved in wheat or dairy production, would be big winners—while others, such as soybean farmers, would get nothing at all because some commodities were added after the 1949 legislation.

"Nebraska farmers should not settle for another extension of the 2008 bill.  We need a new Farm Bill that is in step with what is happening today and with the future challenges and opportunities for agriculture—and we need it now," Scheer said.  "Without Congressional action, America's farm policy will become a patchwork of policy that is unworkable for producers trying to run their businesses and plan for the future."

Commodity programs are only one part of Farm Bill legislation.  A larger portion is dedicated to food assistance and nutrition programs.   While the Senate passed their version of a Farm Bill that included both, the House passed only commodity titles and not a nutrition title—the first time in history the two have been split in this way.  Since the House has not scheduled consideration of the nutrition portion, the entire Farm Bill is stalled.

"Food production and food assistance programs have always been supported by Republicans and Democrats—and rural and urban policymakers—until now," Scheer added.  "The fact that food producers and those needing food assistance are being held hostage by partisan politics is both unprecedented and unconscionable."

Scheer noted that a number of key factors in Nebraska agriculture are at risk without a Farm Bill including crop insurance, export promotion, international trade servicing and research programs.  "Agriculture is one of the few trade success stories for America as we export grain and meat—and our global leadership in agriculture is due in great part to our research and scientific advancements," he said.  "All of that is in jeopardy thanks to Congress' inability to act."

Congress began its recess on August 2—and the House leadership decided not to take up the nutrition title before that break.   "When Congress returns, that only leaves nine days for the House to pass a nutrition title, send it to the Senate, name conferees, agree to a compromise, and get a bill to the House and Senate for a vote," Scheer said.  "Short of that, we'll end up with another extension or, worse yet, no Farm Bill at all."

While Nebraska's Congressional delegation supports a new Farm Bill, Scheer said it is still important for farmers to contact them.  "We need to thank them for their support, but we also need them to put heat on the leadership to get something done," he said.  "Additionally, Nebraska farmers should contact House Speaker John Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy urging action on the nutrition title so we can get a bill into conference that all of America can count on in the future."

The Nebraska Corn Board has established a page on its website that enables farmers to reach Nebraska and key federal policymakers via email to make comment.  The link on the home page also includes a countdown indicating the amount of time left before Congress reconvenes.  Once they are back in session, the House will have only nine working days until the current Farm Bill extension expires.  Visit NebraskaCorn.org to access the contact information and read key messaging points.

Scheer said Nebraska farmers should insist on new Farm Bill legislation.  "Another extension would simply be kicking the can down the road.  We need a Farm Bill that we can count on for five years—one that is in step with today's agriculture markets, strengthens our global leadership and provides a solid foundation for food security and economic vitality for our nation."

CONTACT INFORMATION
Speaker John Boehner                  202.225.6205      http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/
Majority Leader Eric Cantor         202.225.2815      http://majorityleader.gov/contact/contact.html
Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy      202.225.2915       https://forms.house.gov/kevinmccarthy/webforms/issue_subscribe.html
Senator Deb Fischer                     202.224.6551    http://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/?p=email-deb
Senator Mike Johanns                  202.224.4224     http://www.johanns.senate.gov/public/?p=EmailSenatorJohanns
Representative Jeff Fortenberry  202.225.4806     https://forms.house.gov/fortenberry/webforms/issue_subscribe.html
Representative Adrian Smith       202.225.6435     https://adriansmith.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
Representative Lee Terry              202.225.4155    http://www.house.gov/formleeterry/IMA/issue.htm



Women Farmers, Ranchers Invited to Participate in Beginning Farming and Ranching Workshops

Women farmers and ranchers, beginning and aspiring (women who want to to farm and/or ranch but are not yet doing so) are invited to participate in several workshops designed for women who are exploring farming/ranching as a career or are in the early stages of beginning their agricultural operations.

Those interested may sign up for one or both workshops. The first workshop, Farm Dreams, is an introductory discussion assisting aspiring women farmers and ranchers focus their farm dream to an achievable goal and identify financial resources. The second workshop, Business Planning for Agriculture, is an advanced planning course that will help women farmers and ranchers get started developing a business plan. 

“More and more women are getting into agriculture. Female farmers are now the fastest growing demographic in agriculture, accounting for 30 percent of U.S. farmers. Both beginning farmers and women who have lived on a farm their whole lives are telling us they need training and access to financial resources to get started or build their operations,” said Virginia Meyer with the Center for Rural Affairs. “These workshops aim to empower women as knowledgeable, business-savvy, focused owners and operators of farms and ranchers.”
 
Event Location Details:

The Farm Dreams Workshop is an entry level, four-hour, workshop designed to help people who are seeking practical, common sense information on whether farming or ranching is the next step for them. Participants will be able to examine their resources, skills and motivations for farming/ranching and develop a plan for moving forward toward their farming goals. 
Saturday, August 24th, 2013
10:00am-2:30pm
Syracuse Public Library
480 5th Street
Syracuse, NE
(Please RSVP by Thursday, August 22nd)

The Business Planning for Agriculture Workshop is an intensive business planning course designed to help women farmers and ranchers design a business plan for their agricultural operations.  A well organized and thoughtful business plan is a key step for beginning farmers and ranchers who want to finance their operations.  Participants will learn from farmer experts Dave and Deb Welsch of West Blue Farm in Milford, NE.  Dave and Deb began farming rented ground in 1978 and purchased their first farm in 1982.  They currently own 400 acres, have a 30 head cow/calf operation, raise 3000+ broiler chickens and a few hogs.  All of their meat is direct marketed to the consumer.  Three years ago they transitioned the organic crop operation to a beginning farmer.
Saturday, August 31st, 2013
10:30am-3:00pm
Webermeier Public Library
617 2nd Street
Milford, NE
(Please RSVP by Thursday, August 29th)

You may sign up for one or both workshops by calling Virginia Meyer at (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014 or email virginiam@cfra.org.  Please RSVP so lunch can be provided for all attendees.



Iowa DNR: Schedule Manure Applicator Training Now

Summer is a good time for manure applicators to schedule training to complete their 2013 certification.

Commercial and confinement site applicators who are not yet certified can attend training now, well before fall harvest. They must complete training and submit certification materials before applying manure this fall.

Applicators can watch a training video to fulfill the three-hour commercial or two-hour training requirement. They should make an appointment to see the videos at the closest Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office. This is also an opportunity for first-time applicators to become certified.

Check with county offices to see if there is a fee or a scheduled viewing time. Please bring a copy of any past manure applicator's certificate or a current driver's license.

More information about the certification program is available on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group's website at www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/maccma.html#cert. Or, check the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/afo under Applicator Certification.

Manure applicators may take an exam instead of taking training. Exams are 50 multiple choice or true/false questions. A score of 35 or more passes the exam.

After finishing the training or passing the exam, applicators need to submit forms and fees to the DNR to complete the certification process.



American Farm Bureau Acquires Leading Events, Publications

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced today the acquisition of Cygnus Business Media’s agricultural events and publications. The purchase includes five IDEAg branded farm shows – Minnesota Farmfest, Dakotafest, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Northern Illinois Farm Show and the IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference. The business also publishes Feed & Grain Magazine and Case IH’s Farm Forum magazine.

“This acquisition is the union of very strong brands that are deeply-rooted in agriculture,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “By joining the Farm Bureau family, these publications and events create additional opportunities for us to serve farmers, ranchers and the stakeholders looking to connect with them.”

The events and publications will operate as part of IDEAg Group, LLC, which is wholly owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation.  All of the current managers and staff of the events and publications agreed to continue in their positions.

- Minnesota Farmfest, held in Redwood County, Minn., is one of the largest agricultural events in the world.
- Dakotafest, held in Mitchell, S.D., is the premiere agricultural event in South Dakota and attracts attendees from the entire Northern Plains region.
- Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show has been the essential ag show for High Plains farmers and ranchers for 28 years.
- The Northern Illinois Farm Show in DeKalb, Ill., has attracted farmers and ranchers from throughout the Midwest for 31 years.
- Launched in 2012, the IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference is held in Altoona, Iowa.
- Feed & Grain Magazine is the leading publication and digital news service for the grain processing industry, with almost 16,000 subscribers.
- Farm Forum is a magazine published on behalf of Case IH and Case IH dealers.



GMOAnswers.com Begins New Dialogue about How Food is Grown

GMO Answers It's no secret: the biotechnology industry hasn't done the best job communicating about GMOs. That's about to change with GMO Answers, a new joint initiative by the agricultural and biotechnology companies that create genetically modified seeds, now endorsed by the National Corn Growers Association. The GMOAnswers.com website is a new resource committed to transparency about the use of GMOs in agriculture, research and data - all in one public place for the first time.

"As corn farmers, we recognize the important role biotechnology plays in providing healthy food choices for all," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "At the same time, we witness first-hand groundless attacks on biotechnology by extremists, and a deeper public interest in sincerely learning more about GMOs. GMO Answers goes a long way in helping today's families understand today's agriculture."

New research shows that there is a need for this conversation: 49 percent of people surveyed either don't know or are unsure of what a genetically modified crop is, and most have very little understanding of what GMO products are on the market today. This lack of knowledge is a breeding ground for confusion and misconception, fueling negative perceptions and fear of the unknown.  NCGA is excited to be part of this initiative that aims to connect world-class experts to concerned consumers, and organize hard-to-find health and safety information in one place.

GMO Answers is inviting the world - even GMO critics - to ask the tough questions, be skeptical, and evaluate the information on biotechnology. As public debate grows on genetically modified foods, our goal is to make information not only easier to find, but easier to understand. The scientists who develop biotech seeds, along with the farmers who grow them, are committed to a new standard of transparency and access, as outlined in the GMO Answers five core principles:
-    Welcoming and answering questions on all GMO topics
-    Making GMO information, research and data easy to access and evaluate, and supporting independent safety testing of GM products, including allowing independent safety testing of our products by using validated science-based methods
-    Supporting farmers as they work to grow crops using precious resources more efficiently with less impact on the environment and producing safe, nutritious food and feed products
-    Respecting farmers' rights to choose the seeds that are best for their farms, businesses and communities and providing seed choices that include making non-GM seeds based on market demands
-    Respecting people around the world and their right to choose healthy food products that are best for themselves and their families

"Ask tough questions. Be skeptical. Evaluate the information for yourselves and make up your own mind. We look forward to sharing answers," Cathleen Enright, Ph.D., spokeswoman for GMO Answers, said in inviting the public to visit GMO Answers.

With the support of our staff and growers, and the larger biotechnology community, NCGA and GMO Answers will help fuel a broad, industry-wide initiative to start a new conversation on genetic modification and how the food we eat goes from seed to table. Visit GMOAnswers.com to join the conversation - and don't be afraid to ask tough questions.

GMO Answers is funded by the members of The Council for Biotechnology Information, which includes BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences LLC, DuPont, Monsanto Company and Syngenta.



EPA 2013 Requirements Demonstrate the Flexibility of the RFS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the final 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumetric requirements. For 2013, the EPA has waived the cellulosic requirement from the statutory level of 1 billion gallons to 6 million gallons, but retained the overall advanced biofuel and renewable fuel requirements. For 2013, the total RFS volumetric requirement is 16.55 billion gallons. Commenting on today’s announcement, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), said:

“First and foremost, by decreasing the cellulosic requirement by 99.4 percent to a very realistic, achievable number, the EPA has totally obliterated Big Oil’s myth that the RFS is inflexible and unworkable. As in years past, the finalized annual requirements are a testament to the inherent flexibility that is the backbone of the RFS.”



AEC: EPA Continues to Administer RFS Responsibly with 2013 RVO

Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), released a statement today in response to U.S. EPA’s publication of the 2013 RFS volumetric blending requirements.

“It is clear that U.S. EPA has done its homework when it comes to setting the 2013 standard. The commercial cellulosic biofuel facilities that U.S. EPA projected to start up in 2013 are indeed operating, and the adjusted targets reflect the number of actual gallons expected to be available through the end of the year. We agree with U.S. EPA that there will be sufficient quantities of advanced biofuels in the market to maintain the broader advanced biofuel standard, which is consistent with the legislative intent of the RFS to promote advanced renewable fuels.

“We are at a critical juncture in the implementation of the RFS, with advanced biofuels just beginning to come on line. Careful administration of the program is absolutely critical right now to get the right balance between the legislative intent of the program and the market response to the program. This is another clear example of the agency utilizing the flexibility provisions originally legislated by Congress to ensure that the RFS is attainable each and every year. Amidst all the smoke and mirrors coming from those who do not want to see competition in the motor fuel marketplace, people need to remember that the renewable fuels industry produced enough conventional and advanced renewable fuel to meet the original legislated standard through 2012, and expect to again in 2013. This is a tremendous accomplishment in a challenging fiscal environment. Our industry continues to transform the liquid fuel marketplace by making motor fuel cheaper, creating new jobs for Americans and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. U.S. EPA’s steady hand is a big part of the program’s success to date.”



ACE statement on final RFS volumes for 2013

Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) issued the following statement on the final Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“ACE appreciates that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the final volumes for 2013, keeping the total volume intact and thoughtfully used the flexibility given to it by Congress to set the final cellulosic target at 6 million gallons.  We think that total is realistic to reach this year.  To ensure that the RFS drives sufficient demand for E15 and higher blends of ethanol, and serves as a catalyst for innovation in advanced and cellulosic biofuels, ACE will continue our constructive dialogue with EPA as it considers its flexibility to address the volumes for 2014 and beyond.



Biodiesel Industry Applauds Advanced Biofuel Standard

The National Biodiesel Board commended the EPA on Tuesday for maintaining a strong 2013 Advanced Biofuel requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

"With this decision, the EPA is helping consumers, creating jobs and reducing emissions," said Anne Steckel, NBB's vice president of federal affairs. "This target will clearly be met, and it will continue to diversify our fuel supplies so that we're not at the mercy of global oil markets every time we fill up at the pump."

The EPA rule completed Tuesday finalizes an earlier proposal requiring that 2.75 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuel be blended into the U.S. fuel supply this year. Under the RFS, Advanced Biofuels must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared with petroleum fuels.

Biodiesel is the first and only Advanced Biofuel under the program to reach commercial-scale production nationwide, and the first to break 1 billion gallons of annual volume.

With nearly 1.1 billion gallons of production last year, the biodiesel industry produced enough fuel to fill 87 percent of the total Advanced requirement in 2012. The industry is on pace to fill a majority of the requirement again this year.

"Biodiesel is proving that Advanced Biofuels are working today and that they can reduce prices for consumers," Steckel said. "The RFS is a critical component to that success, and today's rule will help stimulate new technologies and additional growth."

"Today's announcement also demonstrates that the EPA has tremendous flexibility in addressing concerns stemming from the various volume requirements under the RFS, and that it is prepared to use that flexibility in a practical way to ensure that the policy is running smoothly," Steckel added.



Nitrogen Prices Plunge

Retail fertilizer prices are seeing considerable declines, according to data tracked by DTN for the fifth week of July 2013. More than half of the eight major fertilizers registered significant prices drops.

Nitrogen fertilizers lost the most compared to last month. Anhydrous slid 12% compared to fourth week of June and had an average price of $716 per ton. Urea declined 8% from last month and had an average price of $506 per ton.

Both UAN28 and UAN32 were also lower. The liquid nitrogen fertilizers fell 6% from a month earlier with UAN28 having an average price of $368/ton and UAN32 $417/ton.  The remaining fertilizer to have a noteworthy price drop was MAP. The phosphorus fertilizer fell 5% compared to last month and had an average price of $610/ton.  Three fertilizers were also lower, but these moves were just slight. DAP had average price of $582/ton, potash $560/ton and 10-34-0 $592/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.55/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.66/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

Six fertilizers are a single digit lower in price compared to July 2012. UAN32 is 4% lower; UAN28 is 5% less expensive; anhydrous, DAP and MAP are all 8% lower; and 10-34-0 is down 9% compared to last year.  The remaining two fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 13% while urea is 21% lower.



U.S. crude oil production in July was the highest in more than two decades

U.S. crude oil production in July reached 7.5 million barrels per day.....the highest output for anymonth since 1991.....according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  EIA’s new monthly forecast expects average crude oil production next year will climb to 8.2 million barrels per day....about 800,000 barrels per day higher than this year.  Drilling for oil in tight rock formations is expected to account for most of the growth in U.S. oil production over the next two years.

U.S. gasoline prices expected to be cheaper in the second half of 2013
U.S. retail gasoline prices should be slightly lower during the second half of 2013.  In its new monthly energy forecast, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects regular-grade gasoline will average $3.59 per gallon in the current third quarter and $3.33 in the fourth quarter. Pump prices are expected to fall as crude oil prices begin to decline and the summer driving season winds down. Crude oil accounts for about two-thirds of what drivers pay at the pump.  EIA expects daily gasoline demand to continue to decline this year and next, as improving fuel economy of new vehicles outpaces increases in highway travel.

Diesel prices see slight drop
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel fell slightly to $3.91 a gallon on Monday.  That’s down 6-tenths of a penny from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S.Energy Information Administration.  Regionally, diesel prices were highest in New England at 4.06 a gallon, down half a penny from a week ago, followed closely by the West Coast states at 4.05 a gallon, up 2-tenths of a penny.  Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.84 a gallon, down 4-tenths of a penny.  The Midwest Average came in at $3.878, down 0.8 cents from the prior week, but up 2.7 cents from a year ago. 

U.S. gasoline prices decrease for first time in three weeks
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell for the first time in three weeks to $3.65 a gallon on Monday. That’s down 3.6 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  Pump prices were highest in the West Coast region at 3.93 a gallon, down 2 1/2 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast States at 3.48 a gallon, down 2.9 cents.  The Midwest Average came in at $3.589, up 1.4 cents on week but down 18.3 cents from a year ago. 



Case IH Sponsors Great American Wheat Harvest Documentary Film 

Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC announces CASE IH as a Silver Sponsor for the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film. A global leader in agricultural equipment with headquarters in Racine, Wis., CASE IH validates the diversity of combine colors represented by the wheat harvesting machinery featured in the film with their sponsorship, says Weaver.

“We’re thrilled to have CASE IH on board as we capture the harvesting crews because we see first-hand their constant review of safety and operating procedures,” Weaver says. “We appreciate the leadership role CASE IH and their ProHarvest team take to train its customers.”  Earlier this spring, the filmmaker joined the more than 200 harvesting crews at the CASE IH ProHarvest kickoff in Frederick, Okla., at the Great Plains Technical Center. The kickoff is a combine safety training program for custom harvesting crews.

“Case IH is proud to sponsor the Great American Wheat Harvest because of our long history with many of the custom harvesting crews featured in it,” says Cy Werda, North American Combine Marketing Manager, CASE IH. “Not only are they important customers, their feedback has helped us build the equipment they need to be ready for almost any harvest condition.”

Werda says Case IH is committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment – designed to meet today’s agricultural challenges. 

CASE IH now joins other Great American Wheat Harvest major sponsors including: John Deere, MacDon Industries, U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc., Association of Canadian Custom Harvesters, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, and TMCO/National Manufacturing Company.



The Andersons to Acquire Railcar Repair Network

The Andersons, Inc. announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Mile Rail, LLC, a railcar repair and cleaning provider headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.

"This acquisition enhances and complements The Andersons current railcar repair network by expanding our geographical footprint and business mix," says CEO Mike Anderson. "In addition, Mile Rail has an experienced and talented workforce with a similar commitment to providing extraordinary customer service."

Mile Rail repairs and cleans virtually all types of railcars containing a comprehensive range of non-hazardous, hazardous and food-grade products and wastes from its headquarters in Kansas City and its three satellite locations in Nebraska, Kansas and Indiana. The firm maintains a central Midwest footprint with its mobile units as well.

"The acquisition of Mile Rail will expand our capabilities to include tank car repair, for which there is a need for additional capacity in the industry, and is expected to increase our railcar repair revenue by 25 percent," explains Rasesh Shah, president of The Andersons' Rail Group. "In addition, with the growth of our fleet, as well as the geographic diversity of our customers, it was becoming strategically important for us to add a second, full-service facility centrally located in the U.S."

Glen Schwartz, Mile Rail's President, says, "Joining The Andersons represents a tremendous opportunity for both our clients and employees. I look forward to continued growth while continuing to exceed our customers' expectations."

The acquisition, which remains subject to certain customary closing conditions, is expected to be finalized in the third quarter.