Hall of Agricultural Achievement to Honor Moeller, Taylor
The former assistant vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a longtime food scientist are being honored this year by the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.
Alan Moeller, who retired last year, and Stephen Taylor, known internationally for his food-allergen research, will be honored at NHAA's annual banquet, March 28 in the Nebraska East Union. Reservations for the banquet cost $25 and can be made by contacting Linda Arnold, 402-472-3802, or by email larnold1@unl.edu. The banquet will begin at 6 p.m.
Moeller, a West Point native, was raised on a small, diversified farm. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduation, he worked in several positions related to agriculture before joining the university in 1977.
Moeller served under five of IANR's six vice chancellors. He had a hand in many of the institute's achievements and established many of its business and personnel policies, including the creation of business centers that serve units with specialized teams.
Moeller served as the primary contact person for state senators and other government officials for agriculture, natural resources and related items on behalf of the university for more than 30 years. He also helped secure funding for a number of capital construction projects such as the Beadle Center; Food Industry Complex; Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center; Veterinary Diagnostic Center; greenhouse renovations; several projects on the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture campus including the new Nebraska Agriculture Industry Education Center, student housing, and the expanded Veterinary Teaching Hospital; and several Greater Nebraska projects. Also, he had a major role in the agreement with Iowa State University for a joint Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine.
Moeller's honors include the Public Service to Agriculture Award, Exemplary Service Award by the American Distance Education Consortium, Omtvedt Innovation Award, Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, memberships in the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement and Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, Carl A. Donaldson Award for Excellence in Management, and recognition as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America.
Moeller and his wife, Lana, have two sons, Cameron and Todd, and three grandchildren. Alan is a member of First Lutheran Church in Lincoln.
Since Stephen Taylor joined UNL in 1987, he has been instrumental in educating the commodity agriculture industry, the food industry, regulatory bodies, consumer advocate groups, clinicians and individual consumers on food allergens.
Taylor has dedicated much of his career to research in food safety and toxicology and has become one of the world’s foremost authorities in the areas of sulfite sensitivity and food allergens, publishing well over 2,000 manuscripts on these topics.
During the 1990s, Taylor recognized the need to assist the food industry with better management of food allergens due to the number of packaged food recalls attributed to undeclared allergens. Since there was no federal funding for applied food allergy research in existence at that time and no single food manufacturer could afford to address the issue of food allergens, Taylor organized an industry funded consortium at UNL.
Seven founding industry charter members collectively funded research at UNL to increase the understanding of allergen thresholds, characterization and detection. Under Taylor’s direction, this group has grown to more than 75 member companies. Throughout the world, Taylor and FARRP are recognized as the authority for food allergens, thresholds of concern, how to best manage allergens in a commercial plant and for the development of immunochemical assays.
Taylor’s development of assays has led to the creation of an industry segment that provides commercial test kits for use by the food and regulatory industries worldwide. These test kits are used to protect consumers from inadvertent contamination of a food product and to ensure proper labeling of food.
FARRP also has sponsored several studies to determine the threshold doses for specific allergens to consumers. This work has been conducted in collaboration with many of the leading allergists around the world. The use of population threshold data, along with several additional variables, to quantitatively model the risk of an allergic reaction due to the potential of an undeclared allergen in a food product is the objective.
Steve and his wife, Susan, met as students at the University of California-Davis and have been married for 41 years. They have two children, Amanda Kalina and Andrew Taylor.
The following were named new members of the NHAA:
Lisa Ann Lunz of Wakefield is very active with the production of, and promoting, agriculture. She is active in state and national corn and soybean commodity groups, Farm Bureau, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, Nebraska Agribusiness Club, the Wakefield School Board, Wakefield Community Club and 4-H.
State climatologist Allen Dutcher’s weather outlooks and forecasts are well known to Market Journal, KRVN and other audiences. Nebraska producers and agribusinesses rely on Dutcher in planning their daily operations.
UNL Extension Educator Randy W. Pryor of Wilber is very active with education about conservation tillage, irrigation-saving technology, soil carbon and wind energy. He helped create the Saline County Wind Association, which informs landowners of wind energy rights and opportunities.
Fourth-generation producer Mark Jagels of Davenport farms with his father and lives on the home place, homesteaded in 1885. Jagels’ diversified interests include irrigated yellow and white corn, and soybeans; a cow/calf operation; custom feeding; and a trucking company
Jana K. Kruger of Arlington is president of the Nebraska State Fair Board. Among her major accomplishments is serving on the board when the state fair moved from Lincoln to Grand Island. Kruger is a landscaper, and counts farming and agricultural promotions among her professions.
Todd C. Sneller is administrator of the State of Nebraska Ethanol Board, and principal of Sneller Associates, a consulting partnership. Sneller began working with Nebraska ethanol development through the Nebraska Agricultural Products Industrial Utilization Committee. At the time there were no ethanol plants in Nebraska; today there are 24.
President/owner of T-L Irrigation Leroy W. Thom of Hastings was a Soil Conservation Service supervisor in Scottsbluff, an irrigation and farm boss for Foxley Co. in Montana, then selling hand-moved irrigation systems for Farm Improvement Co. in Hastings. T-L Irrigation Co. today employs more than 300. He was the first to develop the Tractor Towline Sprinkler System, and is the sole manufacturer of the oil-driven Hydrostatic Pivot sold throughout the U.S. and 50 other countries
Francis Jon Holzfaster of Paxton contributes to agriculture and to Western Nebraska by positioning farming and ranching to be innovative, progressive and value-added. A third-generation family farmer, Mr. Holzfaster produces corn, popcorn, alfalfa, wheat, soybeans and edible beans.
Donald H. Beermann is interim associate dean and director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, former director of the Institutional Animal Care Program and head of the Department of Animal Science.
Leading Nebraska groundwater expert James W. Goeke is emeritus professor and research hydrologist, formerly with the Conservation and Survey Division at UNL. Key among his research was gathering data for modeling the unconfined aquifers near the Platte River in the central Platte region, and similar stream-aquifer studies in the Republican River Valley.
Early eco-fallow adopter Paul Schaffert of Indianola farms and owns Schaffert Manufacturing and Sales of innovative planter and drill attachments sold nationally and internationally. Schaffert holds numerous patents on planter attachments, and his innovations have been featured nationally in magazines and in his presentations.
Lifelong farmer and former state senator Wayne W. Ziebarth of Wilco cochaired the appropriations, and water and resources committees. He was principal sponsor of the Nebraska Technical Community College Bill, which brought together State Technical Colleges, Area Technical Colleges and Academic Junior Colleges.
Plan Now for On-Farm Research Projects
Carl and David Sousek farm about 900 acres of corn and soybeans near Prague, Neb. Like most grain producers, experience plays an important role in their operation. But they also have come to rely on the importance of research, especially research on their own farm.
The Souseks are participating with a network of growers in the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN). Research is typically conducted with the producer's equipment, on the producer's land, using the producer's management practices.
Carl Sousek said he liked the idea of tailoring a research project to meet specific questions about practices on our farm and then having access to university extension personnel who possess the expertise needed to plan the project and analyze the results.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension soil fertility specialist Charles Shapiro is part of a team of Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty involved in the on-farm research project. Shapiro noted that on-farm research participants say the research is relevant to their operations. He said, "Combining the strength of University personnel with producers' interests is a cost-effective and practical system to answer "real world" questions."
Tom Hoegemeyer, professor of practice in UNL's Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, and other UNL Extension faculty give guidance to design experiments for scientific and statistical validity, as well as making sure the research can be done with typical ag equipment. He said, "Participants value cooperating with other producers in the network and studying the same questions. This allows comparisons over a range of real environments – giving participants more confidence in the results and conclusions."
NOFRN is sponsored by UNL Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board. The goal of the network is to implement a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.
UNL Extension Educator Keith Glewen has worked with farm operators conducting on-farm research for many years. He said, "The farm operator makes the final decision as to the research topic to be evaluated. We encourage growers to give careful thought as to what production practice may be limiting profitability or could enhance the use of soil and water resources on their farm".
Some of the current research includes irrigation, nitrogen management in corn production, corn population and cover crops.
For more information on the project or how to participate, contact Glewen at 402-624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu, their local Extension office, the Nebraska Corn Board at 402-471-2676 or Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 402-438-6459. The NOFRN website is at: cropwatch.unl.edu/web/farmresearch.
National Ethanol Expert to Speak at the Nebraska Ethanol Board April Meeting
Doug Durante, executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition, will speak on the status of the Renewable Fuel Standard and other biofuel industry challenges at the April 4th
meeting of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. Mr. Durante has spent nearly 35 years working in the areas of biofuel policy and ethanol market development. He worked as a staff member on Capitol Hill and has served as a technical and policy advisor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Clean Fuels Development Coalition is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.
The Ethanol Board meeting agenda also includes a presentation on trends in distillers grain feeding issues by Dr. Galen Erickson of the University of Nebraska and an update on Food Safety Act provisions by a representative of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
Doug Durante will deliver his presentation at the April 4th Nebraska Ethanol Board meeting at 9:15 a.m. The presentations related to distillers grain will follow. The meeting will be held at the Crane Trust Center located near the Alda Exit on Interstate 80. The meeting will commence at 9:00 a.m.
For more information about the 2014 Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum on April 10-11 please visit the Nebraska Ethanol Board web site at: www.ne-ethanol.org.
Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Elects New Officers
The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council recently elected new officers and board members during its annual meeting.
Newly elected officers include Chairman of the Board, Bob Balfany of Lincoln; Vice Chair, Terry Schutte of Lincoln; Secretary, Ron Pavelka of Glenvil; and Treasurer, Rob Robertson of Roca.
Newly elected board members include: Cindi Allen of Ogallala, Bryan Barrett of Gering, Galen Frenzen of Fullerton, and Royce Schaneman of Denton. Re-elected for a second three-year term were Greg Ibach of Sumner and Terry Schutte of Lincoln.
Other board members include: Eric Brown of Lincoln, Jill Brown of Lincoln who serves as the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Liaison Representative, Jarid Childears of North Platte, Jim Farrell of Omaha, Mark Holubek of David City who serves as President of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association, Carol Hudkins of Malcolm, Stephanie Liska of Wayne, Brad Lubben of Eagle, Larry Pearson of Bennington, Leland Poppe of North Platte, William Rhea III of Arlington, and Ray Ward of Kearney.
The Council's president is Terry Hejny, who also serves as the director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.
The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women, currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 34, which will begin in September of 2014, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0763. You may also call 402-472-6810 or email sgerdes2@unl.edu. Applications will be due June 15, 2014.
NCGA, USGC Officers Kick Off Marathon Trade Tour to Colombia, Mexico
This week, officers from the National Corn Growers Association joined with U.S. Grains Council leadership to begin a ten day mission that will promote U.S. corn exports in Colombia and Mexico. Through a series of high-level meetings and on-site visits, the U.S. delegation will explore key trade issues including biotech policy, the outlook for both countries feed industries and the future of trade talks such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Pacific Alliance.
"Corn farmers today are keenly aware of the need to foster all markets, both at home and abroad," said NCGA President Martin Barbre. "By working hand-in-hand with our partners at the Council, we have developed a schedule that will maximize the impact we have as we work cooperatively to expand the market for U.S. corn in these two important trade partners."
While in Colombia, the group will visit Italco Feed Company before a series of meetings with: Agri-BIO; Contegral; Ingredion; National Business Association of Colombia; Solla; U.S. Embassy staff; and Colombian staff for Cargill and Monsanto.
The team will then travel to Mexico where they will meet with officials from members of: the grain traders association APPAMEX; AGROBIO; ANFACA; CONAFAB; Emresas Guadalupe; Ferromex; Gavilon; Industrias Melder; OGM International; Pronua; Scoular; and representatives from Mexico's poultry and swine producers associations. Representatives from the Agricultural Trade Office, Illinois Marketing Office, Iowa Marketing Office, U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Meat Export Federation will join during portions of the agenda. They will also tour the MINSA flour plant and PROAN, the largest poultry and livestock industrial complex in Mexico.
Reinforcing trade ties with Mexico holds special importance as it has been the second largest export market for U.S. corn for several years, importing 876 million bushels total over the last three marketing years. At the same time, the Colombian market holds significant potential as imports of U.S. corn are expected to increase given the continued implementation of the trade agreement with that country.
The delegation from NCGA includes: President Martin Barbre; Chairwoman Pam Johnson; First Vice President Chip Bowling; and CEO Rick Tolman. Grains Council members of the delegation include: Chairman Julius Schaaf; Vice Chairman Rob Gray; Secretary/Treasurer Alan Tiemann (of NE); Past Chairman Don Fast; President and CEO Tom Sleight; Director of Global Programs Kimberly Atkins; Regional Director of Western Hemisphere Kurt Schultz; Director of Mexico Julio Hernandez; Marketing Specialist of Mexico Javier Chavez; and Colombia Consultant Jaime Cuellar.
Rural Mainstreet Economy for March is Still Weak with Declines in Farmland Prices
After moving below growth neutral for February, the Rural Mainstreet economy rose slightly above 50.0, according to the March survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state area.
Overall: The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral, increased to 50.1 from 48.4 in February.
Scott Tweksbury, president of Heartland State Bank in Edgeley, N. D. reported, “Our market had yield reductions due to drought in 2013 and that has had some bearing on local conditions. Livestock producers, cow-calf in particular, are generally enjoying record profits offsetting reductions in crop farming income.”
“The overall index for the Rural Mainstreet Economy indicates that the areas of the nation highly dependent on agriculture and energy experiencing slow, to no growth over recent months. Slight upturns in agriculture commodity prices over the past several months have yet to boost the Rural Mainstreet Economy. We will need to see additional increases in farm commodity prices to push the agriculture based economy back into healthy growth territory such as was experienced in 2012 and early 2013,” said Ernie Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University Heider College of Business.
Nebraska: For a second straight month, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet Index moved below growth neutral. The index improved slightly to 49.5 from February’s 48.8. The farmland-price index for March plummeted to 27.7 from February’s 42.6. Nebraska’s new-hiring index declined to 48.4 from February’s 52.2.
Iowa: The March RMI for Iowa expanded to 49.8 from February’s 48.4. The farmland-price index for March advanced to 37.6 from February’s 36.3. Iowa’s new-hiring index for March rose to 56.3 from 49.1 in February.
Farming and ranching: The farmland and ranchland-price index for March sank to 40.9, its lowest level since March 2009, and down from February’s very weak 41.7. “This is the fourth straight month that the farmland and ranchland-price index has moved below growth neutral,” said Goss.
Farm equipment sales remained below growth neutral for the ninth straight month. The March index sank to a weak 29.3, its lowest reading since May of 2009, and down from 30.9 last month. “Agriculture equipment and implement dealers in the agriculture based areas of the region are experiencing very weak sales to farmers even as farm equipment manufacturers are experiencing positive growth due to healthy sales abroad,” said Goss.
This month bankers were asked the current value of annual cash rents for farmland in their area and how much they expected values to change over the next 12 months. A regional average of $258 per acre was recorded with growth of only 0.6 percent expected over the next 12 months. More than one-third, or 35.8 percent, expect cash rents to decline over the course of the next year. “Last March when we asked this same question, bankers anticipated that cash rents would rise by 9.3 percent over the next year. This is a significant deterioration in the outlook for cash rents from this time last year,” said Goss.
Tweksbury said, “We are seeing renters requesting reductions from landlords but few landlords agreeing. I think little will change for 2014 but if commodity prices remain unchanged then some reductions likely for 2015.”
“With the Federal Reserve continuing to withdraw their economic stimulus, I expect rising interest rates to put even more downward pressures on farmland prices and cash rents,” said Goss.
Banking: The loan-volume index advanced to a robust 65.5 from February’s 50.0. The checking-deposit index expanded to 65.5 from February’s 61.7, while the index for certificates of deposit and other savings instruments was unchanged from February’s 42.5.
This month bankers were also asked to report factors restraining loan demand for their banks. More than one-third, or 34.7 percent, indicated that loan demand was normal and with lending advancing as usual. However, 44.9 percent reported that lack of demand from borrowers was limiting lending. More than 10 percent detailed lending pullbacks due to poor credit quality of applicants. Additionally 10.2 percent of bankers reported that banking regulations were restricting bank loans.
Bryan Grove, CEO of American State Bank in Grygla, Minn., “Strong (farm) profits over the past few years and excellent working capital positions (of farmers) limit operating loan demand from existing customers.”
Furthermore, Grove indicates that his bank has plenty of liquidity but demand is soft and 2014 projections show tighter cash flows for farmers.
Hiring: Rural Mainstreet businesses continue to hire at a solid pace. The March hiring index advanced to 60.0 from 54.3 in February. “While the farm economy slows, businesses on Rural Mainstreet continue to expand their payrolls,” said Goss.
Confidence: The confidence index, which reflects expectations for the economy six months out, fell to 47.3 from last month’s 47.4. “Weaker agriculture commodity prices have not only reduced overall economic activity and farmland prices, they have undermined economic confidence,” said Goss
Home and retail sales: The March home-sales index declined to 51.8 from February’s 53.4. The March retail-sales index rose to 49.2 from 40.1 in February. “Even though the index remained below growth neutral, weather improvements pushed the index higher from February’s poor reading.” said Goss.
Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included. The survey is supported by a grant from Security State Bank in Ansley, Neb.
This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural, agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.
Iowa Lawmakers Looking to Raise State's Corn Checkoff
Legislation that could lead to a future increase in the per-bushel corn check-off if approved in referendum by Iowa corn producers passed the Iowa Senate and is on its way to Gov. Terry Branstad's desk for his consideration. House File 2427 would raise the maximum amount of marketing money authorized to be assessed on each bushel of corn that an Iowa producer sells from the current one-cent level to as much as three cents if approved by producers voting in future special referenda, reports the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
The maximum rate must stay at one cent per bushel through Aug. 31, under the bill. The maximum rate for the next five marketing years - from Sept. 1, 2014, to Aug. 31, 2019 - cannot exceed two cents if approved by corn growers, and the maximum check-off rate is capped at three cents per bushel for all future marketing years beginning Sept. 1, 2019, according to the bill that won Senate approval 46-0. The measure was adopted on a 98-0 vote by the Iowa House on March 4.
Officials with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association say that raising the maximum check-off authorization does not mean that producers will be asked to pledge that amount. The check-off began in 1976 and reached one cent per bushel in 2012.
"It increases their authority but it doesn't mean the check-off is going up," said Sen. Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone. "I'm happy that we've got this where it is today and we can move on."
Kapucian said there are some producers who have concerns, but he was satisfied adequate checks and balances are in place for the legislation to move forward. The Gazette reports that he was pleased lawmakers decided to keep a cap in place and hold it to a maximum of three cents a bushel if that level is approved by Iowa farmers at some future time.
Last fiscal year, the Iowa corn check-off generated more than $17 million.
Iowa Beef Industry Council Elects Officers
Roger Brummett, cow-calf producer from Bedford, was elected chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC). Brummett will lead the group of cattle producers who oversee the $1 per head Beef Checkoff Program in Iowa.
Scott Heater, Wapello, will serve as vice-chairman with Steve Rehder, Hawarden, as secretary and Daryl Strohbehn, Boone, as treasurer. Tom Shipley, cow-calf producer from Nodaway, was seated as a new director on the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC). Elected at the IBIC annual meeting in December, Shipley will serve a three-year term.
Other members serving on the IBIC Executive Committee are Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture; Wendy Wintersteen, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University; and Joe Wright, Knoxville, representing the Iowa Livestock Market Association.
Nine cattle producers appointed to one-year terms include Terri Carstensen, Odebolt; Dan Cook, New Providence; Scott McGregor, Nashua; Butch Neumeyer, Walker; Scott Niess, Osage; Phil Reemstma, DeWitt; Connie Richards, Tingley; Dan Schmitt, Waukon; and Helen Wiese, Manning.
The IBIC administers the Iowa portion of the national beef checkoff. The 2013-2014 Iowa budget will invest about $1.6 million in state and national beef promotion, research, consumer information, and industry information programs. In addition, Iowa forwards approximately $1.6 million to the Cattlemen's Beef Board for national beef promotion programs to market beef domestically and internationally. For more information, contact the Iowa Beef Industry Council, P.O. Box 451, Ames, IA 50010 or call 515-296-2305.
Margin Management Series Continues with 'Big Data'
Farmers have long documented and stored their data to be more efficient on the farm. Just as technology has changed the way we farm, data has become a modern agricultural commodity with the ability to revolutionize agriculture, but it doesn't come without questions and concerns. On April 3 at 1 p.m., Matt Erickson from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) will present a live webinar, "The Power and Pitfalls of Big Data." Erickson will explore what big data is, the challenges and opportunities, data ownership, value, privacy and more.
For years, farmers have used technological advances to better match hybrids and seed varieties with specific field characteristics. Now, several seed, fertilizer, and equipment companies are collecting and monitoring real-time variables on site-specific ground related to planting population, seed hybrid planting, soil topography, fertilizer usage, yield data, and a growing list of other variables to better utilize resources.
"We know that farmers have questions about the emerging field of big data in agriculture and they are seeking insight into the challenges and opportunities, said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. "This webinar will help farmers know questions they should consider about the tradeoffs between privacy, value, security, and return on investment regarding big data.
Participants can access the webinar from their home or farm office by going to www.iowafarmbureau.com, and clicking on the webinar banner shortly before the event. Pre-registration is not required for online viewing. Participants will have the opportunity to text questions to the speaker during the webinar.
For more information, contact Kordick at ekordick@ifbf.org.
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 28 FOR IOWA LOCAL FOOD CONFERENCE
This April 8 at the Ames Quality Inn, farmer Penny Brown Huber will discuss the success of her Marshalltown-based flash-freeze fruit and vegetable packaging plant, Iowa Choice Harvest.
The start-up food processing business was established by a handful of central Iowa farmers in 2013, includes 24 member-owners, and is just one example for attendees at the 2014 Iowa Local Food Conference of how to successfully tap into the local community to grow their business.
To match this year’s conference focus, speakers from various food processing and local foods businesses will share their ideas on how to approach business expansion and opportunities to increase profitability. Conference workshop tracks include food hubs, processing centers and value-added products, and marketing strategies for expanding the customer base.
Early registration for the Iowa Local Food Conference ends on March 28 at: www.leopold.iastate.edu/2014-iowa-local-food-conference.
The conference targets small growers, business owners and food service personnel, in addition to general audience members with an interest in expanding the reach of local food networks in Iowa.
Brown Huber, president of Iowa Choice Harvest, discusses in an interview from earlier this year the important niche their small network of producers and consumers occupies. “It could build a really dynamic local food system for Iowa,” she says, noting that their products allow consumers, even in the peak of winter, to enjoy food produced in their own neighborhood.
The conference will include refreshments and lunch provided by local farmers, including Craig Griffieon. The Ankeny-based farmer is able to grow sweet corn because Iowa Choice Harvest is close enough to his operation that he can flash-freeze his produce within the day of his harvest for sale throughout the year.
The Iowa Local Foods Conference is sponsored by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Local Food and Farm Initiative (LFFI) and the Iowa Food System Working Group of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Keynote speakers include: Lucie Amundsen of the pasture-raised chicken business, Locally Laid; USDA Rural Development State Director, Bill Menner; and Kamyar Enshayan, director of University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education.
Vendors can set up booths at the conference for a fee of $100. Follow the link to find additional conference details, in addition to the schedule and speaker line-up. Contact Lynn Heuss for other information, including some scholarship application options.
Commercial Red Meat Production Down Slightly From Last Year
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.65 billion pounds in February, down 1 percent from the 3.67 billion pounds produced in February 2013.
Beef production, at 1.79 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, down 5 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,330 pounds.
Veal production totaled 8.2 million pounds, 9 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 52,200 head, down 12 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from last year, at 267 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.84 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.67 million head, up 1 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 11.6 million pounds, was up 1 percent from February 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,200 head, 4 percent above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down 4 pounds from February a year ago.
January to February 2014 commercial red meat production was 7.9 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.
By State (million pounds, % of Feb 2013)
Nebraska ...: 510.5 97
Iowa ..........: 535.4 107
Kansas .....: 363.3 92
Soy Paints the Town with the Help of Sherwin-Williams
The Soy Checkoff recently joined with Sherwin-Williams to develop paints made from soybean oil and recycled plastic bottles. This effort will help increase demand for U.S. soybean oil and the profitability of U.S. soybean farmers.
“This partnership is about driving innovation and utilizing a renewable raw material,” says Steve Revnew, vice president of product innovation for Sherwin-Williams. “Soy is an excellent product to use because it’s a renewable resource and can help create an environmentally responsible formulation.”
Domestic use of U.S. soybean oil in industrial applications recently hit a record high of 1.5 billion pounds, or the oil from 122 million bushels of soybeans, in the 2011-12 marketing year. Ten years ago, the industrial market used 736 million pounds of soybean oil, or the oil from 63 million bushels of soybeans.
In addition to paints, soy can be found in many products, including turf, insulation, candles and plastics — it’s the miracle bean. To learn more about products that contain soy, flip through the Soy Products Guide.
The paints won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 Presidential Green Chemistry Award for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 60 percent, making them safer to use.
Recently, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system used for coating solutions issued more stringent requirements. One product that meets the new requirements is Sherwin-Williams ProClassic® Waterbased Acrylic Alkyd Interior Paint, which contains soy.
Sherwin-Williams’ use of soy in coatings is one example of its commitment in leading sustainability efforts through the development of technology that meets or exceeds LEED standards.
These renewable and sustainable attributes continue to expand industrial uses for soy. In addition to recent product developments, the checkoff is currently sponsoring Sherwin-Williams research for the development of new soy-based coatings.
House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Talks 2015 Budget
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack testified last Friday before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department’s 2015 budget. The discussion focused mainly on food—school meals, food stamps and food safety. Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt urged the Secretary to consider temporary waivers for school meal operators who need more time to meet new nutrition rules that have proven to be costly. The Secretary stated that only 10 percent of school meal providers seem to be struggling, a comment that the Chairman did not agree with. The Department is requesting close to $20 billion in discretionary funding, which the subcommittee has control over. USDA also proposes $122.4 billion in mandatory funding in which $104.7 billion of that is spent on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as food stamps. The House will work towards passing the agriculture appropriations bill along with other appropriations sometime this summer.
Revised Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Released by EPA
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard regulation was printed in the Federal Register, starting the official 90 day comment period. In February, EPA posted summary documents on their website outlining proposed updates to the 20 year old regulation regarding pesticide application. Some of the new requirements include mandatory pesticide safety training every year (currently every 5 years), no entry buffer areas of 25-100 feet, posting warning signs around treated areas, mandatory record keeping for two years, and making information regarding pesticide application available to farm workers or their advocates. These proposed changes are the first since the regulation was changed in 1992 and subsequently went into effect in 1995. The full proposal can be viewed at https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-04761. Fact sheets are available on EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html. Comments must be received on or before June 17, 2014.
Ethanol Industry files to take LCFS fight to United States Supreme Court
Following the January decision by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to deny rehearing en banc in the litigation regarding California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy are today petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court for certiorari to make a final determination relating to the constitutionally flawed LCFS.
“California, through adoption of the LCFS, has violated the most basic, structural features of interstate federalism. LCFS not only discriminates against out-of-state commerce, but it seeks to regulate conduct in other States in direct contravention of our constitutional structure and at the direct expense of Midwestern farmers and ethanol producers.”
RFA and Growth Energy moved forward with a Supreme Court challenge after a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a District Court (O’Neill, J.) finding that the California LCFS discriminates against interstate commerce and constitutes extraterritorial regulation in violation of the Commerce Clause. By its own admission, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (“LCFS”) seeks to regulate greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions occurring in other states by rewarding and punishing industrial and agricultural activity taking place outside California. And it bases the size of these rewards and penalties on whether production took place in “California” or in the “Midwest”—systematically favoring California. The Constitution denies states such authority.
Setting the Record Straight on FSIS Inspector Vacancy Rates
Aaron Lavallee, FSIS' Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education
Recently, the New York Times published an article claiming that job vacancies in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are leading to more food recalls. That’s not true. The fact is, vacancies within the agency do not mean there are less inspectors on the job in our nation’s meat plants.
FSIS is legally required to have a sufficient number of inspectors present in every single meat and poultry plant in the country. No plant in America is allowed to operate if it does not have the required number of safety inspectors in the plant at all times, and every plant currently operating in America has the necessary food inspection staff.
The New York Times article was based on misleading and inaccurate information, and to the paper’s credit it ultimately ran at least a partial correction. The article was supposedly based on data from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by an outside group called Food & Water Watch-but Food & Water Watch had not yet received that FOIA report. Yet, they told the Times they had received it, and the Times unfortunately reported faulty information without verification.
The FOIA referenced in the article is actually just being released today. You can view it here. The report will show that, at the end of Fiscal Year 2013, there was a vacancy rate of 7.64% among FSIS’ inspectors. Food & Water Watch claimed, and the New York Times reported, that inspectors in the Raleigh District faced an 11% vacancy rate. In fact, the vacancy rate there is currently 8.27%.
Like all organizations, FSIS has a vacancy rate that fluctuates as inspectors leave work or retire. FSIS is working to fill open positions. FSIS always prioritizes food safety inspection and dedicates significant resources toward ensuring that all plants have the required number of inspectors. Again, if a plant does not have enough inspectors, it is illegal for that plant to operate.
It is irresponsible to attempt to confuse FSIS vacancy rates with plant inspector shortages and then imply that meat and poultry products are less safe as a result. There is no connection between recent recalls and FSIS vacancy rates, and any claims that these issues are linked are false.
Dairy Situation and Outlook
Bob Cropp, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension
Strong dairy product prices resulting in record milk prices continue into 2014. On the CME cheddar barrels were a record $2.32 per pound back on February 5th. But by mid-February the price fell by more than $0.25 to $2.0625 only to resume price increases. Cheddar barrels reached $2.16 per pound the beginning of March and as of March 19th barrels were close to the earlier record at $2.305. The situation is similar for 40-pound cheddar blocks. Cheddar blocks were a record $2.36 on February 4th, fell by more than $0.25 to $2.105 with the price rebounding beginning in March at $2.2275, setting a new record on March 14th at $2.3625 and as of March 19th the price was $2.42. CME butter averaged $1.80 per pound in February and as of March 19th it was $1.905. Dry whey averaged $0.62 per pound in February and will average about $0.64 in March. Nonfat dry milk has been about $2.07 per pound February and March.
The February Class III price was a record $23.35 and will be near that for March. The February Class IV price was a record $23.46 and will be near $23.60 for March. The February average U.S. All Milk Price was a record $24.70 and will average near $25 for March. Compared to March a year ago the Class III price will be about $6.40 higher, the Class IV price $5.85 higher and the average U.S. All Milk Price $5.90 higher.
Good domestic demand for cheese and strong exports of cheese, butter and nonfat dry milk is a major factor for these record prices. Exports of dairy products set a record last year totaling 15.5% of U.S. milk production on a total solids basis. Exports above a year ago continued into January. Compared to January a year ago exports of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder were 22% higher, total cheese had a new record at 46% higher, butterfat 136% higher, and lactose 3% higher. On a total solids basis exports were equivalent to 14.5% of milk production compared to 12.3% a year ago.
Domestic sales and exports have tightened stocks of dairy products. The latest stock report is for January 31st stocks. Compared to a year ago butter stocks were 33% lower, American cheese stocks and total cheese stocks were both 2% lower. Nonfat dry milk stocks were 25% lower and dry whey stocks 8% lower.
Milk production is also a key factor for record prices. With corn prices around $4.50 per bushel compared to near $7 a year ago, and alfalfa hay averaging lower for most parts of the country except for some states like California and Texas margins (returns over feed costs) are very favorable for milk production. But, milk production was flat the last two month of 2013 with milk production for the year up just 0.7% (adjusted for leap year). January’s milk production for the U.S. was up just 1.0% and February’s milk production was up 1.1%. Milk cow numbers which had small increases last December and January did not increase in February resulting in February cow numbers slightly lower than a year ago at a -0.1%. Milk per cow was 1.2% higher than a year ago.
California’s milk production continues to improve after production declining 1.3% last year. Compared to a year earlier California’s milk production was up 4.4% in January and 5.3% in February. California has added milk cows and improved milk per cow. The severe drought is not impacting milk production at this time. With much stronger milk prices and feed cost lower than a year ago except for alfalfa hay California dairy farmers are producing all the milk they can to pay down accumulated debt incurred from the crash in milk prices back in 2009 and high feed prices the fall and winter of 2012/13 from the drought of 2012. Idaho had fewer cows but higher milk per cow resulting in a 2.6% increase in milk production. Milk production was up 2.2% in Arizonian and 3.2% in Texas. Both states had added milk cows and had improved milk per cow. New Mexico however, had 1.4% less milk all due to lower milk per cow. Upper Midwest states continue to have lower milk production. Milk production was down 2.7% in Iowa, 2.3% in Minnesota and 2.0% in Wisconsin. Each of these states had lower milk per cow and except for Wisconsin had fewer milk cows. Milk production was up just 0.2% In New York and down 0.2% in Pennsylvania and 3.7% in Ohio. Cow numbers were lower in Pennsylvania and Ohio and milk per cow was lower in New York and Ohio. Of the 23 reporting states 8 had fewer milk cows, 10 had less milk per cow and 7 had less total milk production.
Normally with the level of milk prices and favorable margins we would expect to see milk production increase as producers add milk cow numbers and feed for higher milk per cow. But, many producers are still recovering financially from the very depressed milk prices experienced in 2009 followed by the widespread drought the summer of 2012 pushing up feed prices from the fall of 2012 through the first half of 2013. So rather than expansions of dairy operations some producers are paying off accumulated debt. Also dairy producers may be more cautious on expansions recognizing the milk prices will not stay at record levels for ever and feed costs can increase again. Also last year a wet spring followed later by drought conditions in much of the Midwest reduced the quantity and quality of forages which appear to now be impacting milk per cow. The extreme cold this winter may also have added to some herd health issues.
But, as we move through the year we can expect milk production to pick up as milk cow numbers increase and milk per cow improves. Despite rather high slaughter cow prices dairy cow slaughter thus far this year has been 9% below a year ago. With favorable margins lower producing cows that normally would be culled are still profitable to milk. Milk production is also improving in the major exporting countries of the EU-28, New Zealand, and Argentina with Australia the exception. So more dairy products will be available for export. But, with current world stocks of dairy products rather tight and world demand remains strong led by China it will take some time to rebuild stocks. U.S. exports may slow the last half of the year but yet total 13% to 14% of U.S. milk production on a total solids basis for the year.
So we can expect milk prices to average lower for the second half of the year, but no sharp decline in milk prices is anticipated. The Class III price which now is over $23 is likely to be in the $20 to $19 range by early summer and end the year near $18. If this holds the Class III price for the year will average well over $19 compared the average of $17.99 last year. The U.S. All Milk Price will average over $21 compared to $20.01 last year. Current Class III futures are at levels that would support prices even a little higher than this.
Ukraine Unrest Gets Too Much Credit for Higher Wheat Prices
Casey Chumrau, U.S. Wheat Market Analyst
Regular readers of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Weekly Price Report have seen a month-long uptick in wheat futures prices. Each week, many headlines pointed to political instability in Ukraine as a key factor in the run-up. There is little doubt that the market was factoring in some concern over the political situation in a country that captured 6 percent of the world wheat market in 2013/14. But the primary fuel for a 15 percent increase in the Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT) May hard red winter (HRW) wheat contract in just 13 trading days include real fears about droughts around the globe, potential freeze damage in the southern U.S. plains and position changes by the big index funds.
USW believes speculation and uncertainty are driving the market reaction about Ukraine. The facts seem to tell the story — at least for now.
All signs still point to normal export operations in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry released its monthly export report on March 19 showing no indication that grain shipments suffered in the last four weeks. Moreover, journalists from Ukraine report regular operations at export terminals on Ukraine’s mainland and the Crimean peninsula. The Ministry reported exports of 108,500 metric tons in March, bringing total exports since July to 7.49 million metric tons (MMT). Wheat export volume from Ukraine is typically lower this time of year as old crop supplies diminish. Adding in June 2013 exports of 129,000 MT reported by the Global Trade Atlas, Ukraine has already shipped more than 76 percent of the 10.0 MMT total USDA expects the country to export in 2013/14 (June-May). It is also important to note that a large percentage of Ukraine’s wheat exports are destined for feed use.
The location of Ukrainian ports puts grain logistics relatively far away from the current political situation. The Ukrainian agriculture ministry recently reported that grain from Crimea only account for about 7 percent of Ukraine’s total grain exports. That number was even lower in February, when grain exports through Crimean ports were just 3.6 percent of the total. Furthermore, the country’s biggest grain port of Odessa is about 180 km (112 miles) from the Crimea region, while the other major ports, Yuzhniy and Nikolaev, are more than 145 km (90 miles) away. The agriculture ministry also reported that other ports have more than enough capacity to handle shipment diversions from Crimea if necessary.
The political turmoil has not hindered old crop wheat sales so far and should not significantly disrupt or decrease 2014 new crop production. Financial fallout from the crisis could make spring planting difficult, but that represents only 5 percent of Ukraine’s crop, on average, so the majority of the crop will be ready for harvest in June or July. Crimea is not a major wheat-producing region so any lost planted area there would have little impact on global supplies.
There have been some reports that traders and customers are hesitant to enter into new contracts for Ukrainian wheat given the political and financial uncertainty. If it persists, a perception of higher risk could affect the global supply and demand balance, particularly into the 2014/15 marketing year. Global supplies are already tight due to record-breaking consumption four of the past six years. As it is in the United States, the real concern for the new wheat crop in Ukraine and southern Russia is drought.
Once more, we are reminded that in the world wheat market, precipitation is always more important than politics.
Regardless of what happens, the U.S. wheat store is always open. U.S. wheat farmers have always produced enough wheat to supply the domestic market and still make half their crop available to the world and the U.S. wheat supply chain is always ready to help customers with both planned and unforeseen demands.
Wheat is Moving More Efficiently in the United States
Shawn Campbell, U.S. Wheat Assistant Director
While logistical problems continue to hurt farmers and delay grain movement to export facilities in Canada, similar challenges in the United States appear less disruptive as U.S. railroads have more flexibility to respond to market demand. And that is helping build confidence that the United States remains the most reliable wheat supplier in the world.
Canadian farmers produced record wheat and canola crops in 2013/14. But after seeing their highest monthly grain exports in 10 years in October and November, they began seeing the backlog all but dry up the cash market for old crop grain. The situation has not improved in March at a time when many farmers need to sell grain to help finance new crop inputs.
According to the Western Grain Elevator Association, early this month 53 vessels were waiting to load at British Columbia’s Vancouver and Prince Rupert ports. Additionally, 60,000 railcars, representing a volume of 5.4 MMT of grain, are behind schedule to be loaded, adding to an already difficult situation with some of the harshest winter weather in recent memory. For example, trains have had to haul fewer cars and run slower because temperatures repeatedly plummeted below -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit).
Under this stress, grain companies and farmers see fault with the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railroads. For their part, the railroads claim they are hauling more grain than ever before and attribute problems to elevator inefficiencies, bad weather and the record Canadian grain crop.
On March 7, the Canadian government had its say by ordering the railroads to jointly increase grain movements within four weeks or face significant fines. The railways say they will most likely be unable to reach that goal until the Lake Superior port of Thunder Bay opens again for grain exports, possibly by early April. Until then, rail shipments to eastern export terminals have to make a much longer journey, limiting railcar movements and locomotive availability. For similar reasons, the railroads have already limited grain shipments to the United States. This has roiled the North American oat market but may have limited movement of wheat south across the border. While the Canadian government’s goal may be achievable, many analysts wonder if it would negatively affect service for other rail-dependent industries.
As Canada faces its challenges, the movement of grain across the northern United States to export terminals in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is dealing with similar issues. Large crop volume, strong overseas demand, competition with other commodities and increased export capacity combined to create a shortage of railcars and locomotives. Yet the United States is generally moving grain more efficiently. For example, grain railcar deliveries to the PNW set decade highs from October through January and PNW grain export volume remains close to its November peak.
Much of this performance can be attributed to a less regulated U.S. rail system. U.S. railroads offer more flexible forward contracting for grain railcar orders compared to their Canadian counterparts. Grain companies in the United States may also buy and sell these forward contracts with each other in a secondary market that increases the overall system efficiency. Therefore, while U.S. grain companies may have to pay a premium, they can still guarantee on-time delivery when needed.
Some U.S. rail carriers also recently announced major new investments to deal with this year’s backlogs and help minimize similar problems in the future. For example, BNSF, the largest rail carrier in the northern U.S. states, announced in February a $5 billion capital investment for 2014, including 500 new locomotives.
The latest estimates by the BNSF predict that rail delays in the United States likely will clear up by June. In comparison, estimates by the Canadian National Railway project that that the rail backlog in Canada may not be fully fixed until 2015.
USDA Announces Growth of U.S. Organic Industry and Additional USDA Support Available with New Farm Bill
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new figures today that show the organic industry continues to grow domestically and globally, with over 25,000 certified organic operations in more than 120 different countries around the world.
Through the Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program, USDA has helped an additional 763 producers become certified organic in just 2013, an increase of 4.2 percent from the previous year. The industry today encompasses a record breaking 18,513 certified organic farms and businesses in the United States alone, representing a 245 percent increase since 2002. The 2013 list of certified USDA organic operations shows an increased rate of domestic growth within the industry, resuming previous trends.
"Consumer demand for organic products has grown exponentially over the past decade. With retail sales valued at $35 billion last year, the organic industry represents a tremendous economic opportunity for farmers, ranchers and rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "New support in the 2014 Farm Bill will enhance USDA's efforts to help producers and small business tap into this market and support organic agriculture as it continues to grow and thrive."
USDA has a number of new and expanded efforts to connect organic farmers and businesses with resources that will ensure the continued growth of the organic industry domestically and abroad. During this Administration, USDA has signed three major trade agreements on organic products, first with Canada and then with the European Union and Japan. Our trading partners are eager to establish organic equivalency arrangements with the U.S. because they recognize the strength of the National Organic Program and the value of the USDA organic label.
USDA is also helping organic stakeholders access programs that support conservation, provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research and education, and mitigate pest emergencies. Funds are currently available for research projects under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative to solve critical organic agriculture issues, priorities, or problems. The program also funds research projects to enhance the ability of organic producers and processors to grow and market their products. Additional information is available online, and request for proposals are due by May 8, 2014.
Additionally, the recently-signed 2014 Farm Bill includes provisions that are a greater support to the organic community, including:
- $20 million annually for dedicated organic research, agricultural extension programs, and education. The Cooperative Extension System is a nationwide, non-credit educational network. Every U.S. state and territory has a state office at its land-grant university and a network of local or regional offices staffed by experts that provide useful, practical, and research-based information.
- $5 million to fund data collection on organic agriculture that will give policymakers, organic farmers, and organic businesses data needed to make sound policy, business, and marketing decisions
- Expanded options for organic crop insurance to protect farmers
- Expanded exemptions for organic producers who are paying into commodity "check off" programs, and authority for USDA to consider an application for the organic sector to establish its own check off
- Improved enforcement authority for the National Organic Program to conduct investigations
- $5 million for a technology upgrade of the National Organic Program to provide up-to-date information about certified organic operations across the supply chain
- $11.5 million annually for certification cost-share assistance, which reimburses the costs of annual certification for organic farmers and livestock producers by covering 75 percent of certification costs, up to $750 per year
Additional information about USDA resources and support for the organic sector is available on the USDA Organics Resource page.
New Holland Agriculture Sponsors Great American Wheat Harvest Documentary Film
Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC announces New Holland Agriculture as a Silver Sponsor for the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film.
With a history of innovated agricultural equipment, Weaver says New Holland products are represented in the documentary by two harvesting crews from the United States and Canada.
The Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking of Manley, Nebr., and the L. Petersen Farms of Hodgeville, Saskatchewan, both run New Holland combines on the wheat harvest route from Texas and Canada. The Great American Wheat Harvest follows three other farm equipment crews and kicks off its national premiere screening at the 2014 National Ag Day on March 25 in Washington, D.C.
“We appreciate the New Holland sponsorship and the collaboration of all our sponsors who have made our national premiere screening possible,” Weaver says.
New Holland is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a world leader in Capital Goods. With North American headquarters in New Holland, Pa., and more than 1,000 dealers throughout the United States and Canada, New Holland sells and services a full line of tractors, harvesting, crop production, and hay and forage equipment, as well as skid steers and compact construction equipment.
“We’re pleased New Holland, and two of our customers, have the privilege of playing a role in this important documentary. As an advocate for agriculture, we feel this film is a smart way to connect consumers with the people who harvest a crop that feeds the world,” says New Holland Vice President Abe Hughes.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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