United States Cattle on Feed Down 3 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.4 million head on July 1, 2013. The inventory was 3 percent below July 1, 2012. The inventory included 6.53 million steers and steer calves, down 3 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 63 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.78 million head, down 4 percent from 2012.
Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.59 million, 5 percent below 2012. Net placements were 1.52 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 315,000, 600-699 pounds were 232,000, 700-799 pounds were 415,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 625,000.
Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.90 million, 4 percent below 2012. Marketings for the month of June are the lowest since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 63,000 during June, 5 percent below 2012.
State - On Feed - Placements - Marketings
CO - 920 -5% - 120 -4% - 150 -12%
IA - 580 -6% - 47 -23% - 75 -3%
KS - 2010 -2% - 355 -9% - 395 -5%
NE - 2180 -4% - 350 -9% - 480 +3%
TX - 2560 -4% - 425 +1% - 480 -4%
(1,000 head, % change from last year)
June Milk Production up 1.6 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during June totaled 15.8 billion pounds, up 1.6 percent from June 2012. May revised production at 16.6 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from May 2012. The May revision represented an increase of 47 million pounds or 0.3 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.
April - June Milk Production up 0.9 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the second quarter of 2013 totaled 52.0 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from the April - June quarter last year.
State Production 2nd Quarter 2013
Nebraska ...: 299,000,000 pounds, down 0.3% from same quarter 2012
Iowa ..........: 1,165,000,000 pounds, up 3.6% from same quarter 2012
Ethanol in Texas?
Kim Clark, Director of Biofuels Development, NE Corn Board
Nebraska is the second largest ethanol producer of ethanol in the nation and Texas….well they are a large oil refiner so why would corn states take an ethanol trip to Texas? That is what I was asking myself when the idea came about.
Planning for the trip began about 4 months ago with the objectives:
- Understand imports and exports of ethanol and distillers grains
- Understand transportation logistics of rail and barge facilities
- Broaden consumer education and outreach of ethanol
The tours and visits planned during the tour were with Valero, BioUrja, Oiltanking, Magellan, Cargill, and the Port of Houston. The agenda was jam packed with visits but nonetheless this past week 16 corn growers and staff members from Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Texas participated on the trip.
Some of the interesting take-home points from the trip were:
· Valero would like to see the RFS amended to meet the actual cellulosic production and the ethanol requirements to meet gas demand since gasoline demand is decreasing.
· BioUrja buys ethanol from ethanol plants, Oiltanking stores ethanol they receive on railcars or imported on ships, and Magellan transports ethanol and other fuels via pipeline and trucks. None of these companies are impacted by the RFS; therefore, they are indifferent to what happens.
· At the Cargill facilities in Houston they mostly export wheat; however some corn and distillers grains leave their facilities
· Ethanol cannot be transported through pipelines so it has to be trucked in to facilities for usage or put into railcars and transported to export facilities such as the Port of Houston or Oiltanking for storage until it is picked up
· The Port of Houston is the #1 port in North America for petroleum. Food and drink followed by Machinery and appliances are the number one and two most imported commodities. Resins and plastics followed by chemicals and minerals are the top two most exported commodities.
Overall we heard from everyone that ethanol is a cleaner, safer product and they prefer to handle it over other fuel and liquid products. We need to continue to fight for the RFS because it is working: it is reducing our dependency on imported oil, creating jobs, increasing national security and more.
Petroleum Industry is Misleading Congress and Consumers about RFS and Ethanol
“Recent attacks on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by the American Petroleum Institute (API) are misleading the United States Congress and American consumers,” said Gale Lush, Chairman of the American Corn Growers Foundation (ACGF), a corn, soybean and wheat farmer from Wilcox, Nebraska. “Considering that the fossil fuel industry has had one hundred years of various forms of government support and subsidies including tax credits through which they avoid paying federal taxes, it’s about the same as oil companies getting the equivalent of checks from the federal government and U.S. taxpayers, just in a little different form. Government support, combined with their dominance of motor fuels has amounted to a “mandate” and a captive market for their product, namely gasoline. The API’s call for the elimination of the RFS for ethanol is duplicitous at best and shows a selfish disregard for the best interests of the U.S. economy, U.S. consumers and U.S. energy security given that ethanol keeps gas prices $1.09 per gallon less at the pump than those prices otherwise would be without ethanol in the gasoline pipeline, according to a recent study by Iowa State University. It appears the petroleum industry wants to seize back monopoly market power which could result in a 100 percent oil industry monopoly “mandate” in the U.S. gasoline market if they could replace clean burning, environmentally-friendly ethanol with strictly gasoline, including all its carcinogens such as benzene.”
Lush added that the July 2013 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supply and demand report shows a near record number of acres planted to corn and near record 2013 corn production projected at about 14 billion bushels, plenty of corn for feed and fuel. Average corn prices are projected to drop by about $2.00 per bushel for the 2013/2014 marketing year.
“The API and big agribusiness livestock trade groups are trying to mislead the public and Congress with their spin that corn use for ethanol is a question of corn for fuel versus corn for food but that is disingenuous given the realities of the actual share of yellow field corn that traditionally goes to cereals and other products. According to USDA only 210 million bushels of corn is used in the category of ‘Cereals and other products’, 270 million bushels goes for ‘Glucose and dextrose’, 250 million bushels goes for ‘Starch’, and 505 million bushels goes for ‘High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS),” said Lush. “Furthermore, USDA projects that total U.S. red meat and poultry production in 2013 will be over 93 billion pounds with per capita U.S. consumption rising from 202.2 pounds in 2012 to 204.8 pounds in 2014. Obviously, there is no shortage of either corn or meat in the U.S. marketplace, so the API and those other anti-ethanol trade groups should knock off their misinformation campaign and back off their attempts at trying to get Congress to repeal the RFS.”
“Only the starch from the corn kernel goes toward producing ethanol,” said Lush. “The minerals, protein, oil, wet or dried distillers grain (DDGS) still goes right into the livestock feeding sector to produce meat for U.S. consumers while each bushel of corn simultaneously provides consumers nearly three gallons of ethanol that is blended with gasoline, keeping gasoline prices about $1.09 per gallon less at the gas pump, a major economic benefit for U.S. consumers and motorists. It appears that the petroleum industry wants to dominate government policy to have monopoly power in the gasoline market, and history shows just how much they are able to gouge consumers without fuel supply competition from ethanol.”
“For many years, as a landowner and farmer I have cooperated with the fossil fuel industry, by allowing them to use my production platform (my farmland) for multiple pipelines, so oil and gas companies can deliver their products (petroleum and natural gas) to the market,” said Lush. “Why shouldn’t I expect the petroleum industry to extend me the same courtesy and cooperation by allowing my product (corn ethanol) to be delivered through their marketing platform (gasoline outlets and stations) to American motorists and consumers? Farmers and the ethanol industry are providing a valuable, high quality product to consumers while enhancing U.S. energy security. With ethanol plants widely dispersed across the U.S. Middle West foreign wars in the Middle East and elsewhere do not jeopardize that part of our domestic fuel supply. This is not about an either or situation of corn for food or for fuel because prior to ethanol use yellow field corn was primarily used for livestock feed, not human consumption. The valuable feed corn components still are going into the livestock feeding industry that provides an abundance of food to consumers in the U.S. and around the world. It’s high time for the petroleum industry to become our American ally and marketing partner instead of our opponent.”
Branstad to Lead Trade and Investment Mission to India
In an effort to strengthen Iowa's trade and investment relationship with one of the world's fastest growing economies, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced that he will lead a delegation of business leaders on a six-day trade and investment mission to India Sept. 10-16. The announcement was made today during a webinar on opportunities and challenges in entering the Indian market that featured the governor and U.S. Ambassador to India, Nancy J. Powell, a native of Cedar Falls.
"India's economy has transformed in the last couple of decades and is forecasted to be one of the world's largest economies in coming years," said Gov. Branstad. "With India's tremendous growth and a burgeoning young and career-oriented middle class, it is an excellent opportunity to promote Iowa as a U.S. headquarters for Indian companies, particularly those in biotech, information solutions and advanced manufacturing, and also open new trade doors for Iowa small and mid-sized businesses."
The trade mission is being organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), with support from various organizations including the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Iowa mission delegates will visit Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, the country's major business and industry centers.
As part of the mission, the Governor, IEDA director Debi Durham and delegation will meet with potential investment and trade partners and government leaders in each of the cities.
While the itinerary is still being developed, Gov. Branstad is also scheduled to meet with business leaders who have expressed an interest in establishing an Iowa location and representatives from existing industry. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs and attend daily briefings on doing business in India. Prior to joining the mission in Mumbai, Branstad will make a brief stop in New Delhi to attend a luncheon hosted by the U.S. Embassy.
The IEDA works to stimulate foreign direct investment in the state, offers export assistance for small and mid-sized Iowa companies and coordinates international trade and investment missions and trade show opportunities for Iowa companies. Iowa companies interested in participating in the trade mission can contact Victoria Nwasike at victoria.nwasike@iowa.gov.
For more information on resources available to Iowa businesses that want to market their products or services globally, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com.
Budgets, Ag Appropriations Bills Still Stalled in Congress
The prospects for a continuing resolution appear to be increasing with just two weeks until August recess and impasses on both a budget resolution and appropriations bills, including the agriculture measure. Both chambers have passed budgets, but a conference committee has yet to be established and may never be for political reasons (a prospect that also concerns farm bill-watchers awaiting a conference for that legislation). An agriculture appropriations bill, which provides funding for USDA and other agencies, has still not been considered on the floor of either chamber, though both appropriations committees passed their versions in June. The ag appropriations bill provides funding for many important programs to the wheat industry, including the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, research programs including the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, and food aid.
Wheat Foods Council Elects Officers
Erica Olson, a marketing specialist with the North Dakota Wheat Commission (NDWC), Mandan, ND, is the 2013-14 chair of the Wheat Foods Council (WFC). Olson started working with the NDWC in 2006, handling promotion activities for foreign buyers including trade team arrangements, providing quality and supply and demand information to customers, statistical and market analysis and marketing information to producers, and assisting with communication efforts. She grew up on a family farm near Mohall, ND and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural economics.
“Erica will be a great leader for the Wheat Foods Council and her strong marketing background will be an important asset in the coming year,” said WFC President Judi Adams. “The Council will be continuing our focus on the dietitian community, while also expanding to incorporate extension agents and consumer affairs representatives in our public relations outreach.”
Other officers are:
Vice Chair - Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat Commission
Falk is a Nutrition Educator for Kansas Wheat. She began in 1985 as a volunteer “Speak for Wheat” spokesperson and part-time nutritionist (1989 -1994). Falk is responsible for domestic marketing and nutrition education where she enjoys developing the annual Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe booklet, providing educational programs, and supervising more than two dozen “Speak for Wheat” volunteer spokespersons. She is currently Chair of the National Festival of Breads. Since 1993, she has served on the WFC Executive Board of Directors and was chairperson in 2002-2003. She earned a B.S. in Human Ecology from Kansas State University.
Secretary/Treasurer Don Brown, Vice President of Sales, ConAgra Mills
Don has been with ConAgra Foods, Inc. since 1982, starting as a feed ingredient merchandiser and has subsequently held several leadership positions in ConAgra Foods’ trading and processing businesses. Don started his career in the grain industry as a grain merchant for Coast Trading Company at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Brown is a member of multiple industry associations including North American Millers Association (NAMA), American Bakers Association (ABA), and National Association of Flour Distributors (NAFD) and was a founding trustee of the Grain Foods Foundation (GFF). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an MBA in Management from Minnesota State University.
Immediate Past Chair - Brent Robertson, Nebraska Wheat Board
Robertson and his wife Amy raise irrigated and dry land wheat and corn. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a B.S. in diversified agricultural and minors in agricultural economics, animal science, and mechanized systems management. Brent is a member of the NE Wheat Growers Association and Nebraska Farm Bureau.
2013 Sorghum Checkoff Request for Proposals
The Sorghum Checkoff has released request for proposals for its three key program areas: crop improvement, high value markets and renewables. The goal of the RFP is to further enhance the opportunities for sorghum producers through specific projects and/or education that will increase productivity and/or demand. Proposals are due by 8:00am (CST) on Monday, August 5, 2013. For more information, visit www.SorghumCheckoff.com.
Kansas Farm Bureau Joins USGC
Please join the U.S. Grains Council in welcoming its newest member, Kansas Farm Bureau. Kansa Farm Bureau represents grassroots agriculture. Established in 1919, this non-profit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry. Their mission is "to serve Farm Bureau members in Kansas through programs, products and services which enhance the business and profession of farming, increase members' net income, provide superior value in marketplace and improve the quality of life in Kansas." They accomplish this for almost 40 thousand members, through programs, events and advocacy aimed at leadership development, agricultural education, legal defense, environmental advocacy, farm safety, risk management, rural development and international trade.
USGC Cairo Office Update
The situation in Egypt remains unsettled, and the U.S. Grains Council's first priority is ensuring the safety of our staff. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo was closed on Sunday, July 14 (a work day in Egypt) and reopened on Monday, July 15. The Embassy currently has posted a security message to U.S. citizens warning of possible demonstrations on Friday, July 19. The Council's Cairo office was closed Monday but opened Tuesday and Wednesday. The staff will make a day-to-day decision on whether the streets are quiet enough for safe travel between home and office.
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
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Thursday July 18 Ag News
Rural Mainstreet Economy Grows: Bankers Say Farm Bill Passage Important
While growth for the Rural Mainstreet economy remains healthy, it slowed a bit in July, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state area. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral, slipped to 57.3 from June’s 60.5, but was well ahead of last July’s 47.3.
“Last year at this time, the drought was having a significant negative impact on the Rural Mainstreet economy. This year, ample moisture has boosted the rural economy and the banker’s economic outlook,” said Ernie Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University.
Additionally, energy production has taken on an increasingly important role for the rural economy. As reported by Jim Stanosheck, CEO of State Bank of Odell in Odell, Neb., “The area has about 45 wind generators being built in the next six months. This activity should spur the rural economy for next six to seven months.”
Farming: The farmland-price index declined for the seventh time in eight months. The July index fell to 58.2 from June’s 58.4. “Our farmland-price index has been above growth neutral since February 2010. However, lower farm commodity prices and expected declines in farm income are slowing growth in farmland prices. I expect farmland price growth to continue to weaken as a stronger U.S. dollar weighs on agriculture commodity prices,” said Goss.
This month bankers were asked to project farm income for 2013. On average, bankers expect farm income to be down by 3 percent from 2012. Approximately 59.6 percent of bank CEOs expect farm income to be down from 2012, while only 19.5 percent anticipate an increase in farm income and the remaining 20.9 percent expected no change.
Farm equipment sales also softened for July, with an index of 50.0, down from June’s 53.2. “Farmers are getting increasingly cautious regarding economic conditions. This has been reflected in declines in our equipment-sales index and in the stock prices of agriculture equipment producers,” reported Goss.
Iowa:
The July RMI for Iowa expanded slightly to 62.3 from June’s 62.2. The farmland-price advanced to 54.6 from 49.6 in June. Iowa’s new-hiring index for July improved to 58.0 from June’s 55.3. As reported by Steven Lane, CEO of Security Savings Bank in Farnhamville, “Most of the crops in our area were planted late. It’s now up to mother nature to see if it amounts to much.”
Nebraska:
After moving below growth neutral for January, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet index has now moved above growth neutral for six straight months. The July RMI climbed to 58.0 from 56.5 in June. The farmland-price index for July fell to 48.5 from June’s 59.2. Nebraska’s new-hiring index stood at 53.9, down slightly from June’s 53.7. Weather remains a problem for some parts of the state. According to Bill McQuillan, president of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, “Pasture conditions continue to deteriorate because of the lack of moisture in the last 30 days.”
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.
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, president of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, Neb., created the monthly economic survey in 2005.
Leading Landowner Conservationists to Gather for National Symposium
Farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. will gather in Lincoln, Neb., July 25-26, to discuss solutions to critical land, water and wildlife environmental issues that could be voluntarily addressed by motivated landowners.
"Innovations of the Land: Private Conservation for the Public Good," is presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Land Trust and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Center for Grassland Studies.
Because the majority of the land in the United States is privately owned, America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters are critical to the health of our natural resources. To exchange ideas about agriculture and the environment, dozens of Leopold Conservation Award-winning landowner conservationists will gather to address successful and emerging voluntary practices that are economically beneficial, public private partnerships that protect and enhance natural resources, and other matters important to the agricultural community and the general public.
“Bringing some of the leading minds in private lands conservation together will help identify innovative solutions to environmental challenges whole communities face today,” said Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Participants will carry this information beyond the symposium to families across the nation who work the land and to their rural and urban neighbors.”
"Cattlemen are original stewards of the environment," said Dale Spencer, Nebraska Cattlemen President. "It has always been in producers' best interest to be conservationists. We need to preserve the land for future generations and this event will be a great opportunity for participants to come together and discuss ways to keep the lands thriving for generations to come."
The event, part of Sand County Foundation's Workshops and Seminars series, will be held at The Embassy Suites – Lincoln, 1040 P Street, Lincoln, Neb. A day-long symposium, Thursday, July 25, features Nebraska Lt. Governor Lavon Heidemann, and will conclude with a dinner featuring conservation photographer and Nebraska native Michael Forsberg. A bus tour, Friday, July 26, will take participants to the Rainwater Basin Wetland Complex to highlight the Working Lands Initiative.
Sponsors of the “Innovations on the Land” symposium include Cargill, DuPont Pioneer, Farm Credit, Nebraska Environmental Trust, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and World Wildlife Fund.
Iowa Learning Farms Hosts Cover Crop Field Day Near Weldon
Iowa Learning Farms will host a field day at the Arlyn Kauffman farm near Weldon, Iowa, on Thursday, Aug. 1, beginning at 5 p.m. The field day will focus on cover crop management and conservation farming practices for southwestern Iowa soils.
he event includes a farm tour and discussion time with David Otte, cover crop expert from Kahoka, Mo. Otte will talk about managing cover crops and conduct a question and answer session. Sarah Carlson, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff Lori Schwalbe will review cost-share opportunities for cover crop usage.
Attendees are asked to meet at the field located at 25705 120th St., Weldon, to begin the farm tour. From Weldon, take R48 (250th Avenue) south out of town two miles to 120th Street. Turn left (east) and travel .75 mile to the field site.
The field day includes a complimentary evening meal immediately after the farm tour. The meal will be at the Kauffman structures, 25186 Popcorn Road (J22), located one mile south of the field site. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa are sponsors for the field day.
Wholesale Meat Prices
John D. Anderson, Deputy Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
Wholesale beef prices have been generally lower over the past month. The comprehensive boxed beef cutout value (a weekly average value which aggregates wholesale prices across quality grades and branding programs) peaked at just over $200/cwt in the week prior to Memorial Day. Since that time, it has declined more-or-less steadily to its current level: $192.22 last week. Wholesale pork prices rose steadily - even sharply at times - until the end of June. The pork cutout has dropped about $7 in value so far this month, working out to $103.16/cwt last week. Wholesale chicken prices have been on the slide for about as long as beef. After topping out at 203.53 cents/lb just before Memorial Day, boneless/skinless chicken breast prices dropped to 180.75 two weeks ago before rebounding to 182.61 last week.
A big part of the decline in meat prices is related to seasonal factors. Aggressive purchasing by retailers in advance of the Memorial Day holiday likely helped pump up beef prices, and prices declined when that buying pressure subsided. This year, pork and chicken prices peaked at about the same time they did last year - though for chicken, the peak was at a price point far above last year's levels in the mid-150s.
It is interesting to dig a little deeper into the seasonality of prices by looking at individual primals within the cutout. Since the late-May peak, among the cutout components the largest decline has been on the loin primal. Its price has declined by almost 9%. Over the past decade, the loin primal (on the comprehensive cutout) has peaked around week 17 (late-April/early-May) and then declined steadily to about week 40 (early-October). This year's peak came about a month later than that average, but the decline so far has been consistent with normal seasonal behavior for the loin. As for the other major primals, rib, chuck, and round prices have declined by 1.5%, 3.2%, and 3.6%, respectively, since the late-May peak. These trends are broadly consistent with normal seasonal behavior. What has been somewhat counter-seasonal has been the behavior of the brisket, short plate, and flank primals. In contrast to the major middle and end meat primals, these have all increased in value over the past month. Brisket, short plate, and flank prices have increased by 3.5%, 1.3%, and 7.7% since the week prior to Memorial Day. Were these prices steady-to-declining as would be more normal seasonally, the boxed beef cutout would have dropped even more than it has over the last month and a half.
USDA Releases Report on the Adoption of GE Seeds
U.S. farmers have embraced genetically engineered seeds in the more than 15 years since their commercial introduction. Herbicide-tolerant crops, developed to survive application of specific herbicides that previously would have destroyed the crop along with the targeted weeds, provide farmers with a broader variety of options for effective weed control.
Based on USDA survey data, HT-only corn dropped from 21 percent of planted corn acreage in 2012 to 14 percent in 2013. Insect-resistant crops contain a gene from the soil bacterium Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) that produces a protein that is toxic to specific insects, protecting the plant over its entire life.
Use of Bt-only corn dropped from around 16 percent of planted corn acreage in recent years to 5 percent in 2013.
Adoption of "stacked" gene corn varieties (with both HT and Bt traits), though, increased sharply in 2013, reaching 71 percent of planted corn acres (up from 52 percent in 2012).
Adoption of all GE corn, taking into account the acreage with either or both HT and Bt traits, reached 90 percent of U.S. corn acreage in 2013.
DuPont and National Corn Growers Launch Program to Empower Farmers as Leaders
DuPont and the National Corn Growers Association announced a new program today to develop corn farmers for agricultural leadership opportunities. With more focus on food than ever, the NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will help to empower growers to share their story of their farms and the benefits of a robust agriculture system with key audiences, including consumers, media and decision-makers.
"We're very excited to kick off this new program, sponsored by DuPont, at a time when farmers are critically needed for today's growing conversation about farming and food," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "Our family farmers are a trusted voice and have a great story to tell, and communications support is especially important for those preparing to get more involved in leadership."
"These next generations of family farmers are critical to feeding a growing world population," said Susan Bunz, leader of Policy and Outreach for the advanced seed business of DuPont Pioneer. "We are excited for the opportunity to work with NCGA to prepare these new farmers to be advocates for agriculture and leaders in agriculture policy at the state and national levels."
The NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will bring farmers from each affiliated state to two sessions to develop and hone their communications and leadership skills. The first session will be held in November at the DuPont Pioneer facilities in Johnston, Iowa. The second session will take place in Washington in July 2014. In between the two sessions, those farm couples involved will be encouraged to be actively participating and honing their skills in state and national programs.
"The time between the two sessions is important for those involved because there are a number of ways they can and should engage - such as Commodity Classic, state association board meetings and events, and programs like CommonGround and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance," Johnson said. "NCGA and its state affiliates are actively looking for farming men and women who want to get involved, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so."
Applications for the inaugural class will be available later this summer.
Rhode Island passes statewide Bioheat requirement
The governor of Rhode Island signed landmark legislation recently that will ensure all of the state's heating oil becomes Bioheat® by 2014. Starting July 1, 2014, every gallon of oil heat in the state will contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. The Bioheat blend is a greener heating oil gaining popularity in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
Although other New England states have passed similar bills, Rhode Island is on track to be the first to implement a statewide Bioheat requirement.
The National Biodiesel Board congratulated the local government and the state's heating oil trade association for the progressive move.
"I commend the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island for not sitting back and waiting for change to come to them," said Paul Nazzaro, who spearheads the Bioheat education program for the National Biodiesel Board. "They recognized Bioheat as the future of their industry that can reverse the contraction of their market, and they took control of their own destiny."
Julie Gill, executive director and CEO of the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island, said getting the legislation passed took persistence and commitment.
"We're proud that the Bioheat requirement has passed, because it will benefit not only our industry, but heating oil consumers in our state," Gill said. "Oil heat systems run more effectively with a biodiesel blend, and Bioheat will help heating oil be more environmentally competitive. We will continue to work towards making our product the cleanest fuel available."
The legislation gradually increases the blend from 2 percent to 5 percent by 2017.
National Biodiesel Board Applauds McCarthy Confirmation
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) issued the following statement from Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs, after the Senate voted to confirm President Obama's nomination of Gina McCarthy as the next EPA administrator.
"Gina McCarthy is a strong, dynamic leader who knows the intersection of environment and energy issues as well as anyone in the nation. She understands that we must move beyond fossil fuels to meet our objectives on these issues and has demonstrated a practical, balanced approach for doing so, including strong support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We are thrilled to see her confirmed and believe she will provide outstanding leadership at the EPA."
ACE statement on the confirmation of Gina McCarthy to head up the EPA
The Executive Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings today released the following statement on Gina McCarthy’s confirmation by the Senate to become Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“We are pleased that the Senate has approved Gina McCarthy as Administrator of EPA, we feel the Obama Administration and the EPA will continue the nation’s commitment to ethanol and other renewable fuels. Gina McCarthy understands the Renewable Fuel Standard to be the linchpin to our continued success reducing petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions. She’s also familiar with how E15 passed the tests EPA administered before approving it as a safe option for 2001 and later model year passenger vehicles. ACE members are looking forward to working with McCarthy as EPA Administrator.”
ACE praises AAA’s demand to remove inaccurate API E15 ad
The Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Ron Lamberty today is thanking Triple A and locally based ethanol supporters for speaking out against the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) new anti E15 campaign.
“We are pleased with the reactions to these inaccurate ads. I think what this shows is the amount of support here in the heartland of the nation for ethanol and higher ethanol blends like E15. We salute and thank our members and supporters of ethanol who called, emailed and texted their local AAA office to complain about the ads. To have an office state their support for ethanol within hours of the ad airing in this market indicates how much people want their choice at the pump and should indicate why Big Oil is running such a dishonest campaign. Let’s face it, people know the truth and they are starting to see through Big Oil’s lies on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Lamberty.
Japan Starts Releasing Held-Up US Western White Wheat to Millers
Japan has started releasing the stocks of U.S. Western White grade of wheat that it was earlier holding back due to the recent discovery of an unapproved genetically engineered strain at an Oregon farm, a senior government official said Thursday.
Japan banned new imports of Western White wheat after the U.S. Department of Agriculture made the GM discovery public on May 29. The previously contracted imports continued to be delivered at Japanese ports but were kept in government custody.
The purchases of Western White wheat that were made prior to the controversy are now being supplied to millers if testing of samples don't reveal any presence of genetically engineered strains, Toru Hisazome, who heads the wheat imports department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, told Dow Jones.
Before the GM wheat discovery, Japan had contracted imports of more than 750,000 tons of U.S. milling wheat in 2013, of which 29% was of Western White grade. Most of this wheat hadn't arrived in Japan when the controversy broke out because purchases are made a few months ahead of delivery.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided a method for testing samples from cargoes that are arriving in Japan and so far no genetically engineered strains have been detected, Mr. Hisazome said.
However, he said Japan won't make any new purchases of U.S. Western White wheat until both countries agree on an extensive pre-shipment testing protocol for the grade.
There is no shortfall of Western White because processors are using existing inventories and the government has now started to release the stocks it was holding in quarantine, Mr. Hisazome said. Japan will also buy alternative wheat grades including U.S. Club White, he said. Club White is usually blended with other soft white wheat varieties to form Western White grade that is used to make biscuits and cakes.
NASS and Statistics Canada Suspend Joint August Cattle Statistics Publication
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will not publish the United States and Canadian Cattle report scheduled for 3:00 p.m. August 22, 2013. Due to reduced funding caused by sequestration, NASS did not collect nor publish the July Cattle inventory data. Those estimates are therefore not available for inclusion in the joint 2013 United States and Canadian Cattle report, which is normally produced annually in cooperation with Statistics Canada. The next joint release of cattle estimates for the United States and Canada is scheduled for February 2014 (The February report also includes sheep).
Algorithms Investigated: Regulators Study High-Speed Trading Pitfalls
Regulators are ratcheting up their focus on the complex computer systems deployed by high-frequency trading firms, with an eye on whether the systems have adequate safeguards against chaotic trading that can destabilize markets and harm investor confidence.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is conducting a probe of high-speed firms' trading algorithms -- the computer formulas that juggle the firms' rapid-fire trades -- and the controls surrounding their trading technology, according to an examination letter sent to about 10 firms this week and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
The review follows last year's trading malfunction by Knight Capital Group Inc., which lost nearly half a billion dollars in about 45 minutes when a high-speed trading algorithm malfunctioned. In July, Knight merged with Getco LLC, a top high-frequency firm, forming the trading powerhouse KCG Holdings Inc.
The widening look at high-speed algorithms was sparked by Finra's recent investigations of high-speed trading mishaps, according to a person familiar with the agency's thinking.
The exams are the latest step in an ongoing effort by regulators to increase scrutiny on the high-powered computer systems that control daily trading in U.S. markets. The heightened focus follows a series of disruptive glitches last year, including a malfunction at Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. that impeded the public rollout of Facebook Inc. in August. The SEC fined Nasdaq $10 million for the malfunction, one of the largest penalties levied against an exchange.
High-frequency traders, whose activity accounts for about half of all market volume, have been a rising force in markets in recent years. While the trading follows many patterns, it's typically marked by extreme speeds and rapid turnover of positions. Market overseers have grown concerned that the warp- speeds can harm regular investors and potentially disrupt the broader market.
Regulators' ramped-up their focus on disruptive computer trading following the May 6, 2010, "flash crash," when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 700 points in minutes amid a burst of chaotic trades and computer glitches. A 2010 report by the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on the flash crash said moves by high-speed traders helped fuel the day's rapid selloff.
In October, disruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy led to the closing of U.S. stock exchanges, raising concerns about the markets' ability to weather extreme events. The SEC in March proposed a set of new rules to require key market players to implement comprehensive policies and procedures to guard against trading malfunctions.
Finra is focusing on the development and deployment of trading algorithms, including the personnel involved in writing and testing the code, according to its letter, which asks for a list of "all personnel who develop, test, deploy, maintain, and/or modify algorithms."
The probe follows a series of cases in which firms had poor risk controls of their high-speed trading systems. Last year, regulators fined Octeg LLC, a market making unit of Getco, $450,000 for failing to maintain adequate risk control procedures related to its high-frequency trading system. Octeg didn't admit or deny the findings.
Finra is asking questions about how firms handle malfunctions, including whether they use so-called kill switches that automatically stop trading as well as "who is responsible for the automatic shut off or kill switch." It is also asking for instances of algorithm malfunctions "which had a material impact to the Firm or any instances in which the algorithm's malfunction caused a market disruption."
Another focus is on malfunctioning algorithms, known as "algos gone wild," that can jam exchanges with multiple buy and sell orders. This so-called "quote stuffing" can create confusion for other investors and potentially distort the market. Finra asks about what type of risk controls are built into algorithms designed to prevent "quote stuffing and quote bursts."
The regulator is asking the firms to provide internal reviews of algorithms and software control systems from January to the present.
Finra is also increasing its scrutiny of "dark pools," private trading venues, frequently operated by sophisticated computer systems that don't disclose investors' buy and sell orders. Last week, the regulator approved a plan to require dark pools to disclose and detail trading activity on their platforms, a move that would give it the clearest view yet into the private markets that account for about 15% of all stock trading, triple the total five years ago, according to Rosenblatt Securities Inc.
In May, Finra sent examination letters to 15 dark pool operators seeking details about how the venues operate, what they disclose to clients and whether the adequately police trades. The regulator has so far received responses from about one-quarter of those firms, according to people familiar with the matter.
While growth for the Rural Mainstreet economy remains healthy, it slowed a bit in July, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state area. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100 with 50.0 representing growth neutral, slipped to 57.3 from June’s 60.5, but was well ahead of last July’s 47.3.
“Last year at this time, the drought was having a significant negative impact on the Rural Mainstreet economy. This year, ample moisture has boosted the rural economy and the banker’s economic outlook,” said Ernie Goss, the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University.
Additionally, energy production has taken on an increasingly important role for the rural economy. As reported by Jim Stanosheck, CEO of State Bank of Odell in Odell, Neb., “The area has about 45 wind generators being built in the next six months. This activity should spur the rural economy for next six to seven months.”
Farming: The farmland-price index declined for the seventh time in eight months. The July index fell to 58.2 from June’s 58.4. “Our farmland-price index has been above growth neutral since February 2010. However, lower farm commodity prices and expected declines in farm income are slowing growth in farmland prices. I expect farmland price growth to continue to weaken as a stronger U.S. dollar weighs on agriculture commodity prices,” said Goss.
This month bankers were asked to project farm income for 2013. On average, bankers expect farm income to be down by 3 percent from 2012. Approximately 59.6 percent of bank CEOs expect farm income to be down from 2012, while only 19.5 percent anticipate an increase in farm income and the remaining 20.9 percent expected no change.
Farm equipment sales also softened for July, with an index of 50.0, down from June’s 53.2. “Farmers are getting increasingly cautious regarding economic conditions. This has been reflected in declines in our equipment-sales index and in the stock prices of agriculture equipment producers,” reported Goss.
Iowa:
The July RMI for Iowa expanded slightly to 62.3 from June’s 62.2. The farmland-price advanced to 54.6 from 49.6 in June. Iowa’s new-hiring index for July improved to 58.0 from June’s 55.3. As reported by Steven Lane, CEO of Security Savings Bank in Farnhamville, “Most of the crops in our area were planted late. It’s now up to mother nature to see if it amounts to much.”
Nebraska:
After moving below growth neutral for January, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet index has now moved above growth neutral for six straight months. The July RMI climbed to 58.0 from 56.5 in June. The farmland-price index for July fell to 48.5 from June’s 59.2. Nebraska’s new-hiring index stood at 53.9, down slightly from June’s 53.7. Weather remains a problem for some parts of the state. According to Bill McQuillan, president of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, “Pasture conditions continue to deteriorate because of the lack of moisture in the last 30 days.”
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.
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, president of CNB Community Bank of Greeley, Neb., created the monthly economic survey in 2005.
Leading Landowner Conservationists to Gather for National Symposium
Farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. will gather in Lincoln, Neb., July 25-26, to discuss solutions to critical land, water and wildlife environmental issues that could be voluntarily addressed by motivated landowners.
"Innovations of the Land: Private Conservation for the Public Good," is presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Land Trust and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Center for Grassland Studies.
Because the majority of the land in the United States is privately owned, America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters are critical to the health of our natural resources. To exchange ideas about agriculture and the environment, dozens of Leopold Conservation Award-winning landowner conservationists will gather to address successful and emerging voluntary practices that are economically beneficial, public private partnerships that protect and enhance natural resources, and other matters important to the agricultural community and the general public.
“Bringing some of the leading minds in private lands conservation together will help identify innovative solutions to environmental challenges whole communities face today,” said Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Participants will carry this information beyond the symposium to families across the nation who work the land and to their rural and urban neighbors.”
"Cattlemen are original stewards of the environment," said Dale Spencer, Nebraska Cattlemen President. "It has always been in producers' best interest to be conservationists. We need to preserve the land for future generations and this event will be a great opportunity for participants to come together and discuss ways to keep the lands thriving for generations to come."
The event, part of Sand County Foundation's Workshops and Seminars series, will be held at The Embassy Suites – Lincoln, 1040 P Street, Lincoln, Neb. A day-long symposium, Thursday, July 25, features Nebraska Lt. Governor Lavon Heidemann, and will conclude with a dinner featuring conservation photographer and Nebraska native Michael Forsberg. A bus tour, Friday, July 26, will take participants to the Rainwater Basin Wetland Complex to highlight the Working Lands Initiative.
Sponsors of the “Innovations on the Land” symposium include Cargill, DuPont Pioneer, Farm Credit, Nebraska Environmental Trust, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation and World Wildlife Fund.
Iowa Learning Farms Hosts Cover Crop Field Day Near Weldon
Iowa Learning Farms will host a field day at the Arlyn Kauffman farm near Weldon, Iowa, on Thursday, Aug. 1, beginning at 5 p.m. The field day will focus on cover crop management and conservation farming practices for southwestern Iowa soils.
he event includes a farm tour and discussion time with David Otte, cover crop expert from Kahoka, Mo. Otte will talk about managing cover crops and conduct a question and answer session. Sarah Carlson, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff Lori Schwalbe will review cost-share opportunities for cover crop usage.
Attendees are asked to meet at the field located at 25705 120th St., Weldon, to begin the farm tour. From Weldon, take R48 (250th Avenue) south out of town two miles to 120th Street. Turn left (east) and travel .75 mile to the field site.
The field day includes a complimentary evening meal immediately after the farm tour. The meal will be at the Kauffman structures, 25186 Popcorn Road (J22), located one mile south of the field site. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa are sponsors for the field day.
Wholesale Meat Prices
John D. Anderson, Deputy Chief Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
Wholesale beef prices have been generally lower over the past month. The comprehensive boxed beef cutout value (a weekly average value which aggregates wholesale prices across quality grades and branding programs) peaked at just over $200/cwt in the week prior to Memorial Day. Since that time, it has declined more-or-less steadily to its current level: $192.22 last week. Wholesale pork prices rose steadily - even sharply at times - until the end of June. The pork cutout has dropped about $7 in value so far this month, working out to $103.16/cwt last week. Wholesale chicken prices have been on the slide for about as long as beef. After topping out at 203.53 cents/lb just before Memorial Day, boneless/skinless chicken breast prices dropped to 180.75 two weeks ago before rebounding to 182.61 last week.
A big part of the decline in meat prices is related to seasonal factors. Aggressive purchasing by retailers in advance of the Memorial Day holiday likely helped pump up beef prices, and prices declined when that buying pressure subsided. This year, pork and chicken prices peaked at about the same time they did last year - though for chicken, the peak was at a price point far above last year's levels in the mid-150s.
It is interesting to dig a little deeper into the seasonality of prices by looking at individual primals within the cutout. Since the late-May peak, among the cutout components the largest decline has been on the loin primal. Its price has declined by almost 9%. Over the past decade, the loin primal (on the comprehensive cutout) has peaked around week 17 (late-April/early-May) and then declined steadily to about week 40 (early-October). This year's peak came about a month later than that average, but the decline so far has been consistent with normal seasonal behavior for the loin. As for the other major primals, rib, chuck, and round prices have declined by 1.5%, 3.2%, and 3.6%, respectively, since the late-May peak. These trends are broadly consistent with normal seasonal behavior. What has been somewhat counter-seasonal has been the behavior of the brisket, short plate, and flank primals. In contrast to the major middle and end meat primals, these have all increased in value over the past month. Brisket, short plate, and flank prices have increased by 3.5%, 1.3%, and 7.7% since the week prior to Memorial Day. Were these prices steady-to-declining as would be more normal seasonally, the boxed beef cutout would have dropped even more than it has over the last month and a half.
USDA Releases Report on the Adoption of GE Seeds
U.S. farmers have embraced genetically engineered seeds in the more than 15 years since their commercial introduction. Herbicide-tolerant crops, developed to survive application of specific herbicides that previously would have destroyed the crop along with the targeted weeds, provide farmers with a broader variety of options for effective weed control.
Based on USDA survey data, HT-only corn dropped from 21 percent of planted corn acreage in 2012 to 14 percent in 2013. Insect-resistant crops contain a gene from the soil bacterium Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) that produces a protein that is toxic to specific insects, protecting the plant over its entire life.
Use of Bt-only corn dropped from around 16 percent of planted corn acreage in recent years to 5 percent in 2013.
Adoption of "stacked" gene corn varieties (with both HT and Bt traits), though, increased sharply in 2013, reaching 71 percent of planted corn acres (up from 52 percent in 2012).
Adoption of all GE corn, taking into account the acreage with either or both HT and Bt traits, reached 90 percent of U.S. corn acreage in 2013.
DuPont and National Corn Growers Launch Program to Empower Farmers as Leaders
DuPont and the National Corn Growers Association announced a new program today to develop corn farmers for agricultural leadership opportunities. With more focus on food than ever, the NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will help to empower growers to share their story of their farms and the benefits of a robust agriculture system with key audiences, including consumers, media and decision-makers.
"We're very excited to kick off this new program, sponsored by DuPont, at a time when farmers are critically needed for today's growing conversation about farming and food," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "Our family farmers are a trusted voice and have a great story to tell, and communications support is especially important for those preparing to get more involved in leadership."
"These next generations of family farmers are critical to feeding a growing world population," said Susan Bunz, leader of Policy and Outreach for the advanced seed business of DuPont Pioneer. "We are excited for the opportunity to work with NCGA to prepare these new farmers to be advocates for agriculture and leaders in agriculture policy at the state and national levels."
The NCGA DuPont New Leader Program will bring farmers from each affiliated state to two sessions to develop and hone their communications and leadership skills. The first session will be held in November at the DuPont Pioneer facilities in Johnston, Iowa. The second session will take place in Washington in July 2014. In between the two sessions, those farm couples involved will be encouraged to be actively participating and honing their skills in state and national programs.
"The time between the two sessions is important for those involved because there are a number of ways they can and should engage - such as Commodity Classic, state association board meetings and events, and programs like CommonGround and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance," Johnson said. "NCGA and its state affiliates are actively looking for farming men and women who want to get involved, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so."
Applications for the inaugural class will be available later this summer.
Rhode Island passes statewide Bioheat requirement
The governor of Rhode Island signed landmark legislation recently that will ensure all of the state's heating oil becomes Bioheat® by 2014. Starting July 1, 2014, every gallon of oil heat in the state will contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. The Bioheat blend is a greener heating oil gaining popularity in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
Although other New England states have passed similar bills, Rhode Island is on track to be the first to implement a statewide Bioheat requirement.
The National Biodiesel Board congratulated the local government and the state's heating oil trade association for the progressive move.
"I commend the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island for not sitting back and waiting for change to come to them," said Paul Nazzaro, who spearheads the Bioheat education program for the National Biodiesel Board. "They recognized Bioheat as the future of their industry that can reverse the contraction of their market, and they took control of their own destiny."
Julie Gill, executive director and CEO of the Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island, said getting the legislation passed took persistence and commitment.
"We're proud that the Bioheat requirement has passed, because it will benefit not only our industry, but heating oil consumers in our state," Gill said. "Oil heat systems run more effectively with a biodiesel blend, and Bioheat will help heating oil be more environmentally competitive. We will continue to work towards making our product the cleanest fuel available."
The legislation gradually increases the blend from 2 percent to 5 percent by 2017.
National Biodiesel Board Applauds McCarthy Confirmation
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) issued the following statement from Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs, after the Senate voted to confirm President Obama's nomination of Gina McCarthy as the next EPA administrator.
"Gina McCarthy is a strong, dynamic leader who knows the intersection of environment and energy issues as well as anyone in the nation. She understands that we must move beyond fossil fuels to meet our objectives on these issues and has demonstrated a practical, balanced approach for doing so, including strong support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We are thrilled to see her confirmed and believe she will provide outstanding leadership at the EPA."
ACE statement on the confirmation of Gina McCarthy to head up the EPA
The Executive Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings today released the following statement on Gina McCarthy’s confirmation by the Senate to become Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“We are pleased that the Senate has approved Gina McCarthy as Administrator of EPA, we feel the Obama Administration and the EPA will continue the nation’s commitment to ethanol and other renewable fuels. Gina McCarthy understands the Renewable Fuel Standard to be the linchpin to our continued success reducing petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions. She’s also familiar with how E15 passed the tests EPA administered before approving it as a safe option for 2001 and later model year passenger vehicles. ACE members are looking forward to working with McCarthy as EPA Administrator.”
ACE praises AAA’s demand to remove inaccurate API E15 ad
The Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Ron Lamberty today is thanking Triple A and locally based ethanol supporters for speaking out against the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) new anti E15 campaign.
“We are pleased with the reactions to these inaccurate ads. I think what this shows is the amount of support here in the heartland of the nation for ethanol and higher ethanol blends like E15. We salute and thank our members and supporters of ethanol who called, emailed and texted their local AAA office to complain about the ads. To have an office state their support for ethanol within hours of the ad airing in this market indicates how much people want their choice at the pump and should indicate why Big Oil is running such a dishonest campaign. Let’s face it, people know the truth and they are starting to see through Big Oil’s lies on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Lamberty.
Japan Starts Releasing Held-Up US Western White Wheat to Millers
Japan has started releasing the stocks of U.S. Western White grade of wheat that it was earlier holding back due to the recent discovery of an unapproved genetically engineered strain at an Oregon farm, a senior government official said Thursday.
Japan banned new imports of Western White wheat after the U.S. Department of Agriculture made the GM discovery public on May 29. The previously contracted imports continued to be delivered at Japanese ports but were kept in government custody.
The purchases of Western White wheat that were made prior to the controversy are now being supplied to millers if testing of samples don't reveal any presence of genetically engineered strains, Toru Hisazome, who heads the wheat imports department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, told Dow Jones.
Before the GM wheat discovery, Japan had contracted imports of more than 750,000 tons of U.S. milling wheat in 2013, of which 29% was of Western White grade. Most of this wheat hadn't arrived in Japan when the controversy broke out because purchases are made a few months ahead of delivery.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided a method for testing samples from cargoes that are arriving in Japan and so far no genetically engineered strains have been detected, Mr. Hisazome said.
However, he said Japan won't make any new purchases of U.S. Western White wheat until both countries agree on an extensive pre-shipment testing protocol for the grade.
There is no shortfall of Western White because processors are using existing inventories and the government has now started to release the stocks it was holding in quarantine, Mr. Hisazome said. Japan will also buy alternative wheat grades including U.S. Club White, he said. Club White is usually blended with other soft white wheat varieties to form Western White grade that is used to make biscuits and cakes.
NASS and Statistics Canada Suspend Joint August Cattle Statistics Publication
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will not publish the United States and Canadian Cattle report scheduled for 3:00 p.m. August 22, 2013. Due to reduced funding caused by sequestration, NASS did not collect nor publish the July Cattle inventory data. Those estimates are therefore not available for inclusion in the joint 2013 United States and Canadian Cattle report, which is normally produced annually in cooperation with Statistics Canada. The next joint release of cattle estimates for the United States and Canada is scheduled for February 2014 (The February report also includes sheep).
Algorithms Investigated: Regulators Study High-Speed Trading Pitfalls
Regulators are ratcheting up their focus on the complex computer systems deployed by high-frequency trading firms, with an eye on whether the systems have adequate safeguards against chaotic trading that can destabilize markets and harm investor confidence.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is conducting a probe of high-speed firms' trading algorithms -- the computer formulas that juggle the firms' rapid-fire trades -- and the controls surrounding their trading technology, according to an examination letter sent to about 10 firms this week and reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
The review follows last year's trading malfunction by Knight Capital Group Inc., which lost nearly half a billion dollars in about 45 minutes when a high-speed trading algorithm malfunctioned. In July, Knight merged with Getco LLC, a top high-frequency firm, forming the trading powerhouse KCG Holdings Inc.
The widening look at high-speed algorithms was sparked by Finra's recent investigations of high-speed trading mishaps, according to a person familiar with the agency's thinking.
The exams are the latest step in an ongoing effort by regulators to increase scrutiny on the high-powered computer systems that control daily trading in U.S. markets. The heightened focus follows a series of disruptive glitches last year, including a malfunction at Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. that impeded the public rollout of Facebook Inc. in August. The SEC fined Nasdaq $10 million for the malfunction, one of the largest penalties levied against an exchange.
High-frequency traders, whose activity accounts for about half of all market volume, have been a rising force in markets in recent years. While the trading follows many patterns, it's typically marked by extreme speeds and rapid turnover of positions. Market overseers have grown concerned that the warp- speeds can harm regular investors and potentially disrupt the broader market.
Regulators' ramped-up their focus on disruptive computer trading following the May 6, 2010, "flash crash," when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 700 points in minutes amid a burst of chaotic trades and computer glitches. A 2010 report by the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on the flash crash said moves by high-speed traders helped fuel the day's rapid selloff.
In October, disruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy led to the closing of U.S. stock exchanges, raising concerns about the markets' ability to weather extreme events. The SEC in March proposed a set of new rules to require key market players to implement comprehensive policies and procedures to guard against trading malfunctions.
Finra is focusing on the development and deployment of trading algorithms, including the personnel involved in writing and testing the code, according to its letter, which asks for a list of "all personnel who develop, test, deploy, maintain, and/or modify algorithms."
The probe follows a series of cases in which firms had poor risk controls of their high-speed trading systems. Last year, regulators fined Octeg LLC, a market making unit of Getco, $450,000 for failing to maintain adequate risk control procedures related to its high-frequency trading system. Octeg didn't admit or deny the findings.
Finra is asking questions about how firms handle malfunctions, including whether they use so-called kill switches that automatically stop trading as well as "who is responsible for the automatic shut off or kill switch." It is also asking for instances of algorithm malfunctions "which had a material impact to the Firm or any instances in which the algorithm's malfunction caused a market disruption."
Another focus is on malfunctioning algorithms, known as "algos gone wild," that can jam exchanges with multiple buy and sell orders. This so-called "quote stuffing" can create confusion for other investors and potentially distort the market. Finra asks about what type of risk controls are built into algorithms designed to prevent "quote stuffing and quote bursts."
The regulator is asking the firms to provide internal reviews of algorithms and software control systems from January to the present.
Finra is also increasing its scrutiny of "dark pools," private trading venues, frequently operated by sophisticated computer systems that don't disclose investors' buy and sell orders. Last week, the regulator approved a plan to require dark pools to disclose and detail trading activity on their platforms, a move that would give it the clearest view yet into the private markets that account for about 15% of all stock trading, triple the total five years ago, according to Rosenblatt Securities Inc.
In May, Finra sent examination letters to 15 dark pool operators seeking details about how the venues operate, what they disclose to clients and whether the adequately police trades. The regulator has so far received responses from about one-quarter of those firms, according to people familiar with the matter.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday July 17 Ag News
New System Gives Insight into Animals' Feeding Habits
A new system that monitors livestock feeding behavior has been developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.
Agricultural engineers Tami Brown-Brandl and Roger Eigenberg at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US-MARC) in Clay Center, Neb., designed software and hardware that incorporates standard radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and a commercial reader to monitor animals' eating habits. The system, designed to work in an industry setting, includes an ear tag applied to each animal, monitoring equipment and data recording and storage.
Scientists are using this data to determine the normal day-to-day variation in feeding behavior--the amount of time each animal spends eating, the number of eating events per day, and the timing of those events. By determining an animal's normal eating behavior, it might be easier to detect a sick animal when it starts spending less time at the feeder. These animals can then be treated early to help prevent severe illness. Information gathered might also be used to improve management and establish genetic differences within a herd, according to the researchers.
The low-cost system was first used to monitor feedlot cattle and has been adapted to grow-finish swine. Individual animal feeding behavior can be measured without any outside influence, according to Brown-Brandl, who works in USMARC's Environmental Management Research Unit.
In one study, antennas were mounted on standard swine feeders in six pens that each held 40 pigs. In addition to collecting feeding behavior data, video cameras were used to evaluate the durability of the system, which was shown to be dependable.
Scientists plan to use the system in future studies to examine feeding behavior as it relates to age, gender, weight gain and the health of animals.
Summer Heat and Forage Growth
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Summer heat hit us hard the past couple weeks. How do these high temperatures affect different types of forage plants?
When it suddenly turns 'hooey boy' hot -- you know, 90 plus degrees and humidity so thick you can almost see it -- cool-season plants suffer along with you and me. Alfalfa and clovers, bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescues, needlegrasses, and wheatgrasses all struggle during hot weather.
Do you remember -- before air conditioning -- how drained you used to feel after spending a night when the temperature never dropped below 80? The same thing happens to cool-season forages, resulting in very slow growth, lower forage quality as plants burn up the good nutrients, and limited recovery of root reserves after defoliation. And if it also is dry these conditions can even become deadly.
Warm-season grasses are just the opposite. Millet, sudangrass, sorghums, and our native bluestems, gramas, switchgrass, and other warm-season grasses thrive when the temperature is around 90 degrees. Their metabolism runs at peak efficiency when it is hot so they grow rapidly while maintaining reasonable forage quality and good root growth.
Of course, this assumes these plants have adequate moisture. Once they dry up, these grasses will overheat too, just like cool-season grasses do at lower temperatures.
As you graze or hay, be aware of the stress weather is putting on your forage. When it's too hot, allow plants to recover for a longer time before next use. And don't expect high feed values or good animal gains when the goodies are burned right out of the plants.
Proper expectations and management adjustments can limit the stress from stressful weather.
NEWMAN GROVE AND ATKINSON YOUTHS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS AT NAYI
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced that two returning delegates at the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) were awarded scholarships for their leadership and commitment to agriculture, as demonstrated during this year’s conference.
Dr. Dann Husmann, the Associate Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR), presented the scholarships to Toni Rasmussen of Newman Grove and Cole Gibbens of Atkinson. They were each awarded a $600 scholarship to utilize when they begin school at UNL in the fall.
“We are excited to partner with CASNR to offer these scholarships to these two deserving delegates,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm. “We greatly appreciate CASNR’s willingness to sponsor these scholarships, and are pleased that both Toni and Cole plan to pursue degrees in agriculture.”
This year marked the 13th year the scholarships have been awarded during NAYI. Rasmussen and Gibbens were selected by the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) based upon their demonstrated leadership, interest in agriculture and the good example that they provided to the other NAYI delegates throughout the five-day conference.
Nearly 200 high school participants gathered on UNL’s East Campus last week (July 8-12) to discuss agricultural policy, listen to motivational speakers, and learn more about careers in agriculture. Delegates were selected to attend NAYI based on their interest in agriculture and their leadership skills. The NAYI program is coordinated by the NAYC, comprised of 19 college‑aged men and women selected by NDA.
JEWELL RECEIVES NAYI’S HIGHEST AWARD
During the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) held last week, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) presented its highest honor, the NAYI Award of Merit, to Dr. Duane Jewell.
“The NAYI Award of Merit is presented each year to someone with a strong commitment to youth and a dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “This year the award was given to an individual who has a long history with the Institute and is a great supporter of the program.”
For the past 37 years, Dr. Duane Jewell has coordinated the annual Farm Management program at the NAYI. Over 5,000 youth have participated in the program in those years, and taken away valuable information about how to make farm management decisions. Jewell is a native of Albion and received his bachelors, masters and PhD degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He spent five years as a UNL Agricultural Economics staff member before moving to Northwest Missouri State University.
Those nominating the Jewell said, “Dr. Duane Jewell has impacted thousands of delegates throughout the years at the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. His commitment and dedication to this program is has and will always be greatly appreciated.”
Jewell currently resides in Kansas City with his wife. They have two grown children.
2013 Cattlemen's Ball Eclipses Previous Record with $2.12 Million Raised
For the first time in its history, the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska has surpassed $2 million in proceeds. Officials for the 2013 Cattlemen's Ball have announced that the net proceeds from this year's event in Paxton-Sutherland were $2.12 million—exceeding the previous record by some $600,000. All of the money stays in Nebraska to support cancer research and local health and wellness programs.
Ninety percent of the proceeds—some $1.9 million—will go to support cancer research at the Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha. Ten percent of the proceeds—around $200,000—will be distributed as grants to health and wellness organizations in the Paxton-Sutherland area. Local organizations wishing to apply for grant funds must do so no later than July 31, 2013. An application form and additional details are available at www.cattlemensball.com.
Meeting the event's $2 million goal was particularly important. During the event, it was announced that an anonymous donor offered to give $250,000 to local area food banks if that goal was met. This food bank donation is above and beyond the $2.12 million raised.
Over $1 million of the $2.12 million total was raised during the event through silent and live auctions. Additional big ticket items for auction or raffle pushed that total higher. These items included a John Deere tractor donated by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a pivot irrigation system from Lindsay Manufacturing, a 60th anniversary Corvette donated by Harchelroad Motors, Inc., and a Ford F150 pickup donated by Woodhouse Auto Family. Other items generating large sums included a trip to an Argentine winery and a barrel of wine, an African safari, and several original works of art.
Approximately 4,400 people attended the 2013 event, which was held June 7-8 on the Hanging H Ranch between Paxton and Sutherland. The Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster family and the Neal Hanson family (on whose ranch the event was held) served as hosts for this year's Cattlemen's Ball. "On the Trail to a Cure" was the theme for this year's event.
"Exceeding our $2 million goal is a credit to the generosity of the people who joined us—and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on an incredible event," said Ralph Holzfaster. "We're very proud and humbled by the show of support—and are deeply gratified that this year's event has raised a record amount to help find a cure for cancer."
The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted annually by a different Nebraska family involved in the beef industry. Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet. Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $8.4 million.
Next year's Cattlemen's Ball will be held on the Hoot Owl Ranch in Banner County.
Farmers encouraged to watch cattle closely for heat stress
The heat situation for cattle in Iowa is expected in the ‘danger’ to ‘emergency’ zone for a couple days this week, according to the USDA’s Meat Animal Research Center. The estimates of heat stress are based on four specific weather factors: temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation.
“It’s best that producers plan ahead so they can take quick action if those four factors put parts of Iowa in a high risk zone,” says Matt Deppe, the CEO for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down. Wind and cool nights can help, but when temperatures and humidity are high, producers must also consider other ways to keep their livestock comfortable,” he said.
ICA is encouraging cattle producers to take advice from Iowa State University’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, Dr. Grant Dewell, DVM. Dr. Dewell recommends these protective measures:
· Clean fresh water – consumption of water can double during extreme heat. Cattle need at least 2 gal./100 lbs/day during heat events. Additionally, make sure there is adequate room for cattle to drink and that supply lines can provide cool water fast enough.
· Shift to feeding a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon and consider lowering the energy content by 5%.
· Provide shade if possible. UV radiation is many times the critical factor for livestock losses due to heat stress.
· Ensure that there are no restrictions to air movement such as hay storage..
· If necessary begin sprinkling cattle with water if signs of heat stress are evident.
Deppe says producers who start using fans or providing water sprinklers on their cattle should be prepared to use that process until more moderate temperatures return.
Cattle producers can monitor the forecasted heat stress index and find tips for cooling cattle at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=21306. More information on preventing heat stress in cattle is available at http://vetmed.iastate.edu/, and type “heat stress cattle” in the search box on the upper right.
Podcasts Tell Iowa Ag Story Along RAGBRAI Route
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that podcasts showcasing Iowa agriculture along the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RABGRAI) route are available for download.
The podcasts are available at www.iowaagcasts.com or through iTunes by searching for the keyword "Iowa Agcasts".
"The beauty and fertility of Iowa's land is very evident this time of year and these podcasts will highlight the importance and diversity of Iowa agriculture as riders travel across the state," Northey said. "Agriculture is so important to our state and we hope RAGBRAI participants and others will listen to these podcasts and learn more about all that is happening on the farms across Iowa."
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, together with many partners, created one podcast for each leg of the ride. Each podcast has an interview of one or two local individuals involved in agriculture and soil and water conservation.
The podcasts are unique in that they show the diversity of Iowa's agriculture. Listeners meet a farmer who sells at his local farmer's market, another who farms organic and even hear from a family-owned winery. Other stories come from beekeepers to coal mine experts, all with roots deep in Iowa's landscape. Urban conservation is even discussed as the riders reach Des Moines half way through the week.
"Agriculture is a very big part of what we do. You see it spatially out there as you look across the landscape and economically as well. It's one of the biggest industries in the state and if you include not only the actual farming but the folks that produce things for farmers or process the crops, somewhere around 25-30% of the economic activity in Iowa is based in agriculture." Northey states in his introductory podcast.
The 41st year of RAGBRAI begins July 21 and goes until July 27. To see details of the route, go to www.ragbrai.com.
Five Growers Elected to NCGA's Corn Board
Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected five farmers to serve on the organization's Corn Board. Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA's 2014 fiscal year, are new board members Kevin Ross of Iowa and Paul Taylor of Illinios. Current board members Rob Elliott of Illinois, Jon Holzfaster of Nebraska and Wesley Spurlock of Texas were re-elected.
"Each year, we have a terrific slate of candidates for the Corn Board, growers who have already had an impressive career of volunteer service for American agriculture," NCGA Chairman Garry Neimeyer, who chairs the nominating committee, said. "It's inspiring to see such an interest on the part of these growers, especially at a time when our industry faces so many challenges. They are all going to be a great addition to the board, and do great things for all farmers."
Elliott currently co-chairs the Commodity Classic Committee for 2014 and is vice chair of the NASCAR Advisory Committee in addition to serving on the board. Previously, he served as the organizational representative to the Waterways Council. In his home state, Elliott has served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. With two brothers, his 88-year-old father and a nephew, he farms corn and soybeans while running a growing seed business in Warren County, Ill.
Holzfaster, a current Corn Board member, owns and operates the same farm in southwest Nebraska that his family has for three generations. On their farm, they produce corn, popcorn, soybeans, dry edible beans, wheat and alfalfa. Together, his family also operates a 1,000-head non-commercial feed yard that utilizes feed produced on the farm. He currently chairs the NASCAR Advisory Committee and has previously chaired NCGA's Ethanol Committee and the Nebraska Corn Board.
Ross, a sixth-generation family farmer in southwestern Iowa, currently serves as a director of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and on NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. Along with his wife, Sara, he grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa and runs a cow/calf operation. In addition to his past presidency of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ross previously served as chair of the Iowa AgState Initiative and on NCGA's Ethanol Committee.
Current Corn Board member Spurlock is running for reelection this year also. Spurlock chairs NCGA's Finance Committee and sits on the board of both the Texas Corn Producers Board and Corn Producers Association of Texas in addition to farming and managing 9,600 acres of irrigated corn, cotton, wheat and grain sorghum in the upper Texas panhandle.
Having already served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Growers Association, Taylor now acts as vice chair on NCGA's Ethanol Committee. On land that has been in his family for more than 100 years, he raises corn, seed corn, food grade non-GMO soybeans and canning vegetables for Del Monte including sweet corn, lima beans and green peas. While he no longer raises livestock personally, he continues to value that component of our agricultural system.
The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
Grower Teams Delve into Current Topics, Consider Options
Action teams and committees charged with in-depth analysis and consideration of the topics most relevant to corn farmers met in Washington yesterday as the initial phase of a full week of meetings held by NCGA. These farmer-led teams discussed changing situations, and the possible ramifications of these changes, in areas including public policy, ethanol, biotechnology, government regulation, trade and grower services in anticipation of NCGA Corn Congress and visits to Capitol Hill scheduled later this week.
"NCGA's action teams develop policies with a careful analysis of each situation while maintaining the grassroots approach vital to the association's success," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "These small groups bring together grower-leaders from our various member states to develop a deep knowledge of specialized areas and collaborate on solutions that help NCGA create and increase opportunities and markets for our members."
Many of the team meetings included presentations from special guests. In the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from a member who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee provided a valuable update on the legislative issues facing the ethanol industry. Her valuable insight helped team members understand the multifaceted situations legislators must take into consideration given the current legislative environment.
Chad Willis, chair of the Ethanol Committee, said the committee agenda is constructed with those legislative visits in mind.
"We want to prepare our grower leaders fully for the important visits they will make with their legislators on Wednesday and Thursday," he said. "Right now, Congress faces rapidly evolving issues crucial to our members, particularly the farm bill and the RFS. The information and understanding coming out of these meetings will help each of our delegations make the strongest case possible for farmers."
In the Public Policy Action Team, members discussed the ongoing situation as farm bill discussions on the Hill evolve. To best assess the current situations facing corn farmers in Washington, they heard from a wide variety of guest speakers, including a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's staff.
Action team and committee meetings conclude yesterday, with Corn Congress convening on Wednesday and running through Thursday.
NCGA President's Award Presented to USDA Secretary Vilsack
National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson today presented NCGA’s President’s Award to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.
“Secretary Vilsack is a perfect recipient for the NCGA President’s Award,” Johnson said. “He has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for American agriculture and I am proud to call him a friend of corn. During his tenure we have seen him work tirelessly to promote agricultural exports, create a more vibrant rural economy and strengthen the role of farmers.”
Vilsack currently serves as the nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture. As leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he is working hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and secure a stronger future for the American middle class.
“We appreciate the Secretary spotlighting why those who work in agriculture are important to Americans,” Johnson said. “But we also want to thank the Secretary for challenging us to tell our own story and let our voices be heard. Our organization has been privileged to work closely with the Secretary and his staff and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”
Whaley Joins Wheat Growers as Corporate Relations Director
Hugh Whaley, a longtime agriculture industry relations and communications professional, has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) as director of corporate relations.
In his new role, Whaley will be the organizations’ lead staffer working to initiate, build and maintain strategic relationships with agribusinesses and other industry partners.
NAWG and the Foundation, which is managed by NAWG, facilitate a wide range of policy, educational and outreach activities and maintain the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill.
“Coming into my new role with NAWG and the Wheat Foundation, I knew immediately that we needed to put an increased focus on our relationships with our state associations, fellow wheat industry and commodity organizations and our corporate partners,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Jim Palmer.
“I am happy to bring Hugh on board to help us develop and implement a plan to improve our outreach with current and potential partners for the benefit of wheat growers.”
Whaley was most recently the general manager for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), of which NAWG is a member. Previous to that, he worked for two well-known marketing communications firms focusing on agriculture clients and for the American Soybean Association.
“The U.S. wheat industry is a major source of the world food supply necessary to feed an ever-increasing global population,” said Whaley. “Both NWF and NAWG will play a vital role in assisting U.S. wheat growers and the entire industry in maintaining and growing that position of importance. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to assist both organizations achieve their strategic objectives.”
NAWG is also pleased to announce the promotions of Brooke Shupe to director of government affairs for risk management and Will Stafford to assistant director of government affairs for trade, transportation and commodity markets.
Shupe joined the Association in April of last year and manages farm policy, crop insurance and related policies. She also runs WheatPAC, wheat growers’ political action committee. Stafford came to NAWG in 2011 and became a government affairs representative last year. In addition to trade, transportation and markets, Stafford follows research policy.
“NAWG's government affairs team has impressed me since coming on staff. I am glad Brooke and Will both want to grow with us, and we look forward to continuing to see the fruits of their labor in the policy arena over the coming years,” Palmer said.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/12/2013
According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 876,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 36.79 million gallons daily. That is down 5,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 876,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 13.43 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol stood at 16.6 million barrels. That is a 5.5% increase from last week.
Imports of ethanol were 50,000 b/d, up from last week.
Gasoline demand for the week averaged 366.6 million gallons daily.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.04%.
On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.282 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 97,764 metric tons of livestock feed, 87,158 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.56 million pounds of corn oil daily.
QUALISOY, United Soybean Board Back Next Generation Oils Solution
The next big thing in edible oils recently received substantial support from the soybean industry. High oleic soybean oils provide food companies increased functionality across multiple applications and meet nutrition needs consumers demand. The United Soybean Board (USB) and QUALISOY announced a commitment to the success of high oleic soybean oils for the food industry. USB pledged $60 million over the next five years to quickly expand seed production of high oleic soybean varieties across a wide geography and market high oleic soybean oils to food companies and other stakeholders. As a result, they project 9 billion pounds of high oleic soybean oil available by 2023 to meet global demand.
"Demand for products with zero grams trans fat and lower saturated fats continues to grow. High oleic soybean oil offers an economical and secure solution for food companies to meet that need, as well as enhance functionality to make their businesses more successful," said Richard Galloway, QUALISOY oils expert. "High oleic soybean oils deliver highly stable products without sacrificing flavor."
Jim Stillman, USB chair and soybean farmer from Emmetsburg, Iowa, agrees. "This commitment to high oleic soybean oils is about meeting our customers' needs. It not only helps build demand for U.S. soybeans and benefits our farmers, but offers a solution that fits the needs of the food industry very well."
Health professionals recommend reducing saturated fats in the diet to lower the risks of heart disease. Consumers also seek more health-conscious food options. As a result, food companies continue to look for solutions. High oleic soybean oils offer an option that is trans-fat free and lower in saturated fats than conventional soybean oil.
They also have desirable benefits for food companies and manufacturers. High oleic soybean oils' superior resistance to oxidation extends shelf life for baked goods and snack foods. The oils also feature a neutral taste, allowing the natural flavors of ingredients to stand out. They perform longer than standard vegetable oils in high temperature and extended use applications because of the heat and oxidative stability of the oil. This, as well as reduced polymer buildup that lessens maintenance and cleaning, translates to cost savings for food service operations.
High oleic soybean oil was commercialized in 2011 and is now available.
Japan Consumer Magazine Goes Digital
Now in its 10th year of production, USMEF-Japan’s popular quarterly consumer magazine, Be&Po, has gone digital. Be&Po, which has a circulation of 23,000 loyal readers, is produced with funding from the Beef Checkoff Program, Pork Checkoff and USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP).
Initially targeted at homemakers, the main decision-makers regarding meat purchases at retail, the full-color publication debuted in March 2003. It delivers feature articles on nutrition, product safety, American food cultures and trends, along with messages from American producers. In recent years, the audience has expanded to include more single men, particularly those who recognize that tasty, lean American beef and low-fat U.S. pork are an important part of a healthy diet.
The magazine also has helped spread awareness of and appreciation for U.S. beef and pork to an influential group of readers. Through Be&Po, USMEF has introduced more than 1,600 recipes using American beef and pork products developed by famous cooking instructors, well-known chefs and nutritionists. Many of these professionals subsequently began using American beef and pork at their cooking schools and restaurants.
In recognition of the increasing movement of Japanese consumers to digital media, USMEF recently took the decade-old publication digital, both to reach readers on their home computers and hand-held devices as well as to reduce production and distribution costs. Limited hard-copy distribution will continue at consumer seminars, supermarkets, restaurants and retail to reach new readers.”
“We have a very loyal reader base,” said Tazuko Hijikata, USMEF-Japan senior manager of consumer affairs. “USMEF receives hundreds of opinion cards that we insert into each issue of Be&Po (which stands for Beef & Pork), even though readers have to buy stamps to return the cards. We’ve made good use of that feedback to tailor the magazine to better serve our readers.
“Because of its quality content and sophisticated design, many retailers, hotels and foodservice companies often ask USMEF to provide Be&Po for their promotions and to allow them use the recipes introduced in the magazine,” said Hijikata.
The new digital format also will allow subscribers to pass the publication along to friends and family via email, significantly expanding distribution and word-of-mouth support.
Already, feedback to the change has been very positive. USMEF has received several hundred messages from readers including the following:
- “Before reading Be&Po, I didn’t trust non-domestic meat products, but now I always prefer American beef and pork at supermarkets. Thank you so much.”
- “Through Be&Po, I better understand the quality and safety of American meat products.”
- “Every time when I receive Be&Po, I tried new recipes using American meat and enjoyed them with my family. I really appreciate it.”
“Be&Po is an important communication tool with Japanese consumers as well as a resource of tips for activity planning,” added Hijikata. “Japanese consumers prefer so-called ‘story products.’ They want to know the background, history and producers of the products, and that’s why Be&Po has received such warm responses and strong support.”
FFA members throughout Midwest invited to attempt to break world record for pick-up truck parade Aug. 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
FFA members from throughout the Midwest with a penchant for their pick-up trucks can help attempt to set a world record next month in Indianapolis. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, food, live entertainment and a classic tractor parade will be capped by a 2 p.m. attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark for a parade of pick-up trucks – a one-lap trek around the racetrack.
The current world record for a pick-up truck parade stands at 273 pick-up trucks, a mark set by the Dresden Agricultural Society on Aug. 25, 2012, on the Dresden Raceway in Ontario, Canada.
FFA members – and pick-up truck enthusiasts from throughout the region – are welcome at IMS Saturday to join in the world-record-breaking attempt. Interested participants are asked to register themselves for the Parade of Pick-ups online at www.RFDTV.com by July 25.
There is no cost for participants to enter the parade. The general public is invited to IMS for the day-long celebration at no cost as well.
Mosaic Company Releases Lower Earnings Report
The Mosaic Company reported fourth quarter fiscal 2013 net earnings of $486 million, compared to $507 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $1.14 in the quarter compared to $1.19 last year.
Mosaic's net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 were $2.7 billion, down from $2.8 billion last year. Operating earnings during the quarter were $621 million, down from $671 million a year ago, as record potash and strong phosphate sales volumes were more than offset by lower realized prices.
"Our focus on planning and execution paid off, with Mosaic achieving record potash and strong phosphate shipments during the quarter," said Jim Prokopanko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic. "Mosaic delivered outstanding results despite difficult external factors such as the late and compressed North American spring planting season, and additional logistical challenges. The long-term outlook for Mosaic remains compelling, and we are executing well to capture the opportunity."
Cash flow provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was $855 million compared to $1.2 billion in the prior year. The year-over-year change was primarily driven by unusually strong cash flow in the prior year period as a result of favorable working capital trends.
A new system that monitors livestock feeding behavior has been developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.
Agricultural engineers Tami Brown-Brandl and Roger Eigenberg at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (US-MARC) in Clay Center, Neb., designed software and hardware that incorporates standard radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and a commercial reader to monitor animals' eating habits. The system, designed to work in an industry setting, includes an ear tag applied to each animal, monitoring equipment and data recording and storage.
Scientists are using this data to determine the normal day-to-day variation in feeding behavior--the amount of time each animal spends eating, the number of eating events per day, and the timing of those events. By determining an animal's normal eating behavior, it might be easier to detect a sick animal when it starts spending less time at the feeder. These animals can then be treated early to help prevent severe illness. Information gathered might also be used to improve management and establish genetic differences within a herd, according to the researchers.
The low-cost system was first used to monitor feedlot cattle and has been adapted to grow-finish swine. Individual animal feeding behavior can be measured without any outside influence, according to Brown-Brandl, who works in USMARC's Environmental Management Research Unit.
In one study, antennas were mounted on standard swine feeders in six pens that each held 40 pigs. In addition to collecting feeding behavior data, video cameras were used to evaluate the durability of the system, which was shown to be dependable.
Scientists plan to use the system in future studies to examine feeding behavior as it relates to age, gender, weight gain and the health of animals.
Summer Heat and Forage Growth
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Summer heat hit us hard the past couple weeks. How do these high temperatures affect different types of forage plants?
When it suddenly turns 'hooey boy' hot -- you know, 90 plus degrees and humidity so thick you can almost see it -- cool-season plants suffer along with you and me. Alfalfa and clovers, bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescues, needlegrasses, and wheatgrasses all struggle during hot weather.
Do you remember -- before air conditioning -- how drained you used to feel after spending a night when the temperature never dropped below 80? The same thing happens to cool-season forages, resulting in very slow growth, lower forage quality as plants burn up the good nutrients, and limited recovery of root reserves after defoliation. And if it also is dry these conditions can even become deadly.
Warm-season grasses are just the opposite. Millet, sudangrass, sorghums, and our native bluestems, gramas, switchgrass, and other warm-season grasses thrive when the temperature is around 90 degrees. Their metabolism runs at peak efficiency when it is hot so they grow rapidly while maintaining reasonable forage quality and good root growth.
Of course, this assumes these plants have adequate moisture. Once they dry up, these grasses will overheat too, just like cool-season grasses do at lower temperatures.
As you graze or hay, be aware of the stress weather is putting on your forage. When it's too hot, allow plants to recover for a longer time before next use. And don't expect high feed values or good animal gains when the goodies are burned right out of the plants.
Proper expectations and management adjustments can limit the stress from stressful weather.
NEWMAN GROVE AND ATKINSON YOUTHS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS AT NAYI
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today announced that two returning delegates at the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) were awarded scholarships for their leadership and commitment to agriculture, as demonstrated during this year’s conference.
Dr. Dann Husmann, the Associate Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR), presented the scholarships to Toni Rasmussen of Newman Grove and Cole Gibbens of Atkinson. They were each awarded a $600 scholarship to utilize when they begin school at UNL in the fall.
“We are excited to partner with CASNR to offer these scholarships to these two deserving delegates,” said Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council Advisor Christin Kamm. “We greatly appreciate CASNR’s willingness to sponsor these scholarships, and are pleased that both Toni and Cole plan to pursue degrees in agriculture.”
This year marked the 13th year the scholarships have been awarded during NAYI. Rasmussen and Gibbens were selected by the members of the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) based upon their demonstrated leadership, interest in agriculture and the good example that they provided to the other NAYI delegates throughout the five-day conference.
Nearly 200 high school participants gathered on UNL’s East Campus last week (July 8-12) to discuss agricultural policy, listen to motivational speakers, and learn more about careers in agriculture. Delegates were selected to attend NAYI based on their interest in agriculture and their leadership skills. The NAYI program is coordinated by the NAYC, comprised of 19 college‑aged men and women selected by NDA.
JEWELL RECEIVES NAYI’S HIGHEST AWARD
During the 42nd Annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) held last week, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) presented its highest honor, the NAYI Award of Merit, to Dr. Duane Jewell.
“The NAYI Award of Merit is presented each year to someone with a strong commitment to youth and a dedication to the betterment of the agricultural industry,” said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. “This year the award was given to an individual who has a long history with the Institute and is a great supporter of the program.”
For the past 37 years, Dr. Duane Jewell has coordinated the annual Farm Management program at the NAYI. Over 5,000 youth have participated in the program in those years, and taken away valuable information about how to make farm management decisions. Jewell is a native of Albion and received his bachelors, masters and PhD degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He spent five years as a UNL Agricultural Economics staff member before moving to Northwest Missouri State University.
Those nominating the Jewell said, “Dr. Duane Jewell has impacted thousands of delegates throughout the years at the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. His commitment and dedication to this program is has and will always be greatly appreciated.”
Jewell currently resides in Kansas City with his wife. They have two grown children.
2013 Cattlemen's Ball Eclipses Previous Record with $2.12 Million Raised
For the first time in its history, the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska has surpassed $2 million in proceeds. Officials for the 2013 Cattlemen's Ball have announced that the net proceeds from this year's event in Paxton-Sutherland were $2.12 million—exceeding the previous record by some $600,000. All of the money stays in Nebraska to support cancer research and local health and wellness programs.
Ninety percent of the proceeds—some $1.9 million—will go to support cancer research at the Eppley Cancer Center in Omaha. Ten percent of the proceeds—around $200,000—will be distributed as grants to health and wellness organizations in the Paxton-Sutherland area. Local organizations wishing to apply for grant funds must do so no later than July 31, 2013. An application form and additional details are available at www.cattlemensball.com.
Meeting the event's $2 million goal was particularly important. During the event, it was announced that an anonymous donor offered to give $250,000 to local area food banks if that goal was met. This food bank donation is above and beyond the $2.12 million raised.
Over $1 million of the $2.12 million total was raised during the event through silent and live auctions. Additional big ticket items for auction or raffle pushed that total higher. These items included a John Deere tractor donated by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a pivot irrigation system from Lindsay Manufacturing, a 60th anniversary Corvette donated by Harchelroad Motors, Inc., and a Ford F150 pickup donated by Woodhouse Auto Family. Other items generating large sums included a trip to an Argentine winery and a barrel of wine, an African safari, and several original works of art.
Approximately 4,400 people attended the 2013 event, which was held June 7-8 on the Hanging H Ranch between Paxton and Sutherland. The Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster family and the Neal Hanson family (on whose ranch the event was held) served as hosts for this year's Cattlemen's Ball. "On the Trail to a Cure" was the theme for this year's event.
"Exceeding our $2 million goal is a credit to the generosity of the people who joined us—and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on an incredible event," said Ralph Holzfaster. "We're very proud and humbled by the show of support—and are deeply gratified that this year's event has raised a record amount to help find a cure for cancer."
The Cattlemen’s Ball is hosted annually by a different Nebraska family involved in the beef industry. Its mission is to raise money for cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, while showcasing rural Nebraska and promoting beef as part of a healthy diet. Since its inception, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised more than $8.4 million.
Next year's Cattlemen's Ball will be held on the Hoot Owl Ranch in Banner County.
Farmers encouraged to watch cattle closely for heat stress
The heat situation for cattle in Iowa is expected in the ‘danger’ to ‘emergency’ zone for a couple days this week, according to the USDA’s Meat Animal Research Center. The estimates of heat stress are based on four specific weather factors: temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation.
“It’s best that producers plan ahead so they can take quick action if those four factors put parts of Iowa in a high risk zone,” says Matt Deppe, the CEO for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. “Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down. Wind and cool nights can help, but when temperatures and humidity are high, producers must also consider other ways to keep their livestock comfortable,” he said.
ICA is encouraging cattle producers to take advice from Iowa State University’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, Dr. Grant Dewell, DVM. Dr. Dewell recommends these protective measures:
· Clean fresh water – consumption of water can double during extreme heat. Cattle need at least 2 gal./100 lbs/day during heat events. Additionally, make sure there is adequate room for cattle to drink and that supply lines can provide cool water fast enough.
· Shift to feeding a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon and consider lowering the energy content by 5%.
· Provide shade if possible. UV radiation is many times the critical factor for livestock losses due to heat stress.
· Ensure that there are no restrictions to air movement such as hay storage..
· If necessary begin sprinkling cattle with water if signs of heat stress are evident.
Deppe says producers who start using fans or providing water sprinklers on their cattle should be prepared to use that process until more moderate temperatures return.
Cattle producers can monitor the forecasted heat stress index and find tips for cooling cattle at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=21306. More information on preventing heat stress in cattle is available at http://vetmed.iastate.edu/, and type “heat stress cattle” in the search box on the upper right.
Podcasts Tell Iowa Ag Story Along RAGBRAI Route
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that podcasts showcasing Iowa agriculture along the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RABGRAI) route are available for download.
The podcasts are available at www.iowaagcasts.com or through iTunes by searching for the keyword "Iowa Agcasts".
"The beauty and fertility of Iowa's land is very evident this time of year and these podcasts will highlight the importance and diversity of Iowa agriculture as riders travel across the state," Northey said. "Agriculture is so important to our state and we hope RAGBRAI participants and others will listen to these podcasts and learn more about all that is happening on the farms across Iowa."
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, together with many partners, created one podcast for each leg of the ride. Each podcast has an interview of one or two local individuals involved in agriculture and soil and water conservation.
The podcasts are unique in that they show the diversity of Iowa's agriculture. Listeners meet a farmer who sells at his local farmer's market, another who farms organic and even hear from a family-owned winery. Other stories come from beekeepers to coal mine experts, all with roots deep in Iowa's landscape. Urban conservation is even discussed as the riders reach Des Moines half way through the week.
"Agriculture is a very big part of what we do. You see it spatially out there as you look across the landscape and economically as well. It's one of the biggest industries in the state and if you include not only the actual farming but the folks that produce things for farmers or process the crops, somewhere around 25-30% of the economic activity in Iowa is based in agriculture." Northey states in his introductory podcast.
The 41st year of RAGBRAI begins July 21 and goes until July 27. To see details of the route, go to www.ragbrai.com.
Five Growers Elected to NCGA's Corn Board
Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association's Corn Congress in Washington this morning elected five farmers to serve on the organization's Corn Board. Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA's 2014 fiscal year, are new board members Kevin Ross of Iowa and Paul Taylor of Illinios. Current board members Rob Elliott of Illinois, Jon Holzfaster of Nebraska and Wesley Spurlock of Texas were re-elected.
"Each year, we have a terrific slate of candidates for the Corn Board, growers who have already had an impressive career of volunteer service for American agriculture," NCGA Chairman Garry Neimeyer, who chairs the nominating committee, said. "It's inspiring to see such an interest on the part of these growers, especially at a time when our industry faces so many challenges. They are all going to be a great addition to the board, and do great things for all farmers."
Elliott currently co-chairs the Commodity Classic Committee for 2014 and is vice chair of the NASCAR Advisory Committee in addition to serving on the board. Previously, he served as the organizational representative to the Waterways Council. In his home state, Elliott has served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. With two brothers, his 88-year-old father and a nephew, he farms corn and soybeans while running a growing seed business in Warren County, Ill.
Holzfaster, a current Corn Board member, owns and operates the same farm in southwest Nebraska that his family has for three generations. On their farm, they produce corn, popcorn, soybeans, dry edible beans, wheat and alfalfa. Together, his family also operates a 1,000-head non-commercial feed yard that utilizes feed produced on the farm. He currently chairs the NASCAR Advisory Committee and has previously chaired NCGA's Ethanol Committee and the Nebraska Corn Board.
Ross, a sixth-generation family farmer in southwestern Iowa, currently serves as a director of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and on NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. Along with his wife, Sara, he grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa and runs a cow/calf operation. In addition to his past presidency of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ross previously served as chair of the Iowa AgState Initiative and on NCGA's Ethanol Committee.
Current Corn Board member Spurlock is running for reelection this year also. Spurlock chairs NCGA's Finance Committee and sits on the board of both the Texas Corn Producers Board and Corn Producers Association of Texas in addition to farming and managing 9,600 acres of irrigated corn, cotton, wheat and grain sorghum in the upper Texas panhandle.
Having already served as president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Growers Association, Taylor now acts as vice chair on NCGA's Ethanol Committee. On land that has been in his family for more than 100 years, he raises corn, seed corn, food grade non-GMO soybeans and canning vegetables for Del Monte including sweet corn, lima beans and green peas. While he no longer raises livestock personally, he continues to value that component of our agricultural system.
The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
Grower Teams Delve into Current Topics, Consider Options
Action teams and committees charged with in-depth analysis and consideration of the topics most relevant to corn farmers met in Washington yesterday as the initial phase of a full week of meetings held by NCGA. These farmer-led teams discussed changing situations, and the possible ramifications of these changes, in areas including public policy, ethanol, biotechnology, government regulation, trade and grower services in anticipation of NCGA Corn Congress and visits to Capitol Hill scheduled later this week.
"NCGA's action teams develop policies with a careful analysis of each situation while maintaining the grassroots approach vital to the association's success," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "These small groups bring together grower-leaders from our various member states to develop a deep knowledge of specialized areas and collaborate on solutions that help NCGA create and increase opportunities and markets for our members."
Many of the team meetings included presentations from special guests. In the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from a member who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee provided a valuable update on the legislative issues facing the ethanol industry. Her valuable insight helped team members understand the multifaceted situations legislators must take into consideration given the current legislative environment.
Chad Willis, chair of the Ethanol Committee, said the committee agenda is constructed with those legislative visits in mind.
"We want to prepare our grower leaders fully for the important visits they will make with their legislators on Wednesday and Thursday," he said. "Right now, Congress faces rapidly evolving issues crucial to our members, particularly the farm bill and the RFS. The information and understanding coming out of these meetings will help each of our delegations make the strongest case possible for farmers."
In the Public Policy Action Team, members discussed the ongoing situation as farm bill discussions on the Hill evolve. To best assess the current situations facing corn farmers in Washington, they heard from a wide variety of guest speakers, including a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's staff.
Action team and committee meetings conclude yesterday, with Corn Congress convening on Wednesday and running through Thursday.
NCGA President's Award Presented to USDA Secretary Vilsack
National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson today presented NCGA’s President’s Award to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The President’s Award is given annually at NCGA’s Corn Congress meeting in Washington to a leader who has worked to advance issues important to corn growers and agriculture.
“Secretary Vilsack is a perfect recipient for the NCGA President’s Award,” Johnson said. “He has been a steadfast supporter and advocate for American agriculture and I am proud to call him a friend of corn. During his tenure we have seen him work tirelessly to promote agricultural exports, create a more vibrant rural economy and strengthen the role of farmers.”
Vilsack currently serves as the nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture. As leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he is working hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and secure a stronger future for the American middle class.
“We appreciate the Secretary spotlighting why those who work in agriculture are important to Americans,” Johnson said. “But we also want to thank the Secretary for challenging us to tell our own story and let our voices be heard. Our organization has been privileged to work closely with the Secretary and his staff and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”
Whaley Joins Wheat Growers as Corporate Relations Director
Hugh Whaley, a longtime agriculture industry relations and communications professional, has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) as director of corporate relations.
In his new role, Whaley will be the organizations’ lead staffer working to initiate, build and maintain strategic relationships with agribusinesses and other industry partners.
NAWG and the Foundation, which is managed by NAWG, facilitate a wide range of policy, educational and outreach activities and maintain the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill.
“Coming into my new role with NAWG and the Wheat Foundation, I knew immediately that we needed to put an increased focus on our relationships with our state associations, fellow wheat industry and commodity organizations and our corporate partners,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Jim Palmer.
“I am happy to bring Hugh on board to help us develop and implement a plan to improve our outreach with current and potential partners for the benefit of wheat growers.”
Whaley was most recently the general manager for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), of which NAWG is a member. Previous to that, he worked for two well-known marketing communications firms focusing on agriculture clients and for the American Soybean Association.
“The U.S. wheat industry is a major source of the world food supply necessary to feed an ever-increasing global population,” said Whaley. “Both NWF and NAWG will play a vital role in assisting U.S. wheat growers and the entire industry in maintaining and growing that position of importance. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to assist both organizations achieve their strategic objectives.”
NAWG is also pleased to announce the promotions of Brooke Shupe to director of government affairs for risk management and Will Stafford to assistant director of government affairs for trade, transportation and commodity markets.
Shupe joined the Association in April of last year and manages farm policy, crop insurance and related policies. She also runs WheatPAC, wheat growers’ political action committee. Stafford came to NAWG in 2011 and became a government affairs representative last year. In addition to trade, transportation and markets, Stafford follows research policy.
“NAWG's government affairs team has impressed me since coming on staff. I am glad Brooke and Will both want to grow with us, and we look forward to continuing to see the fruits of their labor in the policy arena over the coming years,” Palmer said.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/12/2013
According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 876,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 36.79 million gallons daily. That is down 5,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 876,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 13.43 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol stood at 16.6 million barrels. That is a 5.5% increase from last week.
Imports of ethanol were 50,000 b/d, up from last week.
Gasoline demand for the week averaged 366.6 million gallons daily.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.04%.
On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.282 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 97,764 metric tons of livestock feed, 87,158 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.56 million pounds of corn oil daily.
QUALISOY, United Soybean Board Back Next Generation Oils Solution
The next big thing in edible oils recently received substantial support from the soybean industry. High oleic soybean oils provide food companies increased functionality across multiple applications and meet nutrition needs consumers demand. The United Soybean Board (USB) and QUALISOY announced a commitment to the success of high oleic soybean oils for the food industry. USB pledged $60 million over the next five years to quickly expand seed production of high oleic soybean varieties across a wide geography and market high oleic soybean oils to food companies and other stakeholders. As a result, they project 9 billion pounds of high oleic soybean oil available by 2023 to meet global demand.
"Demand for products with zero grams trans fat and lower saturated fats continues to grow. High oleic soybean oil offers an economical and secure solution for food companies to meet that need, as well as enhance functionality to make their businesses more successful," said Richard Galloway, QUALISOY oils expert. "High oleic soybean oils deliver highly stable products without sacrificing flavor."
Jim Stillman, USB chair and soybean farmer from Emmetsburg, Iowa, agrees. "This commitment to high oleic soybean oils is about meeting our customers' needs. It not only helps build demand for U.S. soybeans and benefits our farmers, but offers a solution that fits the needs of the food industry very well."
Health professionals recommend reducing saturated fats in the diet to lower the risks of heart disease. Consumers also seek more health-conscious food options. As a result, food companies continue to look for solutions. High oleic soybean oils offer an option that is trans-fat free and lower in saturated fats than conventional soybean oil.
They also have desirable benefits for food companies and manufacturers. High oleic soybean oils' superior resistance to oxidation extends shelf life for baked goods and snack foods. The oils also feature a neutral taste, allowing the natural flavors of ingredients to stand out. They perform longer than standard vegetable oils in high temperature and extended use applications because of the heat and oxidative stability of the oil. This, as well as reduced polymer buildup that lessens maintenance and cleaning, translates to cost savings for food service operations.
High oleic soybean oil was commercialized in 2011 and is now available.
Japan Consumer Magazine Goes Digital
Now in its 10th year of production, USMEF-Japan’s popular quarterly consumer magazine, Be&Po, has gone digital. Be&Po, which has a circulation of 23,000 loyal readers, is produced with funding from the Beef Checkoff Program, Pork Checkoff and USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP).
Initially targeted at homemakers, the main decision-makers regarding meat purchases at retail, the full-color publication debuted in March 2003. It delivers feature articles on nutrition, product safety, American food cultures and trends, along with messages from American producers. In recent years, the audience has expanded to include more single men, particularly those who recognize that tasty, lean American beef and low-fat U.S. pork are an important part of a healthy diet.
The magazine also has helped spread awareness of and appreciation for U.S. beef and pork to an influential group of readers. Through Be&Po, USMEF has introduced more than 1,600 recipes using American beef and pork products developed by famous cooking instructors, well-known chefs and nutritionists. Many of these professionals subsequently began using American beef and pork at their cooking schools and restaurants.
In recognition of the increasing movement of Japanese consumers to digital media, USMEF recently took the decade-old publication digital, both to reach readers on their home computers and hand-held devices as well as to reduce production and distribution costs. Limited hard-copy distribution will continue at consumer seminars, supermarkets, restaurants and retail to reach new readers.”
“We have a very loyal reader base,” said Tazuko Hijikata, USMEF-Japan senior manager of consumer affairs. “USMEF receives hundreds of opinion cards that we insert into each issue of Be&Po (which stands for Beef & Pork), even though readers have to buy stamps to return the cards. We’ve made good use of that feedback to tailor the magazine to better serve our readers.
“Because of its quality content and sophisticated design, many retailers, hotels and foodservice companies often ask USMEF to provide Be&Po for their promotions and to allow them use the recipes introduced in the magazine,” said Hijikata.
The new digital format also will allow subscribers to pass the publication along to friends and family via email, significantly expanding distribution and word-of-mouth support.
Already, feedback to the change has been very positive. USMEF has received several hundred messages from readers including the following:
- “Before reading Be&Po, I didn’t trust non-domestic meat products, but now I always prefer American beef and pork at supermarkets. Thank you so much.”
- “Through Be&Po, I better understand the quality and safety of American meat products.”
- “Every time when I receive Be&Po, I tried new recipes using American meat and enjoyed them with my family. I really appreciate it.”
“Be&Po is an important communication tool with Japanese consumers as well as a resource of tips for activity planning,” added Hijikata. “Japanese consumers prefer so-called ‘story products.’ They want to know the background, history and producers of the products, and that’s why Be&Po has received such warm responses and strong support.”
FFA members throughout Midwest invited to attempt to break world record for pick-up truck parade Aug. 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
FFA members from throughout the Midwest with a penchant for their pick-up trucks can help attempt to set a world record next month in Indianapolis. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, food, live entertainment and a classic tractor parade will be capped by a 2 p.m. attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark for a parade of pick-up trucks – a one-lap trek around the racetrack.
The current world record for a pick-up truck parade stands at 273 pick-up trucks, a mark set by the Dresden Agricultural Society on Aug. 25, 2012, on the Dresden Raceway in Ontario, Canada.
FFA members – and pick-up truck enthusiasts from throughout the region – are welcome at IMS Saturday to join in the world-record-breaking attempt. Interested participants are asked to register themselves for the Parade of Pick-ups online at www.RFDTV.com by July 25.
There is no cost for participants to enter the parade. The general public is invited to IMS for the day-long celebration at no cost as well.
Mosaic Company Releases Lower Earnings Report
The Mosaic Company reported fourth quarter fiscal 2013 net earnings of $486 million, compared to $507 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $1.14 in the quarter compared to $1.19 last year.
Mosaic's net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 were $2.7 billion, down from $2.8 billion last year. Operating earnings during the quarter were $621 million, down from $671 million a year ago, as record potash and strong phosphate sales volumes were more than offset by lower realized prices.
"Our focus on planning and execution paid off, with Mosaic achieving record potash and strong phosphate shipments during the quarter," said Jim Prokopanko, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic. "Mosaic delivered outstanding results despite difficult external factors such as the late and compressed North American spring planting season, and additional logistical challenges. The long-term outlook for Mosaic remains compelling, and we are executing well to capture the opportunity."
Cash flow provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 was $855 million compared to $1.2 billion in the prior year. The year-over-year change was primarily driven by unusually strong cash flow in the prior year period as a result of favorable working capital trends.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday July 16 Ag News
NE Cattlemen Welcomes New Executive Vice President, Pete McClymont
Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) is pleased to announce it has selected Pete McClymont as its new Executive Vice President. NC President Dale Spencer said “Nebraska Cattlemen is excited to welcome Pete McClymont as our new EVP. Pete brings excellent industry and legislative experience to this position, as well as wide spread respect from cattlemen and others in the agriculture industry as well as our state legislature.”
Originally from Holdrege, McClymont grew up on a diversified operation consisting of cattle feeding, ranching along with row crops primarily corn and soybeans. McClymont graduated from Holdrege High School and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He previously worked with his father and brothers on the family operation until serving as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen. McClymont was active with the NC affiliate Phelps/Gosper Livestock Feeders, a NC Board member starting in 1996 and concluding Board service as President in 2006.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as Executive Vice President for the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen. For the past seven sessions at the Nebraska Legislature, I’ve experienced first-hand the respect and stature of Nebraska Cattlemen. As currently being a beef producer myself, I’m excited to continue my professional service for NC members.”
Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP Acres is Authorized in Nebraska Counties
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Dan Steinkruger today announced that 54 Nebraska counties are authorized for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for 2013 due to drought conditions.
The counties approved for emergency haying and grazing are Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Boone, Box Butte, Boyd, Cedar, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Nuckolls, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Red Willow, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Stanton, Valley, Webster, and Wheeler. The authorization for 2013 begins July 16, 2013 for both emergency haying and emergency grazing, which coincides with the end of the primary nesting and brood rearing season in Nebraska.
Provisions of a CRP contract prohibit harvesting of the conservation cover for the life of the contract except in certain emergency situations when the Secretary of Agriculture authorizes emergency haying and grazing. Emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres is intended to provide assistance to livestock producers who are suffering forage losses due to severe drought. “Drought has been ongoing in Nebraska counties for more than a year and forage losses have impacted livestock producers to the extent of drastic herd reductions,” said Steinkruger. “In 2012 USDA opened CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing and Nebraska farmers and ranchers utilized over 300,000 acres under the program to provide forage to livestock,” he said.
“Eligible producers who are interested in emergency haying or grazing of CRP must request approval before haying or grazing eligible acreage,” said Steinkruger. “Producers must also obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that outlines permitted practices,” he said. Many of the limitations and requirements of CRP emergency haying and grazing were waived in 2012; however for 2013 there will be a 25 percent reduction in the annual rental payments and no haying or grazing will be allowed on practice CP25(Rare and Declining Habitat). Along with other restrictions, CRP participants are not allowed to sell the hay; however, if the participant is not a livestock producer he or she may rent or lease the haying or grazing privilege to an eligible livestock producer.
Steinkruger noted, “FSA is continuing to utilize our available program options to assist Nebraska farmers and ranchers whose livestock are impacted by the drought.”
Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for more information on CRP emergency haying and grazing. Additional information is also available on the web at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.
Nebraska 4-H County Fairs to Feature Commodity Carnivals
4-H Commodity Carnivals will take place throughout Nebraska this summer at county fairs.
The carnivals are the result of a gift from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group. The goal of the partnership program is to increase the public’s understanding of the value of agriculture and increase agriculture literacy across the nation.
The new initiative, which will include an interactive learning activity, will debut at county and state fairs in 11 states, including Nebraska.
Developed by The Ohio State University Extension, the Commodity Carnival will consist of two hands-on mini carnival games – Invest and Grow and Pig-Linko – to introduce the concepts of agriculture futures, options and commodity trading to the target audience of families and youth ages 8-14. Each activity will guide the participants through the process of producing a commodity (i.e., hogs) and selling it.
Nebraska Commodity Carnival locations, dates and contacts are as follows:
– Dakota-Thurston County Fair, South Sioux City, July 18-20, Jennifer Hansen, 402-385-6041, jhansen6@unl.edu
– Adams County Fair, Hastings, July 18-20, Beth Janning, 402-461-7209, elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
– Cedar County Fair, Hartington, July 19-21, Jackie Steffen, 402-254-6821, jsteffen2@unl.edu
– Lincoln County Fair, North Platte, July 27-28, Brenda Aufdenkamp, 308-532-2683, brenda.aufdenkamp@unl.edu
– Cheyenne County Fair, Sidney, July 30-Aug 1, Cynthia Gill, 308-254-4455, cgill2@unl.edu
– Morrill County Fair, Bridgeport, July 30-Aug. 1, Annette Haas, 308-632-1480, ahaas5@unl.edu
– Scotts Bluff County Fair, Mitchell, Aug. 5-7, Annette Haas, 308-632-1480, ahaas5@unl.edu
– Cuming County Fair, West Point, Aug. 8-11, Patricia Bohaboj, 402-372-6006, pbohaboj@unl.edu
– Cherry County Fair, Valentine, Aug. 9-11, Jody Dexter, 402-376-1850, benshelbourn@outlook.com
– Otoe County Fair, Syracuse, Aug. 11-14, Sarah Purcell, 402-269-2301, sarah.purcell@unl.edu
4-H is in UNL Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR WINDBREAK RENOVATIONS
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available for landowners and operators to restore windbreaks. Funds and technical assistance is currently available from NRCS through their Cooperative Conservation Partnership Incentive program.
Windbreaks are one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. They are commonly planted around the edges of fields on farms. If designed properly, windbreaks around a home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling and save energy. Other benefits include providing habitat for wildlife.
According to Nebraska NRCS Forester Constance Miller, several windbreaks in the state have suffered heavy tree loss, and are in need of renovation.
“Windbreaks that were planted to help protect cropland, farmsteads and livestock have suffered heavy tree losses due to dry conditions, disease and age. This program can help landowners reestablish trees and get these windbreaks back to providing protection from the wind and heat in the summer and capturing snow and blocking the cold in the winter,” Miller said.
Interested individuals may file an application at any time, but the ranking of applications on hand to receive funding will begin Aug. 14, 2013. The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.
For more than 75 years, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has helped agricultural producers with conservation plans. NRCS Conservationists will work with landowners on their farm or ranch to develop a conservation plan based on resource goals. Conservation planning assistance is free and does not require participation in financial programs.
For more information about this and the other conservation programs available through NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Minimize PEDV Risk with Proper Transportation Biosecurity
(from National Pork Board)
PEDV was confirmed for the first time in U.S. swine herds mid-May. As of the week of July 8, there are more than 330 confirmed cases of PEDV in 15 states, with most of those in Iowa and Oklahoma.
While it's always wise to maintain good biosecurity, it's critical to do so at this time with PEDV confirmed in the United States. Researchers have already found the virus to present on the surfaces of truck and animal chutes, so having strict transportation biosecurity is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of the virus. Talking with your veterinarian about developing transport biosecurity recommendations specifically for your operation is always the best course of action. Here are some general transportation biosecurity points to consider:
- When going to another site or packing plant, wear coveralls and boots to prevent contamination in the cab of the trailer and to minimize exposure to other pigs
- Establish a clean and dirty zone for farm and transport workers to follow during load-in and load-out
- Clean and disinfect trailers after use; this is especially important when going to commingled sites like cull depots, packing plants or buying stations
- Cleaning and disinfection involves:
- Removal of dirty shavings, manure and other debris from the trailer
- The use of a detergent soap can help to break down dried manure and speed up the wash process
- After cleaning the trailer, use a disinfectant according to label directions to kill the virus
- Make sure to wash and clean coveralls, boots and other equipment when transporting pigs
- Clean the interior of the tractor cab to remove any dirt or shavings
- Once the tractor and trailer is clean, park in a secure, clean location to dry away from other vehicle traffic
Remember...resources pertaining to biosecurity and livestock production also can be found online on pork.org in the Transport Quality Assurance Handbook, and at the National Biosecurity Resource Center. Transporters can find guidance on boot disinfection, actively search for disinfectants by manufacturer, disinfectant class or by disease, or locate truck washes by state.
Five On-Farm Biosecurity Tips When Moving Pigs
North Carolina veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Turner, offers some timely tips on what producers and transporters should employ when it's time to move pigs:
- Label and segregate chutes as much as possible.
- If possible, have different chutes dedicated to loading outbound pigs and inbound pigs. Strictly isolating and monitoring incoming pigs can help protect the premises.
- Continue to provide an area for drivers to discard their disposable coveralls and disposable boots.
- Wash and disinfect all unloading chutes and driver areas as often as possible.
- Wash all the fecal material off the chute and driver area first.
- Apply a 2% phenol-based disinfectant (examples include: TekTrol, One Stroke Environ, Pheno-Tek II) to the areas where drivers walk to enter the chute, the chute from the point the driver enters to the top, and all areas where the chute contacts the truck.
- Phenols will work the best because they are the most active when there is some organic material present.
- A water medicator pump set to inject 2% can be installed and hooked up to a water hose beside the chute for ease of application.
- If possible, make the driver contact area as small as possible. Rework facilities so the driver can enter the loading chute without having to walk through holding areas where he could be contaminated.
- Require all trailers used to pick up animals be cleaned and disinfected before arrival and check that it is effectively happening
- Provide coveralls and boots for employees to wear. These coveralls and boots should stay on the site and be washed routinely.
- Routine boot washing and disinfection when crossing over areas where drivers have to walk (especially around the unloading chutes)
- Consider utilizing the formal National Pork Board programs for Transport Quality Assurance and Pork Quality Assurance Plus.
- These programs provide standardized, documentable training on animal handling, biosecurity practices, worker safety, and food safety.
Help Farmers Cope with Stress
Farm life with its country setting often is idealized, but as the complications and pace of agriculture have increased, so have the physical and mental demands on farmers. It's set up for stress that cannot be ignored, says Malisa Rader, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life program specialist.
"Farmers deal with everyday tasks of money management, decision-making and equipment maintenance," Rader said. "Other stressors in farming include worry over large debt loads, government regulations, pest outbreaks, animal disease, negative publicity, rapid change within the industry and lack of control over the weather. Add to that the knowledge that most farmers work long hours in isolation near their home environment, leaving them no place to escape the stressors, and it is easy to see why farming ranks as one of the most stressful occupations in the United States."
Rader noted that it does not help matters that "farmer personality" can prevent those in agriculture from seeking help when needed. Farm families' perceptions of obstacles to seeking help include concerns about their reputation in the community or the financial cost of getting help, and lack of understanding about what service agencies do and how they work.
"It might be a matter of pride. Some farmers may have grown up with the idea that you don't seek help from social agencies; that you have to solve your own problems. They might not trust helping professionals or they might fear being perceived as mentally ill," Rader said.
"The physical and mental stress of farming can take a toll on a person's health," Rader said. "Ignoring those signs of stress can lead to fatigue and depression, increasing the risk for accidental injuries, poor decision-making, physical illness and more."
Although adults involved in the agriculture industry may not come out and verbally share they are under financial or emotional stress, there are signs they may be in need of help, Rader said. These signs can be observed by friends, neighbors, veterinarians, physicians, clergy, teachers and other community members.
Suzanne Pish, a social-emotional health extension educator with Michigan State University Extension, encourages those living in rural communities to look for the following signs of chronic, prolonged stress in farm families:
-- Change in routines. The farmer or family no longer participates in activities they once enjoyed such as church, 4-H or visiting at the local diner.
-- Care of livestock declines. Animals might show signs of neglect or abuse.
-- Increase in illness. Stress puts people at higher risk for upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough).
-- Increase in farm accidents. Fatigue and the inability to concentrate can lead to greater risk of accidents.
-- Decline in farmstead appearance. The farm family no longer may take pride in the way farm buildings and grounds appear, or no longer have time to do the maintenance work.
Children show signs of stress. Children from families under stress may act out, show a decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school. They also may show signs of physical abuse or neglect.
"Many farmers who are used to working things out for themselves might be resistant to sharing their problems with others. Although asking for help might go against the nature of a strong, self-reliant farmer, obtaining support for stress-related problems usually provides the most effective and durable solutions," Rader said.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently examined 130 occupations and found that laborers and farm owners had the highest rate of deaths due to stress-related conditions like heart and artery disease, hypertension, ulcers and nervous disorder. In 2002, a rural Iowa survey showed that 16.4 percent of the responders had thoughts of suicide.
RFA Comments Support Addition of New RFS2 Cellulosic Biofuel Pathways, Applaud Approach to Cellulosic RIN Generation
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) voiced its support today for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to expand the number of qualified biofuel production pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). In written comments to the EPA regarding RFS Pathways II and Technical Amendments to the RFS2 Standards, RFA backed the EPA’s efforts to add cellulosic fiber from the corn kernel to the list of qualifying cellulosic biofuel feedstocks, and the agency’s simplified approach to RIN generation for renewable fuels derived from cellulosic biomass.
“We applaud EPA for confirming that corn kernel fiber is ‘crop residue,’ and believe the Agency has proposed a sensible and straightforward approach to RIN generation for renewable fuels derived from cellulosic biomass feedstocks,” wrote RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Several technologies to convert corn kernel fiber into cellulosic ethanol have been developed in recent years, and a number of existing ethanol plants have already adopted these technologies or are poised to integrate them in the near future. The volumes of cellulosic ethanol produced from corn kernel fiber can meaningfully contribute to RFS2 cellulosic biofuel requirements in the near term.” The comments also included a scientific analysis from a noted animal nutritionist examining the potential impacts of reduced fiber DDGS on livestock and poultry markets.
RFA’s 28-page comments expressed support for most of the RFS2 technical amendments and new pathways proposed by EPA. For example, the RFA submission supports a proposal by EPA to provide an alternative approach to applying RVP volatility standards to commingled mixtures of E10 and approved gasoline additives, such as butanol. However, Dinneen noted, the conditions for applying the alternative RVP approach should be limited to whether blending an approved gasoline additive with E10 results in no net increase in RVP.
Fertilizer Prices Remain Steady
Retail fertilizer prices continue to remain fairly steady, according to data tracked by DTN for the second week of July 2013. Retail prices have been stable now for over eight months. All eight of the major fertilizers were lower compared to last month, but again these moves to the low side were fairly minor. DAP had average price of $591 per ton, MAP $644/ton, potash $576/ton, urea $544/ton, 10-34-0 $599/ton, anhydrous $793/ton, UAN28 $388/ton and UAN32 $441/ton.
Starter fertilizer 10-34-0 dropped below the $600-per-ton level for the first time since the third week of December 2010 when the fertilizer price was at $591 per ton. Anhydrous has punched below the $800-per-ton level for the first time since the first week of August 2012. At that time, the nitrogen fertilizer's price was $798 per ton
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.59/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.
Only one of the eight major fertilizers is showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 4% higher compared to last year. Four fertilizers are a single-digit lower in price compared to July 2012. UAN28 is 2% lower, both MAP and DAP are 3% lower and DAP is now 6% lower compared to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 11% while 10-34-0 is 14% less expensive and urea is 20% lower.
CWT Assists with 7.9 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 30 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Foremost Farms USA, Land O’Lakes and Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association to sell 4.398 million pounds (1,995 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 3.522 million pounds (1,598 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered July through December 2013.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 72.155 million pounds of cheese, 56.907 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 34 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 1.908 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
Ukraine to Export Over 24 Million Tons of Grain
Ukraine is expected to export 24-26 million tonnes of grain this marketing year. The final amount will depend on the condition of crops, overwintering winter wheat and the amount agreed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and traders.
Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Alexander Sen said: "According to preliminary estimates, this marketing year exports of grain may reach 24-26 million tonnes. This is one of the greatest figures in the history of independence. This will greatly enhance the credibility of our country on the world food market."
The final export figure will be determined depending on the crops and during overwintering winter wheat crop in 2014.
EARLY 2013 SCAB REPORTS: SOUTHERN STATES
The importance of weather in the development, or lack thereof, of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB, also known as “scab”) is again becoming evident. After a generally benign scab year in 2012, early reports provided to the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative from southeastern U.S. state crop specialists suggest some “hot spots” in 2013.
“In North Carolina, this is a year of widespread but localized scab damage that is mainly confined to the northwest and northeast of the state,” Christina Cowper reported. “A rainy week in early May caused problems where they occurred,” said Cowger, a plant pathologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service based at North Carolina State University. The problem was most serious in the central and northern Piedmont and northern Tidewater districts of the state. “A lot depended on whether there was substantial corn residue and whether susceptible varieties were being used,” Cowger added. “Some growers in danger zones applied scab-targeted fungicides; some did not.”
University of Georgia plant pathologist Alfredo Martinez noted that Fusarium Head Blight had been confirmed in a wheat field in extreme southern Georgia — this following several years during which no scab incidence had been reported in the state. “Unusually wet spring weather coinciding with wheat at flowering stages may have elevated the risk of FHB infections,” Martinez stated. As of when the wheat season was winding down in late June, however, he had received no reports of FHB in central or northern Georgia.
Austin Hagan, extension plant pathologist with Auburn University, said scab did show up in this year’s Alabama wheat fields. “Most growers in the main wheat production areas treated with Prosaro or Caramba [fungicide],” he noted.
To the west, University of Arkansas plant pathologist Eugene Milus noted in mid-June that there was “scattered scab in fields late in the season across Arkansas, just as the wheat was turning.” Notable differences were observed in scab incidence and severity across the spectrum of planted wheat varieties. As of late June, Milus reported, “We have some scab, but fortunately it came late enough that it has not caused any adverse issues.”
CHS Hedging Becomes Clearing Member of CME
CHS Hedging Inc., the full-service commodity brokerage subsidiary of CHS Inc., announced it has become a clearing member of the CME, trading legacy commodities under the CME's "Grain and Oilseed" agricultural products group. Clearing members take full responsibility for all financial and performance obligations on behalf of their customer trading activity. CHS Hedging has been long-time clearing members of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX) and, until its recent acquisition by the CME, the Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT).
"Our customers have always looked to us as the responsible party for their trading, regardless of the exchange," said Scott Cordes, president, CHS Hedging. "This doesn't change that. Rather, it strengthens our relationship with the CME and gives our company a seat at the table for decisions that ultimately affect our customers, such as margin policies. We can be their voice on the exchange."
CHS Hedging customers may notice minor changes in their day-to-day trading execution process, but the change to real-time reporting on most activity will be the significant benefit to those closely tracking the grain exchanges.
"Because we are a co-op, our customers are also our owners," added Cordes. "That means every business decision we make is based on our owners' best interests. There's never been a more important time for us to secure this kind of position -- one of direct accountability and transparency -- on behalf of our customers."
DuPont Pioneer Announces New Pioneer® Field360™ Tools App for Growers
A new mobile app that features three agronomy tools is now available to help growers with this season’s management decisions. The Pioneer® Field360™ Tools app from DuPont Pioneer features the GDU Estimator, Precipitation Estimator, and Growth Stage Estimator.
“Conveniently packaging DuPont Pioneer agronomy expertise into one mobile application that growers can use to make decisions anywhere they farm is one of the benefits of the new Pioneer Field360 Tools app,” says Matt Snyder, DuPont Pioneer product manager. The app has improved usability, requiring one-time input of location, start date and comparative relative maturity (CRM).
"Growers can easily navigate between the calculators within the Pioneer Field360 Tools app without re-entering data,” Snyder says.
This new app combines powerful analysis tools and real-time data, right at your fingertips. Growers are able to track multiple field scenarios, including progress of the crop with a growth stage estimator, view precipitation forecasts and daily precipitation, and calculate GDUs and key crop stages. The Pioneer Field360 Tools app can also estimate harvest dates for each Pioneer® brand corn hybrid planted.
Part of the Pioneer Field360 services offering, this app can be located by searching Field360 in the App Store™. It is available for $9.99. The app will be upgraded with additional best-in-class agronomy tools as they are available. An Android version of the app will be available later in July in the Google Play™ Store.
Growers can also go to pioneer.com/360 to access the Pioneer Field360 Tools app and other Pioneer applications such as Pioneer® Field360™ Notes app and the Plantability app.
Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) is pleased to announce it has selected Pete McClymont as its new Executive Vice President. NC President Dale Spencer said “Nebraska Cattlemen is excited to welcome Pete McClymont as our new EVP. Pete brings excellent industry and legislative experience to this position, as well as wide spread respect from cattlemen and others in the agriculture industry as well as our state legislature.”
Originally from Holdrege, McClymont grew up on a diversified operation consisting of cattle feeding, ranching along with row crops primarily corn and soybeans. McClymont graduated from Holdrege High School and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He previously worked with his father and brothers on the family operation until serving as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen. McClymont was active with the NC affiliate Phelps/Gosper Livestock Feeders, a NC Board member starting in 1996 and concluding Board service as President in 2006.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as Executive Vice President for the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen. For the past seven sessions at the Nebraska Legislature, I’ve experienced first-hand the respect and stature of Nebraska Cattlemen. As currently being a beef producer myself, I’m excited to continue my professional service for NC members.”
Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP Acres is Authorized in Nebraska Counties
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Dan Steinkruger today announced that 54 Nebraska counties are authorized for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for 2013 due to drought conditions.
The counties approved for emergency haying and grazing are Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Boone, Box Butte, Boyd, Cedar, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dixon, Dundy, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Holt, Howard, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Madison, Merrick, Morrill, Nance, Nuckolls, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Red Willow, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, Stanton, Valley, Webster, and Wheeler. The authorization for 2013 begins July 16, 2013 for both emergency haying and emergency grazing, which coincides with the end of the primary nesting and brood rearing season in Nebraska.
Provisions of a CRP contract prohibit harvesting of the conservation cover for the life of the contract except in certain emergency situations when the Secretary of Agriculture authorizes emergency haying and grazing. Emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres is intended to provide assistance to livestock producers who are suffering forage losses due to severe drought. “Drought has been ongoing in Nebraska counties for more than a year and forage losses have impacted livestock producers to the extent of drastic herd reductions,” said Steinkruger. “In 2012 USDA opened CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing and Nebraska farmers and ranchers utilized over 300,000 acres under the program to provide forage to livestock,” he said.
“Eligible producers who are interested in emergency haying or grazing of CRP must request approval before haying or grazing eligible acreage,” said Steinkruger. “Producers must also obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that outlines permitted practices,” he said. Many of the limitations and requirements of CRP emergency haying and grazing were waived in 2012; however for 2013 there will be a 25 percent reduction in the annual rental payments and no haying or grazing will be allowed on practice CP25(Rare and Declining Habitat). Along with other restrictions, CRP participants are not allowed to sell the hay; however, if the participant is not a livestock producer he or she may rent or lease the haying or grazing privilege to an eligible livestock producer.
Steinkruger noted, “FSA is continuing to utilize our available program options to assist Nebraska farmers and ranchers whose livestock are impacted by the drought.”
Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for more information on CRP emergency haying and grazing. Additional information is also available on the web at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.
Nebraska 4-H County Fairs to Feature Commodity Carnivals
4-H Commodity Carnivals will take place throughout Nebraska this summer at county fairs.
The carnivals are the result of a gift from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group. The goal of the partnership program is to increase the public’s understanding of the value of agriculture and increase agriculture literacy across the nation.
The new initiative, which will include an interactive learning activity, will debut at county and state fairs in 11 states, including Nebraska.
Developed by The Ohio State University Extension, the Commodity Carnival will consist of two hands-on mini carnival games – Invest and Grow and Pig-Linko – to introduce the concepts of agriculture futures, options and commodity trading to the target audience of families and youth ages 8-14. Each activity will guide the participants through the process of producing a commodity (i.e., hogs) and selling it.
Nebraska Commodity Carnival locations, dates and contacts are as follows:
– Dakota-Thurston County Fair, South Sioux City, July 18-20, Jennifer Hansen, 402-385-6041, jhansen6@unl.edu
– Adams County Fair, Hastings, July 18-20, Beth Janning, 402-461-7209, elizabeth.janning@unl.edu
– Cedar County Fair, Hartington, July 19-21, Jackie Steffen, 402-254-6821, jsteffen2@unl.edu
– Lincoln County Fair, North Platte, July 27-28, Brenda Aufdenkamp, 308-532-2683, brenda.aufdenkamp@unl.edu
– Cheyenne County Fair, Sidney, July 30-Aug 1, Cynthia Gill, 308-254-4455, cgill2@unl.edu
– Morrill County Fair, Bridgeport, July 30-Aug. 1, Annette Haas, 308-632-1480, ahaas5@unl.edu
– Scotts Bluff County Fair, Mitchell, Aug. 5-7, Annette Haas, 308-632-1480, ahaas5@unl.edu
– Cuming County Fair, West Point, Aug. 8-11, Patricia Bohaboj, 402-372-6006, pbohaboj@unl.edu
– Cherry County Fair, Valentine, Aug. 9-11, Jody Dexter, 402-376-1850, benshelbourn@outlook.com
– Otoe County Fair, Syracuse, Aug. 11-14, Sarah Purcell, 402-269-2301, sarah.purcell@unl.edu
4-H is in UNL Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR WINDBREAK RENOVATIONS
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available for landowners and operators to restore windbreaks. Funds and technical assistance is currently available from NRCS through their Cooperative Conservation Partnership Incentive program.
Windbreaks are one or more rows of trees or shrubs planted to provide shelter from the wind and to protect soil from erosion. They are commonly planted around the edges of fields on farms. If designed properly, windbreaks around a home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling and save energy. Other benefits include providing habitat for wildlife.
According to Nebraska NRCS Forester Constance Miller, several windbreaks in the state have suffered heavy tree loss, and are in need of renovation.
“Windbreaks that were planted to help protect cropland, farmsteads and livestock have suffered heavy tree losses due to dry conditions, disease and age. This program can help landowners reestablish trees and get these windbreaks back to providing protection from the wind and heat in the summer and capturing snow and blocking the cold in the winter,” Miller said.
Interested individuals may file an application at any time, but the ranking of applications on hand to receive funding will begin Aug. 14, 2013. The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.
For more than 75 years, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has helped agricultural producers with conservation plans. NRCS Conservationists will work with landowners on their farm or ranch to develop a conservation plan based on resource goals. Conservation planning assistance is free and does not require participation in financial programs.
For more information about this and the other conservation programs available through NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Minimize PEDV Risk with Proper Transportation Biosecurity
(from National Pork Board)
PEDV was confirmed for the first time in U.S. swine herds mid-May. As of the week of July 8, there are more than 330 confirmed cases of PEDV in 15 states, with most of those in Iowa and Oklahoma.
While it's always wise to maintain good biosecurity, it's critical to do so at this time with PEDV confirmed in the United States. Researchers have already found the virus to present on the surfaces of truck and animal chutes, so having strict transportation biosecurity is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of the virus. Talking with your veterinarian about developing transport biosecurity recommendations specifically for your operation is always the best course of action. Here are some general transportation biosecurity points to consider:
- When going to another site or packing plant, wear coveralls and boots to prevent contamination in the cab of the trailer and to minimize exposure to other pigs
- Establish a clean and dirty zone for farm and transport workers to follow during load-in and load-out
- Clean and disinfect trailers after use; this is especially important when going to commingled sites like cull depots, packing plants or buying stations
- Cleaning and disinfection involves:
- Removal of dirty shavings, manure and other debris from the trailer
- The use of a detergent soap can help to break down dried manure and speed up the wash process
- After cleaning the trailer, use a disinfectant according to label directions to kill the virus
- Make sure to wash and clean coveralls, boots and other equipment when transporting pigs
- Clean the interior of the tractor cab to remove any dirt or shavings
- Once the tractor and trailer is clean, park in a secure, clean location to dry away from other vehicle traffic
Remember...resources pertaining to biosecurity and livestock production also can be found online on pork.org in the Transport Quality Assurance Handbook, and at the National Biosecurity Resource Center. Transporters can find guidance on boot disinfection, actively search for disinfectants by manufacturer, disinfectant class or by disease, or locate truck washes by state.
Five On-Farm Biosecurity Tips When Moving Pigs
North Carolina veterinarian, Dr. Matthew Turner, offers some timely tips on what producers and transporters should employ when it's time to move pigs:
- Label and segregate chutes as much as possible.
- If possible, have different chutes dedicated to loading outbound pigs and inbound pigs. Strictly isolating and monitoring incoming pigs can help protect the premises.
- Continue to provide an area for drivers to discard their disposable coveralls and disposable boots.
- Wash and disinfect all unloading chutes and driver areas as often as possible.
- Wash all the fecal material off the chute and driver area first.
- Apply a 2% phenol-based disinfectant (examples include: TekTrol, One Stroke Environ, Pheno-Tek II) to the areas where drivers walk to enter the chute, the chute from the point the driver enters to the top, and all areas where the chute contacts the truck.
- Phenols will work the best because they are the most active when there is some organic material present.
- A water medicator pump set to inject 2% can be installed and hooked up to a water hose beside the chute for ease of application.
- If possible, make the driver contact area as small as possible. Rework facilities so the driver can enter the loading chute without having to walk through holding areas where he could be contaminated.
- Require all trailers used to pick up animals be cleaned and disinfected before arrival and check that it is effectively happening
- Provide coveralls and boots for employees to wear. These coveralls and boots should stay on the site and be washed routinely.
- Routine boot washing and disinfection when crossing over areas where drivers have to walk (especially around the unloading chutes)
- Consider utilizing the formal National Pork Board programs for Transport Quality Assurance and Pork Quality Assurance Plus.
- These programs provide standardized, documentable training on animal handling, biosecurity practices, worker safety, and food safety.
Help Farmers Cope with Stress
Farm life with its country setting often is idealized, but as the complications and pace of agriculture have increased, so have the physical and mental demands on farmers. It's set up for stress that cannot be ignored, says Malisa Rader, an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life program specialist.
"Farmers deal with everyday tasks of money management, decision-making and equipment maintenance," Rader said. "Other stressors in farming include worry over large debt loads, government regulations, pest outbreaks, animal disease, negative publicity, rapid change within the industry and lack of control over the weather. Add to that the knowledge that most farmers work long hours in isolation near their home environment, leaving them no place to escape the stressors, and it is easy to see why farming ranks as one of the most stressful occupations in the United States."
Rader noted that it does not help matters that "farmer personality" can prevent those in agriculture from seeking help when needed. Farm families' perceptions of obstacles to seeking help include concerns about their reputation in the community or the financial cost of getting help, and lack of understanding about what service agencies do and how they work.
"It might be a matter of pride. Some farmers may have grown up with the idea that you don't seek help from social agencies; that you have to solve your own problems. They might not trust helping professionals or they might fear being perceived as mentally ill," Rader said.
"The physical and mental stress of farming can take a toll on a person's health," Rader said. "Ignoring those signs of stress can lead to fatigue and depression, increasing the risk for accidental injuries, poor decision-making, physical illness and more."
Although adults involved in the agriculture industry may not come out and verbally share they are under financial or emotional stress, there are signs they may be in need of help, Rader said. These signs can be observed by friends, neighbors, veterinarians, physicians, clergy, teachers and other community members.
Suzanne Pish, a social-emotional health extension educator with Michigan State University Extension, encourages those living in rural communities to look for the following signs of chronic, prolonged stress in farm families:
-- Change in routines. The farmer or family no longer participates in activities they once enjoyed such as church, 4-H or visiting at the local diner.
-- Care of livestock declines. Animals might show signs of neglect or abuse.
-- Increase in illness. Stress puts people at higher risk for upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough).
-- Increase in farm accidents. Fatigue and the inability to concentrate can lead to greater risk of accidents.
-- Decline in farmstead appearance. The farm family no longer may take pride in the way farm buildings and grounds appear, or no longer have time to do the maintenance work.
Children show signs of stress. Children from families under stress may act out, show a decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school. They also may show signs of physical abuse or neglect.
"Many farmers who are used to working things out for themselves might be resistant to sharing their problems with others. Although asking for help might go against the nature of a strong, self-reliant farmer, obtaining support for stress-related problems usually provides the most effective and durable solutions," Rader said.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recently examined 130 occupations and found that laborers and farm owners had the highest rate of deaths due to stress-related conditions like heart and artery disease, hypertension, ulcers and nervous disorder. In 2002, a rural Iowa survey showed that 16.4 percent of the responders had thoughts of suicide.
RFA Comments Support Addition of New RFS2 Cellulosic Biofuel Pathways, Applaud Approach to Cellulosic RIN Generation
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) voiced its support today for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to expand the number of qualified biofuel production pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). In written comments to the EPA regarding RFS Pathways II and Technical Amendments to the RFS2 Standards, RFA backed the EPA’s efforts to add cellulosic fiber from the corn kernel to the list of qualifying cellulosic biofuel feedstocks, and the agency’s simplified approach to RIN generation for renewable fuels derived from cellulosic biomass.
“We applaud EPA for confirming that corn kernel fiber is ‘crop residue,’ and believe the Agency has proposed a sensible and straightforward approach to RIN generation for renewable fuels derived from cellulosic biomass feedstocks,” wrote RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Several technologies to convert corn kernel fiber into cellulosic ethanol have been developed in recent years, and a number of existing ethanol plants have already adopted these technologies or are poised to integrate them in the near future. The volumes of cellulosic ethanol produced from corn kernel fiber can meaningfully contribute to RFS2 cellulosic biofuel requirements in the near term.” The comments also included a scientific analysis from a noted animal nutritionist examining the potential impacts of reduced fiber DDGS on livestock and poultry markets.
RFA’s 28-page comments expressed support for most of the RFS2 technical amendments and new pathways proposed by EPA. For example, the RFA submission supports a proposal by EPA to provide an alternative approach to applying RVP volatility standards to commingled mixtures of E10 and approved gasoline additives, such as butanol. However, Dinneen noted, the conditions for applying the alternative RVP approach should be limited to whether blending an approved gasoline additive with E10 results in no net increase in RVP.
Fertilizer Prices Remain Steady
Retail fertilizer prices continue to remain fairly steady, according to data tracked by DTN for the second week of July 2013. Retail prices have been stable now for over eight months. All eight of the major fertilizers were lower compared to last month, but again these moves to the low side were fairly minor. DAP had average price of $591 per ton, MAP $644/ton, potash $576/ton, urea $544/ton, 10-34-0 $599/ton, anhydrous $793/ton, UAN28 $388/ton and UAN32 $441/ton.
Starter fertilizer 10-34-0 dropped below the $600-per-ton level for the first time since the third week of December 2010 when the fertilizer price was at $591 per ton. Anhydrous has punched below the $800-per-ton level for the first time since the first week of August 2012. At that time, the nitrogen fertilizer's price was $798 per ton
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.59/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.
Only one of the eight major fertilizers is showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 4% higher compared to last year. Four fertilizers are a single-digit lower in price compared to July 2012. UAN28 is 2% lower, both MAP and DAP are 3% lower and DAP is now 6% lower compared to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 11% while 10-34-0 is 14% less expensive and urea is 20% lower.
CWT Assists with 7.9 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 30 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Foremost Farms USA, Land O’Lakes and Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association to sell 4.398 million pounds (1,995 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 3.522 million pounds (1,598 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered July through December 2013.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 72.155 million pounds of cheese, 56.907 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 34 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 1.908 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
Ukraine to Export Over 24 Million Tons of Grain
Ukraine is expected to export 24-26 million tonnes of grain this marketing year. The final amount will depend on the condition of crops, overwintering winter wheat and the amount agreed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and traders.
Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Alexander Sen said: "According to preliminary estimates, this marketing year exports of grain may reach 24-26 million tonnes. This is one of the greatest figures in the history of independence. This will greatly enhance the credibility of our country on the world food market."
The final export figure will be determined depending on the crops and during overwintering winter wheat crop in 2014.
EARLY 2013 SCAB REPORTS: SOUTHERN STATES
The importance of weather in the development, or lack thereof, of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB, also known as “scab”) is again becoming evident. After a generally benign scab year in 2012, early reports provided to the U.S. Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative from southeastern U.S. state crop specialists suggest some “hot spots” in 2013.
“In North Carolina, this is a year of widespread but localized scab damage that is mainly confined to the northwest and northeast of the state,” Christina Cowper reported. “A rainy week in early May caused problems where they occurred,” said Cowger, a plant pathologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service based at North Carolina State University. The problem was most serious in the central and northern Piedmont and northern Tidewater districts of the state. “A lot depended on whether there was substantial corn residue and whether susceptible varieties were being used,” Cowger added. “Some growers in danger zones applied scab-targeted fungicides; some did not.”
University of Georgia plant pathologist Alfredo Martinez noted that Fusarium Head Blight had been confirmed in a wheat field in extreme southern Georgia — this following several years during which no scab incidence had been reported in the state. “Unusually wet spring weather coinciding with wheat at flowering stages may have elevated the risk of FHB infections,” Martinez stated. As of when the wheat season was winding down in late June, however, he had received no reports of FHB in central or northern Georgia.
Austin Hagan, extension plant pathologist with Auburn University, said scab did show up in this year’s Alabama wheat fields. “Most growers in the main wheat production areas treated with Prosaro or Caramba [fungicide],” he noted.
To the west, University of Arkansas plant pathologist Eugene Milus noted in mid-June that there was “scattered scab in fields late in the season across Arkansas, just as the wheat was turning.” Notable differences were observed in scab incidence and severity across the spectrum of planted wheat varieties. As of late June, Milus reported, “We have some scab, but fortunately it came late enough that it has not caused any adverse issues.”
CHS Hedging Becomes Clearing Member of CME
CHS Hedging Inc., the full-service commodity brokerage subsidiary of CHS Inc., announced it has become a clearing member of the CME, trading legacy commodities under the CME's "Grain and Oilseed" agricultural products group. Clearing members take full responsibility for all financial and performance obligations on behalf of their customer trading activity. CHS Hedging has been long-time clearing members of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX) and, until its recent acquisition by the CME, the Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT).
"Our customers have always looked to us as the responsible party for their trading, regardless of the exchange," said Scott Cordes, president, CHS Hedging. "This doesn't change that. Rather, it strengthens our relationship with the CME and gives our company a seat at the table for decisions that ultimately affect our customers, such as margin policies. We can be their voice on the exchange."
CHS Hedging customers may notice minor changes in their day-to-day trading execution process, but the change to real-time reporting on most activity will be the significant benefit to those closely tracking the grain exchanges.
"Because we are a co-op, our customers are also our owners," added Cordes. "That means every business decision we make is based on our owners' best interests. There's never been a more important time for us to secure this kind of position -- one of direct accountability and transparency -- on behalf of our customers."
DuPont Pioneer Announces New Pioneer® Field360™ Tools App for Growers
A new mobile app that features three agronomy tools is now available to help growers with this season’s management decisions. The Pioneer® Field360™ Tools app from DuPont Pioneer features the GDU Estimator, Precipitation Estimator, and Growth Stage Estimator.
“Conveniently packaging DuPont Pioneer agronomy expertise into one mobile application that growers can use to make decisions anywhere they farm is one of the benefits of the new Pioneer Field360 Tools app,” says Matt Snyder, DuPont Pioneer product manager. The app has improved usability, requiring one-time input of location, start date and comparative relative maturity (CRM).
"Growers can easily navigate between the calculators within the Pioneer Field360 Tools app without re-entering data,” Snyder says.
This new app combines powerful analysis tools and real-time data, right at your fingertips. Growers are able to track multiple field scenarios, including progress of the crop with a growth stage estimator, view precipitation forecasts and daily precipitation, and calculate GDUs and key crop stages. The Pioneer Field360 Tools app can also estimate harvest dates for each Pioneer® brand corn hybrid planted.
Part of the Pioneer Field360 services offering, this app can be located by searching Field360 in the App Store™. It is available for $9.99. The app will be upgraded with additional best-in-class agronomy tools as they are available. An Android version of the app will be available later in July in the Google Play™ Store.
Growers can also go to pioneer.com/360 to access the Pioneer Field360 Tools app and other Pioneer applications such as Pioneer® Field360™ Notes app and the Plantability app.
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