DDG Futures Contract Could Be Promising  for Ethanol, Livestock Industries

      LINCOLN, Neb. -- The creation of a futures contract for distillers
dried grain offers a new risk management tool that livestock feeders and
ethanol producers should evaluate for future use, a University of
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension livestock marketing specialist says.

      The contracts announced in February by CME Group will provide the
opportunity for both ethanol and livestock feeding industries to hedge
against adverse price moves in distillers grains markets, Darrell Mark
said.

      "The creation of the futures contract is exciting for the industry,"
Mark said. "Now, both ethanol producers and livestock feeders can more
effectively hedge their gross profit margins."

      Not only can livestock feeders and other buyers protect against
future price increases in distillers grains by using such a futures
contract, but feeders also can complete a spread or "crush" hedge to
protect their feeding margins, Mark said.

      For example, now a cattle feeder can lock in fed cattle sales price,
feeder cattle input costs, corn prices and distillers grain prices through
simultaneously trading these respective futures contracts.

      Similarly, the ethanol industry can lock in distillers grain prices
by taking short positions in the distillers dried grains futures contract,
he said. However, it also could be used to protect profit margins or the
spread between ethanol fuel prices and distillers grains as revenue sources
and corn and natural gas prices as major inputs.

      Distillers dried grains, or DDG, are a co-product of dry-mill corn
ethanol production that is used for animal feed. Nebraska is the second
largest ethanol producing state in the nation as well as the second largest
cattle feeding state.

      Mark's research shows that more than 90 percent of the cattle on feed
in Nebraska are fed some type of ethanol co-product feed.

      As a result, Mark said Nebraska already offers one of the largest and
most liquid cash markets for ethanol co-product feeds. This has grown over
the years partly because of the emphasis that UNL has placed on research
exploring ways to most efficiently and economically feed distillers grains
to cattle.

      That research has discovered that cattle perform better when fed the
distillers grains compared to conventional corn-only diets, Mark said. UNL
animal scientists also have found that rations containing wet distillers
grains are even more beneficial for cattle performance than dry distillers
grain rations.

      "We actually feed a number of wet and dry ethanol co product feeds in
Nebraska," Mark said. "While this new DDG futures contract may offer an
effective risk management tool for buying and selling these products, it's
important to remember that the new futures contract has dry distillers
grains plus solubles as the deliverable product, not wet distillers grains
or gluten feed."

      Knowing how to appropriately hedge related co-product feeds into the
DDG futures contract will be critical for Nebraska cattle feeders and
ethanol plants who use it for hedging purposes, Mark said.

      "Wet and dry distillers grain prices do trade up and down together,
but not strictly on a one-to-one relationship at all times," he said. "So,
it is possible to be over- or under-hedged if these relationships are not
accounted for."

      Mark likens such a cross-hedge as being similar to hedging grain
sorghum in the corn futures market or previous use of the corn or soybean
meal futures contract to hedge various ethanol co-product feeds.

      "When the futures contract begins trading on April 26, we'll begin
defining what these cross-hedge relationships are and what the basis risk
is," Mark said.

      While more research will be needed to most effectively use the DDG
futures contract, this is a positive development for cattle feeders and
ethanol plants, he said, noting that some ethanol plants and cattle feeders
in Nebraska have had difficulty managing price risk associated with corn
and feed co-products in recent years.

      The potential participants in the futures contracts are expected to
be ethanol producers, feed merchandisers, feed mills, marketers and
livestock operations. They will allow these market participants to lock in
a price for DDG up to 12 months in advance, thus hedging their price risk.

      For more information on the relationship between the prices of corn
and various co-products, go to Mark's Web site at
http://ageconom.unl.edu/mark, then select the extension tab and go to
ethanol co-products.



VILSACK TO PROMOTE U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS WHILE ON TRIP TO JAPAN
Discussions to Focus on Expanding Agricultural Trade and Food Security

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will be in Japan
April 5 thru 9 to promote U.S. agricultural exports, as part of President
Obama's efforts to expand U.S. exports. While he is in Japan, Vilsack will meet
with Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hirotaka
Akamatsu, as well as U.S. exporters and Japanese importers.

"We are determined to increase export opportunities for our farmers and
ranchers," said Vilsack. "My mission on this trip will be to continue to push
hard to open markets and to bolster an open, rules-based international trading
system that will benefit both consumers and our farmers and ranchers, who supply
agricultural products around the world."

In his State of the Union address, President Obama announced a National Export
Initiative to coordinate federal efforts to help rebuild the economy by
increasing export opportunities. The initiative's goal is to double all U.S.
exports in the next five years. The new strategy will improve collaboration
among USDA agencies and guide priorities for international staffing, foreign
assistance, and agricultural research.

In addition to giving a keynote address on April 7 at a Global Food Security
Symposium sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Vilsack will meet with students
at the University of Tokyo in a Town Hall meeting. He will give a speech at the
Foreign Correspondents Club on April 9.

On April 8, Vilsack will travel by train to Yamanashi to help commemorate the
50th anniversary of a 1959 'hog lift' when Iowa farmers sent 36 hogs to
Yamanashi after Japan suffered major livestock losses caused by two typhoons.
Three years later, the original 36 hogs had multiplied to more than 500. Iowa
and Yamanashi established a sister-state relationship after the 'hog lift.' A
delegation from Iowa will accompany Vilsack to Yamanashi.

"The 'hog lift' symbolizes the start off a flourishing agricultural
relationship," Vilsack said. "For more than 50 years, U.S. grains and soybeans
producers have worked with Japanese importers to develop strong and reliable
markets that have benefited producers and consumers alike."

Japan is the United States' third largest export market with sales of more than
$11 billion in FY2009. The top five U.S. agricultural commodities shipped there
are coarse grains, red meats, soybeans, feeds and fodders, and processed fruits
and vegetables.



Nebraska Counties Added to Emergency Loan Eligibility List

Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger announced that family farmers in eight Nebraska counties may be eligible to apply for low interest Emergency (EM) loans due to physical and production losses caused by severe winter storms and snowstorms that occurred from December 23, 2009 through December 27, 2009. Those counties are: Boyd, Cedar, Cherry, Dawes, Dixon, Keya Paha, Knox and Sheridan.

These eight Nebraska counties became eligible for this assistance because they are contiguous to one or more of the 12 South Dakota counties that were declared a Presidential Major Disaster last week by President Obama due to this disaster.

Emergency loan applications are available and must be submitted through the local FSA county office from any applicant who qualifies for a physical or production loss (at least a 30 percent reduction from normal) in a single enterprise from this disaster in these counties. To qualify for an EM loan, an applicant must be an established family farm operator; provide evidence of having suffered a qualifying physical or production loss; be unable to obtain suitable credit from a source other than FSA. The low interest loans may cover up to 100 percent of their actual production or physical losses, to a maximum amount of $500,000. The loan applicants must show ability to repay the loan and the loan must be adequately secured. FSA loans for production losses may be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to refinance certain debts. FSA loans for physical losses may be used to repair or replace the property that was damaged or lost. The current interest rate for the EM loans is 3.75%. The deadline for submitting applications is November 9, 2010.

In addition to the Emergency (EM) Loan Program, the FSA has other Direct and Guaranteed Farm Operating and Farm Ownership Loan Programs, which can be considered in assisting farmers to recover from their losses. Additional information about FSA Farm Loan Programs is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/dafl.



Farm Bureau Asks Court to Delay Worker Program

The American Farm Bureau Federation believes the nation's immigration system is broken and only Congress can fix it. The organization is asking a federal district court to delay the Obama administration's final rule on a crucial foreign worker program because the administration failed to properly consider the impacts on small businesses.

"The solution offered by the administration's final rule on the H-2A foreign worker program only makes an already bad situation worse, and it's going to be especially hard for family-owned farms and other small family-owned businesses," said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

Stallman said he is hopeful the court will delay the program so that Congress can hammer out a comprehensive solution that considers small businesses and addresses the serious labor challenge in U.S. agriculture -- the lack of a legal and stable work force.

"More than 15 million Americans choose to work less-arduous jobs than to earn higher wages working alongside us on our farms and ranches," Stallman said. "Higher than usual unemployment rates still have not resulted in more agricultural workers in most parts of our nation. This situation is approaching crisis proportion, one that can affect our nation's food security, and we need a permanent solution now."

Nebraska Agriculture: Thank a Farmer
Greg Ibach, Director, NE Department of Agriculture

The week of March 14-20 is National Agriculture Week. Each year, this week gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to Nebraska's hard working, dedicated farmers and ranchers, while raising awareness of how important the agricultural industry is to our state, our nation and our world.

This year, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has selected "Nebraska Agriculture: Thank a Farmer" as the theme for our celebration. It is a fitting tribute to the farmers and ranchers whose passion for the agricultural industry I witness firsthand throughout our great state every day. I encourage all Nebraskan's to offer a word of appreciation to those who work so hard to raise the food, fuel and fiber on which we all rely.

Besides putting food on our plates and fuel in our vehicles, our farmers and ranchers are an important component of our economy. Agriculture is our state's number one industry. It contributed over $17 billion into our economy last year, $3 billion more than the previous year. One in three jobs in our state is tied to agriculture. That's an increase in the last decade from one in four jobs.

While we excel in a number of categories, in 2009 we again ranked first in the nation for our commercial red meat production. The name "Nebraska" continues to gain visibility and value as its own brand in the international marketplace. The global recession has had an impact on demand, but Nebraska beef, pork and other products continue to move in the international marketplace. We anticipate the global demand for high-quality agricultural products from Nebraska to gain momentum in the coming years, which in turn benefits our state's economy as every dollar in agricultural exports generates $1.40 in economic activity.

Nebraska's farmers not only produce high-quality food, they also produce high-quality fuel. Again last year, Nebraska's ethanol industry ranked second nationwide in production capacity with 23 operating plants with a production capacity of 1.8 billion gallons, and utilizing over 40% of the state's corn crop. Our producers are also considering the utilization of their land for wind energy production. These are just two examples of the variety of ways the agricultural industry contributes to our overall economic stability.

As we gather around our tables for our evening meals, I encourage you to take a moment to thank the farmer who has brought that meal to you and contributes to an industry that helps drive our state economy. Without their hard work, dedication and passion, the food on your dinner plate, and our economic future, might look extremely different.

Please take a moment this week and this year to thank Nebraska's farmers and ranchers for their contributions to our great state.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to NFU: Properly Designed Climate Change Legislation Will Avoid Unintended Consequences and Benefit America's Farmers, Ranchers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today discussed how properly structured climate change and energy legislation will benefit America's farmers and ranchers in a speech at the National Farmers Union 2010 convention in Rapid City, S.D. USDA also released a memo looking at assumptions in the FASOM model - developed by researchers at Texas A & M University that the Environmental Protection Agency - to study the impacts of climate legislation.

"USDA is committed to helping Congress design and implement a carbon offsets market that will provide significant income opportunities to America's farmers and ranchers," said Vilsack. "USDA and third-party analyses, as well as our experience in implementing conservation techniques, make it absolutely clear that properly structured legislation will avoid unintended consequences and provide enormous benefits to our agricultural economy, and our environment."



ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new details about the functions and objectives of USDA's Office of Environmental Markets (OEM). OEM, now part of USDA's Natural Resources and Environment mission area, will work to carry out USDA's climate and rural revitalization goals by supporting the development of emerging markets for carbon, water quality, wetlands and biodiversity.  "Environmental markets leverage private investments that result in cleaner air, improved water quality, restored wetlands, and enhanced wildlife habitat," said Vilsack.  "These markets have the potential to become a new economic driver for rural America, exactly what we need to support a bold, creative future for America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities."



U.S. Grains Council Opens Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office

U.S. Grains Council Chairman Rick Fruth Friday announced the official opening of the Council's newest international office in Panama City, Panama. The USGC Latin America and Caribbean Region office represents a key presence in the region as the Council continues its work of Developing Markets, Enabling Trade and Improving Lives.

The failure of the United States to ratify pending free trade agreements in the area has caused a significant loss in grain business and trade. It also has had a consequential effect on the economic development of our friends and allies in the Latin American region, said Fruth. By establishing an office in Latin America and the Caribbean region, the Council is strategically positioning itself to defend U.S. markets while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life of our trading partners.

Kurt Shultz was named the first director of the Panama City office. Shultz has worked for the Council since 1999 and previously served for seven years as USGC regional director for the Mediterranean and Africa before transitioning to his current post.

In its first year of operation, the Latin America and Caribbean Region office will focus on the needs of each country, in order to extract greater value for U.S. producers.

The United States has a significant tariff disadvantage in these countries. It is a top priority of the Council to level the playing field of the market in order to obtain greater U.S. market access, said Shultz.

The Council is appreciative of the Texas Corn Producers Board and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board for special grants they provided to support the opening of the office.

In addition to its new office in Panama, the U.S. Grains Council has international offices in nine other countries, including China, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Tunisia and Jordan.



Producers Want Trucking Issue With Mexico Resolved

With rumors that the Mexican government may update a trade retaliation list against U.S. products, the National Pork Producers Council and state pork producer organizations today urged the Obama administration to resolve a dispute with Mexico over allowing its trucks into the United States.

Last March, the Mexican government imposed higher tariffs on an estimated $2.4 billion of U.S. goods after the U.S. Congress failed to renew a pilot program that allowed a limited number of Mexican trucking companies to work beyond the 25-mile commercial zone that was created in the United States.

NPPC, which worked to keep pork off that retaliation list, and 37 state producer associations in a letter to President Obama asked that the U.S. government live up to a provision in the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that allows Mexican trucks to haul freight into and out of the United States.

Mexican trucks had been operating in the United States under the Cross-Border Trucking Pilot Program, which was started by the U.S. Department of Transportation in September 2007 as a way to begin implementing the NAFTA trucking provision.  That provision was supposed to begin in December 1995 and take full effect by Jan. 1, 2000.

Congress refused to renew the pilot program or to implement the NAFTA provision, citing concerns about the safety of Mexican trucks even though under the pilot program they were held to the same safety standards as U.S. trucks and were examined and cleared by U.S. inspectors. In February 2001, a NAFTA dispute-settlement panel ruled that the exclusion of Mexican trucks violated U.S. obligations under NAFTA. The ruling gave Mexico the right to retaliate against U.S. products entering Mexico.

"We need to get this trucking issue resolved," said NPPC President Sam Carney, a pork producer from Adair, Iowa, "Mexico is an important market for U.S. pork, which right now isn't on the retaliation list, but it could be. More importantly, this needs to be resolved so our trading partners have assurance that the United States will live up to its trade obligations."

In 2009, the United States exported to Mexico more than 503,000 metric tons of pork worth more than $762 million, making it the No. 2 market for U.S. pork exports.




Policy and perspective on tap at AMPI Annual Meeting
Dairy farmer-owners reviewing cooperative performance March 22-23
 
Dairy farmers from six Midwest states are coming together next week to review the 2009 performance of Minnesota-based Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), the dairy marketing business they collectively own and govern.  Some 400 cooperative members, industry leaders and guests are expected to attend the AMPI Annual Meeting set for March 22­23 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Bloomington, Minn.
 
Cooperative leaders, industry experts and policy makers are on the meeting¹s program that recaps 2009 and provides perspective on the future of the Midwest dairy industry. AMPI members will also pay homage to their roots as a dairy farmer-owned business while noting the cooperative¹s 40th anniversary.
 
Speakers scheduled to address the group include:
Paul Toft, AMPI Chairman of the Board and dairy farmer from Rice Lake, Wis.
Ed Welch, AMPI President and CEO
Bill Even, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture
Phil Plourd, dairy market analyst and president of Bliming and Associates Inc.
V. J. Smith, motivational speaker
 
The annual delegate session features a review of the cooperative¹s financial statements and management reports. Delegates will also consider proposed resolutions, culminating the cooperative¹s grassroots policy-making process.  The resolutions process gives members an opportunity to determine AMPI positions on issues and policies that affect the cooperative.



Weed Management Workshop Well Received

Twenty-eight interested landowners, students and resource providers participated in the Northeast Nebraska Weed Management Area educational workshop on Wednesday, March 10th at the Lindy Country Club.  Doug Smith, Chair of the weed management area and Dixon Co. Weed Superintendent, led the session with an update on the group's activities.  The majority of their efforts have been centered on the use of biological control insects for Purple loosestrife, Leafy spurge, Canada thistle and Spotted knapweed.  However, Saltcedar control efforts by the weed management group along the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers have consisted of using backpack sprayers and hand-pulling to keep this weed in check.

The results from using insect control measures take many years to be seen, but great strides have been made especially with Purple loosestrife.  Protecting the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid has been a priority so moving away from chemical control in areas where both the orchid and Leafy spurge reside has been a proactive effort.  Over the past two years bugs have also been released in heavily infested areas of Canada thistle. By using integrated weed control, a combination of management activities such as planned grazing and prescribed fire along with chemical treatments and biocontrol, producers should see improved results.

Workshop sponsors included the Northern Prairie Lands Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Natural Legacy Program, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and the Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council.  Just recently the RC&D Council was notified that a third year of Nebraska Environmental Trust funds for the Weed Management Area was recommended at the $25,000 level with the majority of those funds going toward the purchase of biological control insects.



Public Lands Council Announces New Executive Director

Dustin Van Liew has been named as the new Executive Director of the Public Lands Council (PLC), and Director of Federal Lands for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Van Liew has been with PLC as a lobbyist since January, 2008, most recently serving in the role of interim director.

“Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and—most importantly—a passion for this great industry and the people who work in it,” said Skye Krebs, PLC president. “He has ben an invaluable asset to the association over the past two years, and I’m excited to have him on board in this new leadership role.”

In his new position, Van Liew will seek to grow the presence of PLC both in the West and in Washington, DC to ensure a profitable business environment for America’s ranchers.

Van Liew comes from Woodland, Calif., where he is the seventh generation to work in livestock and production agriculture. He attended Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with a policy concentration. While at Cal Poly he was a member of the livestock judging team, competing in contests across the nation. After finishing at Cal Poly, Van Liew moved to College Station, Texas to attend Texas A&M University where he received a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics. His thesis focused on the economics of range management.  

“PLC and NCBA have been strong allies over the years, and I’m looking forward to having Dustin at the helm as we continue to build upon this important partnership,” said Colin Woodall, NCBA vice president of government affairs.




Uncertainty in seed trait industry concerns Iowa soybean farmers

Ray Gaesser, a corn and soybean farmer from near Corning, Iowa, participated in a panel discussion addressing the competitive dynamics of the seed industry during a March 12 workshop in Ankeny. The workshop, which explored competitive issues in agriculture, was hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Gaesser serves on the board of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and is a former president of the association. He is also an American Soybean Association vice president.

"There is uncertainty in the areas of licensing agreements, registration issues and future traits, both domestically and globally. We need a system for maintaining international regulatory approvals post patent in order to assure critical export markets aren't jeopardized when a patent expires, so plant breeders can be confident in improving the yield potential of the Roundup Ready 1 trait," says Gaesser. "As a farmer with a family business here in Iowa, I am concerned that this industry uncertainty will result in stifled innovation, reducing U.S. farmers' ability to compete in a global marketplace. Future traits will benefit farmers and consumers alike. For example, soybeans will soon be the source of a variety of heart healthy oils."

While there will be new seed technologies available to farmers in the future, Gaesser expresses concern about preserving the investments farmers have made in Roundup Ready 1 technology, which will soon go off patent. Even though Monsanto offers Roundup Ready 2 Yield technology, Gaesser believes farmers should be able to capitalize on the generic technology to benefit from a decade of investments (via technology fees)in this trait, which he estimates at $700 million investment per year in the United States alone.

"Looking to the future, we believe a model should be established that will ensure the smooth adoption of future traits," says Gaesser. "But most importantly, U.S. farmers take their responsibility of feeding the world very seriously. Technology advancements must continue to be made to meet growing global food demand."

Gaesser and ISA would prefer the industry solve its problems on its own, with public guidance if private solutions are not possible.

"We ask that the seed trait industry support innovation by protecting patent rights, support farmers by making the generic Roundup Ready 1 trait available after patent expiration, and support consumers by safeguarding existing domestic production resources and encouraging competition for future innovation," Gaesser concludes.



The Meltdown
Laurie Johns, Iowa Farm Bureau

It's that time again; time to put wool socks and sweaters back in storage (check); shop for garden seeds and repot indoor plants (check); make summer camp plans for my 'tween (working on it); and time for critics to dust off their finger-pointing stories that blame farmers for Spring flooding.

Wish I was kidding about that last bit. But, it seems no matter what devastating weather hits Iowa, farmers get the blame for the fall-out when the snow melts and finds its way downstream. Do all farmers practice conservation? No, but the overwhelming majority do, and the 'blame game' ignores all these herculean efforts to protect the watershed:
-- USDA's National Resources Inventory report shows soil erosion in the U.S. has been reduced by 43 percent.
-- Seven major conservation practices used on Iowa farms are estimated to remove as much as 28 percent of the nitrate, 38 percent of the total nitrogen, and up to 58 percent of the phosphorus that otherwise would be present, according to the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development's "Conservation Practices in Iowa: Historical Investments, Water Quality and Gaps" report.
-- Those conservation efforts include having almost 15.2 million acres in conservation tillage (where plant stubble is left on the land after harvest, to prevent erosion) and more than two thousand miles of grassy buffer strips along waterways.

As we look to National Ag Week (March 14-21) many folks are eager to learn more about the many ways farmers grow their food and the long-range impact on the environment. So, it's important to know that responsible farmers think protecting water and soil will always be just as important as growing food. It's also important to note that even if farmers doubled their conservation efforts, there will still be a bump up in nitrogen and phosphorous in the watershed after a big melt like the one we're having now. Part of it is because Iowa's fertile soils naturally have more nitrogen already in the soils than other states. That's why things grow so well here. The other part has to do with something no farmer, environmental activist, outdoor enthusiast or saint can change; we had an unmanageable amount of snowfall this year!

Climatologists say we had 23 more inches of snow than normal this year. We broke a winter snowfall record that stood for 47 years (http://tinyurl.com/ylahaau). Clearly, no one can hold back more than 45 inches of snow when it decides to melt in a hurry (check out this awesome video of ice dams: http://tinyurl.com/ygnovbp).

Maybe that's the story that needs to be written; about progressive farmers who make the most of the hand they're dealt by Mother Nature. Or maybe a story about urban residents who are planning new ways to "green" up their lawns or golf courses without the use of millions of pounds of fertilizer (which, by the way, also runs off into the watershed in spring). So, not to "bury the lead" as they say in news, but, now that you've heard what farmers are doing to protect the watershed during the Big Meltdown; what are you doing?

 

 

 

Area Cattlemen's activities update...

MARCH 15 Platte Valley Cattlemen meeting
The March meeting of Platte Valley Cattlemen will be held at Wunderlich's in Columbus March 15th beginning with a social at 6:00 p.m. sponsored by First National Bank-Columbus. The dinner at 7:00 is sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health - Cory Honold. Progarm will be an Open Fourm Meeting on current topics, issues and concerns of members. Available to answer questions - Twig Marston - UNL Extention, Chuck Folken - NC President and Ryan Loseke - NC Animal Health Committee chair.  Contact Randy Svehla at (402) 352-3680 for more information.  


March 20 Burt County Feeder's Association Ladies Night
Meeting to be held at Tekamah City Auditorium, 6:00 p.m. social, 7:00 p.m. meal. Co-sponsors are Midwest AgriService and Nebraska Machinery. Entertainment is ventriloquist Greg Claassen. Tickets are $15. Contact Norman Johnson (402) 377-2668.


March 23 Saunders County Cattlemen
The next meeting for Saunders County Livestock Association is Tuesday, March 23rd at the Colon Parish Hall in Colon. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., meal at 7 p.m. and the business meeting will follow. Our speakers and sponsors are Ron Kulwicki of Pfizer Animal Health Update, Justin Kerns of Dow-Elanco, and Jeff Henn of Pioneer Hi-Bred International.  Contact Dan Benes (402) 540-0181


Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors Meeting  March 23
The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will hold their next board meeting at the NBC office in Kearney located at 1319 Central Avenue at 8:00 am CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will do a strategic planning research prioritizing session with Dr. Mandy Carr-Johnson from NCBA. The meeting is open to the public. Contact (800) 421-5326 or www.nebeef.org


Washington County Cattlemen's Banquet April 5
The banquet will be held at the Blair Marina, beginning with a social at 6:00 p.m. and a meal at 7:00 p.m. RSVP to Brian Laaker (402) 720-4734.


Saunders County Livestock  April 6
The Saunders County Livestock Testicle Festival will be held at Mann Ag in rural Colon, beginning with a social at 6:00 p.m., meal at 7:00 p.m. and the business meeting will follow. Speakers and sponsors are Mann Ag and Mick Morrell of Bayer Crop Science. The 2009 Summer Bus tour slides will also be shown. Contact Dan Benes (402) 540-0181.


Cuming County Feeders Association Annual Banquet April 10
Banquet begins with 6:00 p.m. social and 7:00 p.m. dinner at the Wisner City Auditorium, 1001 Ave D, Wisner, NE.  Prime Rib dinner with all the trimmings; speakers include NCBA President Steve Fogelsong, NC President Bill Rischel, and NE Beef Council's Anne Marie Bosshammer.   Purchased tickets from Board Members or contact Scott Knobbe (402) 380-0413.  


Saunders County Livestock Ladies Night April 11
The Ladies Night will be held in the 4-H Building on the Saunders County Fairgrounds, Wahoo. Social begins at 5:00 p.m., the dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and the entertainment will follow. Contact Dan Benes (402) 540-0181.


Elkhorn Valley Cattlemen Banquet April 18th
Banquet begins with 5:30 p.m. social, 6:30 p.m. meal at the Madison County Fairgrounds.



UNL Survey: Agricultural Land Values Up 4.4 Percent Statewide

Agricultural land values in Nebraska increased about 4.4 percent in the last year, with rises in cropland values offsetting declines in rangeland, according to preliminary findings from the 2010 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Survey.  Overall, agricultural land values statewide increased from $1,431 per acre to $1,494 in the year ending Feb. 1, said Bruce Johnson, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural economist who conducts the annual survey.  The increase follows on the heels of a year of little to no value change across most of the state.

Dryland cropland with no irrigation potential increased an average of 6.4 percent, while statewide averages for gravity-irrigated cropland and center-pivot irrigated cropland climbed 5.2 and 6.1 percent, respectively.  Meantime, dryland cropland with potential to be developed for irrigation increased about 7.3 percent in value, though values varied considerably across the state depending on development restrictions and opportunities.  While average cropland values saw increases, the value of nontillable grazing land fell 5.6 percent statewide, with even larger declines recorded in major range areas of the state. For example, the North region, which comprises much of the Sandhills, saw a 10.1 percent decline.

"Survey reporters remarked frequently of the relatively strong income years as of late for the crop sector, while the livestock economy has struggled over the last few years to break even," Johnson said. "These economic conditions get factored into virtually every local agricultural real estate market.  "It was also noted that the number of cropland offerings on the market have tended to be very limited relative to demand thus creating some upward bidding pressure on cropland tracts that do come up for sale," Johnson added.

Overall, the average all-land value changes ranged from a 3.3 percent decrease in the North, which is heavily weighted toward grazing land acreage, to a 10.1 percent increase in the East.

Similar patterns are reflected in preliminary cash rental rates for 2010 compiled for the survey. Cropland rental rates tend to be up across the state, while pasture rates are holding steady or dropping slightly below 2009 levels, a reflection of the cattle economy.  Average dryland cropland rental rates are up 3 percent to 7 percent, while regional increases in the irrigated cropland classes are largely in the 4-to-8-percent range. The state's highest cash rents are occurring in the Northeast and East, where high-quality center-pivot land is renting at about $280 per acre.

"Overall, the market for agricultural land across the state has remained relatively strong over the course of the national and global economic recession," Johnson said. "While economic impacts have been felt in the farm economy, agricultural real estate assets have basically held both value and earnings potential to this point in time.  "Unlike residential and commercial real estate markets in numerous parts of the nation, agricultural land here in the U.S. heartland remains a relatively solid investment for its owners."

Reports from a panel of agricultural land experts were compiled for this survey, which is conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources' Agricultural Research Division. Final estimates will be available in a report this summer.  The report is available in the Department of Agricultural Economics' publication Cornhusker Economics (http://www.agecon.unl.edu/Cornhuskereconomics.html)



NE Farm Bureau meets with Korean Ambassadors

Addressing the many federal legislative challenges facing agriculture, this week Nebraska Farm Bureau board members lobbied in Washington D.C. International ag trade on the many issues addressed.  At the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the group discussed crop and livestock trade, Bruce Stewart of Lexington, District 7 director says the group was well received...

Stewart1    :21  Q. encourage that.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau delegation also met with Nebraska's Senators and Congressmen to address other issues like greenhouse gas regulation, the federal estate tax, crop insurance, food safety and health care.



US-Cuba Trade

US Agriculture exports to Cuba could be boosted with the introduction of the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act that would reduce trade barriers unique to Cuba.  The bill is extremely important to wheat producers.  Jerry McReynolds of Woodston, Kansas, the new President of the National Association of Wheat Growers and is in Washington testifying on Cuba trade legislation.  McReynolds says the need for US wheat in Cuba, but US policy is restricting wheat exports.

McReynolds1.wav    :17  Q. that will happen.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Kansas Congressman Jerry Moran introduced the measure.  The bill is also co-sponsored by 30 other Members of Congress.



Beware NAP Changes

Changes in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) could surprise producers this year. The deadline to purchase NAP for 2010 spring seeded crops is Monday, March 15th.  As of this year the deadline includes coverage on alfalfa, grass hay, grass for grazing as well as mixed forages.  Mike Treffer, Box Butte County FSA director says in the past the NAP deadline was September 30th, so producers had more time to purchase coverage.

Treffer1   :19  Q. come into play.

There is still time to purchase NAP coverage on forage crops to qualify for 2010 Livestock Feed Program (LFP), Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), or Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).  Treffer encourages producers need to look at their needs from a NAP coverage stand point to get coverage if needed.  Contact your area FSA office for more information.



USDA AND DOJ HOLD FIRST-EVER WORKSHOP ON COMPETITION ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE
First of Five Workshops Features Discussion on Competitive Dynamics in the Seed Industry, Trends in Contracting, Transparency and Buyer Power

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) today held the first-ever joint public workshop on competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The workshop, led by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, featured panel discussions on a variety of topics important to America's farmers and ranchers, including competitive dynamics in the seed industry, trends in contracting, transparency and buyer power, and concluded with public testimony.

"In my travels across the country, I hear a consistent theme: producers are worried whether there is a future for them or their children in agriculture, and a viable market is an important factor in what that future looks like," said Vilsack. "These issues are difficult and complex, which is why this workshop today is so important and long overdue."

"Today's workshop provided the Department with an important opportunity to hear from a variety of perspectives and individuals about competition in the agriculture sector," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "We appreciate the importance of this industry to our economy and are committed to enforcing the antitrust laws effectively to ensure fair and open competition that protects both consumers and farmers."

Today's meeting was the first in a series of workshops that will be held over the next several months, the first joint Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The goals of the workshops are to promote dialogue and foster learning, as well as to listen to and learn from people involved in agriculture. Additional information about the workshops can be found at http://www.justice.gov/atr/public/workshops/ag2010/index.htm#overview.

A six-person panel of farmers presented their views on competition and regulatory issues. Other workshop panels examined the competitive dynamics of the seed industry; trends in contracting issues, marketplace transparency and buyer power; and agriculture enforcement and cooperation at the Federal and state levels. Following the panels officials received public testimony.

The workshop was held at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and was attended by several key federal and state leaders, including Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Congressman Leonard Boswell, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Antitrust Division Christine Varney, Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster.



Activists Speak Out at "People's Antitrust Hearing" Ahead of USDA/DOJ Workshop

Ahead of the first-ever USDA/DOJ ag concentration and competition hearing Friday in Iowa - farm activists held their own shadow event.  Click link below to hear a report from Farm Broadcaster Stewart Doan...  

Wrap #1      1:27             O.C..."Stewart Doan, Ankeny, Iowa."



Dog and Pony Show or History in the Making?
Justice Department and USDA host joint workshops on agricultural antitrust and competition issues

Did something historic happen in Ankeny, Iowa today or was it much ado about nothing?  Over 600 farmers and ranchers from at least a dozen states gathered at the Des Moines Area Community College's FFA Enrichment Center for the first in a series of six agricultural antitrust and competition workshops to be hosted by USDA and the Justice Department across the nation in 2010.

"There has been a lot of attention to this workshop of late.  A lot of people showed up today to see if this USDA and this Justice Department are serious about ensuring that farmers and ranchers have access to markets, both for inputs and for selling their crops and livestock, that are competitive and treat them fairly and equitably," said John Crabtree with the Center for Rural Affairs.  "There were a lot of so-called experts here today - economists, antitrust attorneys, corporate spokespeople and the like - providing testimony.  And there were a lot of family farmers, ranchers and other concerned citizens hoping to see a sign from USDA and Justice that more aggressive enforcement of the nation's antitrust and competition laws is in the offing."

The USDA's and Justice Department's stated intent of these workshops was to "...promote dialogue among interested parties and foster learning with respect to the appropriate legal and economic analyses of these issues, as well as listen to and learn from parties with experience in the agricultural sector." (http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/February/10-at-182.html)  In Ankeny, the more specific focus was to examine buyer power, vertical integration, competitive dynamics of the seed industry, trends in contracting and potentially anticompetitive conduct in agricultural markets.

According to Crabtree, fully 89% of hogs are now owned outright by packers or tightly controlled through various contracting devices.  And increased concentration and control of biotechnology traits and germplasm in the seed industry has led to dramatically decreased choices for farmers in purchasing seed with many farmers feeling fortunate to have as many as two seed companies to choose from.

"It is almost impossible to believe that USDA and Justice cannot see that facts and stats such as these, not to mention the real life stories of what family farmers and ranchers endure in their dealings with the likes of Monsanto and Smithfield, demonstrate that these agricultural markets are deeply and fundamentally dysfunctional," said Crabtree.  "Certainly every family farmer and rancher in that room today knows it."

"Whether today was a dog and pony show or history in the making won't be determined by what was said here today, but by whether the Secretary of Agriculture, the Attorney General and the White House choose to stand with family farmers, ranchers and rural communities and enforce our antitrust and competition laws, or, just maintain the status quo," concluded Crabtree.



Estimated Weekly Meat Production Under Federal Inspection

Total red meat production under Federal inspection for the week ending Saturday, March 13, 2010 was estimated at 915.8 million lbs. according to the U.S.Department of Agriculture's Marketing Service.  This was 0.4% lower than a week ago and 2.5% lower than a year ago.  Cumulative meat production for the year to date was 3.9% lower compared to the previous year.



January Meat Exports Show Mixed Results
    
The pace of U.S. beef and pork exports cooled somewhat in January, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Muscle cut exports held up fairly well in January, but total exports were held down by a very sluggish market for variety meat.

Beef plus beef variety meat exports were 9 percent higher in volume and 6 percent higher in value than in January 2009. Beef muscle cuts fared even better, rising 16 percent in volume and 15 percent in value. However, these totals represented a decline from December 2009 and were also lower than the 2009 monthly average. Beef variety meat exports were down only 4 percent in volume but plummeted 26 percent in value compared to January 2009.

Pork plus pork variety meat exports were 8 percent lower in both volume and value than in January 2009, but variety meat also weighed heavily on these results. Muscle cuts fell only 4 percent in volume and 5 percent in value, while variety meat exports declined 18 percent in both categories.

Beef exports up from year-ago slump, but pace slowed compared to fall 2009

January beef/beef variety meat exports totaled 72,596 metric tons (160 million pounds) valued at just under $248 million. This compares favorably to the 66,457 metric tons (146.5 million pounds) valued at $233 million exported in January 2009. However, volume was down 6 percent from December and 3 percent below the 2009 monthly average. Value was down 5 percent from December and 3 percent below the monthly 2009 average. Export value per steer and heifer slaughtered totaled just under $119, with exports accounting for 10 percent of beef/beef variety meat production.

“The good news is beef exports are off to a better start to 2010 than they were last year, when the economic climate was just brutal,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “But in coming weeks, our focus is on reclaiming the momentum we had established late in the year with our holiday marketing campaigns and other beef promotions.”

Exports are on the rise to Canada, the second-largest market (after Mexico) for U.S. beef. January exports were 11,064 metric tons (24.4 million pounds) valued at $47.6 million. This was a 21 percent increase in volume and 29 percent increase in value over January 2009.

Key Asian markets also continued to perform extremely well compared to a year ago, including:
Japan – 5,602 metric tons (12.4 million pounds) valued at $27.9 million, an increase of 38 percent in volume and 28 percent in value.
Taiwan – 3,017 metric tons (6.7 million pounds) valued at $17.5 million, an increase of 166 percent in volume and more than triple (+204 percent) the January 2009 value.
Hong Kong – 2,037 metric tons (4.5 million pounds) valued at $8.4 million, nearly a five-fold increase in both volume (+379 percent) and value (+378 percent).
South Korea – 7,327 metric tons (16.2 million pounds) valued at $27.2 million. This represented a 3 percent increase in volume and a slight decline in value from January 2009. However, it was 67 percent higher in volume and 56 percent higher in value than the 2009 monthly average, revealing a remarkable recovery from the mid-2009 slump in exports to Korea.

“The turnaround in our beef exports to Korea continues to solidify,” Seng said. “We are very pleased with the results of our recent imaging campaign, which definitely has captured the attention of our competitors in this critical market.”

Beef exports to the Middle East continued their positive momentum in January, led by strong sales in Egypt and a growing presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Exports to the European Union are also growing, but January EU import data – considered a more reliable measure for this unique market - are not yet available.

The trend for beef exports to Mexico is positive, with January volume up 28 percent and value up 8 percent versus the previous month.  While Mexico is still the largest destination for U.S. beef, exports were down 24 percent in volume and 32 percent in value compared to January 2009. Mexico’s economy is showing signs of improvement and the peso has reclaimed some of the value it shed last year, but its purchasing power is still well below 2008 levels, when U.S. beef exports to Mexico set an all-time record.

The only other major market showing a decline from last year was Vietnam, where beef/beef variety meat exports fell 22 percent in volume and 29 percent in value from January 2009. However, weekly USDA/FAS export data for February show higher volumes destined for Vietnam.

Pork exports strong in most markets, but dropped sharply in Japan

January pork plus pork variety meat exports totaled 144,180 metric tons (317.9 million pounds) valued at just over $333 million. Exports were 8 percent lower in both volume and value than in January 2009, but were impacted heavily by a nearly 20 percent decline in variety meat exports. For muscle cuts only, exports were down 4 percent in volume and 5 percent in value. Exports accounted for 22 percent of total pork/pork variety meat production (consistent with 2009), while export value per head slaughtered amounted to $37.37 - up about $.80 per head over a year ago.

Not surprisingly, exports to China and Russia were well below last year’s levels, as China remains closed from the H1N1-related ban imposed in mid-2009 and exports to Russia were heavily impacted by a lack of eligible U.S. plants. Efforts continue to restore access to both these markets, with notable progress being made with Russia. Agreement has been reached on a new export certificate, several U.S. plants have regained eligibility to export to Russia, and more are expected to receive approval in the near future.

The most significant jolt to January’s results was the nearly one-third decline in exports to Japan, which is by far the largest value market for U.S. pork. Exports to Japan totaled 27,936 metric tons (61.6 million pounds) valued at $108 million. While these are still strong results, exports were down 34 percent in volume and 27 percent in value from the torrid pace of January 2009.

“The United States is still the market leader in Japan, and this market is still performing at a very high level,” Seng said. “But Japan had a notable increase in its domestic pork production in 2009, which created a backlog in its pork inventories and lowered domestic prices significantly. We are definitely feeling some impact from that, though we don’t expect that production trend to continue this year.

“U.S. pork is extremely well-positioned in Japan, with our chilled products gaining wide acceptance in both the retail and foodservice sectors,” he continued. “U.S. back ribs are also gaining traction in Japan, and our processed items and sausages are also performing very well. Despite taking a step back in January, our prospects remain bright in Japan.”

Mexico solidified its position as the largest volume market for U.S. pork/pork variety meat, setting a new monthly record of 54,458 metric tons (120.1 million pounds) valued at $93.5 million. This was an increase of 12 percent in volume and 27 percent in value over January 2009, and surpassed the previous record (from December 2009) by 5 percent in volume and 4 percent in value.

“The gains U.S. pork has achieved in Mexico are quite remarkable,” Seng said. “USMEF worked very hard to rebuild pork demand and consumer confidence during last year’s H1N1 crisis, and those efforts have really taken hold. Demand has not only recovered, but has actually risen to new heights.”    

Other markets performing extremely well compared to January 2009 included:
Hong Kong – 17,615 metric tons (38.8 million pounds) valued at $23 million, an increase of 36 percent in volume and 19 percent in value.
Canada – 13,135 metric tons (29 million pounds) valued at $41.9 million, an increase of 2 percent in volume and 11 percent in value.
Central/South America – 4,542 metric tons (10 million pounds) valued at $10.5 million, an increase of 39 percent in volume and 47 percent in value.
Philippines – 4,454 metric tons (9.8 million pounds) valued at $8.4 million, an increase of 32 percent in volume and 50 percent in value.
Taiwan – 4,252 metric tons (9.4 million pounds) valued at $7.5 million, an increase of 54 percent in volume and 87 percent in value.
Dominican Republic – 1,682 metric tons (3.7 million pounds) valued at $3.1 million, an increase of 76 percent in volume and 59 percent in value.

Besides Japan, Russia and China, markets showing a decline from year-ago levels included South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Like Japan, Korea’s domestic pork inventories have swelled, creating a much less favorable price environment for imported product.

While Seng is pleased to be making progress with Russia and anxious to restore access soon to mainland China, he explained that these markets are not likely to immediately rebound to the record levels of 2008. That’s why it is critically important to develop other key markets in Asia and to build on the positive momentum pork exports have achieved in Mexico and other Latin American nations.

“There is no question that Russia and China are still key targets for U.S. pork, and getting back into these markets is critically important,” he said. “But it’s also important to understand that these countries are determined to bolster their own production and to reduce their reliance on imported products. We must be prepared for continued challenges in these markets, and work diligently to grow our pork exports across the entire globe.”



POET plans to cut water use to 2.33 gallons per gallon of ethanol in five years
Water reduction is the first goal of Ingreenuity, the company’s new initiative to enhance the environmental performance of ethanol

POET plans to decrease water use in the production of ethanol by 22 percent over the next five years in the first goal of its sustainability iniative, Ingreenuity. If successful, it will cut the company’s water used per gallon of ethanol from an average of 3 gallons to 2.33, an annual water savings of one billion gallons.

In a presentation to employees today, POET CEO Jeff Broin said the company is committed to producing ethanol as sustainably as possible and minimizing its impact on natural resources. "Fresh water is a precious natural resource that we do our utmost to conserve," Broin said. "We have seen tremendous efficiency gains in the 22 years I’ve been in this business, but we can and will continue to do better."

The reductions will come primarily through installing a proprietary process developed by POET engineers that recycles cooling water rather than discharging it. The Total Water Recovery process has recently been installed in three POET Biorefining locations - Bingham Lake (Minn.), Caro (Mich.) and Hudson (S.D.). Those facilities now average 2 to 2.5 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol.

To kick off the initiative, Broin announced that the POET Foundation has committed more than $420,000 to the non-profit Global Health Ministries (GHM) over the same five-year period as POET’s water reduction goal. A portion of the funds will help GHM repair, construct and maintain 90 wells in Nigeria that that will give more than 300,000 people access to pure water.

POET will also look at water use beyond the company’s facilities. Producers of the feedstock delivered to its 26 production facilities will be surveyed to determine how much is irrigated. Additionally, POET is looking to make its new Total Water Recovery process available to other ethanol producers.

In 2009, POET plants used an average of three gallons of water per gallon of ethanol, which is an 80 percent decrease from when the company first produced ethanol in 1988. That average includes the alternative sources of water used at several POET plants. At POET Biorefining - Corning (Iowa) most of the water used for cooling comes from the Corning Waste Water Treatment Plant. One hundred percent of the water at POET Biorefining - Portland, Ind. is recycled from a nearby quarry. POET Biorefining - Big Stone, S.D. gets 80 percent of its water from the cooling ponds of an adjacent power plant and discharges it back to the power plant.



NMPF Testifies at House Hearing in Favor of More U.S. Dairy Exports to Cuba

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) testified yesterday in favor of a recently introduced House bill that would foster additional U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba, and permit open travel for all Americans to that nation.

NMPF Board member John Wilson, who is Sr. Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs for Dairy Farmers of America, urged support for the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645). The legislation is being championed by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and Representative Jerry Moran of Kansas. The legislation presently has 37 additional co-sponsors supporting it.

“NMPF believes that efforts to help regain the exports we lost last year are essential to helping farmers and putting the U.S. dairy industry on a firmer footing going forward,” said Wilson. “H.R. 4645 represents one such positive step in the right direction to increase demand for U.S. dairy products.”

The bill would establish clarity and predictability regarding the “cash-in-advance” provision of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) by ensuring its interpretation according to the original intent of Congress to allow for payment in a manner that did not impede trade, while also not offering the extension of credit to Cuba. Prior interpretations of this provision have hampered U.S. dairy exporters’ ability to ship product to Cuba in a safe and cost-efficient manner, Wilson said.

The legislation would also remove a costly and unnecessary burden on U.S. agricultural exporters by allowing payment to pass from Cuba directly to U.S. banks in place of the current, more costly requirement that payments be routed through banks in other countries.

The other critical element that H.R. 4645 would tackle is to abolish restrictions on Americans’ rights to travel to Cuba. This would facilitate U.S. exporters’ ability to conduct business with Cuba, spurring greater demand for U.S. agricultural products, according to Wilson.

In closing, said Wilson, “We look forward to enjoying the impact this legislation would have on our ability to more easily provide the Cuban people and those Americans wishing to travel to Cuba with the nutritious and safe foods that we produce in such abundance here in the United States.”

The National Milk Producers Federation has been joined by Dairy Farmers of America, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and many other dairy companies in seeking support for expanding the ability of the U.S. dairy industry to more easily and efficiently provide our products to Cuba, as well as to Americans wishing to travel to that country, by encouraging Members of Congress to support H.R. 4645.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Availability of Funding to Promote Rural Biomass and Bioenergy Production

   Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funding is available again through three USDA programs to promote increased production of biomass and bioenergy.  The programs are authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (The Farm Bill).

    *          Applications for remaining FY 2009 funding under the Biorefinery Assistance Program (Section 9003), which uses loan guarantees to develop, construct, and retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries, must be received by June 1, 2010.
    *          Applications are also being accepted for remaining FY 2009 funding under the Repowering Assistance Program  (Section 9004), which provides for payments to biorefineries (that were in existence when the Farm Bill was passed) to replace the use of fossil fuels in their operations with renewable energy from biomass. Biorefineries interested in obtaining funding must apply by June 15, 2010.
    *          Those biomass producers eligible under the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels (Section 9005) may also apply to receive payment from remaining FY 2009 funds.  Applications must be received by May 30, 2010.  During the first round, the Department awarded funding to 123 recipients in 34 states to accelerate the production and usage of advanced biofuels.

   “The Obama Administration is working aggressively to give our nation’s rural communities, farmers, ranchers and producers of biofuels the financial tools they need to help bring greater energy independence to America,” Vilsack said. “This funding will help the nation’s advanced biofuel industry produce energy from sustainable rural resources, and in doing so create jobs and stimulate rural economies across the nation.”

   Under Section 9005, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, payments are made to eligible producers in rural areas to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels. Payments are based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch.  Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose, crop residue, animal, food and yard waste material, biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas), vegetable oil and animal fat. Information on how to apply for payments can be found in the March 12, 2010, Federal Register. Information on how to apply for funding under Sections 9003 and 9004 is also available in the March 12, 2010 Federal Register or by going to http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html#Rural%20Business-Cooperative%20Service. Funding for these programs is not provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

   The producer payments are intended to help biorefineries reduce energy costs and fossil fuel consumption – necessary steps toward meeting the nation’s energy needs. The following is a list of biofuels producers that have already received funding under USDA’s Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. Recipients of payments less than $500 are not listed.

Nebraska
AG Processing Inc., $120,115.61
Chief Ethanol Fuel Inc., $1,345,588.16    
Northeast Nebraska Biodiesel, LLC, $9,264.65

Iowa
Central Iowa Energy, LLC, $114,239.69
Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC, $216,592.82
Maple River Energy, LLC, $9,742.32         
Renewable Energy Group, Inc., $727,132.93
Riksch Biofuels LLC, $10,401.22
Sioux Biochemical, Inc., $13,961.87          
Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC, $253,695.87   
Western Iowa Energy, $298,475.92



USDA ORGANIC INITATIVE SIGN UP PERIOD EXTENDED
Sign up for $1.5 million available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program extended to April 1, 2010.

Steve Chick, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska has announced the cutoff date for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative has been extended to April 1, 2010.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) NRCS, which administers EQIP, has set aside $1.5 million in EQIP funds to help Nebraska organic producers and those who are transitioning to organic production.

“This is a great opportunity for Nebraska ag producers.  Farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic agriculture, or who are currently certified organic, may apply for financial assistance through EQIP.  If approved, they can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years to implement conservation practices,” Chick said.  

Applications for the EQIP Organic Initiative are taken continuously throughout the year, but to be considered for Fiscal Year 2010 funding, producers need to have an application signed and returned to their local NRCS office by April 1, 2010.  Funding selections will be made on or before May 1, 2010, from those applications received.

“EQIP applicants who are certified organic will need to bring a copy of their organic system plan (OSP) and the name and address of their USDA accredited certifying agent.  Applicants who are transitioning to organic will certify their intentions to transition to organic and must provide the name of the USDA accredited certifying agent they have contacted,” Chick said.

A number of conservation practices may be funded through the EQIP Organic Initiative, including cover crops, crop rotations, fencing and watering for rotational grazing, high tunnels for seasonal crops, and field borders.

Some participants are eligible to receive a higher payment rate; those are limited resource farmers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged groups.  For more information, go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/.

Visit your local USDA Service Center and talk to the NRCS staff about the EQIP Organic Initiative, conservation planning, and other programs available to help protect natural resources.  For more information about EQIP, go to http://www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov/programs and click on EQIP Organic Initiative.



20 Iowans Participating in International Ag Trade Mission

Twenty Iowa men and women are participating in an international agriculture trade mission to South Korea and Vietnam as part of the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development Program (I-LEAD). The international mission started Thursday and ends March 22.  This I-LEAD class has targeted an ambitious mission to provide experience in assessing market potential and market barriers. The mission to South Korea and Vietnam will look at export market development for four of Iowa's major agricultural products (corn, soybeans, pork and beef).  The I-LEAD foreign study mission helps class members expand their knowledge of the world food and fiber system and help them to a develop deeper appreciation for the views of international customers.

Participants in the I-LEAD mission include: Lowell Appleton, Sanborn, O'Brien County; Neil Bouray, Randolph, Fremont County; Cathy and Scott Brown, Columbus Junction; Will Cannon, Newton, Jasper County; Chris Clark, Ida Grove, Ida County; Klint Cork, Galva, Ida County; Devin Dutilly, Ames, Story County; Chris Edgington, St. Ansgar, Mitchell County; Kurt Hora, Washington, Washington County; Darcy Maulsby, Lake City, Calhoun County, Cody McKinley, Ankeny, Polk County; Todd Mikkelsen, Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County; Derek Prostine, Clarksville, Butler County; Jason Robinson, Baxter, Jasper County; Michael Schon, Spencer, Clay County; Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg, Clayton County; Dustin Vande Hoef, Des Moines, Polk County; Roger Vander Veen, Harley, O'Brien County; Chris Weydert, Algona, Kossuth County; Tim Recker, Arlington, Fayette County; Don Mason, Granger, Dallas County; and Claire Masker, Urbandale, Polk County.

To follow the class on their international mission trip please visit www.ileadclass4.wordpress.com. Sponsors for the mission are also listed on this blog. Class members will provide daily details on meetings and activities that the class will be participating in.

The Iowa Corn I-LEAD program is a two-year program to provide Iowa's talented men and women with the tools they need to succeed as leaders and spokespeople for agriculture. The I-LEAD program is sponsored by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) because they recognize that the future of Iowa agriculture depends on the developing new leaders who share the same passion for generations to come.

If you are interested in applying for the next I-LEAD class please contact the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or corninfo@iowacorn.org.

Farm Bureau: There’s No Way for Farmers To Meet EPA’s Proposed Spray Drift Standard

EPA is asking for the impossible in its proposed pesticide spray drift policy, Nebraska Farm Bureau said Wednesday.  Most pesticides are applied through sprayers that deposit small, lightweight droplets onto crops. They cannot be applied when weather conditions including wind speed would encourage drifting beyond the area targeted for treatment. But swirling wind or an unexpected gust can cause the droplets to drift.  EPA’s proposal would prohibit sprayer application of products that “could cause an adverse effect” on any non-target organism.

“By using the term ‘could” and not showing evidence of actual harm, EPA is essentially imposing a liability on applicators for a hypothetical action that may or may not occur,” Craig Head, Nebraska Farm Bureau environmental specialist, said. “That’s a vague, impossible standard.  The current standard in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) says spray application must not pose “an unreasonable adverse effect” on not-targeted species and that phrase is defined specifically, Head said.

“The proposed change is an unlawful precautionary and hazards-based standard that conflicts with FIFRA’s risk-based approach to regulating the sale and use of pesticides. “We question whether EPA has the legal authority to change the standard,” he said.  EPA’s product pesticide registration process under FIFRA takes potential for spray drift into account when it assesses risks and designates how the product may be used, he said. The registration process is rigorous and data-rich, and only one chemical in 250,000 candidates makes it through the process.  Farmers must complete training and be certified to use restricted-use products. “They’re extremely sensitive to neighboring fields, residences and potential for economic loss when applying these products,” Head said.

Spray drift can be reduced by spraying the product at a low height and using a large droplet size that drifts less than a smaller droplet, among other techniques. “But farmers can’t predict or prevent a bird – a non-target species – from suddenly flying across a field,” he said.  Adoption of the EPA proposal would subject farmers to an unreasonable standard that would clog the legal system with lawsuits, he said. “It would harm farmers’ ability to continue to provide safe and abundant food for consumers if the legal risk of using these products is too great. That would mean lower yields.  “And if they aren’t able to use these products, it would take away from farmers’ ability to use no-tillage conservation practices that are good for the environment,” he said.



UNL Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers March 16 at the ARDC

Crop scouts will learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests during a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers program March 16. This session is ideal for new employees preparing to take the CCA exam and serves as an excellent refresher course for experienced personnel.

University specialists will provide in-depth information specifically designed to provide crop scouts with the knowledge and expertise needed for their work. Topics include: how corn and soybean plants grow and develop; soybean and corn pests; weed identification and plant morphology; using a key to identify weed seedlings; crop diseases; and nutrient deficiencies.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the workshop from 9 a.m-5 p.m at the university's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

Cost is $115. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take-home instruction manual.

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 4 in pest management, 1 in crop management and 0.5 in fertility/nutrient management.

For more information or to register, contact UNL Extension at (402) 624-8030 or (800) 529-8030, e-mail Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, or use the online form at http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml. For more information on the program, download the flyer http://ardc.unl.edu/2010MarchCropScoutTraining.pdf.



Nebraska Cattlemen Helps Tamp Fence Legislation

Yesterday was another good day in the Capitol for cattle producers; Governor Heineman signed LB 667, which clarifies fence law. Essentially, the bill performs four functions. First, it establishes clear legislative intent changes in resolving fencing disputes at any level. Second, it states that adjoining landowner’s responsibilities are to be borne in just proportion when constructing and maintaining a fence line. Third, it highlights the legal standard of a fence line. Fourth, it removes the statutory demand of zoning from current law.

NC staff has worked closely with Senator Sullivan to pass this legislation. This legislation should relieve an undue burden on livestock producers when it comes to division fences.  Nebraska law requires livestock producers to confine their livestock.  Historically, neighbors have maintained division fences regardless if each are confining livestock.  Challenges have arisen when one property owner does not have livestock and has felt they were not required to contribute to the maintenance of a division fence.  This legislation clarifies that the responsibility will be borne in “just proportion” to the benefit received by the fence. For example, a division fence between a cattle grazing property and a cornfield is the responsibility of the livestock owner since he is required by law to confine his livestock. However, there is some benefit to the cornfield property owner helping the maintain the fence that protects his crop.  In a dispute, the new legislation would allow the mediator to apply a just proportion to the maintenance of the division fence rather than it simply being construed that the livestock owner bears the entire burden.

Nebraska Cattlemen was a central participant in the process of getting the bill past, from its introduction last year to attending the Governor’s signing yesterday.

Senator Kate Sullivan’s strategy all along was to work through all the issues relevant to all regarding fence disputes and refine the core issues down to the most important to beneficial reform. That issues were deliberated over a one-year period. The resulting legislation had no opposition moving through the Ag Committee on an 8-0 vote on General File and a simple voice vote on Select File. Final Reading was a formality. NC member Brad Choquette of Upland testified last year to the Ag Committee detailing the complexity of the issue and need for clarification.



Gov. Heineman Calls on Congress to Stop EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases

Gov. Dave Heineman joined a bipartisan group of governors this week in asking Congress to stop a plan giving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate greenhouse gases.  “This regulation would potentially harm the competitiveness of the nation’s economy and raise energy costs for Americans,” Gov. Heineman said.

In a letter sent yesterday to Congressional leaders, 20 governors expressed concerns over an administrative agency implementing regulations that would have a broad, negative impact on industry and jobs without input from elected officials.  Governors noted that bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, however heavy-handed regulation will increase electricity costs, as well as costs for gasoline and manufactured products at a time when state economies are struggling.

The letter states, “We believe that EPA should offer input regarding complex energy and environmental policy initiatives, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but feel that these policies are best developed by elected representatives at the state and national level, not by a single federal agency.”



SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES CATTLEMEN'S BEEF BOARD APPOINTMENTS

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced 36 appointments to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board.  All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning immediately.  "These appointees represent a cross section of the beef industry and I am confident that beef producers and importers of cattle, beef and beef products will be well served by them," said Vilsack.

    Newly appointed members representing cattle producers are:  Barbara S. Jackson, Ariz.; Willem Bylsma, Calif.; Darrel C. Sweet, Calif.; Robert W. Buck, Colo.; Jeffrey L. Clausen, Iowa; Dean A. Black, Iowa; Daniel P. Herrmann, Kan.; Larry M. Olten, Kan.; Genevieve D. Lyons, La.; Andrew B. Salinas, Mich.; John C. Schafer, Minn.; David M. McCormick, Miss.; Kevin H. Frankenbach, Mo.; Kristy L. Lage, Neb.; Judith A. Reece, Neb.; Annalyn Settelmeyer, Nev.; Tamara A. Ogilvie, N.M.; Ernest B. Harris, N.C; Thomas A. Woods, Okla.; James C. Kesler, S.C.; Danni K. Beer, S.D.; Linda J. Gilbert, S.D.; Robert J. Reviere, Jr., Tenn.; Larry B. Pratt, Texas; Andrea W. Reed, Texas; D. Rudolph Tate, Texas; Bruce D. Dopslauf, Texas; Laurie L. Munns, Utah; Jane E. Clifford, Vt.; Larry D. Echols, W.VA; Martin A. Andersen, Wis.; Randall A. Geiger, Wis.; and Spencer A. Ellis, Wyo.

    Newly appointed members representing importers are:  Alberto J. Senosiain, Fla.; Andrew Banchi, Penn.; and Scott A. Hansen, Va.

    The Board oversees collection of $1-per-head on all cattle sold in the United States, and $1-per-head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. In addition, the Board contracts with established national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.

     In 2009, according to USDA statistics, there were an estimated 950,000 farms with cattle representing approximately 93.7 million head of cattle at the beginning of 2010.  Top producing states included Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, California and Oklahoma.



Modest Fuel-Price Increases This Year
 
U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) is projected a 2.8% and world oil-consumption-weighted real GDP by 3.4%. As a result, global liquid fuels consumption growth is adjusted upward by 0.3 million barrels a day, to 1.5 million barrels per day.  This increased growth in 2010 oil consumption supports a firming of crude oil prices to above $80 per barrel this sprint and about $82 by the end of the year. We’ll also see a further drawdown of commercial oil inventories, according to EIA.
 
Expect the annual average regular-grade retail gasoline price to increase from $2.35/gal. in 2009 to $2.84 in 2010 and $2.96 in 2011. “Average U.S. pump prices likely will exceed $3 per gallon at times during the forthcoming spring and summer driving season,” says Richard Newell, EIA administrator.  Projected annual average retail diesel fuel prices are $2.96 and $3.14 per gallon, respectively, in 2010 and 2011.  Find out more by clicking here... http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/steo/pub/contents.html.   



Iowa Soybean Association applauds Senate approval of biodiesel tax credit reinstatement

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) applauds today’s Senate passage of a jobs bill containing the reinstatement of the biodiesel blenders’ tax credit.  The U.S. Senate approved H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State and Business Relief Act, which includes the extension of the $1/gallon biodiesel tax credit. The bill calls for the tax credit to be retroactive (effective Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010).

 “We appreciate this important step in seeking reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit,” said ISA President Delbert Christensen, a soybean farmer from Audubon. “Iowa soybean farmers have invested millions of dollars in helping create the biodiesel industry in Iowa, and this tax credit is vitally important to the viability of this industry. But we still have legislative work to do. This bill now needs to be reconciled with the House version.”

With passage of H.R. 4213, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate must now reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill approved by the respective chambers. Both chambers will have to approve an identical bill before it can be presented to President Obama for his signature. Therefore, timing for tax credit reinstatement is uncertain.

The biodiesel tax incentive makes biodiesel more competitive with petroleum diesel and lowers the cost of biodiesel to the end-consumer. Biodiesel production has provided a significant market opportunity for U.S. soybean farmers. A study by the United Soybean Board (USB) showed biodiesel adds at least 25 cents to the price of soybeans. The biodiesel industry also provides jobs and economic development for rural communities, in addition to reducing U.S. dependence on imported petroleum.

Expiration of the biodiesel tax incentive on Dec. 31, 2009, essentially caused the production and use of biodiesel in the U.S. to cease. It has placed thousands of jobs currently supported by the domestic biodiesel industry in immediate jeopardy.

Iowa has 15 biodiesel plants. Many of them have not been operating while others have been operating at drastically reduced levels during the lapse of the tax credit and have had to lay off employees.

 “The extension of the tax credit, coupled with the recently finalized RFS-2 will help ensure strong demand for biodiesel for the remainder of the year,” said Christensen. “However, since this is only a one-year extension, we will immediately have to begin the battle to seek a longer-term solution by securing a three- to five-year extension of the credit.”



NCBA Commends Senators Johanns and Lincoln for Bipartisan Resolution on Beef Trade with Japan

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applauds Senators Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) for their resolution calling on the Obama Administration to insist that Japan immediately grant increased market access for U.S. beef. The resolution calls attention to Japan’s arbitrary and unscientific restrictions on U.S. beef trade.

Following a detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. in 2003, Japan closed its borders to U.S. beef. Today, Japan only allows boneless beef products from cattle under 21 months of age, which is limiting us to only 25 percent of the potential market for U.S. beef in Japan.  American beef producers have been losing about $1 billion annually because of this ban.

“Japan’s trade restrictions are completely unjustified,” explains Steve Foglesong, president of NCBA and rancher from Astoria, Ill.  “It isn’t based on sound science, and it is in violation of international guidelines.”

A 2006 USDA study found that BSE was virtually non-existent in the United States. Internationally, it is likely that BSE will be fully eradicated from the planet within the next 10 to 15 years. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), has classified the Unites States as a controlled risk country for BSE—the same designation as Japan.

“Senator Johanns brought this trade imbalance to the forefront by questioning how Japan would respond if the U.S. were to ban all imports of Japanese cars because of safety issues with some Toyota vehicles,” Foglesong states.  “The U.S. would never consider such a heavy-handed and excessive measure, but that’s essentially what Japan has done to U.S. beef. I’m pleased that Senator Johanns demonstrated the inconsistencies and flawed thinking behind this ban.”

The bipartisan resolution calls upon the Administration to immediately work to end this trade imbalance.  “This issue is critical to beef producers, but it goes far beyond our industry.  Ten-percent, or approximately 12 million American jobs, depend on exports,” Foglesong says.  “In this economy, we simply cannot afford to allow our closest trading partners to unfairly restrict market access.  NCBA is urging Congress to support this resolution, and encourages the Obama Administration to begin work to end this ban immediately.”



USDA to Propose Expanding Poultry Loan Guidance to Include Pork Operations
Secretary Vilsack Directs FSA and GIPSA to Collaborate to End Loan Practices that are Harming Certain Producers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will expand guidance currently in place for loans to contract poultry operations meant to protect them from questionable business practices to include contract pork operations. USDA currently provides guidance to county offices on the analysis and evaluation of applications for direct and guaranteed loans for contract poultry operations, and how those loans are serviced, to avoid making loans that may exacerbate integrator business practices that have left some producers suddenly without contracts and unable to pay back their FSA loans.

"Contracted poultry and pork operations face increased risk in these challenging economic times, and this additional guidance for pork, putting it in agreement with the poultry guidance, will aid the loan officers in our county offices as they continue to make informed decisions on loans for contracted pork operations, providing opportunities for producers while at the same time protecting the interests of the taxpayers who fund the loans USDA makes," Vilsack said.

Recent increases in energy and feed costs coupled with reductions in demand have affected profit margins and returns in the industry. In response to these conditions, some companies who contract with producers to supply poultry and pork have closed processing plants, reduced placements, and declined to renew contracts.

In some instances, it may have proven less expensive to cancel old contracts and begin new contracts with new producers, supported by FSA loans. The producers were sometimes left with debt for their contract operation facilities, but no contract to provide income and repay their USDA direct or guaranteed loan.

In addition to the contracting guidance expansion to pork production, USDA's Farm Service Agency will issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit input from the pork and poultry community regarding the prevalence of type of contracting situation. FSA will be soliciting proposals for the best way for USDA to address these contract situations in the long term.

Additionally, USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) will investigate allegations from producers that companies are targeting producers for contract termination. GIPSA will examine such allegations to determine whether such practices violate Section 202 of the Packers and Stockyards Act, which prohibits, packers, swine contractors and live poultry dealers from engaging in unfair, deceptive and discriminatory practices.



CUBAN EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES COULD HELP DAIRY INDUSTRY RECOVERY  

Easing regulatory hurdles that are impeding exports to Cuba could contribute to recovery in the dairy industry, according to testimony today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Agriculture by John Wilson, senior vice president of marketing and industry affairs for Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA).

Speaking in support of the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645),  Wilson, who also serves on the board of directors for National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), emphasized that facilitating greater U.S. dairy exports to Cuba could be a step in the right direction toward helping the dairy industry regain ground lost during the 2009 dairy crisis.

“U.S. participation in the global dairy market is essential to putting the U.S. dairy industry on firmer footing going forward,” Wilson said. “It is critical that we work to expand opportunities for our dairy exports to allow our dairy producers, as well as their dairy manufacturing partners, to grow and prosper.”

H.R. 4645 seeks to address the most significant issues hindering trade to Cuba under the 2000 Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA). The bill calls for a clarification on the “cash in advance” requirement that – since being redefined by the Office of Foreign Asset Control in 2005 – has added complexity and expense for potential buyers. The bill also calls for the elimination of TSREEA’s “direct banking” provision, which similarly inflates costs and complicates transactions.

“Cuba is a market where we should be a natural preferred seller due to our strong proximity advantages,” Wilson said. “Yet it is clear that we are now among the least-preferred of suppliers given these technical and regulatory impediments to U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba.”

The bill – which was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and is co-sponsored by more than 30 members of Congress – also aims to eliminate restrictions on Americans’ rights to travel to Cuba. Allowing Americans to travel to Cuba would help stimulate demand for and sales of dairy products in that country.

A June 2009 International Trade Commission Updated Study on U.S. Agricultural Sales to Cuba found that fully eliminating financing and travel restrictions on U.S. exports to Cuba would have boosted 2008 dairy sales to Cuba from $13 million to between $39 and $87 million.



NAWG President McReynolds Testifies on Importance of Trade with Cuba
 
U.S. wheat producers and the industries that support them stand to gain up to $100 million in sales each year if trade and travel restrictions with Cuba are eased, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Jerry McReynolds told Members of the House Agriculture Committee at a hearing Thursday.

U.S. wheat growers – who consistently produce some of the highest quality wheat in the world – have a distinct advantage in their proximity to the island nation, which cannot produce its own wheat or maintain large purchased stocks.  

However, this advantage is negated by ongoing trade restrictions that require cash payment through a third-party bank before shipment leaves U.S. ports and travel restrictions that make it hard for the island country to raise that cash and learn about the U.S. agricultural sales process.

“At a time when our economy needs every possible boost, and when President Obama has made a popular pledge to double U.S. exports, I would contend there is no better time than to re-examine why exactly we are being outcompeted in a market just 90 miles off our shore,” McReynolds, a wheat grower from Kansas, told the Members.  

McReynolds, who has traveled to Cuba on an agricultural educational mission and seen first-hand the country’s need for imported agricultural goods, also voiced strong support for H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, introduced recently by Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). NAWG and other supporters of the legislation believe the bill would be a catalyst of opportunity for significant new wheat sales to Cuba and a real economic boost in the U.S. heartland.

Cuba is the largest importer of wheat and wheat products in the Caribbean. Over the past three years, Cuba’s population of 11.4 million consumed on average 800,000 metric tons of wheat per year, and the nation’s grain consumption is increasing with population and income growth.

The wheat industry contends that the U.S. should have the lion’s share of the growing Cuban wheat market as it does in the rest of the Caribbean, where its market share averages about 85 percent. Instead, Cuba has turned to other suppliers and now purchases only about 38 percent of its needs from U.S. wheat growers. That gap represents about $100 million and can only be closed by lifting the restrictions to create a more normal trading relationship with Cuba.



Ohio May Get to Vote Again on Livestock Standards

Ohio voters could be asked to referee another battle about livestock standards, the Columbus Dispatch reported on Thursday. While the Ohio House of Representatives voted 98-0 yesterday to establish the Ohio Livestock Standards Board, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was set to launch a campaign to undo it. The house approved House Bill 414 and sent it to the Senate. The bill would create a 13-member board, led by the state agriculture director. "Ohioans will be in charges of setting standards for Ohioans," said state Rep. Allan R. Sayre, D-Dover, sponsor of the bill. While the House was meeting, Wayne Pacelle, head of the HSUS, was in Ohio to kick off another constitutional ballot issue. If the HSUS can collect 402,275 valid signatures of Ohio registered voters by June 29, the proposal will be placed on the November ballot as a statewide constitutional issue.



Poultry Organization Elects Officers, Announces Awards

A Kansas poultry producer with deep roots in Nebraska has been named the 2010 Nebraska Poultry Person of the Year, while two Waverly brothers have been named to the Nebraska Poultry Industries Hall of Fame.  Awards were announced at the Nebraska Poultry Industries' annual convention last month in Columbus.

Greg Nelson of Manhattan, Kan., was named Poultry Person of the Year. Nelson began working in his family's poultry operation when he was a young boy and has run all facets of the business since. He has served as president of Nelson Poultry Farms since 1988; during that time, the company's pullet-growing capacity has more than quadrupled. In 2003, it added a new hatchery, which expanded chick-hatching capacity by 75 percent. Nelson also led the expansion of the company's breeder facilities and he now is building a feed mill to supply the birds with quality feed and he owns a large crop farming business that provides much of the grain used in feeding the flocks delivered to Nebraska processors.

Brian and Bill Bevans of Waverly were inducted into the Nebraska Poultry Industries Hall of Fame. The Bevans' father, Lloyd, founded and built the family's turkey business with brother Dick, and his sons grew up in the business.  Both brothers became involved with the Nebraska Turkey Growers Cooperative in Gibbon, where their turkeys were processed and marketed through Norbest Inc. Both served on the co-op's board of directors for many years. After the company was dissolved in 2009, Bill Bevans continued to raise turkeys for West Liberty Foods in West Liberty, Iowa. Brian plans to resume raising turkeys after the industry recovers.

Other awards given at the convention
-- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office in Lancaster County was honored for its 4-H School Enrichment Embryology Project, which is a core subject in the third grade science curriculum of 52 Lincoln public schools.
-- Youth Awards were given to Mason Jager of Ravenna for the 2009 Ak-sar-ben champion pen broilers; and to the 2009 4-H poultry judging team, comprising Morgan Fangmeier, Hebron; Kasandra Fanning, Oak; Cassandra Mohrmann, Deshler; and coached by Crystal Fangmeier, Hebron.

UNL scholarship awards:
-- 2010 Ruther Keller Memorial Scholarship -- Brett A. Kreifels, Springfield
-- 2009 Victor W. Henningsen Sr. Graduate Student Fellowship in Food Sciences -- Aikansh Singh, India.
-- 2010-11 Mussehl Graduate Animal Science Scholarship -- Dana Hahn, Lincoln.
-- 2009-10 Mussehl Undergraduate Scholarship -- Brett A. Kreifels, Springfield; Adam C. Schole, Hooper.
-- 2009-10 Parr Family Scholarship -- Brett A. Kreifels, Springfield.
-- 2009-10 Coca Cola Scholarship -- Melinda L. Rathman, Farwell.

Officers were elected to the following boards:

Nebraska Poultry Industries -- president, Gerald Muller, Wakefield; first vice president, William Bevans, Waverly; second vice president, John Black, David City; secretary-treasurer, Brent Nelson, Manhattan, Kan.; general manager, Susan Joy, Lincoln.

Nebraska Egg Council -- president, William Claybaugh, Carroll; vice president, Greg Nelson, Manhattan, Kan.; secretary, John Black, David City; treasurer, Lowell Ostrand, Wakefield; executive secretary, Susan Joy, Lincoln.

Nebraska Turkey Federation -- president, Tom Thulin, Oxford; first vice president, Scott Felber, Seward; second vice president, Jim Meuret, Brunswick; secretary-treasurer, Susan Joy, Lincoln.

Nebraska Poultry Improvement Association -- president, Richard Dutton, Wakefield; first vice president, Brian Bevans, Waverly; second vice president, Dix Scranton, Norfolk; secretary-treasurer, Joline Gordon, Lincoln.

Nebraska Allied Poultry Industries -- president, Carl Stromberg, Blaine, Minn.; first vice president, Cathy Beacom, Elkhorn; second vice president, Jan Johnson, Willmar, Minn.; treasurer, Brent Nelson, Manhattan, Kan.; executive secretary, Susan Joy, Lincoln.



Commodity Classic Raises the Bar for Agricultural Industry Events
 
With 202 companies exhibiting in 816 booths, the 2010 Commodity Classic Trade Show once again raised the bar on must attend industry events in agriculture. The show surpassed previous turnout for a Commodity Classic held in California with 1,369 growers attending and a total attendance of 4,330.
 
“We were delighted with the overwhelming success of this year’s Commodity Classic,” said Commodity Classic Co-chair Cal Dalton. “Growers, industry, media and organizers all commented on the excellent Learning Center and WIN Sessions, high quality events and cooperative effort that made participation a lot of fun. Attendees came with the expectation of bettering their businesses, leadership skills and industry contacts. We are happy to say they were not disappointed. Commodity Classic participants expect us to deliver better programs and outstanding event operation each year. We are looking forward to surpassing this year’s efforts in 2011 when we meet in Tampa, Fla.”
 
One of Commodity Classic’s highlights was Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s remarks at the General Session acknowledging farmers for their hard work in providing the world with affordable, abundant food and increasing our nation’s energy security. Mark Mayfield returned as General Session Emcee, hosted discussions with the commodity presidents and introduced an energizing presentation in defense of modern agriculture by Dr. Jay Lehr. The Evening of Entertainment featured a performance by the Grammy award-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Other events included association banquets and numerous networking opportunities.
 
Commodity Classic 2011 will be held March 3-5 in Tampa, Fla. Photos from the 2010 Commodity Classic will be posted soon online at www.commodityclassic.com.



Breakthrough CBS News Health Report:  “High Fructose Corn Syrup - It’s Just Sugar”
Leading Food Expert:  Alleged effects from high fructose corn syrup “an urban myth”

Last night, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric ran a report, “Is high fructose corn syrup really so bad?” prepared by CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller.  In the report, Ms. Miller noted, “High fructose corn syrup is just sugar with an image problem.” CBS Evening News

 

Editors note: You mean CBS got it right?!

 

In commenting on the CBS story, Audrae Erickson, president, Corn Refiners Association concluded, “This CBS Evening News story corrects the record on an important health and nutrition matter for American consumers.  There is no nutritional difference between high fructose corn syrup and sugar.  A sugar is a sugar whether it comes from cane, corn, or beets.”

Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated in the CBS report, “The evilness of high fructose corn syrup has become an urban myth.”  Referring to researchers who alleged a difference between it and table sugar, Jacobsen stated, “They did not have one shred of evidence to back up their theory.”

“CBS got to the essence of the matter.” said Erickson.  “Consumers are being misled into thinking there is something uniquely different between a natural sweetener made from corn, high fructose corn syrup, and its close substitute, table sugar.  This American-made ingredient maintains freshness in condiments, enhances fruit flavors in yogurts and spice flavors in sauces, retains moisture in baked goods and keeps ingredients evenly mixed in salad dressings.  It has contributed to food choice and value for decades.  In this economy, every little bit helps.”

In 2008, the American Medical Association said, “After studying current research, the American Medical Association concluded that high fructose syrup does not appear to contribute more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners...”  (American Medical Association. June 17, 2008.  Press Release: AMA finds high fructose syrup unlikely to be more harmful to health than other caloric sweeteners  http://www.sweetsurprise.com/sites/default/files/AMARelease6-17-08h.pdf).  

Additionally, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) concluded that “Both sweeteners contain the same number of calories (4 per gram) and consist of about equal parts of fructose and glucose.  Once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.” (Hot Topics, “High Fructose Corn Syrup.” December 2008. http://www.sweetsurprise.com/sites/default/files/ADAHotTopicHFCS.pdf).  

Gov in West Point Monday

A number of the state's agriculture organizations are hosting the Governor and other officials during a trip around Nebraska Monday to kick off National Agriculture Week.  Governor Dave Heineman,  Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Senator Tom Carlson, and Director of the Dept. of Agriculture Greg Ibach will attend activities Monday morning in Kearney, over the noon hour in West Point, and then Monday afternoon in Raymond.  The Ag Week Celebration Lunch will take place from 11am to 1pm at Harry Knobbe Feed Yard just south and west of West Point.  Lunch will be provided by the Cuming County Feeders Association and Heineman will give remarks at 11:30am.  If you are interested in attending, contact Jay Ferris at the Nebraska Farm Bureau office at (402) 421-4409.  Please join the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska State Dairy Association, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Nebraska Poultry Industries, Nebraska Soybean Association, and the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association in celebrating National Agriculture Week.  

Event details:
Ag Week Celebration Lunch
March 15, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Remarks at 11:30 a.m.
Harry Knobe's Feed Yard
595 15th RD
West Point, NE
(West of West Point on HWY 32.  Cross the bridge on HWY 32, turn South on 15th and travel about 3/4 mile)
Lunch Provided by Cuming County Feeders
Please RSVP to jayf@nefb.org or call 402-421-4409



Sioux City Based Terra Industries Will Terminate Deal With Yara

Terra Industries Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors, in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, has unanimously determined that the proposal submitted by CF Industries Holdings, Inc. on March 10, 2010 to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Terra for $37.15 in cash and 0.0953 of a share of CF Industries common stock for each Terra share constitutes a Superior Proposal under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 12, 2010, by and among Terra, Yara International ASA and Yukon Merger Sub, Inc.

In accordance with the terms of the Yara Agreement, Terra has provided notice to Yara of its intention to terminate the Yara Agreement subject to Yara's right to propose, within five business days, changes to the terms of the Yara Agreement that make it at least as favorable to Terra stockholders as the CF Proposal.



CF Industries Comments on Terra's Determination That CF Industries Offer is "Superior Proposal"

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. today issued the following statement regarding Terra Industries Inc.'s announcement that it has determined CF Industries' offer to purchase Terra a "superior proposal" under the terms of Terra's agreement with Yara International ASA.  "We believe that Terra is worth more to CF Industries than to any other acquirer, given the strategic benefits of the transaction, including synergies, which only CF Industries can achieve," said Stephen R. Wilson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CF Industries. "Any offer from Yara must be heavily discounted for the substantial risks and length of time associated with closing."

CF Industries confirmed that, at Terra's request, CF Industries has delivered a signed merger agreement to Terra relating to CF Industries' offer of $37.15 in cash and 0.0953 of a share of CF Industries common stock for each Terra share made on March 5, 2010. CF Industries also noted that Yara has five business days following Terra's notice of its determination that CF Industries' offer is a "superior proposal" under the terms of Terra's agreement with Yara to submit a revised proposal.



Yara Has Until March 17th To Come Up With New Terra Offer

Yara International ASA (Yara) has received a notification from Terra Industries Inc. (Terra) that the proposal from CF Industries is, in Terra's view, a superior proposal to the merger agreement signed 12 February by Yara and Terra.

As announced on 15 February 2010, Yara and Terra entered into a merger agreement, pursuant to which Yara agreed to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Terra for $41.10 per share in cash. The merger agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances, including if Terra receives a superior proposal, as that term is defined in the merger agreement, provides advance notice to Yara and Yara does not match the superior proposal within five business days. The deadline for matching this superior proposal will expire by 17 March at 17:00 New York time. If Terra terminates the merger agreement under such circumstances, Yara will be entitled to a USD 123 million break-up fee.

Yara will have no further comments on the response to Terra on the notification until Yara's Board of Directors has completed their evaluation.



Heineman-Ibach on EPA regs

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman is working with other governors to reduce regulations that could be harmful to agriculture.  Heineman says governors will be sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency asking them to restrict new regulations.

(click on link below to hear audio)
EPA   :18  Q.  make sense.

As new EPA regulations are established Greg Ibach, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director says it's important those regulations do not interfere with agriculture being competitive.

EPA2   :15  Q. like China.

Heineman says there are several federal regulations that pose concerns for Nebraska producers such as green house gas emissions, soil particulate matter in the air and additional permitting requirements.



Keep an Eye on Stored Grain This Spring

Some farmers didn't get their grain dried this fall and winter. Now that temperatures are rising and spring is just around the corner, farmers need to be vigilant about keeping an eye on their stored grain, University of Nebraska-Lincoln specialists say.  Tamra Jackson, UNL plant pathologist, said it is still important to watch for grain molds and ear rots in stored grain.  "Many producers harvested when moisture was high," she said. "The best way to stop those molds is to dry down grain."

However, those who had to rely on natural air drying were not able to dry down their grain last fall, said Tom Dorn, UNL Extension educator in Lancaster County.  

Although cold temperatures likely stopped fungi growth this winter, Jackson said, once temperatures get above freezing fungi will continue to grow and reduce grain quality.  Jackson said observing temperature and looking at grain frequently is key as temperatures rise.  She has heard that some farmers are seeing a white, moldy crust forming over the grain. Fusarium and Diplodia have been the most common culprits. Some of these fungi can produce mycotoxins, such as fumonisin. While fumonisins are especially harmful to swine, cattle are less susceptible. So selling grain to a feedlot might be one avenue in which to sell moldy grain.

Dorn hopes as temperatures rise this month producers can put some natural air through the grain.  Dorn suggests using a temperature probe to take grain temperatures near the bin wall about every 20 feet around the outside of the bin and a couple of places near the middle of the bin.  "If there is more than a 10 degree difference in temperature between any two spots in the bin, run the aeration fan long enough to push a temperature front through the entire grain mass," he said.

Farmers that do not have a temperature probe can test for signs of heating by turning on the aeration fan and leaning into the access hatch or by climbing into the bin, Dorn said.  "If air hitting the face feels warmer than expected, you detect a musty odor or condensation is forming on the inside surface of the bin roof on a cold day, continue to run the fan long enough to push a temperature front through the bin," he said. "If the bin is equipped with a stirring system, run two or three rounds to break up hot spots and equalize the moisture throughout the grain mass.  "If the warming signs are present, and the bin is not equipped with a stirring system, pull a load or two out of the bin and monitor the condition of the grain coming out of the auger. If you detect heating, run the aeration fans to cool and dry the grain if air properties allow. Or, you can market the grain."

Dorn also recommends leveling the grain surface if the remaining grain will be left in place.  For corn that is above 15 percent moisture that will continue to be held in the grain bin on the farm, Dorn recommends to finish drying it to a safe moisture content.  "The first objective is to warm grain that was cooled in late fall to preserve it during the cold months," he said.  Grain should be warmed in stages by running a warming front through the bin when outside air temperatures are 10 to 12 degrees higher than the grain temperature.



Agenda announced for Ethanol 2010: Emerging Issues Forum
Limited seating still available for April 8-9 conference

The agenda for the Ethanol 2010: Emerging Issues Forum is now available. View the agenda at the Forum homepage at www.ne-ethanol.org/forum2010.  The fifth annual forum features a number of experts on topics including marketing, transportation, RINS and lifecycle emissions of the ethanol production process. This two-day conference is designed to encourage dialogue between speakers and participants.  Limited seating is still available. Participants who register before March 19 can receive the discount registration rate.  Guest speakers include Dr. Steffen Mueller, a principal economist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, discussing the emissions accounting process; Doug Durante of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition with a Washington Update; Undersecretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager of the USDA, and others.



Another Canadian Cow Tests Positive for BSE

Canada's 17th case of BSE was discovered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency last month but has only now been publicly announced. The federal government's communication strategy for reporting cases of bovine sponsgiform encephalopathy now involves only providing information on a monthly basis. A CFIA spokesperson could only confirm to RNI that one animal did test positive for BSE.

Later on Wednesday, however, the CFIA's web page documenting cases of reportable animal diseases on a monthly basis was updated to include new details on the animal. CFIA now describes the animal as a 72-month-old beef cow from Alberta, confirmed Feb. 25 as having BSE.

Other industry sources said the infected animal was a six-year old black Angus cow and was discovered through the country's national BSE surveillance program, which tests high-risk animals for the disease.

As of August 2009, the CFIA no longer notifies the public or media of each new case of BSE as it's discovered. Rather, that information is now provided on a monthly basis on the CFIA's website.

With this latest animal there have been a total of 17 cases of BSE discovered in Canada since the first incidence in 2003, not counting an Alberta-born BSE-positive animal that was found in Washington state in 2003 and is typically credited to Canada.

The February case is also Alberta's 12th, compared to four from British Columbia and one from Manitoba.

CFIA has always said that the discovery of occasional BSE cases is to be expected, as the country works to eradicate the disease from the herd.

CFIA's listings of cases of reportable diseases in livestock for the month of February also included five separate cases of anaplasmosis in beef cattle in Manitoba.

Also reported in February were two cases of scrapie in sheep: one in Quebec, and one of "atypical" scrapie in Saskatchewan.



Merial To Merge With Intervet/Schering-Plough

A global leader in animal health will be created as Merial announces it will merge with Intervet/Schering-Plough. The new joint venture will be equally owned by Merck & Co., Inc. (Intervet/Schering Plough) and sanofi-aventis (Merial). The formation of this new animal health joint venture is subject to execution of final agreements, antitrust review in the United States, Europe and other countries and other customary closing conditions. The completion of the transaction is expected to occur in approximately the next 12 months.

"The upcoming combination of Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough is an exciting opportunity for sanofi-aventis to create with Merck a leading company in the Animal Health strategic and growing sector," said Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chief Executive Officer of sanofi-aventis. "I am convinced that, together, we will create strong value in bringing broader and improved offerings in both pet and production animal segments. This transaction represents another consistent milestone in our diversification strategy to bring sustainable growth to sanofi-aventis."

Merck Chairman Richard Clark says the new joint venture delivers on Merck's commitment to customer focus by creating one of the broadest portfolios of animal health products and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics for millions of customers who include farmers, veterinarians and pet owners.

The entreprise value of Merial has been fixed at $8 billion and the entreprise value of Intervet/Schering-Plough at $8.5 billion, leading to a true-up payment of $250 million to Merck to establish a 50/50 joint venture. An additional amount of $750 million will be paid by sanofi-aventis, as per the terms of the agreement signed in July 2009.



Sales of U.S. Tractors Were Off Slightly During February

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for February 2010 were down 5.9% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 6.4%, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 17.2%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 8.8% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 31.3% for the month.

For the year 2010, a total of 16,765 tractors were sold, which compares to 16,964 sold through February 2009.  Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 4% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 12.7%. Sales of two-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 21.5%, while four-wheel-drive tractors were up 21.3% for the year.

Combine sales were down 11% for the month. Sales of combines for the year 2009 totaled 1,056, an increase of 1.3% over the same period in 2009.



USDA AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCE UPDATED SCHEDULE FOR AGRICULTURE WORKSHOP ON MARCH 12 IN IOWA
Initial Workshop to be Held in Ankeny, Iowa, at FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an updated schedule and panelists for the first joint public workshop, which will be held on March 12, 2010, in Ankeny, Iowa, to explore competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The workshop will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

The workshops, which were first announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 5, 2009, are the first joint Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The goals of the workshops are to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster learning with respect to the appropriate legal and economic analyses of these issues, as well as to listen to and learn from parties with experience in the agriculture sector. Attendance at the workshops is free and open to the public. The general public interested in attending the initial workshop should register at https://go.dmacc.edu/ffa/agworkshop.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Antitrust Division Christine Varney will participate in the workshop and will be joined by Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey. They will participate in a roundtable discussion with presentations on current issues affecting farmers. Testimony and roundtable discussion by a panel of farmers will follow. The workshop will also feature two panels focusing on the competitive dynamics in the seed industry and trends in contracting, transparency and buyer power. The first day of the workshops will end with an enforcer roundtable and public testimony.

The workshop schedule follows:

Opening Remarks (9:30 a.m. CST - 9:45 a.m. CST)
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Eric Holder, Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice

Roundtable Discussion and Presentation of Issues (9:45 a.m. CST - 10:45 a.m. CST)
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Eric Holder, Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, U.S. Department of Justice
Patty Judge, Lt. Governor, State of Iowa
Tom Miller, Attorney General, State of Iowa
Bill Northey, Secretary of Agriculture, State of Iowa
Tom Harkin, Senator, U.S. Senate (tentative)
Chuck Grassley, Senator, U.S. Senate (tentative)
Leonard Boswell, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives (tentative)
Invited:
Bruce Braley, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
Steve King, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
Tom Latham, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
Dave Loebsack, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives

Coffee Break (10:45 a.m. CST - 11:15 a.m. CST)

Farmer Testimony and Roundtable Discussion (11:15 a.m. CST - 12:15 p.m. CST)
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, U.S. Department of Justice
Ken Fawcett, independent crop farmer, Eastern Iowa
Jim Foster, hog producer, Montgomery City, Missouri
Pam Johnson, farmer, Floyd, Iowa
Eric Nelson, grain and cattle farmer, Moville, Iowa
Todd Wiley, hog producer, Walker, Iowa
Eddie Wise, hog and produce farmer, Whitakers, North Carolina

Lunch (12:15 p.m. CST - 1:15 p.m. CST)

Seed Competitive Dynamics Panel (1:15 p.m. CST - 2:15 p.m. CST)
Moderator: James MacDonald, Chief, Agricultural Structure and Productivity Branch, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Panelists:
Ray Gaesser, Soybean and Corn Farmer, Corning, Iowa; Vice President, American Soybean Association; Former President, Iowa Soybean Association
Neil E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Emeritus Professor of Economics, Iowa State University; Member of the Iowa Bar
Dermot Hayes, Professor of Economics and Finance, Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness, Iowa State University
Diana Moss, Vice President & Senior Fellow, American Antitrust Institute
Jim Tobin, Vice President, Industry Affairs, Monsanto Company

Agricultural Trends Panel (2:15 p.m. CST - 3:15 p.m. CST)
Moderator: Phil Weiser, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Panelists:
Brian Buhr, Professor and Head of Department, Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
Rachael Goodhue, Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of California, Davis
Mary Hendrickson, Extension Associate Professor of Rural Sociology, University of Missouri
John Lawrence, Professor of Economics, Iowa State University
Chuck Wirtz, pork producer, Whittemore, Iowa
Patrick Woodall, Research Director, Food & Water Watch

Coffee Break (3:15 p.m. CST - 3:30 p.m. CST)

Enforcer Roundtable Discussion Panel (3:30 p.m. CST - 4:30 p.m. CST)
Moderator: Mark Tobey, Special Counsel for State Relations and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Justice
Panelists:
Steve Bullock, Attorney General, State of Montana
Richard Cordray, Attorney General, State of Ohio
Chris Koster, Attorney General, State of Missouri
John Ferrell, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Stephen Obie, Director, Division of Enforcement, Commodity Futures Trading Commission
William Stallings, Assistant Section Chief, Transportation, Energy and Agriculture Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice

Public Testimony (4:30 p.m. CST - 5:30 p.m. CST)
This is an opportunity for those in the audience to make comments in an open forum.

Closing Remarks (5:30 p.m. CST)
Phil Weiser, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
John Ferrell, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture