U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 1 Percent
    
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 9.9 million head on September 1, 2009.  The inventory was 1 percent below September 1, 2008.  Prereport estimates had the on feed number at 98.5% of a year ago.  

Placements in feedlots during August totaled 2.11 million, 2 percent above 2008.  Net placements were 2.06 million head.  Prereport expectations were around a one percent increase from last year.  During August, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 425,000, 600-699 pounds were 395,000, 700-799 pounds were 515,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 775,000.  

Marketings of fed cattle during August totaled 1.81 million, 4 percent below 2008.  This is the lowest fed cattle marketings for the month of August since the series began in 1996.  The prereport guess was a marketings number at 95.3% of last year.  

Major cattle states:  NE        KS      TX      CO      IA
(% of last year)
On Feed                  103      98      97      112      109
Placements            103       106     98      108     103
Marketings               89       94       96      115     97

Other disappearance totaled 55,000 during August, 12 percent above 2008.  More numbers here... http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/CattOnFe/CattOnFe-09-18-2009.txt .   



August Milk Production down 0.2 Percent
                        
Milk production in the 23 major States during August totaled 14.6 billion pounds, down 0.2 percent from August 2008.  July revised production at 14.8 billion pounds, was down slightly from July 2008.  The July revision represented a decrease of 13 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.  Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,743 pounds for August, 25 pounds above August 2008.  The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.37 million head, 143,000 head less than August 2008, and 28,000 head less than July 2009.

In the top five dairy production states, production was mixed.  California -4.5%, Wisconsin +3.7%, Idaho -2.7%, New York +0.2%, and Pennsylvania +0.7%.  Click here for the latest state by state numbers... http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/MilkProd/MilkProd-08-18-2009.txt .  

Platte Valley Cattlemen hosts fall outlook meeting

The calendar says September, and that means two things... harvest and the annual Platte Valley Cattlemen Outlook Meeting.  The meeting will be held on Monday, September 21, at Wunderlich's in Columbus.  Social hour starts at 6pm, the steak dinner is at 7pm, with the presentation to follow.  The program featurs UNL Associate Professor and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist.  He will give a market outlook presentation.  Also NE Cattlemen Vice Presient Chuck Folken will give an update on NC actvities and what's happening in Washington DC.  Also, the 2009 county fair carcass results will be announced.  For more information, call Randy Svehla at 892-3567.  



Cattle on Feed report due this afternoon

USDA will release it's latest Cattle on Feed report this afternoon at 2:00, so traders have the day today to position ahead of its release.  The average trade guess is the on feed number will be 1.5% below one year ago, placements up about one percent, and marketings down just under 5 percent.  Listen to 840 KTIC this afternoon at 2:10 for the numbers and reaction with Joe Teale at Great Plains Commodities.



Nebraska State Grange annual meeting is this weekend

The Nebraska State Grange's annual convention is this weekend, September 18-20 at the Howard Johson hotel in Grand Island.  Special guests include National Grange Communications Director  Jennifer Dugent.  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communications and has worked for many non-profits in membership building and retention, public relations, and administration.  She'll talk about these items and more, including communications, computers, and graphic arts during her time in Nebraska.  She will be the featured speaker during the noon lunch on Saturday.  Delegates will begin work on resolutions and updating the organization's legislative policy for the coming year yet this afternoon.  Activities planned for Saturday include a report from the National President Edwared Luttrell, a recap of the state's activities over the last year with state President Joe Fryman of Blair, election of a new state VP and Exec Committee member, presentation of State Grange Scholarships, a presentation by Families Activities Chairperson Phyllis Tooker, and The Saturday Evening Banquet and the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award.  Sunday's schedule includes entertainment, workshops, awards presented for Family Activities and Community Citizens, and the installation of new officers.  



Researchers Study Insecticide-Free Soybean Aphid Control

Two Iowa State University researchers are examining a new method of controlling soybean aphids without the use of chemical pesticides.

Bryony Bonning, professor of entomology, and Allen Miller, professor of plant pathology and director of the Center for Plant Responses to Environmental Stresses, are looking at a way to genetically modify soybeans to prevent damage from aphids.

If the research is successful, soybeans will carry in-plant protection from aphids, similar to the way genetically modified corn now keeps the European Corn Borer from destroying corn yields, but using a different molecular tool. Modified corn technology has been in use for about 12 years.

The study is being funded by a Grow Iowa Values Fund Grant. The goal of the grant program is to support development of technologies with commercial potential and to support the growth of companies using those technologies.

The researchers are working with Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, as their corporate partner.

Previous research at Iowa State University indicated that if major soybean aphid outbreaks were left untreated, the loss in yield could exceed $250 million in Iowa. The annual cost to prevent the yield loss with insecticides can reach $64 million for Iowa soybean growers.

Soybean aphid outbreaks have become an annual phenomenon in Iowa, according to Miller.

The current research focuses on introducing a gene into soybeans that is harmless to mammals, but creates a toxin that is lethal to aphids that feed on soybean plants.

In order to be effective, the toxin needs to be taken intact into the body cavity of the aphid, not broken down by the digestive system in the bug.

Miller and Bonning identified a plant virus coat protein eaten by soybean aphids that doesn't break down and goes into the aphid body cavity intact.

They know the virus coat protein remains intact because the aphids often spread the virus from plant to plant while they are feeding.

Coat proteins make up the outer shell of a virus particle.

The researchers devised a method to use virus coat proteins to their advantage. The researchers have fused their toxin to the virus' protein coat. Since the protein coat is only part of the virus to be used, there is no risk of an infectious virus. Also, the coat protein is from a virus that normally doesn't infect soybeans.

When the hybrid toxin coat protein is eaten by the aphid, the fatal toxin should get into the aphid body cavity intact.

"What we thought was, if this (virus) protein has this ability to be taken up into the aphid (intact), let's take advantage of that specialization and fuse that to other proteins that are toxic," said Miller.

In addition to possibly curbing the aphid problem and the yield loss it causes, there are other benefits to the farmers and the ecosystems.

"The (potential) economic impact overall is huge," said Bonning. "There will be less insecticide use, and also less fossil fuel used to apply the insecticides."

Also, spraying soybeans with insecticides doesn't just control the aphids, according to Bonning.

"When you spray, you also control beneficial insects," said Bonning. "Lady beetles are affected, for example, and they are a natural enemy of the aphids. So when the aphids come back to a field after spraying, there won't be any lady beetles to naturally control the aphid populations."

Miller adds that if growers spray for aphids and don't eliminate them all, the aphids simply disperse to other fields, making the problem worse.

"There are many reasons not to spray, but you can't tell the growers to stop spraying until you give them an alternative for soybean aphid management," said Bonning.



USDA Announces Partnership With NFL and Dairy Producers

USDA will work with the National Football League (NFL) and the nation's dairy producers to promote good nutrition and fitness in the nation's schools, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today.

The collaboration will help support President Obama's effort to promote good nutrition and physical fitness for America's children, USDA said.

The NFL and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) are launching Fuel Up to Play 60, an innovative nutrition and fitness program based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, in some 60,000 schools this fall. The social marketing program empowers students to assume leadership in being more active and eating more healthy foods.

"Childhood obesity is a very serious issue that endangers the long-term health and welfare of our nation's youngsters," said Vilsack. "To reverse this dangerous trend and give our kids the opportunity to eat smarter, exercise more and lessen their risk of disease, both the public and private sectors will have to work together to marshal their combined expertise and resources."

The campaign will inspire kids to "fuel up" with the nutrient-rich foods they often lack-fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low- or no-fat dairy products-and "get up and play" with 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Student teams will evaluate their school's "wellness" and choose the healthy eating and physical activity programs on which the school will focus.

Vilsack met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Thomas Gallagher, chief executive of DMI, which runs the National Dairy Research and Promotion Program.

At the meeting, Secretary Vilsack discussed a plan to develop a Memorandum of Understanding between USDA, the NFL and DMI to allow USDA programs and Fuel Up to Play 60 to collaborate and collectively tackle the critical issue of children's health.

"NFL is a proud partner of Fuel Up to Play 60. It is an important component of our overall NFL Play 60 campaign," said NFL’s Goodell. "Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of staying fit and eating right, especially for America's young people. This partnership is a powerful alliance linking the USDA, National Dairy Council and the NFL to address childhood obesity and emphasize the role of daily physical activity in a healthy lifestyle."

"National Dairy Council is honored to work together with USDA and the NFL on Fuel Up to Play 60," Gallagher said. "Child nutrition, particularly in schools, has been a cornerstone of National Dairy Council for nearly a century.”



National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 20-26

America's farmers and ranchers provide a healthy, safe, and abundant food supply for our country and for people around the world. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 20-26, 2009, the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) salutes our farmers and ranchers, and all workers in agriculture, as well as their families.

Earning a living in agriculture exposes workers to a unique environment. ASHCA takes this opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of practicing and promoting safe work habits and conditions.

"On behalf of our members we thank those who work in agriculture, and pledge to promote evidence-based practices and programs to help ensure safe, sustainable agriculture in America for generations to come," said William Nelson, ASHCA Chair.

ASHCA is a not-for-profit organization comprised of producers, businesses, government and safety professionals. On January 27-28, 2010, ASHCA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will co-host “Be Safe, Be Profitable: Protecting Workers in Agriculture,” in Dallas/Fort Worth. The conference will share state-of-the-art science and intervention program experiences in eight topic areas.

September proclaimed Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board hosted an event at Husker Harvest Days today recognizing the contributions of Nebraska farmers and agribusinesses to the nation’s biofuel industry. At the event, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a declaration proclaiming September as Renewable Fuels Awareness Month in Nebraska.  “The renewable fuels sector has been a tremendous asset in furthering economic development, particularly in our rural communities,” Gov. Heineman said. “This industry has added strength to our agriculture industry, created job and education opportunities for our residents, and brought new investment to our rural areas. Nebraska’s role as a major producer of biofuels is also helping American drivers reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board noted that the proclamation is a reminder of the importance Nebraska plays in the renewable fuels sector, both as a production center and broad adopter of renewable fuels.  At the ceremony, Alan Tiemann, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Gregg Fujan, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board, expressed appreciation of the governor for his support of the renewable fuels industry in Nebraska.

“Having Governor Heineman sign the proclamation and reiterate his support for renewable fuels production and use in Nebraska is appreciated by corn and soybean farmers across the state,” said Tiemann, a farmer from Seward, Neb. “Nebraska is the second-largest ethanol producing state in the country, which means we’re helping fuel the country with a renewable, clean burning fuel. At the same time, those ethanol facilities are producing a high-quality feed for our livestock industry, further adding to the benefits of corn ethanol production.”  Tiemann added that ethanol production across the country is at an all time high and headed toward 10.5 billion gallons by year-end.

Fujan, a soybean farmer from Weston, Neb., noted that as farmers head out to harvest bumper crops this year, many will be fueling their equipment with soy biodiesel and vehicles with ethanol – so it makes sense for corn and soybean farmers to work together for Renewable Fuels Awareness Month. “We appreciate Governor Heineman’s leadership in promoting Nebraska’s growing biofuels industry and recognizing our efforts,” Fujan said.  “The soybean checkoff has invested more than $60 million into the research, development and promotion of soy biodiesel fuel over the past 12 years. This commitment has created one of the fastest growing alternative fuels in the country today and has created opportunities for a new industry right here in Nebraska,” Fujan said. “Because biodiesel is only made from the oil portion of the bean, soy biodiesel production and use continues the reliable and consistent supply of soybean meal that livestock producers depend on.”



WDGS May Be High-Quality, Low-Cost Livestock Feed

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) studies have shown that "wet distiller's grain with solubles," or WDGS, may offer an inexpensive alternative to traditional feed ingredients when fed to livestock. WDGS is a common ethanol byproduct that could replace more costly traditional feed ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, urea, and mineral supplements. WDGS typically costs about 10 percent less than corn when used as livestock feed.  ARS scientists at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Neb., have studied the effects of feeding WDGS to cattle. Four areas were investigated: feedlot performance, energy utilization efficiency, postharvest meat characteristics, and cattle manure emissions.

In one study, nutritionist Calvin Ferrell and food technologist Steven Shackelford monitored growth rate, feed intake, and feed efficiency for cattle in the "finishing phase"-the approximately 120 to 140 days leading up to slaughter. They found that in steers fed diets of 20 to 40 percent WDGS, performance in those areas was equal to or better than that of a group of cattle that did not receive the WDGS.  Another study, led by animal scientist Mindy Spiehs, took a closer look at feed efficiency by examining how much heat animals produced while digesting their food. Spiehs and her colleagues observed no significant difference in heat production between cattle fed 0, 20, 40, or 60 percent WDGS. But they did see lower energy utilization efficiency at the highest rate, a factor that could reduce feedlot performance.

Looking at meat quality, Shackelford, research leader Tommy Wheeler and food technologist Andy King found that feeding a diet of 20 or 40 percent WDGS produced carcasses that were the same or better for yield and quality traits than carcasses of cattle that did not eat the WDGS. Cattle fed 60 percent WDGS diets were lighter, leaner, less marbled, and had lower yield grades than cattle in the groups that consumed lower quantities of WDGS or none at all.  Microbiologist Vince Varel confirmed that as the concentration of WDGS increased in the diet, greater concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur appeared in manure, mostly due to excess crude protein. Microbiologists Jim Wells and Elaine Berry also examined how WDGS diets affected persistence of E. coli bacteria in cattle feces and manure.



Thoughts on this winter's Natural Gas prices

Many Nebraskans can expect to see lower heating bills this winter thanks to lower natural gas process nationwide. Blacks Hills Energy supplies gas to nearly 200-thousand customers in eastern Nebraska. Spokesman Bob McKeon (Mick-CYUNE) tells NET Radio heating bills could drop this year by 20 to 25 percent. But McKeon cautions that a lot could change between now and the beginning of winter.  McKeon says if the region were to see an unusually cold winter, that could also drive up natural gas prices. Those prices are currently at a seven-year low. That’s due in part to the recession, and because of a mild summer that has required less energy use for air conditioning. McKeon says his company has already purchased about 55 percent of its winter supply of natural gas. The final cost to customers will be determined in part by what the company has to pay for the remaining 45 percent.



USDA Designates Eight Counties in Iowa as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Decision Allows Farmers and Ranchers to Apply for USDA Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Calhoun, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Ida, Sac, Webster and Woodbury counties in Iowa as primary natural disaster areas because of losses caused by severe storms, hail and flooding that occurred from Aug. 1, 2009, through Aug. 9, 2009.

"President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to the area and serious harm to farms in Iowa," said Secretary Tom Vilsack. "These designations will provide help to farmers who suffered significant production losses to field crops such as corn and soybeans, truck crops such as onions, peppers, eggplant, cane fruits, melons, squash and sweet corn, and forage crops."

 
Farm operators in the counties listed below in Iowa also qualify for natural disaster benefits because their counties are contiguous. Those counties are:
Black Hawk, Cherokee, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Boone, Crawford, Marshall, Story, Buena Vista, Franklin, Monona, Tama, Butler, Greene, Plymouth, Wright, Carroll

Farm operators in the counties listed below in the adjacent states of Nebraska and South Dakota also qualify for natural disaster benefits because their counties are contiguous.
Nebraska: Dakota and Thurston
South Dakota: Union

All counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas Sept. 10, 2009, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA?s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.



FSIS Proposes Rules for Interstate Meat Shipment

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service will publish proposed regulations today to implement a new voluntary cooperative program under which select state-inspected establishments will be eligible to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. The new program was created in the 2008 Farm Bill to supplement the existing Federal-State cooperative inspection program to allow state-inspected plants with 25 or fewer employees to ship products across state lines. This announcement is part of the USDA's new 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative, which seeks to better connect consumers with local producers to help develop local and regional food systems to spur economic opportunity.

Currently, 27 states operate state meat or poultry inspection programs, and FSIS verifies that the State programs are implementing requirements that are "at least equal to" those imposed under the Federal meat and poultry products inspection acts. For these programs, FSIS provides up to 50 percent of the state's operating funds and provides oversight and enforcement of the program.

Under the proposed rule, which went on display at the Office of the Federal Register Monday and will be published Wednesday, selected establishments will receive inspection services from federally trained and/or supervised State inspection personnel who will verify that the establishments meet all Federal food safety requirements. Meat and poultry products produced under the voluntary cooperative program will bear an official USDA mark of inspection, thereby enabling interstate shipment of the products.  State-inspected establishments that are not selected for the voluntary cooperative program, including state-inspected establishments with more than 25 employees, are only eligible to sell and ship their products within their state.



Weaning Management Meeting Available Online

The Iowa Beef Center is adding online meetings to the way it offers information. In addition to holding local meetings and statewide conferences, a new format -- the online meeting -- is being debuted this fall.  The first online meeting, "Fall Cowherd Decisions: Herd and Calf Weaning, Marketing and Management," is now available at www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/weaningconference.html . The course offers sessions that cover nutrition, health, marketing, cow culling and weaning strategies. The course material is offered by livestock experts in a variety of ways -- podcasts, voice-over PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets, newsletters and spreadsheets.

"The online meeting is a great way to receive information on your own time," said John Lawrence, Iowa State University Extension livestock economist. "You have access to a meeting agenda that is the same as an in-person meeting, only this agenda links you directly to the research and advice you seek. Instead of waiting for a meeting to listen to a speaker, you'll receive the same information when it is convenient for you."  Lawrence says one session, "Making Marketing Decisions This Fall," includes a podcast on fall marketing outlook; a voice-over PowerPoint presentation titled "Factors Impacting Feeder Cattle Prices at Iowa Auctions" and a useful spreadsheet on feeder cattle marketing assessment.

"The online presentations and handouts are prepared by Iowa Beef Center's beef cattle experts; participants will get the same information that they would receive at an in-person meeting or conference," said Lawrence. "This first course includes the latest information on weaning management topics ranging from vaccinations to stress management. Related topics, such as cow culling, are covered to help producers make management decisions that coincide with weaning decisions."

Course participants can view the material all at one time, or make repeat visits back to the site as time and interests allow. There is no charge for participating in the online course offerings available from the Iowa Beef Center Web site, www.iowabeefcenter.org .



JBS to Purchase Majority Equity in Pilgrim's Pride

Pilgrim's Pride has agreed to sell Brazilian beef processor JBS a majority equity stake as part of the poultry processor's plan as it emerges from bankrupcty. Under the terms of the reorganization plan, Pilgrim's Pride will sell 64% of the new common stock to JBS for $800 million in cash.  Existing shareholders will get 36% of its new stock under the reorganization plan, which must be confirmed by a bankruptcy judge. Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay off debts, and Pilgrim's Pride anticipates the plan to be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court  before the end of December.

    "Over the past 10 months, we have fundamentally restructured Pilgrim's Pride as a market-driven company clearly focused on delivering the best service, selection and value to our customers as efficiently as possible," says Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer. "Thanks to the shared commitment and hard work of our employees, we believe that Pilgrim's Pride is positioned to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger, more efficient competitor. We have returned to profitability, the quality of our asset base has improved significantly and we are gaining additional business. While we recognize that some of the changes made during our restructuring have been painful for our employees and contract growers, these decisions were absolutely necessary in helping Pilgrim's Pride to operate more efficiently while protecting the greatest number of jobs in the long-term. As a result of the improvements achieved this year, we believe we have been able to maximize the value of our company through our plan of reorganization that achieves what precious few restructurings can: full repayment of allowed creditor claims and substantial retained value for existing stockholders."

    "Looking ahead, we are truly excited about the strategic growth opportunities available with JBS as our majority shareholder," Dr. Jackson added. "JBS has a well-earned global reputation for operational and service excellence in beef and pork production. We are confident that our plan will earn the support of all stakeholders and provide the foundation for sustained, profitable growth in the years ahead."  "We believe our reorganization plan will pave the way for Pilgrim's Pride to emerge from bankruptcy before the end of the year and mark a new beginning for this proud company, one that I fully support and endorse," says Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim, senior chairman. "While the past year has been a difficult time for everyone involved in our restructuring, I take pride in knowing that we have a plan in place to pay back our creditors in full and preserve a great deal of value for our existing stockholders."

"Two years ago, JBS acquired Swift & Company, a U.S. beef and pork company, with a goal of managing its strong assets and turning it into a well-managed, efficient and profitable company. We believe the company's performance demonstrates our continued success in meeting this goal," says Wesley M. Batista, president and chief executive officer of JBS USA Holdings. "In 2008, we acquired Smithfield Beef and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding to strengthen our beef platform and provide synergies to our existing operations. As a U.S. beef and pork company, we are proud to now enter into the U.S. poultry industry with the acquisition of Pilgrim's Pride. We look forward to working with Pilgrim's management to increase the company's competitiveness both domestically and internationally. As we have accomplished with our beef and pork platforms, we will utilize our existing assets and strong management to grow Pilgrim's poultry business. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Pilgrim's employees, contract growers, customers, vendors and shareholders to enhance value."



Kohl Wants Officials to Look at Antitrust Concerns in Dairy Industry

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl is calling on two federal agencies to scrutinize antitrust enforcement within the dairy industry. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney, the Milwaukee Democrat asked that their respective departments focus on the consolidation of milk processors and anticompetitive practices in agriculture, and urged them to hold a workshop on dairy in Wisconsin as part of upcoming series of DOJ/USDA workshops about agriculture competition.

Kohl chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations panel and Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights. He says hard-working family farmers are the backbone of the dairy industry and face significant competitive constraints--especially during the current dairy crisis.  "They currently struggle with milk prices that have fallen to historic lows while the costs of production--including feed, fertilizer and fuel--have risen drastically," Kohl said. "This makes it increasingly difficult for continued operation, and many are forced to close their doors. Processor consolidation, especially where fluid milk is concerned, has in some regions left farmers with few marketing options."

The letter goes on to say that processor consolidation is also an area of legitimate concern for consumers. Kohl says despite historically low farmgate prices for fluid milk, consumers have seen little of the benefit of lower prices.  "We need to explore in assertive detail whether the exercise of monopoly pricing power is contributing to this situation," he noted.  Kohl also praised efforts to help farmers by strengthened the Milk Income Loss Contract program in the last farm bill and working on an appropriations measure that would bolster dairy support. But he says more needs to be done.



Northeast Plans Ag Conference for Women

No matter what their role, women in agriculture can fulfill it with more confidence and knowledge after attending a one-day conference at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.  The conference, AG-ceptional Women, is Friday, November 20th, from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast campus in Norfolk.  Bonnie Schulz, Northeast agriculture instructor, and Corinne Morris, associate dean of the agriculture, health and science division, are conference directors.  According to Schulz, this conference is designed to help farm wives, country gals, and agribusiness women empower themselves to meet the challenges of the diverse agriculture industry.

 “This conference will provide a networking venue where women in agriculture can gain knowledge to develop management skills, confidence in their decision making, and information for an overall sense of well-being.,” she said. She said this conference is ideal for women who want to learn more about farm/ranch management, woman landowners, women involved in day-to-day business and family decisions, and women involved in other facets of agribusiness.  “We hope to empower women to meet their goals in agriculture in this seminar,” Schulz said. “If management/ownership is a goal, we want to provide information to help women reach that goal. If attending or returning to college to earn a degree is a goal, we want to provide information on how a busy woman can do that.”

 Registration and a continental breakfast with soy donuts, compliments of the Nebraska Soybean Board, are scheduled for 8-9 a.m. Following a welcome at 9, Mary Kay Mueller, the Gratitude Guru, will present the keynote address at 9:30. Mueller is the author of the book, “Taking Care of Me: The Habits of Happiness.” Based on her book, Mueller will explore why we run from happiness; the habits of the happiest people, how to make happiness contagious, and more.  Break-out sessions are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Each participant can choose to attend four, 45-minute break-out sessions by 26 different presenters during the course of the day. The break-out sessions will include topics like farm tax strategies; insurance; sustaining innovation in food, feed and fuel; the future of irrigation water; online grain marketing, grain marketing strategies and commodity marketing; agri-tourism; basic crop insurance; fitness for a busy lifestyle, and classes and technology for agriculture. “We have many more interesting break-outs sessions,” Schulz said. “I encourage everyone to find out more at www.northeast.edu”

 A luncheon with a Fashion Show by RENEGADE Work, Western, and Weekend is scheduled for noon.  Lynette Brown, a dairy farm wife and Harlan County Extension Assistant, will wrap up the day with a humorous look at the role Ag women have in farming and ranching. She will also examine the differences and similarities in that role between herself and her mother and grandmother.  According to Schulz, registration fees have been kept affordable because of the assistance of 75 business, commodity board, agencies, and organizations. Pre-registration is available now through Tuesday, November 10, at a cost of $25. After the 10th, registration is $40. The fee includes all workshops and materials, continental breakfast, lunch, and breaks.

 A printable registration form is available online at www.northeast.edu Registrants should make checks payable to Northeast Community College.

Nebraska crop progress report from Monday

Agricultural  Summary:  For  the  week  ending  September  13,  2009,  a  relatively  warm  week  resulted  in most soybeans  turning  color  and  corn  moving  toward  maturity according  to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  These conditions also helped push dry bean  and millet  harvests  in  western  counties.  High moisture corn harvest began  in a  few areas but generally  the  crop was more  than  a  week  behind  average.  Producers  continue  to prepare equipment and grain bins for harvest and are attending crop and livestock tours.
 
Weather  Summary:    Temperatures  averaged  1  degree above normal across the state and ranged from the low 90’s for highs  to  near  40  for  lows.   Widespread  precipitation  fell  but was  limited  to  less  than  one  half  inch  in  most  districts.  Locally, heavy  rains of over  five  inches were  recorded  in  the extreme northeast.  Topsoil moisture:  2 percent surplus, 73 percent adequate, 24 percent short, 1 percent very short.  Subsoil moisture:  1 percent surplus, 79 percent adequate, 18 percent short, 2 percent very short.  GDD Concord 2281, -630 from normal,  West Point 2450, -542 from average, and Mead 2546, -527 from average.  
 
Livestock,  Pasture  and  Range  Report:    Pasture  and range  conditions  rated  2  percent  very  poor,  5  poor,  20  fair,  56 good, and 17 excellent, above  last year’s 59 percent good or excellent condition.    

Field Crops Report:   Corn conditions rated 2 percent very poor,  5  poor,  14  fair,  51  good,  and  28  excellent,  above  last year’s  77  percent  good  or  excellent  rating.    Irrigated  fields rated 82 percent good or excellent, near year ago levels while dryland  fields  rated  73,  above  year  ago  levels.    Corn  in  the dent stage was 85 percent, ahead of last year’s 83 but four days behind  the 89 average.   Corn mature was 9 percent, near  last year’s 8 but nine days behind the 25 average.   
 
Soybean conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 16 fair, 57 good, and 21 excellent, above  last year’s 69 percent good or excellent condition.  Soybeans turning color was 70 percent, ahead  of  last  year’s  51  and  near  the  69  average.    Soybeans dropping  leaves was  14  percent,  ahead  of  last  year’s  12  but behind the 22 average.
 
Alfalfa  conditions  rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 20  fair, 57 good, and 18 excellent, above  last year’s 67 percent good or excellent condition.  Third cutting was 94 percent complete, behind  last year’s 96 and  the 97 average.   Fourth cutting was 25  percent  complete,  ahead  of  last  year’s  17  but  behind  the  33 average.   

 Sorghum conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 24 fair, 54 good, and 19 excellent, near last year’s 74 percent good or excellent  condition.    Sorghum  turning  color was  53  percent, behind last year’s 65 and eleven days behind the 81 average.   
 
Dry bean conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 8 poor, 21 fair, 62 good, and 7 excellent, above last year’s 66 percent good or excellent condition.   Dry beans turning color were 87 percent, ahead of  last year’s 78  and 83 average.   Dry beans dropping leaves was 44 percent,  ahead of  last year’s 29 and even with the  average.   Dry beans harvested were 21 percent complete, ahead of last year’s 6 and 14 average.
 
Wheat  seeded was  30  percent  complete,  ahead  of  last  year’s  16  and  26  average.  Winter  wheat  emerged  was  6  percent complete, ahead of last year’s 0 and the average of 4.
 
Proso  millet  was  16  percent  harvested,  ahead  of  last  year’s  14 but behind the 24 average.
 


Nebraska Weather & Crops County Comments

BOONE
Producers are preparing combines for harvest, cleaning out bins, etc.

CASS
A few people are trying out their combines with corn testing in the upper 30's. Beans went from almost 100% green to mostly turning colors in just one week but harvest is still off a ways. Soybean stalks and pods are still very green.

CEDAR
Another week of good weather for maturing crops, nearly all beans turning and corn is showing signs of maturity. Corn silage is being harvested.

DODGE
Warm weather made the beans turn this week. Corn fields are also beginning to fire up at the bottom. Seed corn is beginning to be harvested. That is several weeks behind normal.

SAUNDERS
Producers think soybean harvest on the early planted beans will start by the middle of next week sometime. We continue to have good to excellent crops in much of the county. Corn is still very high moisture in most areas.

THURSTON
One-half to five inches of rain fell in Thurston County on Friday. Some lowland flooding occurred. However, no damage to crops has been reported. Some crops still need at least 2-3 weeks before they will be ready for a freeze. Warm temperatures predicted for this week are positive for the maturity of the crops.

Click here for the latest national numbers...  http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-09-14-2009.txt



Renewable Fuels Month proclamation at Husker Harvest Days

To celebrate renewable fuels like ethanol and soy biodiesel – and everything renewable fuels contribute to Nebraska and the country as a whole – Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman will declare September Renewable Fuels Month at Husker Harvest Days this week.

Who:    Gov. Dave Heineman, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board
What:    Renewable Fuels Declaration
When:    Wednesday, September 16, 10:30 a.m.
Where:    In front of the Commodities Building on Husker Harvest Days Main Street
Why:    To celebrate all the benefits renewable fuels bring to Nebraska

Governor Heineman will make a few remarks, as will members of Nebraska commodity organizations, including the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board.  "Corn ethanol and soy biodiesel are home-grown, clean burning renewable fuels that provide tremendous benefits to rural communities across Nebraska, and to the state as a whole,” said Alan Tiemann, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Seward. “We are excited that Governor Heineman will highlight the benefits of renewable fuels and declare September as Renewable Fuels Awareness Month at Husker Harvest Days this year.”




Iowa Crop Production Forecast Up 2 Bushels

The Iowa September 1 corn yield forecast of 187.0 bushels per acre is up 2 bushels from the August 1 forecast.  Production is forecast at 2.50 billion bushels for the state, up 14 percent from last year. Iowa's corn plant population per acre, at 29,500, and number of ears per acre, at 29,250, are at record high levels. If realized, Iowa's corn yield and production would be record highs.

The September 1 soybean yield forecast of 52.0 bushels per acre is unchanged from the August 1 forecast but up 6 bushels per acre from 2008.  If realized, soybean production would be 506 million bushels, up nearly 14 percent from last year's 445 million bushels.



USDA Announces Implementation of Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs
Beginning Today, Producers May Sign Up to participate in these Programs

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that producers may begin applying for benefits under the provisions of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). These permanent disaster programs, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, replace previous ad-hoc disaster assistance programs and are funded through the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund.

"President Obama and I are committed to meeting the needs of those producers who have suffered devastating losses from natural disasters," said Vilsack. "These programs ensure that producers who have suffered agriculture losses receive the critical disaster assistance needed to remain financially solvent and help them continue on in their operations."

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. For drought, the losses must have occurred on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or a crop planted specifically for grazing for covered livestock due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the specific type of grazing land in the county. For fire, LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses on rangeland managed by a federal agency if the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a qualifying fire.

Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine. For losses due to drought, qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html .

ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including losses due to blizzards and wildfires. ELAP assistance is for losses not covered under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs established by the 2008 Farm Bill, specifically LFP, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). ELAP is being implemented to fill in the gap and provide assistance under other conditions determined to be appropriate.

For both programs, producers must have suffered losses that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011. There is a total $100,000 limitation per crop year that applies to payments received under ELAP, LFP, LIP or SURE. For the 2008 crop year, the $100,000 limitation is per "person" as defined and determined under payment limitation rules in effect for 2008. For crop years 2009 through 2011, the $100,000 limitation applies to payments received, both directly and indirectly, by a person or legal entity. Furthermore, individuals or entities are ineligible for payment under ELAP or LFP for 2008 if their average Adjusted Gross Income for 2005, 2006 and 2007 exceeds $2.5 million. For 2009 through 2011, an average adjusted gross nonfarm income limitation of $500,000 applies and is determined using the three taxable years that precede the most immediately preceding complete taxable year (for 2009, the applicable years are 2005, 2006 and 2007).

For more information or to apply for ELAP or LFP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov .



Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Norm Borlaug, Passes Away

Norman E. Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize winner for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat used to prevent famine in developing countries throughout the world died Saturday in Dallas, Texas. Considered by many to be the father of the green revolution, Dr. Borlaug is an Iowa native who is credited with saving a billion lives.

Borlaug, whose career was dedicated to employing science to combat international hunger, was Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture in Texas A&M University’s Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. He was 95.

In 2007, he accepted the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor of the United States. This capped a string of major awards and honors throughout his scientific and humanitarian career. In fact, Borlaug was one of only five people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He was also a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor.

"We all eat at least three times a day in privileged nations, and yet we take food for granted," Borlaug said in recent interview. "There has been great progress, and food is more equitably distributed. But hunger is a commonplace, and famine appears all too often." Even at age 95, Borlaug still traveled internationally working tirelessly for improvements in agricultural science and food policy. He regularly could be found in his office on campus in College Station advising students and providing counsel to fellow faculty members on research and scholarship.

Borlaug received his Ph.D. degree in plant pathology and genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1942. He took up an agricultural research position in Mexico, where he developed semi-dwarf high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties.

During the mid-20th century, Borlaug led the introduction of these high-yielding varieties combined with modern agricultural production techniques to Mexico, Pakistan, and India. As a result, Mexico became a net exporter of wheat by 1963. Between 1965 and 1970, wheat yields nearly doubled in Pakistan and India, greatly improving the food security in those nations. These collective increases in yield have been labeled the Green Revolution, and Borlaug is often credited with saving over a billion people from starvation. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his contributions to world peace through increasing food supply.

Later in his life, he helped apply these methods of increasing food production to Asia and Africa. Borlaug continually advocated the use of his methods and biotechnology to decrease world famine. His work faced environmental and socioeconomic criticisms, including charges that his methods have created dependence on monoculture crops, unsustainable farming practices, heavy indebtedness among subsistence farmers, and high levels of cancer among those who work with agriculture chemicals. He emphatically rejected many of these as unfounded or untrue. In 1986, he established the World Food Prize to recognize individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food around the globe.



Dairy Imports Down 5% in Volume, 9% in Value

Dairy imports from October 2008 through July 2009 totaled $2.384 billion dollars, a 9% decrease from the same period one year earlier. The value of cheese imports was down 11%. On a volume basis, imports were down 5% to 254,000 metric tons.  U.S. dairy exports were also down 43%—to $1.957 billion in the October-July period. Non-fat dry milk exports declined 41% from 362,000 metric tons to 215,000 metric tons.



Northeast Nebraska RC&D to Host Organic Farm Tour

The Northeast Nebraska RC&D is sponsoring a no-fee organic farm tour on September 24th at the Kim and Terry Mosel farm, located 2 miles south of Page, Nebraska at 86536 State Hwy 45A.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the tour focus will be on growing organic corn.  Terry is affiliated with Blue River Hybrids and has a test plot of 10 different varieties.  The Mosels also grow alfalfa and millet to supplement the feed needs of their beef cow herd.  The Mosel children are also growers and marketers of chickens and potatoes.

Lunch will be own-your-own at the Kountry Korner Café in Page at 12:30.

The afternoon program at the café will feature an organic certification specialist to answer questions on what is needed to meet the National Organic Program standards.  A marketing representative from will provide some insight into the current marketing options for grains.   A discussion of the new USDA Organic Transition Program is also planned for the afternoon.

For more details contact the Mosels at 402-338-5321, Northeast Nebraska RC&D 402-582-4866, or Martin Kleinschmit 402-254-3310.  Martin is the project coordinator

The tour is a chance for experienced growers to share ideas and practices, while those thinking about becoming organic growers can hear first-hand how farmers in the area meet the challenges and receive the rewards of organic agriculture.   This is part of a three year project that coincides with the 36-month history of chemical-free production needed to qualify for the Natural Organic Program certification.  Working with the local RC&D Council gives new organic producers a place to turn to for continued networking and moral support.  The project is funded in part by the Nebraska Environmental Trust.



Volunteer Stream Monitoring Opportunity

The Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council is conducting a stream monitoring project and volunteers are needed to participate.  It will be Friday, September 25th with a rain date of Friday, October 2nd.  The site is Bazile Creek near Center - the same site that was sampled in 2004.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the south side of the Knox County Courthouse in Center at 2:15 p.m.  The afternoon activity will end at approximately 5:00 pm.  At least 5 volunteers are needed, but any and all are welcome.

Water quality data to be collected includes dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, nitrates and pH.  Data will also be gathered to calculate discharge and sediment load, assess habitat and to do a simple on-site macroinvertebrate assessment.  This event will be included in activities for the World Water Monitoring Day (http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/).

Volunteer Steam Monitoring is a way for citizens living on or near a stream to assess the health of their stream and to monitor it for any changes for the better due to conservation efforts or for any impairment from changes in land use.  Monitoring efforts may connect people to their landscape and enrich their appreciation of local habitats and ecosystems.  Bazile Creek, in Northeastern Nebraska, is a beautiful sandy bottom stream that drains the hills lining the southern banks of the Missouri River.

Contact the Northeast Nebraska RC&D office at 402-582-4866 or Associate Professor Barb Hayford of Wayne State College at 402-375-7338 for more information.



Ethanol boosts Nebraska economy

While much of the nation is struggling to regain economic growth and employment, ethanol is strengthening Nebraska's economy.

According to research compiled by NPPD, the ethanol industry in Nebraska has created over $3 billion in economic activity and over 3,000 jobs, when accounting for the indirect effects of the industry.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board recently found through an industry survey that ethanol plants in Nebraska now have more full time employees than during 2008.

"Aside from saving drivers money at the pump, ethanol is creating new jobs and economic activity right here in Nebraska," said Ethanol Board Chair Mike Thede. "Plants that were closed have reopened, other plants are producing at a higher rate, and that means more economic activity for Nebraska and more ethanol for the U.S."

NPPD estimates that the ethanol industry and its indirect effects have added $2.13 million to household income and generated over $63.3 million in new tax revenues.

"Ethanol has been a boon to the drivers, farmers, and communities of Nebraska" said Ethanol Board Administrator Todd Sneller. "Ethanol proves again that it's a cheaper, cleaner, renewable alternative to gasoline."



Global Farmer-To-Farmer Roundtable Planned During World Food Prize Symposium October 13-14, 2009

Approximately 17 farmers from around the world are being invited to gather in Des Moines Oct. 13-14 for the fourth annual Global Farmer-to-Farmer Roundtable. The Roundtable is organized by Truth About Trade and Technology (TATT), and will coincide with The World Food Prize and Borlaug Symposium, also held in Des Moines Oct. 12-16.  The farmers at the Roundtable will share their personal experiences as they discuss
current issues in agriculture, including access to technology, trade barriers and other matters relating to the future of international food production.  

"Many of the problems are political as well as scientific," says Dean Kleckner, the Iowa farmer who is chairman of TATT. "As world population grows, we simply must produce more food." Kleckner says the Roundtable gives farmers a chance to share ideas on how they might accomplish that in an environmentally sustainable way while also addressing political pressures.  The Roundtable complements the Borlaug Symposium, which will focus on what scientists and policy makers around the world can do to ensure adequate access to food and nutrition for all people.   

The international farmers at the Roundtable will represent a variety of farm sizes and commodities, but social media and the Internet are increasing their abilities to stay in touch and provide support to each other long after the meeting in Des Moines ends. In past years, farmers at the Roundtable have discussed how they can work together to overcome both production and political challenges.  

Also at the Roundtable, the TATT board will present the 2009 Kleckner Trade & Technology Advancement Award. The award recognizes a farmer for "exemplary leadership, vision and resolve in advancing the rights of all farmers to choose the technology and tools that will improve the quality, quantity and availability of agricultural products around the world." Previous winners include Rosalie Ellasus of the Phillipines (2007), and Jeff Bidstrup, Australia (2008).

NE Cattlemen concerned about regulatory czar

Last week the Senate confirmed President Obama's nominee for "regulatory czar (ZAR)" after months of delay.  Senators voted 57-40 to approve Harvard professor Cass Sunstein as the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Budget and Management.
Sustein will have the authority review and responsibility to review, approve, reject,  or change any and all regulations promulgated by the current administration. 

Michael Keley, Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President says his conformation is concerning because of Mr. Sustein's prominent history with the animal rights community.  Kelsey says his conformation will require the cattle industry to be vigilant and observant on what is going on within future regulations.

Nebraska Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns, Kansas Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts and Wyoming Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso...all voted against Sunstein's conformation.
(note Iowa split vote - - - Chuck Grassley (Nay) and Tom Harkin (Yea)



Variance application required when adding new irrigated acres

Landowners within the 10/50 Area, wishing to develop new irrigated acres on their farmland will need to contact the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office for a variance application form. The deadline is October 1st . Test hole data and gallons per minute calculations are also required.

LENRD Water Resources Manager Rick Wozniak said, "The LENRD Board of Directors can only allow 2,500 new irrigated acres in 2010, so they have carefully designed a process to determine which variance applications will be approved. The first step for anyone wanting to develop new irrigated acres is to submit an application to the LENRD."

Applications will be ranked with a scoring system and variances will be approved by December 31st . Stop by the LENRD office in Norfolk or call Rick or Brian at 371-7313. LB 483 only allows the LENRD to develop 2500 acres annually in the 10/50 Area. To apply for a variance, submit your application by October 1st .

Wozniak added, "The October 1st date only applies to land that is in the 10/50 Area. The rule for land outside that area is very similar, but the due date for variance applications will be later this year."



 Gov. Heineman Offers Comments to Improve Agricultural Trade with South Korea

Gov. Dave Heineman forwarded comments this week to the federal government in support of a free trade agreement that will expand markets for the state’s livestock industry. In a letter addressed to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Governor expressed support for the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement. The document currently is awaiting Congressional consideration.

“The Nebraska agriculture industry operates in a global economy, and to continue to be successful, we need growth in overseas markets,” Gov. Heineman said. “This free trade agreement holds potential benefits for our beef and pork sectors, as well as other commodities. I am hopeful that the U.S. Trade Representative will work with the U.S. Congress to move this agreement forward.”

South Korea was Nebraska’s fifth-largest export market in 2008, with $149 million in goods shipped. Beef and pork products were among the top exports. Through the Free Trade Agreement, market access is expanded for beef and pork, and tariffs are dropped for wheat, corn and soybeans.

The U.S.-Korea FTA will enhance market building efforts already being conducted by industry groups and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in Asia. This week, NDA is coordinating a beef and pork promotion in Japan, and the visit includes meetings with two large Korean meat importers.

In addition, Gov. Heineman in 2008 hosted South Korean Ambassador Lee Tae Sik in Omaha. The two discussed improved beef access and other opportunities to expand Nebraska exports to the country.

“Long-term market growth is a critical component in our efforts to assist our ailing livestock sector,” Gov. Heineman said. “We will continue to develop relationships that translate into sales to positively impact our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.”



NFU Announces 2009 Golden Triangle Awards

National Farmers Union announced today the recipients of the organization's highest legislative honor, the 2009 Golden Triangle Awards. The annual award is presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership on issues relevant to America's family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

"These leaders have demonstrated a commitment to developing constructive solutions to address the challenges facing those in rural America while also looking for creative opportunities for the future," NFU President Roger Johnson said.

This year's Golden Triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including: work to address the crisis in the dairy industry, support for climate change and energy legislation, efforts to increase transparency and oversight of commodity markets, support for increasing the use and production of renewable fuels, and increasing competition in the marketplace. The awards will be presented during NFU's annual fall fly-in this week.

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU's symbol - a triangle with "legislation" and "cooperation" forming the sides and "education" the base. The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented annually since 1988. The following lawmakers have been named 2009 recipients of the Golden Triangle Award in Nebraska: Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb. and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.  The following lawmakers have been named 2009 recipients of the Golden Triangle Award in Iowa: Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa; Rep. Leonard L. Boswell, D-Iowa; and Rep. Bruce L. Braley, D-Iowa.  



NPPC Briefs U.S. Trading Partners On H1N1 Flu

At a briefing yesterday evening, the National Pork Producers Council told foreign officials that the U.S. pork industry and the U.S. government are gearing up for a return of the novel H1N1 flu and that both would continue to get out the messages that the flu is not transmitted through food (pork) and that pork is safe to eat.

“We’re all dealing with the H1N1 flu in our respective countries,” NPPC CEO Neil Dierks told embassy officials from 25 countries at a reception with members of NPPC’s board of directors. “We just need to remember that the flu is not a food-borne illness; you can’t get the H1N1 flu from eating pork.”

NPPC has been working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reopen to U.S. pork exports markets that were closed in the wake of the H1N1 flu outbreak, which received wide media attention starting April 24. While most nations that had them in place have lifted their bans on U.S. pork, China and a few other countries have maintained them, citing fears of H1N1, which much of the media misnamed “swine” flu. China was the third largest U.S. pork export market in 2008, buying nearly $690 million of U.S. pork and pork products.

The pork export bans and a drop in consumer demand in the weeks following initial reports on the H1N1 flu, coupled with rising production costs and a worldwide economic slowdown that began two years ago, have cost the U.S. pork industry more than $4.6 billion. U.S. pork producers lost an average of nearly $25 per market hog and a combined $991 million from April 24 to mid-August.

NPPC’s briefing followed a Sept. 9 briefing by the Obama administration on the U.S. government’s H1N1 response and surveillance efforts for trade officials from 30 countries.



Tyson, Iowa Reach Agreement on Hog Production Contracting

Tyson Fresh Meats and the state of Iowa have reached an agreement that waives enforcement of the state's ban on packer ownership of livestock and gives the company's hog suppliers certain protections in contracting with the company.

Terms of the agreement are outlined in a consent decree approved Friday by a federal judge. The pact resolves a dispute over the constitutionality of Iowa's bans preventing processors from establishing vertically integrated pork operations in the state.

The settlement provides that Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc., can maintain its business operations including hog contracting in Iowa. Tyson procures hogs from independent growers in Iowa and slaughters the animals at company-owned plants in Columbus Junction, Perry, Storm Lake and Waterloo, Iowa.

"This agreement will allow Tyson and independent pork producers to consider new and different ways to ensure the producers remain economically viable so they can continue to provide a steady supply of hogs to the company's processing plants," says spokesman Gary Mickelson. "This may include modifications in hog marketing agreements and, in some cases, could involve Tyson extending credit to qualified producers."

Meanwhile, the pact affords Tyson's contract producers certain rights, including the right to be a "whistle-blower," the right to join an association, the right to use a contract producer lien and the right to publicly discuss and disclose the terms of their contracts, according to a statement by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller.

Among other specific stipulations to which Tyson has agreed are agreement that the company cannot finish hogs in company-owned facilities before Sept. 16, 2010, and that for two years 25 percent of the swine slaughtered at its plants in Iowa will be bought on the open market from sellers other than Tyson affiliates.

"Our long-term business plan is to continue to rely on independent producers and we do not intend to change our long-term model to a vertically integrated system," the company said.

Miller noted that Iowa made no allegation that Tyson has violated state law. "On the contrary: Tyson approached our office to begin negotiations prior to engaging in production contracting," he said.

The agreement with Tyson is very similar to agreements Iowa has made with Hormel Foods Corp., Cargill and Smithfield Foods Inc. The agreement expires Sept. 10, 2015.



Iowa Soybean Association holds board elections

            The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) recently held its board elections. Delbert Christensen took his seat as president and Randy VanKooten of Lynnville was chosen as president-elect. Brian Kemp of Sibley was elected treasurer and Mark Jackson of Rose Hill was elected secretary. Dean Coleman of Humboldt was reelected to the executive committee.

            Former ISA President John Heisdorffer of Keota was recognized for his contribution to the association during his term as president. Heisdorffer and his wife, Deanna, operate a farm near Keota, where they raise corn and soybeans with some CRP acreage. Their operation also includes two feeder-to-finish swine barns. Heisdorffer also participated in a recent trade mission to China to learn firsthand about the largest customer of U.S. soybeans. He is also a director of a local biodiesel plant and represents that board to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). He has served as secretary, treasurer and technical committee chairman of the NBB.  He has made trips to Washington D.C., for five continuous years and has met with Iowa’s senators and congressmen on behalf of NBB. In addition, he has served for 11 years on a local cooperative board.

            Heisdorffer noted a couple of highlights during his term as president, including watching ISA’s new building be constructed and interacting with other state soybean associations and their leaders to cooperate on programs. Heisdorffer hopes the board will continue to connect with soybean growers

            “I hope that the new executive committee and board will have success in launching our new membership program,” Heisdorffer says. “We also need to be conscience of our customers’ needs and be sure we’re ready to meet them.”

            John Schlorholtz of Percival was also recognized for the two years he served on ISA’s board. Schlorholtz and his wife, Teresa, raise soybeans, and he was a director for six years with his local Co-Op. He spent eight years on the Fremont County Extension Council, and was president for three years for the Fremont/Page Corn and Soybean Association. Schlorholtz did not seek re-election to ISA’s board.



U.S. Grains Council Names Thomas C. Dorr President and CEO

Former USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr will serve as president and CEO of the Washington, D.C., based U.S. Grains Council. Dorr accepted the charge to head the country’s largest export market development organization for barley, corn, sorghum and their co-products on Sept. 8, 2009. He will officially assume the role on Nov. 16. Dorr said being an Iowa farmer for more than 30 years and serving seven years with USDA afforded him the opportunity to understand and value the nearly 50 years of export market development efforts orchestrated by the Council.

“I am very familiar with the worldwide market development programs the Council has conducted since 1960,” said Dorr. “The Council is focused on global initiatives, but the real purpose of this organization is to sustain and build economic opportunity not only for rural America, but worldwide. I am excited to have the privilege to serve U.S. farmers and agribusinesses in this new capacity.”

Rick Fruth, USGC chairman and Ohio farmer, said Dorr has a broad agricultural, financial and business experience that qualifies him to lead the organization. “Dorr has a long history of service to agriculture and rural America, especially U.S. agriculture, and truly understands the day-to-day challenges U.S. farmers face. He has an ability to facilitate consensus and enable unity resulting in solid solutions,” said Fruth. “He will have an exceptional global staff ready to serve.”

As undersecretary for Rural Development, Dorr led programs to expand rural infrastructure, including electric, broadband and water services, rural entrepreneurial efforts and rural housing. Dorr has served as a member of the board of directors of the 7th District Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Iowa Board of Regents and as a member and officer of the Iowa and National Corn Growers Associations. Dorr, from Marcus, Iowa, was the president of a family farm and agribusiness company for 29 years.

Dorr said his first priority will be to work with the Council’s membership, Board of Directors and staff to clearly define, not just the challenges, but the opportunities for international grain trade. “I am thrilled to be afforded the honor to work with and for an organization that has developed trusted relationships with international government leaders, livestock producers and grain processing organizations worldwide. Its membership intends we continue to build on its successes.”

Dorr succeeds Ken Hobbie, USGC’s president and CEO for the last 18 years and who has been with the Council for a total of 33 years. Kelly Kincannon, chairman of Kincannon and Reed, a Washington, D.C., based global executive search firm focused on the food, agribusiness and life science sectors, assisted in the recruitment.



Eggs in Incubators on September 1 Down 7 Percent from Last Year

Turkey eggs in incubators on September 1, 2009, in the United States totaled 26.5 million, down 7 percent from September 1, 2008.  Eggs in incubators were down 7 percent from the August 1, 2009 total of 28.6 million eggs.  Regional changes from the previous year were:  East North Central down 14 percent, West North Central down 1 percent, North and South Atlantic down 19 percent, and South Central and West up 25 percent.

Poults Hatched During August Down 8 Percent from Last Year

Turkey poults hatched during August 2009, in the United States totaled 23.3 million, down 8 percent from August 2008.  Poults hatched were down 10 percent from July 2009 total of  25.8 million poults.  Regional changes from the previous year were:  East North Central down 11 percent, West North Central down 7 percent, North and South Atlantic down 8 percent, and South Central and West down 10 percent.

Net Poults Placed During August Down 7 Percent from Last Year

The 22.5 million net poults placed during August 2009 in the United States were down 7 percent from the number placed during the same month a year earlier.  Net placements were down 10 percent from the July 2009 total of 25.0 million.  

Nebraska and Iowa are part of the West North Central region referenced above.



ABARE Raises Australia Wheat Crop Estimate

Australia's 2009-10 wheat crop is now estimated at 22.7 million metric tons (MMT), according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE). The agency previously forecast the crop in June at 22 MMT.  Concerns have mounted about the Australian wheat crop given dryness in Queensland and portions of New South Wales. And ABARE addressed that issue, noting "The prospects for winter crops in most regions in Queensland and the northern New South Wales grains belt have been adversely affected by below average winter rainfall. Crops in southern New South Wales are in urgent need of good rains, with some having already failed and the yield potential of most others declining rapidly."  However, ABARE also pointed out that "lower expected crop production in these regions is likely to be more than offset by the improved outlook for Western Australia."