17 Jan 2013

Iowa Farmers Support local schools through Second Annual America's Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM

By Rick Martin

Iowa to receive up to $115,000 for math and science programs across the state

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 17, 2013) - For the second consecutive year, America's Farmers Grow Rural Education SM, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give Iowa farmers the opportunity to enhance math and science programs in their communities. Now until April 15, 2013, farmers can nominate a local public school district to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000. Administrators of nominated school districts may then submit grant applications through April 30, 2013. This year, the program expands to 26 new counties, for a total of 1,271 eligible counties across 39 states.

The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.  Following a successful pilot in Minnesota and Illinois, America's Farmers Grow Rural Education debuted nationally last year, awarding $2.3 million to school districts coast to coast.

"We believe engaging rural youth in their math and science studies lays the foundation for a bright future," said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. "This generation is the future of agriculture, and funding from the Grow Rural Education program helps ensure they are ready to be the next great leaders."

Eligible farmers can nominate their favorite public school district by visiting www.GrowRuralEducation.com and following the "Nominate Now" link on the top, left-hand corner of the page. Farmers may also nominate a school district by calling 1-877-267-3332.

In 2012, the following Iowa school districts received a total of $165,000 to enhance math and science curriculums:

·         George Little Rock Community Schools, $10,000

·         Hampton-Dumont Community School District, $10,000

·         Lamoni Community School District, $10,000

·         Logan-Magnolia School District, $10,000

·         Marmon Trail Community School District, $25,000

·         New Hampton School District, $25,000

·         New London Community School District, $10,000

·         North Tama County Community School District, $10,000

·         Northeast Community School District, $10,000

·         Riceville Community School District, $10,000

·         Schleswig Community School District, $25,000

·         Sidney Community School District, $10,000

Thanks to the support of local farmers and the grant from America's Farmers Grow Rural Education, Lamoni School District received a $10,000 grant to purchase modern scientific tools to expand student understanding.

"Using the funds from the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education grant, we purchased new lab equipment so our students can apply science to real life," said Shirley Kessel, 2012 grant application writer for Lamoni Schools. "Schools are at the heart of smaller communities and we greatly appreciate the support of our local nominating farmers."

Grants will be awarded by the Monsanto Fund based on merit, need and community support. The America's Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 30 farmer leaders from across the country, will select the winning grant applications.  Advisory Council members were selected based on their passion for agriculture and education, as well as experience in rural school districts.

America's Farmers Grow Rural Education is part of the Monsanto Fund's overall effort to strengthen America's farming communities. Another program that is part of this effort is America's Farmers Grow Communities, which gives winning farmers the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to a community nonprofit organization in their county.

For more information about the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education program and to view the official rules, visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com. To read more about the 2013 Grow Rural Education launch, and to view the 2013 launch video, please visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10308518.htm.

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About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org

16 Jan 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU PROPOSALS FOR RENEWABLE FUELS, SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM CHANGES AND DAIRY PASTURIZATION WIN NATIONAL APPROVAL

By Laurie Johns

94th Annual AFBF Meeting Concludes Jan. 15 in Nashville

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 16, 2013 -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) farmers brought forth and won national approval of several key issues during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) national convention this week in Nashville, Tennessee.

One particular issue which won overwhelming national support was the continuation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), an over-arching federal policy to incent development and use of renewable fuels of all types.  "Renewable fuels have been important to the continued economic growth of the Midwest for decades which include expansion and development of all kinds of green energy including cellulosic, biomass-based diesel, sugar ethanol and next-generation renewable corn ethanol," said Craig Hill, IFBF president.  "This is an opportunity for our nation because we all know we must work to end our nation's reliance on foreign fuels." AFBF approved Iowa's proposal to continue support of RFS targets as well as retaining Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) administrator authority to waive the RFS if conditions merit, such as a national drought or other unforeseen circumstances.

Another priority issue for many families in Iowa involves proposed changes in the nation's school lunch program.  IFBF policy supports a school lunch program that promotes a balanced meal containing dairy products, eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables and grains to make sure every child has their nutritional and caloric needs met for proper growth.  "But when it comes to school lunch, it's not always a case where the government knows best.  Local school districts should have authority in this, and the current guidelines are too restrictive and inflexible, especially when it comes to those who want to bring their own school lunches, such as athletes or those with dietary or health restrictions," said Hill.  Several states agreed with those points and AFBF policy was adopted.

Another food safety issue that IFBF members proposed included the headline-making issue of milk pasteurization.  "We believe in consumer food choices, but for the protection of consumer health, raw milk sales should not be permitted across state lines.  If someone wants to consume unpasteurized milk from their own supply, that's up to them, but generations of food science should be the guide on this issue," said Hill.  AFBF policy was adopted on this issue.

The 2012 Farm Bill, which recently won an extension, is still a key concern for AFBF members.   "The lack of action in Congress that led to this extension amounts to 'kicking the can down the road' and it leaves farmers and consumers with a lot of uncertainty.   Farming today is a capital intensive business that requires long-term investment decisions, not only for production and risk management, but also for conservation, investment in grain storage facilities, etc., that are frankly very difficult to make when not knowing the rules of the game. With real risks such as a continuing drought staring us down in 2013, the passage of a new Farm Bill is key.  Our farmers found national support today for the continuation of crop insurance, to cover big risks such as drought and other natural disasters."  Hill added.

For more information on AFBF-approved resolutions, leadership awards or to hear IFBF farmers discuss key issues from the AFBF annual convention, visit the media section of www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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15 Jan 2013

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Continuing His Service in the Obama Administration

By USDA Office of Communications
USDA.gov logo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today regarding the announcement that he will continue his service in the Obama Administration.

"President Obama and I share a deep appreciation for rural America and its unlimited potential in the years ahead to feed a growing world population, revolutionize America's energy, further protect our natural resources and create more jobs here at home. We will continue to urge Congress to pass a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will help us continue USDA's wide range of efforts to support this work. As we look ahead to a promising future in our small towns and rural communities, I am pleased to continue working alongside President Obama to grow more opportunity in rural America."

 

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11 Jan 2013

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar Jan 10 - 29

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office
11 Jan 2013

FARMERS, ANIMAL WELL-BEING EXPERTS, VETERINARIANS & INDUSTRY LEADERS LAUNCH IOWA FARM ANIMAL CARE (IFAC) COALITION

By Laurie Johns

Statewide Resource for Consumers, Farmers

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 10, 2013 - A first-of-its kind effort to provide a centralized resource where Iowans can receive information about appropriate farm animal care was announced today in Des Moines by a unique coalition of farmers, animal well-being experts, veterinarians and industry leaders. The Iowa Farm Animal Care (IFAC) Coalition is designed to answer Iowans' questions about farm animal care and assist farmers in farm animal care resources to help ensure all Iowa farm animals benefit from the latest science-based animal care standards.

IFAC was launched by farmers for farmers and consumers and is modeled after the 20- year-old Alberta Farm Animal Care program.  "Farmers understand that consumers want to know more about where their food comes from and how it was raised. IFAC is available to help increase public understanding," said IFAC Executive Director Denny Harding. "Until now, there has not been a centralized place where Iowans could go for farm animal care information. Now, they can visit www.iowafarmanimalcare.org and learn more about how responsible Iowa livestock farmers care for their animals or call our help line at 1-800-252-0577 to report a concern if they see something they don't understand."

In addition to providing information on farm animal care to consumers and referrals to farmers, IFAC also provides access to animal care experts who specialize in many aspects of animal care, including animal science experts and veterinarians from Iowa State University's colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Iowa state veterinarian office at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).  This independent team of experts makes up the On-Farm Evaluation Team and specializes in performing voluntary on-site evaluations to ensure appropriate farm animal care is being given.

"I think the overwhelming majority of farmers today are doing a great job handling farm animals and have their best interests in mind when it comes to their health and environment," said Dr. Suzanne Millman, associate professor of animal welfare at Iowa State University. "Different species have different behaviors thus requiring different care. IFAC can help provide farmers with the latest in animal care research, while ensuring that appropriate care is being given and answering consumer questions."

IFAC has a four-person Advisory Committee including Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey; Animal Rescue League of Iowa Executive Director Tom Colvin; State of Iowa Veterinarian, Dr. David Schmitt; and Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association President, Jerry Dunbar.

Colvin applauded the effort. "This is a positive step forward, to reach out to consumers and farmers alike, to provide information about farm animal care or just be there with support if a concern should arise. We're proud to be a part of a proactive solution that helps the animals and the farmers."

IFAC is a collaborative effort that includes farmers from the Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.     For more information about IFAC or farm animal care in Iowa, visit www.iowafarmanimalcare.org or call 1-800-252-0577.

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03 Jan 2013

Farmers Grew Less Corn In 2012 Than Expected

By Farm Futures News

The latest Farm Futures survey results show growers plan to increase corn ground in 2013, cut soybeans.

ST. LOUIS, MO., 7:30 A.M., CST, (01/03/2013) ? After three disappointing corn crops in a row, good yields in 2013 will be essential to rebuilding inventories, according to the latest Farm Futures magazine survey.

The extent of that effort takes shape in coming weeks, beginning with USDA's January 11 estimates of 2012 production. The Farm Futures survey showed growers raised 10.62 billion bushels of corn on harvested acreage of 87.5 million and nationwide yields of 121.3 bpa. USDA's November estimate put the crop at 10.725 billion bushels.

Results of the survey were released today at the opening day of the annual Farm Futures Business Summit in St. Louis, attended by more than 400 producers.

"Based on our survey of more than 1,550 growers and the government's own certified acreage data from the Farm Service Agency, it appears production should be lower than previous estimates, said Senior Editor Bryce Knorr, who conducted the research. "This makes good yields and large acreage crucial in 2013 to provide the corn needed by end users in the U.S. and around the world."

Attractive profit margins should convince growers to increase plantings this spring. Producers told Farm Futures they intend to boost corn seedings to 97.75 million in 2013, a little less than 1% more than in 2012.

"While the planting intentions we found were not as big as some predict, it was a substantial increase from our first survey in August, which projected 93 million acres," said Farm Futures Market Analyst Paul Burgener. "The reality of another year with outstanding returns for corn convinced many growers to try more corn on corn, despite their long-term desire to return to more balanced rotations with soybeans."

As a result, the latest survey finds farmers plan to put in 76.84 million acres of soybeans. That would be a little less than the 77.2 million USDA last estimated for 2012, though more than the 76.1 million farmers responding to the survey said they put in last spring. Farm Futures estimate of 2012 production is 2.969 billion, only a few thousand bushels lower than USDA's November projection.

"In August, our survey showed farmers ready to splurge on soybeans, increasing 2013 plantings to 78 million acres," said Knorr. "But soybeans were trading well over $16 a bushel at the time. With new crop prices substantially lower, farmers are again focusing on total returns, giving corn the edge."

USDA issues its first survey-based forecast of 2013 spring crop planting intentions at the end of March, with a preliminary estimate put out in February at its annual outlook forum. The agency will release a survey-based estimate of winter wheat seedings January 11. Farm Futures found growers planted 42.1 million acres of winter wheat in the fall, up 1.8%, with total wheat seedings for 2013 put at 57.16 million, up 2.5%.

Burgener noted the latest winter wheat estimate was down 1 million from the magazine's August survey. "While soft red winter wheat plans were unchanged, dry conditions on the Plains caused hard red winter wheat growers to cut seedings by 800,000 acres from initial intentions," Burgener said. "Those fields could wind up in corn, milo, cotton, millet, sunflowers, or soybeans depending on winter and spring moisture, another wild card the market must consider."

Farm Futures surveyed more than 1,550 growers about their plans from November 23 to December 12.

Survey results by crop:

2012 Crop Production

Corn

Soybeans
Planted

96,641

76,124
Harvested

87,503

75,060
Yield

121.33

39.55
Production

10,616,86

2,969


2013 Crop Planting Intentions
Crop

Acres

Change*
Corn

97.75 million

 100.8%
Soybeans

76.84 million

 99.5%
All Wheat

57.16 million

 102.5%
Spring Wheat

12.9 million

 104.8%
Durum

2.2 million

 104.8%
Soft Red Winter Wheat

9.6 million

 117.7%
Hard Red Winter Wheat

29.0 million

 97.0%
White Winter Wheat

3.5 million

 105.6%
All Winter Wheat

42.1 million

 101.8%

*Corn and soybean change is vs USDA November 2012

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03 Jan 2013

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill

By USDA Office of Communications

USDA.gov logo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2012 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill:

"I am pleased that Congress passed needed middle class tax relief and continued unemployment insurance protection for 2 million unemployed Americans. However, while I am relieved that the agreement reached prevents a spike in the price of dairy and other commodities, I am disappointed Congress has been unable to pass a multi-year reauthorization of the Food, Farm and Jobs bill to give rural America the long-term certainty they need and deserve. I will continue to work with Congress to encourage passage of a reauthorized bill that includes a strong and defensible safety net for producers, expanded rural economic opportunity in the new bio-based economy, significant support for conserving our natural resources, increased commitment to important research, and support for safe and nutritious food for all Americans. I look forward to continuing the effort to get this critical work done."

27 Dec 2012

Iowa State Univ. Extension and Outreach Calendar

By Amanda Heitz
December 27, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 22, 2013:  ISU Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

Jan. 29, 2013:  Private Pesticide Applicators Recertification, Scott County Extension Office, 9:30 am-11:30 am

Jan. 29, 2013:  Private Pesticide Applicators Recertification, Scott County Extension Office, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

Visit our events calendar at our web site: http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/
20 Dec 2012

ISU Scott County Extension Calendar Dec 24- Jan 29

By Iowa State Univ Extension Office
17 Dec 2012

GrowingOn® 2013 Meetings to Help Producers Make Better Business Decisions in 2013.

By Lisa Yager
OMAHA, Nebraska - (December 14, 2012) - Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is hosting 17 GrowingOn meetings in January.  The purpose is to share information and insights to help producers plan and reduce risk in 2013.

The program will be presented by Steven Johnson, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He will review 2013 planted acres, price and expense outlooks, which will be affected by more than supply and demand fundamentals.

"Even though many producers had disappointing yields because of the drought, we're still experiencing the best of times in row crop farming," said Johnson. "Demand remains strong; and with limited supplies, crop prices will be high in 2013. How high prices rise will largely be influenced by weather in addition to the U.S., Europe and China economies. Input costs for 2013 will be up slightly. Some input cost increases may affect margins for 2013 and 2014. And with the proposed new farm program, crop insurance decisions will be more important than ever."

"Crop insurance ensured many producers will be back in the field next year," said Christa Wilson, vice president-insurance for Farm Credit Services of America in Iowa. "Some producers also learned a painful lesson about crop insurance in 2012. Some didn't know what kind of coverage they had until they had to use their policy. Luckily, 90% of the corn acres in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota were insured at 70% yield levels or greater." At GrowingOn, FCSAmerica crop insurance specialists will share the lessons learned in 2012 - what farmers should revisit in 2013 and what new changes will occur that will factor into producers' crop insurance decisions. "Along with product and coverage level decisions, careful consideration should be given to the agent a producer works with in 2013," Wilson advised. "As a financial institution that offers crop insurance, Farm Credit Services of America has an incentive to sell the right insurance coverage.  And since our crop insurance specialists are not commission-based, the options we present each of our customers are based on what's right for them and no one else."

This two and one-half hour program will be held in Newton, Marshalltown, Perry, Eddyville, Mount Pleasant, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Manchester, Festina, Lenox, Harlan, Storm Lake, Webster City, Carroll, Cedar Falls and Mason City, IA and in Sioux City, NE. Specific time and location information can be found at cropinsurancespecialists.com, by calling the local FCSAmerica office or by calling 1-800-884-FARM. Pre-registration is required.

Farm Credit Services of America is proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With assets of more than $18 billion, FCSAmerica is one of the region's leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at fcsamerica.com.

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