19 Apr 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Says Thank You to America's Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Communities for Helping Strengthen Our Nation's Economy

By USDA Communications

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, April 19, 2012 - Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the importance of agriculture and rural America to the economic recovery and the strength of the nation. Vilsack touted America's farmers, ranchers and growers as some of our nation's greatest assets, responsible for one out of every 12 jobs: providers of our food, feed, fiber, and fuel while helping to drive our national economy. He highlighted ways the USDA and the Obama Administration have worked to improve the lives of rural Americans and grow the agricultural economy over the past three years by developing new markets at home and abroad, maintaining a strong safety net, investing in conservation and research, and encouraging the next generation of farmers.

"Thanks to the productivity of America's hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers, U.S. agriculture continues to be a bright spot in America's economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation's competitiveness," said Vilsack. "U.S. agriculture accounts for 1 in 12 jobs, provides American consumers with safe and affordable foods, contributes to record incomes for farm families, and is helping reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Through our efforts at USDA and the work of the White House Rural Council, the Obama Administration is supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities as they help strengthen our nation's economy."

Vilsack noted USDA's work to strengthen the rural economy over the past three years, including:

  • USDA is maintaining a strong safety net to help keep American agriculture profitable and keep farmers on the farm. Over the past three years, USDA's crop insurance program has paid out almost $16.2 billion to more than 325,000 farmers who lost crops to natural disasters. Other programs have provided nearly $3.5 billion in aid to help more than 250,000 farmers and ranchers recover from natural disasters.
  • USDA has provided 103,000 loans to family farmers and has worked with over a half a million farmers to pursue conservation agreements and easements - enrolling a record number of acres in conservation programs and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the rural economy that supports many jobs.
  • USDA has made historic investments in America's rural communities, financing 50,000 rural small and mid-sized businesses - helping to create or save 266,000 jobs.
  • USDA has invested in broadband service for nearly seven million rural residents and helped to build or renovate over 6,200 community facilities including hospitals, schools, fire and police stations and libraries.
  • USDA has helped 456,000 rural families in more than 21,000 communities buy or refinance a home.

Vilsack also touted the work of the first-ever White House Rural Council, that was established by President Obama in June 2011. Chaired by Secretary Vilsack, the Council gives the Administration the ability to cut across large federal agencies to deliver results for rural families and businesses and provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from people across the country on how to grow the economy and create jobs in rural America.

Since its launch, the White House Rural Council has supported a broad spectrum of rural initiatives including a $350 million commitment in SBA funding to rural small businesses over the next 5 years, launching a series of conferences to connect investors with rural start-ups, creating capital marketing teams to pitch federal funding opportunities to private investors interested in making rural investments, making job search information available at 2,800 local USDA offices nationwide, making HHS loans available to help more than 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals recruit additional staff, and helping rural hospitals purchase software and hardware to implement health IT. USDA and Navy have also announced a partnership to advance the use of next generation biofuels in Navy operations.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).


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19 Apr 2012

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR IFBF YOUNG FARMER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

By Heather Lilienthal

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 19, 2012 - Beginning and young farmers face many challenges as they start their farms and work to expand their operations; from rising costs of land and feed to changing regulations and rules. But many are excelling at their careers in agriculture and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) honors the top young farmers in the state at the organization's annual meeting each December.

IFBF encourages young farmers, ages 18-35, to apply for the Young Farmer Achievement Award, which recognizes successful young farmers who excel in managing their farms and demonstrate outstanding leadership in their industries and communities. The Achievement Award is sponsored by John Deere. Applications for the award must be submitted to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation by May 11.

The winner receives a year's lease for a John Deere Tractor/loader combo or a TX Gator, John Deere Financial certificate, video, plaque and trips to the annual meetings of the American Farm Bureau Federation, GROWMARK and the IFBF Young Farmer group. All applicants receive up to three hours of farm financial planning assistance.

"Being recognized with this award was so gratifying for my wife and me," explained Justin Dammann, a Page County farmer and 2011 award winner. "I knew that we were on the right track with our management, environmental practices and balancing work and family. Farm Bureau has been an important part of our professional development and we wanted to strive for this recognition."

Applications can be downloaded at www.iowafarmbureau.com in the Young Farmer section. All applications are confidential.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

19 Apr 2012

ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County Calendar

By Amanda Heitz
18 Apr 2012

Tips for growers on a quest for high-yield soybeans

By Leandra Grissom
Top management practices to maximize soybean acres from BASF

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, April 18, 2012 -- Many high-yielding growers across the Midwest have mastered the art of corn production. They've uncovered the secrets to maximizing yield in corn to produce a profit, and now they are looking to soybeans as their next opportunity.

A.J. Woodyard, an Illinois-based Technical Service Representative for BASF, said he believes growers are putting more effort into soybean production than ever before.

"Growers have corn production down to a science - they know what it takes to produce a high-yielding, profitable crop," Woodyard said. "They're ready for their next challenge and are looking for ways to push yields in soybeans, a crop that generally isn't as profitable as corn."

Across the Midwest, growers are excited about the challenge ahead. There's a rising interest in intensively managed soybeans and the quest to uncover the production secrets that will put more money in a grower's pocket.

Though soybean profit potential may not be as high as corn this season, there's still plenty of room to make a profit with soybeans.

Rotation is key
Because of high commodity prices, many growers are moving a portion of their acreage to corn-on-corn in the hopes of meeting record profit potential. But the switch is a double-edged sword, as research shows corn-on-corn acres often yield less than corn planted on a rotational field.

According to research conducted by Iowa State University, growers can expect to see a yield drop of 5 to 15 percent for second-year corn compared to first-year corn. Thanks to dry, hot weather and limited water during the latter part of the past two seasons, growers have experienced an even larger yield drag with corn-on-corn, leading to an increasing interest in producing high-yielding soybeans to keep profits high year-after-year.

"Growers are interested in ways to grow high-yielding soybeans so they can maintain consistent profits in a corn-on-soybean rotation," Woodyard said. "Our goal is to help them find a profitable way to do it."

Disease control and Plant Health
A well-timed fungicide application effectively protects soybeans from the damaging diseases that threaten yield potential and also provide Plant Health benefits. In turn, the crop can produce higher yields and more profit.

BASF research shows an increase in soybean yields of 4-6 bu/A with an application of Headline® fungicide at R3, or early podset. This equates to an ROI of nearly 3:1.

Synergies with an insecticide
Additional benefits have been witnessed across the Midwest when growers pair their fungicide application with an insecticide application. There's a combined positive effect when applying Headline with an insecticide, Woodyard said.

"Soybean growers recognize that pairing their Headline application with an insecticide makes sense," he said. "We see an advantage when both products are used - some years the fungicide provides the primary benefit, and other years it's the insecticide. Either way, we see improved consistency with the combination of Headline and an insecticide at R3."

Prepare for 2013
Because of the increase in corn acres this year, some market experts forecast a shift in commodity prices, causing an increase in soybean prices during the next year. With an increase in profit potential in soybeans, some growers may readjust their approach and grow more beans in 2013.

"Now's the time for soybean growers to try new things on their fields and challenge themselves to uncover what it takes to grow higher-yielding soybeans," Woodyard said. "We encourage growers to take advantage of the 2012 season and learn from their successes and mistakes to push yields in the coming years."

For more information on BASF Crop Protection products, visit http://agproducts.basf.us, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

 For more information contact:

Leandra Grissom
BASF Corporation
Tel: (919) 547-2936
E-mail: leandra.grissom@basf.com


About the Crop Protection division

With sales of 4.1 billion in 2011, BASF's Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Crop Protection division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro

BASF ? The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.9 billion in 2011. For more information about BASF's North American operations, visit www.basf.us.
18 Apr 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Highlight How Agriculture and Rural America is Strengthening the Nation's Economy

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2012 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver remarks on the importance of agriculture and rural America to our economic recovery and the strength of the nation. Vilsack will discuss how agriculture is a formula for what is working in the economy, as farmers have reduced their debt, adopted innovative farming techniques, and are producing products that the rest of the world wants and needs.  He will also highlight the Administration's accomplishments for American agriculture over the past three years including developing new markets at home and abroad, maintaining a strong safety net, commitment to conservation and research, and efforts to help the next generation get started in farming.

 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

1 p.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will highlight the importance of agriculture and rural America to our economic recovery and the strength of the nation.

 

WHERE: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

324 3rd Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

 

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18 Apr 2012

Conserving Lands, Creating Jobs in Farm Bill

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

In coming weeks, farm state Senators will review and revise the Farm Bill working draft put together by Senator Debbie Stabenow. The Michigan Senator, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently stated that conservation programs are more essential now than ever for creating rural jobs and protecting rural America's vital natural resources. She also pointed to the importance of ensuring that the nation's 1.3 billion agricultural acres produce healthy soil, water and wildlife habitat in addition to food and fiber.

With the farm bill debate moving forward in the Senate, this is a crucial time for everyone who cares about protecting our natural resources to speak up. Your voice - letter, phone call or email - and your influence with your Senator, together with the same from thousands of others across the nation, will help keep the Conservation Stewardship Program strong and make sure conservation remains a priority in the new Farm Bill.

According to USDA, farm, ranch and related employment includes about 24 million jobs. The American Forest & Paper Association estimates that forestry industries produce about $175 billion in products annually, and employ nearly 900,000 people. A study by US Fish and Wildlife Service found that hunting, angling and wildlife recreation contribute $122 Billion annually for our national economy. Much of this activity is located in rural areas and is vital to local economies.

Will you contact Senator Harkin (202.224.3254) and Senator Grassley (202.224.3744) and join me in standing up for conservation in the Farm Bill?

18 Apr 2012

Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference: Meals from the Heartland

By Steven Brockshus

84th IOWA FFA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMES TO AMES ON APRIL 23-24

On April 23-24, more than 5,000 Iowa FFA members and guests will attend the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames, Iowa to celebrate the accomplishments of FFA members and agricultural education. During this event, members will compete in Career Development Events and be recognized for accomplishments in their communities and local chapters.

Service is a key part of FFA and thanks to a partnership with the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa Food and Family Project, and Cargill; more than 250,000 meals will be packaged by progressive agriculturalists, united by the cause of helping the devastated citizens of Haiti. During this "Meals from the Heartland" service project, agricultural students, farmers, adults, and others will join together for the greater means of fighting world hunger. Please join us in Hilton Coliseum in Ames on the evening of April 22 and morning of April 24 this event makes state history.

FFA is an integral part of agricultural education. Agricultural instructors encourage students to take the knowledge and skills they have acquired in class and apply to FFA event, such as the career development events, which help students explore a career  interest in agriculture. Members of the State FFA Officer Team are ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA for one year. They are elected in April and spend the year promoting FFA and agriculture education throughout the state. Each officer is elected at the state FFA convention by Iowa FFA members.

The Iowa FFA Association is comprised of more than 220 local chapters preparing more than 12,500 students for careers in agriculture. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agriculture education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
18 Apr 2012

IOWA FARM BUREAU TO BRING NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED ECONOMISTS, FINANCIAL ANALYSTS, CLIMATOLOGISTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT EXPERTS TO IOWA JULY 23-24

By Laurie Johns

"Will Today's Agriculture Boom be Tomorrow's Bust: Are You Prepared?"

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 17, 2012 - As Iowa farmers head to the fields to plant what could be one of the largest corn crops on record, the state's largest grassroots farm organization is bringing a line-up of heavy hitters to Iowa, to make sure today's boom, doesn't turn into tomorrow's 'bust.'  The summit will take place July 23-24 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building on the ISU campus.

"The Farm Crisis of the 80's taught farmers that no industry is invincible to a downturn, and with Iowa's thriving farm sector insulating much of our state from the worst hits of the recession, we have to look towards new expertise, new risk management tools, to make sure farming doesn't go the way of the auto industry," says Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) President Craig Hill.

"There are commonalities and differences in place today that we also saw prior to the 1980's Farm Crisis; then and now, we've seen land prices and commodity prices double or triple in a relatively short period of time," says IFBF Director of Research and Commodity Services David Miller.  "Although most of today's farmers have better cash flow and less debt because of low interest rates, there are other risks which threaten Iowa's agricultural prosperity, which center around unprecedented federal debt and the very real possibilities of farm program cuts, which affect the sustainability of many types of farming.  Today, our market strength is more tightly connected to global markets, global weather disasters, global trade and those are the things that bring new vulnerabilities to the business of farming," says Miller.

National experts ranging from economist Danny Klinefelter of Texas A&M University and Jeff Plagge, president-elect of the American Bankers Association, to Iowa State University weather expert Elwynn Taylor, a panel of D.C. experts from the Senate and House Ag Committees and Daniel Mitchell of the D.C. 'think tank,' the CATO Institute, are among the nationally-recognized monetary, policy, trade and economic experts tapped for the July IFBF economic summit.

The price of the two-day summit is $50 for Iowa Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members.  Information about the summit, lodging, on-line registration forms and a complete listing of the panelists and schedule can be found at www.iowafarmbureau.com.  Registration deadline for the IFBF economic summit is July 17.

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17 Apr 2012

Take the Leap into Organic

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

The steady growth of organic farming and ranching across rural America and the economic impacts of organics on rural communities cannot be ignored. In 2012, the USDA is again investing $50 million in funding for the EQIP Organic Initiative, which provides a 75% share of the estimated cost of implementing organic conservation measures to those who qualify - 90% for beginning, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic as well as established organic producers have another opportunity to apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative funding to assist their organic efforts. Friday, June 1st is the third and final 2012 deadline to file an application through your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Fifty million dollars in national funding available this year provides farmers and ranchers a tremendous opportunity to take the leap into organic. Rural cities and towns as well as local food systems will reap rewards as well.

The Center for Rural Affairs' long history of helping family farmers and ranchers access new conservation programs offers opportunities. We've created an Organic Initiative fact sheet available at - http://www.cfra.org/2010-eqip-organic-initiative. We also operate a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call (402) 687-2100, ask for the helpline and receive assistance in accessing EQIP Organic funding and other related initiatives, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative, Value Added Producer Grants and a host of beginning farmer and rancher programs.

17 Apr 2012

griculture Secretary Vilsack to Travel to Wisconsin and Iowa, Highlight Administration Efforts to Spur Economic Development Through Education and Workforce Training

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2011 - This Wednesday and Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Platteville, Wis. and Waterloo, Iowa to host White House Rural Council events with local producers and stakeholders to discus Administration efforts to spur economic development through education and workforce development.

On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will host a White House Rural Council event with agriculture teachers from across Wisconsin to discuss the RESPECT (Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching) project. RESPECT is an Administration proposed initiative to make teaching America's most important and respected profession. The Secretaries will discuss how important agriculture educators are to the nation's economy and future, the need to provide better support for current teachers, and how to inspire the next generation to teach. This event will be live streamed at www.uwplatt.edu, and viewers can participate in question-and-answer via Twitter, hashtag  #ruraled.

On Thursday, Agriculture Secretaries Vilsack and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will travel to Waterloo, Iowa where they will be joined by Jay Williams, executive director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers at the U.S. Department of Labor, and local students, faculty, and business leaders, to host a White House Rural Council workforce training roundtable discussion. The discussion will focus on improving rural economies by training and retraining workers for in-demand careers.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Wisconsin Agriculture Teachers

WHAT: White House Rural Council Town Hall on the Teaching Profession

WHEN: 12:25 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. CT

A media availability will be held from 1:35 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. CT

WHERE: University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Farm, 29200 College Farm Rd., Platteville, Wis.

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Executive Director for the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Jay Williams, U.S. Department of Labor

Principals

Waterloo Community Schools Superintendent Gary Norris

WHAT: White House Rural Council Roundtable on Workforce Training

WHEN: 9:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. CT

A media availability from 10:20 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. CT

WHERE: Hawkeye Community College's Fennemen Center Farm Lab, 5503 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, Iowa

 

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