07 Apr 2014

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces Progress on 2014 Farm Bill Implementation

By USDA Office of Communications
Significant Action Taken on All Bill Titles in First Eight Weeks Since Enactment

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2014– Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced significant progress on implementing the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), which President Obama signed into law on February 7. The 2014 Farm Bill reforms agricultural policy, reduces the deficit, and helps grow the economy.

"We are making tremendous progress implementing the new Farm Bill," said Secretary Vilsack. "This law is critically important to America's farmers and ranchers and to our nation's economy. Every USDA agency is working diligently to implement the Farm Bill's new provisions quickly and effectively."

With 12 titles and over 450 provisions, the Farm Bill drives food, farm, conservation, trade, research, energy policies and more. Implementing such a large piece of legislation within the mandated timeline requires a coordinated effort across all areas of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Immediately after enactment, USDA established a farm bill implementation team composed of key sub-cabinet officials and experts from every mission area of the Department to put new programs in place and make mandated reforms to existing programs.

USDA also launched a website that provides details on Farm Bill implementation in one convenient location and the Economic Research Service launched a website highlighting some of the economic implications of the new programs and provisions.

In the weeks since enactment, USDA held 12 outreach and listening sessions to share information and hear from stakeholders on the 2014 Farm Bill implementation process.

Important progress has been made on every title of the Farm Bill including updates to risk management tools, modifications to farm loan programs, announcements regarding available funds for agricultural research and much more.

USDA has made providing long-awaited disaster relief to farmers and ranchers a top priority and quick implementation on relief programs is within sight. Beginning April 15, producers will be able to enroll in the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

USDA is also highly focused on providing timely educational materials on new risk management programs to farmers so they can make informed business decisions.  Announcements on new agriculture research partnerships, conservation and nutrition programs, and other Farm Bill provisions will continue to be made in the coming weeks and months.

To stay up-to-date on USDA's Farm Bill implementation progress, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

See below for more detailed information on Farm Bill implementation accomplishments to date.

TITLE I - Commodity Programs

  • Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Assistance: USDA will publish a final rule to implement the disaster assistance provisions and begin sign-up by April 15, 2014.
  • County and Regional Loan Rates: USDA issued a press release on March 28, 2014 announcing county and regional loan rates.
  • Extension of Programs: On March 28, 2014, FSA published on the Federal Register notices for the extension of the following programs:  (1) Marketing Assistance Loans; (2) Milk Income Loss Contract; (3) Dairy Indemnity Payment Program; (4) Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program; and (5) Sugar.
  • Dairy Forward Pricing Program: Final rule published on March 21, 2014, that re-established the Dairy Forward Pricing Program. 

TITLE II - Conservation

  • Conservation Programs: Applications are currently being accepted for the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program. 

TITLE III - Trade

  • Market Access Program (MAP): During the week of April 7, 2014, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will announce 2014 MAP funding.
    Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMD): During the week of April 7, 2014, FAS will announce 2014 FMD funding.

TITLE IV - Nutrition Programs

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Payments: On March 5, 2014, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released an Implementation Memorandum to States on the elimination of standard utility allowances in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for LIHEAP payments less than $20. 
  • SNAP-related Provisions: On March 21, 2014, FNS released an Implementation Memorandum to States communicating major SNAP related provisions of the Act.
    Community Food Projects: On February 27, 2014, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program, with $5 million available. 
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): On March 10, 2014, FNS released an Implementation Memorandum to States on phasing out the eligibility of women, infants and children.
    Multiagency Taskforce on Commodity Programs: On March 14, 2014, the Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services issued a memorandum to solicit names for a multiagency task force to provide coordination and direction for commodity programs.  

TITLE V - Credit

  • Farm Loan Programs/Direct Farm Ownership: On February 7, 2014, FSA implemented changes in the interest rate on Direct Farm Ownership loans that are made in conjunction with other lenders.
  • Modifications to Farm Loan Programs: On March 24, 2014, FSA issued a news release in announcing changes to Farm Loan Programs as part of the Farm Bill.
  • Microloans: On March 26, 2014, FSA issued an agency directive implementing non-discretionary microloan provisions.

 

TITLE VI - Rural Development

  • Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG): On March 25, 2014, Rural Development published a notice in the Federal Register extending the application period for Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014 funding for VAPG, with up to $25.5 million available for these grants.
  • Definition of Rural Housing: On March 13, 2014, Rural Development issued guidance to State Directors, field staff and stakeholders on implementing new eligibility requirements regarding the definition of rural housing.

 

TITLE VII - Research and Related Matters

  • Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative: On March 17, 2014, NIFA released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, with $20 million available in FY 2014. 
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative: On March 17, 2014, NIFA released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, with $76.8 million available in FY 2014. 
    Citrus Disease Subcommittee: A subcommittee has been formally established within the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, under the Specialty Crop Committee, and solicitation letters for nominations were issued March 17, 2014. 
    Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR): Letters soliciting nominations to the FFAR Board were mailed to interested parties and a Federal Register notice was submitted for publication on March 31, 2014.
    Budget Submission and Funding: On March 10, 2014, REE submitted its first Budget Submission and Funding report to Congress.

TITLE VIII - Forestry

  • Insect and Disease Infestation: On March 19, 2014, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell sent a letter to all state governors notifying them of the opportunity to submit requests for designating their priority insect and disease areas for treatment.

TITLE X - Horticulture

  • Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention: On April 3, 2014, USDA announced $48.1 million in funding for 383 projects to help prevent the introduction or spread of plan pests and diseases.
    National Clean Plant Network: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a Request for Applications (RFA) on March 24, 2014 for the National Clean Plant Network, with $5 million available.
    Bulk Shipments of Apples to Canada: On April 3, 2014, AMS will publish a final rule in the Federal Register amending regulations under the Export Apple Act to allow bulk containers to be shipped to Canada without U.S. inspection.

TITLE XI - Crop Insurance

  • Premium Amounts for Catastrophic Risk Protection (CAT): During the first week of April, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) will issue documents to revise the premium rates charged for CAT coverage to be based on the average historical "loss ratio" plus a reasonable reserve.


TITLE XII - Miscellaneous

  • Catfish Inspection: On March 14, 2014, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) submitted the first status report to Congress on the development of the final rule establishing a catfish inspection program.
04 Apr 2014

USDA Provides Farm Bill Funding for Pest and Disease Management Programs

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2014 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the allocation of $48.1 million, provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), to projects across the country that will help to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten America's agriculture economy and the environment. The economic stakes for stopping invasive species are high, with scientists estimating the total economic cost of all invasive species to be approximately $120 billion annually.

"Invasive pests cause billions of dollars in damage each year and endanger our nation's food security," said Vilsack. "The funds USDA is making available today will help partners and stakeholders develop strategies, products and treatments to safeguard our farms and natural resources from invasive threats."

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sought project suggestions from states and U.S. territories, universities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private companies and tribal organizations that would provide a direct impact in managing pests and diseases, as well as disaster prevention. APHIS is funding 383 projects in 49 states, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. The projects approved for allocation will help states and other partners continue providing and strengthening protections against agricultural threats and could also allow the reallocation of resources to other critical programs.

A list of selected projects and the FY 2014 funding plan are posted at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2014/04/pdf/fy14_farm_bill_spending_plan.pdf

Funded initiatives include :

  • $2 million for protection against exotic fruit flies in California;
  • $270,907 to survey and analyze adult honey bee samples collected from apiaries across multiple U.S states and Puerto Rico for pests and diseases, such as the Varroa virus;
  • $290,000 to the Nez Perce Tribe Bio-control Project involving noxious/invasive weed survey and control activities;
  • $224,894 for the National Plant Board to develop a harmonized national systems approach to nursery certification that enhances existing state programs to reduce the risk of plant pests in nursery stock;
  • $227,808 to North Carolina for enhancing exotic plant pest management by creating New Pest Response Guidelines with university collaboration; and
  • $2.4 million for supporting response to the recently detected coconut rhinoceros beetle infestation in Hawaii.

Prospective projects were evaluated by teams comprised of USDA experts and industry representatives and were selected based on criteria that supported six goals -- enhancing plant pest/disease analysis and survey; targeting domestic inspection activities at vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum; enhancing and strengthening pest identification and technology; safeguarding nursery production; enhancing mitigation capabilities; and conducting outreach and education about these issues. The teams also evaluated submissions based on expected impacts of the project, the technical approach, and how submissions would complement ongoing USDA programs and other previously funded projects funded under the 2008 Farm Bill (Section 10201).

The 2008 Farm Bill has provided funding for more than 1500 projects over the last five years and has played a significant role in protecting American agriculture and educating the public about the threat of invasive species.

The public can help protect America's agricultural and natural resources by being aware of invasive pests and the damage they cause. APHIS created the Hungry Pests public outreach program to empower Americans with the knowledge they need to leave these "hungry pests" behind. Visitwww.Hungrypests.com during April, which APHIS has proclaimed Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, to learn more about invasive plant pest and diseases impacting your area and how you can help. And, join the discussion about invasive plant pests via the HungryPests Facebook page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or(800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay)

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01 Apr 2014

U.S., South American Soybean Farmers Unite in China

By United Soybean Board

U.S. soy family works to continue to build U.S. soy's relationship with China

ST. LOUIS (April 1, 2014) - Farmers representing countries that produce 90 percent of the world's soybeans recently met with the customers who buy 25 percent of the world's soybeans. As part of the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA), leaders from the soy checkoff, American Soybean Association (ASA), and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) met with customers and government officials in China to discuss the farmers' commitment to providing a safe and abundant supply of soybeans and the importance of eliminating trade barriers.

"China is without a doubt the largest importer of U.S. and South American soy, so it's really powerful when we can stand side-by-side with farmers we usually consider competitors to deliver a message," says Jared Hagert, soybean farmer from Emerado, N.D., and United Soybean Board (USB) treasurer. "Our common goal is to build on these partnerships and strengthen trade relations so we can remain the premier supplier of soy for China."

One trade barrier that concerns soybean farmers is the approval of soybeans improved through the use of biotechnology. While in China, the ISGA delegation will highlight the importance of timely, transparent approval processes of new biotech soybeans to help keep trade moving smoothly.

"There's really no way to overstate just how important the Chinese market is for soybean farmers, not only here in the U.S., but in South America as well," added Ray Gaesser, ASA president and soybean farmer from Corning, Iowa. "The cooperation and coordination of our three organizations - ASA, USB and USSEC - makes our partnership with our South American counterparts possible, and the more we're able to stand together as the world's primary producers of soy, the stronger we can make this trading partnership and the more each of our countries stands to benefit. That's why we're all here, together, in interest of farmers, consumers and stakeholders in each country."

ISGA brings together soybean farmers from South America and the United States to address common issues. Its members include Argentine, Brazilian, Paraguayan, Uruguayan and U.S. soybean farmers.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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28 Mar 2014

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to Host Google+ Hangout on Accessing Credit for New Farmers and Ranchers

By USDA Office of Communications

Accessing Credit Often Cited As Top Concern for New Farmers and  Ranchers

 

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2014?On Tuesday, April 1, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss types of agricultural credit and ways to access them in support of new farmers and ranchers. The discussion will cover credit and financial options from USDA as well as outside partners including the Farm Credit Council. The Hangout will also feature farmers and ranchers who have successfully accessed credit from these sources as they describe their experiences and offer advice to others. USDA is soliciting discussion questions via social media using #NewFarmers.

 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014
4 p.m. EDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss types of agricultural credit and ways to access them in support of new farmers and ranchers.

Participants:

  • Gary Matteson, Farm Credit Council, Vice President for Young, Beginning, Small Farmer Programs and Outreach
  • Chris Beyerhelm, USDA's Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Chief
  • Shirley Malek, goat and sheep cheese producer in Gilmanton, N.H.
  • Megan Kinsey, a squash, grape, and corn farmer in Sunnyside, Wash.
  • Matt and Jolene Nierling, beginning farmers who operate a dairy operation in northeast Iowa

 

WHERE:        Live on the USDA Google+ page or on www.usda.gov/live. Add your questions in advance or share your story on social media by using the #NewFarmers on Twitter, Google+, YouTube or Facebook.

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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).

28 Mar 2014

IOWA FARM BUREAU RENEW RURAL IOWA's LATEST ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD WINNER HELPS FARMERS IMPROVE CONSERVATION AND SOIL HEALTH THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

By Rick Martin

Calhoun County Labre Crop Consulting Earns RRIA Entrepreneur Spotlight

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - March 27, 2014 -- Iowa farmers are always looking for ways to improve soil health, yield and watershed management, and the latest winner of the Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur award is a company which is riding the exploding wave of technology to help them accomplish their conservation goals.  Labre Crop Consulting of Monroe, started by Calhoun County farmer Brent Johnson, is a crop consulting and data management business which can help farmers do everything from assess the efficiency of fertilizer applications on their fields, to improve soil and watershed conservation.

Started in 2006, Labre uses GPS technology, soil sampling and drone-gathered imaging to make highly detailed, custom recommendations for farmers.  "We started by working a lot of telematics and different things to transfer information we gathered from farm operations and remote sensing equipment to help farmers make the best decisions for their farms," says Johnson.  But the fast-moving drone technology market has helped Labre take their assessments to a whole new level.  "For example, now you can capture very exacting pictures from these drones and each pixel within that picture now has information tied to that pixel; our pixel sizes are basically one inch ground resolutions, so we can even identify individual plants.  We measure slopes, watersheds and emergent patterns in corn fields.  We can do tile lines too because that technology helps us capture slope and the watershed movement on the land," says Johnson.

Because of the demand for this type of customized information, Labre has grown from a company with a couple consultants to one with nine full-time employees and ten seasonal employees.  Calhoun County Economic Development Executive Director Pam Anderson says that kind of success is a real benefit to the entire area.  "We don't have a lot of industries here in Calhoun County, so small businesses make up a lot of our economy.  As for labor, keeping our young people local is important because we want them to stay around and work and raise their families here.  Labre is helping us do that," says Anderson.

"Renew Rural Iowa is all about helping small businesses grow and thrive in rural Iowa because we know how vital they are to the sustainability of our rural communities," says IFBF Economic Development Administrator Sandy Ehrig.  Farm Bureau's Renew Rural Iowa program has helped more than 2,500 Iowans successfully own and grow their business since the program launched in 2006.  This year, RRIA has a new seminar content, online curriculum, exclusive peer forums for those who qualify and financial advice are now available to Iowa entrepreneurs. More than 35 RRIA seminars have been held around the state since the program began, connecting entrepreneurs, business leader mentors and finance opportunities.  Renew Rural Iowa presents "Export Compliance "on April 23 - 24 for companies concerned with international shipments.   "The Journey to Your Vision" is offered on June 4 in Chariton.  For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com.                                    

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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.
28 Mar 2014

ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County Calendar April 2014

By Amanda Heitz

April 22, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

May 2, 2014 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

May 27, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

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

26 Mar 2014

"From Small Town Iowa to Feeding the World, Norman Borlaug is a True American Pioneer"

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack made the following statement today at the unveiling of the statue of Norman Borlaug that will represent Iowa in the U.S. Capitol.

"From growing up in a small agricultural town in Iowa boasting a one room schoolhouse to saving one billion lives by fathering the 'Green Revolution,' Norman Borlaug is a true American pioneer. As someone who taught students about developing countries, the work of Norman Borlaug often played a key role in explaining how many of these countries were able to propel their economies forward. Dr. Borlaug is an example of someone who inspired younger generations to appreciate the incredible role that science and agriculture play in our everyday life.

"His Iowa roots, compassion, and ability to think big not only changed the world, but showed thousands of Iowans that they too could change the world. I am proud that people from all over the world who visit the Capitol can now learn more about Dr. Borlaug's efforts to feed the hungry and promote peace."

The statue unveiling was held in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol, today, March 25, which is also National Ag Day and the 100th anniversary of Borlaug's birth. The statue of Borlaug will join others in the collection that honors men and women who are, according to the 1864 law creating the collection, "illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services such as each state may deem to be worthy." Each state was invited to contribute two statues to be housed in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Dr. Borlaug's statue is replacing a statue of James Harlan, which will now be housed in Mt. Pleasant at Iowa Wesleyan. The collection, now totaling 100 statues, is currently located throughout the U.S. Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center.

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26 Mar 2014

Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and state leaders attend unveiling of Borlaug Statue at U.S. Capitol Building

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Statue represents State of Iowa and is installed on National Agriculture Day and 100th anniversary of Borlaug's birth

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds are in attendance today as leadership of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Iowa's congressional delegation, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other state and federal officials gather for the unveiling of a statue of Iowa native Dr. Norman E. Borlaug at the U.S. Capitol. A large delegation of Iowans, including farmers, students, educators, business people, and Borlaug family members have made the trip to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Borlaug and Iowa's leadership in agriculture and the biosciences.

Today's Statue Dedication Ceremony at 10 a.m. CDT includes remarks by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), along with remarks by Members of the Iowa congressional delegation, Gov. Branstad and chairman of the Borlaug Statue Committee Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn.

Statue artist Benjamin Victor of South Dakota is also in attendance, and the installation of the Borlaug statue becomes his second in the National Statuary Hall Collection (the other is Sarah Winnemucca of Nevada). Musical selections are being performed by Centerville, Iowa, native and renowned opera singer Simon Estes, and by Iowa City native and former Miss Iowa Anne Michael Langguth. The statue unveiling includes singing of the historic "Iowa Corn Song," composed in 1921, which was Borlaug's favorite.

"This is a historic event for the State of Iowa and a celebration of our role in feeding the world," Branstad says. "Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving an estimated one billion people around the world from hunger and starvation, so it's fitting that we honor this Cresco, Iowa native and great American hero for his extraordinary agricultural achievements on the 100th anniversary of his birth and National Agriculture Day."

"The unveiling of Norman E. Borlaug's statue is a proud moment for our state and all Iowans," Reynolds says. "Visitors to the United States Capitol will now have an opportunity to see his statue and learn more about his remarkable achievements and our state's leadership in agriculture, biosciences and STEM education."

Borlaug dedicated his life to breeding better varieties of wheat, and worked with farmers, scientists, politicians and others to improve methods and policies to alleviate hunger and malnutrition worldwide. His achievements earned him recognition as "Father of the Green Revolution" and the distinction of being the only American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal and the National Medal of Science.

"I spent a decade working with Dr. Borlaug and he was the most humble, hard-working and inspiring person I have ever known," said Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, president of Borlaug's World Food Prize Foundation and chairman of the Borlaug Statue Committee. "Today's unveiling not only honors him and our state, but also will be a monument to American agricultural achievement in our nation's capitol that will inspire a new generation to carry on his legacy of agricultural innovation to ensure we have enough nutritious food for all."

Today's statue dedication ceremony is the culmination of a project that began in 2011, when the Iowa Legislature approved a resolution and Gov. Branstad appointed the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Statue Committee to raise funds and commission an artist to design, create and install a statue of Borlaug. It is now part of the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol Building, where each state is permitted to have two statues of notable citizens. It replaces the statue of U.S. Sen. James Harlan installed in 1910, which will be relocated to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The second statue representing Iowa is of Gov. Samuel Kirkwood, installed in 1913.

The ceremony today can be viewed via live webcast at speaker.gov/live. Iowans are encouraged to visit www.iowaborlaugstatue.org to learn more about the Borlaug statue project, including information about how they can visit the statue on display long-term in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. More information about Dr. Borlaug and The World Food Prize is available at www.worldfoodprize.org/norm.

 

Gov. Branstad's prepared remarks below are embargoed until delivery:

After many distinguished speakers, it would normally be difficult to add further acclaim to almost any individual.  But Dr. Norman E. Borlaug was no ordinary man.

 

It is an honor for Lt. Governor Reynolds and I to help commemorate Dr. Borlaug on the 100th anniversary of his birth and it is particularly fitting that this celebration falls on National Agriculture Day.

 

Similar to Senator Grassley, Congressman Latham and me, Dr. Borlaug was raised on a farm in northern Iowa. His farm roots taught him about hard work and humility.

 

Dr. Borlaug and I also share a Norwegian heritage, which, as Norwegians can attest, helped nurture his unassuming nature and provided a solid foundation for him to dream big.

 

Dr. Borlaug was also a high school and college wrestler and credited wrestling, a key sport in Iowa, with providing him an intensity and toughness that helped him accomplish great things.

 

The statue of Dr. Borlaug replaces the likeness of another great Iowan - Senator James Harlan.  As one honored Iowan enters our nation's Capitol, another, who was a very dear friend of Abraham Lincoln, heads home to the Heartland.

 

Dr. Borlaug now joins the statue of Governor Samuel Kirkwood, a leader credited for securing more soldiers per capita for the Union effort than any other state during the Civil War.

 

Today's celebration allows us the opportunity to honor all three of these Iowans and to especially share the remarkable story of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug.

 

Dr. Borlaug is a fitting representative for the State of Iowa. Our agricultural heritage has blossomed into a thriving bioscience industry, which leverages the research of Iowa State University, our land-grant institution. Iowa was proud to be the first state to accept the provisions of the Morrill Act over 150 years ago.

 

Pioneering companies and productive, hard-working farmers have enabled Iowa to lead the nation in the production of corn, soybeans, pork, eggs, ethanol and biodiesel. Innovative Iowa companies are making a difference:  from feeding a growing world population to reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil.

 

Dr. Borlaug's accomplishments are especially inspiring for Iowa's young people as they pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, math and agriculture fields.  Dr. Borlaug was an innovator who put science in the hands of those who needed it most, all around the world.

 

His statue inspires those who continue to sow the land and those making technology advancements in agriculture and the biosciences.

 

He was a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a cousin whose legacy continues to make his family proud and we are glad to also honor his family with this celebration.

 

Dr. Borlaug was a farmer, a humanitarian, a scientist, and an educator, and his inspiration lives on in the many organizations, like the World Food Prize, that honor those who feed a growing world population.

 

Iowans are proud to have Dr. Borlaug represent them, as he embodied so many of the characteristics Iowans cherish like hard work, compassion, and service to others.

 

On behalf of my fellow Iowans, we now commend Dr. Borlaug's statue to the care of our nation's leaders.  We hope his legacy will inspire future generations of Americans and that his humble spirit will long be remembered.

 

May God bless the State of Iowa and the United States of America. 

 

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26 Mar 2014

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces Increased Opportunity for Producers as part of New Farm Bill

By USDA Office of Communications
Farm Loan Program Modifications Create Flexibility for New and Existing Farmers and Ranchers Alike

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced increased opportunity for producers as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill. A fact sheet outlining modifications to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs is available here.

"Our nation's farmers and ranchers are the engine of the rural economy. These improvements to our Farm Loan Programs will help a new generation begin farming and grow existing farm operations," said Secretary Vilsack. "Today's announcement represents just one part of a series of investments the new Farm Bill makes in the next generation of agriculture, which is critical to economic growth in communities across the country."

The Farm Bill expands lending opportunities for thousands of farmers and ranchers to begin and continue operations, including greater flexibility in determining eligibility, raising loan limits, and emphasizing beginning and socially disadvantaged producers.

Changes that will take effect immediately include :

  • Elimination of loan term limits for guaranteed operating loans.
  • Modification of the definition of beginning farmer, using the average farm size for the county as a qualifier instead of the median farm size.
  • Modification of the Joint Financing Direct Farm Ownership Interest Rate to 2 percent less than regular Direct Farm Ownership rate, with a floor of 2.5 percent. Previously, the rate was established at 5 percent.
  • Increase of the maximum loan amount for Direct Farm Ownership down payments from $225,000 to $300,000.
  • Elimination of rural residency requirement for Youth Loans, allowing urban youth to benefit.
  • Debt forgiveness on Youth Loans, which will not prevent borrowers from obtaining additional loans from the federal government.
  • Increase of the guarantee amount on Conservation Loans from 75 to 80 percent and 90 percent for socially disadvantaged borrowers and beginning farmers.
  • Microloans will not count toward loan term limits for veterans and beginning farmers.

Additional modifications must be implemented through the rulemaking processes. Visit the FSA Farm Bill website for detailed information and updates to farm loan programs.

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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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21 Mar 2014

U.S. Soybean Farmer-Leaders Join South American Soy Industry in China, Show Commitment to Market

By United Soybean Board
Representatives from the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) will soon join their fellow soybean farmers from South America in China to represent the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA). The ISGA delegation will meet with industry and government officials to discuss the commitment of farmers from both hemispheres to being good partners in providing a safe and stable food supply.

Please join North Dakota soybean farmer and USB treasurer Jared Hagert and Iowa soybean farmer and ASA president Ray Gaesser via teleconference to discuss this important mission.

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