18 Feb 2014

Quality of U.S. Soybean Crop Even Higher

By United Soybean Board
Checkoff-funded Crop Quality Survey shows less regional variation in protein, oil levels

ST. LOUIS (February 18, 2014) - The average protein and oil levels in the 2013 U.S. soybean crop ticked upward, according to the soy-checkoff-funded Crop Quality Survey. Average oil levels jumped to 19 percent, a 0.5- point increase from 2012 levels, while average protein levels grew by 0.4 percentage points to 34.7 percent.

U.S. soy's biggest customer, the global animal agriculture sector, takes note of the protein content in the soybeans it uses, says Laura Foell, chair of the United Soybean Board's Meal Action Team.

"Our customers buy our soybeans for the components: protein and oil," says Foell, who farms in Schaller, Iowa. "The animal agriculture sector uses protein to feed animals, and the food industry uses the majority of soybean oil for human consumption and the rest for industrial-like biodiesel. The more protein and oil we have in our soybeans, the more product we have for our end-customers. And more demand could lead to a better price for our crop."

The study found less regional variation in protein and oil levels in 2013 than in previous years. These typical regional differences result from climate events and other factors outside of farmers' control.

Foell says farmers should talk with their seed representatives about soybean varieties that will produce higher levels of protein and oil without sacrificing yield.

The U.S. soy industry provides its customers with a total quality experience: high-performing products delivered by a reliable, consistent and sustainable soy supply chain. And the checkoff's international arm, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), will use the results of this year's crop quality survey to help build and maintain a preference for U.S. soy products in the international market.

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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17 Feb 2014

Governor Quinn Leads Fight Against Reduction in the Use of Renewable Fuels

By Grant Klinzman

Urges U.S. EPA to Reconsider Decision to Lower Renewable Fuel Standard; Cites Economic and Clean Air Benefits

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a decision that would cause decreased production of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The U.S. EPA wants to reduce the volume of renewable fuels that must be used in the nation's retail fuel supply. This decision could impact Illinois farmers who grow renewable fuel crops like corn and soybeans, and it could also affect the air we breathe since renewable fuels create less air pollution. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"Illinois farmers benefit because they produce the materials needed for renewable fuels, and less dependence on foreign energy sources means consumers have a more stable and economical source of fuel," Governor Quinn said. "We also help the environment through the cleaner air we get when less petroleum is burned."

Governor Quinn submitted a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy urging that the agency's proposed new Renewable Fuel Standard rule be reconsidered. The letter accompanied comments from several Illinois state agencies about the benefits of renewable fuel production to the state and the nation's economic and physical well-being. Governor Quinn also submitted a letter to the U.S. EPA as the new chairman of the Governors' Biofuels Coalition, a bipartisan group of the nation's governors pushing for biofuel development and use.

Biofuels have an economic impact of $5.3 billion in Illinois according to the Illinois Renewable Fuels Association. The Illinois ethanol industry is third in the nation with 14 ethanol plants providing 4,000 jobs that produce enough ethanol to displace 35 percent of the state's petroleum usage. Illinois has five plants that produce about 200 million gallons of biodiesel. The export of Illinois dried distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, topped $1 billion in 2013, more than 20 percent ahead of the previous year; Illinois soy meal exports for fuel production were more than $215 million last year, up 40 percent.

"The claim that the Renewable Fuel Standard eliminates a source of livestock feed is a misconception," Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Bob Flider said. "The fact is that one of the by-products of ethanol production is a ready-made livestock feed called dried distillers grains. Research demonstrates these grains have a higher protein concentration than even pre-ethanol corn, making them a more efficient animal feed. The bottom line is that renewable fuels like ethanol are good for the environment, good for economy and good for agriculture."

The use of renewable fuels has also helped improve air quality. Since ethanol contains oxygen, it contributes to the cleaner, more efficient combustion of gasoline, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 30 percent. Ethanol is also a key to increasing octane in gasoline blends, a critical element in achieving the new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency standards of 54.5 miles per gallon in 2025.

"Illinois supports the continued use of biofuels as a direct benefit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in this country," Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett said. "Reducing the use of biofuels will result in added greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere and will contradict the climate change policies currently in place."

The Quinn Administration has taken the lead in the use of renewable fuels, converting much of the state's vehicle fleet to Flex Fuel Vehicles and providing incentives for retailers to dispense biofuels. The state also offers an Alternative Fuel Vehicle rebate program, providing rebates for nearly 12,500 vehicle purchases since the program began in 1999.

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14 Feb 2014

USDA to Invest in Prairie Pothole Landscape Effort

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that up to $35 million will be provided during the next three years to help landowners conserve grasslands and wetlands in the Prairie Pothole region. The announcement was made on the Secretary's behalf by Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie.

Farmers, ranchers and conservation partners will have access to a mix of financial and technical assistance opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to restore wetlands and grasslands.

"This region of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Montana provides critical breeding and nesting habitat for more than 60 percent of the nation's migratory waterfowl," Bonnie said of the Prairie Pothole region. "Our goal is to help landowners manage their working lands in a way that's compatible with agricultural production and good stewardship of the soil, water and habitat resources of the area so we are really talking about keeping working lands working."

The wetlands and grasslands that characterize the region provide vital water storage to reduce regional flooding, improve water quality, and have tremendous potential to store carbon in soils, which reduces the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, one of the leading greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

The funding comes in a couple of pieces, including:

  • Environmental Quality Incentives Program: The agency's largest conservation program will help producers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts keep their lands as working grasslands or haylands through implementation of prescribed grazing and other conservation practices.
  • Ducks Unlimited-NRCS partnership for carbon credits: NRCS is working with North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana to create a carbon credit marketing system for landowners who agreed to avoid tilling grasslands. This work started in 2011 in North Dakota as part of a Conservation Innovation Grant, but now it's being expanded to the three states. Through this system, interested landowners can keep their land in grass, continue grazing and haying, and generate verified carbon credits that place a conservation easement on their land. These credits can be sold or traded into existing voluntary carbon markets.

NRCS also is providing additional technical assistance to complete certified wetland determinations, needed by producers to meet conservation compliance requirements first put in place in 1985.

Additionally, the 2014 Farm Bill has expanded opportunities for conserving grasslands and wetlands, including those in the Prairie Pothole region. To find out more about USDA's efforts to work with producers in the region click here. USDA also recently solicited proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants.

For more information on these opportunities, visit a local NRCS field office or the NRCS website.

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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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13 Feb 2014

2014 Illinois Cattle Feeders Meeting

By Amanda Heitz

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, IL

9:00 am Registration, Welcome and Introductions (Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension)

9:10 IBA Update (Reid Blossom, EVP, Illinois Beef Association)

9:30 Cattle Feeding Facility Design (Sam Odom, Summit Livestock Facilities)

10:30 The Value of Cattle Manure to the Grain Farmer (Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Professor, Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management, University of Minnesota)

11:30 Do and Dont's of Permitting and Manure Management Plans (Chris West, PE, President, Frank & West Environmental Engineers)

12:00 Lunch

1:00 University of Illinois Research Update / Feeding Glycerin to Cattle (Dr. Tara Felix, Feedlot Nutritionist and Researcher, University of Illinois)

2:00 Least-Cost Feedlot Rations/ Feeding Cattle Indoors vs. Outdoors (Dr. Dan Loy, Director of Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University)

3:00 Market Opportunities and Outlook for 2014 (Dr. Paul Peterson, Professor of Derivatives Trading, University of Illinois)

4:00 pm Closing Remarks and Adjourn

University of Illinois Extension invites you to the annual Illinois Cattle Feeders Meeting taking place March
5, 2014, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, IL

The seminar will highlight recent policy changes that may be of interest to cattle feeders, manure manage-
ment strategies, the value of manure to the diversified farmer, new cattle feeding research, dealing with chang-
ing feedstuff prices, and market opportunities in 2014. Complimentary lunch will be provided. The program
will start promptly at 9:00 am.

Registration is FREE so invite a friend or neighbor! Seating is limited ? call Travis Meteer at (217) 430-7030 or email wmeteer@gmail.com to sign-up.  Registration deadline is March 1st.

If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please call Travis Meteer (217) 430-7030.

Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

13 Feb 2014

ISU Extension and Outreach Events and Calendar

By Amanda Heitz

Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Area hay and forage producers are invited to attend the 31st Association (EIHPA) Annual Meeting and Conference on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Buzzy's in Welton. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

This year's conference features two ISU speakers, plus regional updates from Virgil Schmitt, ISU Extension Field Agronomist, and Denise Schwab, ISU Extension Beef Specialist. Ryan Drollette, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will kick off the event with an overview of the cattle industry and market outlook, and its impact on forage demand. Following lunch and a brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors, Dr. John Sawyer, ISU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist and Professor in Agronomy, will speak on Nutrient Considerations with Corn Stover Harvest. Sawyer has focused his research on efficient fertilizer use and nutrient, manure, and limestone management.

Registration for the conference is $30 and includes a membership to EIHPA and meal. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Certified crop advisor credits have been applied for. This conference is sponsored by EIHPA, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Center.

The Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association provides educational workshops and field days for forage producers in Jackson, Jones, Clinton, Cedar, Scott and Muscatine counties. However, forage producers from other counties are also welcome to participate. For more information contact Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu or Kevin Brown at brofarm@windstream.net or 563-872-4475.

ISU Offers New Horse Program 24/7

Want to learn the science of horse management on your time schedule? Begin by visiting the Master Equine Manager website at www.extension.iastate.edu/masterequine/. You will find a complete program description and registration information for easy access to begin learning The Master Equine Manager program is designed to enhance Iowa's broad-based horse industry.

Dr. Peggy Miller-Auwerda, ISU Extension and Outreach Horse Specialist, says "we designed the new Master Equine Manager Program to inform and educate people on quality horse care and responsible horse ownership."

Horse owners, enthusiasts, boarding facility managers and industry employees benefit from increased knowledge and networking with others in the horse industry. The program combines focused learning opportunities with a hands-on practical evaluation.

The learning modules and topics include : Welfare of Horses: Understanding Horse Behavior, Facilities and Equipment, Equine Quality Assurance; Horse Nutrition: Forages for Horses, Feeds and Feeding; Horse Health: Equine Emergency Treatment, Vaccinations for Horses, Understanding Horse Parasites, and Hoof Care; Selection of Horses: Conformation and Evaluation, Unsoundness's and Blemishes.

Registrations are accepted from junior and senior high school students and adults with an interest in horses. Graduates of the program will become a certified Master Equine Manager and are encouraged to share their skills and knowledge with others. Continuing Education Units are available upon request.

For more information, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/masterequine/, contact Dale Miller, State Coordinator Master Equine Manager Program, at dmill@iastate.edu, (641) 842-2014.

Calendar

March 5, 2014 Ornamental and Turf Applicators, Scott County Extension Office, 1:30-4:00 pm

March 21, 2014 Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00-2:00 pm

March 25, 2014 Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00 pm

March 26, 2014 Certified Handlers, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00-11:30 am

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


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13 Feb 2014

Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Utilize and Expand Renewable Fuel Infrastructure

By Joe Hand

Re-FUEL Act establishes grant program to promote domestic fuel sources, provide choices at the pump

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he introduced legislation that would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act (HR 4051) will help create new and retrofit existing infrastructure, including pumps for biofuels and hydrogen, tanks, piping and electric vehicle chargers. The legislation is paid for and does not add to the deficit.

"I believe in making things in America and there is no reason our fuel sources shouldn't be made here as well. It's also important that consumers are able to choose where their fuel source comes from when they go to fill up. Too often, infrastructure constraints are cited as the reason for not giving consumers the choices they deserve. This holds back the development of our renewable and alternative energy sources that create jobs in Iowa and across the country.

"The Re-FUEL Act will help bridge that divide by making important investments in the infrastructure needed to provide consumers with choices at the pump. We must do more to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, expand our use of renewable energy sources that boost economic development in our rural areas, and promote homegrown fuel sources such as biofuels and wind power."

For additional details about the Re-FUEL Act, click here for the one-pager.

For the text of the legislation, click here.

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11 Feb 2014

IOWA FARM BUREAU FOOD & FARM INDEX™ SHOWS IOWA GROCERY SHOPPERS ARE MEAT LOVERS

By Rick Martin

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - February 10, 2014 -As Valentine's Day approaches, perhaps Iowans who really want to show their love will skip the chocolates and give gifts of meat, instead.  According to the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™, a study conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowans love their meat; in fact, among 502 Iowa grocery shoppers age 20-60, a large majority consume several types of meat and poultry weekly.   Overall, beef (84%) appears to be the meat most commonly consumed in their households.

The survey shows that 56% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat pork weekly, with 20% of them reporting they put pork on the table two or three times a week.  Beef is even more popular with Iowans; 84% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat beef weekly, with 35% of them reporting they eat beef two or three times per week.  Poultry is also a big hit with these Iowans, with 79% reporting their households eat chicken weekly and 33% reporting they do so two or three times per week.  Turkey is popular even past the Thanksgiving holiday, with 23% reporting their households eat it at least weekly and 6% eating it two or three times per week.

"Despite media coverage of 'Meatless Mondays,' Iowans like meat," says Craig Hill, president of IFBF.  "That makes sense because meat is a great source of protein and other nutrients to energize your body. From the results of the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™, we know that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers most when it comes to information on food safety; they can also feel good about the quality of the meat raised in Iowa." Hill also noted that livestock farmers have responded to consumer demand for leaner protein, by providing more options than ever before.

The survey also showed that for those grocery shoppers who read labels, 50% are looking for meat 'raised in the U.S.' and 43% are looking for 'raised locally'. "We know that consumers care about how their food is grown and raised, and this survey shows that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers," noted Hill.

Family love at the dinner table

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™ also showed that a majority of Iowa grocery shoppers who live with others eat together at home (99%), with 98% saying they do this on at least a weekly basis. Over half (51%) say they eat together on a daily basis.

Methodology

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index™ surveyed Iowa residents between 20 and 60 years old who have primary or shared responsibility for household grocery shopping; 502 such respondents were interviewed online for this wave of research between November 21 and December 2 of 2013 by Harris Poll on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. It is the first in a semi-annual survey of Iowans to study the factors driving their food purchases. Data from the survey released early in the year show Iowa grocery shoppers are most interested in price and taste when they buy meat, poultry and dairy.

For more information on the Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index™, please visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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10 Feb 2014

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2014 IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state.  Nominations are due by June 15, 2014 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"We have seen great participation by farmers in the Iowa water quality initiative and these awards are an opportunity to recognize farmers that are taking steps to protect the soil and improve water quality here in Iowa," Branstad said.

"Iowa is leading the way in working with farmers to encourage the use of voluntary, science-based practices that can improve our water quality while ensuring our farmers can continue to feed the world and power our state's economy," Reynolds said.

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.  As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Recognizing farmers who are taking the lead in conservation is a way to encourage others to consider adopting some of the same practices on their land," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

The award was created in 2012 and last year 63 Iowa farm families were recognized.  Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony.  Last year EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy spoke at the luncheon and recognized the efforts of the winners.

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10 Feb 2014

Lt. Gov. Simon applauds farm bill being signed into law

By Ted Nelson

CARBONDALE - Feb. 7, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama signing a new farm bill into law.

"I applaud Congress for its efforts to work together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a farm bill. After much debate, a comprehensive piece of legislation has now been signed by the President.

"As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC), I know the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and firmly believe cuts in the farm bill to SNAP are too drastic. While this is not a perfect bill, it takes important steps to assist farmers and support programs to increase access to fresh and local foods.

"I am pleased to see support for a Hunger-Free Communities Incentives Grant that provides incentives for SNAP recipients to buy local food. The grant provision is a win for consumers, who will be able to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a win for farmers, who should enjoy increased revenues. Illinois should follow this lead and seek these matching funds."

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07 Feb 2014

USDA to Release New Long Term Agricultural Projections

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2014 -- The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release new 10-year agricultural projections on Feb. 13, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. EST. USDA's Agricultural Projections to 2023 will be posted to the Office of the Chief Economist's (OCE) website at www.usda.gov/oce and available in MS Word and PDF formats. Projections data will be available as Excel spreadsheets here.

USDA publishes the projections each year in February. The projections are developed by interagency committees in USDA, with the Economic Research Service (ERS) having the lead role in the preparation of the report. The new projections cover crop and livestock commodities, agricultural trade and aggregate indicators, such as farm income, through 2023. The projections do not represent a USDA forecast, but a conditional, long-run scenario based on specific assumptions about farm policy, weather, the economy and international developments. Normal weather is assumed throughout the projection period. The projections were prepared during October through December 2013, with the 2008 Farm Act assumed to be extended and remain in effect through the projection period. Therefore, the projections do not reflect the Agricultural Act of 2014.

Background on USDA's long-term projections and past issues of the report are available on the ERS website at www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/agricultural-baseline-projections.aspx.

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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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