Exceeding expectations This fall's harvest is turning into a juggling act for many farmers due to widespread rain and variability in crop maturity. But for the most part, farmers say, yields are meeting or surpassing expectations. "The bins are filling up," said Scott County farmer Ross Paustian, whose family planted 100 percent corn on its farm this year. Strong yields are being reported in the area with corn coming in over 200 bushels per acre and soybeans averaging 55 to 60 bushels, he said.

More controls pledged. U.S. Agriculture Department officials, criticized for failing to act more quickly on tainted beef, pledged last week to require soon that U.S. beef plants prove they have effective controls in place to protect against E.coli contamination. The pledge and other steps followed the recall last month of 21.7 million lbs. of ground beef manufactured by Topps Meat Co. LLC. There have been 29 illnesses related to that meat, but no deaths.

Japan open for business. U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns Dec. 11 announced that the Japanese market is now open to U.S. beef products. “Resuming beef trade with Japan is great news for American producers and Japanese consumers, as well as an important step toward normalized trade based on scientifically sound, internationally recognized standards,” he said. Under the agreement, the United States is able to export beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger to Japan. More than 94 percent of total U.S. ruminant and ruminant products, with a total export value of $1.7 billion in 2003, are now eligible for export to Japan.

Pandemic will be costly. A severe bird flu pandemic could infect 90 million Americans and cost the U.S. economy $675 billion, according to a Congressional Budget Office report that analyzed the worst-case scenario with such an event. The report estimated the chances of such a pandemic as less than one-third of 1 percent annually. The CBO said most people would simply stay home to avoid the bird flu. They would stop going to restaurants, stores and entertainment venues such as stadiums and theaters. A significant portion of the work force would miss an average of three weeks of work.

Ag exports, imports set record. Ag Department figures indicate U.S. fiscal 2006 agricultural exports should hit a record $64.5 billion, but the figures also show agricultural imports will be a record $61.5 billion. The exports would be $2.1 billion higher than 2005 while imports would be $3.8 billion higher. The biggest increase in exports will be in horticultural products compared to FY2005.

Ethanol reaches 4 billion gallons. U.S. ethanol production is now exceeding 4 billion gallons annually, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. A total of 93 ethanol plants in 20 states have a combined production capacity of approximately 4.2 billion gallons a year. In related news, the Wisconsin Agri-Service Association speculated that nearly half of all the corn grown in Wisconsin could be used for producing ethanol within the next two years. The state’s current and planned ethanol plants would utilize as much as 140 million bushels of corn per year.

Back to appeals. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the beef checkoff, it has sent the pending case regarding the pork checkoff back to a federal appeals court. On May 23, the Supreme Court decided the beef checkoff was government speech and therefore protected under the first amendment. With the pork checkoff, producers pay 40 cents for every $100 worth of hogs sold. The beef checkoff assesses producers $1 for every head of cattle sold.

Town Hall Forum. Agriculture broadcasters Max Armstrong and Al Pell are coming together for their first joint broadcast at the World Pork Expo to discuss, "Livestock and Soybean Producers: Partners in U.S. Agriculture." The forum will be Thursday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The session will be taped and broadcast on Weekend Market Place, Ad Day and Market Export. Max and Al will interact with the audience to discuss issues facing the soybean and livestock industries and how cooperation can help domestic producers stay on top. Representatives from the pork, beef and poultry industries will be on a panel to answer questions.

Animal power. Officials at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, N.Y., are investigating if their animals produce enough waste to power the zoo, or at least significantly reduce the $400,000 annual heating and electricity bill. The zoo is home of an Asian elephant breeding program, and the zoo’s six elephants produce more than 1,000 pounds of dung per day. This waste, as well as waste of many other animals, is composted by a local farming operation. The waste could be used to produce methane or hydrogen for powering a fuel cell or generator, but the economics are being evaluated.

Milk health. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has concluded that regular consumption of low-fat dairy products decreases the risk of type II diabetes in men. The effect was true regardless of physical activity, weight or family history of diabetes. The data was composed of studies of more than 40,000 male health workers, which was led by doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Johnson confirmed. The Senate has confirmed Stephen Johnson to head the Environmental Protection Agency. He moves from acting administrator to the 11th administrator and first career staff member to lead the agency. Johnson’s nomination was confirmation by voice vote, which had been stalled by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) who is unhappy that the EPA will not conduct an analysis comparing his air pollution bill with the president’s “Clear Skies” initiative and a proposal from Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.).

Animal ID inevitable? Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said last week in comments to the World Pork Congress that the U.S. meat industry should adopt and mandate a national animal identification system. “We are moving forward with a national animal identification system. We are moving forward to a mandatory system,” he said, while adding that the USDA will be listening to industry concerns about an animal identification system.

Not a priority. Only 1 percent of Americans believe the environment is the most important problem facing the country. This comes from a recent Gallup poll of 1,000 individuals that covered environmental concerns. The national problems that far outdistanced the environment as most important were Social Security, Iraq and the economy. The poll did show that more Americans believe environmental conditions have worsened during the last year – a change from 58 to 63 percent of those polled last year compared to this year. The pollsters said the poll had a margin of error of two to three percentage points.

Energy Costs. Double-digit energy increases are going to cost farmers plenty as spring fieldworks hits a fevered pitch. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in February predicted U.S. farmers would spend $8.2 billion on fuel this year, a jump of nearly 20 percent from 2003. However, more recent projects have the tally at closer to $8.8 billion, or a an increase of nearly 30 percent. Overall, diesel fuel prices are up an average of 34 percent while gasoline prices have soared 25 percent higher. Propane and natural gas prices have also increased 25 and 24 percent respectively.

Not thirsty. Even though seed corn companies are focusing major resources at developing drought-tolerant corn (conventional breeding and biotech), high-yielding extremely drought-tolerant corn is years away according to university and company researchers. The big breakthrough is expected to come via biotech. Pioneer Hi-Bred International reports that producing such corn is a top company priority.

Speeding to new record. The Renewable Fuels Association announced Monday that ethanol use in the United States reached an all-time high in January of 320 million gallons, beating the earlier record of 312 million gallons used in December 2004. In addition, the U.S. ethanol industry set a production record in January, averaging 241,000 barrels of ethanol per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Recycling. Manure from cows at Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport, Vt., is being used to produce electricity. Methane from heated manure is the energy-producer that provides Central Vermont Public Service Corp., the largest utility in Vermont, power to produce the electricity. The 1,500 dairy cows on the farm are expected to produce enough electricity to power about 330 homes. About 1,000 electricity customers have agreed to pay four cents more per kilowatt hour to support the farm, which is expecting to recoup some of its $70,000-per-year electric bill.

High stocks create high anxiety. With the Agriculture Department’s report of record 2004 corn and soybean crop harvests – 11.8 billions bushels of corn and 3.14 billion bushels of soybeans – high stored stocks of both grains are a worrisome situation for grain prices as farmers plan for 2005 planting. Some economists predict even more corn acreage in 2005 but a decrease in soybean acreage. As for final grain harvests in 2005, most agree that it would be extremely unusual to have weather promoting such high yields for a second year in a row, even though the trend line is for steady increases in average yields during the last 10-years.

The value of U.S. ag exports is expected to total $56 billion in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, down 11 percent from the previous year's record of $62.3 billion. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture/Nov. 28 Sunday Des Moines Register

Net farm income for 2004 is projected to be $73.7 billion compared with $59.2 billion in 2003 according to the Agriculture Department. A total net farm income comparably similar has not occurred since 1996.

Most American farms are still family farms. Today, almost 99 percent of all U.S. farms are owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations. Less than 1 percent of America's farms and ranches are owned by non-family corporations.

About 94 percent of U.S. ag products sold are produced on farms that are owned by individuals, family partnerships and family corporations. Non-family corporations account for only about 6 percent of U.S. ag product sales.

Hunger and malnutrition cause tremendous human suffering, kill more than five million children every year and cost developing countries billions of dollars in lost productivity and national income according to the United Nation's annual hunger report.

U.S. ag exports for the first 10 months of 2004 totaled $49.8 billion surpassing by $2.6 billion the same period in 2003.

Warming Pacific waters near the equator are currently being closely watched by weather forecasters for the development of a summer El Niño. A true El Niño needs to peak during the summer, which typically then results in cooler and wetter weather in the Midwest – weather that in general promotes large crop production.

According to the United Nation’s annual hunger report, nearly 852 million people worldwide are plagued by chronic hunger, up 18 million from 10 years ago. More than 5 million children die from hunger-related illnesses annually.

The quarterly American Farm Bureau market basket survey shows that the total cost of 16 basic grocery items decreased $1.51 in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the year, volunteer shoppers paid an average of $38.87 for the 16 items, a slight increase of $1.44 from 2003.

Total gross tax receipts rose 5.6 percent in December, Iowa state officials report. The Legislative Services Bureau says personal income taxes were up 8.1 percent ($16.1 million), while sales tax receipts were up 3.8 percent. Corporate income tax receipts jumped 30.7 percent. Fiscal year 2005 tax receipts through December are up 7.2 percent, or $172.5 million ahead of a year ago. Leading the rebound are income tax receipts, up $84.8 million, and sales tax receipts, up $42.1 million.

Wind is good
The American Wind Energy Association reports that 389 megawatts of new generating equipment was added nationally in 2004. This amounts to enough energy generation for more than 100,000 average homes. Total generating capacity in the country reached 6,740 megawatts.

McSuit
A lawsuit against McDonalds claiming the fast food restaurant must take responsibility for its customers’ obesity was reinstated for technical reasons by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The fast food industry contends it cannot be held responsible for personal choices of customers in selecting the place they eat or the food they order.

Fueling America
Iowa’s ethanol industry has a capacity of 864 million gallons annually. Since 1996, 10 farmer-owned or cooperative ethanol plants have been built in the state with seven more under construction or scheduled to begin operation during the next year. Iowa’s ethanol plants spend nearly $900 million on corn each year.
Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

Need to know
Americans know little about biotech foods, although they are generally interested in the subject. A recent study by the Food Policy Institute says that Americans are confused as to what sorts of biotech foods are available. Only about a third of people realize they consume biotech foods of one type or another. At the same time, the study found that Americans are interested in biotechnology but have not looked into it. The reason could be that few have the background to fully understand it, according to the survey.
Source: Food Policy Institute at Rutgers-Cook College

Enjoying beef
Consumer demand for beef in the United States was up nearly 8 percent in 2004 from 2003, according to economics reports. The reports noted that a steady increase in beef demand since 1998 has increased the value of a metric ton of fed cattle by $22.

Too much gray
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) introduced legislation today to assist young farmers. The proposed legislation would expand and modernize bond programs that help beginning farmers. A media advisory from Rep. King points out Agriculture Department statistics indicating that half of all farmers are over 55-years-old and only 6 percent are under the age of 35. King says his legislation would resolve what he sees as a “crisis” in rural communities.

Food for hungry
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced plans for $125 million in international food assistance through the Agriculture Department’s Food For Progress program in fiscal year 2005. The program funds food distribution in 16 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

King of Chicken
McDonald’s has announced that it is now the largest seller of chicken strips and sandwiches, amounting to the use of 5.5 million birds per week. Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald’s North America, says that approximately one-third of McDonald’s U.S. menu is chicken-based. Studies indicate that white meat consumption is up and that 60 percent of all chicken sold in the restaurant industry is served by fast food restaurants.

Yes, but...
U.S. farmers will harvest the second largest corn and soybean crops on record this year with normal weather and yields. The USDA projects a 2005 corn crop of 10.9 billion bushels and a soybean crop of 2.9 billion bushels. Soybean plantings will decline by 2 million acres, or 2.6 percent, due to concerns about the soybean rust fungus, which was discovered last fall in the southern United States. Low market prices and prospects for huge soybean crops in South America will also discourage soybean plantings. Of course, Mother Nature will have a lot to say as to whether or not this prediction comes true.

Bulding for the future
The Iowa FFA Foundation's plans to build a state FFA Enrichment Center took a major step forward last week with the announcement of a partnership with Des Moines Area Community College. The 72,000-square foot center will be built on DMACC's Ankeny campus. The FFA Foundation had previously purchased land along Interstate-80 in Altoona for the center, but changed its plans when the DMACC partnership surfaced. The Altoona land will be sold and the proceeds used for construction of the Enrichment Center.

Remove the blahs
After 17 years of helping to drive consumer demand, "Pork. The Other White Meat" is getting a new look. The National Pork Board has unveiled a new initiative that builds on the success of its first consumer campaign. The new message: "Don't be Blah." Consumer research found that 25-49 year-old consumers want to eat healthy and spend more time in the kitchen. However, they feel stuck in a rut when it comes to preparing new menu items. Pork wants to position itself as trendy, exciting and easy to prepare and to find a place in the freezer, next to other ingredients like chicken and ground beef.

A new record
The Pork Checkoff contributed to record-setting U.S. pork exports in 2004. The U.S. Meat Export Federation estimates that pork exports for the year rose 27 percent to a total of 2.12 billion pounds, up 462.8 million pounds from 2003, making 2004 the 13th consecutive year for record exports.

Prepared
Georgia has launched a statewide network for agro-terrorism prevention. The group of farmers, emergency workers, veterinarians and others would protect the food supply from attack. Promoters also hope the system will improve hurricane responsiveness. The program is the first of its kind in the nation. A spokesperson from the program says it is important because most major cities have a 7-day food supply and public panic could result in a breach of food safety. Georgia will be training 3,500 participants in the system by June 2006. The first round of training took place at the University of Georgia’s Rural Development Center in Tifton, Ga., Monday and today.

Off to the races
The Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series will be fueled by ethanol beginning with the 2006 series, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announced last week. In 2006, the cars will be fueled by a blend of 90 percent methanol – the league’s current fuel – and 10 percent ethanol. The 2007 series will be powered by 100 percent ethanol.

Biodiesel on the sea
The U.S. Navy will use a blend of 20 percent diesel fuel (B20) in all non-tactical diesel vehicles, starting June 1. The new policy is expected to increase use of B20, while reducing dependence on foreign oil sources. The Navy is the largest user of diesel fuel in the world. The U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps also use diesel fuel.

More women farming
The Agriculture Department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has issued numbers that show 13.4 percent more women were the principal operators of farms in 2002 than in 1997. A total of 237,819 farms composed of 59,383,557 acres had women as the principal operators in 2002. Texas has the most farms operated by women (27,192). This compares to second place California (12,615) and third place Missouri (10,818).

Off farm income
As much as rural communities depend on farmers to bump up their tax base, and local businesses rely on the money that farmers, their families and their employees spend in town, farms also depend on rural communities - perhaps even more than the community depends on them. A study conducted by the Making American Agriculture Productive and Profitable found that on average, 90 percent of farm family income in the United States comes from off-farm sources. For 70 percent of farms, at least 75 percent of income is from off the farm.

Young farmer concerns
Young farmers and ranchers are extremely worried about the availability of land for their occupation. They are also asking the federal government for a comprehensive energy policy in which renewable fuels play a larger role. These findings come from a study of 18- to 35-year-old farmers conducted by the American Farm Bureau. For the first time in the survey's history, achieving profitability was not the No. 1 challenge listed most often by the young farmers. They listed land availability as the biggest challenge facing their farms (26 percent) followed by profitability (23 percent) and the cost of government regulations (16 percent).

Saving at the pump
The National Corn Growers Association says that ethanol, on average, costs 75 cents less per gallon than the current price of gasoline, keeping the price of blended fuels down. The average price of gasoline hit a record high of $2.15 per gallon March 28. NCGA says that filling up with the E-10 (10 percent ethanol) blend of ethanol saved some drivers as much as 15 cents per gallon last week. Flexible fuel vehicles, which use E-85 fuel (85 percent ethanol), are saving even more, with prices last week as low as $1.69 per gallon.

Corn acreage grows
The U.S. corn acreage will be the largest in 20 years, while the soybean acreage will reach a seven-year high according to Allendale, a private analyst company. Allendale projects the 2005 corn acreage at 81.7 million acres, compared to 80.9 million acres in 2004. The soybean acreage was forecast at 73 million acres in 2005, down from last year’s 75.2 million acres.

Tenth anniversary.
America’s farmers will mark a major milestone during the 2005 planting season. This year marks the ten-year anniversary of biotech crops becoming commercially available to U.S. farmers. The latest figures from the Council for Biotechnology Information suggest that nearly three-quarters of all soybean and cotton grown in the United States are biotech crops. More than a third of all corn is biotech, as well.

Oppose ban.
Several major medical and environmental groups have filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration urging the withdrawal of seven classes of antibiotics used as livestock feed additives. The groups allege that using the antibiotics as livestock feed additives does not comply with FDA guidance in place to protect human health. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, Environmental Defense, Food Animal Concerns Trust and Union of Concerned Scientists submitted the petition. The groups are urging Congress to pass legislation that phases out antibiotics as feed additives over two years. Farm and commodity organizations oppose the banning of livestock and poultry additives such as antibiotics without adequate scientific proof of danger.

Earth day every day
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced April 22 that more than 830,000 acres of wetlands were “restored, created, protected and improved” through USDA voluntary conservation programs during the past year. In making the announcement at an Earth Day celebration in Minnesota, Johanns praised the cooperative conservation efforts of the federal and state governments, private landowners and nongovernmental organizations. “I’m pleased to demonstrate today that our conservation efforts are achieving tangible results – cleaner air and water, healthier soil and improved fish and wildlife habitat."

Investment for the future
Harry Stine will donate $2 million to the FFA Enrichment Center being built on the Des Moines Area Community College's Ankeny campus. Stine, president of Stine Seed Co. of Adel, made the announcement last week during the 77th annual Iowa FFA Leadership Development Conference. “Agriculture has been my business for my entire life, so we’re just pleased to be able to give back in this area,” said Stine. “Young people are the future of agriculture, and the FFA represents agriculture and youth."

Johnson confirmed. The Senate has confirmed Stephen Johnson to head the Environmental Protection Agency. He moves from acting administrator to the 11th administrator and first career staff member to lead the agency. Johnson’s nomination was confirmation by voice vote, which had been stalled by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) who is unhappy that the EPA will not conduct an analysis comparing his air pollution bill with the president’s “Clear Skies” initiative and a proposal from Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.).

Animal ID inevitable? Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said last week in comments to the World Pork Congress that the U.S. meat industry should adopt and mandate a national animal identification system. “We are moving forward with a national animal identification system. We are moving forward to a mandatory system,” he said, while adding that the USDA will be listening to industry concerns about an animal identification system.

Trade climbing
U.S. beef trade to Mexico has climbed to 91 percent of total shipments prior to the December 2003 discovery of one cow with bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Washington state. Mexico lifted part of its ban against U.S. beef shipments in March 2004, but live cattle are still prohibited. Certain cattle parts that are considered high risk for BSE, including heads, brains, eyes and spines, are still also banned. Agriculture ministers from Mexico, Canada and the United States are continuing their efforts to develop “harmonized standards” for dealing with BSE.

Ruling helps family
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently handed down an unpublished ruling that courts cannot issue an injunction against a landowner’s lawful activities based only on the supposition that an endangered species might be harmed. The court ruling favored Idaho rancher Verl Jones’ family. The ruling means that activists should not be able to use the Endangered Species Act to request injunctions against landowners, without actual evidence that the landowners will endanger a species. Because it is unpublished, the ruling cannot be used as precedent for other cases.

Checkoff ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled May 23 that the beef checkoff program is constitutional. It’s expected that the beef checkoff’s ruling will be applied to the pork checkoff program. In a statement shortly after the court's announcement, the National Pork Producers Association said it recognizes the changing dynamics of the pork industry and will continue to work to represent its investors in the public policy arena in Washington, D.C., fighting for reasonable legislation and regulation; developing revenue and market opportunities and protecting pork producers’ livelihoods.

May is Egg Month
May is National Egg Month and in Iowa, there's plenty to celebrate. Iowa is the top egg producing state in the United States, followed by Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and California. The Hawkeye State's egg farmers have 40 million layers producing around 9.5 billion eggs per year. Iowa's layers consume around 40 million bushels of corn and 20 million bushels of soybean per year. The five largest egg producing states represent approximately 50 percent of all U.S. layers.

Back to appeals
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the beef checkoff, it has sent the pending case regarding the pork checkoff back to a federal appeals court. On May 23, the Supreme Court decided the beef checkoff was government speech and therefore protected under the first amendment. With the pork checkoff, producers pay 40 cents for every $100 worth of hogs sold. The beef checkoff assesses producers $1 for every head of cattle sold.

Town Hall Forum
Agriculture broadcasters Max Armstrong and Al Pell are coming together for their first joint broadcast at the World Pork Expo to discuss, "Livestock and Soybean Producers: Partners in U.S. Agriculture." The forum will be Thursday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The session will be taped and broadcast on Weekend Market Place, Ad Day and Market Export. Max and Al will interact with the audience to discuss issues facing the soybean and livestock industries and how cooperation can help domestic producers stay on top. Representatives from the pork, beef and poultry industries will be on a panel to answer questions.

By the numbers
June is National Dairy Month. Dairy farmers continue to play an important role in the state of Iowa. Unfortunately, dairying numbers have declined. Iowa farmers produce 3.89 Billion pounds of milk annually, a reduction of 50 million gallons or 4.5 percent in 30 years. In addition, in 1975, there were 401,000 head of dairy cattle in Iowa . Today, there are 193,000 head of dairy cattle in Iowa . This is a reduction of 208,000 head or 52 percent. And 30 years ago, there were 19,000 dairy operations in Iowa . Today there are only 2,600 operations still in existence. This is a reduction of 16,400 operations or 86 percent.

Very important
Despite some of the production decreases, an economic impact analysis in 1999 indicated that Iowa’s dairy farmers generally produce around $500 million worth of milk and more than $1.2 billion in process dairy products. This makes it one of Iowa 's five largest commodity groups. If one adds up all of the money spent on inputs, the money spent by diary workers, their families and the rest of the local economy that depends on their business, the total economic impact is well over $3.2 billion in goods and services sold (economic activity generated by dairy farmers).

Deadline approaching
Livestock producers have until July 1 to enroll in a voluntary study of air emissions being directed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The study is a joint agreement by the EPA, the National Pork Producers Council and the United Egg Board to gather badly needed data for the EPA from beef, dairy, pork and poultry confinements.
By monitoring 16 sites nationally, the EPA will set emission standards and best management practices that all enrolled producers must implement. Livestock farmers enrolling in the program receive safe harbor from any federal enforcement—for emissions during the past five years. The protection does not apply to any state laws nor nuisance actions. Livestock farmers can find more information about the air consent agreement at the following Web sites: www.epa.gov, www.nppc.org and at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

Plant to close
Packerland Packing, a division of Smithfield Foods, will close its Gering, Neb., beef slaughter plant because of an inadequate supply of slaughter beef. Senior Vice President of Packerland Packing Steve Van Lannen said the decision was based on the fact that procuring cattle to maintain production levels at this facility is a unique challenge, a situation largely due to the ban on importing cattle from Canada into the United States.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President and North Carolina cattle producer John Queen said the cutbacks have already hurt cattle feeders in the Northwest. Now, the trend is spreading to the center of the country. “The effect on cow-calf producers won’t be far behind,” said Queen.

Rust coming?
Did the first tropical storm of the hurricane season blow Asian soybean rust from Florida into the Midwest? That’s the $1 billion question, according to Dr. David Wright, director of the Iowa Soybean Association. The winds from tropical storm Arlene tracked from central Florida, where soybean rust has been confirmed this year, into the soybean growing region of the central United States, Wright noted. Soybean researchers have been carefully monitoring a nationwide network of sentinel plots to determine whether or not the mid-June storm distributed enough soybean rust spores to infect plants. It takes 10 to 14 days for rust spores to infect plants if environmental conditions are right. So far, the weather across most major soybean growing regions has been dry and hot – conditions that are unfavorable to survival of the rust fungus. Nearly one-third of Iowa’s annual soybean crop is fed to livestock.

Look for aphids
Iowa farmers should now be scouting their soybean fields for aphids, according to Iowa State University entomologist Marlin Rice. He said aphids were found earlier than expected in northeast Iowa, increasing the possibility of severe infestations. Aphid populations usually increase significantly in late July and early August. “I recommend that producers start scouting the last week of June, or the first week of July at the very latest,” Rice said. “By scouting for several weeks, it can be determined whether the population is increasing or decreasing.” Weekly scouting of five locations in each 20 acres of a field is recommended. An insecticide application is recommended if the average number of aphids is 250 per plant and appears to be increasing. A map showing counties with confirmed reports of soybean aphids can be found at www.soybeanaphid.info.

More ag in Indiana
As Iowa works to grow its agricultural success, so do other states. The Indianapolis Star reports that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has given the state’s new Agriculture Department the goal of doubling hog production within five years. He also signed a law limiting citizens’ ability to file nuisance lawsuits against farms and is discouraging counties from adopting regulations more stringent than the state’s. “The governor’s message to us is to make Indiana’s agriculture a growing, vibrant part of the economy,” says the ag department’s director Andy Miller.

Pork exports up
According to the U.S. Agriculture Department, U.S. pork exports grew by 27 percent in 2004. For 2005, pork exports are on track to surpass that growth. For January through March of this year, net pork exports were 2.7 percent higher as compared to the same period one year ago.

Another lawsuit
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has filed lawsuits alleging false advertising for claiming that milk helps in weight loss. Targets in the lawsuit, including Kraft Foods Inc. and General Mills, are accused of falsely marketing dairy milk as good for weight loss. Susan Ruland, a spokeswoman for the International Dairy Foods Association, said PCRM has no legitimate nutritional criticism and instead opposed the consumption of animal products. “These are the same people who throw paint on people who wear fur. They’ve just gotten slicker in their approaches,” she said. The suits were filed in a Virginia court on behalf of Catherine Holmes, who claims she gained weight after drinking milk in amounts the industry recommends.

Award winner
Faris Farms of Mount Ayr, a cattle operation run by Lee Faris and his family, has received the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Region III environmental stewardship award.

Nuisance statute limitation set
A Franklin District Court judge has established a statute of limitations on damages in livestock nuisance cases. Judge Stephen P. Carroll said in a summary judgment in a nuisance case involving hog confinements holding 2,400-head that a five-year statute of limitations applies to diminution of property value and two years for special personal damages. The ruling was issued in a lawsuit filed by Ronald and Beverly Viet against James and Christine Burmester, Oak Leaf Premium Pork LLC and Prairie States Management Co. The hog confinements were built near the Viet’s home, with the second completed in 1998. They filed a nuisance lawsuit in April 2003 citing odor, flies and noise. The case has been settled out of court. A statute of limitations requires aggrieved parties to file their lawsuit within a set amount of time after they are aware of the alleged damages. Most lawsuits have an established statute of limitations under Iowa law.

Readiness questioned
Last week, senators on the Agriculture Committee listened to presentations about security against agro-terrorism by Agriculture Department, Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Food and Drug Administration representatives. The senators were quick to question if much had really been accomplished other than evaluating the threat of agro-terrorism. Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) was quoted as saying, “It’s been awfully general what you’ve said.” Thomas asked what has changed in recent months. Similar comments and questions about a March Government Accountability Office report critical of biosecurity preparedness were directed at the agency representatives by senators on the committee.

Energy bill moves
Congress has broken a four-year stalemate on energy legislation, approving a compromise bill containing $5 billion in tax breaks and incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The U.S. House of Representatives easily approved the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by a vote of 275-156. Senate approval followed, sending the bill to President Bush to sign. The legislation includes a requirement to nearly double U.S. renewable fuels usage, primarily ethanol, to 7.5 billion gallons annually by 2012. The Senate had proposed an 8-million-gallon renewable fuels standard, while the House target was 5 million gallons. Iowa is the nation's largest ethanol producer, accounting for one-fourth of the nationwide total. The state's ethanol plants currently have the potential to produce 1.5 billion gallons annually.

Another test
A third animal may have tested positive for BSE and will be retested at a federal animal health laboratory for confirmation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said this week. Final test results are expected early this week. USDA said the animal, which was at least 12 years old and appeared to be domestic, tested inconclusive for the brain-wasting disease. The carcass of the animal was destroyed and does not pose a risk to human or animal health.

Estimates get going
In its first estimate of crop size based on field surveys, the USDA on Aug. 12 forecast U.S. corn production at 10.3 billion bushels, down 12 percent from last year's record 11.8 billion bushel crop. U.S. soybean production will also drop to 2.79 billion bushels, down 11 percent from 2004, the USDA said. The USDA's production numbers matched pre-report trade expectations. Iowa's corn yields are expected to average 164 bushels per acre, down from 181 bushels per acre in 2004. The USDA said Iowa soybean yields will average 44 bushels per acre, down from 49 bushels per acre last year. In Illinois, where the government has declared an extreme drought, average corn yields were projected at 125 bushels per acre, compared to last year's record 180 bushels.

Cattle herd expanding
U.S. farmers and ranchers have started to expand the nation’s cattle herd, according to the USDA’s July 22 cattle inventory report. The USDA said the number of U.S. cattle and calves totaled 104.5 million head as of July 1, up 1 percent from a year earlier. The number of beef cows, at 33.8 million head on July 1, was up 1 percent from last year, the USDA said. The number of dairy cows, at 9.05 million head, was also up 1 percent from July 2004.

Food terrorism
A focused strike against agriculture by terrorists could easily spread fear, disrupt the economy and undermine confidence in the U.S. government, experts say. Speakers at a recent conference on the subject held in California Aug. 18 provided a bleak, yet realistic overview of possible ways terrorists might attack the U.S. food and fiber system. This includes introducing viruses to animals and adding poisoned additives to snack foods. John Hoffman, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's top food and agricultural officer, said the issue of “food defense” has increasingly become a higher priority for funding, law enforcement bureaucracy and government planning.

Got more milk?
Sales of fat-free, low fat and reduced-fat milk are on the rise across the United States. During a 13-week period this spring, unit sales of milk in supermarkets, drug stores and mass merchandiser retailers (not including Wal-Mart) were up 1.5 percent compared to a year ago. This is the second straight quarter in which unit sales—or volume—of milk sold have increased.

Be on guard
Livestock nutrition specialists are warning producers that drought-stressed corn can accumulate nitrates, which are toxic when corn is consumed fresh from the field or in silage that has not had sufficient time to ferment. Normally, corn plants process nitrates into harmless proteins, but drought-stressed plants don’t have enough moisture to carry out the conversion. Delaying harvest of drought-stressed corn is recommended, especially if the crop has been rained on. This allows time for nitrates to be converted into useable amino acids and proteins, according to OhioStateUniversityresearch.

Cow export a mistake
A 31-month-old cow was mistakenly shipped to the U.S. for processing, in violation of regulations in place to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The animal was one month older than the established cutoff age for Canadian imports. The Wisconsin slaughterhouse where the cow was slaughtered has issued a voluntary recall of 1,856 pounds of beef that could contain backbone material. USDA is investigating the incident. Canada’s Food Inspection Agency also continues to investigate and reportedly suspended the veterinarian who certified the cow as eligible for shipment to the U.S.

More ethanol
Ethanol production in the United States reached 249,000 barrels per day for the month of June, according to numbers compiled by the Renewable Fuels Association. This is an all-time high in production and 12 percent higher than June of 2004. Construction projects under way will add another 65,000 barrels per day of ethanol production when completed, the RFA also noted. For more information, log on to http://www.ethanolrfa.org/pr050829.html .

New testing
Although the Agriculture Department and Food and Drug Administration officials have said that the ruminant feed rules implemented in 1997 to stop the potential infection of beef with bovine spongiform encephalopathy have worked, new rules might be unveiled in the next couple months. The enforcement rules could be stricter, but no details have been made available. During the last 14 months, more than 450,000 cattle have been tested for BSE and no contaminated meat has reached the market, USDA notes.

Katrina’s costly punch
Hurricane Katrina will cost the U.S farm sector an estimated $2 billion in direct and indirect losses, the American Farm Bureau said last week. Conservative estimates predict a $1 billion price tag on the damage done directly to crops and livestock. An additional $1 billion in indirect costs is expected as a result of a growing waterway shipping crisis and soaring fuel prices.

A silver lining
As gas prices soared above $3 per gallon and a barrel of oil surpasses $70, Iowa drivers could look to the corn and soybean fields lining the highways to find a solution to the nation’s energy crunch. On Aug. 29, more than 350 people gathered in Ames to make the most of the opportunity while discussing the outlook for biofuels and other bio-based products made from Iowa-grown crops. “We do have an unbelievable opportunity to be part of the solution,” says Iowa Republican Congressman Tom Latham. “What we are doing in agriculture is so important. We can at long last be the Middle East of energy production for this country.”

Tyson to appeal
The lead attorney for cattle producers challenging Tyson Foods over pricing says they will appeal the case. An Alabama judge threw out a $1.28 billion damage verdict awarded by a jury. A panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals backed the trial judge’s decision. However, David Domina, lead attorney in the Pickette v. Tyson case said the cattlemen will ask for a review by the entire 11th Circuit and appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Producers charged that by tying up large numbers of cattle with forward contracts, Tyson and other packers effectively depressed prices.

Activist charged
Animal rights activist Peter Daniel Young, 28, has pled guilty to two federal counts of animal enterprise terrorism after striking an agreement on charges filed against him by federal authorities. Young, who was charged with freeing thousands of mink from farms in the Midwest, is part of the radical Animal Liberation Front, authorities said.

Water is precious
The Chinese government has admitted that it is facing a severe water shortage and much of it is because of water pollution. China Vice Minister Qiu Baoxing is quoted as having said, “Short-sightedness in economic development accompanied with environmental destruction is still widespread in China.”

Profits return
Low feed costs boosted the profit potential for Iowa cattle and hog producers in September, says Iowa State University Extension economist John Lawrence.
In his monthly estimate of livestock returns, Lawrence says Iowa cattle producers finishing medium No. 1 steer calves to choice slaughter grade made an average profit of $40.23 per head in September, breaking a two-month stretch of financial losses.

Renewable energy use increases
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that electric power generated by renewable sources, including wind and biomass, has grown tenfold over the past five years. Generating capacity now stands at 2,233 megawatts, up from 167 megawatts in 2000. Renewable or “green” power sources account for just 2 percent of the U.S. energy supply, but that number is on the rise as demand continues to grow.

Biodiesel production soars
Biodiesel production will total 75 million gallons in 2005, more than three times 2004 production, according to the National Biodiesel Board. More than 600 major fleets use biodiesel nationwide and about the same number of retail filling stations sell biodiesel blends to the public.

Turkey and Iowa
Iowa produces about 8 million turkeys annually, ranking ninth nationally. Turkeys are an important value-added market for corn and soybean farmers – about two-thirds of the cost of producing a turkey comes from feed costs. The turkey industry generates about $16 for each bird produced in Iowa, counting economic activities from the farm to the processor including feed, processing and energy needed to operate a turkey enterprise.

Nitrogen prices going higher
The average retail cost of nitrogen fertilizer has skyrocketed from $250 a ton in 2002 to more than $500 a ton this fall. According to AFBF estimates, the cost is projected to be $500 - $600 per ton next spring.

Nitrogen prices going higher
The average retail cost of nitrogen fertilizer has skyrocketed from $250 a ton in 2002 to more than $500 a ton this fall. According to AFBF estimates, the cost is projected to be $500 - $600 per ton next spring.

Avian Flu web site launched
The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and Egg Safety Center have launched a new web site highlighting facts about avian influenza, especially the fact that U.S. poultry is safe to eat and bird flu does not exist in the United States. The site (www.avianinfluenzainfo.com) references protecting flocks and people. As for avian flu world news, China yesterday announced that it plans to vaccinate all the poultry currently in the country against the flu. A total of 5.2 billion birds will be inoculated, according to the Chinese government. China raises about 14 billion birds per year for domestic and export consumption.

Land values rise with livestock. Those opposed to progressive livestock farming sometimes criticize the occupation for its impact on property values. Yet a recent land sale tells a different story. At a land auction in Sioux County, Iowa, an 80-acre parcel of farm land sold for $5,900 per acre. The farm land was purchased by a cattle feeder after it was bid up by another cattle feeder. It should be noted that Sioux County is home to nearly 3 million head of livestock and more than 30,000 people.

Environmental concerns wane. An Iowa Poll conducted recently for the Des Moines Register finds that Iowans are most concerned about rising health care and energy prices. Of the 801 Iowans ages 18 and older polled, 76 percent cited the rising cost of health care and insurance as a very serious problem followed by rising gasoline and heating costs (65 percent), rising cost of prescription medicine (62) and drug abuse (60). Thirty-eight percent said the number of young people leaving Iowa was a concern followed by high property taxes (36 percent). In the aided survey, only 26 percent said water pollution was a very serious concern while 14 cited urban sprawl.

Farmall Promenade has sponsor

The Nemaha-based Farmall Promenade recently announced Case IH as the event’s official corporate sponsor. The square dancing tractors made 23 appearances in 2005 throughout the Midwest.  The promenade began as a stunt to draw more people to Nemaha centennial celebration in 1998.  For more info:  www.farmallpromenade.com

Bird flu scams

Scam artists are at work trying to cheat people into investing in companies that supposedly have products and services that fight bird flu/avian influenza. An example cited by NASD, the private financial regulatory service, noted that recent fax and e-mail distributions said a company’s stock was positioned to gain 250 percent or more in the short term by having “the solution for tracking and containing the bird flu virus.”

U.S. beef back in Japan

Two Japanese supermarket chains, Cowboy and Marunaka Co., reintroduced U.S. beef for the first time in two years on Dec. 26. According to Kyodo News Service, Marunaka was selling about six tons of Kansas beef at about $8 per pound for chuck to about $14 for sirloin. Customer reaction was approving, but cautious, with one customer saying she would stick with domestic beef for a while longer, while another said he was not worried about the beef’s safety.

Cautious growth

Iowa hog farmers are following the national trend and limiting any large-scale growth in hog numbers, says the USDA. In its Dec. 28 hogs and pigs report, the USDA estimated Iowa’s total hog inventory at 16.4 million head, up 1 percent from last year. The Iowa breeding herd was unchanged from last year at 1.07 million head. The number of Iowa market hogs totaled 15.3 million head, up 1 percent from a year earlier, the USDA said.
Iowa producers intend to farrow 440,000 sows during both the December-February and March-May 2006 quarters, unchanged from a year earlier.

Money for suits?

The Environmental Protection Agency during the past decade has given grant money to 2,200 nonprofit environmental groups, and many of them have then turned around and filed lawsuits against the EPA, according to a San Francisco Chronicle article. A new EPA policy is supposed to help prevent groups receiving competitive grants of over $15,000 from using the money to lobby or litigate. “It may be confusing to the public that with the right hand we’re accepting government money and with the left hand sometimes we’re beating up the government,” said Charles Miller, communications director for Environmental Defense.

An important resource

According to the Iowa Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa has about 36,000 sections of corn and soybeans. If they were all planted in a corn-corn-soybean rotation under a phosphorus standard, then it would take 104 million fed hogs and 21.1 million fed cattle to generate adequate nutrients to fertilize those crops. Total U.S. livestock marketings in 2004 were 103.4 million hogs and 26 million beef cattle.

Planting biotech

The acreage planted in biotech crops increased 11 percent in 2005 to 222 million acres, according to a report compiled by the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications organization and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. Double-digit increases in biotech crops grown around the world have occurred annually since the first acres were planted 10 years ago. The increases are anticipated to continue with countries such as India, Iran and China expected to be producing larger amounts of biotech rice beginning in 2006.

Open for business

A ban on U.S. beef imports will be lifted by South Korea in late March. South Korea announced it is lifting a ban on import of U.S. beef that was imposed in December 2003 following discovery of a bovine spongiform encephalopathy-infected cow. The South Korean agriculture ministry said the ban will be lifted for beef from cattle under 30 months of age, which is less restrictive than Japan’s policy. Japan is only allowing import of beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger. South Korea was the U.S.’s third-largest export market for beef prior to the ban.

Bird flu this spring?

Avian influenza could become “entrenched in the Black Sea, Caucasus and Near East regions” while also spreading farther east into Europe and into Africa this spring, according to a warning issued by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. The statement suggests that movement of people, animals and migratory birds along with trade could result in further spread.

Farmers change buying habits

Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business this week announced comparison data from farmer surveys conducted in 1998 and 2003. The surveys split the farmers into five buyer groups – the price group places the most importance on cost; the performance group is most interested in product performance, the convenience group prefers to purchase locally, the service group is relationship oriented and the balance group places about equal emphasis on the four factors defining the other groups. The biggest group, a total of 34 percent of the approximately 2,100 farmers, classified themselves as balance farmers.

Critical report

A government report criticizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The report said high-level managers at the USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) prevented employees from investigating complaints of anti-competitive market behavior and covered up the lack of enforcement by inflating the number of investigations carried out by the agency.
According to the report, the USDA has not filed any administrative complaints alleging anti-competitive conduct in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act since 1999.

Chronic drought

Texas farmers met in San Antonio January 28 to exchange ideas for combating the devastating drought that is currently gripping the state. Texas Farm Bureau organized the summit to draw attention to the economic impact of the drought, which resulted in an estimated $1.5 billion in agricultural losses in the state. Livestock producers are being hit hardest by the drought. Texas Farm Bureau is calling on Congress and the Agriculture Department to take proactive steps to alleviate the effects of the drought.

Dairy gets boost

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report today that stresses the importance of eating calcium-rich dairy foods including milk, cheese and yogurt during childhood and the teen years. According to the AAP report, eating dairy products helps build strong bones and can reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis during the later stages of life. According to Ag Department statistics, 70 percent of teenage boys and 90 percent of teenage girls do not currently take in sufficient amounts of calcium, which is necessary for the development of peak bone mass. For more information: http://www.3aday.org

WTO ruling expected

After numerous delays, the World Trade Organization is expected to issue a verdict on allegations made by the United States that the European Union has been illegally restricting imports of biotech crops. The U.S. government was joined by Canada and Argentina in filing a complaint with the WTO in 2003, alleging that EU officials placed a moratorium on approving biotech crops in 1998. Biotech crops were first planted 10 years ago. In 2005, 8.5 million farmers in 21 countries grew biotech crops on approximately 222 million acres. About half the total acreage was planted in the U.S.

Net income declines

Net farm income is projected to fall $16.4 billion from 2005, the USDA said last week. Income is expected to fall to $56.2 billion, only slightly above the 10-year average of $55.7 billion. Income was a record $82.5 billion in 2004 and $72.6 billion in 2005. The 3.8 percent decline since an estimate in November is due to a combination of factors, including inputs expected to cost $2.6 billion more due to higher fuel and fertilizer prices because of tight natural gas supplies. Fertilizer prices are seen rising 6.5 percent this year after double-digit increases in 2004 and in 2005. Costs of other inputs are expected to be up $2.2 billion reflecting higher fuel, labor costs and interest rates. Total production expenses are forecast to rise by 3.7 percent or $8 billion.

No to matrix

Fourteen counties have chosen to not use Iowa's master matrix in siting and approving confinement livestock feeding operations, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The agency said that supervisors in Plymouth, Woodbury, Clayton, Marshall, Shelby, Iowa, Warren, Mahaska, Washington, Lee, Wapello, Lucas, Decatur and Fremont counties chose to not use the matrix. Counties that adopt the matrix can use it to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of animal confinement operations that need a construction permit prior to building. The matrix is applied even though farmers meet state environmental standards. Under the matrix, they must meet more stringent requirements based on potential impacts to water quality, air quality and the community.

A new equal

Annual ethanol output from 21 plants in Iowa will soon equal the amount of gasoline used on a yearly basis by the state’s residents, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. Ethanol production is expected to reach 1.6 billion gallons in 2006; 1.5 billions of gasoline are used by Iowans each year to run vehicles. Six more ethanol plants are under construction in the state, with two expected to go online before the end of the year.

Another stunt

The eight ConAgra hog slaughter plant workers who shared the $365 million Powerball lottery jackpot have been asked to use some of their winnings to care for pigs rescued from going to slaughter. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent letters asking for donations to PETA causes and released the letters to the media as a forum for lambasting “factory farms.”

Price downturn forecast

Although pork producers have enjoyed a two-year stretch of profitable hogs prices, the markets are expected to turn at the end of 2006, says livestock economist Glenn Grimes. He says pork is now facing “terrific” competition from poultry in the retail meat case. The spread of Asian bird flu has hurt U.S. poultry exports and caused a build-up of domestic poultry supplies. In January, wholesale prices for boneless chicken breast averaged 98 cents per pound, down from $1.40 per pound a year earlier, Grimes says. “That means a real bargain for consumers in the U.S. and strong competition for pork.”

Pork producers should remain profitable through the third quarter of 2006, but could start losing money in the fourth quarter and beyond, Grimes says.

World’s largest biodiesel plant planned

The world’s largest biodiesel plant will be built by Louis Dreyfus Agriculture Industries, LLC, in Claypool, Ind.The facility will consist of two components: a processing plant that will use up to 50 million bushels of soybeans per year and a biodiesel production plant. The biodiesel plant will have a capacity of 250,000 gallons per day, which is more than 80 million gallons per year. Not coincidently, Indiana has also positioned itself to grow the number of livestock raised and marketed in the state. Livestock plays a critical role in the production of renewable energy by providing a market for nutrient-rich byproducts perfect for feed rations.

Enhanced reputation

America’s views about agriculture were more favorable in 2005 than they had been in three years, according to a Gallup poll conducted last fall. Farming and agriculture ranked third most favorable among 25 industries surveyed. Forty-five percent of Americans viewed the profession favorably, up from 38 percent in 2004 and 32 percent in 2003. In fact, ag’s favorability rating stands at its highest mark in six years.

Looking to the future

New farm policy should be structured to support where the farm sector is heading, not where it has been, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said recently during speeches at the Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif., and the National Pork Forum in Kansas City. “I ask you to think hard and think about the kind of policy that best lays the foundation for agriculture,” said Johanns, an Iowa native. “It will be different. It’s different now than when I grew up on that dairy farm in Osage. A lot different.” Johanns emphasized the need to adopt policies that support future farm and rural development, not policies that make commodities cheap. “The current farm bill is based on one word: production,” he said. Currently five crops currently receive 90 percent of federal subsidies, Johanns noted.

New NPPC president

Joy Philippi, who owns and operates Pine Alley LLC, a 2,000-head swine nursery in Bruning, Neb., has been elected president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). Chosen as NPPC president-elect was Jill Appell, who co-owns and operates Appell’s Pork Farms, a family-owned wean-to-finish operation in Altona, Ill.

A valuable resource

Farmers who have grown corn and soybeans are becoming increasingly interested in raising livestock. Greg Brenneman, an Iowa State University ag engineering specialist from Iowa City, says that 1,000 gallons of hog manure that was worth $20 just a couple of years ago is now valued at $30. Animal nutrients from one 2,400-head hog finishing barn can save a farmer as much as $10,000 in fertilizer costs.

Food prices hold steady

According to long-term projections from the U.S. Government analysis, food will remain affordable for Americans for at least the next ten years. Retail food prices are expected to increase less than the overall inflation rate. Predictions call for the producers to receive more for their crops, with most of the increased income offset by rising costs for production. U.S. consumers currently pay just 9.5 percent of their disposable income for food, less than any other country in the world.

Wetlands increase

Wetlands acreage increased in the United States from 1998 to 2004 by 191,800 acres according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This was the first increase since the service began compiling data on wetlands acreage in 1954. Total wetland acreage is 107.7 million acres, or 5 percent of the land area of the lower 48 states, according to the report. The net gain in wetlands areas was attributed to construction of freshwater ponds and wetland restorations on agricultural and conservations lands. “Farmers and ranchers are leaders in the wetland restoration and protection efforts throughout the United States,” said Johanns.

Competition being cleared

In the last five years, South America is the region of the world with the highest net loss of forests, and Africa is the second highest. In both cases, the forest losses are mainly due to conversion of forest lands to agriculture.

Food fight

A bipartisan group of Senate and House members are expected to introduce companion bills today that would prohibit the sale of unhealthy or low nutrition foods – high fat and high sugar – in the nation’s schools. The bills would amend the National School Lunch Act, but wouldn’t affect school lunch programs much, if at all, because of current nutritional standards for lunch foods. The bills would restrict the type of foods and drink sold from vending machines, school stores and snack bars and even fund-raising events, according to early reports describing the bills.

Aquatic birds main culprit

Epidemiological findings and data collected worldwide confirm that the highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus is easily spread by wild birds, but aquatic birds play the biggest role in the virus transcending country borders and continents. Looking at the susceptibility of mammals, researchers have found that cats may be susceptible to the virus but there is “no present evidence that domestic cats can play a role in the transmission cycle of H5N1 viruses,” according to a news release from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Got chocolate milk?

Chocolate milk may be the ideal sports drink, according to a recent study at the University of Indiana reported in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Research on male bicyclists indicates those who drank chocolate milk after a strenuous ride were able to keep biking 50 percent longer, compared to those who drank Endurox R4, a beverage touted to have a “patented 4 to 1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein” and other ingredients. Chocolate milk drinkers performed about as well as those who consumed Gatorade. The manufacturer of Gatorade reportedly objected to its inclusion in the study, as it’s not marketed as a sports recovery aid. The goal of the study was to determine which drink does the best job of helping the body repair itself following strenuous exercise.

Starbucks targeted

The Food & Water Watch activist group has launched a campaign to force Starbucks to use only milk from dairies that do not accept milk from cows that are given rBGH, a hormone used by some farmers to increase milk production. Consumers are being asked to contact Starbucks and demand the gourmet coffee chain only use “rBGH-free milk.” Food & Water Watch is also behind the new animated video “Meatrix 2: Revolting,” which focuses on slamming “large corporate dairy farms that inject their cows with rBGH to increase production of milk and earn higher profits at the expense of the cows’ well-being, as well as consumer’s health.” The video is on the group’s Web site and linked to other activist group’s sites.

Sewage violations in Iowa

A study conducted by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group finds that Iowa ranks fifth nationally in the percentage of its largest sewage treatment plants that violate water pollution standards. The study identified that nearly 80 percent of Iowa’s 128 larger sewage treatment plants violated their permits’ pollution limits at least once between July 2003 and December 2004 according to the Des Moines Register. In the 18-month period, Register reporter Perry Beeman writes that 100 of 128 large facilities in Iowa reported more than 775 instances when emissions were above the limits. That ranked Iowa 13th among the states in the number of times the limits were topped. Treated sewage water, writes Beeman, often contains bacteria, nitrogen or phosphorous that threaten swimmers’ health, making drinking water more expensive to treat and limit the number of fish in a stream.”

Beef ban lifted

The South Korean government has announced it will lift its ban on U.S. beef imports. South Korean technical experts recently traveled to the U.S. to examine the carcass of the Alabama cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy and verify her age to be at least 8 years. With that hurdle completed, South Korea now plans to send inspection teams to all 33 U.S. slaughterhouses that export beef, to review procedures and protocols. U.S. beef shipments to South Korea are expected to resume sometime in June.

Ag imports to increase

The Agriculture Department is predicting agricultural imports will rise 10 percent in 2006, up to a record $63.5 billion. About 60 percent of agricultural goods imported into the U.S. come from Canada, Mexico, the European Union and the People’s Republic of China. Fresh fruits and vegetables, beef, sugar, cocoa, coffee, beer and wine are the top foreign ag imports.

Celebrate National Egg Month

May is National Egg Month. In Iowa, egg farmers care for approximately 52 million laying hens. They produce nearly 12.5 billion eggs each year, the most of any state in the nation. According to Iowa State University, the industry contributes nearly $750 million in annual economic activity to the state. Iowa’s egg industry also provides a market for nearly 50 million bushels of corn and 25 million bushels of soybeans. For more information, log on to www.iowaegg.org.

Price decline continues

Milk checks will be a little smaller in May. The base milk price for April Class II milk is $11.37 per hundredweight (cwt) that is 32 cents below March and $2.07 below April of 2005. The overall U.S. milk price for April is expected to average $12.10 per cwt, down 50 cents from the average price in March. National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) says once again, Florida producers will get the highest average price, $15.10, followed by Virginia at $14.40 and Pennsylvania and Texas at $14.10. Wisconsin producers will get a $12.50 average. California will have the lowest pay price, $10.80 with Idaho second-lowest, $11.00.

Food crisis looms

According to a new United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization report, 39 countries in the world need food assistance from other nations. Twenty-four of these countries are in southern and eastern Africa and are drought-affected or chronically dependent on food aid for reasons such as war. The FAO tracks anticipated grain harvests along with past demand to compile present and likely areas of malnutrition.

Ag receipts to decline in 2006

Cash receipts from livestock production are expected to decline in 2006 from last year’s record highs due to a combination of softer consumer meat demand for meat and the corresponding weaker prices. Beef, pork and poultry production are all projected to increase in 2006. Domestic chicken supplies, in particular, have swelled this year because of bird flu fears in international markets.

Farming’s good for you

If your mother was younger that 25 when you were born, your chances of living to be 100 are more than double that of someone whose mother was 25 or older when she gave birth, According to the University of Chicago’s Center on Aging. Other factors that increase the likelihood of a person becoming a centenarian include growing up in the western U.S., being the firstborn child in a family and spending part of childhood on a farm.

Meat and poultry hotline

The Agriculture Department’s Meat and Poultry Hotline is staffed by experts prepared to answer consumer questions about keeping meat, poultry and egg products safe. Calls are answered weekdays from 10 am – 4 pm Eastern. Recorded messages may be accessed 24 hours a day. The toll-free number for the hotline is 1-888-674-6854; TTY for the hearing-impaired is 1-800-256-7072.

Predator damage costly

Cattle and calf losses from predator animals totaled 190,000 head or $92.7 million in value to farmers and ranchers during 2005, according to the Agriculture Department’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. Coyotes and dogs accounted for the majority of losses. Cattle producers used the following methods to control predators: guard animals, 38 percent; exclusion fencing, 34 percent; frequent checking, 21.8 percent; and culling, 19.6 percent.

Families are farming

The Agriculture Department’s Economic Research Service has released a report titled Structure and Finances of U.S. Farms: 2005 Family Farm Report. A key finding of the report is that 98 percent of U.S. farms in 2003 are family farms, organized as proprietorships, partnerships or family corporations. The report notes that even the largest farms tend to be family farms, while very large family farms account for a small share of farms but a large and growing share of sales.

Predator damage costly

Cattle and calf losses from predator animals totaled 190,000 head or $92.7 million in value to farmers and ranchers during 2005, according to the Agriculture Department’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. Coyotes and dogs accounted for the majority of losses. Cattle producers used the following methods to control predators: guard animals, 38 percent; exclusion fencing, 34 percent; frequent checking, 21.8 percent; and culling, 19.6 percent.

Families are farming

The Agriculture Department’s Economic Research Service has released a report titled Structure and Finances of U.S. Farms: 2005 Family Farm Report. A key finding of the report is that 98 percent of U.S. farms in 2003 are family farms, organized as proprietorships, partnerships or family corporations. The report notes that even the largest farms tend to be family farms, while very large family farms account for a small share of farms but a large and growing share of sales.

Land is used for ag

According to updated land use research from the Agriculture Department’s Economic Research Service, 52 percent of the total U.S. land area of 2.3 billion acres is used for agriculture. The study showed that more than 60 percent of U.S. land is privately owned, the federal government owns 28 percent of U.S. land, state and local governments own 9 percent and about 2 percent is in trust with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Talkin’ farming

Midwestern school buses pass farms and ranches on their way to school. But, for many students, understanding agriculture is much like the farmland that passes their bus windows — a blur. Nebraska’s Ag Pen Pals program is designed to connect elementary students and surrounding farms and encourage interest in the blur of agriculture, said Natalie Friesen, ag pen pal and Nebraska’s ag in the classroom program coordinator.

The program linked more than 250 farms and ranches with elementary classrooms last year. Through letters, students are able to ask questions about the farm they have been paired with, and the farmers share their knowledge about work and life on the farm. The only requirement is the classes and farm families communicate at least three times a year.

Food pioneers recognized

Three pioneers in soil science and policy leadership – Colin McClung of the United States and Brazilians Alysson Paolinelli and Edson Lobato – will receive the World Food Prize for 2006. The three are credited with playing a key role in turning Brazil’s arid tropical plains into a thriving region for agriculture. The $250,000 prize will be presented to the winners in October in Des Moines, Iowa, headquarters of the World Food Prize Foundation. The World Food Prize was initiated by Norman Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize winner, to recognize individuals who help improve the availability and quality of food throughout the world.

A helping hand

There continues to be strong interest in growing livestock enterprises in Iowa and the Coalition has traveled the state offering a helping hand to farmers in need. In May, CSIF assisted 15 new families in growing their enterprises successfully and responsibly – 150 families have been served since our new program year began Nov. 1, 2005. Since the Coalition’s launch in May 2004, the organization has provided a helping hand to 491 families in the areas of neighbor relations, regulatory compliance, facility siting and environmental stewardship. If you’re planning to make changes to your farm or know of someone who does, please contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436.

Nominations sought

Each of Iowa's 99 counties can nominate one producer for the Iowa Master Pork Producer Award. Each county association will select one commercial producer from the county to be placed in nomination. In counties without an organized pork producer association, the county extension office will forward the nomination to the Iowa Pork Producers Association district director. All nominations must be submitted to the district directors on or before Aug. 1, 2006. Herd health, hog quality, facilities, feed and feeding, record keeping, sanitation and maintenance, progressiveness and community involvement are among the criteria for the award. Contact IPPA for more information at 800-372-7675.

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