NCBA CEO Coming to Nebraska

Three producer meetings will be held for the public to come ask Forrest Roberts, NCBA CEO, questions about  the beef   industry. Each meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Sept. 27, O’Neill Comm. Center, (501 S 4th St, O’Neill)
Sept. 28, Westside Event Center, (4272 CR 62, Alliance)
Sept. 29, Brahmers, (East Hwy 2, Thedford)

Forrest is excited to be coming to Nebraska to be able to talk directly to “those that matter - Nebraska cattlemen and women because at the end of  the day, grassroots cattle producers set the priorities for NCBA."  Forrest will share with the attendees what  the NCBA  is doing for  the cattle industry and he will address the demand for beef.  
 
“It  is  paramount  to  the  growth  and  sustainability  of  this  organization  and  this  industry  for cattlemen and women to engage in the process of setting policies and priorities in order to build demand for U.S. beef and create an environment conducive for future generations,” said NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts.  “The discussions during  these meetings will be driven by questions we receive  from  those  that  truly matter – Nebraska cattlemen and women. At  the end of  the day, grassroots cattle producers set the priorities for NCBA.”
 
Nebraska Cattlemen are excited to have Roberts in Nebraska and that he is able to listen to the concerns of  cattlemen  in  the  state.  “We encourage our members and all producers  to attend and ask questions of Forrest,” states Nebraska Cattlemen President Chuck Folken. “It will be an exciting  opportunity  for  cattle  producers  to  receive  updates  from  Forrest  on  priority  issues. Nebraska  cattle  producers  will  have  a  front  row  seat  to  see  how  NCBA  utilizes  ideas  and requests from Nebraska Cattlemen in addressing issues important to the cattle producers in our state.”
 
For more information about the meetings call the Lincoln office at 402.475.2333.




NCBA Redbooks Available for Purchase

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has developed Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Redbooks for more than 20 years in order to help cattlemen and women keep better production records and enhance the profitability of their operations.

The 2012 Redbooks are available for purchase online at the NCBA store (www.beefusa.org/store). Book can also be purchased by calling NCBA Manager of Educational Materials Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org or by calling 1-800-525-3085. Webb said the IRM Redbooks consist of more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, sales and much more.

“NCBA’s Redbooks are small enough to fit in your pocket and are extremely handy to use whenever you need to record important information,” said Webb. “They are an inexpensive way to keep your business on track.”

 Webb said Redbooks can also be customized with a company name and/or logo as long as orders are 100 or more books. Orders exceeding 100 books are also available at a reduced cost. The standard price for a Redbook is $6.25 per copy.  




Nebraska Corn Board urges farmers to be safety-minded during harvest

Agriculture remains one of the more dangerous occupations in North America, but exercising caution, getting rest and being safety-minded can go a long way toward making it safer for everyone involved, the Nebraska Corn Board said in noting that Sept. 18-24 is National Farm Safety and Health Week.

“We’re expecting another good crop this year, and it looks like farmers will enjoy good prices, too. Yet none of it is worth injury or fatality that could have been prevented by taking appropriate precautions or simply taking time,” said Alan Tiemann of the Nebraska Corn Board. “While we all recognize the excitement and enjoyment of harvest, staying focused and resting regularly can help a lot in keep things safe around the farm for everyone, including family members helping to bring the crop in.”

Since first proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in1944, National Farm Safety and Health Week has been an annual proclamation by every sitting U.S. President.

This year’s theme is Safety Counts – Your Community Depends On It. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, which promotes National Farm Safety and Health Week, said there were more than 50 grain bin incidents, auger related injuries, power take offs (PTO) incidents and more than two dozen fatalities in the U.S. last year.

“Grain production and handling continues to be one of the most dangerous aspects of crop production,” Tiemann said. “With more than 1 billion bushels of on-farm storage capacity across Nebraska, grain bins and associated equipment are common on farms and deserve extra attention.”

Tiemann also cautioned motorists driving on rural roads during harvest. Such roads see additional traffic during harvest, which increases the chances for accidents to occur between slower moving farm equipment and vehicles moving at highway speeds. In addition, rural intersections will have heavier-than-normal travel and dusty conditions may limit visibility, as can sun glare in the morning and evening. Standing crops in the field may also block a clear view of oncoming traffic.

The Nebraska Corn Board encourages farmers to pay special attention to the safety features of their equipment, and encourages everyone to keep an eye toward safety on the highways and byways this harvest and year round.

Some things to consider for farmers and farm workers while on the farm this fall:
    * Ensure that trained family members and employees are operating powerful equipment.
    * Develop a set of safety rules that everyone should follow – and enforce them. Also consider developing an emergency plan so everyone is on the same page.
    * Check that PTOs are well protected to avoid contact with clothing or people during operation.
    * Check to make sure safety shields are in place on all equipment everyday – they are there for a reason.
    * Always be aware of power lines that can come in contact with moving equipment and augers around grain bins.
    * Grain bins deserve special attention and caution when grain is being loaded and removed. Safety measures should be put in place to avoid any risk of entrapment and suffocation.
    * Take periodic breaks to help avoid fatigue. Take a rest break for a few minutes, go for a short walk or check in with family members.
    * Use extra caution when backing equipment. It is easy to overlook something or more importantly, someone, especially a child.
    * Protective eye and ear wear is important in many situations.
    * Equip tractors and combines with a fire extinguisher, as dry crop residue is fuel for a fire.
    * Remind family members and workers that safe practices come before expedience.

“Harvest and fall field work is truly a thrill, with all the sights, sounds and beauty of this time of year,” Tiemann said. “So please be careful, as we’d like to see all the farmers and their families out in the fields again come springtime, when cold weather gives way to the excitement of getting the crop in the ground.”



New Pheasants Forever Chapter Sprouts in Nebraska’s Platte County

Hunters and conservationists in and around Columbus, Nebraska have formed a new Pheasants Forever chapter. Known as the Platte County Pheasants Forever chapter, the group is dedicated to improving the area's wildlife habitat, providing area youth with opportunities to hunt and establishing Platte County as a leader in Nebraska’s upland conservation efforts.

The chapter is led by Chis Langan, a Columbus resident, lifelong upland hunter and the chapter's newly elected president. "What is most important to us as a Pheasants Forever chapter is to have Platte County be seen as a positive and motivating factor in the conservation world," says Langan, "We plan on accomplishing this through our youth mentored hunts and by showing the public how habitat improvement projects can be beneficial to both area wildlife and landowners."

Pheasants Forever empowers county and local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

"The Platte County Pheasants Forever chapter is dedicated to the protection and promotion of pheasants, pheasant hunters and the success of conservation in and around the Columbus area," says Jerry McDonald, Pheasants Forever's Eastern Nebraska Regional Representative, "I know the Platte County community will significantly benefit from the Platte County Pheasants Forever chapter volunteers, who are willing to go above and beyond in order to help make a difference for pheasants, quail and other wildlife."

"We are looking forward to a successful first year, and welcome any questions or comments," noted Langan.

Platte County Pheasants Forever
• The Platte County Pheasants Forever chapter has also elected John Obrist of Columbus as Treasurer and Troy Langan of Columbus as Habitat Chair.
• The Platte County Pheasants Forever chapter will hold their banquet at the Elks Country Club in Columbus on Friday, March 23rd.
• The chapter's next meeting will be at Obrist and Company in Columbus on Wednesday, September 21st at 7pm.
• For more information about the chapter, contact Jerry McDonald at (402) 875-3810 / or Chis Langan / (402) 910-5081

Nebraska is home to 62 Pheasants Forever chapters, 4 Quail Forever chapters (Pheasants Forever's quail conservation division) and more than 10,500 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members.



Grassfed Exchange in Norfolk, NE
(from N.E. NE NRD)

The Grassfed Exchange was very well attended at the Northeast Community College Ag Complex on September 16 and 17, 2011.  Expanding demand was in evidence by the 250 attendees at this event, making it one of the largest and most important Grassfed events in the US.  This is close to twice the attendance from the same event a year ago in the same location!  Canada and 26 states from across the US were represented.

There was an amazing posthumous tribute to Terry Gompert, UNL Extention Educator from Knox County, NE.  Terry was basically the key inspiration for not only the Grassfed event, but for the majority of the reasons that we find the heart of the Grassfed beef raising to be centered around his backyard here in Nebraska.  He started this event, was inspirational of the event as well as the motor that made it work.  He was deeply missed at the conference.

The event was videotaped in entirety and highly recommended.  To acquire any or all of the DVD’s visit the website www.grassfedexchange.com or email joey@grassfedexchange.



USDA and Nebraska Announce Area Expansion for Platte-Republican CREP

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state of Nebraska have agreed to expand the eligible land available to enroll in the Platte-Republican Resources Area Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The agreement also includes new optional voluntary easements to permanently retire irrigation water use and updates the federal irrigated rental rates for irrigated cropland enrolled in this CREP to reflect prevailing cash rents. These updated rental rates range from $120 to $180 per year depending on the type of irrigation used and watershed location within the project area.

“This CREP partnership will continue to reduce ground and surface water use on irrigated cropland to help alleviate stress on water resources,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson. “This agreement also will reduce sediment, nutrient and pesticide loadings into Nebraska rivers and lakes and enhance wildlife.”

This CREP agreement will target water conservation along the Republican and Platte rivers from the Wyoming border to Central Nebraska. The agreement covers up to 100,000 cropland acres near the two rivers and their tributaries. The expanded project area now will include Pumpkin Creek in Banner County and the South Platte River and Lodgepole Creek in Cheyenne, Deuel and Kimball counties. The program will help protect lakes and water sources through the establishment of native grass plantings, permanent wildlife habitat covers, filter strips, riparian buffers and the restoration of wetlands.

The CREP program is a cooperative project among producers, FSA and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the state of Nebraska and local water authorities. The objective of this partnership will be to promote water conservation by reducing the use of irrigation water and at the same time accrue the benefits of improved water quality and enhancement of wildlife habitat. This project also will help conserve energy by reducing consumption of fossil fuels used to power irrigation systems that pump surface and groundwater.

The goals of the Platte-Republican CREP, when fully enrolled, include:

Reducing the use of cropland irrigation by 125,000 acre-feet annually; Increasing surface and groundwater retention by 85,000 acre-feet of water annually within priority area reservoirs, groundwater tables and streams and; Providing up to 85,000 acres of native grassland habitat for wildlife in the priority area and increasing the populations of pheasants and other ground nesting birds by 25 percent in the area.

Currently, over 45,000 acres have been enrolled in the Platte-Republican Resources Area CREP since April 2005.

The state will contribute 20 percent of the overall annual program costs through contributions of cash and in-kind services such as current water conservation, water quality and wildlife enhancement activities within the CREP area.

The state of Nebraska provides cost-share payments to qualifying participants, funding for monitoring and evaluation projects and a full-time CREP project coordinator to oversee project operations. In-kind services valued at $3.1 million per year have been pledged by local and state agencies, including natural resources districts, irrigation and power districts, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

CREP is a voluntary program that assists participants in implementing conservation practices on environmentally sensitive land. In return for enrolling eligible land for a 10- to 15-year period, participants receive annual rental payments paid on a per-acre basis, cost-share assistance and other financial incentives.

CREP combines an existing CCC program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), with state programs to meet specific state and national environmental objectives. CREP partnerships with states, tribal governments and private groups provide a coordinated approach to addressing critical conservation issues of the state and nation.

When necessary, participants are allowed to temporarily apply limited amounts of irrigation water to their fields after the CRP contracts begin to help establish permanent vegetative covers.

Interested farmers and ranchers may contact the local USDA Service Center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures.



Iowa Soybean Association Elects Officers

The Iowa Soybean Association recently held its board elections. Dean Coleman from Humboldt took his seat as president with Mark Jackson of Rose Hill as president-elect. Tom Oswald of Cleghorn was elected treasurer and Wayne Fredericks of Osage of was chosen as secretary. Brian Kemp of Sibley was also elected to the executive committee.

Coleman says the board did a great job selecting the executive committee.

"They bring varying talents and levels of experience that will cause great discussions as we work on projects and areas of concern," Coleman says. "I'm looking forward to this coming year as we see record prices and the need to use producer dollars in an ever more prudent manner. We need to keep our exports at record pace, so working with the Chinese and all our other export customers, as well as our domestic partners, will be paramount. Another area I'm focusing on is the need to fund research to increase yields as we race to keep up with demand."

Those reelected to three-year terms include Curt Sindergard of Rolfe, representing District 1; Delbert Christensen of Audubon, representing District 4; Randy VanKooten of Lynnville, representing District 5; and Jim Andrew of Jefferson and Roy Arends of Alexander are At Large directors.

Other district directors include Brian Kemp, representing District 1; Wayne Fredericks and Dean Coleman, representing District 2; Sheila Hebenstreit of Jefferson and Kermit Allard of Cedar Falls, representing District 4; Rolland Schnell of Newton, representing District 5; Benjamin Schmidt of Iowa City and Ed Ulch of Solon, representing District 6; Jeff Jorgenson of Sidney and Delbert Westphalen of Atlantic, representing District 7; Cliff Mulder of Pella, representing District 8; Mark Jackson and John Heisdorffer of Keota, representing District 9. Ron Heck of Perry and Tom Oswald are At Large directors.



NW Iowa Beef Facilities Tour Draws More Than 260

Attendance at the Beef Facilities Tour in Ida County indicates there is interest in growing and expanding the beef industry. More than 260 producers and agri-business staff toured five beef operations near Holstein, Iowa. The tour, co-sponsored by the Ida County Cattlemen's Association, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, was heavily supported by local businesses.

"What was unique about the tour was that the number of young producers, less than 30 years of age, was equivalent to the number of older producers over age 60," commented Don Friedrichsen, Ida County Cattlemen's board member. "And, younger family members are actively involved in the daily operation at each of the hosting sites. It's encouraging to see young people entering the industry," added Ted Paulsrud, Ida County Cattlemen's president.

Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, reports that the economic impact of a new 312-head cattle farm in Ida County would provide 4.2 jobs and provide almost $1.5 million in sales. In addition, it generates $136,483 of labor income and added value of more than $358,000!

The tour was hosted by the Alan Friedrichsen, Kevin Conover, Bob Butcher, Brian Friedrichsen and Brett Friedrichsen families. The barns included wide (100-foot) mono-slope barns, a gable-roofed barn, and semi-confinement facility with a narrow mono-slope roof and outside concrete pens. At two of the sites, producers took advantage of existing concrete and built the new barn over part of it.

"Producers are building barns to reduce the potential for run-off. In addition, many also indicate better feed efficiency and performance compared with cattle in open feedlots, said Beth Doran, ISU Extension beef program specialist. "And this year, with heat stress, there was the added benefit of shade to reduce solar radiation."

Following the evening meal, a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training was conducted by Doug Bear, director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council; Grant Dewell, ISU Extension veterinarian; and Brent Meyer, veterinarian at the Holstein-Ida Grove Veterinary Clinic. The training included a post-mortem examination, presentations and a participant test. The goal is to instruct participants on best management practices that ensure a safe, nutritious, and high quality product for consumers. More than 50 producers became BQA certified during the event. For additional information on BQA, please contact the Iowa Beef Industry Council at 515-296-2305 or doug@iabeef.org.

Materials from the Beef Facilities Tour will be posted on the Iowa Beef Center website at www.iowabeefcenter.org and includes all handouts and information sheets at each facility.



EPA Never Said Hay is a Pollutant
Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator

A Kansas feedlot operator is trying to make hay by falsely claiming that EPA defined hay as a water pollutant.

The owner of the Callicrate Feeding Company has been spinning a “hay-as-pollutant” myth through the blogosphere for a couple of weeks now. While the company is certainly entitled to its own opinions about EPA, the company is not entitled to its own set of facts.

Here are the facts. On August 15, EPA’s Region 7, which includes Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and nine tribal nations, took action to correct several serious environmental violations at the Callicrate Feeding Company in St. Francis, Kansas. EPA found water permit violations at Callicrate’s operation that needed to be addressed. The compliance order was not based on hay. Nor would EPA have issued such an action based on hay.

To be clear: The order had nothing to do with hay. At no place in the 11-page order is the word “hay” mentioned. Nor is there mention of alfalfa or grass.

EPA cited the Callicrate operation for failure to control harmful runoff, maintain adequate manure storage capacity, keep adequate operation records, and meet the state and federal requirements of its nutrient management plan.

EPA inspectors observed silage, and dried distillers grains within the uncontrolled feedstock storage area.

When stored inappropriately, the silage and grains can turn into a liquid material that contains contaminants detrimental to water quality. EPA inspectors also observed slaughter wastes being stored outside in an uncontrolled area. The EPA order was based on those contaminants and the other violations mentioned above.

The Callicrate facility is permitted by the State of Kansas for a capacity of 12,000 head of beef cattle and had 3,200 head at the time of the inspection. Under EPA definitions, 1,000 head of beef is considered a large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). This is not a small operation. The permitted capacity puts the company in the top five percent of the largest animal feeding operations in Region 7.

This action by EPA was issued to correct problems. Less than two weeks after the order was issued, Callicrate’s attorney informed us that the company had already taken action to address the problems identified in EPA's order.

We have some indication of how other producers have perceived this fracas in a feedlot. Region 7’s offer to meet with Kansas cattle producers to discuss CAFO enforcement was warmly received and we will be meeting within days. Drover/Cattle Network published an article debunking the “hay-as-pollutant” myth.

As that article concludes: “But as the industry confronts and negotiates these genuine regulatory issues, R-CALF’s claim that ‘EPA declares hay a pollutant to antagonize small and mid-sized U.S. cattle feeders’ is unnecessary, inflammatory hyperbole.”



Taiwan Feed Millers, U.S. Grains Council Sign Joint Letter Outlining Purchase Plans

Leaders from Taiwan’s Feed Industry Association (TFIA) have signed a formal letter of intent today announcing plans to purchase from 7.7 million metric tons to as much as 10.5 million tons (303-413 million bushels) of U.S. corn and a half to three-quarters of a million tons of corn co-products such as distillers dried grains and corn gluten in 2012 and 2013.

"For U.S. farmers, Taiwan is a long-established and deeply valued customer and partner," said U.S. Grains Council Past Chairman Terry Vinduska, who signed the letter on behalf of the Council at a formal ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.

"Taiwan is the sixth-largest export market for U.S. agriculture, and our fifth-largest corn market," he noted. "This letter of intent is the latest in Taiwan’s unique tradition of goodwill missions to announce its plans. It represents a promise of more than 300 million, maybe as much as 400 million bushels of corn exports."

The value of the Taiwanese corn purchase commitment is estimated to total from $2.47 to as much as $3.39 billion.

TFIA Chairman Yau-Kuen Hung represented the Taiwanese association. The delegation, which also included representatives from Taiwan’s oilseed processing association and flour millers’ association, signed similar letters outlining their intent to purchase 3 to 3.2 million tons (110-118 million bushels) of U.S. soybeans and 1.7 million tons (62 million bushels) of U.S. wheat.

After formal visits in Washington, the delegation will travel to Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa for meetings with producer groups and state officials.

Taiwan, with the second-highest per capita consumption of U.S. agricultural products in the world, imported 2.4 million tons (94 million bushels) of U.S. corn in the 2010/2011 market year.



USW, State Wheat Commissions Host Japanese Milling Managers

A team of mid-level managers from four flour milling companies in Japan are visiting the United States through Sept. 24 on an educational tour sponsored by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). In Fargo, ND, and Portland, OR, the millers will learn more about wheat breeding innovations, the latest crop quality data and how the U.S. wheat export system benefits buyers. Japan has imported, on average, more U.S. wheat than any other country for many years and is the largest importer of U.S. hard red spring (HRS) and soft white (SW) wheat. The North Dakota Wheat Commission, Northern Crops Institute, Oregon Wheat Commission, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Wheat Marketing Center, private exporters, elevator operators and wheat farmers will meet with the team during their visit.

“These future leaders of Japan’s milling industry are keenly aware of how important it is to understand where their wheat comes from and how the U.S. wheat industry works to ensure the highest possible quality and safety,” said Japan Country Director Wataru “Charlie” Utsunomiya, who is traveling with the team. “We know that these customers are reassured by making a personal connection with U.S. wheat farmers and others in the industry.”

U.S. wheat farmers have maintained this close connection since 1949, when the Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) organized a trade delegation to Japan. Following that trip, a variety of marketing and educational activities were started in Japan to promote U.S. wheat, including a school lunch program and a “Kitchen on Wheels” that travelled through rural Japan from 1956 to 1960.

Since that time, Japan has imported more than 133 million bushels of U.S. wheat per year on average for the last five years. Total U.S. wheat purchases now conservatively reach $700 million per year, more than 10 percent of total U.S. wheat exports.



Fertilizer Prices Remain Steady

For the fifth week in row, fertilizer prices continue to show little movement according to retailers tracked by DTN. The sizeable drop in commodity prices over the last three weeks may have some farmers waiting to see if fertilizer prices will drop as well.  

Seven of the eight major fertilizers showed a higher price compared to the second week of August, but the increase is very small. DAP had an average price of $705/ton, MAP $725/ton, potash $642/ton, urea $605/ton, anhydrous $801/ton, UAN28 $401/ton and UAN32 $446/ton.  The remaining fertilizer, 10-34-0, was just slightly lower in price compared to the second week of August. The starter fertilizer's average price was $792/ton.

On a price-per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.66/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.72/lb.N and UAN32 $0.70/lb.N.

All eight major fertilizers are now showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer has skyrocketed in recent months and is now 73% higher compared to the second week of September 2010.  Urea has now climbed 45% while UAN32 is up 42% and UAN28 has increased 35%. Potash is now 33% higher while anhydrous has increased 32%. Bringing up the rear are the phosphate fertilizers. MAP climbed 25% higher while DAP jumped 24% higher compared to one year earlier.



Senate Moves One Step Closer to Finalizing Trade Agreements
— NCBA Urges Reid to Act Swiftly to Advance FTAs

Yesterday evening, Sept. 19, 2011, the U.S. Senate voted 84 to 8 to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed with the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) legislation. According to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Manager of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus, the Senate took the first step necessary toward passing pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.  

“This procedural vote was a critical step toward ending the multi-year delay on passing pending trade pacts that would stimulate the economy and create jobs,” said Bacus. “This legislation is one of the many requirements President Obama has demanded before he will send the agreements to Congress.”

 Bacus said the Senate is likely to consider many amendments to the GSP legislation. Bacus expects the legislation to eventually pass and then go before the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. He said the president likely will delay sending the trade agreements to Congress until the House passes the GSP bill. As far as predicting a timeline for the FTAs, Bacus said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) “holds the cards.”

“Sen. Reid holds the cards regarding how much time will be spent on the GSP bill. He has the ability to tie this up as long as he wants but there’s also a chance we could see the bill move quickly. Much of that will hinge on how many amendments he allows,” said Bacus. “There is enormous pressure on Sen. Reid to keep this under control.”

Bacus said time is of the essence. The Senate still has to approve the continuing resolution before it expires on Sept. 30, in order to avoid a government shutdown. If the Senate doesn’t finish work on GSP this week, the likely timeline to consider the FTAs gets pushed to October when the Senate returns from recess. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is scheduled to visit the White House on Oct. 13 for an official state visit, which Bacus said that would be the ideal time to finalize the trade agreements.   



Holstein Association Supports Dairy Policy Legislation

The Holstein Association USA, Inc. board of directors have confirmed their support of Discussion Draft legislation put forth by House Agriculture Committee's Ranking Democratic member, Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID).

As part of their measure, the bill would replace current dairy product price support and Milk Income Loss Contract programs with a program to protect dairy producer income when the difference between milk and feed prices is less than the specified amount. It would also establish a Dairy Market Stabilization Program, and amending Federal Milk Marketing Orders.

"The Dairy Market Stabilization part of the program is key, and a major reason for the Association's support of the program," said Holstein Association President Chuck Worden. "We plan on continuing to work with Congressmen Peterson, Simpson, and others so that new dairy legislation can be written which will benefit all Holstein Association USA members and dairy producers nationwide."

Holstein Association CEO John Meyer states says his group salutes Peterson and Simpson for their leadership in putting this draft legislation forward.

"It is encouraging to know that we have leaders like them in Washington, D.C. working positively on behalf on U.S. dairy farmers," Meyer said.



Report: World Energy Consumption to Increase 53% by 2035

International Energy Outlook 2011 released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration presents updated projections for world energy markets through 2035. According to the report, worldwide energy consumption grows by 53 percent between 2008 and 2035 in the Reference case, with much of the increase driven by strong economic growth in the developing nations especially China and India.

"China and India account for half of the projected increase in world energy use over the next 25 years. China alone, which only recently became the world's top energy consumer, is projected to use 68 percent more energy than the United States by 2035," said Acting EIA Administrator Howard Gruenspecht.

China and India lead the growth in world demand for energy in the future. The economies of China and India were among those least affected by the worldwide recession. They continue to lead world economic growth and energy demand growth in the Reference case. In 2008, China and India combined accounted for 21 percent of total world energy consumption. With strong economic growth in both countries over the projection period, their combined energy use more than doubles by 2035, when they account for 31 percent of world energy use in the IEO2011 Reference case. In 2035, China's energy demand is 68 percent higher than U.S. energy demand.

Renewable energy is projected to be the fastest growing source of primary energy over the next 25 years, but fossil fuels remain the dominant source of energy. Renewable energy consumption increases by 2.8 percent per year and the renewable share of total energy use increases from 10 percent in 2008 to 15 percent in 2035 in the Reference case. Fossil fuels, however, continue to supply much of the energy used worldwide throughout the projection, and still account for 78 percent of world energy use in 2035 While the Reference case projections reflect current laws and policies as of the start of 2011, past experience suggests that renewable energy deployment is often significantly affected by policy changes.

Natural gas has the fastest growth rate among the fossil fuels over the 2008 to 2035 projection period. World natural gas consumption increases 1.6 percent per year, from 111 trillion cubic feet in 2008 to 169 trillion cubic feet in 2035. Unconventional natural gas (tight gas, shale gas, and coalbed methane) supplies increase substantially in the IEO2011 Reference case-especially from the United States, but also from Canada and China.

World oil prices remain high in the IEO2011 Reference case, but oil consumption continues to grow; both conventional and unconventional liquid supplies are used to meet rising demand. In the IEO2011 Reference case the price of light sweet crude oil (in real 2009 dollars) remains high, reaching $125 per barrel in 2035. Total world petroleum and other liquids fuel use increases by 26.9 million barrels per day between 2008 and 2035, but the growth in conventional crude oil production is less than half this amount at 11.5 million barrels per day, while production of natural gas plant liquids increase by 5.1 million barrels per day, World production of unconventional resources (including biofuels, oil sands, extra-heavy oil, coal-to-liquids, and gas-to-liquids), which totaled 3.9 million barrels per day in 2008, increases to 13.1 million barrels per day in 203.