No Anticipation of Delays This Harvest in NE

Producers can expect a similar weather pattern during harvest this year compared to last year, as this will be the second year of a La Nina pattern, according to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln state climatologist.

Al Dutcher, state climatologist in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, expects to see an overall drier pattern during harvest in the Central Plains. He doesn't anticipate much delay this year.

"Timing will be more variable due to cooler conditions this spring across the Panhandle and North Central Nebraska," Dutcher said. "Those regions may not hit crop maturity until late September or early October."

Dutcher said there has been more soil moisture in western Nebraska this year than last year. Based on precipitation patterns in that region, he said more moisture could carry over into the end of the growing season. As long as there's no daily rain for two weeks straight, though, Dutcher said producers should have ample time to dry out the soils.

He said harvest should take off in the southern half of the state during the last two weeks of September for corn, but that will depend on the amount of rainfall and how quickly the crop dries. He doesn't anticipate a repeat of 2009, which had a late maturing crop and various weather problems, including a long-lived wet period.

"We have a very strong drought across the southern and Central Plains," Dutcher said. "As long as those persist, we will more than likely share in some of those periods of above normal temperatures."

According to Dutcher, precipitation typically drops off from September to October. He said the eastern region of the state could get between 3 and 3.5 inches and the western region between 2 and 2.5 inches in September, but those numbers would drop in the subsequent months.

Based on past experiences and the way this growing season has gone, Dutcher suspects that trend will continue this year.

"The one fly in the ointment that would cause this to be thrown out is if there's a major tropical system coming on Texas and up through the Central Plains," Dutcher said.

That would somewhat break the drought, Dutcher said, but if it brings more moisture in the Central Plains, there could be a lot of rainfall in a short amount of time. That would be a concern, especially with the flooding this summer across the Midwest.

Last year at this time, the Lake McConaughy reservoir was at 89.3 percent of its capacity, with federal mandates saying the reservoir had to stay under 90 percent of its total capacity by Oct. 1. Now the reservoir is at 91.1 percent of its capacity.

Dutcher said there have been some draws from the reservoir for irrigation due to hot and dry weather, but he expects that will only last through mid-September. McConaughy and other upstream reservoirs, including Seminoe, Pathfinder and Glendo, are extremely full. Also, there has been lower irrigation demand this year due to wetness in various regions. These two factors could cause an issue of managing water next spring, said Dutcher, but it also will depend on the snowpack this winter.

"Bottom line, we don't have the storage space available to handle a normal snow year right now," Dutcher said. "We will play this game once again in terms of how much room we have to make more storage and whether or not to do an early release."



Flood Recovery Resource Fair Sept. 9 in Tekamah

UNL Extension Flood Recovery Resource Fair for residents and business owners preparing to return to flood-damaged properties will be from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 9 in Tekamah, Neb.  The fair will be in the City Auditorium at 1315 K St. Resource people from FEMA, state agencies and UNL will be on hand to answer questions about clean-up and restoration of landscapes, homes and buildings.

"This fair is not just for people affected by the flooding in Burt County, it is for everyone up and down the river as well," said Carroll Welte, UNL Extension educator in Burt County. "Our goal is for people to have an opportunity to talk one-on-one with experts about problems or issues specific to their situations. They can take as much time as they want to seek out the information they need the most."

UNL Extension educators John Fech and Sarah Browning and forester Graham Herbst will talk about trees and landscapes.  UNL Extension educators Welte and Becky Versch and Shirley Niemeyer, UNL professor emeritus in housing and environment, will cover cleaning flood-damaged homes. UNL educator Deanna Peterson will provide resources for helping people keep a positive outlook.

Loren Kucera with the Nebraska Business Development Center at Wayne State College will be on hand to talk to business and homeowners about possible financial assistance from the Small Business Administration. Representatives from the Nebraska Electrical Division and the power companies will be on hand to talk about reconnecting the electricity.

Other agencies that have been asked to send representatives include the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Nebraska Emergency Management Association, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and the Elkhorn Public Health Department.

A complete list of resource providers can be found on the UNL Extension flood website at http://flood.unl.edu/. For more information contact UNL Extension in Burt County at 402-374-2929 or email, cwelte1@unl.edu.



NEFB President to be Honored by NeARC
Paul C Hay, Gage County Extension Educator and President, Nebraska Ag Relations Council

The Nebraska AgRelations Council will honor their 2011 Service to Agriculture honoree, Keith Olsen at an  Honor Banquet and Roast on Wednesday September 14th at the Grand Island MidTown Holiday Inn beginning with a 6:00 pm reception and a 7:00 pm Honor Banquet.  Banquet tickets are $20 per person.  You can call 402-472-2821 by September 12th for reservations and pay at the door or send the names of those attending and payment to the Nebraska AgRelations Council, P.O. Box 830918, Lincoln, NE 68583-0918.

Keith Olsen operates a no-till dryland certified wheat and corn farm in Grant, Nebraska.  Keith is a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist, a 4-H Leader for 30 years, Board Member and President of Perkins County Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farm Bureau and since 2004 has served on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board.  Keith and his wife Doris are the parents of three grown sons and have several grandchildren.

I am sure will want to pay tribute to The Nebraska AgRelations Council 2011 Honoree, Keith Olsen by  attending a truly fun night with a “Roast and Toast” of Keith by a few of his friends.  Dress is casual so you can come as you are from Husker Harvest Days.

For more information e-mail Paul C Hay at phay1@unl.edu, call 402-223-1384, or visit the Gage County Nebraska Extension Website: gage.unl.edu.  



Nebraska LEAD Announces 2011-2013 Fellows

Nebraska LEAD Group 31 participants were announced by Terry Hejny, director, Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program.  The newest members of Nebraska's premier two-year agricultural leadership development program in its 31st year are made up exclusively of participants who are involved in production agriculture and/or agribusiness in Nebraska, Hejny said.  "Once again we are proud to say that Class 31 appears to be filled with outstanding individuals from throughout the state," Hejny said.  

LEAD Fellows will participate in 12 monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a 14-16 day international study/travel seminar. The goal of the program is to develop problem solvers, decision makers and spokespersons for agriculture and Nebraska.  The two-year program will begin in September.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, resources and people of Nebraska's Panhandle and other areas designed to develop leaders through exposure to a broad array of current topics and issues and how they interrelate.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is operated by the non-profit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and 10 other institutions of higher education throughout Nebraska.

Nebraska LEAD 31 Fellows in alphabetical order are Sondra Anderson, Harrisburg; Sara Bartak, Ewing; David Bray, Omaha; Brandon Carter, Gothenburg; Chad Eisenmenger, West Point; Brock Elsen, Sumner; Josh Fries, Imperial; Jeff Henn, Omaha; Chandra Horky, Sargent; Jerad Hutchens, Lincoln; Tom Jasnoch, Ogallala; Tony Johanson, Oakland; Suzanna Klaasmeyer, Hershey; Matt Miller, Mitchell; Sean Minahan, Plattsmouth; Gerri L. Monahan, Lincoln; Brian Mumm, Geneva; Nathan Oligmueller, Alliance; Tracy Olson, North Platte; David Pandorf, Callaway; Todd Reed, Lincoln; Jeremy Reineke, Gretna; Ryan Reuter, Minatare; Kurt Rewinkel, Wakefield; Joe Richeson, Gothenburg; Jim Schneider, Aurora; Rochelle Schoneberg, Sutton; Jeff Stuehmer, Lincoln; Desiree Wineland, Cambridge; and Michael Wisnieski of Omaha.



Four Cargill Locations Cited for Energy Efficiency

Four Cargill Corn Milling North America locations--Blair, Neb.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Eddyville, Iowa; and Wahpeton, N.D.--have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for protecting the environment through energy efficiency, for the second year in a row.

Earning the ENERGY STAR places the Cargill Corn Milling facilities in Blair, Cedar Rapids, Eddyville and Wahpeton within the top 25 percent of wet corn milling plants in the nation with regard to energy performance.

"Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's industrial facilities is critical to protecting our environment," said Jean Lupinacci, director, ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. "From the plant floor to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their facilities more energy efficient and earning EPA's ENERGY STAR."

EPA's ENERGY STAR Energy Performance Indicators (EPI) allow companies to measure their energy performance against others in the industry while achieving breakthrough improvements in energy efficiency. Corn Milling used the EPI tool to allow plant energy managers to evaluate energy efficiency and to achieve scores of 75 or higher on EPA's 1-100 scale and receive the ENERGY STAR designation.

"Receiving the Energy Star award was no easy task," said Marty Muenzmaier, sustainability director, Cargill Corn Milling North America. "Strong energy performance is a key part of the success of Cargill Corn Milling. Over the past 10 years, we have achieved greater than a 20-percent improvement in energy use efficiency. This is an honor for Cargill and we are very proud of this great achievement."

An ENERGY STAR qualified facility meets strict energy performance standards set by the EPA, uses less energy and causes fewer greenhouse gas emissions than similar facilities.



New E85 pump opening in St. Paul

A new E85 pump offering the high-ethanol blend is available in the St. Paul area at Aurora Cooperative, 614 2nd St. The station is celebrating with a special grand opening scheduled for Thursday, September 8 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  The station will offer an 85₵ discount on E85 for up to 30 gallons per flex fuel vehicle during the promotion.

The St. Paul E85 pump is the 68th in Nebraska to offer higher ethanol blends. The location will have regular gasoline, E10 unleaded, and E85 available. Find a current list of Nebraska E85 pumps in Nebraska at the Nebraska Ethanol Board website at www.ne-ethanol.org or check the Nebraska Corn Board website at www.nebraskacorn.org.

Over 100,000 Nebraska motorists currently own Flexible Fuel Vehicles, which can run on any blend of ethanol and gasoline, including E85. Drivers can confirm if their car is a FFV by checking their owner’s manual or visiting the Nebraska Ethanol Board website at www.ne-ethanol.org/ffv  .

"E85 and other ethanol fuels burn cleaner than gasoline and the ethanol is produced here in Nebraska.  As manufacturers produce more Flex Fuel Vehicles each year, there is an opportunity to expand the use of high level ethanol blends,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board Administrator. “When FFV drivers fill up on E85 and other ethanol blends, they’re strengthening Nebraska’s economy, making our country more energy independent and going easier on the environment,” Sneller said.

“We are pleased that ethanol, grown and produced right here in Nebraska by our corn farmers, can be offered locally,” said Kim Clark, Ag Program Manager with the Nebraska Corn Board.



US Farm Exports Seen at $137B in FY12
Imports in 2012 Forecast at $105 Billion

U.S. farm exports are forecast at $137 billion in the next year, matching last year's record total as increases in shipments of grain and livestock cover declines in cotton and oilseeds, the Agriculture Department said on Wednesday.

The USDA said in its first estimate for the fiscal year 2012, which begins on Oct. 1, that exports to China are forecast at $19 billion in 2012, $500 million lower from 2011. This would place China even with Canada as the top U.S. market in 2012.

"Soybeans and cotton account for a large majority of U.S. exports to China and both are forecast down this year on tighter supplies and greater export competition," USDA said.

Grain and feed exports are forecast at a record $39 billion in fiscal 2012, up $600 million from the 2011 estimate.

Livestock, poultry, and dairy exports are forecast to rise $200 million to $27.1 billion with growth in pork, poultry, and animal by-products outweighing small declines in dairy and beef.

Meanwhile, USDA said oilseed and product exports are forecast at $28.3 billion, down $1 billion due to lower volumes while cotton shipments are estimated to decline $2.4 billion to $6.6 billion as the U.S. share of world trade is expected to fall.

Imports in 2012 are forecast at $105 billion, up 11 percent, from $94.5 billion in 2011.



Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Reports of Record Agricultural Exports and Strong Farm Income

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on data released this week showing record U.S. farm exports and farm income:
 
“This year brought a host of challenges for America’s farmers, ranchers and producers: Hurricanes, floods, drought and other extreme weather have driven thousands of Americans from their homes, destroyed crops, and threatened our rural communities.  But despite the setbacks, American agriculture is thriving, demonstrating again that the men and women who own and operate America’s farms and ranches are some of the most resilient in the world.

“We learned this week in the Farm Income report that both net cash income and net farm income are record in nominal terms and, adjusting for inflation, are at their highest levels since the early 1970s. Meanwhile, total farm debt declined nearly 2 percent.

“That’s a major achievement and a testament to our farmers and ranchers, who continue to work hard, innovate and make smart business decisions in these challenging times. It shows that they are making good investments, reducing their debt, and using their resources wisely. Their success story is not celebrated often enough.  And it is due, in part, to their willingness to seize opportunities in new markets, both domestic and foreign.

“Farmers are working with USDA and other partners to expand opportunities to sell their products regionally and in their own communities. Making these sorts of connections—so a farmer can sell to a local school, hospital, or a family just a few dozen or hundred miles away—helps keep wealth right here in America, and is creating good paying jobs in our rural communities.
 
“Our farmers are also the best in the world at finding consumers far from home. Today, a new forecast of U.S. agricultural exports confirmed that ‘Grown in America’ products remain in high regard and high demand in the rest of the world. The current U.S. export forecast for fiscal year 2011 is $137 billion, $22 billion higher than the previous record set in 2008 and $28 billion above 2010.  And exports for 2012 will remain equally strong and help to support over one million American jobs. In fact, taken as a whole, the United States is in the midst of experiencing the three best years in our history in terms of agricultural exports.
 
“Strong exports have enabled agriculture to remain one of only a few sectors of the U.S. economy to enjoy a trade surplus. This year’s surplus is projected at $42.5 billion—a record—and next year should be $32 billion, the third-highest. In the months ahead, USDA will continue to work to maintain and expand this level of production through our commitment to agricultural research and development, removing barriers to trade, maintaining a strong safety net for farmers, and helping to expand our local and regional food systems. This is how we will build an economy that continues to grow, innovate and out-compete the rest of the world.

“The export forecast also highlights why we must move forward with pending trade agreements. Congress can help U.S. farmers and ranchers maintain a competitive advantage –and help to keep jobs here at home—by ratifying the South Korea, Colombia and Panama agreements. When fully implemented, those three agreements will immediately add more than $2 billion per year to our economy and support thousands of additional jobs here in the United States.”



Cargill Bars Viptera Corn at US Mills

U.S. agribusiness Cargill Inc said on Thursday it will not accept Syngenta's biotech Agrisure Viptera corn at its North American wet milling plants until it receives regulatory approval from the European Union.  "Cargill strongly values its right to accept or restrict products of agricultural biotechnology, dependent on the approval status in export markets and needs of our customers," spokeswoman Nicole Reichert said.  "Consistent with our long-standing wet milling position, Cargill cannot accept Viptera at these facilities until it has received regulatory approvals in the EU," she said.



Dinner Celebrates Launch of U.S. Beef Cuts at Award-winning Chilean Steakhouses

Chile is one of this year’s fastest growing markets for U.S. beef exports – particularly for chilled beef muscle cuts. Export data through June show that 2011 muscle cut exports to Chile have increased by 145 percent in volume (1,174 metric tons or 2.6 million pounds) compared to the same period last year, while export value has nearly quadrupled to $6.45 million.   Last week, meat importer Inversiones Packets teamed with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago to celebrate the introduction of new U.S. beef cuts at Chile’s award-winning El Eladio steakhouses.
 
Rachel Bickford, USDA agricultural attaché to Chile, told guests that Chile’s growing appetite for U.S. beef is a clear illustration of the benefits of free trade. Chile is a sophisticated market for beef, and consumers now have more options to choose from when selecting beef cuts for their families.  
 
Inversiones Packets Executive Director Miguel Zalaquett said his company imports a full range of boneless and bone-in beef cuts from the United States, and that U.S. grain-fed beef is popular with his company’s restaurant clients because it is more tender and flavorful than any other beef available in the market. El Eladio is a prime target, as its three steakhouse locations in Chile combine to serve an average of more than 3,000 entrees per day.  
 
USMEF estimates that U.S. beef and beef variety meat exports to Chile could reach $20 million annually, based on Chile’s per-capita consumption and its pattern of imports from Australia and neighboring South American countries. Earlier this year, Chile lifted its 30-month cattle age restriction on U.S. beef and now accepts products from cattle of all ages. Chile still has unique labeling requirements, however, that create obstacles for some U.S.



Iowa Corn Growers Association, Corn Checkoff Elect New Officers

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) announce new offers for the year starting September 1, 2011.

Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA)
Kevin Ross, a corn, soybean and cow-calf producer from Pottawattamie County near Minden, is the new ICGA president.  An ICGA board member since 2008, Ross has served on the Iowa Corn Grassroots Network, Membership & Checkoff Committee, Usage and Production Committee, the Animal Agriculture and Environment Committee, and the National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Committee.  Joining Ross on the ICGA executive officer team is:
Bruce Rohwer, Paullina ICGA Vice President
Roger Zylstra, Lynnville, ICGA Secretary/Treasurer.
Dean Taylor, Prairie City, as ICGA Past President

Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB)
Deb Keller, from Clarion in Wright county, has been named the new Iowa Corn Promotion Board Chair. Keller, a farmer for 23 years, has done extensive work in the value-added and export areas, serving on the Research & Business Development Committee and the Exports & Grain Trade Committee for Iowa Corn.  She is also a delegate to the U.S. Grains Council, where she serves on the advisory team that overseas export programs in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East and a member of the National Corn Growers Association’s Research & Development Action Team.  Joining Keller on the ICPB executive officer team is:
Kevin Rempp, Montezuma, as Vice Chair
Bob Bowman, DeWitt, as ICPB Secretary/Treasurer
Dick Gallagher, Washington, ICPB Past Chair



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for September 2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for September 2011. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for September 2011 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in August 2011. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during September 2011 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in August 2011.

In accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill, interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for September 2011 are as follows, 1.875 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 2.250 in August 2011; 2.500 percent with 10-year loan terms, down from 3.000 in August 2011 and; 2.875 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 3.375 percent in August 2011. The interest rate for Sugar Storage Facility Loans for September 2011 is 3.125 percent, down from 3.625 in August 2011.



FSA Reminds Producers of Disaster Assistance Deadlines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson reminded producers today about upcoming deadlines for disaster assistance. Nelson emphasized that losses must be the result of a weather event occurring on or before Sept. 30, 2011.

"This year brought a host of extreme weather challenges for America's farmers, ranchers and producers," said Nelson. "USDA is committed to use the resources at our disposal to reduce the impact of these conditions and help producers get back on their feet. And this year, especially, it's important for producers to be aware of program deadlines and to have their records in order so that they get the assistance they need."

The 2008 Farm Bill authorizes coverage of disaster losses through these five programs:
Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE); Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP); Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP); Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP); and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP).

SURE applications for 2010 crop losses will be accepted later this fall. SURE applications for 2011 crop losses will be accepted in the fall of 2012, when the 2011 farm revenue data required by statute becomes available.

FSA is required to determine that the claimed loss was because of a disaster occurring on or before Sept. 30, 2011. FSA must determine if a qualifying loss meets the established disaster relief criteria for at least one crop.

At the time the SURE application for payment is filed, the producer will be required to identify and certify a crop of economic significance that suffered a qualifying loss of 10 percent or more. At least one such crop with 10-percent losses on or before Sept. 30, 2011, is required by SURE.

"We encourage all producers to read the applicable disaster program fact sheets and visit their local FSA county office. The staff can provide additional information such as the deadline for filing a program application or the initial requirement for filing a notice of loss," Nelson said.



Livestock Genetics May Help Combat E. coli

Neogen Corporation and its GeneSeek subsidiary are participating in USDA-funded research that seeks to better understand the role cattle genetics may play in food contamination by the pathogen E. coli O157:H7.  Researchers have shown that while some cows have no E. coli O157:H7 in their systems, others present a greater risk for beef contamination by shedding higher concentrations of the pathogen in their faeces.  The existence of the pathogen does not cause illness in cattle, but E. coli O157:H7 is a significant cause of foodborne illness in humans.

"Researchers believe that if genetic markers for 'supershedders' of E. coli O157:H7, or animals that do not carry the microorganism, can be established, genetic and breeding programmes can be developed to help minimise the risk that the pathogen presents to consumers of beef products," said James Herbert, Neogen's chairman and CEO.

"Since E. coli O157:H7 was first identified as a major health risk, now more than 20 years ago, risk mitigation has focused on improving the beef industry's processing practices and product testing. We may now have the tools to work with the beef industry to minimize the problem at the source," he added.

The research is being conducted by University of Nebraska-Lincoln scientists, in partnership with USDA's Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, and Lincoln-based GeneSeek. GeneSeek will perform genotyping on the cattle genetic samples.



USDA Dairy Products July 2011 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 859 million pounds, 2.0 percent below July 2010 and 4.0 percent below June 2011.  Italian type cheese production totaled 364 million pounds, 0.4 percent below July 2010 and 4.6 percent below June 2011.  American type cheese production totaled 352 million pounds, 4.3 percent below July 2010 and 3.5 percent below June 2011.  Butter production was 135 million pounds, 21.6 percent above July 2010 but 3.9 percent below June 2011.

Dry milk powders  (comparisons with July 2010)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 133 million pounds, up 1.4 percent.
Skim milk powders - 39.7 million pounds, up 75.3 percent.

Whey products  (comparisons with July 2010)
Dry whey, total - 81.9 million pounds, down 6.5 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 85.0 million pounds, up 5.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 34.9 million pounds, down 4.2 percent.

Frozen products  (comparisons with July 2010)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 73.2 million gallons, down 4.7 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 41.0 million gallons, up 4.7 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.69 million gallons, down 17.8 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.06 million gallons, up 6.5 percent.



Land O'Lakes Backing Proposed Dairy Pricing Bill

The elected dairy leaders of Land O'Lakes, Inc., recently confirmed the cooperative's support of discussion draft legislation put forward by House Agriculture Committee's ranking democratic member, Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID). The proposal is aimed at reforming U.S. dairy programs and is based on proposals developed by the dairy industry called Foundation for the Future.

"Land O'Lakes Board, in consultation with the delegates, recognizes that the draft legislation is consistent with the resolution that was passed by our members. This bill will help ensure that America's dairy producers - including Land O'Lakes members - are able to thrive in the future, after some very economically challenging years," said Pete Kappelman, Chairman of the Land O'Lakes Board of Directors and a Wisconsin dairy producer.

Kappelman added that the draft legislation has the potential to dramatically improve the traditional approach to dairy policy and foster a more economically-viable and secure future for dairy producers.  "It serves as a new roadmap for dairy policy by focusing on margin protection, rather than price. This strategic shift is essential to a producer's profit potential. It also assures equitable treatment of producers, regardless of size or location," he says.