USDA Announces Additional Weight Category for Livestock Indemnity Program
 
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced it will add an additional weight category to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for non-adult beef cattle, non-adult dairy cattle and non-adult buffalo/beefalo.

The over 400 pound category will be split into 2 categories, 400 to 799 pounds and 800 pounds or more. This change will ensure that the assigned market values for non-adult beef cattle, non-adult dairy cattle and non-adult buffalo/beefalo over 400 pounds reflect the statutory requirement for the payment to be 75 percent of the market value for the livestock.

FSA state offices will establish new normal mortality rates for each of the new weight categories covered under LIP and FSA national headquarters will establish average fair market prices for each category.

LIP was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths that result from natural disasters. Using funds from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund established under section 902 of the Trade Act of 1974, the program is administered by FSA. LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold. Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011.

For more information on LIP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov .



Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Livestock Loss Program Change, Urges Producers to Apply by Sept. 13
 
Nebraska Cattlemen leaders welcome today’s announcement by USDA that is modifying eligibility rules for its Livestock Indemnity Program.  “USDA’s Farm Services Administration has made a very good and appropriate update to the LIP program by creating two new weight categories,” said Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President, Michael Kelsey. “This modification means that the program more closely fits the needs and look of the beef industry as far as management and ownership.”
 
The LIP program was created in 2008 to provide timely reimbursements to livestock producers in the event of herd loss due to extreme weather disasters such as floods, blizzards, and extreme heat.  On July 13, 2009, the USDA announced its methodology for determining LIP payments.  The standards fell short of covering the Congressionally mandated 75% of market value for animals if the animals were above 400 pounds and close to market weight.  Today, the USDA announced the addition of a separate reimbursement rate for animals above 800 pounds.  The Farm Service Agency has estimated 4,000 animals statewide may have been lost in Nebraska due to extreme heat this summer.
 
Producers must apply for reimbursement of losses to Farm Services Administration by Sept. 13, 2009
 
U.S. Senators Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson worked to present Nebraska Cattlemen concerns about the program to USDA. In late July, in addition to other efforts, Senator Nelson and Senator Johanns joined a group of Midwestern senators in sending a letter to Secretary Vilsack raising similar issues.



SIGNUP FOR LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY PROGRAM ENDS SEPTEMBER 14

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminded eligible ranchers and livestock producers of the September 14 deadline for applying for benefits under the provisions of the Livestock Indemnity Program.  This deadline is for calendar year 2008 applications and 2009 notices of loss on livestock losses which occurred prior to July 13, 2009.

Recent divisions to the 400 lb. or more non adult beef, buffalo/beefalo, and dairy category and the related mortality rate adjustments may make it more attractive to affected owners. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths that result from disaster.  LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to tornado, floods, blizzards, some disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold. Eligible losses under the program must have occurred on or after January 1, 2008.

Additional information about the Livestock Indemnity Program is available at local FSA offices or on line at www.fsa.usda.gov



Farewell Open House for Jennifer Hansen

The Cuming County 4-H Council invites you to a farewell open house for Jennifer Hansen, Cuming County Extension Assistant.  The open house will be held on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Cuming County Courthouse meeting room.  Jennifer is pursuing a new career as an Extension Educator with UNL Extension in Thurston County.  She will begin her new position on September 15.  Please come and extend your wishes to her.



Japanese media team impressed with Nebraska corn, farming practices

A team of journalists from Japan were in Nebraska this week, hosted by the Nebraska Corn Board as part of a U.S. Grains Council trade mission. Japan is a major buyer of U.S. corn, beef and other agriculture products.  For some members on the team, this trip to the United States was the first time they had ever seen corn growing in fields.  “The size and scope of agriculture in the Midwest is impressive if you’ve never seen it, while the technology and management practices used by farmers today demonstrates our commitment to the land,” said Alan Tiemann, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Seward. The team visited Tiemann’s farm as part of the tour.

The team included reporters from three major Japanese newspapers, one major newswire and two industry newspapers. Two representatives from a consumer’s union group were also along.  “Team members were impressed by the high quality of Nebraska corn and the farmers’ use of agronomics and biotechnology to produce an abundant crop more efficiently,” said Tommy Hamamoto, the U.S. Grains Council’s director in Japan, who accompanied the group. “Journalists on the tour have a better understanding as to how U.S. corn is produced and used, which will help them better explain the U.S. grain system in fact-based news articles back home.”

The Nebraska stop was part of a longer mission organized by the Grains Council to provide a forum for team members to learn about the benefits of biotechnology, the U.S. infrastructure for grain distribution and the lifestyle of U.S. farm families. Additional stops were made in Missouri and Washington, D.C.  While in Nebraska, the group visited Darr Feedlot in Cozad, Tiemann’s farm in Seward, the Monsanto Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenberg, Advanced BioEnergy in Fairmont, Bunge Milling in Crete and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Tiemann said the collection of stops provided a good variety and background on U.S. and Nebraska agriculture for the group.  “They got to see cattle on feed, where distillers grains and corn are fed, and then an ethanol plant where distillers grains is produced,” he said. “The new water learning center impressed the team. They found it very educational and it gave them a chance to see a number of seed technologies at one time. The milling operation and stop at the university added to the foundation of U.S. agriculture we provided for the group.”

Hamamoto said being able to see and feel the biotech corn made an impression.  “We got to see firsthand the advantages of genetically enhanced corn – it had no pest damage or fungal infection,” he said. “Team members really grasped the benefits of biotechnology, for farmers and consumers, and brought to life what we learned by visiting with government officials and industry organizations in Washington.”

Hosting the group gave Nebraska farmers and companies an opportunity to make an impression and promote contemporary and high-tech agriculture, Tiemann added.  “The opportunity to put a name, face and hand-shake on American agriculture is the best way to promote our product and the technology that lets us be so efficient,” he said.



UNL Keys On "Crops for the Future" at Husker Harvest Days

Millions of acres. Billions of bushels. Years of research and testing.  Nebraska occupies a position of unquestioned global leadership in crop research and production and the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources has helped us get there. This continuing commitment to "Crops for the Future" will be highlighted in a series of exhibits at the Husker Harvest Days show in Grand Island Sept. 15-17.  The all-new exhibits mark the second year that UNL Extension experts and Agricultural Research Division scientists will concentrate their Husker Harvest Days exhibits and presentations into more defined topical areas of current interest and concern to all Nebraskans. This theme-based exhibiting approach debuted last year with a focus on water.

"IANR has worked hand-in-hand with agribusiness and producers to make Nebraska a global leader in agriculture, through groundbreaking research, imaginative "what if" thinking and unmatched in-the-field extension education," said NU Vice President and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor John Owens.  "Our displays at Husker Harvest Days will help show that capitalizing on crop production in the future isn't just about what and how much we grow, but also about growing it better to make sure we're ready with the cropping answers we'll need in 10, 25 or 50 years."

IANR exhibits will address a variety of crop research topics, including irrigation development and efficiency, GMOs and their environmental impact, Dicamba-resistant soybeans, oil-producing crops, the long process of bringing new varieties to growers, marker-assisted breeding, biofuels, propagation of seed, and responding to fertility, biomass and management challenges in measuring crops.  Other topics include manipulating plant defense mechanisms to enhance natural resistance to disease and pests, specific-use crops, managing crops for economics, environment and yield and what comes next: Will corn, wheat and soybeans continue to be Nebraska's primary crops and what the ideal crops for the future may be.  A central information booth will help answer questions on a variety of extension and research-related topics, provide copies of helpful NebGuides and direct those needing help to Extension experts in their local area.

IANR's "Market Journal" television program returns with new presentations in the Market Journal tent next to the Husker Red exhibit building, where it will present 30-minute discussions on crop and livestock marketing and other topics. Programming encourages studio visitors to ask questions of the panelists. Examples of program topics during the show include The Changing Face of Ag Credit, Looking to the Future: Climate Change and Nebraska's Cropping Systems, and Plan Your Grain and Cattle Marketing Strategies.

State Sen. Tom Carlson, chairman of the Legislature's Agriculture Committee, has worked with the Market Journal team to arrange a panel discussion about grain indemnity funds; that session is scheduled at noon Sept. 16. Carlson said he hopes the discussion will help kick off his committee's examination of the issue, which is scheduled to occur in two public hearings this fall.  Also on display at Husker Harvest Days will be the new high definition television Market Journal remote production van that supports Market Journal programming.  Extension's well-known mobile plant diagnostic laboratory will also be on display.

There will be plenty for potential students and their families to see, as well. They will be able to explore a full range of enrollment options and find information on courses of study through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, School of Natural Resources and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis, among others. The very successful Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (or LEAD) program also will be represented at the show.

"Last year's conversion to a theme-based approach to showcase the best of IANR research and extension programming was an unqualified hit with those attending the show. Our goal is to improve on that performance by showing producers and the public our commitment to them now and into the future," said UNL Husker Harvest Days coordinator Steve Ress. IANR has been part of Husker Harvest Days since the first show in 1978.  IANR show themes will change to reflect areas of concern and focus for the state's producers, agribusinesses and natural resources concerns, every year or every other year, Owens said.  UNL's familiar Husker Red exhibit building is located on the south side of the showground at Lot 321.



Congress Returns to Washington With Busy Agenda Ahead
From Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation

Congress returns from its August recess on Tuesday, September 8.  A bulk of the Senate floor time next week will be spent allowing members to memorialize Sen. Ted Kennedy.

A big question in the Senate with the passing of Kennedy is how committee chairmanships may be shuffled.  Sen. Chris Dodd (CT) has been acting as chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, overseeing the healthcare reform process during Sen. Kennedy’s fight with cancer. Now, the question is will Sen. Dodd retain that chairmanship, or will he return to helm the Banking Committee?  If Dodd stays, then Sen. Tim Johnson will likely become chair of the Banking Committee.  However, if Sen. Dodd returns to Banking, then Sen. Tom Harkin (Iowa) is anticipated to move to chair of HELP committee, leaving the Agriculture Committee Chair in the hands of Sen. Blanche Lincoln (AR).  Sen. Lincoln would be the first woman to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Shortly before they recessed in July, the Senate passed an amendment offered by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to the FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The amendment appropriates $350 million to USDA with the intent of assisting dairy producers. The original legislation will likely be modified in the pending House/Senate conference committee, as the amendment was a bit ambiguous and was not included in the House-passed ag appropriations bill. NMPF has looked at the economics of several different spending approaches, and found that direct purchases of cheese from the market by USDA to distribute primarily through food banks would be the most beneficial, effective, and efficient use of the funds.  The House and Senate will be in conference over the next week or so working on a compromise for the differences between bills.  Sources report the final bill will pass before the end of September.

In a different area, NMPF continues to work on climate change legislation, although it is not a done deal yet. Prior to the August recess, expectations were that the Senate version of the bill would be introduced in the beginning of September. According to the Environment & Public Works committee, that date has been pushed back to the end of September. NMPF has been working closely with the Sen. Harkin (IA) and Sen. Stabenow (MI) to craft the agriculture offsets piece of the legislation and expect that language will be added to the pending bill, when it is introduced.

The Senate climate bill will be constructed in at least three different committees, including the Environment and Public Works committee, as well as the Finance and Agriculture committees, which also have jurisdiction over pieces of the bill.  Also, the Energy & Natural Resources committee, chaired by Sen. Bingaman (NM), has already passed out of committee the American Clean Energy Leadership Act, which addresses energy efficiency and the renewable electricity standard. This legislation will be added to the larger EPW bill.

Finally, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has reintroduced the Milk Income Tariff Equity Act bill to impose tariff-rate quotas on certain casein and milk protein concentrate products. Senate bill 1542 currently has nine sponsors.  Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) is planning to introduce a companion bill in the House once Congress returns.



USDA's Dairy Products report July 2009 Highlights                            

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 839 million pounds, 2.0 percent above July 2008 and 0.6 percent above June 2009.  Italian type cheese production totaled 348 million pounds, 3.1 percent above July 2008 and 1.0 percent above June 2009.  American type cheese production totaled 352 million pounds, 3.0 percent above July 2008 but 0.3 percent below June 2009.  Butter production was 112 million pounds, 2.2 percent below July 2008 and 11.0 percent below June 2009.

Dry Milk Powders: (comparisons with July 2008)
Nonfat dry milk, human --- 132 million pounds, down 2.0 percent.
Skim milk powders --- 14.0 million pounds, down 48.3 percent.

Whey products: (comparisons with July 2008)
Dry whey, total --- 93.3 million pounds, up 2.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal --- 60.9 million pounds, down 6.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total --- 34.9 million pounds, down 5.1 percent.

Frozen products: (comparisons with July 2008)
Ice cream, Regular (hard) --- 85.9 million gallons, up 1.4 percent.
Ice cream, Lowfat (total) --- 39.7 million gallons, up 2.2 percent.
Sherbet (hard) --- 5.17 million gallons, down slightly.
Frozen Yogurt (total) --- 7.16 million gallons, up 2.6 percent.



Nebraska to take big hit from House climate bill, study shows

As many as 16,400 jobs would be wiped out in Nebraska if a climate change bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law, a study shows. The average Nebraska household would see its purchasing power drop by as much as $1,220 a year.  A CRA International analysis of the “American Clean Energy and Security Act”, which passed by a narrow 219-212 vote in the House in June, reveals the devastating impact the policy would have on ordinary Nebraska residents. The Senate this fall will debate its version of a bill to address climate change.

According to the CRA analysis, the legislation would result in big job losses – more than 2 million nationwide – and would lead to a 1.3 percent decline in the national gross domestic product in 2030. The average U.S. household would see its purchasing power fall by $910 in 2015 and by $1,170 by 2030.  The CRA study, commissioned by API, shows that 14,900 jobs in Nebraska would be wiped out by 2015. By 2030, 16,400 jobs will be lost. The job losses would be felt broadly as output in key sectors like energy intensive businesses, services, and manufacturing all declined.

The average Nebraska household will see its real household income fall by $1,020 a year in 2015, and by $1,220 a year by 2030. And the state’s economic growth would be hobbled by this bill as the estimated gross state product would decline by 0.5% in 2015 and by 0.6% in 2030, CRA said.  The economic toll of the bill would also lead to a big reduction in Nebraska state revenue from tax receipts. Tax revenues would shrink by $80 million in 2015 and by $140 million in 2030, taking away much-needed funds that could be used for schools, hospitals and police and fire departments.

 CRA International is a global consulting firm.



EPA’s Oge and McCarthy Visit Iowa to Learn about Agriculture

Accepting Senator Grassley’s invitation to visit Iowa, Director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality Margo Oge and Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation Regina McCarthy, along with other EPA associates, spent Thursday, Sept. 3, in the state. They learned firsthand about modern U.S. agriculture and received comments regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard.  Accompanied by Senator Grassley and Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, the visitors started their day at the Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm, hearing from Monsanto and Pioneer representatives, who talked about corn and soybean seed technology, and ISU staff, who presented concerns about EPA’s proposed indirect land use calculations and suggested the ISU Center for Agricultural and Research Development (CARD) model as an alternative.

From the discussion of charts and models, the group traveled to the Kimberley farm near Maxwell, where the same messages were reinforced in a very practical context.  Rick and Grant Kimberley talked about how their family farm has changed through the years to stay viable, growing in acreage and increasing in yields. They emphasized the technology they’ve incorporated, including no-till techniques for soybeans, larger equipment and seed technology that necessitates fewer passes through the field.  Iowa Corn Growers Association President Don Elsbernd and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Directors Ron Heck and Ray Gaesser talked about corn and soybean production and expressed concerns with the methodology used to arrive at the proposed regulations.

Among their comments, Heck and Gaesser noted that soybeans are 80 percent meal and 20 percent oil. Historically, farmers have raised soybeans for meal, with the oil as a by-product. “We can make biodiesel without taking from anything else,” Heck said.  They emphasized farmers’ commitment to the environment. Heck described ISA’s On-Farm Network® and ISA’s Environmental Programs. “We’re looking at ways to do more with less and do it properly,” he said.  “We live here every day,” Gaesser said.  “Protecting the environment is important to us.”

Responding to their comments, McCarthy said, “Today is a beginning of a new discussion.  It is an opportunity to internalize your messages. We assure you that we will treat them with the importance they deserve.”  Oge, who as a child spent much time on her grandfather’s farm in Greece, said, “Listening to the Kimberleys, I heard my family speaking. You are the stewards of the land. We don’t want to undermine your work. We will continue this dialogue.”

Oge and McCarthy later told Heck and Gaesser they had specifically picked up several key messages:
·         They now recognized that soybeans replace nitrogen in the soil rather than requiring nitrogen application.
·         They realized that glycerin is actually a by-product they hadn’t considered and should be credited to reduce the carbon footprint of biodiesel.
·         They conceded that the greenhouse gas formula doesn’t take into account improved yield and efficiencies.
·          They gained new insight on the feedstock issue and said they will be open to suggestions regarding accountability for certification of feedstocks. They also realized that the amount of U.S. land not previously farmed that is being used for renewable fuels is very minute.

The visitors completed their farm visit by examining ears of corn and soybean plants, touring the farmstead and climbing into combine and tractor cabs.

As they headed to the Renewable Energy Group’s facility in Newton to tour the 30-million gallon/year biodiesel plant and hear an overview and update from the ethanol and biodiesel industries, Oge and McCarthy expressed appreciation to Senator Grassley for bringing them to Iowa and asked him to invite them back next year. They also invited their ISA hosts to “come to Washington and visit more about this.” In addition, they requested that all of the day’s comments also be submitted in writing before the Sept. 25 deadline to be given full consideration.

Afterward, Grant Kimberley said, “We heard the farm visit was the highlight of their trip. We were able to break down some walls and put a personal face on the issues. We could see them arrive at a new level of understanding regarding crediting soybeans for nitrogen fixation, yield and efficiency increases, difficulty in feedstock tracking and verification, importance to the economy and even indirect land use. They loved the equipment and technology and efficiency aspects of agriculture. They certainly were very engaged and seemed sincere in their comments. “

Based on the valuable information shared and the receptiveness of the audience as indicated by their feedback and questions, Heck summarized the visit by saying, “Senator Grassley, ISA, ISU and Iowa’s ag and biodiesel industry really had a great day.”



Pioneer Hi-Bred, ISU Plant Sciences Institute Announce Collaborations

DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred and Iowa State University Thursday announced two multi-year, exclusive research collaborations to develop a new technology to more effectively develop biotech traits in plants and to improve drought tolerance in corn. Under the agreements, Pioneer will fund the work of researchers at Iowa State involved in the collaborative projects. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

"We look forward to working with the Plant Sciences Institute to find new ways of providing sustainable solutions for challenges our customers face," said Mike Lassner, vice president -- Pioneer Trait Discovery and Technology. "This partnership will bring together expertise of two leaders in plant biotechnology to more efficiently address these key research needs."

"The technologies to be developed are important for safeguarding our crops and sustaining richness of our agricultural resources," said Stephen Howell, director -- Plant Sciences Institute. "The challenges can be better met by combining the efforts of these two leading public and private institutions."

The first agreement deals with developing new technology for an improved method of integrating DNA into the plant genome to facilitate molecular gene stacking for more effective and efficient development of individual traits and trait combinations. In the second agreement, markers associated with traits such as drought tolerance will be identified in corn lines, to provide new tools for screening and developing new corn hybrids containing these traits.