Nebraska
VOL. 30 ISSUE 5
MAY 16, 2012
Farm Bureau News
Ready, Set, Grill: Food Prep Key to a Safe Grilling Season page 14
Y T E F SA ST R I F Staying Safe on the Farm page 15 Domino’s Pizza Supports a Common Sense Approach to Animal Care
Meet a Farm Family that Works To Help You Put Food on Your Table
page 8
page 18
Food and Farming: Where the Farm Bill Stands
Nebraska AgrAbility Helps Farmers And Ranchers with Disabilities
page 11
page 20
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
The President’s Message
contents In Every Issue 3-4 County News 5 Member Benefits 6 What’s Cooking? 14-15 Cover Story 26 Want Ads
ETY SAF ST R FI
On the Cover Cooking meat to the correct temperature is important to remember this grilling season. Safety on the farm is important at all times. Meat photo courtesy of Nebraska Beef Council
Can Care-A-Van Nebraska Farm Bureau is once again sponsoring the 10/11 Can Care-A-Van. Find out where you can participate in a food drive. page 9
Help AITC Win a Truck Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom is in the running to win a truck from Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Find out how you can help AITC win by voting online.
By Steve Nelson, President Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation®
R
ecent news affecting the beef industry has me feeling both pleased and angry. Pleased by the reasoned response to the news that a cow with BSE was found in California. Angry that three Beef Products International processing plants are being closed because of hype and hysteria about lean, finely textured beef. When news came out that a dairy cow taken to a rendering plant had BSE, there was initial concern but also a wait-and-see attitude until more information was available. We soon learned that routine testing showed the cow had “atypical BSE,” a variation of the disease that apparently developed from a random and extremely rare mutation. THE SYSTEM WORKED There is limited research on atypical BSE, but some scientists believe it would be even less likely to be transmitted to humans through meat than the usual form of BSE. And it was clear from the start that the 10-year-old animal was never destined for the food supply. In short, the system put in place for food safety worked. There has been some fall-out from the BSE case. In South Korea, for example, which I visited last month as part of a Nebraska trade mission. That country is now inspecting 50 rather than 3 percent of beef imports, even though it imports only beef from animals 30 months old or younger and BSE only affects older animals. One retailer has stopped offering U.S. beef. But analysts believe a final epidemiological report on the cow will go far to restore Korea’s confidence in our beef. MEDIA HYPE ABOUT LFTB This reasoned response contrasts strongly with the media hype about lean, finely textured beef. This allbeef – all-lean beef – product has been deemed safe by the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1974. I am outraged that the derogatory nickname given to this product by a single individual and spread around the VOLUME 30 ISSUE 5 May 16, 2012 USPS 375-780 ISSN 0745-6522
Official publication of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation
page 17
402/421-4400 www.nefb.org Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Mission is Strong Agriculture ...... Strong Nebraska. Ask a Nebraska Farmer A Nebraska Young Farmer and Rancher Committee member explains why your children are learning about agriculture in school. page 25
Yearly subscription: 50 cents of membership dues. Associate Member, Nebraska Press Association
Hype and Hysteria Not the Answer world has led to the closing of three processing plants and the loss of 650 American jobs. I continue to be extremely disappointed that USDA has not adequately defended a product that has safely been part of our food supply for nearly 40 years. The public accepted the science about the BSE case, but ignored it with LFTB and bought into the media feeding frenzy of hype and misinformation. The BSE issue has been around for a while and awareness of lean, finely textured beef is new. But ultimately it’s that unfair and unappealing nickname for the product that is responsible for the closing of the three processing plants. It’s a worst-case example of how halftruths and hysteria can triumph over facts and have long-reaching consequences. The 24-hour news cycle pushes us to respond and form opinions on issues before we have all the facts. I believe we need to slow down, ask critical questions and wait for the facts. This is a hard thing. It’s far easier to get caught up in the latest scare-of-the day. But if we want to keep safe foods available, listening to science is the right thing to do. ***** It often seems that issues in agriculture arise at the most inconvenient times: the BSE issue came to light when a lot of us were planting corn. It’s times like these that prove the value of Farm Bureau: while farmers and ranchers are hard at their work, Farm Bureau is too, advocating and educating on our behalf.
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor/Advertising/Writer: Tina Henderson tinah@nefb.org or ext. 4446 Guest Writer: Cheryl Stubbendieck Graphic Designer/County News/ Photo Contest: Tara Grell tarag@nefb.org or ext. 4494 Want Ads and County Annual Meeting Notices: Natalie Friesen natalief@nefb.org or ext. 4485
NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Steve Nelson, president (Axtell) Mark McHargue, first vice president (Central City) Rob Robertson, chief administrator/ secretary-treasurer (Lincoln)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sherry Vinton, second vice president (Whitman) Nathan Bartels (Elk Creek) Andy DeVries (Ogallala) Del Ficke (Pleasant Dale) Jason Kvols (Laurel) John C. Martin (Pleasanton) Scott Moore (Bartley) Kevin Peterson (Osceola) Tanya Storer (Whitman) Shelly Thompson (Whitney)
NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU NEWS is published monthly, except July, by Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, 5225 South 16th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Nebraska Farm Bureau News Attn: Tina Henderson P.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501.
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
3
COUNTY NEWS Dundy County Farm Bureau
Students Get a Taste of Nebraska Agriculture Ag in the Classroom Ag Pen Pal participant and Dundy County Farm Bureau member Karen Harford visited Joey Vickery’s three social studies classes at Fontenelle Elementary School in Omaha on April 16 to give them a taste of Nebraska’s agriculture. The 75 students were shown corn stalks, ears of corn, tumbleweeds, ensilage and cow pies. Harford made each student a name tag from a cattle ear tag and baling twine. The ear tags were donated by Twin Forks Vet Clinic and the baling twine by Paul Freehling. Zach Hunnicutt, Hamilton County Farm Bureau member, donated 80 packets of microwave popcorn and Doran Jessee donated pencils for the students. Scott Olson, Dundy County Farm Bureau member, packaged the ensilage to show the students.
Lancaster County Farm Bureau
FFA Chapters Participate in Grocery Race for Local Food Banks
Pictured from left are Waverly FFA chapter members Erica Peterson, Lynsey Erickson, Trent Ronhovde, Katlyn Kimmen, Andrew Neujahr, Shaylee Truax and Aaron Oschner and FFA Advisor Kori Jenson.
Pictured from left are Norris FFA chapter members Josh Krueger, Jake Robertson, Courtney Goering, Devin Heusinkvelt and Maci Lienemann.
Lancaster County Farm Bureau sponsored a Grocery Race among the Waverly, Norris and Raymond Central FFA Chapters at Lovegrove Grocery in Waverly on April 11. Waverly FFA members collected groceries valued at $348.31 to win the contest and donated that food to the Waverly Food Bank. The Norris FFA Chapter collected $288.18 in groceries for the Norris Area Food Bank. The Raymond Central FFA Chapter collected groceries totaling $318.10 for the Lincoln Food Bank. In all, the three FFA chapters collected $954.59 in groceries, which were paid for by Lancaster County Farm Bureau and then donated to the local food banks. Lancaster County Farm Bureau also donated $300 to the Waverly FFA Chapter, $200 to the Raymond Central FFA Chapter and $100 to the Norris FFA Chapter. Lancaster County Farm Bureau members helping with the event were Erma McGill, John McGill and Herschel Staats. Karl Linke, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director of member services for the southeast, also helped out.
Pictured from left are FFA Advisor Jeff Schelpepper and Raymond Central FFA chapter members Caitlin Ohnoutka, Aaron Studebaker, Courtney Hill, David Walla, Liz Otto and Jeff Hornung.
Rock County Farm Bureau
Buells of Bassett Receive Conservation Award Gov. Dave Heineman and the Nebraska Cattlemen announced the Buell family of Bassett as the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award recipients on April 20 during a ceremony at the capitol. The award is presented annually to private landowners who practice responsible land stewardship and management. The Buell family is part of the fabric of the Nebraska Sandhills. For nearly 130 years, they have ranched in the region, while caring for the land, water and wildlife that each Buell generation passed on to the next. The Buell family’s legacy began when Benjamin Franklin Buell settled in the Sandhills in 1882 and began a ranch tradition that included the preservation and enhancement of the unique Sandhills landscape.Today the Buells’ Shovel Dot Ranch is owned and managed by brothers Larry and Homer Buell and their wives, Nickie and Darla, respectively, who carry on the commitment to conservation they inherited from their predecessors. They are all Farm Bureau members. The Leopold Conservation Award is named in honor of world-renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold and is comprised of $10,000 and a Leopold crystal. For more information about the award, visit www. leopoldconservationaward.org.
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
COUNTY NEWS Pierce County Farm Bureau
Ag Pen Pal Class Visits Farms in Northeast Nebraska Ryan and Angie Brodersen of rural Randolph hosted 22 students from Sandy Seckel’s second grade class at West Park Elementary School in Columbus on April 11. The Brodersens are part of the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Ag Pen Pal program and have been corresponding with the students since last fall. The Brodersen farm consists of hogs, a cow/calf operation and a corn/soybean rotation. Ryan currently serves as the president of Pierce County Farm Bureau and he and Angie have been involved with Farm Bureau for several years. Although Columbus is still considered an agricultural-rich community, only a handful of Seckel’s students have ties to agriculture through extended family members. Their day began at Amen Dairy in Battle Creek, where the Amen family gave the children an inside look at the day-to-day operations of a dairy farm and its importance to their lives. At the Brodersen Farm, southwest of Randolph, they learned how the different components of the operation work and how they complement each another. They also learned about the equipment needed to farm and the importance of safety. The day served as a reminder of the importance of agriculture and how easy it is for farmers to take for granted the agricultural lifestyle enjoyed in Northeast Nebraska. Those helping to make the day a success included Amen Dairy, Battle Creek; Wragge Dairy, Pierce; Pierce County Farm Bureau; Manzer Equipment, Osmond; Sandy Seckel; Rob Reppert (parent); Jayme Puntney (student teacher); and several other volunteers. In the photo, the students are moving adjustment levers on the back of a planter while learning how it works from Jeff Meier with Manzer Equipment.
Jefferson County Farm Bureau
Students Learn About Life on the Farm Jefferson County Farm Bureau helped sponsor University of Nebraska Extension’s fourth Annual Day on the Farm program for fourth grade students on April 18. The program is designed to educate students on the importance of agriculture to Nebraska’s economy, agriculture careers, how technology is used in farming, crops grown in the state and how livestock is raised. Fairbury FFA members guided 70 students through five sessions taught by area extension educators and 4-H assistants. Local volunteers provided live animals for the students to see. At each session students received a sample food item. Jefferson County Farm Bureau donated $100 to help with expenses and Activity Books for the students. Pictured is Brian Bauer, Jefferson County Farm Bureau board member, showing the students baby pigs in the session on swine.
IT’S YOUR SHOT!
2012 Nebraska Farm Bureau® Photo Contest
REMINDER: Entry Deadline is Friday, July 13, 2012 For official rules and entry form visit www.nefb.org and click on the Photo Contest link. CATEGORIES: • All in a Day’s Work
Jessica Tayl
or, McPhers on
County
• Nebraska’s Natural Beauty
PRIZES: ADULT: 1st Place in each category – $150 2nd Place in each category – $100 3rd Place in each category – $50 Grand Prize: digital camera, bag and SD card (chosen using 1st place winners of each category and decided by judges at NEFB State Office)
Kathy Moh
r, Sheridan
County
• People
YOUTH: one winner will receive a digital camera
ty
ce Coun
her, Nan
Ann Rot
• Youth
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
5
MEMBER BENEFITS 11 Tips To Keep Your Home Secure During Summer Vacation Travel West Des Moines, Iowa — Are you planning a vacation getaway this summer? At the same time you’re enjoying your time away from home, thieves often are hard at work targeting the homes of people who are away on vacation. Burglary affects almost 3 million households each year, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. And property loss from burglary crimes in the U.S. really adds up. In 2010, according to the FBI, victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property, with overall average dollars lost per burglary offense at $2,119. “Most property taken in a burglary is never recovered,” says Dan Pitcher, general manager, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company, “The good news is that by taking a few simple steps to secure your home before leaving, you can reduce the chance of burglary, as well as your financial exposure, should a home invasion occur.”
11 Tips To Increase Home Security 1. Burglars typically break in when it looks like people are away from home — at work, running errands or on vacation. You can create the illusion that someone is home by using timers to turn several lights on and off at specified times.
Connecting a radio or television to a timing device adds to the illusion. 2. According to the FBI, of all burglaries in 2010, 60.5 percent involved forcible entry, 33.2 percent were unlawful entries (without force), and the remainder (6.3 percent) were forcible entry attempts. Before you hit the road, make sure doors and windows are closed and locked. Secure sliding doors by placing a strong dowel or steel bar into the back groove. If you have a window air-conditioning unit, add a stopper to the frame to help prevent the window from being jimmied open from the outside. 3. It’s easier than ever to contact the post office to place your mail on hold for the duration of your trip via the Internet or telephone. It’s also wise to place a hold on your newspaper for the time you’re away. Or, ask a neighbor, friend or family member to collect your paper and mail each day; you’ll be able to pick everything up with one convenient stop when you get back home. 4. Share the details of your trip with trusted neighbors so they can keep an eye on your home, remove fliers left at your front door, and put your trash container curbside on trash day to reinforce the idea that you’re at home. Research shows that crime is reduced when neighbors watch out for one another. 5. Once your neighbors are on alert, avoid talking about your travel
plans with others, especially when you’re within earshot of strangers. This includes providing details via Facebook and other social media and on voice mail. The time to share photos and anecdotes from your trip is when you’re safely back home and can protect your property. 6. It’s in the best interest of the community to help prevent crime. Let local police know you’ll be away. They can drive by your home to keep an eye on things. Many police departments also provide home-security evaluations and are happy to suggest ways to improve the security of individual homes. 7. Leave your valuables at home, but make sure they’re locked away in a safe or file cabinet. You’ll need identification and credit or debit cards for travel, but remove your Social Security information and extra cards from your wallet before departing. Store these in a locked safe or file cabinet, as well, to prevent ID theft. 8. If you like to keep a spare key hidden outside, put it into a combination lockbox. Avoid placing the lockbox in a flower pot or other common hiding place. And make sure your keychain doesn’t have an address or other identifying information that could make it easy for others to find your home and break in if the keys are lost or stolen. 9. Overgrown shrubbery can serve as a hiding place for criminals waiting until the coast is clear. Keep bushes and
tree limbs trimmed to eliminate shadows and areas of cover. 10. Look into adding a home security system. Alarms, combined with other security devices, such as dead bolts, security lights and window locks, can help reduce burglaries. Security devices will slow down potential burglars, making them more vulnerable to discovery. 11. Check your home owners insurance policy to make sure your coverage is up-to-date with your current needs. Typically, you can adjust coverage with a simple phone call to your agent. Don’t forget to update your home inventory and store it with other valuables just in case the unexpected occurs while you’re away. For more information about protecting against potential financial losses to your home and personal belongings, contact a Farm Bureau agent.
About Farm Bureau Financial Services Through an exclusive, multi-state agent force, the companies affiliated with the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand underwrite, market and distribute a broad range of insurance and financial services products to individuals and businesses. Learn more about us by visiting www.fbfs.com, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
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Insurance, Investments Retirement and more Farm Bureau Financial Services provides the following competitve products and services: • Vehicle, home, farm/ranch and life insurance • Annuities and investments • Retirement and education funding estate preservation and more!
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For more information on these and other great benefits, log on to www.nefb.org or visit your local County Farm Bureau.
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
WHAT’S COOKING? If you want to submit your own recipes, and photos if you have them, send them via email to tarag@nefb.org.
June is National Dairy Month and National Candy Month
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Ingredients 1 pound white candy coating coarsely chopped 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter Directions 1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. 2. In a separate bowl, repeat with chocolate chips. 3. Stir peanut butter into candy coating. 4. Thinly spread peanut butter mixture onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. (I used a Silpat sheet instead of waxed paper.) 5. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips. Cut through mixture with a knife to swirl the chocolate. 6. Chill until firm. 7. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 1/2 pounds Contributor’s note: This is a very quick and easy recipe. You can also easily cut the recipe in half without affecting the results.
Banana Walnut Ice Cream
Ingredients 2 cups half-and-half (divided) 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar Dash of salt 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 banana 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Directions 1. Heat 1 1/2 cups of the half-and-half in a large saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edges. Remove from heat and set aside. 2. Mix the egg yolks, sugar and salt in a large bowl until smooth. While stirring, slowly pour the half-and-half into the egg mixture. 3. Transfer the mixture to the saucepan and heat again over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around the edges (about 150º F), stirring constantly. 4. Remove from heat and return to the bowl. Stir in the heavy whipping cream. 5. Puree the banana and 1/2 cup half-and-half in a blender until smooth. 6. Add puree to bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until cold, 3-4 hours. 7. Pour mixture into counter-top electric ice cream freezer. Freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. When the ice cream is almost done, add the walnuts. 8. Transfer finished ice cream to a freezer container and freeze overnight before serving. Yield: 6 servings
Caramel Custard
Ingredients 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided) 3 cups milk, scalded 4 beaten eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Directions 1. Butter 6 custard cups or ramekins 2. Melt 1/4 cup of sugar in a small heavy skillet, stirring constantly, until a caramel syrup forms. Pour immediately into prepared custard cups. 3. Heat milk to 150º F. 4. Add a small amount of hot milk to the beaten eggs to temper them, stirring briskly. Add remaining milk, 1/4 cup sugar and the vanilla; blend well. 5. Pour mixture into custard cups. Set cups in a large, shallow baking pan in a 325º F oven. 6. Pour hot water into the large baking pan to a depth of about 1 inch. 7. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. 8. Unmold into shallow dessert dishes to serve. Yield: 6 servings
Apricot Coconut Balls
Ingredients 1/2 pound dried apricots, finely ground (use food processor) 2 cups shredded coconut 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk Powdered sugar Directions 1. Combine apricots and coconut in mixing bowl. 2. Blend in condensed milk, mixing well. 3. Chill for 1 hour. 4. Form into 1-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar. The mixture is sticky. 5. Chill until firm and store in the refrigerator. Yield: 3 dozen balls
UPCOMING MONTHS Below are themes for the coming months! Submit your recipe to: tarag@nefb.org June – 4th of July and National Hot Dog Month August – All American Breakfast Month and National Chicken Month September – National Pork Month and National Pizza Month
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy recipe from Taste of Home. Caramel Custard recipe from www.about.com. Apricot Coconut Balls recipe from www.eaglebrand.com. Banana Walnut Ice Cream recipe from www.allrecipes.com with tweaks from Lois Linke, wife of Karl Linke, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director of member services for the southeast. All photos from Linke.
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Congress District 2 - Lee Terry Legislative Races District 1 - Dan Watermeier District 17 - Van Philips District 19 - Jim Scheer District 21 - Mike Hilgers
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Water Jamboree
Friends of Agriculture Candidates Advance to General Election The Nebraska primary election was held May 15 and based on the results at the time of publication, the candidates listed below will advance to the upcoming general election on November 6.
MAY 16, 2012
District 23 - Jerry Johnson District 25 - Kathy Campbell District 27 - Colby Coash District 29 - Larry Zimmerman District 33 - Les Seiler District 35 - Mike Gloor District 41 - Kate Sullivan District 43 - Al Davis District 47 - Ken Schilz University of Nebraska Regents Race Regent District 3 - Jim Pillen Regent District 5 - Lavon Heidemann
Farm Bureau PAC Names Lee Terry ‘Friend of Agriculture’ NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s poRep. Terry has a solid record of suplitical action committee, named Rep. Lee porting small businesses and promoting Terry a “Friend of Agriculture” and en- economic growth, McHargue said. “He’s dorsed him in his re-election race worked to help keep the U.S. and to represent Nebraska’s Second U.S. agriculture competitive in Congressional District. world markets and he stood with “Agriculture is the backbone of farmers in opposing onerous new Nebraska and it’s also crucial to regulations coming from the EPA. Omaha’s economic vitality. Con“Congressman Terry’s tireless gressman Terry understands this work in trying to stop the EPA and has worked hard on behalf of from implementing greenhouse Lee farmers and all the citizens of the gas regulations, duplicative Clean district,” NFBF PAC Chair Mark Water Act regulations as well as Terry McHargue said April 26. McHargue many others, help Nebraska farmis a hog farmer from Central City and first ers, rancher and business owners alike,” vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. McHargue said.
Dick Neel, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director of member services for the Southwest District, presents to students at the Water Jamboree, April 25 and 26, at the South Central 4-H Camp at Harlan County Reservoir. Approximately 500 fifth graders from schools in south-central Nebraska and north-central Kansas attended the event. Neel explained why farmers plant corn, how corn is used, and how today’s farmers are reducing soil erosion and raising more corn with less fertilizer and less energy. The event was sponsored by the Tri Basin and Lower Republican Natural Resources Districts, Nebraska Cooperative Extension, Kansas State Cooperative Extension, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Farmers Paying it Forward with Pizza Chris Chinn and her husband, Kevin are fifth generation farmers. They live on their family hog farm in Missouri with their two children. Their dream is for their children to have the opportunity be the sixth generation of farmers in their family. By Chris Chinn When my car doesn’t run right, I don’t call the salesman who sold it to me. Instead I call the expert, my mechanic, to guide me in the care and maintenance of my car. My car salesman may know a lot about my car, but it doesn’t mean he knows how my car was built or why it might be sputtering along like a lost turtle. On the other hand, I trust my mechanic to fix my car because that is what he does each day; he is the expert in repairing cars. Each of these individuals is great at their job but it doesn’t mean they can automatically do the other’s job. WE RELY ON EXPERTS Our family has been raising livestock for five generations. It’s a tradition we are proud of and we hope our children will have the opportunity to follow in our path one day. Our animals rely on us seven days a week to care for them. We do this no matter what hour of the day it is or what day of the week
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it may be. Animal care is a top priority for our family, that’s why we rely on the expert advice of our veterinarian, nutritionist and other animal experts when it comes to the daily care we give our hogs and cattle. We use gestation stalls on our farm to protect our sows during their pregnancy from bully sows. The stalls also allow us to monitor feed intake of each individual sow and we can tailor their nutrition needs individually. If a sow isn’t eating, we know it right away and we can prevent problems from occurring. We also are able to give each sow individual hands-on care daily by using the stalls. I can tell you for a fact that our animals are well cared for, content and comfortable. Until the animal experts we work with tell us there is a better way, we will continue to protect and care for our sows in this way. I was so encouraged to hear that the stockholders of Domino’s Pizza share my stand on animal care. The company announced that it would rely on animal experts to determine what is the best way to raise an animal that’s being used for food. As a farmer, I respect Domino’s for its common sense decision and for trusting the experts in animal care. I appreciate Domino’s respect for our veterinarians, nutritionists and animal scientists. These are the same experts our family relies
Chris and Kevin caring for newborn pigs. on for animal care. Our veterinarian and nutritionist are not just experts on animal care, they are a part of our family farm management team and they are like family to us. That’s how closely we work with them; they know the nuts and bolts of our farm and family and they help us customize the care we give our livestock. Every farm is different, just as every person and breed of animal are different. DOMINO’S TRUSTS FARMERS Domino’s decision speaks volumes to me as a farmer. It shows they trust the experts I trust. It shows they trust me. I appreciate that. Domino’s trust also shows me that the pizza company does not want to force regulations on farmers that may not achieve their desired outcome. There is already a lot of consolidation in the number of hog farmers in America,
and perhaps the sector declining the most is the number of independent hog farmers. We own our facilities and our animals. We have a big stake in the success of our business and in the happiness of those who buy pork from us. Mandating unrealistic timelines on family farmers regarding the animal care methods they choose could force more hog farmers out of business. I know that is not the goal of any company, but the unintended consequences of these decisions can have a big impact on family farms like mine. I think the next time we decide to have pizza, I’m going to show a little love back. I am going to buy a Domino’s pizza. For me, this means driving 45 minutes out of my way but I think it’s worth it to support a company that supports me. And it gives a vote of support to a company that leaves important decisions like animal care up to the experts! While I’m at it, I think I will write a note to the local manager thanking his company for their decision. You can show your support for Domino’s too. During the weekend of May 19-20 many farmers and ranchers I know will be voting with their checkbooks by buying Domino’s pizza for their families as a sign of our appreciation. Thank you Domino’s, for supporting our farm and ranch families!
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
9
2012 Can Care-A-Van Food Drive Set for June 4-9
Nine University of Nebraska-Lincoln agriculture students who received Nebraska Farm Bureau-related scholarships were honored at a luncheon April 26 on UNL’s East Campus in Lincoln. NEFB provided four $1,000 freshman recruiting scholarships; former NEFB President Keith and his wife Doris provided one $1,000 freshman and two $500 upperclassman scholarships; the Kenneth Schwartz Memorial Scholarship provided two $1,000 scholarships; and one student was awarded the Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award. Pictured from left are Keith Olsen; Steve Waller, dean of the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Juliana Batie of Lexington; Megan Malloy of Decatur; Bryce Vaughn of Alliance; Vanessa Naprstek of Creighton, Eric Doht of Pender; Emma Likens from near DeWitt; William Miller of McCook; Jill Petersen of Burwell; and NEFB President Steve Nelson. Recipient Daniel Barr, who is from near Wymore, is not pictured. Barr, Likens and Naprstek received Farm Bureau scholarships. Miller received an Olsen freshman scholarship and Doht and Malloy received Olsen upperclassmen scholarships. Batie and Petersen received the Schwartz Scholarships and Vaughn received the Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award, which will enable him to intern in a public policy position in Washington, D.C.
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Nebraska Farm Bureau once again is the sponsor of the 10/11 Can Care-A-Van. In 2010 a record 257,000 pounds of food was collected and last year a total of 209,750 pounds. These are the two largest totals in Can Care-a-Van history, including 19881997, when the drives were 12 days long. And with your help we will break our record again! “This sponsorship can help show that farmers and ranchers in Nebraska care about their neighbors every day,� Roger Berry, vice president of member services, said May 9. “The food collected locally stays with your local food pantry. We will have several promotions on KOLN/KGIN and on MyTV before and during the Can Care-a-Van,� he said. Farmers and ranchers have a history of helping their neighbors in times of need, Berry said. “We know many people have a need for some kind of assistance. Farmers
and ranchers want to do their part and help collect food for pantries and shelters across the state. “Farmers are raising more food and fiber with less: Less Water‌Less Fertilizer‌ Less Insecticide. This helps them to preserve their land, which means that they are doing their part to be environmentally conscious and grow safe, nutritious food for those in need of assistance and your family, too,â€? Berry said Visit the Channel 10/11 website (1011now.com) to see if a community in your area is participating. If your community is listed, please take part by donating food or money for this important event, he said. “Many of the food pantries need to replenish their food supplies for the summer months to help families in need. It is our hope to collect more food than ever before and we need your help,â€?he emphasized.
On-air personalities from 10-11 will be present at these locations: Day Date Time Location Monday June 4 AM Superior PM Fairbury Tuesday June 5 AM Aurora PM Sutton Wednesday June 6 AM Auburn PM Nebraska City Thursday June 7 All Day Columbus Friday June 8 All Day Grand Island Saturday June 9 AM Geneva PM York 9500 Series
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10
MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Soybean Crop Increases, But Supply To Dip To Historic Low Washington, D.C. — More soybeans are going to be grown across the United States this year, but that increase will be dwarfed by the amount of soybeans that will be used and exported. The scenario will mean U.S. soybean supplies will fall to a mere 16 days of inventory, according to American Farm Bureau Federation analysts. According to USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report for May 2012, this year’s soybean crop is projected at 3.205 billion bushels, an increase of 149 million bushels from 2011. That boost, however, is not projected to keep up with strong demand from exports, which are expected to increase by 190 million bushels and the crush use of soybeans, which will increase by 10 million bushels. “When all is said and done, our ending stocks of soybeans will drop to just 145 million bushels,� AFBF Senior Economist Todd Davis said May 10. “That equates to a 4.4 percent stocks-to-use ratio, which is just over a two-week supply of soybeans at the end of the year. That will tend to be a bullish factor and should keep soybeans positioned as the market driver.� Prices will reflect soybean stocks being projected at historically low levels. The
2012-2013 U.S. marketing year average prices is pegged at $13 per bushel, which would eclipse the 2012 record of $12.35 per bushel, Davis explained. PERFECT STORM FOR SOYBEANS Several factors are leading to this perfect storm for soybeans. South American soybean production continues to decline, with Argentina’s production reduced by 91.8 million bushels and Brazil’s production reduced 36.7 million bushels from April. As the harvest wraps up in South America, Davis said, the market is now grasping a better understanding of how the South American drought cut into production. On the world level, ending stocks for soybeans will be the tightest they have been since the 2007-2008 marketing year, 53.24 million metric tons, or a stocks-to-use ratio of 15.5 percent. This report also carried significant news on the corn side, Davis said. The 2012 U.S. corn crop is now projected at 14.8 billion bushels, which would be a record if realized. That is 2.4 billion bushels more than what was harvested in 2011. USDA projected a record 2012 yield of 166 bushels per acre based on the rapid pace of planting and crop emergence. De-
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Even though more soybeans will be grown this year in the United States, the boost is not projected to keep up with the strong demand from exports. mand for corn is also projected to increase because of increased feed use (up 900 million bushels) and exports that should increase by 200 million bushels.
CORN WILL OUTPACE DEMAND “Corn production will outpace stronger demand and that will likely result in lower prices, but those prices will help fuel the robust demand we see both domestically and abroad,� Davis explained. 2012-2013 ending stocks for the domestic corn supply will be at 1.88 billion bushels, an increase of more than 1 billion bushels. The stocks-to-use ratio is projected to increase to 13.7 percent, which is the largest since 20092010. Davis said that because of the large increase in corn stocks, the U.S. marketing-year average price is projected to decline sharply to $4.60 per bushel, compared to the 20112012 price of $6.10 per bushel. But there was a little surprise in the latest report, according to Davis. “There was a curveball regarding old-crop corn,� Davis said. “The May report actually increased ending stocks of last year’s crop by 50 million bushels. This came as a fairly significant surprise, as pre-report estimates projected a decline in stocks due to stronger demand. According to the report, that demand never materialized because the amount of corn used for feed was reduced by 50 million bushels to reflect a greater use of wheat in feed rations.�
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2012 RANGER XPŽ 800 Hardest Working Smoothest Riding Features: — NEW! Improved dash/seat sealing for increased cab comfort — NEW! Improved seat fastening for extra durability — A full 12" of ground clearance avoids obstacles — Outstanding driver and passenger comfort
Vehicles shown with optional accessories. Avoid operating Polaris RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATVs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing and seat belts. Polaris adult ATV models are for riders aged 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. In Canada, see your local dealer. Š2011 Polaris Industries Inc.
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
11
Nebraska Farm Bureau Comments on Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill Plan The 2012 Farm Bill comes amid an increasingly fierce public debate about food and farming. Nebraska Farm Bureau is determined to ensure that the next farm bill includes strong agricultural safety net programs as well as helps in the effort to tackle the nation’s deficit problems, Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, said April 27. The Senate Agriculture Committee marked up its version of the 2012 Farm Bill on April 26 and forwarded it to the full Senate for consideration. The proposal cuts roughly $23 billion in farm bill spending over 10 years. The proposed cuts consist of about $15 billion in commodity programs, $6 billion in conservation funding and $4 billion in nutrition programs. “The Nebraska Farm Bureau appreciates the bi-partisan efforts of the Senate Agriculture Committee to draft a farm bill proposal that maintains many of the core principles of good farm policy. However, after a thorough review, we believe there is a need for reform and improvement in the Commodity Title’s proposed shallow loss revenue program,” Nelson said. Nebraska’s two U.S. Senators serve on the Agriculture Committee. Sens. Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns voted with the 16-5 majority to advance the bill. However, a block of five mostly southern members voted to oppose the measure. While Nebraska Farm Bureau expressed its appreciation to
the committee for its bi-partisan efforts, more work will need to be done to move this bill to President Obama’s desk. COMMODITY TITLE The Senate proposal completely revamps much of the current commodity title, replacing direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, ACRE and SURE with a new shallow loss revenue program. The shift to revenue protection over price protection and direct payments is a move welcomed by Farm Bureau. “While the elimination of many of the old commodity title programs is not unexpected, the establishment of a new Ag Risk Coverage – shallow loss revenue program – warrants further consideration. Nebraska Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a program comprised of a strong crop insurance program, a continuation of the marketing loan program, and a catastrophic revenue loss program. We believe such a program will ensure farmers are planting for the marketplace rather than a government payment,” Nelson said. According to Jordan Dux, Farm Bureau national affairs coordinator, there is a looming problem with the new ARC program. Besides basic philosophical concerns with the new program, growers of non-program crops such as popcorn and dry edible beans might be at an acreage disadvantage through the life of bill, Dux said.
ARC SHALLOW LOSS PROGRAM “The ARC program, calculates your payment off the revenue history of program crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.) you have planted from 2009-2012. The problem for growers of popcorn and dry edible beans is that those crops are not program crops and thus would not be covered under the ARC program. Besides being ineligible to receive ARC payments, growers of those commodities would also see a reduction in revenue history, possibly lowering payment potential for years when they plant program crops. This reduction in a farmer’s updated base might lead to a large reduction of acres planted to those crops within Nebraska.” Seeing the potentially large problem this move would create for popcorn growers, Johanns and Nelson were able to include language which would have the secretary of agriculture conduct a study to determine the feasibility of including popcorn as a covered commodity by 2014. However, the issue with dry beans remains unsolved, Dux said. Tighter payment limits and a new definition of “actively engaged” in farming were also added to the bill. With the support of many senators, the adjusted gross income limit for individuals receiving farm program payments was reduced to $750,000 of income. Under current law, subsidy recipients
can have up to $1 million in farm earnings and $500,000 in off-farm income. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) also was able to add language on what constitutes being “actively engaged” in a farming operation. However, the language was not nearly as restrictive as past proposals, Dux said. PROPOSAL REMAINS IN COMMITTEE Although the bill advanced through the Senate Agriculture Committee with a strong majority, it is unclear when the bill will reach the Senate floor. Ag groups, including Farm Bureau, have been pushing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to bring the bill to the floor, but no firm date has been set. “We are now in a wait- and-see pattern,” Nelson said. “The votes are probably there in the Senate to get the bill passed without a lot of major changes. However, the House is a very different story. The House version of the farm bill will likely look very different from the Senate version and many of those differences will be within the commodity title,” he said. Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to support moving the farm bill toward passage yet this year, but will also continue to emphasize the importance of creating a strong agricultural safety net that works for both farmers and the American taxpayer, Nelson said.
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12
MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MYTHBUSTERS
UNCOVERING THE TRUTH IN AGRICULTURE
Genetically Modified Foods (GMFs) Today’s consumers are bombarded with information about food and nutrition, some of it fact, some of it fiction. One of the food topics squarely in the center of today’s food discussions is the safety of genetically modified foods. Here are a few things to know as you consider GMFs. WHAT ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS AND GM FOODS? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not currently occur in nature. The technology is often called “biotechnology.” It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another and also between non-related species. Such methods are used to create GM plants – which are then used to grow GM food crops.
ARE BIOTECH FOODS SAFE? Yes. The ultimate scientific authorities such as the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science, the American Dietetic Association and the American Medical Association have concluded that foods with biotech-derived ingredients pose no more risk to people than any other foods. The World Health Organization has said GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, the WHO says no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved. ARE BIOTECH FOODS REGULATED? Yes. In the U.S., GM crops are regu-
lated through three federal agencies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the transport, growth and propagation of plants. Special regulations deal with GM crops, including a permit process for field-testing. USDA also oversees the nutritional content of labeling foods. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates new chemical substances. The EPA decided some years ago that genetically engineered pest control agents should be considered as chemical substances and that EPA should regulate GM crops engineered to be pest-resistant. The Food and Drug Administration also plays an oversight role and regulates both new foods and those derived from conventional or GM crops. WHY WOULD GENES BE INSERTED INTO FOOD? All foods, including conventional and non-GMO, contain genes. GM foods are developed because there is an advantage
either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into a crop or food with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both. The initial objective for developing plants using biotechnology was to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance toward herbicides. Second generation GM products are targeted to drought tolerance for crops as well as to providing direct consumer benefits by enhancing the quality of foods. Examples include vitamin A enriched rice and maize (corn), as well as high-protein wheat and high-oleic soybeans which have lower saturated fat. From “Frequently Asked Questions about Biotech Foods, Safety and Labeling,” Biotech Now.
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2012 NGLC SRM Summer Range Tour Abbott Ranch, Tippetts-Myers Ranch & Blue Creek Ranch 8-9 AM
Registration at Abbott Ranch headquarters (part of Rex Ranch) 4 miles west and 2 miles south of Ashby, NE
9-11 AM
Tour the Abbott Ranch
11 AM
Rest room stop & distribute box lunches to be eaten en route
11-Noon
Travel to Tippett-Myers Ranch north of Lewellen, NE
Call
Noon- 2 PM Tour Tippett-Myers Ranch 2-2:30 PM
Travel to Blue Creek Ranch north of Oshkosh, NE
2:30-5 PM
Tour Blue Creek Ranch
5:30-6 PM
Social Hour
6 PM
Buffalo and Beef Dinner
7PM
Evening program featuring panel discussion of tour hosts Comments from NGLC and SRM Pre-Registration Required June 11 deadline contact: Ron Bolze, NGLC Coordinator ron@nebraskagrazinglands.org 402-426-2033 (home office) 402-321-0067 (cell)
High Pressure Natural Gas Pipelines are Everywhere. DIG SAFELY! Please Call 811, the Nationwide Toll Free Number, Before Performing any Tiling or Deep Tilling Operations. One Call will get all of the underground utilities in the excavation area located/marked and it’s free.
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
13
President Lincoln Advocated for Agriculture, Established USDA 2012 is the 150th anniversary of four important laws signed by President Abraham Lincoln: The Homestead Act, which allowed U.S. citizens to claim land; the Morrill Act, which established the Land Grant University system to research, teach and spread information about agriculture; a series of railroad acts to establish a Transcontinental Railroad; and the act which formed the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Of these, the act establishing USDA may be least-known. Lincoln grew up on farms in Kentucky and Illinois. During his presidency, 1861-1865, farmers were the majority of the population. In his only extended address on agriculture, to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in 1859, prior to his presidency, his deep knowledge of farming practices was apparent. USE HORSES TO FARM He spoke on the importance of agricultural fairs as a means to spread new information about agriculture; the desirability of substituting horse-drawn machines for hand power, and the potential usefulness of steam plows. He urged more intensive cultivation in order to increase production to the full capacity of the soil. Lincoln believed that free farmers, who had the opportunity to become landowners, were more productive than hired laborers or slaves. He endorsed education for farmers and believed that farmers’ interests were of primary importance to the nation. In his first annual message to Congress in 186l, Lincoln pointed out, “Agriculture, confessedly the largest interest of the nation, has not a department nor a bureau, but a clerkship only, assigned to it in the Government.” Congress established USDA the following year on May 15.
A Condensed History of American Agriculture 1776–1999 1776–99 1785 The Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture and other agricultural groups organized
1800 1802 George Washington Parke Custis instituted agricultural fair in Arlington, VA
1810
1820
1830
1840
1850
1860
1870
1880
1890
1810 First American agricultural periodical, the Agricultural Museum, began publication
1820 Agriculture Committee, U.S. House of Representatives, established
1834 McCormick reaper patented
1840ʼs The growing use of factory-made agricultural machinery increased farmerʼs need for cash and encouraged commercial farming
1850ʼs Commercial corn and wheat belts began to develop
1862 U.S. Department of Agriculture established
1874 Availability of barbed wire allowed fencing of rangeland, ending era of unrestricted, openrange grazing
1887 Hatch Experiment Station Act set up Federal-State cooperation in agricultural research
1890 Second Morrill Act broadened land -grant program and set up funding for black land-grant schools
1825 Agriculture Committee, U.S. Senate, established
1793 Invention of cotton gin
1862 The drive for agricultural education culminated in the passage of the Morrill Land Grant College Act
1890 First Federal Meat Inspection Act
1862 Homestead Act gave free public land to persons willing to farm it
DA ED US ECT SP IN
1896 Rural Free Delivery (RFD) started
1865-70 The sharecropping system in the South replaced the old slave plantation system
1900 1900-1910 George Washington Carver, director of agricultural research at Tuskegee Institute, pioneered in finding new uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans, thus helping to diversify southern agriculture.
1910 1914 Smith-Lever Extension Act passed setting up a national extension service
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990–99
1922 Capper-Volstead Act gave cooperatives legal standing
1932-36 Drought and dust-bowl conditions developed
1945-70 Revolution in agricultural technology brought greatly increased yields and more specialized, capital-intensive farms
1954 Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act (P.L. 480) facilitated agricultural exports and foreign aid
1964 Food Stamp Act and War on Poverty
1970 Environmental Quality Improvement Act
1980ʼs Biotechnology became a viable technique for improving crop and livestock products
1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act and Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act increased farmersʼ flexibility in planting under government programs
1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) initiated crop and marketing controls 1936 Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act linked farm programs with conservation
1902 Reclamation Act facilitated irrigation 1906 Food and Drug Act, a landmark in food safety
1936 Rural Electrification Act (REA) greatly improved quality of rural life
1908 President Rooseveltʼs Country Life Commission was established and focused attention on rural problems
AG COMMISSIONER PAID $3,000 The act, fewer than 800 words total, provided that the new agency’s commissioner would be paid $3,000 a year, and it allowed him to send official “communications and other matters” free through the U.S. mail, provided they were under two pounds. Lincoln chose Isaac Newton to head the new department. Newton was known as a progressive dairy farmer and had served as
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1946 National School Lunch Act 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) established working procedures that substantially reduced tariffs between member nations
1985 Food Security Act lowered government farm supports, promoted exports, and set up the Conservation Reserve Program
1954-55 Rural development program begins 1956 Soil Bank Program authorized
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1993 Revised General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) lowered trade barriers 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act revised farm programs to increase reliance on market signals
chief of the agricultural section of the Patent Office since August 1861. In his first annual report, Newton outlined objectives for the department: • Collect, arrange and publish statistical and other useful agricultural information • Introduce valuable plants and animals • Answer inquiries from farmers regarding agriculture • Test agricultural implements
Benes Service
1890 Census showed that the frontier settlement era was over
1997 USDA issues Civil Rights Action Team report, offering 92 recommendations for overcoming past injustices 1998 HACCP is implemented to target and reduce the presence of pathogens in meat and poultry 1999 Drop in many commodities prices, combined with disastrous weather in many parts of the country, caused increased demand for USDA farm programs 1999 The "Roadless Initiative" is implemented to preserve roadless tracts in National Forests, securing fish and wildlife habitat and protecting natural resources
• Conduct chemical analyses of soils, grains, fruits, plants, vegetables and manures • Establish a professorship of botany and entomology • Establish an agricultural library and museum. Today’s Department of Agriculture has a much broader mission, but continues with many of the original objectives. Historians have noted that although Lincoln’s primary problem during his presidency was preserving the Union, the agricultural legislation he signed transformed American farming. Information from U.S. Department of Agriculture Sources
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14
MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Keep Cooking Safe All the Time! Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the grilling season. Whether you’re buying food at supermarkets or grocery stores or from farmer’s markets or raising your own, it’s important to follow safe handling procedures to keep family members safe and prevent foodborne illness. Knowing how to prepare, handle and store food safely can keep your family safe. Remember these tips offered by the UNL Extension Service, the Nebraska Beef Council and the Pork Be Inspired website. 1. Wash Your Hands and Prep Cooking Surfaces Hands should be washed in warm water with soap before cooking foods and after handling raw meat, seafood and poultry. Hands should be washed for 20 to 30 seconds. Use a separate cutting board when prepping raw meat. Wash the board thoroughly in hot, soapy water before using the
same board for any other ingredients. Also remember to replace your dishcloths and sponges on a regular basis. 2. Keep Raw Meats and Ready-toEat Foods Separate Never place cooked foods on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood without washing it first. Also, make sure to use clean utensils when serving meat you’re bringing in from the grill. Keep raw meat and meat juices away from other foods, both in the refrigerator and during preparation. 3. Cook to Proper Food Temperatures • Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat before removing from the grill. • The food thermometer should be placed in the thickest part of the food and should not be touching bone, fat or gristle.
Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients 1 broiler-fryer chicken, cooked, skinned, boned, cut into pieces 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 package (8 ounces) shell macaroni, cooked according to package directions 2 large tomatoes, cut into large cubes 1/2 cup coarsely-chopped red onion 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup Italian salad dressing (made from dry mix) Directions 1. In saucepan, steam broccoli over boiling water for about 5 minutes. Remove broccoli from pan, drain and sprinkle with salt. 2. In large bowl while ingredients are still warm, place chicken, broccoli, shell macaroni, tomatoes and onion; sprinkle with pepper. Add Italian dressing and mix gently but thoroughly. 3. Chill in refrigerator. If desired, at serving time sprinkle with seasoned croutons and black olives. Servings: 6
Photo courtesy of http://food.unl.edu/web/meatproducts/preparation
cutline • Check the temperature in several places to make sure the food is heated evenly. • Make sure to clean your food thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after each use. Heat leftovers to 165 degrees before serving. 4. Stay Out of the ‘Danger Zone’ Bacteria and other germs need time, food and moisture (or wetness) to grow; but they won’t grow when the temperature of the food is colder than 41º F or hotter than 140º F. The temperatures between 41º and 140º are in the “Danger Zone.” There are only three safe ways to thaw foods, and you must plan ahead to allow enough time to do it right: 1. Thaw food in the refrigerator; it may take a few hours or a few days. This is the best and safest way. Be sure to put meat in a container to catch the meat juices to keep them from dripping on other food. Never thaw food at room temperature, on a counter or in warm water. 2. Hold the food under cool, running water, never under warm or hot water. 3. If you use a microwave oven to thaw your food, you must cook or serve it right away.
Safe Cooking Temperatures Internal Temperature Ground Meat & Meat Mixtures Beef 160°F Pork 145°F With a three minute rest. Turkey, Chicken 165°F Beef Steaks and Roasts Medium Rare 145°F Medium 160°F Well Done 170°F Poultry Chicken & Turkey, whole Poultry breasts, roast Poultry thighs, wings Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird) Hot Dogs
165°F 165°F 165°F 165°F 165°F
Eggs & Egg Dishes Eggs Cook until yolk & white are firm Egg dishes 160°F Reheats Leftovers & Casseroles 165°F Hot Dogs 165°F
Excerpts from the UNL Extension Service at http://food.unl.edu/web/safety/home, the Nebraska Beef Council at http://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/gettingreadytocook.aspx and from the Pork Be Inspired website http://www.porkbeinspired.com/CutsAndCooking.aspx.
Recipe courtesy of National Chicken Council
Caramel Apple Pork Chops Ingredients 4 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick 2 tablespoons brown sugar salt, to taste black pepper, to taste 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons butter 2 medium tart red apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges 3 tablespoons chopped pecans Directions 1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Saute chops, 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145° F, followed by a 3-minute rest time. Remove; keep warm. 2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet; stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or just until apples are tender. 3. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops; keep warm. Continue cooking mixture in skillet, uncovered, until sauce thickens slightly. 4. Spoon sauce over apples and chops. Sprinkle with pecans. Total recipe time: 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook Servings: 4 pork chops
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Beef Cups Ingredients 20 ounces refrigerated fully-cooked taco sauce with seasoned ground beef 17.3 ounces refrigerated Grands buttermilk or corn biscuit dough 1/2 cup canned Sloppy Joe sauce 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend Toppings 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced lettuce 1/2 cup chopped tomato 1/4 cup shredded Mexican four-cheese blend 1/2 cup dairy sour cream 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives Directions 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Separate biscuits and press each into a 3-1/2-inch circle. Place over the underside of muffin cups from a standard-size muffin pan, pressing around cup to shape into bowl. Bake in 350°F oven 12 to 15 minutes or until browned. Remove baked cups to platter. 2. Meanwhile, combine taco sauce with ground beef and sloppy Joe sauce in medium saucepan; cook over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese. 3. Spoon beef mixture evenly into cups. Top evenly with lettuce, tomato and 1/4 cup cheese. Top with sour cream and olives. Total recipe time: 30 minutes Servings: 8 taco cups
Recipe courtesy of www.pork4kids.com, National Pork Board
Recipe courtesy of Nebraska Beef Council
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
15
Farm Safety Is a Life Lesson By Craig Head wheat in Frontier County. The collective sigh that came out of farm “We know there is some risk in what we country following the U.S. Department of do. You can’t work with livestock or around Labor’s announcement dropping plans to farm equipment without some risk involved. regulate child labor on farms was born out It’s reality. The way we protect our kids is to of concern about the overreach of govern- teach them through hands-on experience ment intervention into the lives of American and talking about how to do things the right farm families, not way. Experience is from a desire to the best teacher,” lessen farm safety. said Moore. Teaching safety on The Moore’s chilthe farm is at the dren, Zack, 15, and heart of preparing Kati, 12, have taken kids for farm laan active role in bor and while that working on the farm. education comes in Both are regularly many forms, most involved in helping lessons start at with chores ranging home. from running the tractor to caring for EXPERIENCE Scott Moore and son Zack work with cattle cows to spraying IS KEY on the farm. weeds, among other “It’s one of the activities. first things we talk Moore said farm safety for children to our kids about when they start helping evolves as kids get older and more engaged. out on the farm, and they do get active at “We kept our kids completely away from a relatively young age,” said Scott Moore, some activities when they were very young, who farms with his wife Carla and their but as they got older and wanted to be two children near Bartley. Moore serves more involved, we tried to make it a menas the District 7 Director on the Nebrastoring situation. We only allowed them to ka Farm Bureau Board of Directors and up their involvement when all of us were raises corn, cattle, soybeans and winter
Over the campaign’s two-month time period, Nebraska Farm Bureau collected more than 2,000 signed paper hands from FFA students across the state.
Frontier County Farm Safety Day was held March 21 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. All fifth and sixth grade students from Maywood, Medicine Valley and Eustis-Farnam schools were invited to attend. The event was sponsored by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, Frontier County Farm Bureau and various local sponsors. With help from classroom teachers, paraeducators and the Medicine Valley FFA, the students went through six sessions to teach them how to be aware of dangers at home and on the farm, and how to handle various daily situations on their own. The sessions included distracted driving, lawnmower safety, severe weather, 911 calls, weather and fire safety, and healthy eating. The day’s grand finale centered around the lessons the students had learned on weather safety. Pictured are Frontier County fifth grader and Deputy Derrick Hansen of the Frontier County Sheriff’s Department.
comfortable they could safely handle a par- Johnson County Farm Bureaus have helped ticular job.” sponsor local Farm Safety Days. Rosie SugAccording to Moore, teaching farm safety den of Sterling is a Johnson County Farm brings with it both short- and long-term Bureau board member and a member of benefits for their kids. “When we teach farm the planning committee for the Southeast safety, we’re not just teaching them how to Nebraska Progressive Agriculture Safety farm, we’re teaching them life skills and that Day held in April. includes being safe. If they learn those prinThese safety day events target more than ciples now, it will be a part of them no mat- just farm activities, she said. “While we dister where life takes them,” he said. cuss farm safety, we try to cover a number Duane Miller of Davenport agrees with of topics that can help youth beyond the Moore’s approach to farm safety. “We farm gate. This year we taught kids about started our kids young, but we also started safety on power take-offs on farm equipthem slow in terms of farm work. It’s like ment, but we also taught them about food anything, the older and more experienced safety, sun exposure, first aid, fire safety and they got, the more we allowed them to do,” gun safety. It all adds up to help kids unhe said. Miller and his wife Deb raised four derstand how they can protect themselves children on their crop and livestock farm in whether they’re on the farm or not.” Thayer County. The Miller children, daughEXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTES ter Erin and sons Ryan, Ross and Drew, are FOR REGULATIONS now grown, and Ryan and Drew remain acWhile the Obama Administration has tive farmers. shelved its plans indefinitely to create new “We never gave our kids any job that we regulations governdidn’t think they ing the ability of could do safely, and children to work on knock on wood, the farm, the agenwe’ve never had cy plans to work any major injuries,” with agriculture orMiller said. ganizations, includMiller also has ing the American employed nonFarm Bureau, on farm children to farm safety educahelp out from time tion for youth. to time. “When Nebraska Farm you talk safety, the Bureau National first thing people Affairs Coordinator think about is Duane Miller and son Ryan work on the Jordan Dux, who whether or not the family’s pork operation. worked with Farm kids are prepared Bureau’s “Let Me for the work they are doing as an indi- Get My Hands Dirty” campaign to pull the vidual. What people probably don’t real- proposal, said the efforts and comments ize is how important safety is not only to from farmers and their children were a mathe kids, but to the people they are work- jor contributor to the Department of Labor ing with. Most of the time we’re working taking the rule off the table. together. Whether it’s my kids or those “There’s no question that the stories we’ve hired to help, we all have an inter- shared by farmers were very compelling. est in making sure we’re on the same page Over the course of the short two-month when it comes to safety.” campaign, Nebraska Farm Bureau collected SAFETY TAUGHT OUTSIDE over 2,000 signed paper hands from FFA THE FARM GATE students across the state. While we were While parents are critical to teaching pleased by the department’s decision, this safety on the farm, many youth groups was never about whether children should including 4-H and FFA sponsor programs be safe on the farm. It was about who was targeted to on-farm safety. A handful of best-suited to determine when and what County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska also farm activities children could handle. At the have taken the initiative to partner with end of the day, we think allowing children’s local groups to work on farm and youth parents and farmers to make that call is the safety initiatives. Both the Frontier and right decision.”
Johnson County Farm Bureau members, along with representatives of the Farm Service Agency and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, held the 7th Annual Southeast Nebraska Progressive Agriculture Safety Day at the Fairgrounds in Tecumseh on April 26. One hundred-forty-four students from Johnson, Nemaha and Gage Counties participated. Eleven sessions were repeated throughout the day, including sessions on PTO safety, food safety, smoke trailer, first aid, fire safety, sun safety, gun safety, insect safety and a police dog demonstration on drugs. The students went home with a goodie bag which contained the Farm Bureau Activity Book, safety brochures, a first aid kit, wheat to plant and many other educational and fun items. Jim Erickson, vice president of Johnson County Farm Bureau, is chairman of the event and Rosie Sugden, Johnson County Farm Bureau board member, is also a committee member. Other Johnson County Farm Bureau members participating were Ken Kuhl, Donita Podtburg, Duane Sugden and Terry Keebler. Karl Linke, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director of member services for the southeast, also helped out.
16
MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
HEALTHIER TIMES
5-Minute Stress Fixes Whether you’re anxious about work, frustrated by an endless list of chores or upset over an argument with a loved one, you don’t have to let stress get the best of you. All you need is five minutes to escape life’s frantic pace and regain your composure. Here are quick tips for conquering stress in your most distressing moments from Jeffrey Brantley, M.D., coauthor of “Five Good Minutes at Work� and director of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program at Duke University’s Center for Integrative Medicine. Running late? You overslept, hit traffic and are dashing into an important meeting 15 minutes late – again. Instead of spinning into an anxious frenzy, press your inner pause button and ask yourself, “What’s another five minutes when I’m already late?� suggests Brantley. “There’s no point worrying about something you can’t change,� he explains. “So call to let your boss know that you’ll be late and surrender control.� Then take slow, deep breaths and seek solace by letting your mind wander to a better place (like your last vacation) or making a mental list of things you’re grateful for. “This will help you get back in touch with
what’s most important and keep you from rebounding through the day on overdrive,� Bradley says.
Overwhelmed by others’ needs? Somewhere between juggling demands from your high-maintenance boss, your meddling mother-in-law, your distraught girlfriend, and/or your bickering kids, slip away for a moment – either by ducking into an empty room or by just closing your eyes – and draw an imaginary circle around yourself to create your own private island. Use your senses to distance yourself from reality: “Seeâ€? a cloudless blue sky, “feelâ€? the warmth of the sun, and “tasteâ€? that creamy piĂąa colada, advises Brantley. “Within your circle of solitude, no one can enter or disrupt your inner
peace and harmony,� he says. “Keep this imaginary island as your own breathing room for safety whenever you feel engulfed by incessant pressures to be available to others.� Annoyed by difficult people? We all encounter them: nosy neighbors, buttinsky relatives, rude grocery clerks. To insulate yourself from their irritating behaviors, first acknowledge how you’re reacting (for example, your fists may clench while thoughts of how to escape race through your head). “Recognizing your emotions enables you to develop strategies for soothing them, which in turn delivers a sense of calming control,� says Brantley. Start by rolling your wrists to alleviate any physical tension. To silence those mental SOS sirens, recite a calming self-affirmation, such as, “No matter how much she gets under my skin, I’ll treat her with kindness.� And have some good excuses prepared for escaping your next encounter, such as, “Sorry – gotta go. I’m expecting a phone call.� Second-guessing yourself? Our minds are often plagued by selfdefeating thoughts that start with phrases
like “I can’t,� “I’ll never,� and “If only.� The next time your inner critic pipes up, follow these steps to silence it: Close your eyes, breathe mindfully, and reflect on a time when you were surprised by your own strength (maybe it was when you gave birth or quit your job to find a better one). “Remembering past moments when you trusted yourself will guide you toward feeling comfortable with your decisions now,� explains Brantley. Falling behind? Instead of swearing that you’ll never procrastinate again, try making a two-column to-do list, Brantley suggests. On one side, list the high-priority tasks in order of importance; in the other column, jot down the things that can happen tomorrow or the next day. “This will help you formulate a plan, and when you realize that there are things that can actually wait, your load will seem less demanding,� says Brantley. As you complete each task on your list, cross it off with a colorful marker. This visual affirmation of accomplishment is soothing, and learning how to tackle stress before it paralyzes you is your ticket to overcoming it. Excerpts from WebMD
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
17
Nebraska AITC Program Named a Finalist in Toyota’s 2012 100 Cars for Good Program The Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom program has been selected as one of 500 nonprofit finalists in Toyota’s “100 Cars for Good” program, a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days. Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom was selected as a finalist from more than 5,000 applications nationwide. “Everyone involved with the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom program is thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for the 2012 100 Cars for Good program,” Deanna Karmazin, state coordinator, said April 25. “We’re grateful for this incredible opportunity to showcase Nebraska agriculture and hopefully win a truck to help us increase our impact here in Nebraska. We hope everyone will help us spread the word now and, of course, will make time to visit www.100carsforgood.com on Tuesday, July 10, to vote for us. A new truck would assist us in taking agricultural education materials, including animals, across the state to teach kids where their food, fiber and fuel come from. Each day, beginning May 14 100 Cars for Good is profiling five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com. Individual can vote for whichever nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day will win one of six Toyota models.
Runners-up will each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. VOTE ON JULY 10! The Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Program will be up for consideration on July 10 and voting will take place up until 8 p.m. CDT. “At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits nationwide,” noted Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “Toyota has donated more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits across the U.S. over the past 20 years, and 100 Cars for Good allows us to expand that commitment to local communities in important new ways. The 500 finalists are an extraordinary group, and we look forward to the public learning more about them.” 100 Cars for Good is the first initiative
to directly engage the public to determine how Toyota’s philanthropic donations are awarded. For more information on the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Program and its efforts to win one of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good, please visit its website at http:// www.ne-aitc.org. You can also like AITC on Facebook by searching for Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom or follow AITC on Twitter @ Nebraska AITC. For complete information on 100 Cars for Good and profiles of all 500 finalists, please visit www.100carsforgood. com. All Nebraskans are encouraged to support the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom program and its request for a new Toyota Tundra. If the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Program receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, it will be used to educate teachers and stu-
dents across the state about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives and reconnect them with the knowledge of where their food, fiber and fuel come from. Agriculture in the Classroom is a nationwide educational program to help students develop awareness and understanding that agriculture is the source of food, clothing, shelter and other essentials of life. In Nebraska, the program is managed and funded by the Nebraska Foundation for Agricultural Awareness (NFAA), a nonprofit, taxexempt organization with headquarters at the Nebraska Farm Bureau office in Lincoln, Neb. HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING The Nebraska AITC rogram provides resources and training to K-12 teachers on ways to use agriculture as the vehicle to teach across existing curricula. These resources use an integrated/hands-on approach to learning. Each of the resources is correlated with the Nebraska State Standards in the basic subject areas. Nebraska students learn that the agricultural industry includes the production, processing, distribution and marketing of the products they use every day. The program provides the students with the knowledge of the agricultural industry, thereby allowing them to support wise decisions concerning agricultural policies.
Follow Nebraska Farm Bureau on: Visit Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Blog at:
facebook.com/ Nebraska.Farm.Bureau
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The NFAA Golf Classic will take place at 8:30 a.m.
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
& Ranchers
Nebraska
Farmers
Juniata, Neb., population 698, is the home of Ryan and Kristi Weeks, Adams County Farm Bureau members and fifth generation farmers. Ryan’s family settled there in the 1800s and he grew up learning from his father who had a hand in diversified farming from cattle, hogs and chickens to row crops. After Ryan studied business for two years in Kearney and biological systems engineering for two years in Lincoln, he decided to return to Juniata, rent ground of his own and start farming. Today his operation remains separate from his father’s, which he is grateful for because he “learned to manage
his own farm.” Ryan is specialized within the grain industry, and grows white corn, popcorn, commercial yellow corn, soybeans, prairie hay and alfalfa. Kristi is a stayat-home-mom with their three children: Aiden, 7; Brynn, 5; and Delaney, 1. The popcorn he raises is sold to Preferred Popcorn in Chapman, Neb., and is shipped all over the world to places such as India and Japan where there are stringent rules about non-genetically modified organisms. These rules mean he has to raise his popcorn with traditional methods – he can’t spray popcorn with Roundup, and labor
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Welcome to Nebraska Farmers & Ranchers, a feature on Nebraska Farm Bureau’s blog about the people who bring you your food, clothing and fuel and the issues they face. With so much information available to consumers today, it can be daunting to separate fact from fiction. It’s our hope that this feature introduces you to the faces behind your food and sheds some light on questions you may have about how it is grown and raised and what that means to you. Visit the Nebraska Farm Bureau blog at http://nefb.wordpress.com/ every Thursday to meet more farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska as they share their everyday stories.
Ryan and Kristi Weeks – Juniata, Neb. Adams County Farm Bureau Members management is more intensive. Ryan explains that a popcorn plant is very weak compared to commercial corn, but because Nebraska has the consistency of irrigation which reduces drought stress to the plant, the state is now the largest producer of popcorn in the nation. Ryan says they put a lot of effort into the integrity of their popcorn, making sure there’s traceability back to his farm. This provides him a direct link to consumers. And he’s no stranger to connecting with consumers and telling his farming story.
EVENTS & TRAVEL
He is a member of the Ag Chat Foundation committee, maintains personal and farm Facebook pages, writes a “Days of the Weeks” blog that can be found at http:// cornhuskerfarmer. wordpress.com/, and has Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest accounts. Ryan can oftentimes be found posting to social media sites from his iPad from the field. He feels this one-to-one emotional connection is required for farmers to stay in business. He says consumers don’t realize farmers are just like them — they just live and work on the farm.
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Feed Yard Foodie By Anne Burkholder, Dawson County Note from the Editor: With more Nebraskans growing up in urban and suburban areas miles from farm and ranch life, there is an increasing disconnect with how and where food is grown. Nebraska Farm Bureau News is continuing a mom blog called “The Real Dirt. We will have guest writers, who are farm moms, give their take about food production, food safety, farm life and how farm animal care is a priority. Blogs are meant to be educational, entertaining, concise, enjoyable and to the point. This column will give our readers trusted information about the people who produce their food. Anne Burkholder writes as Feedyard Foodie and is a Dawson County Farm Bureau member. Anne and her husband Matt raise cattle on their family farm and love the personal responsibility that their three children learn from taking care of their land and animals. As spring is in full bloom and transitions into summer, many of the cattle that arrived at the feed yard in the late fall and winter go to harvest. My cowboy and I spend one afternoon a week putting the big ones on the bus. I do not remember when I first started calling the semi-trucks that we load the cattle on “buses.” And, I often refer to my cattle as “boys” if they are steers, and “girls” if they are heifers—I suppose that is just a personal quirk of mine. I spend several months teaching and caring for the
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animals, and that just seems to propel me into a bit of a teacher mind-frame. As we bring the cattle up to load on the truck, I can often be found muttering to myself “ok big boys, it’s time to get on the bus.” It is useless language since my animals obviously cannot understand me, and my cowboy is hard of hearing. But, this habit of quietly talking to myself, seems to surface as we load cattle for harvest. What is the process of loading cattle to go to harvest? When the trucks arrive, they are weighed on our semi-truck scale to get the empty weight of the truck. All of the cattle that I am shipping right now are Age- and Source-Verified so the truck drivers must sign shipping papers verifying the identity of the cattle. This paperwork will accompany the cattle to the harvest facility.
Once I have weighed the trucks, my cowboy and I go to the home pen of the cattle to bring them down to the corral. The cattle are used to this because of the acclimating and exercising process that we have at the feed yard. The semi-trucks have different compartments in which to put the cattle, and the truck drivers tell me how many cattle to bring to put in each compartment. Ap-
proximately 35-40 cattle are divided up and placed in four different compartments on each of the trucks.
When the truck is backed up to the cattle chute and ready to load, I sort off the correct number of animals for each compartment and my cowboy and I bring them up to the truck. As I sort the cattle, I must verify that each animal has the appropriate Age- and Source-Verified ear tag which uniquely identifies the animal. We try to keep steady forward movement in the group of animals as we bring them up, so that they file onto the truck in an orderly fashion. Depending on the weather and the attitude of the cattle, sometimes this is easy and sometimes this is challenging. Once all of the animals are loaded on the trucks, I weigh the trucks again to get an accurate weight of the cattle (the weight of the full truck minus the weight of the empty truck = the weight of the cattle). We
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use this cattle weight to benchmark the growth performance of the cattle at the feed yard. After the truck is weighed, the animals leave my farm and are transported (with all of their shipping papers) to the harvest facility. About a week after the animals ship to harvest, I receive carcass performance information on the cattle so that I know the quality of beef that each animal has made. I take that information and share it with the rancher that cared for the animals before me so that together we can continue to improve the quality of the beef that our animals make.
The goal is nutritious and great-tasting beef. The quality of my cattle and the quality of care that I offer to them allows them to make beef that I am proud to feed to my family and to yours. Shipping cattle to harvest is one of the most physically and mentally demanding jobs that I have at the feed yard. As my cattle go to harvest, they weigh 13 times as much as I do – I have to be smart and I have to be tenacious. The safety of myself, my cowboy, and my animals are contingent on how good a job I do in preparing my animals to be loaded and shipped. Putting the big ones on the bus reminds me how important it is that I teach my girls to think well on their feet and always finish the job!
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Nebraska AgrAbility Helps Farmers and Ranchers with Disabilities Clayton Hergott grew up on his family’s farm near Hebron and did the things farm kids do, using crutches to get around because of a spinal cord injury at birth. He’s been adapting all his life, he says. But when he contracted a staph infection after a fall landed him in the hospital four years ago, he was glad to receive help from the Nebraska AgrAbility Project. Hergott, 30, needed a muscle graft in his leg to replace tissue the infection had destroyed. The operation was successful, but the injury limited his ability to get around the farm and work his cattle. During three months at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Hergott was visited by Del Ficke, a rural rehabilitation specialist for Easter Seals Nebraska. Easter Seals partners with University of Nebraska Extension in the Nebraska AgrAbility Project, which assists farmers and ranchers who have disabilities. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT Ficke is also a farmer and cattleman from Pleasant Dale and a member of the Nebraska
Farm Bureau board. He did an in-depth assessment of Hergott’s mobility needs, beginning with the hospital visit and continuing with a site visit to the farm, to determine how assistive technology could help. With Hergott’s permission, Ficke provided his report to the Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation program, which agreed with his recommendation that a farm utility all-terrain vehicle would help Hergott continue farming.
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chute and a portable catch corral that he can haul to different pastures to catch and work cattle. The equipment enables him to work the cattle by himself, or with very minimal help. ‘I PROBABLY WOULDN’T BE FARMING’ Hergott says without the funding he received from the state and the support of Nebraska AgrAbility, he probably wouldn’t be on the farm today. “Everybody’s been super good to me and they still keep in touch to see how it’s going. They definitely helped me out a lot, and Del’s become a close friend.” In addition to caring for his cattle, Hergott Nebraska AgrAbility doesn’t pay for as- works as a cost accountant for nearby Resistive technology, but connects clients to inke Manufacturing, a maker of center pivot possible funding sources, such as the state- systems, and is a part-time auctioneer for funded Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation Belleville 81 Livestock Sales of Belleville, Kan. program, which “Without my paid for a John cattle,” he says, “I Deere Gator for would be a pretty Hergott. It (assistance to AgrAbility crabby individual. “It (assistance clients) is one of the state’s They’re definitely to AgrAbility clibest programs. Every dollar spent my release. After a ents) is one of the long day at work, I to keep someone on the farm state’s best prolike watching the or ranch returns $11 – it keeps grams,” Ficke said. baby calves and “Every dollar spent people off disability, and they’re just chilling out.” to keep someone Learn more making money, paying taxes and on the farm or about the Necontributing to the community. ranch returns $11 braska AgrAbility – it keeps people Project at http:// off disability, and — DEL FICKE, rural rehabilitation agrability.unl.edu. they’re making specialist for Easter Seals Nebraska and The program is money, paying a Nebraska Farm Bureau board member funded by USDA taxes and contriband has helped uting to the community.” more than 430 farm and ranch clients AgrAbility staff also worked with Her- since 1995. There is no charge for the gott to obtain livestock handling equipment services Nebraska AgrAbility provides to on a cost-share basis, including a portable its clients. This portable chute and a portable catch corral make it possible for Hergott to care for his cattle by himself, or with very little help. He was able to obtain it on a cost-share basis, with help from Nebraska AgrAbility. Since 1995, Nebraska AgrAbility has helped more than 430 farm and ranch clients. Its services are free.
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AG
notes More Agriculture in State Education Standards
The Nebraska Department of Education is revisiting the agency’s K-12 Social Studies standards and there could be a greater role for agriculture in the revised standards. The department hosted three citizen input meetings on possible revisions this spring. Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom State Coordinator Deanna Karmazin attended the session in Lincoln. According to Karmazin, the department is receptive to finding ways to further integrate agriculture into the standards process. “We’ve been asked to identify and share thoughts on how agriculture could be incorporated into the standards and we’re working to provide specific examples on how that can be done,” she said. The update for social studies standards is part of the department’s ongoing standards
revision process. The idea of doing more in schools to acknowledge the role of agriculture was raised during the 2012 legislative session through both a bill and interim study resolution offered by Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids. Sullivan’s proposals would examine the status of agriculture awareness in the state’s K-12 education system and determine if more is needed. Nebraska Farm Bureau worked with Sullivan to introduce the measures as part of the organization’s overall interest in providing more farm and food information to Nebraska youth. Visit http://nebraskalegislature. gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LR511. pdf to view the Legislative Interim Study Resolution 511- Agriculture Literacy. Visit Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom’s website at www.agclassroom.org/ne.
three years to help the department address water management needs in the Platte River Basin. The trust’s allocation is the culmination of state legislation adopted in 2011 which called for a partnership between the Nebraska Legislature and the trust to provide matching funds to help reduce consumptive uses of water, enhance stream flows, recharge groundwater and support wildlife habitats in the state’s fully appropriated or over-appropriated river basins. Because of the passage of LB 229 in 2011, the department’s application was awarded 50 additional points because the legislature provided annual funds of $3.3 million to match the ET grant. Nebraska Farm Bureau supported the passage of LB 229. Visit http://www.environmentaltrust. org/grants/pdf_docs/2012%20Final%20 Rank%20Order%20List%204-5-12.pdf to view the 2012 NET Grant Recipients.
NEFB Supports Allocation Of Environmental Trust BPI To Close Three Plants Dollars for Water Needs Beef Products Inc., the nation’s largest The Nebraska Environmental Trust has announced its 2012 grant allocations to environmental projects. ET grants are funded through the proceeds of the Nebraska Lottery. Among the grant recipients was the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, which received $3.3 million a year for
producer of lean finely textured beef, announced the permanent closure of three plants on May 25. The plants are located in Amarillo, Texas; Garden City, Kan; and Waterloo, Iowa. The company’s plant in South Sioux City, Neb., will remain open, operat-
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Nebraska YF&Rs Can Compete for Achievement, Excellence in Ag and Discussion Meet Nebraska’s Young Farmers and Ranchers need to think about three contests that would be beneficial to their leadership development, Cathy Day, director of specials programs, said May 11. The Young Farmers and Ranchers program includes both men and women between the ages of 18-35. Application deadline for all three contests is Aug. 17, 2012. “The objective of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program is to provide leadership in building a more effective Farm Bureau, to preserve our individual freedoms and expand our opportunities in agriculture. One way to develop leadership skill is through competition – earning recognition for your achievements in business excellence and leadership success,” she said. This year the winners of the three competitions will win an all-expense-paid trip to Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 7-12, 2013, to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention and compete at the national level. The state winners will also receive $500 and an iPad. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Farm Bureau Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority. Contestants will be evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth,
financial progress of their operation, and their leadership within Farm Bureau and in other organizations, Day said. “More specifically, the judges will be looking for excellence in management, growth and scope of the enterprise and initiative that has been displayed throughout the operation. A contestant’s participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations is a definite point-getter from the judges,” she said. The national winner will receive a 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup (approximate retail value of $35,000). The four national runners-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 31 Tractor (approximate retail value of $19,000). EXCELLENCE IN AG The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers to earn recognition while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. “Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community). The ideal candidate for the Excellence in Agriculture Award is an individual or couple who do not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk,” Day said. The national winner will receive a 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup (approximate retail
value of $35,000) and the three runners-up will receive a $6,000 Savings Bond (Series EE; cash value of the bond when received is $3,000) and a Stihl Farm Boss chain saw (approximate retail value of $360). DISCUSSION MEET The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. “This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant who offers constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions,” she said. One change in this year’s contest will be the room layout, Day said. The moderator will be moved from the center of the room to a separate side table. The moderator will still oversee the competition, but will no longer be able to place the five-minute warning card on the center table. “We will rely on the timekeepers in each round to hold up the five-minute warning card until all contestants have noted the warning,” Day said. The national winner will receive a 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup (approximate retail value of $35,000) and the three runners-up will receive a $6,000 Savings Bond (Series EE; cash value of the bond when received is $3,000), and a Stihl Farm Boss (approximate retail value of $360).
DISCUSSION MEET QUESTIONS The following questions will be used at the 2012 Nebraska Farm Bureau annual meeting and at the 2013 American Farm Bureau annual meeting. 1. Certain sectors of agriculture are labor-intensive and rely heavily on immigrant workers. What is a fair and balanced immigration policy? 2. What can be done to encourage young farmers and ranchers to return home to the farm if it means living in a rural area that does not provide the same amenities (education, health care, technology) as a metropolitan community? 3. How do we reach out to associate members to provide value to their membership? 4. How should Farm Bureau help prepare its members – both young and old – for transferring operations to the next generation of farmers and ranchers? What is Farm Bureau’s role in encouraging more transfers? 5. How can Farm Bureau play a role to ensure the viability of quality agricultural education programs within our schools?
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AFBF: New Bill Would Preserve Clean Water Act
Gage County became Nebraska’s 15th Livestock Friendly County on May 2. From left are members of the Gage County Board of Supervisors: Myron Dorn, Gary Lytle, Matt Bauman and Rex Adams, and Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who presented the designation.
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Washington, D.C. — The American Farm Bureau Federation asked members of Congress in late April in support of H.R. 4965, a bill that would preserve existing U.S. water rights and responsibilities to the Clean Water Act. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Reps. John Mica (R-Fla.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio). According to AFBF, H.R. 4965 does not alter the Clean Water Act, but merely reaffirms longstanding provisions in the law. It would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers from pursuing the agencies’ proposed “Final Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act� and from using it as a basis for regulation. “In Farm Bureau’s view, the agencies’ proposal improperly changes the law of the land,� AFBF President Bob Stallman said in a letter to House members. “The guidance effectively eliminates the term ‘navigable’ from the Clean Water Act. It dramatically expands the scope of federal jurisdiction under the act and virtually eliminates a central precept of the act, which reserves certain waters to the exclusive jurisdiction of the states.�
Allowing the agencies to pursue the plan raises three critical considerations: whether the law permits such a major policy shift to be pursued through guidance; whether the agencies are exceeding the authority granted them by Congress; and the profound impact this policy change would have on the economic health of the agricultural sector, which is vital to assuring a thriving national economy that produces jobs and raises living standards for all Americans. “The guidance expands jurisdiction well beyond the words and intent of Congress and the limits affirmed by the Supreme Court,� Stallman explained. “While Farm Bureau would be concerned if the proposed policy were advanced through a rule-making, for EPA and the Corps to implement such a significant change to the Clean Water Act through guidance is indefensible. “The issues raised by the guidance should be decided by elected officeholders on Capitol Hill. In the absence of Congressional approval, the agencies should not move forward and assert federal regulatory power – especially through an informal guidance document – where Congress has not approved such a step.�
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MAY 16, 2012
Nebraska Farm Bureau News
Your Backyard The Glories of May Every year as May returns, Mother Nature turns nice and gives us bright sunny days and cool spring rains. And for many gardeners, May is also when our hearts seem to beat a bit faster because winter is gone and spring has returned. Sometimes when I write articles or prepare comments for our radio shows, I can get stymied about what to discuss. Not in May. May is a perfect time to accomplish so many tasks in our landscapes that the difficulty in May is deciding what not to talk about. As I write this article Mother’s Day is approaching and to many when we talk about Mother’s Day, we also talk about planting our annuals. Many people will wait to plant their annuals until Mother’s Day to be safe from the last chances of frost in eastern Nebraska. Even though this spring has been abnormally warm, whether you are planting in a landscape bed, hanging basket, or pot on the patio, go right ahead and plant these beautiful plants for their wonderful color and interest all summer long. PLANTING VEGETABLES Now, I don’t know about you but the store-bought vegetables just don’t have the same flavor and taste as those from our backyard gardens. Warm season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, corn, etc. can now be planted safely. And if you haven’t already, get your cool season vegetables planted quickly, such as broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower, lettuce, etc. They
will grow better in cooler weather versus the heat of summer. Also consider amending your gardens each year by adding compost or peat moss and manure, then tilling them in well before planting, for better yields from your garden. ADD PERENNIALS After your annuals and vegetables are planted consider adding perennials, shrubs and trees to your landscape. By planting now you give your new additions time to settle into place before the stresses of summer arrive. Daylilies to iris, lilacs to viburnum, lindens to maples – May is a perfect time to plant your landscape. Make sure to plant interest for all seasons of the year versus just what is blooming now. And if you aren’t quite sure what to plant, consider crafting a plan with a landscape designer. Experienced designers – like our team at Campbell’s – can offer recommendations on planting the right plants in the right locations that have color and interest as much as possible through the year. Let the experience of an expert make your planting and growing easier with a plan. DEALING WITH WEEDS AND INSECTS Now before you think May is all fun and sunny weather, don’t forget to deal with weeds and insects. Pre-emergents like Preen can cut your weeding immensely and should be applied before new mulch is applied. If you didn’t know this or forgot to apply,
then apply it soon for best results. Also, be ready to spray a bit of Round Up on those weeds the preemergent doesn’t control. Especially this year, with the abnormally early warm weather. And be ready to apply controls for infestations of pine sawfly, red spider or any of the many other pesky insects preparing to attack your plants. DONATE YOUR EXTRA CROPS One final note for those of you near Lincoln who plant vegetable gardens. As you plant your garden, please consider planting an additional plant or two and donate the extra crop to the “Grow and Share” program between Campbell’s and the Lincoln Food Bank. There may be programs like this across the state and I encourage you to participate in them or donate the extra produce to a food pantry or food bank. Overall, try to enjoy some of the great Nebraska weather we have in May, add some color and interest to your landscape through new plantings, and grow a beautiful garden. May is such a great month in Nebraska, how can you go wrong? Andy Campbell is manager of Campbell’s Nurseries Landscape Department. A Lancaster County Farm Bureau member, Campbell’s, a family-owned Nebraska business since 1912, offers assistance for all your landscaping and gardening needs at either of its two Lincoln garden centers or through its landscape design office. Visit www.campbellsnursery.com for more information.
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
MAY 16, 2012
Ask a Nebraska Farmer This series is all about answering your questions! Post your question to our blog, http://nefb.wordpress.com and see which member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee answers your question.
Q
Why is my child learning about agriculture in school?
A
Agriculture is a vital part of today’s society. One in three jobs in Nebraska has something to do with agriculture. Matter of fact, most adults and children have a tie to a family farm or ranch. Although they themselves might not be in the center of agriculture, there is a very good chance that their ancestors were. It is important for children to learn at a young age where their food comes from. The food fairy does not magically stock the shelves at the grocery store and chocolate milk does not come from a brown cow. They need to understand that a lot of hard work goes into producing their food —somebody tills the soil, plants the seeds and harvests the food as well as cares for livestock animals. It is important to convey to children that they are eating the safest food in the world and that farmers and ranchers treat their animals with the utmost respect. Without farmers and ranchers, our world would starve. There is so much misinformation about agriculture and anti-agriculture tactics these days that children need to learn the facts about agriculture at an early age. Agriculture has been around for centuries and will continue to be part of our lives in the years to come. Children need to be taught the facts, not someone’s opinion. This can be done in the schools through Agriculture in the Classroom. It’s a wonderful program that makes agricultural lessons and educational resources readily available to teachers. These resources have been aligned to the state content standards. It is important that children and adults are aware of the amazing industry of agriculture!
Stephanie Hruby Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee member from Dawes County
GM PRIVATE OFFER Benefits Farm Bureau Members:
Eligible Farm Bureau members in Nebraska can now receive a $500 discount on each qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease. This Farm Bureau member exclusive is offered for vehicles purchased or leased at participating dealerships through Farm Bureau’s - GM PRIVATE OFFER at a participating GM dealership.
Twenty-six GM models are part of the program, including the Chevrolet Silverado HD, honored as the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. A broad range of other pick-up trucks, SUVs, sedans and crossovers also are included in the program. To qualify for the offer, individuals must have been a Farm Bureau member for at least 60 days prior to the date of delivery of the vehicle selected. Members may receive the incentive for the purchase or lease of multiple vehicles, including fleet vehicles purchased through GM’s National Fleet Purchase Program. Full details and program eligibility guidelines are available by contacting Shelley Kurtzer, associate director of member services or visiting www.nefb.org.
Copple Chevrolet GMC Trucks 306 Main St. Louisville, NE 402-234-2000 800-604-5677 www.copplecars.com Big O Pickup Sale on new and used!
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ATTENTION GM DEALERS: Call 1-800-798-2691 for more information on how you can reach Nebraska Farm Bureau readers!
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Nebraska Farm Bureau News
WANT ADS
Free Want Ads for Farm Bureau Members Farm Bureau members may submit one free Want Ad per month. If there is more than one category mentioned with the Want Ad we will split it into multiple categories, but it must be a combined total of 30 words or less. Ads are used on a space-available basis, subject to approval. Ads exclude real property (permanent structures) such as homes, farms, ranches and businesses. Selling crops or herds of livestock also is excluded. Send typed or printed ads to Want Ads c/o Natalie Friesen, Nebraska Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501 or email natalief@nefb.org. If you would like to rerun your ad you must resubmit the typed or printed ad. Previously submitted ads will not be kept on file. Deadline is the 1st of each month. (No issue in July.)
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Farmall 656 diesel cab tractor w/Westendorf loader, unknown hrs, runs great, new hydraulic pump. Call West Point, 402/380-1440. FOR SALE: John Deere 653A row crop head, six row, 30”, Case IH six row, 30”, model 800 air-planter with fertilizer tanks and squeeze pump. Call Hebron, 402/768-2437. FREE: Ideal 60 bu. metal hog feeder, good condition, you pick up. Call Dawson, 402/855-3005 after 6:00 p.m. WANTED: rear wheel weights for a 4100 John Deere compact utility tractor. Call Gordon, 308/360-1964. FOR SALE: re-conditioned Waterman surge valves, also have replacement parts in stock, factory authorized service. Call Grand Island, 308/381-2790. FOR SALE: 1948 John Deere 2 row lister rotary mole board, $200, field ready. Call Alvo, 402/781-2542. FOR SALE: Flex King plow, stuble mulch, 5’ blades, for parts. Call Fairbury, 402/729-5907.
FOR SALE: Windrow pick up attachment for JD 38 cutter, $200, single row head for JD 38 cutter, $100. Call Sutton, 402/773-4787. FOR SALE: 3020 John Deere gas, 1380 hydro swing swather, 24T baler, New Holland rake, John Deere WD tandem disk, 40 ft Kelly Ryan elevator, livestock equipment, fence material. Call Lincoln, 402/325-7067. VEHICLES FOR SALE: 1956 Buick Special, 4 dr ht, blue and white, new interior, rebuilt fuel pump, excellent condition, garaged, asking $6,500, photos on request. Call Kearney, 308/627-8531 or email krader@charter.net. WANTED: 1960-66 Chevy pickup or truck in good to excellent, original condition, prefer low miles with original paint, interior, wheels and drive train, no modifieds. Call Lincoln, 402/483-0119 or email toddd@neb.rr.com. FOR SALE: 1988 Ford F250 pickup, two tone blue and silver, needs tune-up, little rust, some hail damage, $1,500. Call Ithaca, 402/541-9553. FOR SALE: ’94 Cadillac De
Ville, 4 dr, green, nice and clean, 140,996 miles, $2,000. Call Fremont, 402/319-6087.
engine, also other parts, block cracked. Call Sterling, 402/8666689.
FOR SALE: 1997 Ford F250 4x4, 7.3 diesel, xcab, 5 speed, 196,000 miles, flatbed w/5th wheel hookup, chrome wheels, power lock doors/windows, runs and pulls good, $5,500. Call Tryon, 308/587-2314.
FOR SALE: Steelmaster 25 ft A series galvanized steel building, unassembled, hardware, blueprints, instructions, rearwall included, materials have been stored, protected from outside elements, Steelmaster warranty of 16 years left. Call Bellevue, 402/972-5893.
FOR SALE: 1978 Chev K35 dually, 350 engine, 4 speed, manual, 7.5x8.5, circle c flatbed, grill guard, tow bar, runs good, $950. Call Burwell, 308/3464397. FOR SALE: Model A truck, not complete, Model A motor parts, Model T front and rear axle, old Chev front axle w/ spring, hubs, 1 brass cap, 2 old Fairbury mills. Call Stapleton, 308/636-2469. FOR SALE: 1960 Mercury Monterey convertible, good interior and good top, a little body work needed, grey in color, automatic transmission, good tires. Call McCook, 308/340-0569 or 308/3405814. MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: rebuilt heads for Perkins 540 diesel irrigation
Water for Food Conference Features Global Perspective Lincoln — More than 40 speakers from around the world will offer diverse perspectives on water and food security at the fourth global Water for Food Conference, May 30-June 1, in Lincoln. People from more than 20 countries are expected to participate in the conference, hosted by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at The Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln. Designed to foster international dialogue, the conference draws experts from Nebraska and from around the world to discuss how advances in science, technology and policy will help rain-fed and irrigated agriculture sustainably feed an increasingly hungry and thirsty world. Registration is $250. Schedule, registration and speaker information are available at the 2012 Water for Food Conference website: waterforfood. nebraska.edu/wff2012. WATER AND THE FUTURE OF AG This year’s theme is “Blue Water, Green Water and the Future of Agriculture.” Speakers range from industry executives and scientists to farmers and international water experts, including: – Malin Falkenmark, senior scientific adviser, Stockholm International Water Institute, Sweden. – Colin Chartres, director general, International Water Management Institute, Sri Lanka, which won this year’s World Water Prize. – Benedito Braga, vice president, World Water Council, Brazil. – Ruth Meinzen-Dick, senior research fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute. – Roberto Lenton, executive director, University of Nebraska’s Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute.
Three panel discussions will provide diverse perspectives on water and food security: – The Industry Leaders Panel, moderated by Jeff Raikes, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will feature representatives from Elanco, IBM, John Deere, Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred. The panel is presented by the Global Harvest Initiative. – The Women, Water and Food Panel, moderated by Simi Kamal, chair and CEO of the Hisaar Foundation in Pakistan, will explore women’s vital role in water, agriculture and food with panelists from Nepal, the Netherlands, South Africa and the U.S. – The Agricultural Producers Panel – A View from the Field, moderated by Mark Gustafson, founding director of the University of NebraskaLincoln’s Engler Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program, will provide perspectives of farmers from Argentina, India and the U.S. TECHNICAL SESSIONS Technical sessions and case studies will focus on “Groundwater Resource Assessment in Water-Stressed Regions: Past, Present and Future,” “Emerging Crop Technologies for Improving Performance in Tough Environments” and “Innovative Water Governance in Nebraska and Brazil.” Selected sessions will be webcast. Webcast information will be available on the conference website when the conference begins. For the latest information on the conference, follow the Daugherty Institute on Twitter at twitter.com/waterforfood (hashtag: #water2012) or Facebook at facebook.com/waterforfoodinstitute. The conference is the preeminent event of the Daugherty Institute, a research, policy and education institute committed to efficiently using the world’s limited freshwater resources to ensure a reliable food supply.
WANTED: toy trucks from 1950s and 1960s, any condition, please contact if interested in selling. Call Papillion, 402/502-9622 or email tonkasearch@hotmail.com. FOR SALE: Cabella’s spotting scope and carrying case, plus tripod and case and small tripod, $150 obo. Call Lincoln, 402/890-0077. FOR SALE: good condition lift chair, used very little, asking $150 or make offer. Call Omaha, 402/895-4033. FOR SALE: Roper range, $50, Fisher Paykel washer, SDLO8, GWLO8-VS1, $300 obo. Call Walton, 402/483-6179. WANTED: Hesston 160, 180 or 200 lawn mower,
any condition; also looking for 1964 Tempest or Lemans cars and parts. Call Grand Island, 308/381-1769. FOR SALE: three 11.2-38 pivot wheels and tires, also 5th wheel air-flow tailgate for 19972003 Ford F150. Call Aurora, 402/737-3322. FREE: 4 walnut trees, you can have the wood for cutting them down. Call Fairbury, 402/7296517. FOR SALE: Reese 5th wheel removable hitch, complete with rails, 15 K rating, $200. Call Grand Island, 308/382-1426 or 308/391-1496. FOR SALE: white aluminum window awnings, three 44”, one 78”, $150. Call Fremont, 402/721-1782. WANTED: Air Stream camper. Call Lindsay, 402/923-1037, after 5 p.m. FOR SALE: 5’x6’x3’ red/white trailer w/fiberglass top, brand new tires, with spare; antique 91-piece china set, Pareek brand, Johnson Bros, England “East Bourne”, white with pink/blue flowers, blue ribbon. Call Omaha, 402/346-2773.
Farm Bureaus Intervene in Mississippi River Basin Case Washington, D.C. — The American Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Farm Bureau , 13 other State Farm Bureaus and 16 other national and regional agricultural organizations, filed a motion May 8 seeking to intervene in Gulf Restoration Network, et al. v. Jackson, et al., a lawsuit seeking to force the Environmental Protection Agency to establish federal numeric nutrient water quality standards for all states in the Mississippi River Basin. The resolution of the lawsuit could be significant for farmers, municipalities and others throughout the 31-state basin because numeric nutrient standards could lead to more costly and stringent limits on nutrient runoff to waters that ultimately contribute to the Mississippi River. Under the Clean Water Act, states may use either “narrative” or “numeric” standards as a method for determining water quality. Most states in the Mississippi River Basin use narrative standards, such as “no nutrients at levels that cause a harmful imbalance of aquatic populations.” However, if this lawsuit is successful, EPA would be forced to override existing state standards with federal water quality standards and to express those standards as specific numeric limits on nutrients. “Setting appropriate numeric nutrient standards is a complex and difficult scientific undertaking and EPA has proven it is not up to the task,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said May 9. “Farmers have no reason to believe that EPA could establish scientifically defensible standards for any one state, much less for 40 percent of the U.S. land mass.” According to AFBF, there are limited circumstances under which the Clean Water Act allows EPA to step in the place of a state government to establish federal water quality standards. Farm Bureau is seeking to intervene in the lawsuit to clarify those limitations to the federal District Court in Louisiana, where the case is being heard. “Farmers and their state governments in the Mississippi River Basin have worked successfully for years to minimize nutrient runoff and will continue to do so,” Stallman said. “But we oppose a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach.” These other state Farm Bureaus also intervened in the lawsuit: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming.
The lifeblood of America. They’re the humble heroes who rise before dawn and battle the elements. They put clothes on our backs and food on our tables. Their genuine values and tireless work ethic are an inspiration to us all. We appreciate all that America’s farmers do and invite you to join us in saying thanks at www.fbfs.com/SayThanksToAFarmer. FB02-ML (3-12)
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