P E R I O D I C A L S : T I M E VA L U E D
APRIL 22, 2015 |
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Iowa implements avian flu plan after disease detected BY BETHANY BARATTA The first Iowa case of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County in northwest Iowa last week. The 27,000 turkeys on the farm were depopulated, and the premise has been quarantined. “Iowa’s turkey farmers are dedicated to the care and well-being of their poultry, and a loss of this magnitude is emotionally distressing for farmers who experience it,” said Gretta Irwin, executive direc-
tor of the Iowa Turkey Federation. She said the turkey and poultry industries have been working with growers, processors and state and federal officials to implement Iowa’s HPAI plan, which includes appraisal and indemnity agreements, euthanasia of the remaining birds, carcass disposal and cleaning and disinfecting the affected facilities. The plan will also involve creating zones around the farm for further surveillance and testing, she said. Irwin said all turkey and poul-
try growers, including those with backyard flocks, need to be on high alert. Wild birds are the main suspect in transmission of HPAI, Irwin said, so it’s important growers keep their farm-raised birds separate from the wild population.
Biosecurity critical “We’re really encouraging poultry growers — whether they be small or large — to focus on their biosecurity protocols,” said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council and Iowa Poultry Association. “We’re under
the belief that’s the one thing that’s in producers’ control and also the one thing that can stop the disease from coming into their operation.” Olson said he wasn’t aware of any other new cases in the state, besides the one in Buena Vista County. “But we are on constant alert and encourage flock owners to pay extra attention to signs of disease or mortality in their flocks and report that to their veterinarian as soon as possible,” Olson said.
IFBF: Farmers need all options to control corn rootworm
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said turkey and poultry growers in the state are understandably concerned. “We’re a big turkey-producing state,” he said. “We’re ninth in production and fifth in processing, so we have families who are absolutely, completely making their living in turkey production. So it’s a concern.” Irwin said the 130 turkey farmers in the state raise more than 11 million turkeys. AVIAN FLU PAGE 2
Keeping focus on debt during Iowa caucuses Group urges Iowans to highlight long-term debt issues to presidential candidates. STORY ON PAGE 3
BY TOM BLOCK Farmers need new technologies and flexible options to manage corn rootworm and other insects, the Iowa Farm Bureau (IFBF) said last week in comments on proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules regarding corn rootworm resistance management. “Farmers need to be able to continue to use the most effective, the safest and most economical crop protection compounds and technologies so they can optimize yields, environmental benefits and economic returns,” said Rick Robinson, Iowa Farm Bureau environmental policy advisor. Farmers, farm organizations, pesticide registrants and the EPA should work together to identify rootworm resistance issues and prioritize the most practical solutions, Robinson said. Farm Bureau policy supports an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and an emphasis on educational programs to prevent the development of insect resistance, Robinson said. However, the Iowa Farm Bureau cautions the EPA to not implement prescriptive options that would impede the ability of growers to manage their land and crops in a manner that is most suitable to their own operations, soils and weather, he said.
Flexibility essential “There’s a large diversity of agronomic practices and other factors influencing farmers’ management decisions,” said Robinson. “They must have the flexibility to choose management practices that fit their specific farming operations and management systems.” The EPA’s proposal appears to mandate a prescriptive management program, including no ROOTWORM PAGE 2
2015 Spokesman crop reporters introduced Some farmers got an early start on corn planting, and most say they are close to starting. STORY ON PAGE 4
Farmer Scott Fleming watches as Deion Dulin, a senior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, replaces a heifer’s ear tag. The school’s new animal learning lab allows students to learn about livestock through hands-on activities. PHOTO/GARY FANDEL
Livestock learning lab offers students hands-on lessons
BY BETHANY BARATTA
S
tudents in Louise Fleming’s veterinary medicine class at VintonShellsburg High School last week learned how to prepare a heifer for artificial insemination
(AI) and how to change ear tags. But they didn’t look at a diagram or even watch a video. They learned in the school’s new animal learning lab, with real heifers. “We put the CIDR (controlled internal drug release) in last week, and we’re removing it so that
way we can synchronize them and breed them all at the same time,” said student Sydney Walker, a junior, pointing to a group of three heifers in a holding pen. The project really began in FFA PAGE 2
Farm neighbors leave Maryland and find a home in Iowa The Davises say they have found a home in Wayne County away from the urban sprawl in the East. STORY ON PAGE 5
Farm groups applaud TPA introduction The legislation for extension of Trade Promotion Authority is considered a key to passage of promising trade deals. STORY ON PAGE 8
COPYRIGHT 2015
CERTIFY CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE BY JUNE 1
U.S. HOUSE APPROVES REPEAL OF DEATH TAX
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers that the 2014 farm bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1 in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support. Most farmers already have a certification form on file because it’s required for other USDA programs. But some farmers, such as specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium support but may not participate in other USDA programs, also must now file a certification form to maintain their crop insurance premium support. Producers should visit their local USDA service center and talk with their crop insurance agent before the June 1 deadline.
U.S. House lawmakers last week passed the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015, bringing farmers and ranchers one step closer to tax reform that will help their families invest in the future and pass their businesses onto the next generation, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “Farmers’ and ranchers’ assets are tied up in the land, not sitting in a bank. And farm families certainly don’t have cash on hand to pay a double tax at death,” Stallman said. “This leaves many surviving family members with few options other than selling off part or all of their land to pay estate taxes. Too often, cashing in these assets can cripple their business.” Iowa’s three Republicans in the House — Rod Blum, Steve King and David Young — all voted in favor of the repeal. Democrat Dave Loebsack voted against the measure.
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APRIL 22, 2015 IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
FFA
Farm Strong awards
FROM PAGE 1
2012 when the school’s superintendent challenged Fleming, the school’s ag teacher and FFA advisor, to think big. The department already had a greenhouse and areas where students could implement landscaping projects and grow test plots, she said. “But I really had nothing where I could do hands-on activities with my animal science kids or my vet med kids,� she said. The original intent was a simple pole building, something basic. In September 2013, Fleming started fundraising for the original $80,000 project. By December 2013, two-thirds of the fundraising had been accomplished.
Better than videos “It’s a lot more hands-on than watching videos about it,� student Deion Dulin, a senior, said. “I remember it better if I can actually do it.� She said the class has also learned newborn piglet care, including vaccinations, ear notching and clipping teeth. Sydney Walker, a junior, said hands-on learning helps her understand the lessons better. “To be able to actually see it and do it hands-on is really cool,� she said. Students have used the lab for other activities, like building their own fishing poles and dissection labs. They’ve raised chicks and
Growing involvement
Iowa State University (ISU) soccer player Alyssa Williamson, right, speaks after she was named captain of the Farm Strong squad at the ISU Scholar Athlete banquet last week and given an award by Craig Hill, center, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation president. Several other Farm Strong squad members were also recognized at the banquet, including, from left, Crystal Nelson (track and ďŹ eld), Ksenia Pronina (tennis), Collin Foster (golf) and Caitlin Brown (gymnastics). The ISU Farm Strong team builds on Farm Bureau’s ongoing Farm Strong initiative, which is designed to connect consumers with today’s farmers to build trust and understanding. In addition, the partnership will help to raise money for Iowa’s food banks. PHOTO/GARY FANDEL
IFBF continues push for conservation funding Farm Bureau continues to advocate for an increase to ongoing appropriations for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (Water Quality Initiative) for fiscal year 2016. Adequate funding is critical to meet the demand for watershed projects, conservation cost-share and quantifying conservation structure and production practices. Farm Bureau is also advocating to protect property taxpayers as the Legislature continues to work through issues such as mental health and education funding. As the Legislature addresses the pend-
ROOTWORM FROM PAGE 1
more than two consecutive years of planting rootworm-traited corn and banning the use of soil-applied insecticides in conjunction with rootworm-traited corn, he said. “We do not believe the program outlined in EPA’s docket would achieve the agency’s stated goals,� Robinson said. “Facilitating a flex ible, cooperative approach
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ISSUE UPDATE ing sunset of the current mental health funding system, there will again be considerable pressure to increase property taxpayers’ contributions to the system. Any changes to the funding of the mental health system should reduce the burden on property taxpayers, and any remaining local among farmers, farm and commodity organizations, registrants and the agency will be a more effective approach than relying on prescriptive directives.�
Working with stakeholders Robinson urged the EPA to continue its work with the Agricultural Biotechnology Stewardship Technical Committee (ABSTC) and other stakeholders so that Iowa farmers are not put at a competitive disadvantage in their corn rootworm management efforts. The EPA should look closely at the ABSTC recommendations on corn rootworm as a reasonable approach that can be used to more effectively manage rootworm resistance challenges, Robinson said. He also encouraged the agency to review a report from an Iowa State University resistance management workshop that
share should remain limited and controlled. House File 646, which would expand the current Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL), was amended in the Ways and Means Committee to include the repair of transportation equipment if the cost of the repair exceeds $2,500. The committee then passed the bill, and it is now eligible for debate on the House floor. Farm Bureau believes these costs should be funded through the current school finance funding formula, as opposed to being funded solely by property taxes. included at least 60 Iowa farmers, farm organizations, cooperatives, agricultural retailers, certified crop advisors, independent crop advisors, land management firms and pesticide companies. The report included three key recommendations, including developing a statewide pesticide resistance management plan that includes broad participation from all sectors of Iowa agriculture; establishing a unified, consistent message to increase awareness for action; and engagement of meeting participants with their organizations in discussing the meeting outcomes. “The workshop recommendations incorporate the principle that Iowa farmers want flexible options that include availability of a variety of crop protection tools, pest management options and effective best management practices,� Robinson said.
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But the number of students involved in the ag program at the school had grown, and the advisory board determined the program needed more space for the learning lab. Since Fleming began teaching at the school five years ago, enrollment in ag classes has grown from 82 students to 323. Between adding a larger space and including more engineers and permits to the process, the building cost $260,000. Half of the project was paid for by the physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) through the school, and the other half was matched with funds from community members, businesses and supporters. Fleming was able to start using the animal learning lab last October and has since held numerous classes and activities within the lab. Just last week, Fleming’s husband, Scott, brought three heifers to the learning lab and taught another lesson in AI techniques, how to change ear tags and how to administer a shot. Nine students took turns running the chute and gates to prepare the heifers for the class’s work. They learned how to manage the cattle safely, the additional steps in preparing heifers for estrus-synchronization and artificial insemination and how to determine when a heifer is ready for breeding. They also removed existing ear tags and replaced them with new ear tags. Students said the new learning lab was a great place to learn these animal care concepts.
Louise Fleming, agriculture instructor at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, says the school’s livestock learning lab helps students get ďŹ rsthand knowledge and build livestock handling skills. PHOTO/GARY FANDEL
rabbits in the learning lab, too. The class even set up an area for a sow to give birth to her litter of piglets. They streamed a video of the birth and used it to educate other students and faculty members at the school. Within 24 hours, the video had 1,400 hits, Fleming said. “I was here until 3:30 that morning waiting for that last pig to come out,� Walker said. “I never got to be up all night with an animal, and so seeing what farmers go through was really cool.� Fleming said the learning lab is one more tool she’s able to use to help educate her students. “The kids are what really make it happen because they’re willing to step up and try. They might be uncomfortable, but they’re willing to try,� she said.
AVIAN FLU FROM PAGE 1
Northey said state and federal officials will quarantine and test birds on neighboring farms to determine if the influenza has spread. The birds will be quarantined for 21 days, which is the incubation period of the disease, he said. Northey emphasized that the case of avian influenza poses no risk to food safety and very little, if any, risk to human health. “It’s certainly not the end of the industry by any means,� Northey said. Olson said the industries will continue to work with growers and state and national experts as they deal with the disease. “Any time you have severe mortality with animals that farm-
ers are caring for, it’s an exceedingly emotional event,� he said. “These family farmers that are raising our food deserve our support through this tough and challenging time.�
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN APRIL 22, 2015
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Editorial America’s future depends on solving looming crisis on long-term debt ments means America’s debt is set to continue rising and will likely exceed the size of the economy in the mid-2030s, according to First Budget. Unless concrete steps are taken, the growth of spending on health care, retirement and interest will be relentless, it said. “We have to confront the fact that we have promised more in entitlement payments than we are collecting, and we are going to have to either reduce the promises or find ways to collect more in taxes,” Lorenzen said. “And even if you raise taxes, the costs will overcome them.”
BY DIRCK STEIMEL
I
owa will be in the political spotlight during 2015 as presidential candidates hustle to gather support in the state’s 2016 presidential caucuses. First Budget, a bipartisan group which works to raise awareness about the dangers of America’s long-term debt, wants Iowa voters to use this opportunity to urge the presidential hopefuls to focus on debt reduction and solving the country’s unsustainable budget policies. “It will be important to ask candidates tough questions about how much priority they put on the nation’s debt,” said Ed Lorenzen of the group First Budget, an initiative of the Concord Coalition and the Campaign to Fix the Debt. “It’s also important that candidates avoid making pledges that would take some of the solutions to the debt off the table. We really need a president with the flexibility to look at all of the options to deal with this very serious problem.”
Action needed soon It’s a crisis that will need to be addressed by the next president, because waiting could be disastrous, Lorenzen said. “The window is still open to make the changes that we need to make, so it’s important that the next president makes debt reduction a priority.”
Ed Lorenzen of First Budget is urging Iowans to ask presidential candidates to make debt reduction a priority. PHOTO/DIRCK STEIMEL
There are dire consequences for the entire economy of not addressing the rising debt problem, Lorenzen said. Sectors that are very sensitive to interest rate changes, like agriculture, would be especially vulnerable, he said. Although the United States has climbed out of its steep recession, the country’s long-term debt problem remains a very real threat, said Lorenzen, who visited Iowa recently to raise awareness of the pending debt crisis. While the deficit may come down for a year or two as the economy improves, that improvement will almost certainly be temporary, he said. Promised spending on entitle-
Soaking up assets Spending on entitlements will crowd out important investments in education, infrastructure and research and development, Lorenzen said. Projects, like the needed repairs for America’s lock and dam system on inland waterways, could soon be out of reach because all the money is being used to service the debt, he said. The growing debt is also likely to put pressure on interest rates and drive them higher, Lorenzen said. And that, in turn, will increase the cost of borrowing and have negative effects on farmland prices, he said. “Interest rates are low now, and our government has been able to attract investment because, basically, we are the best looking horse at the glue factory,” Lorenzen said. But that’s likely
to change when there are more attractive investment opportunities and as the U.S. government’s borrowing continues to expand, he said. In addition, America’s longterm debt threatens to weaken the overall economy and make the country far less able to respond to a crisis, such as a natural disaster, Lorenzen said. “It should really matter to anyone who cares where our country will be 10 to 15 years from now,” he said.
Tough, but doable Solutions to America’s debt problem will require tough choices, such as adjusting retirement benefits for Social Security or finding ways to make health care more efficient, Lorenzen said. But the country is running out of time to make gradual changes that citizens and the economy can adjust to, he said. That’s why it’s so important for Iowans to show presidential candidates they are concerned about the debt and emphasize that it must be faced head on, Lorenzen said. “We need them to recognize the issue and talk about how they will address it,” he said. “They can make all of the promises they want about education or other programs, but they won’t be able to accomplish them unless we take care of the debt problem.” For more information on First Budget, contact Sara Imhof at simhof@concordcoaltion.org.
AFBF asks Congress to pass measure to ditch WOTUS The American Farm Bureau Fed eration (AFBF) last week asked Congress to pass legislation ordering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the controversial “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) proposal. In a letter copied to all members of Congress, AFBF President Bob Stallman wrote that the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 represents an opportunity for Congress to take “the first important step toward resolving this issue fairly.” The bill was approved this
Spokesman Editor DIRCK STEIMEL News Coordinator TOM BLOCK Senior Features Writer TERESA BJORK Ag Commodities Writer BETHANY BARATTA Photographer/Writer GARY FANDEL
week by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania). If the legislation doesn’t pass and the EPA moves forward with a final rule, the likeliest result would be landowners “being forced to engage in expensive litigation to protect their rights.” Farm Bureau also called into question a “Dear Colleague” letter circulating on Capitol Hill that mentions the American Farm
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To place a free exchange ad, contact your county office for information. The Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman (ISSN 0021-051X) is published weekly by the Iowa Farm Bureau, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Subscription price of $2 per year for mailing in the continental USA included in the dues of Farm Bureau members in Iowa. Additional subscription fee required for mailing outside the continental USA. Periodical postage paid at Iowa Falls, Iowa. Members please send change of address to your county Farm Bureau office. Postmaster send address changes (POD FORM 3579) to Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman, P.O. Box 670, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126. Letters to the editor and statewide news articles should be sent to Editor, Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Reprinting of Spokesman articles and photographs is not allowed without permission.
Bureau by name. That letter states that delaying the rule would be “bad for farmers.” “Because our name has been used, we feel obliged to make our position clear,” Stallman wrote. “Our members overwhelmingly oppose this rule. It is a bad rule for farmers. There is no question about that. Anyone who alleges the opposite either misunderstands the rule or misunderstands farming.” AFBF also questioned the “Dear Colleague” letter’s assertion that delaying the WOTUS rule would leave “many of our nation’s waters unprotected.” “As a matter of record, EPA has made repeated statements Iowa Farm Bureau Federation: Craig Hill, President; Joe Heinrich, Vice President; Denny Presnall, Secretary-Treasurer and Executive Director; Edward G. Parker, General Counsel. Board of Directors: District 1 - Carlton Kjos, Decorah. District 2 - Charlie Norris, Mason City. District 3 - Phil Sundblad, Albert City. District 4 - Doug Gronau, Vail. District 5 - Mark Buskohl, Grundy Center. District 6 - Nick Podhajsky, Traer. District 7 - Andrew Hora, Riverside. District 8 - Calvin Rozenboom, Oskaloosa. District 9 - Will Frazee, Emerson.
that the proposed rule does not expand its jurisdiction, while its proponents take the view … that without the rule, waters would be left unprotected. Proponents (of the WOTUS rule) cannot have it both ways.” Farm Bureau believes without question that the WOTUS rule expands the EPA’s authority beyond congressional intent and the limits imposed by two Supreme Court opinions. Among other provisions, AFBF said the proposed rule improperly extends federal regulation to isolated waters and, in cases, regulates land use under the guise of the WOTUS rule.
Infrastructure investing key to future of U.S. ag BY DIRCK STEIMEL I’ve observed enough business trends over the years to know what happens to leading companies that hit pause and stop investing when they reach the peak of the market. The business pages are littered with examples of once-dominant companies, like General Motors, Kodak and Microsoft, that didn’t make critical investments necessary to stay ahead of the markets. They ended up falling back to the back of the pack, or worse. Sometimes you have to wonder if American agriculture could find itself in danger of following that same path unless the country makes serious and ongoing investments in infrastructure, particularly transportation infrastructure. As Iowa farmers have seen in numerous trips aboard, transportation infrastructure is a true advantage of American agriculture. An Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) group saw that during a recent market study trip to Brazil. The group saw productive livestock farms, but reported that Brazil’s roads and other transportation infrastructure are in abysmal condition, severely limiting farmers’ ability to move crops and livestock to market. A previous IFBF market study tour to Ukraine in 2013 found very similar conditions. Ukraine, another country seen as an emerging agricultural powerhouse, has high quality soils and top-notch farming systems that are being held back by a creaky, outdated transportation system.
Keeping America on top The U.S. transportation system of inland waterways, railroads and highways clearly helps give American agriculture an advantage over competitors like Brazil, Ukraine and others. But it’s going to take making transportation infrastructure a priority again, and continued investments, to help keep U.S. agriculture on top. Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt put it well recently when he spoke to Farm Bureau members from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas at a gathering in the U.S. Capitol. “Having an infrastructure that works is particularly important for those of us who live in the middle of the country,” he said. The American Midwest has every reason to be optimistic because food demand is growing and the region has the best farmers and ranchers in the world and the biggest piece of contiguous agricultural ground in the world, Blunt added. “And we also have the best infrastructure, but we need to take care of it and invest in it to make sure it stays that way,” he said.
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IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Planting started last week, said Kruse. He is planting all corn this year, and also raises cattle and sheep. “There are guys rolling right now,” he said April 16. “Field conditions are pretty decent. We had about 1 to 1.5 inches of rain last weekend, but it dried up pretty quick. The low ground is a still a little damp, but guys are picking the well-drained fields first.”
About a third of the spring anhydrous ammonia has been applied in the area, and farmers have seeded some small grains and alfalfa, Sprung said April 15. “Most of the seeding has been on the lighter soils that dry out a little faster,” he said. Sprung, who farms near Osage, hopes to be able to plant corn next week. “We always shoot to be planting in 20s of April,” he said. He plans to plant all corn this season.
Darling was working last week to apply anhydrous on his fields in preparation for corn planting. “We weren’t able to get any done in the fall because the harvest was so late,” he said. Parts of the region received significant rainfall the first week of April, which delayed most field work, Darling said. He raises corn and soybeans in a 50-50 rotation. Darling also feeds dairy cattle.
“We got all of the anhydrous on a couple of weeks ago, and we’re ready to get going as soon as things dry out and warm up a bit,” said Parker, who farms with his dad and raises corn, soybeans and cattle near Churdan. With rains during the first full week of April and moisture still in the soil from last fall, “we’ve got plenty of moisture now to get going,” he said. “It shouldn’t be too long now before we’re planting corn.”
“We are just about ready to go,” Burt said April 14 as corn planting season neared in central Iowa. The fields are still a little damp and cool, but are close to being ready for planting, he said. Burt raises corn and soybeans, as well as hogs, with his dad and uncle near Marshalltown. After planting continuous corn for several years, the farm is adding more soybeans back into the mix, he said.
Rickels raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa and also feeds Holsteins. He said soil temperatures were near 50 degrees last week and some farmers in the area were starting to plant. A dry spring was good for pre-plant fertilizer applications and burn-down herbicides, but pastures and hay are lagging due to lack of moisture, he said. “We’ve only had a half-inch of rain all spring. I can see cracks in my corn fields.”
Johnson is staying with his usual 50-50 corn-soybean rotation this year and also raises hogs. Spring fertilizer and pre-emergence herbicides have been applied, and farmers are getting planters ready. “I have not seen anyone planting yet, but I’ve seen a lot of people getting ready,” he said. “It’s been a little wet and cool. People want to get started, but they want to be smart.”
“We’re not quite planting yet, but we’re getting pretty close,” LaFratte said April 14. Rains and chilly nights have left the soil just a little too wet and cold to start corn planting. “But I see the nighttime temps are supposed to start to move up a bit, so we should be rolling pretty soon.” LaFratte said the soils are working well. He raises corn and soybeans near Winterset and has a cow-calf herd.
Schrock grows corn and soybeans in a 50-50 rotation. Planting began on lighter ground last week, but farmers were hesitant to plant heavier ground due to colder temperatures in the forecast, he said. “Anhydrous was going on at a rapid pace the previous two weeks, to the point where suppliers were having trouble keeping it loaded at the terminal,” he said. He had 2.5 inches of rain in early April, but farms five miles away didn’t get any.
Tackle nutrient management with a systems approach BY JOHN GRANDIN Nutrient management has received considerable attention this past winter. Although it may feel as if agriculture is being singled out here in Iowa, this is an important issue throughout the Corn Belt and across the GRANDIN country. We have observed significant
CROPS TODAY improvements in the reduction of nutrients entering surface waters as evidenced with a 25 percent reduction in nitrates in the Raccoon River at Des Moines since 1999. These reductions are the result of voluntary efforts by the agriculture and rural communities. The national news and even Iowa news
have brought water quality issues and nutrient management to the forefront while growers continue to seek out sustainable solutions for reducing nutrient loss from their farms.
Doing what works A common observation has been that what works for one grower may not be the best solution for another grower, let alone every field within a certain region. This is the major reason why nutrient management concerns cannot be adequately addressed
through litigation and rule-making. Legislation crafted to a one-sizefits-all method, without adequate information and understanding, can stifle innovation. So what can you do on your farm to improve water quality and reduce nutrient loss? I first encourage you to embrace “M.O.M.” and base all your decisions on these three objectives: minimize environmental impact, optimize harvest yield and maximize input utilization and nutrient uptake. Just like our own moms, this is a pretty wholesome and nur-
Students sharpen outdoors knowledge at Envirothon BY BETHANY BARATTA Fifteen teams from around the state traveled to Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center last week to test their knowledge of Iowa soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and current environmental issues in the Iowa Envirothon. Teams of five students were challenged to sharpen critical thinking skills and work as a team to conduct hands-on investigations and answer written questions concerning those five categories. The St. Ansgar FFA team, which included seniors Sara Bergerson, Connor Gordon, Jeremy Hackenmiller, Sam Ransom and Britany White, won this year’s
Envirothon. The Iowa Farm Bureau is a sponsor of the annual contest. This team, coached by ag instructor and FFA advisor Jim Green, returned to state competition this year after competing for their first time last year. “We’re pleasantly surprised,” Green said. “In the state competition, the team was not the top team in any of the five categories this year, but they had consistently high scores in each of the five areas, which gave them the highest team score.” Each student on the St. Ansgar team had their own pieces to study, they said, but they all studied the same material in each category. “I learned quite a bit in the
testing areas, but I think we all learned quite a bit with the oral presentation,” Bergerson said. “You’re given the situation, and you have to figure out real-life solutions, and that really helps us learn how to think critically.” Each student had their own reason why they became involved in their chapter’s Iowa Envirothon team. Some had a farm background; others were simply interested in the outdoors. That’s the beauty of the Iowa Envirothon, Green said. Students from different backgrounds can come together to learn more about the environment. And it has real-life applications, he said. “They are going to be home-
owners, some of them are going to be farmers someday…, and the decisions they make based on the virtue of what they buy or don’t buy, how they develop their property, those are issues that affect the environment for themselves and everybody around them,” Green said. “We share this land with all of our neighbors, all the people in the state of Iowa, and what we do impacts everybody else.” St. Ansgar will represent the state in the national Envirothon competition, which will be held in Missouri in July. As the top FFA team, St. Ansgar will also represent the Iowa FFA Association in the national FFA competition in October in Kentucky.
turing approach. Soil testing is a good place to begin, and spring is a great time to collect soil samples so you have all summer to review the results and formulate nutrient management plans for fall. Using the 4Rs framework for nutrient stewardship by incorporating the right fertilizer source at the right rate, applied at the right time and in the right place — along with voluntary, science-based best management practices (BMPs) — will allow you to achieve long-term solutions. Consider managing nitrogen as a system rather than as a single application. This approach addresses M.O.M. by incorporating the 4Rs. Most importantly, don’t feel like you are stranded on an island. You do not need to tackle these important issues by yourself. Utilize your support system of crop advisors, agronomists and university extension specialists to discuss ideas that you feel will work best on your farm. Beware of advertised quick fixes, and be cautious utilizing recommendations from out of state. Just as what works on your farm may not be appropriate for your neighbor, what works in the environment of another state may not work in Iowa. Grandin is a Growmark western region senior field sales agronomist. Contact him at jgrandin@ growmark.com.
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN APRIL 22, 2015 5
Livestock farmers find themselves at home in Iowa BY BETHANY BARATTA After more than 50 years in Maryland, Ricky and Mary Davis left their feedlot, grown children and farm and headed for Iowa. And with them, they brought a strong passion for farming and helping others, neighbors said last week. The Davises were recognized last week as recipients of the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, which highlights farmers who go above and beyond in caring for the land, their livestock and their neighbors. “It’s stunning to tell you the truth,” Ricky, a Wayne County Farm Bureau member, said. “There’s other people around that probably deserve this more than I do. They’ve been here all of their lives.” Ricky and Mary raise 200 cowcalf pairs in Wayne County. Half of the calves are born in the spring, half are born in the fall. They also grow corn, soybeans and hay. The Davises moved to Iowa in the winter of 2005 after urban development spread close to their
farm and feedlot in Davidsonville, Md., about 30 miles east of Washington, D.C. “We had to move,” Ricky said. “Too many houses, too many people. I had a feedlot, and houses just came right in around the feedlot. It just made it unbearable.” A farmer friend living in Iowa knew the Davises’ plan to leave Maryland, so he invited them to Iowa. “It was the perfect place to come to slow down,” Mary said. “Even though he’s very much into farming, back east it’s just a fast pace. We can slow down and really enjoy it here.”
Making good neighbors Joe and Pat Dent, who nominated the couple for the award, said Ricky and Mary fit right into the neighborhood. “For somebody to have moved from the East Coast to the Midwest, he just fit in. He and Mary both,” Pat said. “That is rewarding to all of us.” Neighbors say the pair is always willing to help, whether that’s by keeping an eye on cattle herds, helping plant row crops
or sharing sweet potatoes, green beans and other produce from their garden. “They’re always there to help if you need anything,” Joe Dent said. He explained that he and Pat have cattle in a pasture close to where the Davis family lives. “It’s a godsend to have somebody that will tell us when the cow is out or, better yet, go put it back in and then tell us it was out.” And they take care of the land, too, he said. “They’re just good stewards of the land,” Joe said. “They seed down some acres (to hay and rotational pasture) every year. They’re not farming 100 percent of their tillable acres.” The Davises are exactly the kind of people the Good Farm Neighbor award was designed to recognize, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, who presented the award. “Often when we talk about news around livestock, it’s some negative news someplace,” Northey said. “But there are so many good things happening all the time. What this award gets to cel-
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, right, presents the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Ricky and Mary Davis, who moved from Maryland to Iowa 10 years ago to raise livestock in Wayne County. PHOTO/BETHANY BARATTA
ebrate is just a little piece of all those good things.” “It’s a great way to showcase the great things that are going on out in rural Iowa today,” said Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, which sponsors the award. The award, now in its 11th year, has recognized 112 farm families
in Iowa, Waddingham said. The Davises’ children, Michelle and Rick Jr., still live in Maryland, but the couple said they have no plans to move back. “Different (people) have asked me when I’m going to move back, and I say I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Ricky said. “This is home now.”
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6 APRIL 22, 2015 IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Forecast mixed for 2015 livestock supplies, demand
T
he U.S. Department o f A g r i c u l t u r e ’s (USDA) livestock, dairy and poultry outlook last week provided a look into the supply situations for cattle, hogs, poultry and dairy supplies for the rest of 2015. “Because of disproportionate placements of heavy feeder cattle in feedlots, relatively inexpensive corn and historically low cattle on feed inventories, cattle feeders have been able to retain fed cattle to heavier weights, and packers have paid prices higher than are consistent with increases in wholesale cutout values,” the USDA said in the report. As a result, the USDA said, “narrow-to-negative profit margins persist despite record price levels for virtually all of the cattle/beef complex.” The USDA noted that U.S. beef imports in February were 48.8 percent higher than February 2014, mostly due to increased shipments from Australia. February beef exports were below last year’s levels, the report said.
Larger pork inventories The USDA’s March quarterly hogs and pigs report showed inventories, farrowing intentions
and litter rates that will likely lead to larger 2015 pork production and lower hog prices compared with 2014, the USDA’s outlook noted. February pork exports lagged year-ago volumes, likely due to relatively high exchange rate values of the U.S. dollar and a slowdown at West Coast port facilities.
Poultry production rises Broiler meat production totaled 6.3 billion pounds in the first two months of 2015, 2 percent higher than in the same period in 2014, based on relatively small increases in the number of birds slaughtered and their average liveweight, the USDA noted. U.S. turkey meat production in first quarter 2015 is now estimated at 1.4 billion pounds, 25 million pounds less than the previous estimate but 7 percent higher than
a year earlier, the USDA said.
Milk production forecast Milk production for 2015 is forecast at 210 billion pounds, 1.9 percent higher than the 2014 level of 206 billion pounds but 1.1 billion pounds less than forecast last month, the report said. The Class III milk price forecast was raised to $16.20 to $16.70 per hundredweight, and the Class IV milk price forecast was lowered to $14.45 to $15.05 per hundredweight, the report said. The all-milk price for 2015 is forecast at $17.10 to $17.60 per hundredweight, unchanged from last month’s forecast at the midpoint of the range.
New Iowa feed mill A farmers’ cooperative plans to build a $14.75 million feed mill in the Northwest Iowa town of Boyden, according to the Sioux City Journal. Farmers Co-op Society announced last week that its board of directors had approved the new facility, which will be in addition to the existing feed mills. It will have the capacity to manufacture 3,000 tons per day, of which 1,000 tons will be pellets, the Journal reported.
Beef deal reached Iowa Premium Beef, based in Tama, signed a deal last week to supply Boston-based Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group with
Weekly Average Price Comparison Sheet Price comparisons: Week ending: 04/17/2015 03/20/2015 04/18/2014 Cattle - National 5 Area Confirmed Sales 8,995 3,992 65,393 5 Area 65-80% Choice Steers: Wtd Avg. $162.00 NA $146.96 Average Weights (Estimate) Cattle 1347 1356 1317 Boxed Beef Choice 600-750 (5 day avg.) $257.79 $244.51 $226.35 Boxed Beef Select 600-750 (5 day avg.) $250.97 $243.28 $215.23 Five Day Average Hide and Offal Value $13.78 $14.46 $16.08 Cattle - Interior Iowa – Minnesota Supply: 2,319 1,261 19,141 Average Price Choice Steer: Live Basis $165.56 $164.00 $147.73 Average Price Choice Steer: Dressed Basis NA NA $237.55 Feeder Steers at River Markets (Neb. Feedlots) #1 Muscle Thickness 500-600# $288.98 $290.19 $205.27 #1 Muscle Thickness 700-800# $223.95 $223.02 $187.75 Hogs -- Interior Iowa – Minnesota ISM Friday Weighted Average Carcass Price $61.97 $58.02 $114.07 Average Weights (Estimate) Hogs 283.8 284.0 285.7 Sows 1-3 300# and up: Average Price $33.60 $32.48 $93.60 Pork Loins 1/4” trimmed 13 - 19 pound $98.57 $101.68 $148.13 51-52% 200 pound Pork Carcass (5 day avg.) $65.94 $67.78 $120.60 Feeder Pigs: National Direct Delivered Feeder Pigs 10 Pounds Basis - Wtd Avg. $34.19 $34.69 $80.70 Feeder Pigs 40 Pounds Basis -- Wtd Avg. $66.10 $68.67 $136.88 Sheep -- National Slaughter Lambs Negotiated Sales 6,500 2,900 5,100 Choice & Prime Wooled and Shorn 130 -150 lbs $153.75 $128.00 NA Iowa Large Eggs (cents per dozen) $0.84 $1.46 $1.04 Young Hen Turkeys: 8 -16# -- Eastern (cents/lb) 103.90 101.63 101.78 *Iowa Ethanol Prices $/gal $1.47 $1.42 $2.50 Futures: Corn $3.80 $3.85 $4.95 State Average Cash Corn Price $3.64 $3.66 $4.70 Basis -$0.16 -$0.19 -$0.25 Futures: Soybean $9.69 $9.74 $15.14 State Average Cash Soybean Price $9.31 $9.30 $14.72 Basis: -$0.38 -$0.44 -$0.42 Slaughter Under Federal Inspection Estimates Estimates Actuals Hogs: 2,164,000 2,137,000 2,001,000 Cattle: 529,000 513,000 556,000 Sheep: 37,000 41,000 54,000 Estimated Numbers through Saturday Cash Corn and Soybean prices are the Iowa Average Prices as reported by IDALS. NA-No report at time of publication. ***Confidentiality of data prohibits publication of this report under Livestock Mandatory Reporting. The report will be published when and if enough data is aggregated to meet the 3/70/20 guideline.*** Source: USDA Livestock and Grain Market News
Black Angus beef. Iowa Premium Beef has agreed to supply beef to the nine-restaurant chain.
Plant maintenance Many producers of corn-based biofuels have closed plants for routine maintenance earlier this year due to declining profits and sluggish demand, Reuters reported last week. “Some facilities may have been a little more anxious to get that maintenance (done) this year than in past years because of the margin situation,” said Geoff Cooper, senior vice president with the Renewable Fuels Association. Profit margins for ethanol producers in the region are down some 70 percent from a year ago, hover-
ing at or below break-even levels, Reuters reported. Producers are more likely to delay maintenance when margins are strong.
One million gallons Syngenta announced that Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) has produced its 1 millionth gallon of cellulosic ethanol using Cellerate process technology at its Galva ethanol production facility, Biofuels Digest reported. This puts QCCP on track to produce 2 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. “With Cellerate process technology, we are able to extract more ethanol out of the same kernel of corn,” said Delayne Johnson, chief executive officer of QCCP.
CME Class III Milk Futures Closing prices April 17, 2015 Contract
Settle Last Week
Contract
Settle Last Week
April 2015 May 2015 June 2015 July 2015 Spot Prices Block Cheese Barrel Cheese Butter NFDM Grade A
$15.80 $15.99 $16.00 $16.36
August 2015 September 2015 October 2015 November 2015
$16.85 $16.80 $17.16 $17.12 $17.25 $17.24 $17.26 $17.23
Milk Prices Apr. Class III Apr. Class IV
$15.77 $13.73
$15.69 $15.77 $15.71 $16.25
$1.5750 $1.6250 $1.8075 $0.9250
Iowa Hay Auctions Dyersville, April 15 Hay, large squares, premium, $225; good, $100-162.50; fair, $70-100; utility, $50-70; large rounds, good, $80-125; fair, $60-70; utility, $22.50-60. New seeding, large rounds, good, $90. Oat hay, large rounds, good, $67.50; fair, $42.50. Mixed, large rounds, good, $80-120. Grass, large rounds, good, $80-120; fair, $45-75. Straw, large squares, good, $20-34; large rounds, good, $30; fair, $5-20. Corn stalks, large rounds, good, $25-30.
Ft. Atkinson, April 15 Hay: small squares, 1st crop, $75-125; 2nd crop, $120-155; large squares, 1st crop, $100-120; 2nd crop, $115-134; 3rd crop, $85-145; large rounds, 1st crop, $35-130; 2nd crop, $50-135; 3rd crop, $75-160; 4th crop, $20-35. Baleage: large rounds, $20-35. Grass: large rounds, $40-90. Oat hay: large rounds, $40-50. Straw: large squares, $105-110. Corn stalks: large rounds, $40.
Perry**, April 11 Alfalfa, small squares, premium, $6.50-7;
good, $4.50; large squares, premium, $55; good, $50; large rounds, premium, $95; good, $70. Grass, small squares, premium, $4.50; good, $3.50; fair, $2; large rounds, premium, $50; good, $45; large squares, good, $50; fair, $40. Straw, large squares, $35; small squares, $4.50. Corn stalks, large rounds, $25.
Rock Valley, April 16 Alfalfa, large squares, supreme, $160-170; good, $125-155; fair, $110-115; large rounds, premium, $140-145; good, $125-130; fair, $105-120. Grass, small squares, premium, $155-170; good, $115; large squares, premium, $125140; large rounds, premium, $130-150; good, $95-112.50; fair, $85-92.50. Mixed hay: large rounds, fair, $90-95. Bean straw, large rounds, $40. Corn stalks: large rounds, $45-62.50.
Yoder**/Frytown, April 15 Alfalfa, large rounds, $32.50-57.50; large squares, $37.50-62.50. Grass: large rounds, $27.50-50; small squares, $1.50-4.20. Oat hay: large rounds, $37.50.
**Perry and Yoder hay auction prices are per bale. All other prices are per ton. Contacts: Dyersville, 563-875-2481; Ft. Atkinson, 563-534-7513; Perry, 515-321-5765; Rock Valley, 712-476-5541; Yoder, 319-936-0126
Corn market price strength since harvest has benefitted those who have stored the crop. Illustrated above is a weekly cash corn price at an example central Iowa elevator (blue line) and an example cost of ownership line (1.5 cents per week represented by the red line). Given these cost assumptions, this location’s price has always exceeded cost of ownership since corn was put in the bin. However, the recent premium above costs (only 11 cents on April 15) is the smallest in the time period shown. Will ownership costs catch up with the corn market?
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Too soon to determine soybean stocks, prices
U
nlike the corn market, there’s not a strong correlation between the ending stocks and soybean prices. Unlike the years when the corn relationship aligned close to the trend, the individual years for soybeans have been mostly well above or well below trend. The biggest difference between the corn and soybean relationships probably has a lot to do with the large South American crops. Most of the corn, wheat and rice crops in the world are grown in the Northern Hemisphere, fitting with the price impact and seasonality for U.S. crops. But South American soybean production represents 33 percent of the world oilseed crop and a little more than 50 percent of the world’s soybean output. The new supply coming into the world pipeline, offset six months from the rest of the world, can have significant repercussions on price, hence part of the volatility in the relationship between U.S. ending stocks and prices. However, there’s still a broad correlation between ending stocks and prices. Even though the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and University of Illinois (U of I) price expectations are different, the two groups’ stocks forecasts are not significantly different, likely due to price model differences. The U of I’s $9.75 per bushel price forecast is close to 2009’s $9.59 per bushel average price even though ending stocks expectations are more than double the 151 million bushels in 2009. We’d tie much of that to the generally negative economic pessimism and uncertainty in the world in the wake of the late 2008 economic collapse. The price for the new crop over the next few months will be largely dependent on the potential size of our crop. There are still many in the industry who believe final planted acreage will be larger than the March 31 estimate. Given the experience last year, some groups, including the USDA, are using early yields that may be somewhat optimistic. That is potentially making some early production expectations higher than they should be. While there’s little reason to build a wildly optimistic price forecast at this time, there’s not much reason to build an extremely pessimistic one either. And as the relationship between stocks and prices has proven, other variables besides production may have more impact than the fundamentals themselves.
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CORN STRATEGY
2015 CROP: Long-term factors continue to indicate higher prices are coming, but it may take time to confirm the trend has turned up. Hold off pricing new crop. Buy out-of-the money newcrop call options to make sales against this summer.
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ing of initial insurance planting dates and warm weather triggered planting across a broad swath of the Corn Belt. Rain remains an impediment to planting across parts of the south. Chinese plantings are expected to increase this year. Argentina’s corn crop expectations
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FUNDAMENTALS: The pass-
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2014 CROP: Soybean pric-
ness may be moderating. The longer-term picture still looks more positive than negative. Even fundamentals don’t suggest prices have significant downside risk. We have no interest in pricing 2015 crop at this time.
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2015 CROP: Short-term weak-
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SOYBEAN STRATEGY es remain mired in a short-term downtrend, but the lack of followthrough when prices hit a new low reinforces the idea downside risk is small. It may not rebound much during planting, but looks less likely to move lower. Only make needed sales; higher prices than currently offered should occur.
7
Cash Strategist Hotline: 1-309-557-2274
2014 CROP: The recent ability to hold key lows reinforces the notion there’s limited downside risk, long and short term. Better selling opportunities should be ahead, although a move to our long held $4.50-plus futures target has been delayed. This should be a good opportunity to put inventories on basis contracts to be priced this summer. Hold the old crop for expected long-term improvement.
APRIL 22, 2015
All winter the soybean market has been in a corrective mode. The correction should be complete, or nearly so. The only unanswered question is; how low and how long? Price cycles suggest the market could stay weak into late May. But, the inability to sustain weakness under $9.50 hints prices may have found a low. LJÄ?ĹŻÄž >Ĺ˝Ç Ć? ĎϲͲ ƚŽ ĎĎ´Í˛Ç ÄžÄžĹŹ ĎŻÍ˛Ç‡ÄžÄ‚ĆŒ
Once prices start the next leg up, it should be as long as the $1.83 rally off the fall low. If the recent low holds, the primary target would at least be $11.27.
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FUNDAMENTALS: Chinese March soybean imports were better than expected. Port stocks are low, and crush margins have improved. China’s buying is focused on South America, but it didn’t look like China made any cancellations. The United States did make sales to its traditional customers, suggesting prices are attractive. Generally,
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world demand remains good. Current prices will tend to discourage soybean plantings.
Iowa Corn & Soybean Basis
CORN: (basis vs. May futures, 4/15/15)
U of I USDA data - USDA/WAOB
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Cash Strategist Positions at a glance
CORN
2014
3-10-14 — 10% sold @ $4.82
2015 100% unsold
3-10-14 — 15% sold @ $4.78 3-31-14 — 10% sold @ $4.95 11-20-14 — 15% sold at $3.78 50% unsold
BEANS
2014
2015
12-23-13 — 10% sold @ $11.72 12-31-13 — 10% sold @ $11.35 2-18-14 — 10% sold @ $11.38 3-3-14
5-27-14 — 15% sold @ $12.07 85% unsold
— 10% sold @ $11.72
5-12-14 — 10% sold @ $12.23 6-2-14
— 10% sold @ $12.24 40% unsold
Iowa Farm Bureau members have free 24/7 access to AgriVisor daily updates through the Members portion of the IFBF website: www. iowafarmbureau.com. The AgriVisor link is on the homepage under the Daily Market chart.
NW $3.59 -0.17 SW $3.54 -0.22
NC $3.60 -0.16 SC $3.59 -0.17
NE SE
$3.65 -0.11 $3.62 -0.14
SOYBEANS: (basis vs. May futures, 4/15/15) NW SW
$9.19 -0.46 $9.27 -0.38
NC SC
$9.23 -0.42 $9.25 -0.40
NE $9.30 -0.35 SE $9.39 -0.26
Neither AgriVisor LLC nor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is liable for any damages that anyone may sustain by reason of inaccuracy or inadequacy of information provided herein, any error of judgment involving any projections, recommendation or advice or any other act of omission. This publication is owned by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation with advice provided by and copyrighted by AgriVisor Services LLC, 1701 Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, Ill., 61701. No reproduction of any material in whole or in part of this page may be made without written consent.
Saudi group to buy stake in Canadian grain handler Saudi Arabia’s state-owned agricultural investment firm and U.S. grain trader Bunge Ltd. plan to buy a controlling stake in Canadian grain handler CWB in a move by the Gulf state to secure food supplies, Reuters reported last week. G3 Global Grain Group, a joint venture of Bunge and Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), said it will buy a 50.1 percent stake in CWB for $201 million. The remaining stake will be held in trust for Canadian farmers with G3 having an option to buy them out after seven years. Farmers owned an equity stake in CWB, formerly known as the Canadian Wheat Board, until the government stripped it of its Western Canadian grain monopoly in 2012.
Saudi Arabia began scaling back its domestic wheat-growing program in 2008, planning to rely completely on imports by 2016 to save water. SALIC was formed in 2011 to secure food supplies for the kingdom, mainly through mass production projects and foreign investment. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf desert states, which rely on imports for 80 to 90 percent of their food needs, have invested heavily in agricultural projects overseas since 2008. Canada, the world’s secondlargest wheat exporter, shipped 378,000 metric tons of wheat to Saudi Arabia in 2013/14 and 126,500 metric tons of barley, according to the Canadian Grain Commission. Total Saudi imports
in that period were 3.43 million metric tons of wheat and 9 million metric tons of barley, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA expects the kingdom to import around 3.5 million metric tons of wheat in the 2014/2015 marketing year. Under the deal, Saudi Arabia would still have to compete to buy grain from the CWB at market prices. Saudi Arabia imports wheat through the General Silos and Flour Mills Organization in public tenders. CWB has remained under government control since 2012, while Ottawa sought a majority investor. The deal, slated to close by mid-year, requires approval by Canada’s Competition Bureau.
APRIL 22, 2015
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Agricultural groups last week applauded the introduction of bipartisan legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), a move that could help pave the way for the expansive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, which would link the United States into a free trade agreement with 11 other countries, including Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Canada and Mexico. The bill to renew TPA, which is supported by congressional leaders and President Barack Obama, was introduced in the Senate on April 16. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced the bill along with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the committee’s ranking member, and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Farm Bureau backs passage of TPA, which is considered a key to free trade agreements and increased exports of American crops, meats and other products. “TPA streamlines negotiations and strengthens our position at the bargaining table,� said Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau Federation president. “The growth of U.S. agriculture depends on our ability to compete in the international marketplace. We will cede potential markets and economic leadership to our competitors if we cannot negotiate and ratify trade agreements through TPA.� Stallman explained that TPA is central to completing key trade negotiations already under way. “The U.S. is on the brink of completing its most ambitious trade agenda in years,� he said. “We stand to lose billions of dollars in future U.S. farm exports if Congress fails to pass these vitally important bills.� Under TPA, Congress agrees to consider a trade deal as negotiated with an up or down vote, but cannot amend it. Congress has granted TPA to presidents for decades, going back to the World War II era, as a way to smooth the path to trade agreements that open markets, reduce tariffs and expand overall economic development. The introduction of TPA was also backed by key livestock and crop organizations.
Webinar will provide safe digging info The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) will host an informative webinar with a brief review of Iowa One Call, including examples of the type of digging and deep tillage that require notification before work begins. “It is important to be safe and understand your responsibility to dig safely,� said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. The webinar will be held April 27 at 1 p.m. To access the webinar, look for information on www.iowafarmbureau.com. The webinar will also be archived on the IFBF website to provide access for members.
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Ag groups applaud TPA legislation
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Heller Implement 712-643-5501 www.hellerimplement.com
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Petersen Farm Equipment 712-837-4816
www.agcocorpdealers.com/petersen
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MASSEY FERGUSON is a worldwide brand of AGCO. Š 2011 AGCO Corporation, 4205 River Green Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096 (877) 525-4384.
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