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Northey: DMWW lawsuit dividing rural, urban Iowans BY DIRCK STEIMEL The Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) lawsuit against three northwest Iowa counties is an inef fective and divisive action that has unnecessarily pitted the state’s urban residents against those in rural areas, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey last week told city leaders from the Des Moines area. “Engaging in water quality is not a choice for Iowa agriculture; it’s absolutely essential for us to do it,” Northey told members of
the Des Moines Metro Advisory Council. “But a lawsuit is not the way to do it.” In March, the Board of Trustees of the DMWW, with strong backing from CEO Bill Stowe, sued 10 drainage dis tricts in Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac coun NORTHEY ties. The DMWW litigation, scheduled for trial in Sioux City
in the summer of 2016, seeks to force the drainage districts to get Clean Water Act permits for alleged discharges from agricul tural drainage tile systems. While the DMWW board of directors is appointed by the mayor of Des Moines, it is not a city run utility. Instead, it’s inde pendently operated and provides drinking water to approximately 500,000 people in the greater Des Moines area, including many of the towns and rural water districts around the metro area. Northey told the Des Moines
area city leaders that he has often worked to tamp down anger about Des Moines among rural Iowans since the lawsuit was filed.
Rural Iowans upset “I’ve been to a lot of farm meetings where people say they never want to come to Des Moines again,” Northey told the Des Moines area city leaders. “I tell them ‘no,’ it’s something we have to work on together; the cities and the rural areas in Iowa need each other.” Northey noted that several
Farm groups back uniform GMO label bill
Iowa communities, including Cedar Rapids, are actively work ing with farmers to address water quality. Christine Hensley, a Des Moines city councilwoman, ag reed that the lawsuit is the wrong way to improve the state’s water quality and it has created divi sions in the state. She said the filing has been “very frustrating” for Des Moines. Hensley is on the board of the Iowa Partnership for Clean Water (IPCW), which was launched in LAWSUIT PAGE 2
It’s time to ditch the fears about food Many Americans continue to have irrational fears about the food they eat.
BY TOM BLOCK
STORY ON PAGE 3
Farm Bureau and other ag groups last week praised a bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee to create a uniform national standard for labeling food containing genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. The bill, called the Safe and Accurate Labeling Act of 2015, would prevent costly and confus ing state-by-state food labeling mandates. “Committee approval of this legislation is a strong sign of the support for national food label ing legislation that gives consum ers the information they want in a truthful, consistent manner,” said Claire Parker, spokesperson for the Coalition for Safe and Affordable Food, which includes Farm Bureau. “It is urgent that Congress pass this legislation this year. The consequences of a fail ure to act will be felt by farm ers, food producers and consumers across the country.” A patchwork of state labeling laws will impact the jobs and fam ily budgets of consumers across the country, Parker said.
Increased costs Grocery costs for a family of four could increase by an average of $500 per year under a series of different and conflicting state and local GMO labeling mandates, according to a Cornell University study. A consistent labeling stan dard would also ensure that seed companies can continue to bring new, innovative products to the market, farmers said. Tony Portz, a Jackson County Farm Bureau member, said he sees benefits from the bill in his dual role as both a banker and farmer. “We raise seed corn, so we’re very much in favor of GMOs. GMO PAGE 2
SE Iowa conservation field day draws crowd Farmers and others flocked to a field day in Fairfield to learn about cover crops and other conservation measures. STORY ON PAGE 4
Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, left, holds a map generated by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) outlining the potential impact of the Waters of the U.S. or WOTUS rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. IFBF District 9 director Will Frazee, second from left; IFBF President Craig Hill; and IFBF Vice President Joe Heinrich, as well as Tony Portz of Jackson County, far right, and a number of other members, met with Ernst during a policy trip in Washington, D.C. PHOTO/TOM BLOCK
FB members press for action on tax extenders in D.C. visit BY TOM BLOCK
Keeping livestock cool in summer heat Livestock farmers use various methods to keep cattle and other livestock comfortable in summer heat and humidity. STORY ON PAGE 5
Lawmakers slam Canada dairy program
pressed their displeasure with the Environmental Protection arm Bureau members Agency’s (EPA) handling of the from Iowa pressed Renewable Fuels Standard and Congress for quick Clean Water Act during the Iowa action on tax extenders Farm Bureau’s National Policy and country-of-origin labeling last Trip to Washington, D.C. week during a visit to Capitol Hill. A number of key farm tax pro The Iowa farmers also ex visions, including Section 179
expensing and bonus depreciation, expired at the end of last year, making it hard for farmers to plan business purchases. Congress waited until December to pass the tax provisions last year and only made them effective for 2014.
STALLMAN TO RETIRE FROM AFBF PRESIDENCY
EXTENSION WORKS TO EASE AVIAN FLU ISSUES
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman announced last week that he will not seek re-election following 16 years at the helm. Stallman, a cattle and rice producer from Columbus, Texas, is the 11th president during AFBF’s almost 97-year history. Stallman succeeded Iowa’s Dean Kleckner. “It has been a tremendous honor to serve the nation’s Farm Bureau members and represent agriculture and rural America,” Stallman said. “I am as optimistic as ever about the STALLMAN future of American agriculture and Farm Bureau.” A new AFBF president will be elected at the annual meeting of voting delegates in Orlando in January. Farm Bureau presidents from Indiana, Georgia, Arizona and Oregon have indicated that they will run for the AFBF leadership position.
In response to the recent avian influenza outbreak, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach has launched a multi-state approach to pro viding research-based information and resources to families. “By leveraging our resources and strategically sharing information with families throughout Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, we are able to provide daily updates and recommendations,” said Debra Sellers, director of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach and associate dean in Iowa State’s College of Human Sciences. “Avian influenza has had a very real impact on families,” Sellers said. “Our counterparts in ISU Extension and Outreach’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program are working to address producer issues. However, this group will focus on the families struggling with the human challenges brought on by avian influenza.” Iowans can find links to resources on the Human Sciences Extension and Outreach website.
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D.C. VISIT PAGE 2
Several lawmakers say dairy program reform is needed or Canada could be kicked out of big Pacific trade deal. STORY ON PAGE 7
COPYRIGHT 2015
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JULY 22, 2015 IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN to allege that he had altered a wetland. “I’ve had 18 years dealing with the EPA and the Corps,” he said. “We need something consistent so we know we’re not only OK today, but so we can plan without fear of tomorrow.” The Clean Water Rule rule is likely to end up in court unless Congress can block it soon, said Parrish. “I think we have until the end of the year. We’ve got to push it across the finish line,” he said.
D.C. VISIT FROM PAGE 1
“Not knowing what you can depreciate and deduct until the second week of December every year gets to be a little hairy for farmers,” said Vernon Knaack, a Woodbury County Farm Bureau member. “Right now, the price of big farm equipment is down 20 to 30 percent. If that’s something farmers could take advantage of, that’d be a great thing.” The House of Representatives has passed a bill to make Section 179 small business expensing permanent, but movement in the Senate is at a standstill as that chamber considers major tax re forms.
Hurting the RFS
It’s also critical for Congress to repeal mandatory country-oforigin labeling (COOL) for meat before Canada and Mexico are allowed to impose billions of dol lars in trade sanctions, farmers said. “We don’t want retaliation,” Fayette County Farm Bureau member Heath Gieselman told Iowa’s Congressional delegation. “It’s important to get it done by the August recess.” The U.S. House repealed man datory COOL last month after the World Trade Organization ruled against the program for the fourth time, but the Senate has not acted yet. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are ready to slap more than $3 billion in trade sanctions on U.S. goods as soon as next
While the EPA is pushing the limit as far as possible on its abil ity to regulate farmers, it seems Ben Butcher, an Ida County Farm Bureau member, center, makes a point to Rep. Steve King, right, during a meeting to be as conservative as possible in Kings’s office in Washington, D.C. Also pictured are Brianna Butcher of Ida County and Brian Galloway of Greene on implementing the Renewable County. PHOTO/TOM BLOCK Fuels Standard (RFS), said Calvin enboom, a Mahaska County month unless the Senate repeals D.C. “We think repealing the law reign in the EPA by withholding Roz the law. funding needed to implement the farmer and Farm Bureau District is the only solution.” “It’s been ruled against four rule or passing legislation forc 8 director. The EPA has proposed roll times,” said Clay County Farm EPA issues ing the agency to repeal the rule Bureau member Ben Pullen, who The EPA’s recent regulations and start over. If the rule pro ing back the amount of ethanol raises sheep. “It’s time to try on the Clean Water Act and ceeds, farmers could be required to and other renewable fuels required something different.” Renewable Fuels Standard drew acquire permits for normal farming to be blended into the nation’s Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said strong reactions from the Iowa activities like spraying, said Don fuel supply, citing the lack of Senate Agriculture Committee farmers, who said the agency is Parrish, American Farm Bureau infrastructure needed to distribute leaders are talking about replacing overstepping its authority and not senior regulatory relations director. those fuels. “The RFS has been one of mandatory COOL with a voluntary following the will of Congress. The EPA and Corps of En labeling program. But Canadian The EPA’s Waters of the U.S. gineers could also use historical the best rural economic programs Embassy Agriculture Counsellor (WOTUS) rule represents a large photos to determine where there that’s ever been devised,” Knaack Michael Hawkins said that is expansion of the agency’s con used to be a stream or other water said. “I can think of several towns unlikely to appease Canadian offi trol, said Iowa Farm Bureau Vice feature that falls under its juris that have added businesses as a cials after many years of WTO President Joe Heinrich, a dairy diction, he said. That possibility direct result of ethanol plants.” Farm Bureau members also challenges and decisions favoring farmer from Jackson County. The resonated with Mark Groenendyk, Canada and Mexico. rule would subject more than 90 a Mahaska County Farm Bureau asked lawmakers to support legis “We think there could be some percent of Iowa’s farmland to EPA member. More than two decades lation that sets a national standard serious problems with that; there water rules, he said. ago, Groenendyk received permis for labeling biotech food products, could still be some discrimina “This is the largest land con sion from one government agency preempting a patchwork of statetion,” Hawkins said in a meeting trol grab that we’ve ever seen,” to make some land improvements by-state regulations, and empha with the Farm Bureau members at he said. on his farm, only to have the sized the importance of trade deals Canada’s embassy in Washington, Farmers urged Congress to Corps of Engineers come in later like the Trans Pacific Partnership.
LAWSUIT
need to figure out how to live, work and play together,” Hensley said.
Repealing COOL
FROM PAGE 1
May to broaden the understanding of farmers’ water quality efforts and to help balance the dialogue between the need for agricultural production in the state and mean ingful water quality solutions. “I don’t believe anyone dis agrees with the issues of water quality,” Hensley said. “But the issue is how do we address it, and I believe that the feeling is that the lawsuit is not the right mechanism. “I continue to say, Des Moines is the capital of an ag state, and we
GMO FROM PAGE 1
We feel it’s safe. There’s nothing scientifically proven that it’s not safe,” Portz said during meetings with Iowa’s Congressional delega tion last week on the Iowa Farm Bureau’s annual July National Policy Trip. “I’m also an agri culture lender at a rural bank. I already have (clients) on a fixed income coming in, and I give loans for $300 to $400 dollars to get them through the year (buying groceries). I think adding another cost to our food is just going to increase that.”
Spawning other suits Northey also noted to the Des Moines city leaders that the DMWW lawsuit over nitrates could spawn other legal action that could affect their communi ties. “There is not a very long stretch from rural drainage water to your sewer systems and storm water,” Northey said. “If it is OK for anybody to sue anybody else 150 miles away, does that mean anyone down river can sue you.” Despite criticism from Stowe and other backers of the lawsuit,
Northey emphasized the value of Iowa’s water quality initiative, called the Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The initiative, he said, provides farmers the informa tion they need and the flexibility to use the nutrient management tools that are best for their farms. A regulatory approach, backed by Stowe and others, would like ly be far more rigid and would freeze the innovation occurring today in approaches to reduce nutrient loss, Northey said. “The challenge is that every farm is
different, every piece of ground is different and every year is dif ferent.”
Initiative momentum The initiative’s approach of providing farmers a range of options to improve nutrient man agement on their fields is catch ing on with farmers. They are planting more acres of cover crops, installing bio reactors and other structures to reduce nutrient loss and adjust ing fertilizer rates using high-
tech monitoring. Northey said he was con cerned that the DMWW lawsuit would prompt farmers to stop implementing water quality mea sures. But that has not happened, he said. “I feared that farmers would just say, ‘Forget it, if they are just going to sue us,’ and would hunker down,” Northey said. “But farmers are keeping up the momentum and have not slowed down at all.”
New IFBF Young Farmer officers
The bipartisan Safe and Ac curate Food Labeling Act, authored by Reps. Mike Pompeo of Kansas and G.K. Butterfield of North Car olina, has 68 co-sponsors. The legislation includes en hanced coordination between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the bio technology approval process. The bill also strengthens confi dence in the safety of genetically engineered foods by requiring developers to secure written FDA notification that any questions on food safety have been resolved before new bio-engineered prod ucts are introduced into the mar ketplace.
Cover crop webinar July 30 The Iowa Farm Bureau Fed eration will offer a webinar on the basics of cover crops July 30 at 1 p.m. The webinar, which will be recorded, will offer tips from experts for those new to planting cover crops. They will discuss what works in cover crops, what
doesn’t and understanding the value of cover crops. Tracy Blackmer from Cover Crops Solutions and Sarah Carl son from Practical Farmers of Iowa will be the speakers in the webinar. Watch www.iowafarmbureau. com for details.
The Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee elected new officers for 2015-2016 at their recent summer conference. The new officers are, from left to right, Laura Cunningham, Floyd County, public relations chair; Chasen Stevenson, Marion County, chair; Mindy Miller, Emmet County, vice chair; Brooke Smith, Henry County, historian; and Leanne Kading, Adair County, secretary. The Young Farmer Advisory Committee organizes regional young farmer events and the annual Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference and advises the Iowa Farm Bureau board of directors on issues important to young farmers. PHOTO/ MORGAN BALL
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN JULY 22, 2015
Editorial
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Some good advice: Eat a balanced diet and lay off the worry BY TERESA BJORK
A
fter years of ignoring doctors’ warnings, I finally agreed last month to start taking medication for high blood pressure. In my case, high blood pressure is genetic. My dad was in his 20s when he was first prescribed medication to control his blood pressure. I remember how Dad complained BJORK about the side effects — how he had trouble waking up the mornings, how he didn’t like how it made him feel. But the doctor “got real” with me, explaining that high blood pressure increases my risk of heart disease and stroke. I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I had to get over my fear of taking medication. So far, the side effects have been less scary than I imagined. I’m groggier than usual during the day. But other than that, I feel like my normal self, just with a calmer heart.
As is often true, my fears were misplaced. I was more afraid of the side effects than I was about the very real threat of a debilitating stroke if my high blood pressure went untreated. I got to thinking about misplaced fears the other day when I stumbled upon the Common Ground Facebook page, where a dairy farmer (http://findourcommonground. com/2015/04/letstalk-about-hormones/) explained w hy s h e d o e s n ’t worry about horm ones in milk. While all milk contains naturally occurring hormones, the farmer noted that most milk hormones are destroyed in the pasteurization process. What surprised me, however, was that one of the commenters asked if people who choose to
bacteria that cause serious foodborne illness. Out of curiosity, I looked up the food-borne illness statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC reports that between 2007-2012, there were more than 979 illnesses and 73 hospitalizations from consuming raw milk. Yet from what I could find, there weren’t any reported illnesses caused by hormones in milk. In fact, the hormone levels in milk and dairy products are extremely low, as you can see in the infographic to the left.
Unlikely risks
drink raw, unpasteurized milk should worry about the hormone levels in milk. “Raw milk” is indeed dangerous, but not because of hormones. Unpasteurized milk can carry
Like my misplaced fear over taking medication, sometimes we focus too much on the unlikely risks from the foods we eat — whether it’s hormones in milk or genetically modified (GMO) ingredients — even though scientists confirm their safety. We all have the same goal: To live our best, healthiest life. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat your vegetables, lean meats and dairy. Go for a walk. Listen to your doctor. And relax, already. Worrying less really is the best medicine.
Founding agrarian principles of U.S. live on today BY STEWART TRUELSEN Americans are familiar with the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, but there was another set of principles the Founding Fathers held c l o s e l y , a l though they never formally adopted them. Those principles are the agrarian creed, also known as TRUELSEN the agricultural creed. The creed is usually traced back to Thomas Jefferson, who placed a high value on agricultural pursuits. Jefferson felt that farming was superior to other occupations and resulted in good citizenship. Therefore, the creed expressed the belief that a high percentage of
Spokesman Editor DIRCK STEIMEL News Coordinator TOM BLOCK Senior Features Writer TERESA BJORK Ag Commodities Writer BETHANY BARATTA Photographer/Writer GARY FANDEL
Americans should live on farms. Other ideas incorporated in the creed were that farming is not only a business, but a way of life and ideally a family enterprise. The land should belong to the person who farms it, and the farmer should be his own boss. Anyone who wants to farm should be able to do so. Lastly, it is good to make two blades of grass grow where only one grew before.
Agrarian creed lives on During the 20th century, de pressed farm prices, uncontrollable surpluses and an exodus from farms made the agrarian dream seem more like a nightmare at times. Yet the spirit of the agrarian creed lives on and its basic tenets remain, especially the concept of the family farm and the importance of private property rights. These and other parts of the creed
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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.
helped form the philosophies and beliefs of the American Farm Bur eau Federation. Today’s high-tech world is a long way from what Jefferson had in mind, but there seems to be a growing appreciation among the non-farm public for agriculture and a desire to get back to our agrarian roots. One of the hottest real estate trends is developing homes ar ound a working farm instead of a golf course or a man-made lake. According to an article in Smithsonian magazine, there are dozens of so-called agritopian developments that are offshoots of the local-food movement.
Foodies bring attention The foodie culture and farmminded chefs are bringing more attention to the source of our food — the nation’s farms and ranches, and give credit to the 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.
agricultural community for reaching out to consumers like never before through social media and television. Farmers have always had a good story to tell, but now they have an audience more willing to listen. Yes, some non-farmers may follow a romanticized version of what farming ought to be, and that’s why a dialogue becomes important. Jefferson’s dream of having a large part of the population living on farms is no longer possible, but his premise for the agrarian creed is still valid. As a nation, we should continue to place a high value on agricultural pursuits and recognize the work ethic and good citizenship of those who farm and ranch. Truelsen, a food and agriculture freelance writer, is a regular contributor to the Farm Bureau Focus on Agriculture series.
Tougher times for folks peddling GMO fears BY DIRCK STEIMEL It’s been a bad couple of months for the folks pushing the fear-mongering campaign over genetically modified crops, commonly called GMOs. In Washington, a bill called the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is gaining momentum. It passed the House Agriculture Committee last week and is heading for debate on the House floor. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo and backed by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and other ag groups, would create a uniform, science-based labeling standard for food made with GMO crops. The bill is designed to provide consumers scientific, accurate and relevant information about their food, without the scary labels that GMO opponents are so attached to. Food companies would be free to label their products GMO-free if they want as long as they pass a government certification program. And consumers who really want GMO-free products will be able to buy them, just as they are today. Importantly, the Pompeo bill would also eliminate the potential of a patchwork of state laws on GMO labeling, which are certain to confuse consumers and cause major headaches for food companies. Bob Stallman, AFBF president, put it well in his comments in support of the GMO bill. “This bill is an antidote to anti-GMO initiatives that make people wrongly fear the food they eat. (It) restores reason to our food discussions and shows pseudoscience and food quackery the door.”
State efforts stall The GMO fearmongers aren’t doing any better at the state level. They have been pushing for mandatory GMO labeling in state after state, but have only succeeded in lonely, little Vermont. A report in Food Safety News said that this year, GMO-labeling bills failed to gain traction in every state where they were introduced. It also noted that some states, such as North Dakota and Michigan, have adopted state laws opposing the mandatory labeling of GMOs. But while they have taken some lumps lately, don’t expect the anti-GMO scare team to go away quietly. They’ve just got too much invested in scaring the people and don’t want the majority of consumers to know about the overwhelming evidence of the safety and value of biotech crops. Really, for the anti-GMO group, every day is Halloween.
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IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Rains have been missing the area the past couple weeks, but crops continue to look good. The area received just over 1 inch of rain during the previous two weeks. Corn was beginning to tassel, and there have been some reports of northern corn leaf blight in northwest Iowa and adjacent areas. Soybeans are starting to close the row, and there have been a few reports of aphids. Haying is in full swing.
On July 16, 1.8 inches of rain fell in Sprung’s area. “During pollinating time, you never turn down the rain,” Sprung said. Corn was tasseling and looked fairly even despite variable conditions in the county. Aphids were showing up in soybeans fields, and waterhemp has been tough to control. Hay-making is ongoing, and high humidity has made drying the hay a challenge. Farmers will begin windrowing oats soon.
“There’s not been a lot of rain, but it’s been hot and humid here and that’s been good for the corn,” Darling said July 16. Corn has tasseled or is on the verge of tasseling and looks good, he said. Soybeans also have good color and appear to be doing well, Darling said. There is some concern about waterhemp and other tough weeds, he said. Farmers have been finding windows to complete hay work, Darling said.
Corn is tasseling, and some farmers are applying fungicides to battle leaf diseases, Parker said July 16. Soybean spraying is almost wrapped up, and 30-inch rows are starting to canopy. “In the last 24 hours, we had an inch of rain,” he said. “It was needed. A lot of this corn is so shallow-rooted it was starting to show some stress. Second-cutting hay is mostly done. It was late, but it was one of the best second cuttings I’ve had in years.”
Rain has helped corn and soybeans grow in Burt’s area, he said July 16. Corn was about fully tasseled, and silks were visible. After a few inches of rain, the area had been dry for about 10 days, allowing area farmers to get hay put up. Soybeans were starting to set pods. “This is the point where your corn really changes and you really make your money here in the pollination. You just hope the weather turns out in your favor,” he said.
“Basically, the corn looks excellent here except for a few yellow spots,” Rickels said July 16. “The early hybrids are tasseling, and everything else is close.” Farmers are having dry fertilizer applied with ground rigs or airplanes, he said. Soybeans are still “struggling” in the wet soils, and weed problems are showing up, Rickels said. It’s been tough to get momentum on hay with frequent showers, he said.
Heavy rains swamped the area again last week, Johnson said July 16. “The rainfall amounts I’ve heard ranged from 3 inches to 7 inches,” he said. “But rain is rain in July. If it was a choice between not having any rain and having 5 inches, I’d take 5 inches.” Corn is mostly tasseled and looks good, but wet spots will bring down field averages. Yields on his 20 acres of wheat were poor due to the wet spring.
Three inches of rain had fallen within two days, LaFratte said July 16. The moisture, combined with the heat, helped corn and soybeans progress. “Beans are kind of slow growing this year, but the last week to 10 days, they’re taking off,” he said. Most of the soybeans have canopied. Corn is tasseling, and silks are shooting out. Rain has made it a challenge to get hay put up.
“This has been almost perfect weather for pollination, and we’re about through it,” Schrock said. Corn looks good, and there have been few signs of leaf diseases, but there is a concern about having adequate nitrogen for grain fill, he said. Wet soils and frequent rains have kept soybeans from taking off, Schrock said. “But it’s nothing that a good week of sunshine wouldn’t cure.” Weeds are becoming a problem in some fields, he said.
Strong turnout at SE Iowa field day to explore cover crops BY BETHANY BARATTA Interest in cover crops and water quality is growing in the state, a Farm Bureau-led conference showed last week. The conference, which was held in Fairfield, attracted a crowd of about 200 people. The event, which was made possible in part through a SHARE grant, was held to explore some of the benefits of cover crops and to learn from farmers who had experience growing cover crops in their fields.
“Part of the reason we wanted to do this field day was because we have at least three watersheds in southeast Iowa: the Lower Skunk, Lake Geode and Clear Creek here in Fairfield. Between those watersheds, there’s a lot of farm ground,” said Jason Steele, vice president of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, who organized the event. Steele, who is a resource soil scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), also farms with his dad and two brothers. He said understanding
how soil health and soil quality work together to improve the infiltration of Iowa’s different soil types is important. “Soil health and soil quality go hand in hand,” he said. “They are different. One of them is properties; one is on the landscape. But between the two, they integrate together.”
Strong benefits He said field trials and research on cover crops have shown some strong benefits. “I want something left on my farm for the next
generation, my kids, to be able to farm,” Steele said. “If I can raise the organic matter, if I can get more production out of my cows, if I can stop soil erosion, if I can use a cover crop to graze or for hay, those are bonuses. Those are assets for me.” He and his family have utilized alfalfa as a sort of cover crop, which feeds his cattle. Alfalfa roots grow 6 feet deep, he said. They mix the alfalfa with brome grass or orchard grass, depending on the year. “That’s our fibrous root system
Managing weeds and nitrogen in Iowa fields BY JOHN GRANDIN It is quite common to be seeing new flushes of weeds poking through the canopy in soybean fields and for growers to be looking for easy management options. Unf ortunately, these weeds are typically too tall for herbicides GRANDIN to be very effective, and harvest or recropping restrictions greatly reduce the list of available products that can be considered. Often, the best management
CROPS TODAY
practice available is physical re moval of the weeds, and walking soybean fields may need to be considered. If fields are extremely weedy, then a harvest aid may be needed in order to make combining easier. Nitrogen management has been a very popular topic this season. The good news is growers and retailers alike are showing a proactive effort toward managing this vital plant nutrient. Numerous models, predictive tools
and enhancements have been utilized this season, all with varying degrees of success. Perhaps the biggest lesson learned from all these services, models and tools is a confirmation that nitrogen management isn’t rocket science. Rocket science is actually pretty easy stuff, if you understand the physics and mathematics involved. Nitrogen management is much more elusive, and all of the biological, environmental and production factors aren’t easily modeled or duplicated. A grower and his agronomic advisor are better able to make nitrogen management decisions and adjust their plans than any of the
current models by themselves. The models, tools and services provide some great talking points and can play a successful role in a complete nitrogen management system. A late summer, 12-inch soil nitrate test may be useful for assessing the need for establishing a grass cover crop. There are no established guidelines for interpreting the lab results. However, if the soil samples show virtually no residual nitrates, it would be unlikely that cover crops are needed to capture and immobilize nitrates. Grandin is a Growmark West ern Region senior field sales agronomist. His email address is jgrandin@growmark.com.
on top until the alfalfa gets established,” Steele said. He said he and his family are learning about other cover crops they could implement on the farm, but it takes time. “I’m still learning from these experts that have done it for a long time,” Steele said.
Getting the right mix The key is to get the right mix of crops that will benefit the soil. Cover crops aren’t a one-sizefits-all system, Steele said. “We have a large soil range in Iowa from northern Iowa to southern Iowa. Northern Iowa has loamier soils, higher proportions of sand. You get to the southern two tiers of Iowa, we’re very heavy clay soils. In heavy clay soils, water tends to run off before it infiltrates,” he said. Cover crops can help with water infiltration, as field trials and work on his own farm have shown. “What we’ve seen with longerterm no-till with cereal rye as a cover crop is we get a lot of water infiltration,” he said. “We’re starting to see the process work.” The Iowa Farm Bureau, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Clean Water Iowa, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Lower Skunk Riv er Watershed and Soil Health Initiative sponsored the conference.
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN JULY 22, 2015 5
Farmers work to keep livestock comfortable in heat, humidity BY BETHANY BARATTA Last week, Dan Furlin and his daughter Danielle spent more time in the pasture checking their cows and in an outdoor lot checking pigs than they did in their air conditioned home. As temperatures soared into the 90s last week, the Furlins kept a close eye on their animals. “When they’re comfortable, they’re eating, they’re gaining weight — especially the calves,� said Furlin, an Appanoose County Farm Bureau member. In the pasture, cow/calf pairs grazed on the grass, eventually making their way to the water tanks. “Water is the biggest thing,� he said. “Good, clean water is important.� The cattle slowly made their way to a grove of trees, where they rested underneath the shade. With a few cows left to calve, Furlin said frequent pasture checks are important, especially in the heat. “The heat is tough on newborn calves,� Furlin said. That’s why it’s important they have access to shade and fresh water, Furlin said. “Calves will milk better, they’ll hold their weight better (when they’re comfortable).� Furlin said his cattle are smart and seek out the most comfortable spaces to rest during the heat. His cattle avoid going into the timber because they get less of a breeze there. Instead, they rest along the edges, which provide shade.
Keeping pigs cool In a nearby lot, Danielle’s pigs, which she is raising as a 4-H project, cooled off underneath a water mister. The pigs also had access to fresh feed, water and shade. “Shade and water are important because if they’re hot they won’t grow,� Danielle, 16, said. This week she’ll show those pigs at the Appanoose County Fair. “We come down (to the lot) a few times a day and sprinkle them down really well. At the fair, we take them out to the wash rack often and have fans in the pens for them. They always have water constantly available,� she
explained. Furlin said they avoid moving the cattle around too much in the summer, especially during extreme heat. “You just have to be careful,� he said. “You don’t want to be chasing them around.� Farmers should watch for signs of heat stress in their animals, experts say. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Phil Reemtsma, a veterinarian with DeWitt Veterinary Clinic, said managing heat stress in cattle begins with identifying cattle at risk. “Cattle that have been on feed a long time and are carrying a large amount of internal, as well as external, fat are most at risk. Heifers that have been in the feedlot for a longer period of time are typically high risk due to the fact they are fatter than steers,� Reemtsma said. Shawn Shouse, agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said pigs should be loaded, unloaded and transported in the early morning or late evening hours during summer’s intense heat to further reduce stress. He advised using wet shavings and not straw bedding in the trailer, as well as unplugging ventilation holes and minimizing the amount of time the truck is idling.
Providing shade To minimize heat stress, cattle farmers should provide adequate shade or use water sprinklers in a feedlot setting. Or feedlot operators can split feed rations into two feedings per day or feed at night after it cools off, Reemtsma advised. “This allows feed intake to be maintained or slightly decreased and for wet feed to be put in the bunk at cooler temperatures, reducing spoilage,� Reemtsma said. Studies have shown that wetting the ground surface in a cattle feedlot overnight can reduce the heat stress levels the cattle experience the next day, Shouse said. “The wet soil surface takes longer to heat up, because evaporation keeps it cool for the first half of the day. This strategy allows the sprinkling to happen
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Danielle Furlin used a water mister to keep her show pigs cool during last week’s spell of hot, humid weather. It’s important to provide pigs shade and plenty of water in the tough conditions, she said. PHOTO/GARY FANDEL
late at night or early in the morning before cattle water consumption starts to use up the available
water supply,� he said. The best time to move or handle cows is in the early morning
after they have had the evening to cool off and reduce body temperature, Reemtsma noted.
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6 JULY 22, 2015 IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Barriers present challenges to pork, beef exports in May
A
fter an encouraging performance in April, exports of U.S. beef and pork lost momentum in May, falling below year-ago levels in both volume and value, according to data released recently by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports moved lower in May, dropping 14 percent from a year ago to 88,466 metric tons, the report said. Export value dipped lower year-over-year for the first time since January at $556.7 million (down 6 percent). For January through May, exports totaled 430,393 metric tons, down 10 percent from the same period in 2014. Export value remained ahead of last year’s pace at $2.68 billion (up 2 percent). Pork exports totaled 184,865 metric tons in May, down 2 percent from a year ago, while value slipped 18 percent to $489.2 million, the report said. Through the first five months of 2015, pork exports were down 6 percent in volume (910,967 metric tons) and 15 percent in value ($2.42 billion) from the same period last year.
Barriers present challenge Lack of access to China, which never reopened after the 2003 BSE case, is holding back export growth, Seng said. “China is a burgeoning market that impacts prices and product flow throughout a large region, and its influence on global beef trade is growing rapidly. Exporting to China would significantly expand the presence of U.S. beef in Asia, but we remain on the sidelines as our competitors gain a stronger foothold,” he said. Just four years ago, China’s beef imports totaled $112 million for an entire calendar year. Through May of this year, im ports exceeded $700 million — up 17 percent from the record pace of 2014, the report said. Primary suppliers are Australia,
Uruguay, New Zealand and Arg entina. Russia was traditionally the largest destination for EU pork, but suspended imports in January 2014 due to African swine fever. Russia also included pork from the EU, U.S. and Canada in the trade embargo imposed last year as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia recently announced that it would extend this embargo through June 2016, meaning that large supplies of European pork will continue to flow to other markets, the report said. The weakened euro — currently down about 22 percent yearover-year versus the U.S. dollar — has also bolstered the competitiveness of EU pork.
stages, and we want to make sure we aren’t creating unrealistic expectations for our work,” Sundberg said. “We are not go ing to prevent another disease such as PRRS or circovirus or porcine epidemic diarrhea. What we can do is develop better diagnostic capabilities for earlier detection of high-risk pathogens and to provide data analysis to help producers and their veterinarians improve the management of the health risks for the pigs on their farms.”
Propane price plummets Strong supplies and low de mand for propane means farm-
CME Class III Milk Futures
Swine center finds home The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) will be located in Perry, a press release from the center’s executive director Paul Sundberg said last week. SHIC is an independent organization but will work closely with veterinarians, pork producers, swine genetics companies, animal-health product providers and organizations including the Pork Board, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council, land-grant universities and the USDA, among others, Sundberg said. “The center is in its infant
Weekly Average Price Comparison Price comparisons: Week ending: 07/17/2015 06/19/2015 07/18/2014 Cattle - National 5 Area Confirmed Sales NA 6,937 91,063 NA $150.00 $156.43 5 Area 65-80% Choice Steers: Wtd Avg. Average Weights (Estimate) Cattle 1338 1331 1313 Boxed Beef Choice 600-750 (5 day avg.) $233.30 $251.32 $248.45 Boxed Beef Select 600-750 (5 day avg.) $229.39 $246.23 $242.65 Five Day Average Hide and Offal Value $11.38 $12.29 $15.82 Cattle - Interior Iowa – Minnesota Supply: NA 3,240 25,236 Average Price Choice Steer: Live Basis NA $151.48 $156.05 Average Price Choice Steer: Dressed Basis NA $240.41 $246.50 Feeder Steers at River Markets (Neb. Feedlots) #1 Muscle Thickness 500-600# $278.86 $301.75 $281.21 #1 Muscle Thickness 700-800# $228.65 $234.66 $240.44 Hogs -- Interior Iowa – Minnesota ISM Friday Weighted Average Carcass Price $75.61 $75.61 $127.65 Average Weights (Estimate) Hogs 279.3 280.9 285.5 Sows 1-3 300# and up: Average Price $33.62 $34.20 $81.44 Pork Loins 1/4” trimmed 13 - 19 pound $111.33 $103.17 $172.80 51-52% 200 pound Pork Carcass (5 day avg.) $81.27 $83.59 $135.23 Feeder Pigs: National Direct Delivered Feeder Pigs 10 Pounds Basis - Wtd Avg. $19.35 $21.89 $77.77 Feeder Pigs 40 Pounds Basis -- Wtd Avg. $38.65 $46.17 $118.90 Sheep -- National Slaughter Lambs Negotiated Sales 4,000 1,500 6,400 Choice & Prime Wooled and Shorn 130 -150 lbs $161.25 $155.00 $145.00 Iowa Large Eggs (cents per dozen) $1.95 $1.71 $1.15 Young Hen Turkeys: 8 -16# -- Eastern (cents/lb) 120.30 117.98 106.55 *Iowa Ethanol Prices $/gal $1.54 $1.40 $2.11 Futures: Corn $4.21 $3.53 $3.72 State Average Cash Corn Price $3.79 $3.31 $3.53 Basis -$0.42 -$0.22 -$0.19 Futures: Soybean $10.15 $9.72 $11.77 State Average Cash Soybean Price $9.78 $9.43 $12.15 Basis: -$0.37 -$0.29 +$0.38 Slaughter Under Federal Inspection Estimates Estimates Actuals Hogs: 2,058,000 2,100,000 1,836,000 Cattle: 535,000 542,000 579,000 Sheep: 37,000 36,000 42,000 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
ers and homeowners have an opportunity to lock in supplies at 20-year lows, Harold Hommes, an energy analyst at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), told Brownfield last week. “People want to start looking at getting whatever capacity they have (filled up) and take advantage of summer allocations,” Hommes said. “It’s a good time to start locking those prices in for fall and winter.” Propane prices in the winter of 2013-2014 hit a record $5 per gallon. The statewide average last week was 92 cents per gallon, IDALS reported.
Closing prices July 17, 2015
Contract
Settle Last Week
Contract
July 2015 August 2015 September 2015 October 2015 Spot Prices Block Cheese Barrel Cheese Butter NFDM Grade A
$16.31 $16.07 $16.05 $16.12
November 2015 December 2015 January 2016 February 2016
$16.10 $16.14 $15.83 $15.76
Milk Prices July Class III July Class IV
$16.31 $13.47
$16.40 $16.61 $16.59 $16.57
$1.6125 $1.5950 $0.9200 $1.8400
Settle Last Week $16.58 $16.61 $16.37 $16.35
Iowa Hay Auctions Dyersville, July 15
Hay, large squares, good, $82.50-140; fair, $65-80; utility, $42.50-65; large rounds, good, $72.50-100; fair, $57.50-70; utility, $20-55. New seeding, large rounds, fair, $42.50. Straw, large squares, good, $20-43. Corn stalks, large rounds, fair, $37.50. Mixed, large squares, good, $60-110; large rounds, good, $70-95. Grass, large rounds, good, $65-80.
Ft. Atkinson, July 15
Hay: small squares, 1st crop, $60-120; large squares, 1st crop, $35-90; large rounds, 1st crop, $30-100. Oats: large rounds, $20-45. Grass: large rounds, $15-45.
Perry,** July 11
Alfalfa, small squares, premium, $6; good, $4.50; large squares, premium, $60; good, $45; large rounds, premium, $60; good, $45.
Grass, small squares, premium, $4; good, $2.50; fair, $1.75; large rounds, premium, $55; good, $40; large squares, good, $45; fair, $30. Straw, small squares, $3.
Rock Valley, July 16
Alfalfa, large squares, premium, $135; good, $112.50-115; fair, $105; large rounds, good, $95-125; fair, $80-92.50; utility, $70; small squares, fair, $2.25. Grass, large rounds, good, $100-117.50; fair, $75-97.50; utility, $50-72.50. Mixed, large rounds, good, $115-120; fair, $75-80. Corn stalks: large rounds, $35-47.50. Straw, large squares, $92.50-110; large rounds, $105-107.50.
Yoder/Frytown,** July 15
Alfalfa, large rounds, $15-42.50; small squares, $3.10-4.
**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
New-crop soybean basis is weaker than historical levels as shown by the example central Iowa bids and history. Illustrated this week is the Des Moines 2015 harvest basis compared to the most recent five-year average. The 2015 new-crop soybean bids at this location are around 57 cents below November futures, which is weaker than the five-year average (shown by the red line). Farmers should check their own new-crop basis situation and evaluate their new-crop selling/storage strategy for soybeans. Basis can often be a market signal that helps with the marketing tool choice.
IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
Corn and soybean uncertainty will linger
T
his year’s spring/summer weather is going to cause the coming marketing year’s fundamental structure to remain uncertain well into the fall, if not into winter. For corn, the uncertainty isn’t as great as it is for soybeans, with the weather’s impact on yields the biggest unknown. But for soybeans, there’s little certainty for both acreage and yield. By mid-May, corn planting was 85 percent complete, with Indiana and Ohio planting progress in the mid-70 percent area. By the end of May, those two states, as well as most others, were all but done. Missouri, Kansas and Texas planting lagged the most, but only 1.4 million acres were yet to be planted, only 1.5 percent of total U.S. plantings. There will be some additional abandonment of planted acres in the wet areas, but this tends to eventually show up through lower whole field and state yields. The bigger unknown for corn is the impact weather has had on yield. Clearly, the excessive moisture across the southern and eastern parts of the Corn Belt will have negative repercussions for yield in these areas. Excess water early in the plant’s life tends to reduce the number of kernel rows. The additional leaching of nitrogen and denitrification will reduce available nitrogen to the plant for kernel filling later this summer, capping yield potential as well. Producers can offset the latter, at least partially, by supplementing nitrogen later in the season.
JULY 22, 2015
7
Cash Strategist Hotline: 1-309-557-2274
CORN STRATEGY
875
Weekly Corn Futures
2014 CROP: We b o o s t e d sales to 70 percent recently. Understanding time is drawing near to have old-crop sales complete, use rallies to pare ownership down to “gambling inventories.” Target a move to $4.45 on September futures to complete sales on inventories you are willing to carry well into August. We may adjust that at any time, up or down. 2015 CROP: Even though our sales pace is light by historical standards, we think the situation justifies being somewhat patient for now. Our next selling target is $4.60-$4.75 on December futures. Ultimately, we see a chance of a rally to $5, or something close to it, but that may not
775 Three consecutive closes over last winter's $4.17 is another indication prices have turned up out of a 5 1/2-year low.
675
575
$5.20 - 38% retracement off the 2012 high
475
375
275
There's minor resistance at $4.43-$4.50, but a close over that opens the door for the move up to eventually extend to $5-$5.20. If prices drop under $4.17, look for any decline to stall at $4-$4.30 support.
175 7/20/12
4/19/13
1/17/14
come until later this year.
$4.17
Cycle Lows 20-week 40-week
5 1/2-year low
10/17/14
7/17/15
4/16/16
10
FUNDAMENTALS: The shift to warmer, drier weather forecasts is the bigger feature undermining prices. Producers have been active sellers at these higher prices. Dollar strength is working against price strength. Unless something unexpected occurs, news to stimulate
0
-10 -20 -30
-40 Basis Chicago Futures
-50 8/21/14
11/11/14
2/4/15
4/27/15
7/17/15
speculative buying may be limited until the Aug. 12 USDA crop production report.
Reports will show final progress Maybe the bigger issue as far as the trade is concerned is the belief that good crops in the western Corn Belt will offset the problems across the south and east. But the data show the average yield in the western Corn Belt last year, 167.6 bushels per acre, was only 3 bushels off the record for the area. One state alone was responsible for much of the drag, Minnesota. Its yield, 156 bushels per acre, was 21 bushels off its 2010 record. Three of the six states in the western Corn Belt had record yields, with Iowa’s 178-bushel yield only four points off its 2009 record. They had a good crop. Clearly, the western Corn Belt has its work cut out to counter the east’s problems. Just taking Illinois’ yield alone back to its prior record is equivalent of cutting 3 bushels off the U.S. yield potential. The United States can still have a historically good crop, but the current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projection of 166.8 bushels per acre could be 3 to 4 bushels too large. For soybeans, it’s clearly difficult to accurately gauge yield potential until late August at the soonest, and maybe not until sometime in September. But the condition of the crop does indicate there’s reason to think the USDA’s 46-bushel projection may be high — to what degree is uncertain. For soybeans, clarification of acreage in August will offer better insight into production. The USDA is resurveying selected states for the August report. Just as important might be the Farm Service Agency’s first preliminary acreage report that comes just after the USDA’s August report. Acreage numbers for individual crops are not as important as the prevent plant data. Because it is so much smaller, one can reasonably forecast the size of prevent plant on the final report. That will help clarify how many acres of soybeans didn’t get planted, defining USDA’s potential adjustment to come in October.
Cash Strategist Positions at a glance
CORN 2014
2015
3-10-14 — 10% sold @ $4.82
3-10-14 — 15% sold @ $4.78
3-31-14 — 10% sold @ $4.95
11-20-14 — 15% sold at $3.78
7-10-15 — 10% sold @ $4.50 90% unsold
30% unsold
SOYBEANS 2014
2015
12-23-13 — 10% sold @ $11.72
12-31-13 — 10% sold @ $11.35
5-27-14 — 15% sold @ $12.07
2-18-14 — 10% sold @ $11.38
3-3-14 — 10% sold @ $11.72
5-12-14 — 10% sold @ $12.23
85% unsold
6-2-14 — 10% sold @ $12.24 6-29-15 — 15% sold @ $10.07
1900
Weekly Soybean Futures 1700
2014 CROP: Leave orders
Soybean futures are building a classic looking bottom with last fall's surge upward, the winter/spring correction and retest, and the beginnings of a new move up.
1500
to price another 10 percent if August futures move to $10.75, boosting your total to 85 percent complete. At the least, use rallies to price inventory you aren’t willing to carry into late August.
$12.45 - 38% retracement of the move down from the 2012 high
1300
1100
Soybean futures only need a close over last winter's $10.87 high to open the door to challenging resistance at $11.40, $12, and $12.45.
900
Cycle Lows 16- to 18-week 3-year 3-year low
2015 CROP: Last week’s new high may have completed the current move up. Still, with the bigger picture having turned positive, we see little reason to price new-crop soybeans at this time, unless you need more harvest delivery sales on the books. FUNDAMENTALS: The im pact weather has had on the new crop will keep the fundamental structure of the soybean complex
700 7/20/12
4/19/13
1/17/14
10/17/14
2-year low??
7/17/15
4/16/16
400
very uncertain for some time. Even the August USDA crop report may only begin to enlighten the industry on the supply side of the balance sheet. Even though Brazil and Argentina had big crops, their exports have been impressive. Our fall shipping campaign won’t be nearly as big as last year’s, but it should
300 200 100 0 -100 8/21/14
Basis Chicago Futures
11/11/14
2/4/15
4/27/15
7/17/15
still be big. Our new-crop export sales are lagging, but should pick up into fall.
Iowa Corn & Soybean Basis CORN: (basis vs. September futures, 7/15/15) NW SW
$3.89 NC $3.85 -0.41 -0.45 $3.87 SC $3.86 -0.43 -0.44
NE
$3.84 -0.46 SE $3.88 -0.42
SOYBEANS: (basis vs. August futures, 7/15/15)
NW $9.75 -0.50 SW $9.92 -0.33
NC
$9.82 -0.43 SC $9.87 -0.38
NE $9.90 -0.35 SE $10.04 -0.21
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.
Canada dairy access sticking point in TPP
7-10-15 — 20% sold at $4.39
SOYBEAN STRATEGY
25% 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.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan and House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, warned Canada last week that it could be dropped from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) if it doesn’t open its market to more dairy products. In a letter to Gary Doer, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, the lawmakers said it will be difficult for them to support Canada’s inclusion
in TPP if significant new dairy market access isn’t part of the deal. “As TPP talks draw toward a close, it is vital to not lose sight of this core goal,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is critical that Canada finally commit to finishing the work left undone in our prior agreements and finally commit to significant and commercially meaningful market access for all remaining agricultural products.” Tariffs of as much as 300
percent shield Canadian dairy and poultry farmers from foreign competitors. The lawmakers’ warning comes as top trade officials from the 11 other TPP countries are headed to Hawaii at the end of the month for what could be a final round of negotiations on the proposed deal. However, Canada’s reluct ance to engage in talks on dairy market access threatens to block an overall agreement. Read the letter at http://bit.ly/1Lk1HAn.
8 JULY 22, 2015 IOWA FARM BUREAU SPOKESMAN
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