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Ethanol groups challenge California fuel standard

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Two national ethanol groups have filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in California challenging the constitutionality of the state’s proposed low-carbon fuel standard.

In their filing, the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy claim the California regulations are counter to federal energy law and would harm the industry.  They argue that the rules are at odds with the 2007 renewable fuels standard that requires the use of 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022. 

In a joint statement, RFA and Growth Energy say if California were to succeed in discriminating against corn-based ethanol, it would empower other states to defy the intent of Congress.  They say it would establish “a patchwork of fuel regulations” that would complicate the nation’s fuel infrastructure and potentially limit the trade of fuel between states.

Filed Under: Events/Organizations Tagged With: , , ,

USDA hogs and pigs update shows larger than expected herd

December 30, 2009 By 1 Comment

USDA’s quarterly hogs and pigs report showed slower than expected herd contraction.

According to Brownfield analyst David Kohli, the numbers look neutral to negative for summer CME lean hog contracts.

All hogs and pigs as of December 1 were down 2% on the year at 65.807 million head with marketings also down 2% at 59.957 million and the breeding herd 3% below a year ago at 5.850 million head. Before the report, the total herd was expected to be down 2.4%, breeding hogs were seen as 3.4% below a year ago and marketings were expected to see a 2.3% reduction.

All market hog weight groups were down 2% from last year, estimates ranged from a 1.9% to 2.3% decline, depending on category. This was USDA’s first update using under 50 pound and 50 to 119 pound categories instead of under 60 pound and 60 to 119 pound categories to better reflect the current state of the North American hog market. The September to November pig crop was unchanged when the trade was expecting a 1.9% increase and farrowings for that period were 2% below last year, compared to the average estimate for a 3.1% cut.

December to February farrowing intentions were 2% under a year ago and March to May intentions were down 1%, both smaller than expected. Ahead of the report, the average estimate for December to February farrowing intentions was 96.8% of a year ago and March to May intentions were seen at 97.0%.

The next quarterly update is out March 26.

Filed Under: Livestock, News, Top Stories Tagged With: , ,

NCGA to launch farmer image/activism campaign

December 30, 2009 By 1 Comment

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says it will launch a major farmer image and activism campaign in 2010.

NCGA says the purpose of the campaign is to increase public awareness of the work that U.S. corn growers do and the values that they hold.  The group says it hopes the campaign will help the public develop informed, fact-based views on hot button environmental issues that will impact farming.

Filed Under: Events/Organizations, News Tagged With: , ,

AMI responds on tenderized steak issue

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Responding to calls for special labeling of tenderized steak, the American Meat Institute (AMI) says blade-tenderized steaks are comparable in safety to those that have not been mechanically tenderized.   Therefore, AMI says, no special labeling is needed.

On Monday, Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut called for special warning labels in reaction to last week’s recall of blade-tenderized beef products linked to E. coli illnesses in six states.  The beef came from an Oklahoma meat processor.

AMI notes that all steaks in retail stores, whether blade-tenderized or not, must bear safe handling labels instructing consumers how to cook and handle them to ensure they are safe when served. 

Meanwhile, according to Food Safety News, a coalition of food safety advocates warned Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in June about risks presented by mechanically tenderized steaks.  The Make Our Food Safe Coalition says it sent a letter and memo to Vilsack outlining specific risks and recommending the agency require labeling and educate consumers to minimize the risk to public health. 

According to the group, Vilsack and his staff have yet to issue a formal response to the documents.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Midday cash livestock markets

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Barrows and gilts in the Iowa/Minnesota direct trade opened 2.44 higher at 63.96, the West is 2.39 higher also 63.96, and the East is .41 lower at 57.57. Missouri direct base carcass meat price is 1.00 higher from 52.00 to 56.00. Greater spending in hog country as early as Tuesday suggests that any marketing backlog caused by last week’s storm was fairly minimal. Packers once again find themselves fairly close to the knife as they look ahead to an aggressive kill on Saturday as well as early year slaughter needs. Major trade expectations fo the quarterly hogs and pigs report due for release today are for all hog numbers to be down 2 to 3 percent, breeding numbers off 3 to 4 percent, and kept for market down 2 to 3 percent.

There are a few bids in the feedlot trade today, 81.00 to 82.000 on the live with asking prices from 85.00 to 86. In the North feedlot operators are asking 135, with private sources reporting asking prices of 131 on the dressed basis. Packer inquiry is expected to improve throughout the day and into tomorrow.

Boxed beef cutout values are weaker at midday, with choice beef down .20 at 139.22, and select down .07 at 133.73.

At Bloomfield Iowa receipts totaled 1863 head for a special preconditioned feeder cattle sale. Trade was active and demand was good. Feeder steers medium and large 1, calves weighing 681 pounds averaged 98.16 per hundredweight, and heifer calves averaging 621 brought 88.81.

Filed Under: Livestock, Markets Tagged With:

Speaking for Beef more important than ever

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The economy’s effect on beef demand has had a similar effect on beef Check-off dollars. The head of the Missouri Beef Industry Council says with a revenue system built on $1 per animal sold, they have to be diligent with the dollars they have and there are several strategies in place. A key strategy is encouraging producers to speak out for the beef industry.

John Klieboecker, Executive Director, Missouri Beef Industry Council
635wed

Filed Under: Feature Programs, Managing for Profit Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Mycogen SmartStax hybrids for 2010

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Keith Porter, Mycogen Seeds Agronomy Services Leader describes the introduction of the new Mycogen SmartStax hybrids as an exciting opportunity for growers. Porter tells Brownfield’s Dave Russell that the traits provide the broadest spectrum of above and below ground insect control plus allows the grower the ability to reduce refuge to 5 percent.

Keith Porter, Mycogen Seeds (6:00 MP3)

AUDIO: Keith Porter, Mycogen Seeds (6:00 MP3)

Filed Under: Feature Programs, Innovations Tagged With: , ,

SDSU appoints new ag college dean

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The college of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at South Dakota State University has a new dean.  

He is SDSU alum Dr. Barry Dunn, who is considered an expert in beef production and ranching systems. For the past five years Dunn has directed the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at Texas A & M-Kingsville.  

In his new position effective May 22, Dunn will be in charge of a program with 2,500 students pursuing undergraduate degrees in 17 major fields of study. He also will oversee the Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. 

“I’m not naïve—I understand clearly what a great and large job it is—but I’m not intimidated,” Dunn says, “I taught at South Dakota State for several years and I was deeply involved in lay leadership on the South Dakota Extension advisory board—so I think I know it very well and I’m confident I can do a very good job.” 

Acknowledging that college recruitment is a competitive business, Dunn believes SDSU has a geographical advantage over other land grand universities on the northern Plains.  

“I think of the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska,” he says, “and I think—I pretty much know—that South Dakota State has a tremendous strategic advantage in terms of recruiting young people who are interested in careers in agriculture to come to Brookings, where there’s still a rural flavor and a small town atmosphere—very warm and welcoming.” 

Jody Heemstra of KWAT-Watertown contributed to this story.

Filed Under: Events/Organizations, News Tagged With: ,

USDA plans job growth forum in Nebraska

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

USDA’s Rural Development office in Nebraska will hold a statewide forum on rural job creation and economic growth. 

The forum will be held via video conference at eight locations across the state on January 8th.   Public affairs specialist Vicki Schurman says the forum will include business owners, state and local officials, nonprofit organizations and other interested parties. 

“What we hope to come out of it is to have more of a thought process in Nebraska about what we need to grow our communities and to keep them vibrant and alive,” says Schurman, “and we know that jobs are crucial to that.” 

Another purpose of the forum, Schurman says, is to let people know what kind of federal assistance is available to them.  “Because we also have business programs that can assist them—small businesses and start-up and working capital,” she says. “There are also other agencies out there, too, that are there for these rural communities and rural business owners to assist them.” 

Schurman says Rural Development also received some additional funding through the stimulus bill.  That’s money that is also available for job creation programs. 

The January 8th forum will begin at 10 a.m. central time and end at noon. Locations are Scottsbluff, North Platte, McCook, Kearney, Ainsworth, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha.  More details can be found on the USDA’s Nebraska rural development web site or by calling 402-437-5563.

AUDIO: Vicki Schurman

schurman-vicki-forums 091229

Filed Under: Events/Organizations, News, USDA/Government Tagged With: ,

Steps to healthier eating in 2010

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Instead of saying “I’m going to eat healthier in the New Year,” Kim Galeaz a Registered Dietician and consultant to the National Pork Board says to be more specific, oh..and don’t forget the pork.

AUDIO: Kim Galeaz, RD/Consultant to National Pork Board (3:00 MP3)

Filed Under: Feature Programs, Rural Issues Tagged With: ,
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