News Update
November 28, 2012
Statement from Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack on 2012 Farm Income Forecast
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today about the 2012 farm income forecast from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS).
“Today’s forecast is heartening. It confirms that American farmers and ranchers remained impressively resilient in 2012, even with tough odds due to one of the worst droughts in more than a generation. Thanks to its ability to remain competitive through thick and thin, U.S. agriculture is stronger today than at any time in our nation’s history, supporting and creating good-paying American jobs for millions. While down slightly from the August forecast, today’s estimates for net farm income are the second-highest since the 1970s, while total farm household income is expected to rise. At the same time, the positive trend of falling debt ratios continue. The forecast suggests that strong farm income should remain a positive factor in carrying farmers and ranchers into the 2013 growing season. But as one season comes to an end and another lies on the horizon, we must continue to stand with America’s farming families and rural communities, providing help and assistance to those who need it. This year, the farm safety net showed its mettle and merit, helping to deliver peace of mind to thousands of farmers and ranchers dealing with losses caused by natural disasters. It’s a reminder that Congress must do the same, and pass a comprehensive, multiyear Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that provides greater certainty for farmers and ranchers in the season ahead. Providing the tools and certainty they need is the least we can do for those who grow our food, fiber, feed and fuel, even through the most challenging of times.”
Monitoring Failure of Passive Transfer in Calves
In a previous Michigan State University Extension article, (Did that calf get enough good quality colostrum?), we discussed research recently conducted on using a Brix Refractometer to assess FPT. The refractometer is used to check serum from calves, and can, therefore, provide valuable monitoring of a farm’s colostrum program.
The first step is to purchase a Brix Refractometer. There are many models available and most seem to work very well. One basic requirement is that it reads from zero up to approximately 25% brix so you can use it for both colostrum and FPT determination. Other features to consider are size, whether or not it has a shield to block out light and general ruggedness of the machine. Cost ranges from $200 to $500.
However, after you purchase your refractometer, you will also need additional supplies and some training. Necessary supplies include blood tube holders (or syringes) and 20-gauge one-inch needles; blood sample tubes to hold the sample for clotting; a centrifuge (optional); and small disposable pipettes for collection of the serum from the blood tubes.
Dairy producers should work with their veterinarian to gain experience in collecting blood samples from the calf’s jugular vein. Your veterinarian can also recommend specific blood collection supplies. Blood samples should be drawn from calves between 36 and 60 hours after birth.
Once the sample is collected in the tube, clotting should occur in about five to 60 minutes depending on the type of tube used and type of clot activator present in the tube. Without a centrifuge, samples will need to sit for 24 hours prior to retrieving the serum sample. A small table top centrifuge can be purchased for under $200 and will speed the separation of serum more quickly. No matter by which method the serum is separated, draw off a small amount of clear serum from the blood tube using the small pipette and place two or three drops on the Brix Refractometer for reading.
For more information and the full release, click here.
Cargill Launches New Scholarship Program
Cargill, working with the Institute of International Education (IIE), has launched a new scholarship program to help build future potential leaders. The Cargill Global Scholars program will provide financial support, leadership development and enrichment opportunities to nearly 200 talented and high-performing undergraduate students in five countries. The selected individuals will be chosen based on their demonstrated high level of academic performance and leadership potential.
“Cargill has long been committed to improving the communities in which we operate, and supporting higher education is part of this commitment,” said Pat Bowe, corporate vice president at Cargill. “The Cargill Global Scholars program will succeed when these students go on to become important leaders in their respective communities and industries and be part of a global network of program alumni.”
“What makes this program exceptional is the keen involvement of Cargill employees as mentors for these scholars, which is a unique aspect of a program of this scope,” said IIE President Allan E. Goodman. “In addition to financial support, students will gain valuable opportunities to observe and learn from business and community leaders in their own countries.”
Students who are selected as Cargill Global Scholars will receive scholarship funds of up to U.S. $2,500 per year for up to three years and will be invited to take part in a series of leadership and enrichment activities designed to enhance their critical thinking skills and equip them with the tools necessary for becoming leaders and decision makers in their chosen fields.
For more information and the full release, click here.
All-Time Monthly Record High Pork Production in October
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.58 billion pounds (lb.) in October, up 7% from the 4.27 billion lb. produced in October 2011.
Beef production, at 2.34 billion lb., was 6% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.95 million head, up 3% from October 2011. The average live weight was up 29 lb. from the previous year, at 1,318 lb.
Veal production totaled 10.3 million lb., 2% below Ocober a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 72,900 head, up slightly from October 2011.
The average live weight was down 11 lb. from last year, at 242 lb.
Pork production totaled 2.21 billion lb., up 9% from trend, up 10% from October 2011. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 274 lb.
Lamb and mutton production, at 14.2 milion lb., was up 21% from October 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 207,100 head, 18% above last year. The average live weight was 137 lb., up 3 lb. from October a year ago.
January to October 2012 commercial red meat production was 41.1 billion lb., up 1% from 2011. Accmulated beef production was down 1% from last year, veal was down 9%, pork was up 3% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 6%.
October 2011 contained 21 weekdays (incluing one holiday) and five Saturdays. October 2012 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays.
ISU Extension and Outreach Announces
2013 Crop Advantage Series Locations and Dates
The 2013 Crop Advantage Series offered by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will be hosted at 13 Iowa locations during January. Crop Advantage meetings provide crop producers with the most current information necessary for making profitable decisions for the upcoming growing season.
All Crop Advantage meetings feature general sessions with ISU Extension and Outreach specialists covering topics of common interest to Iowa producers. Erin Hodgson, extension entomologist, will discuss corn rootworm management strategies and the increasing concern regarding rootworm resistance. Antonio Mallarino and John Sawyer, extension soil fertility specialists, will review nutrient management research and getting the most from soil fertility plans. Recognizing crop and pest management issues are different for each area of the state; the meetings are tailored to fit the needs of producers in that area.
A full agenda of workshops focusing on local needs and production issues is included at each location. “Workshop topics include crops, pests, soil fertility and farm management,” said Joel DeJong, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach in northwest Iowa. “This allows attendees to personalize their agendas to meet their individual needs.”
Extension field agronomists select workshop topics based on concerns of area producers. “Producers are interested in so many of our topics, they find it hard to get to all the sessions they want,” said Jim Fawcett, extension field agronomist from east central Iowa. “The topics are in great demand. We think it’s a good problem to have.” For more information and the full release, click here.
NCGA Commends USDA’s Progress on
Crop Insurance Rate Reforms
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today voiced support for the USDA announcement that rate adjustments will be made to crop insurance premiums over the next two crop years.
“Crop insurance rating reforms have been a priority for our members for many years,” NCGA President Pam Johnson said. “NCGA feels the Risk Management Agency’s announcement represents real reform in decreasing the widening gap between the loss ratio for corn and the premiums charged to growers for policy coverage.”
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency stated in the announcement that an independent and peer reviewed study recommended more weight be given to recent years, rather than the current approach of giving equal weight to all years back to 1975. This will help provide greater predictability for producers and crop insurance providers. RMA also announced it will be releasing documents by the end of the week that outline premium rates and other program information for the 2013 crop year.
For more information, click here.
Editor’s Note: The articles used within this site represent a mixture of copyrights. If you would like to reprint or repost an article, you must first request permission of Angus Productions Inc. (API) by contacting the editor at 816-383-5200; 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. API claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.