Farm income in U.S. continues to be challenging

Farm income in the United States will continue to be challenged by a confluence of global economic factors – mounting supplies of grain and oilseeds, the U.S. dollar's continued strength and slowing growth in China – through the remainder of 2015 and into 2016, according to the new Quarterly Rural Economic Review from CoBank. With inventories growing, crop prices should stay near their current levels well into 2016, according to the report.

At the same time, those weak crop prices will continue to aid ethanol producers as well as the animal protein and dairy sectors. All three of these industries have suffered their own declining prices of late. Animal protein – beef, pork and poultry – supplies are all on the rise after several years of challenges brought on by drought, higher feed grain prices and disease. In fact, the animal protein complex is now growing per capita meat supplies at the fastest rate in nearly forty years.

"In the face of mounting supplies and downward pressure on prices, U.S. agricultural exports now occupy center stage across the board –  for grains and oilseeds, ethanol, animal protein, and dairy," said Leonard Sahling, manager of CoBank's Knowledge Exchange Division, which produced the report. "The new pricing paradigm will accelerate the pace and scope of supply chain realignments, throughout the entire U.S. agricultural sector. Moreover, we're beginning to see an increased need for access to debt capital as margins narrow further and savings begin to dry up."

Water continues to be a challenge in California where a severe drought is now in its fourth year. Many Californians are convinced that El Nino will be their deliverance, unleashing torrential rains that will end the drought. However, even if an El Nino event does end California's drought, the state's water woes will probably still persist. California will need to get several years of heavier-than-normal annual rainfall just to restore the underground aquifers to the levels where they were prior to the onset of the current drought – much more rainfall than even an exceptionally strong El Nino event will deliver in a single year.

Assessing poultry, livestock damage after flooding in South Carolina

After historic flooding in South Carolina, agriculture damage assessment has begun. Officials are asking farmers for help in reporting damage involving South Carolina livestock and poultry.
Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), a state regulatory agency that protects animal health and investigates diseases, asks that livestock owners document any property damages — along with photos, if possible — to appropriate parties, including to local county Clemson Extension agents, who serve on the county emergency board.
“It’s important that we know what problems we face so that resources can be allocated to meet the need,” said Charlotte Krugler, LPH emergency preparedness veterinarian. “The state also needs damage estimates as part of the second phase federal disaster application. We don’t know at this point what aid may be available, but we can be sure there will be none if the damage is not reported.”
LPH personnel have been stationed in the S.C. Emergency Operations Center since its activation at noon Friday. Clemson Extension staff have the official damage assessment report form with which to document losses to the center.
For farms that have suffered large numbers of storm-related animal deaths, farmers are urged to contact the state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Agriculture Compliance office to determine if the farm’s carcass management plan needs to be reviewed or changed for this event.
Krugler also advises farmers to examine their property for hazards, especially before letting animals back out onto pastures. Hazards include damaged fences and waste systems, downed power lines, flooded areas, gas and utility leaks, debris, looters, strange animals — either domesticated or wildlife — and toxic plant parts (such as downed cherry tree leaves) that may have blown in. Observe any animals found on your property and report them so they can be checked or scanned for identification and returned to their owners.
Check animals for injuries, including feet and skin in animals that have had prolonged exposure to flooded areas, and for wire or string wrapped around limbs that may not be immediately obvious. If animals have been off regular feeding schedules, move back to regular diets slowly. Proportion access to water gradually, especially to pigs: Offer small amounts initially to avoid salt poisoning.
Expect that animals may be temporarily disoriented, nervous, and even fractious following an emergency event, since the character, feel, smell, look and layout of their surroundings has changed. Animals that don’t normally act up may fight to re-establish hierarchy and may need to be separated. As much as possible, use familiar personnel and protocols to assist them to re-acclimate.
The flooding has temporarily closed its office doors, but LPH operations continue during the emergency. LPH personnel have been stationed in the S.C. Emergency Operations Center since its activation at noon on Friday. The state veterinarian and his assistants continue to be available to receive and investigate reports of sick or dying livestock and poultry. They may be reached at 803-726-7813, bparr@clemson.edu or eichelb@clemson.edu.

New Farm Illinois Plan has been released

A new plan shows Illinois and Chicago have the potential to be a regional, national and global hub for food and agriculture innovation and addressing global and local food insecurity by 2025. The Food and Agriculture RoadMap for Illinois (FARM Illinois), released this week, outlines strategic recommendations that will set the national and international standard for how the food and agriculture system can improve health, contribute to the economy, create jobs, employ new technologies, preserve the environment, adapt to a changing climate, and help underserved communities. Lead funding for the initiative was provided by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, in collaboration with the Illinois Farm Bureau and with additional financial support from organizations and businesses around the state.
“FARM Illinois is the first coordinated, system-wide effort to bring together Illinois’ food, agriculture, and business networks,” said Dr. Robert Easter, president emeritus of University of Illinois and chairman of the FARM Illinois Leadership Council. “The FARM Illinois plan lays out a comprehensive set of recommendations that will position Illinois and Chicago as the epicenter of the global, national, regional, and local food and agriculture systems for generations to come.”
Among other recommendations, FARM Illinois calls for the establishment of the Illinois Council for Food and Agriculture to spearhead ongoing strategic development and implementation of FARM Illinois in the future.
Since September 2014, more than 150 stakeholders and experts representing different aspects of the food and agriculture system—from policy to advocacy, research to industry, and production to consumption—contributed to a rigorous analysis of the region’s strengths and weaknesses and developed 23 strategic recommendations in six key areas:


• Leadership for innovation
• Business development and entrepreneurship
• Workforce and education
• Resource management
• Infrastructure
• Branding and market development
“FARM Illinois leverages the state’s considerable assets in an effort to secure and strengthen its food and agriculture sector for the future,” said Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust and advisor to FARM Illinois. “By making the food and agriculture sector a priority, we will ensure Illinois remains competitive in the global marketplace, nurtures its local and regional food and agriculture systems, and preserves a proud and industrious heritage. Even more important, Illinois can and must play a key role to meet the food and nutrition needs of a global population growing to 9 billion or more by midcentury. The FARM Illinois plan provides the tools to make that happen.”
The food and agriculture system brings together the strengths of the state - 75.8 percent of which is farmland - with the resources of Chicago as a global city to enable Illinois to be a uniquely strong player in the space, from production through consumption. The sector constitutes 1 of every 17 jobs and, according to a report released earlier this year by Decision Innovation Solutions, the sector accounts for nearly 10 percent of the state’s economic output, totaling $120.9 billion in 2012.
“Agriculture is a major driver in Illinois’ economy today and can play an even bigger role in turning the state’s economy around,” said Philip Nelson, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
“Illinois, the United States, and the world face significant challenges, and there are tremendous opportunities for Illinois’ agriculture as global population and incomes rise,” said Richard Guebert Jr., president of the Illinois Farm Bureau and a member of the FARM Illinois Leadership Council. “FARM Illinois provides a roadmap to strengthen the agriculture and food sector, create jobs, and solidify Illinois’ position in the global agriculture and food marketplace for decades.”
Central to the FARM Illinois plan is the core principle that innovation, entrepreneurship and research will help spur business growth and investment by making Illinois the preferred destination for food and agriculture companies of all sizes.

Senate approves Section 179 deduction on farm machinery

• 

  freeimages.com/sandralise

  The U.S. Senate has approved a package of tax breaks, including a deduction on farm machinery.

  From WATTAgNet:
  The U.S. Senate, on December 16, voted to approve HR 5771, a $42 billion package of tax breaks, including the Section 179 deduction on business equipment and farm machinery.
  However, the bill expires at year-end, but farmers can take advantage of the deductions on purchases made in 2014 if delivery is taken before year-end. The bill is retroactive through all of 2014 for purchases made until December 31.
  The bill now goes to the White House, where President Barack Obama is expected to sign it within days.
  “Today’s passage of the tax extenders bill is a welcome relief to farmers as we close our books on 2014," said Wade Cowan, president of the American Soybean Association. "While it's not the long-term fix we need, the legislation does include the dollar-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit, expensing for farm equipment and infrastructure under Section 179, and bonus depreciation on farm assets, all of which provide greater certainty and a more stable climate for the farmers and producers who make use of these programs.”
  The passage of Section 179 is expected to push farmers and livestock producers who were undecided about buying new equipment in 2014 to go ahead with the purchases. Farmers looking to take advantage of the deduction are urged to apply for the financing immediately to make the year-end deadline.

US farm sector to see profits fall to lowest since 2010

• 

  freeimages.com/jmoconnor

  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the U.S. farm sector will see profits fall to their lowest since 2010.

  From WATTAgNet:
  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the U.S. farm sector will see profits fall to their lowest since 2010, resulting in less capital investment and a moderation of growth in farmland values. Falling grain prices and rising expenses are to blame, the USDA said.
  Farm sector debt is expected to rise 3.1 percent, increasing more than assets for the first time since 2009. Much of the increase is from non-real estate loans.
  The USDA’s Economic Research Service forecast net farm income in 2014 of $96.9 billion, a significant drop from the $113.2 billion estimated in August.
  "The changed outlook is largely the result of declines in expected crop prices, reducing crop cash receipts from the August forecasts," the USDA said.
  The largest increase in expenses is a 28 percent jump in livestock and poultry purchases. The USDA says lower feed prices should kick in over time, due to the drop in grain prices. The current USDA forecast for 2014-15 corn is $3.50 per bushel, down from the August forecast of $3.90.
  Median farm household income is forecast at $70,564, down from $71,697.
  "Given the broad USDA definition of a farm, many farmers are not profitable even in the best farm income years," the USDA said.

Sustainable modern agriculture supported by consumer majority

International Food Information Council
The aspects of sustainable food production that are the most important to consumers are "conserving the natural habitat" and "ensuring an affordable food supply." 
More than half of U.S. consumers (66 percent) say it is important that the foods they purchase and consume are produced in a sustainable way, according to 2014 Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology survey results. The majority of consumers also have a positive view of modern agriculture, with more than seven in ten agreeing modern agriculture can be sustainable and produce nutritional, high-quality foods.
The survey, which was conducted March 28 through April 7 of 2014, and an overview of the results were presented by Lindsey Loving, senior director, Food Ingredient & Technology Communications, International Food Information Council (IFIC) during a webcast May 28, 2014.
Consumers in the survey defined sustainability as “meeting long-term food needs by producing more food affordably, with the same or fewer resources, in a way that is better for the environment and keeps food affordable and accessible for consumers.” The aspects of sustainability most important to Americans are “conserving the natural habitat” (47 percent), “ensuring an affordable food supply” (45 percent), and “ensuring a sufficient food supply for the growing global population” (43 percent).
Sustainability and biotechnology
The majority of consumers surveyed, 71 percent, have some awareness of plant biotechnology. Twenty-eight percent are favorable toward plant biotechnology, with the same number being unfavorable -- an increase from 20 percent in 2012. However, 43 percent of consumers are neutral or say they don’t know enough to form an opinion.
Seventy-two percent of consumers who ranked “ensuring a sufficient food supply for the growing global population” in their top three important aspects of sustainability believe there is a role for biotechnology.
Many consumers also reported that they are likely to purchase foods produced through biotechnology for certain benefits such as nutrition. The millennial generation (ages 18-34) have significantly more favorable impressions of food biotechnology, with 38 percent being favorable. Millennials are also willing to pay more for sustainable food (43 percent).
“Lack of information” and “not understanding the benefits” of biotechnology continue to be reasons consumers cite for being not favorable toward animal biotechnology, according to the survey.
Food labeling
The majority of consumers (63 percent) support the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy for labeling of foods produced through biotechnology, although the percentage who oppose or want changes (19 percent) is higher than in 2012 (14 percent).
Both moms and millennials want more information on food labels, according to survey results. Two in five millennials (39 percent) want more information on food labels, significantly higher than ages 35-54 (26 percent) and ages 55 and older (16 percent). Among moms, additional ingredient information is the top-mentioned desired addition to food.
Food safety
Overall confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply remains consistently high, at 67 percent. Disease, contamination and handling are still the most mentioned food safety concerns, but at lower levels than in past years.
Consumers trust health organizations (50 percent) and government agencies (45 percent) most for information regarding food biotechnology. Farmers (40 percent) landed in the top three most trusted sources for information on sustainability in food production in the 2014 survey.

‘Farmland’ documentary has first urban screening

The first urban screening of the documentary film “Farmland” was held April 17 at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. The film, directed by Academy Award winner James Moll, tells the story of six young farmers and ranchers across the United States, and gives the public a first-hand look at life on a farm.
“In ‘Farmland,’ audiences will hear thoughts and opinions about agriculture, but not from me, and not from a narrator,” Moll said. “They’re from the mouths of the farmers and ranchers themselves.”
Leighton Cooley, a poultry producer in Georgia and one of the farmers featured in the film, said he agreed to participate in the project because it is important to reach out to consumers and show them how their food is really produced. “Any chance we get to respond to misconceptions about agriculture we need to take. This film was not only a chance to tell folks what we do and how we treat our animals, but to show them,” Cooley said.  He added the film is aimed at those folks who would never have the opportunity to visit a farm and talk with a farmer. 
Ryan Veldhuizen, a pork producer in Minnesota, said the most important message he wants the New York City folks to take away from the movie is that their food is produced by “people that have families just like everyone else.” 
In addition to appearing at the Tribeca Film Festival, “Farmland” was selected to be in competition at the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, the Nashville Film Festival and the Newport Beach Film Festival. The film will be released nationally on May 1 and will be distributed via D&E Entertainment in more than 60 major markets. Numerous national exhibitors will be carrying the film, including Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Landmark Theatres and many key independent theaters.
The film was made with the cooperation of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

New study looks at concerns, attitudes of US farmers and ranchers

A new study conducted by Purdue University can help agribusiness leaders better understand their farmer customers. The Large Commercial Producer (LCP) survey, conducted every five years by the Center for Food and Agricultural Business, explores the current concerns, preferences, behaviors and attitudes of U.S. farmers and ranchers. The 2014 survey features results from nearly 1,700 producers.
"Our goal is to help agricultural producers and agribusinesses reach higher levels of success," says Mike Gunderson, Purdue professor and associate director of research at the center. "Armed with information and insights about their farmer customers, agribusinesses can create new business strategies based on what their customers value. That approach results in more effective partnerships with key clients."
Started in 1998, the LCP survey focuses on corn/soybean, wheat/barley, cotton, fruit/nut/vegetables, dairy, hog and cattle producers from across the United States. The 2014 survey generated more than 400,000 data points, which the center research team, led by Gunderson, condensed into four themes - producer strategy, loyalty, buying preferences, and information and the salesperson.
Gunderson says the research team, consisting of Purdue agricultural economists, modified the survey tool for this iteration to include questions about "how producers think about the strategies that make them successful, what amount of time it takes to implement those strategies and what worries them at night." Farmers answered questions about five different strategies: managing their production, managing people, controlling their costs, spending time marketing their output, and controlling land, equipment and facilities.
"We found it interesting that what farmers think makes them successful and what they actually spend their time focusing on are not always the same," Gunderson explains.
The team also studied farmer loyalty across different products - seed, crop protection, feed and nutrition, animal health, fertilizer and capital - at the brand and local dealer/retailer level. They used the same products to evaluate buying preference based on three attributes: price, performance and relationship.
The role of information and salespeople has been included in each iteration of the LCP survey. This version reflected changes in Internet-based technologies, including the addition of questions about social media, emails and text messaging. The team looked at how the importance of different media sources, information sources, salesperson activities and salesperson attributes affected producer decision making.
Results from the LCP survey are now available online. For questions about survey methods, contact David Widmar, research associate, at dwidmar@purdue.edu.

USPOULTRY recognizes six Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award Winners

The 2014 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners.
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized six poultry farms who received the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2014 International Production & Processing Expo. The award is given in acknowledgment of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
"The poultry industry has been acknowledged as a leader in environmental management for many years. We rely on the efforts of family farmers to sustainably produce poultry and egg products. These six winners represent the best of these producers," said newly elected USPOULTRY Chairman Elton Maddox, Wayne Farms, Oakwood, Ga.
Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs. Applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and state trade associations in selecting national winners.
Winners were chosen from six geographical regions from throughout the U.S., and the Galen Kropf farm was also recognized:

• North Central Region - Lefevre Farms, Fort Recovery, Ohio
  Tom Lefevre, nominated by Ohio Poultry Association
• Northeast Region - Walker Poultry Farm, Fort Seybert, W.Va.
  Dale Walker, nominated by Pilgrim's Pride and the West Virginia Poultry Association
• South Central Region - Holliday Farms, Prairie Home, Mo.
  Chris Holliday, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production, LLC
• Southeast Region - Hilton Davis Farms LLC, Waynesboro, Miss.
  Hilton Davis, nominated by Marshall Durbin
• Southwest Region - Bar G Ranch Poultry, Rogers, Texas
  Darrell Glaser, nominated by Texas Poultry Federation and Cargill Turkey Production, LLC
• West Region - Arvance Ranch, Inc., Kerman, Calif.
  Brad Arvance, nominated by Foster Farms
• Unique Byproduct Handling Award - Galen Kropf, Berryville, Ark.
  Galen Kropf, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production, LLC

Livestock and poultry farmers eligible for grants through FACT's Fund-a-Farmer Project

Family farmers looking to improve their farm animal welfare now have a chance to apply for funding!  Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) announced today a call for applications for its Fund-a-Farmer Project. Now in its third year, the Fund-a-Farmer Project is a competitive microgrants initiative designed to empower livestock and poultry farmers across the country. This year, FACT will award grants of up to $2,500 to at least 15 farmers for projects that will improve the welfare of animals on their operations. Applications are due by May 1, 2014 and grants will be awarded in August 2014.
Through the Fund-a-Farmer Project, FACT awards grants for projects designed to help farmers transition to pasture-based systems, improve the marketing of their humanely-raised products, or more generally enrich the conditions in which their farm animals are raised.
Working, independent family farmers that raise pigs, broiler chickens, laying hens, dairy cows and/or beef cattle are eligible to apply for any of the three types of grants. Projects involving goats and sheep are only eligible for marketing grants. The newly improved online grant application can be accessed online.
"In general, larger farms and industrial operations are the ones that receive subsidies or grants from the government," said Lisa Isenhart, FACT's Humane Farming Program manager. "Smaller, family farms often aren't eligible or don't have the staffing to do the huge amount of paperwork required by federal grants. Our Fund-a-Farmer Project provides a unique opportunity for grant funding that is suited to independent family farmers."
In the first two years of the project, FACT awarded 27 Fund-a-Farmer grants totaling nearly $40,000 to farmers located across the nation from California to Massachusetts. Fourteen of the funded farms hold at least one of the following sustainable and humane certifications: Certified Organic, Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Naturally Grown, Certified Humane and American Grassfed. Beef cattle, dairy cows, pigs, laying hens, and broiler chickens have all benefited from the funded projects. The majority of the projects increased animals' access to pasture or improved their welfare. However, a few of the projects were marketing focused.
For example, FACT awarded East Fork Farm in North Carolina a grant to buy sausage making equipment and to acquire training. This marketing focused grant allowed East Fork Farm to expand its business and add a new value-added product: fresh ground sausage. Other previously funded projects include installing wind curtains on barns for cow comfort and warmth in the winter, constructing mobile housing to protect chickens while rotating the birds on pasture, and purchasing electric fencing to enable a farm to transition to a pasture-based, rotational system for raising hogs. The projects not only make a difference in the lives of several thousand farm animals, but also positively impact the livelihoods of family farmers.
Alexis and Gillies Robertson, funded farmers with Skyelark Ranch in Brooks, Calif., stated, "We are getting a lot of requests for our pork, but cannot increase our herd until we have proper fencing in place. This grant will help us continue to grow our business, as well as ensure the pigs are being raised on pasture to our standards."
FACT will offer two online information sessions on the Fund-a-Farmer grant application process in February. Interested farmers can join the organization on February 11 at 1 p.m. CST or February 12 at 6p.m. CST. Farmers can register online for either of these free sessions.
Founded in 1982, FACT is a national nonprofit organization based in Chicago that promotes food safety and humane farming.

Farmer CEOs must confront challenge of big investment, small company

The tricky problem for today's economic scale farms is that they are large investments of dozens of millions of dollars, but they are small companies from a management standpoint. Consequently, the challenge for the farmer as CEO is to assemble the talent team needed for success in today's increasingly complex and risky environment was the message Gregory Duerksen, President of Kincannon & Reed, delivered yesterday to the audience at the Farm Futures Business Summit 2014 in his address "The War for Talent and What It Means for 21st Century Agriculture."
"The problem we are trying to solve is the mismatch between the old management and labor needs of crop farming versus current and future leadership and talent needs," said Duerksen, whose firm specializes in recruiting leaders in the interrelated realms of food, agribusiness, and life sciences.
"The very nature of commodity crop farming is changing dramatically, so the talent we seek today has characteristics quite different than a generation or even a decade ago. Today's farmer must think and act like a modern CEO: nurture a superior and focused work ethic; have both a strategic and tactical perspective; understand and embrace the grey; develop a keen self-awareness; become both clever and wise; and be a strategic doer while simultaneously leading others."
In addition to the details of what successful farm leadership entails, Duerksen addressed the pressing issues of succession planning, how to attract and retain top farming talent and the future shape of crop farming.
The full text of his presentation is available on the Kincannon & Reed website.

Weather may mean forage challenges for US farmers

Poor weather conditions in 2013 mean less haylage available for U.S. farmers, leading to forage challenges, according to Dr. Bob Prange, a nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.
While some dairy producers were not affected by spring weather conditions, others dealt with the issue all summer and continue to be affected. "Regardless of the situation you're in, dairy producers need to be cognizant that their feeding program may be very different than in years past," said Prange. Strategies to deal with the problem of haylage availability include monitoring haylage inventory and working with your nutritionist to make adjustments to the ration.

Humanitarian work also benefits US agriculture, Espy says

Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy says developing skills for farmers in Africa will be good for agriculture both in Africa and the United States.

The importance of helping people in developing African nations become more efficient as farmers is not lost on former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy. In addition to filling a humanitarian purpose, it also can benefit the agriculture industry in the U.S.
Espy, who served as U.S. agriculture secretary during the Bill Clinton administration, and John Block, an agriculture secretary during the Ronald Reagan administration, have both become involved in a project to develop agriculture in African nations. Espy and Block joined other fellow former agriculture secretaries Dan Glickman, Ann Veneman, Mike Johanns and Ed Schafer at Kansas State University for a Landon Lecture on October 21.
"What John and I are trying to do is not just do humanitarian missions to feed African nations, but what we try to do is build a competence and capacity of small scale African farmers. Why are we doing that? We know that in America we are so proficient technologically, that our production will continue to outstretch our demand, so we have to find new markets and emerging markets to sell our farm products to," Espy said.
And for too long, Africa has been a continent that has been overlooked for agricultural trade, Espy said. But as their competence level as farmers rises, the overall economic picture of African nations improves, and so does their purchasing ability.
"We can impress them with our technology. As they increase their incomes, they're going to change their personal habits to eat more proteins. When they need tractors, when they need seeds, they're going to look to America first," Espy said.

K-State to host seven former US agriculture secretaries

Kansas State University's next Landon Lecture is bringing together seven former U.S. agriculture secretaries, who have served every presidency since the Ronald Reagan administration. The public is invited to attend this next Landon Lecture on October 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at McCain Auditorium.
The past U.S secretaries of agriculture who will attend the event include Mike Johanns, Ann Veneman, Dan Glickman, Ed Schafer, Mike Espy, Clayton Yeutter and John Block.
Barry Flinchbaugh, K-State emeritus professor of agricultural economics, helped organize the event, which he said was a long time in the making. It is a very unusual experience having all seven secretaries together, Flinchbaugh said, and the timing of this lecture is important.
"We still don't have a farm bill," he said. "And we're reaching the debt ceiling. It should be very timely, and the wisdom on that stage is going to be unbelievable. It's obviously going to be bi-partisan, because there will be secretaries from Democrat and Republican administrations."
Flinchbaugh will moderate the panel. He said he plans to ask each former secretary to make an opening statement and will follow with a few opening questions he has prepared. Those present in the audience can then ask questions from the floor.
"We hope there is a lot of interaction," Flinchbaugh said. "We won't lack for issues to talk about, but obviously the farm bill is going to be front and center. These seven people certainly have unique experiences that they can bring to these questions."
The Alfred M. Landon Lecture Series on Public Issues is one of the most prestigious lecture series in American colleges and universities. Former K-State President James A. McCain started the series in 1966 in honor of Landon, a former Kansas governor and 1936 Republican Party nominee for U.S. president.

Many farmers likely to shift from corn to soybeans in 2014

U.S. farmers are likely to plant less corn for the 2014 harvest, largely because the input costs will be too high. Chip Flory, editor of Pro Farmer, estimates that corn acreage could decrease by as much as 2 million acres in 2014.
Flory, along with Tom Elam, president of FarmEcon LLC, spoke about the current and upcoming year for feed production during the Grain & Meat Outlook Webinar. The webinar, which was the third in a series and can be viewed online, was hosted by WATTAgNet and Farm Journal, and sponsored by Nutriad.
With a healthy 2013 corn crop mostly harvested, corn prices are lowering. ProFarmer is estimating an average price of $4.75 per bushel for the 2013-2014 marketing year, compared to $6.90 for the previous marketing year. But much of the 2013 harvested crop is going into the bin, keeping the prices from dropping as much as they could.
With an estimated soybean to corn price ratio of 2.44:1, there are financial and other incentives for farmers to shift from corn production to soybean production, Flory said.
"Normally, it takes about 2.5 to move a lot of acres over to soybeans, but there are a lot of corn-on-corn growers that are looking for a break," Flory said, saying there are agronomic reasons such as weeds that will factor into their decisions.
It isn't just soybeans that corn has to compete with, he added. Just a few days before participating in the webinar, Flory said he spoke to some growers who are strongly considering planting less corn and more cotton.
"In the south, there are cotton growers that also grow corn and soybeans. Even if they haven't grown cotton for the last several years, they're still cotton producers. If they've still got the equipment, we're going to see some acres go back to cotton and leave corn, because they're looking at 80 cent futures out there. With 80 cent futures for cotton vs. $4.75 corn, some will be thinking maybe it's time to get that cotton picker out again," said Flory.
The current production costs involved may also prompt more producers to grow more wheat to replace cotton, Flory said. Elam agreed with Flory's assessment that fewer corn acres will be planted to make room for soybeans and wheat, but he added that some less widely grown crops that people may not ordinarily think of, such as sorghum, will also be rotated in.

House rejects bipartisan farm bill

House Agriculture Committee members Collin Peterson, Frank Lucas and Kristi Noem debate the farm bill, which was defeated June 20 by the entire House. (Photo courtesy of House Agriculture Committee)

The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill by a 234-195 margin on June 20.
The bill would have cut $2 billion annually from food stamps and let states impose broad new work requirements on those who receive them, but those cuts weren't deep enough for the 62 Republicans who voted against it, objecting to the cost of the nearly $80 billion-a-year food stamp program, which has doubled in the past five years.
The bill also suffered from lack of Democratic support necessary for the traditionally bipartisan farm bill to pass. Only 24 Democrats voted in favor of the legislation after many said the food stamp cuts could remove as many as 2 million needy recipients from the rolls, according to reports. The addition of the optional state work requirements by Republican amendment just before final passage also turned away many remaining Democratic votes the bill's supporters may have had.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., has argued the bill is necessary to avoid farm crises of the past and that it has some of the biggest reforms in years. The measure would have saved around $4 billion after new subsidies were created for crop insurance, rice and peanut farmers. Just before the vote, Lucas pleaded with his colleagues' support.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed its version of the farm bill on June 10, with about $2.4 billion a year in overall cuts and a $400 million annual decrease in food stamps - one-fifth of the House bill's food stamp cuts. If the two chambers cannot come together on a bill, farm-state lawmakers are likely to push for an extension of the 2008 farm bill that expires in September. However, Lucas remained optimistic that a compromise can be made.
"We are assessing all of our options, but I have no doubt that we will finish our work in the near future and provide the certainty that our farmers, ranchers, and rural constituents need," Lucas said. 

Senate passes farm bill on 66–27 vote

The U.S. Senate on June 10 passed a five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill on a bipartisan 66-27 vote.
The bill expands government subsidies for crop insurance, rice and peanuts while making small cuts to food stamps. The legislation is estimated to save about $2.4 billion a year on farm and nutrition programs, including across-the-board cuts that took effect earlier in 2013.
Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said the bill will support 16 million American jobs, save taxpayers billions and put into place "the most significant reforms to agriculture programs in decades." But it would still generously subsidize corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, sugar and other major crops grown by U.S. farmers. The legislation, similar to a bill the Senate passed in 2012, will also set policy for programs to protect environmentally sensitive land, international food aid and other projects to help rural communities.
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told the Associated Press his chamber will take up its version of the farm bill later in June. Debate in the House is expected to be contentious and much more partisan than in the Senate, with disagreements over domestic food aid that makes up almost 80 percent of the bill's cost.
In 2012, the House declined to take up the legislation during an election year amid conflict over how much should be cut from the food stamp program, which now serves one in seven Americans and cost almost $80 billion in 2012. That cost has more than doubled since 2008.
The bill approved by the House Agriculture Committee in May would make much larger cuts to food stamps than the Senate version, in a bid to gain support from those House conservatives who have opposed the measure. The Senate bill would cut the food stamp program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by about $400 million a year, or half a percent. The House bill would cut the program by $2 billion a year, or a little more than 3 percent, and make it more difficult for some people to qualify.

Corn farming education campaign underway

For the fifth year in a row, policymakers in Washington D.C. are learning about the United States family farmers who produce corn, the nation's top crop, as part of the Corn Farmers Coalition program. The program, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association and state affiliates, showcases how innovative and high-tech corn farmers have become by introducing a foundation of facts about farmers and farming.
"This has always been a crucial time of year in Washington to make sure our lawmakers and those who influence them remember the importance of corn farming to our nation and our economy," said Pam Johnson, National Corn Growers Association president and corn grower in Iowa. "Our state corn checkoff programs have seen the importance of this program each year for educating a very important audience about this essential crop and its high value."
The Corn Farmers Coalition program launched June 1 with a major advertising presence in Washington that puts prominent facts about family farmers in front of thousands on Capitol Hill. It started "station domination" at Union Station through the month of June. The large-format ads will travel to the Capitol South Metro station for July. Online advertising will appear in publications such as Politico, Washington Post, the New York Times, Roll Call, National Journal and Congressional Quarterly.
Among the facts presented in the campaign, from the U.S. Department  of Agriculture:
•America's corn farmers exported $7.6 billion worth of corn last year — one of the few U.S. products with a trade surplus.
•95 percent of all corn farms in America are family owned and family farmers grow 90 percent of America's corn.
•Thanks to advanced technology, last year corn farmers delivered the 8th largest crop — despite the worst drought since 1936.
This year, the campaign also features important messages from Field to Market, the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture:
•America's corn farmers have cut soil erosion 67 percent by using innovative conservation methods.
•The energy used to grow a bushel of corn decreased 43 percent
•The land required to grow a bushel of corn has decreased by 30 percent.
•Corn farmers have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 36 percent, due in part to improved farming practices.

Federal agencies release sustainability plans

Continuing the Obama Administration’s commitment to lead by example and cut waste, pollution and costs in Federal operations, Federal agencies today released their 2012 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans. President Obama signed Executive Order 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance in October 2009, setting aggressive targets for reducing waste and pollution in Federal operations by 2020. The Sustainability Plans build on three years of progress under the Executive Order and provide an overview of how agencies are saving taxpayer dollars, reducing carbon emissions, cutting waste, and saving energy.
This year, agency Sustainability Plans for the first time ever include Climate Change Adaptation Plans, outlining initiatives to reduce the vulnerability of Federal programs, assets, and investments to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise or more frequent or severe extreme weather. Agency adaptation plans highlight actions to plan for and address these impacts in their programs and operations, and protect taxpayer investments.
The adaptation plans, which the president called for in his 2009 Executive Order, will be available for 60 days of public comment and will be updated by agencies as needed. The agency adaptation plans build on the Administration’s commitment to promoting climate change preparedness and resilience, including through launching the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force in 2009 to coordinate measures across the Federal Government and support local and regional adaptation efforts.
“The Federal Government is seeing the results of three years of effort in the form of reduced utility bills, more efficient operations, and less waste and pollution,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Agencies are demonstrating significant progress on sustainability initiatives that are good for American taxpayers and good for American communities.”
Executive Order 13514 requires Federal agencies to submit their plans to the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval.
Agencies annually update Sustainability Plans, prioritizing activities that help to meet energy, water, and waste reduction goals based on a positive return on investment for the American taxpayer. In addition to the Climate Change Adaptation Plans, this year’s Sustainability Plans include two other new components, Fleet Management Plans and Bio-based Purchasing Strategies.
Agency Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans are available now at sustainability.performance.gov.
For more information on Executive Order 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/sustainability. 

US Midwest soil drought recovery could take two years

The U.S. Midwest, which went through a severe drought in the summer of 2012 and has been in a state of drought since 2010, may take at least two years to recover from the damage, according to University of Missouri researchers.
Soil in the Midwest is dry down to as deep as 5 feet, where the roots of the crops absorb moisture and nutrients, according to Randall Miles, associate professor of soil science at the MU School of Natural Resources. “I wouldn’t count on a full recovery of soil moisture any time soon,” said Miles. “Even if parts of the Midwest receive a lot of snowfall and rain this spring, it will take time for the moisture to move deeply into the soil where the driest conditions exist.” Some roots, he said, had to go down to 8 feet in 2012 to extract water.
To recharge completely, a fully depleted soil would require about 16 inches of water over normal precipitation amounts. “In order for the soil moisture to return to a normal state this year, the rain and snow would almost have to come continuously,” said Miles. “The weather would almost have to be like the precipitation found in London, coming down light and slowly to minimize runoff.”
It could be two to three years before farmers can expect bumper crops again, according to Miles.