10-17-11 USDA/NASS Sugar & Sweetners Outlook

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website

U.S. Sugar October 2011

On October 12, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its latest U.S. and Mexico sugar supply and use estimates for fiscal year (FY) 2011 and projections for FY 2012 in the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. For FY 2011, the USDA reduced its projection of beet sugar production to 4.675 million short tons, raw value (STRV), a reduction of 125,000 STRV, or 2.6 percent, compared with last month’s projection. A late start to the 2011/12 harvest in the Red River Valley resulted in lower-than-normal sugar production in September, the last month of the fiscal year. Given the elevated degree of uncertainty this harvest season, there was no offsetting increase made to the beet sugar production projection for FY 2012. For FY 2011, the USDA decreased its estimate of tariff-rate quota (TRQ) imports by 149,000 STRV, mainly reflecting the deferral of FY 2011 raw and refined sugar TRQ imports until the early part of the next fiscal year. On September 30, 2011, the USDA announced an increase to the FY 2011 refined sugar TRQ of 150,000 STRV and extended the date this sugar is eligible to enter the United States until November 30, 2011. The deferral of this sugar, plus the anticipated entry of FY 2011 TRQ raw sugar in October, is reflected in the 252,000 STRV increase to TRQ entries projected for FY 2012. Estimated sugar imported from Mexico in FY 2011 was increased to 1.687 million STRV, reflecting actual entries recorded by the U.S. Customs Service prior to the release of the WASDE. Sugar use was increased by 100,000 STRV in both FY 2011 and FY 2012. Ending stocks for FY 2011 are estimated at 1.418 million STRV, implying an ending stocks-to-use ratio of 12.2 percent. For FY 2012, ending stocks are projected at 889,000 STRV, implying an ending stocks-to-use ratio of 7.7 percent.

To view the full report CLICK HERE

10-17-11 *CDOT News* National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct 16-22…Colorado Parents Hold Key to Saving Teen Drivers’ Lives

DENVER –   Parents of teenagers may think they do not have much influence on their kids, but when it comes to safe driving, they do – and it could mean a difference between life and death.   Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens in the U.S.   In 2010, 63 young drivers age 15 to 20 were involved in fatal crashes in Colorado and 49 in this age group were killed.  More than 60% of those killed were not wearing a seat belt.

This week marks National Teen Driver Safety Week and Colorado’s Teen Driving Alliance urges all parents to get involved when it comes to preparing teenagers to be safe and responsible drivers.  The Alliance is a group of government agencies, law enforcement and private partners working together to reduce teen driving fatalities and injuries.

“Parents truly have the power to keep their teenagers safer by monitoring their driving behavior more closely and enforcing teen driving laws at home,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “Passenger restrictions and cell phone bans for young drivers can save lives, but we need parents to help make sure the rules are followed at home.  Sit down and talk with your teenager about safety, the rules and consequences.”

Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to phase-in beginning drivers, with various requirements depending on the teenager’s age when they start the permit process.  All teen drivers must log 50 hours of practice driving with a parent or legal guardian.  Experts recommend using this practice time wisely by exposing teens to a variety of road types and weather conditions.  But the learning process should not end once a teen gets his or her license.

10-17-11 *The White House* STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY…H.R. 2112 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/legislative/sap/112/saps2112s_20111017.pdf 

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY…H.R. 2112 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (Sen. Inouye, D-HI)

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of H.R. 2112, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012; and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012.

The Administration is committed to living within its means so that we can make investments to spur economic growth and job creation for years to come. This bill invests in areas important to our Nation’s ability to grow and compete in the global economy while broadly sharing sacrifices to reduce the deficit.

Division 1 – Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

The Administration urges the Senate to ensure that rural America has the resources necessary to help our Nation thrive and compete in the future. A strong agricultural sector requires investment in innovation and clean energy technologies, access to health care and healthy food, and support for job creating measures like increased agricultural exports.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Food and Nutrition Service. The Administration strongly supports funding for nutrition programs that are critical to the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants, children, and elderly adults. The funding provided for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children could constrain some of the important services and activities currently supported by the program, and might require the Administration to use contingency funds to cover regular program costs. The Administration encourages the Senate to fund the contingency fund for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the President’s FY 2011 Budget level of $5 billion. The SNAP contingency fund typically holds in reserve about three to four weeks’ worth of benefits to cover unforeseen events, such as disasters and fluctuations in food prices.

10-17-11 *NCGA News* USDA SECRETARY TOM VILSACK RETURNS TO COMMODITY CLASSIC March 1-3, 2012 in Nashville, TN

St. Louis (October, 17, 2011) – Commodity Classic will once again have the opportunity to welcome U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as a keynote speaker for an expected crowd of more than 4,800 farmers and other attendees during the event’s General Session, to be held March 1 in Nashville, Tenn.

“The secretary’s return for a third straight visit is testament to the value of our grower constituency in Washington,” National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer said. “Given the concerns farmers have around the federal budget and 2012 farm bill discussions, the secretary’s message will be of great importance to attendees.”

”We are privileged and honored to have Secretary Vilsack as the keynote speaker for the Commodity Classic General Session,” said American Soybean Association President Alan Kemper. “The secretary’s visit will be a highlight of this dynamic event where farmers share ideas, network and learn about future trends in agriculture.”

A forceful advocate for U.S. farmers, Vilsack was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 30th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and took office in January 2009. Prior to his appointment, Vilsack served two terms as governor of Iowa.

Commodity Classic is the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused conference and trade show, presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers. The event offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for growers in the areas of production, policy, marketing, management and stewardship—as well as showcasing the latest in equipment, technology and innovation. For more information, visit www.CommodityClassic.com.

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10-17-11 *USDA/NASS News* The latest Crop Progress Report for Colorado

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Colorado/Publications/Crop_Progress_&_Condition/cwrlse3211.pdf

10-17-11 USDA/NASS Reduces Agricultural Estimation Programs

Issued October 17, 2011 by the Agricultural Statistics Board of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). For more information, contact Sue duPont, 202-690-8122.

In light of funding reductions in fiscal year (FY) 2011 and the likelihood of additional reductions in FY 2012, NASS conducted deliberate reviews of all programs against mission- and user-based criteria, aimed at finding cost savings and forward-thinking business efficiencies so that key timely, accurate and useful data remains available in service to agriculture. As a result, the agency is discontinuing or reducing a wide range of agricultural survey programs. The decision to eliminate or reduce these reports was not made lightly, but it was nevertheless necessary, given the funding situation. Because of the timing of the agency’s survey work during the coming year, these decisions are necessary now.

These programs are: 

10-17-11 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Joins First Lady Michelle Obama to Salute HealthierUS School Challenge Award Winners…CO too!

Schools Meet First Lady’s HealthierUS School Challenge Goal with Over 1250 Receiving Honors for Expanding Nutrition and Physical Activity Opportunities

CLICK HERE to view the Colorado Schools that particpated in the program

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined First Lady Michelle Obama to honor schools taking part in USDA’s HealthierUS School Challenge. The First Lady hosted a reception on the South Lawn to honor the 1,273 schools that met her goal to double the number of participants in the Challenge in a year. The Challenge recognizes schools that create healthier school environments by providing exceptional nutrition education, nutritious food and beverage choices, physical education and opportunities for physical activity.

“Educators see firsthand the impact that childhood obesity has on our children’s lives -not just on their physical and emotional health, but on their academic success as well. That’s why our nation’s educators have been leaders in this movement to end the epidemic of childhood obesity in America,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Today, we’re not just thanking these educators, but encouraging them to continue that leadership, to reach out and help other schools by sharing good ideas and best practices, and encouraging and inspiring each other. The HealthierUS Schools Competition is a competition every school in America can win. And when our schools win, our kids win and our country wins.”

10-17-11 *NCGA News* Corn Growers Thank Ag Committees for Farm Bill Spending Proposal

WASHINGTON (October 17, 2011) — National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer released the following statement in response to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees’ proposed reductions in farm bill spending:

“NCGA appreciates the bipartisan work of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Ag Committees to reach an agreement on farm bill spending reductions. Our farmers have previously stated we are willing to do our part to help reduce the deficit.

10-17-11 Farm Credit System and Agrium Inc. Join the Progressive Agriculture Foundation® to Fight Childhood Obesity

The healthy lifestyle education pilot project aims to curb childhood obesity epidemic.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 17, 2011 — Farm Credit System and Agrium Inc. join the Progressive Agriculture Foundation^® (PAF) to educate children about healthy eating habits in an effort to help curb the growing obesity epidemic among children and adolescents. The organizations are working together, through a challenge grant from Novus International, Inc., to develop healthy lifestyle lessons that will be provided through the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day^® program and will enable rural communities to find ways to have a healthier school lunch program for rural youth. Both Farm Credit and Agrium Inc. are 10-year sponsors of PAF and have increased their support significantly in 2011 to help PAF meet the Novus challenge grant.

These grants will support five school-based safety and health day programs selected to receive resources that educate children about living a healthy lifestyle. Educational lessons will focus on the USDA MyPlate eating guide, the importance of eating healthy foods, and the need to engage in physical activity. The same five communities selected during the pilot phase of the project will also hold health and nutrition symposia that will discuss ways of providing healthier food choices for children in school cafeterias.

“Childhood obesity continues to pose a significant health risk to rural America, and we are pleased to be helping the Progressive Agriculture Foundation deliver health and nutrition education through its farm safety and health educational program,” says Christina Bowen, director of Farm Credit’s National Contributions program.

“Instilling healthy eating habits at a very early age is key to lifelong health,” says Michael Wilson, CEO and president of Agrium Inc. “Surprisingly, more and more of our rural youth are overfed, yet undernourished in addition to engaging in less physical activity. We support the Rural School Lunch Program challenge grant to empower the children and their parents to make healthy eating choices one meal at a time. Strong and healthy children build strong and healthy communities.”

10-17-11 Americans for Prosperity and American Energy Alliance Launches Energy for America Tour…Two Stops in CO

Two stops planned in Colorado, Grand Junction and Craig, calling for energy reform

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Concerned with the effect of rising energy costs to Colorado’s economy, Americans for Prosperity launched the Energy for America Tour to highlight policies that would lower the cost of energy and help create jobs and economic prosperity.

“America is a nation rich with energy resources. Unfortunately, most of our energy resources have been placed off-limits by President Obama, federal elected officials, and unelected bureaucrats. The result is gas prices above $3 a gallon at a time when America is facing a double-dip recession, or worse,” said AFP Colorado State Director Jeff Crank.

“The Energy for America tour is all about reducing the burden of energy prices on Colorado families by encouraging domestic exploration and production of our vast energy resources and getting government out of the free market – taxpayers should never have been on the hook for companies like Solyndra,” explained Crank.

10-17-11 CME Group Announces Open Interest in Power Contracts Reaches One Billion Megawatt Hours

CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — CME Group, the world’s leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, today announced it reached an open interest record for its power contracts.  At the close of trading Friday, open interest in CME Group power contracts reached 1,001,362,363 Megawatt hours (MWh), breaking the billion MWh threshold for the first time ever.  CME Group power contracts are listed with, and subject to, the rules of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

“We’re very pleased to see such strong interest in our power contracts,” said Bryan Durkin, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Products and Services at CME Group. “As the power industry continues to evolve and seeks new types of hedging products that match the unique needs of the electricity markets, we have worked with producers, marketers and other market participants to launch innovative new contracts that have offered our clients a new way to manage risk.  The growth of these new products has helped drive open interest across our entire energy complex to record levels.”

10-17-11 U.S. Forest Service Priest River Experimental Forest Celebrates 100 Years of Science

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2011— U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell is hailing the 100 year anniversary of northern Idaho’s Priest River Experimental Forest as an important milestone for a national program that has allowed scientists to better understand the trends and threats to our nation’s wooded areas, thereby improving forest products while protecting natural resources.

For over 100 years the U.S. Forest Service’s experimental forest system of over 80 forests, dotted across the United States from Maine to Hawaii, have been helping wildlife managers address and adapt to such issues as acid rain, climate change and a host of other issues.

“Our experimental forests have served as the bellwether for identifying and devising strategies for the myriad and ever changing threats affecting our nation’s wooded areas,” Tidwell said. ”Thanks to these forests, we are learning to adapt to everything from destructive insects, to longer and more severe fire seasons, to species diversity.”

Experimental forests managed by the U.S. Forest Service range in size from a few hundred acres to tens of thousands of acres and have varying topography including great conifers, tropical rain forests and even cactus forests in the Southwest. Contributions of experimental forests include:

10-17-11 House and Senate Agriculture Committees Offer Bipartisan, Bicameral Recommendations for Deficit Reduction to the Joint Committee

WASHINGTON – Today the leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees sent a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction recommending a $23 billion cut to mandatory spending within the committees’ jurisdiction. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Pat Roberts (R-KS), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Representatives Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Collin Peterson (D-MN), Chair and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, will continue working together on the details of the spending cuts in the same bipartisan fashion that has defined the process to date.

The four lawmakers issued the following joint statement:

“Agriculture has a long legacy of bipartisanship and today the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are preserving that tradition. In the coming weeks, we will continue working with our House and Senate colleagues to provide the Joint Select Committee a detailed set of policy recommendations for achieving these important savings.”

The text of the letter sent by the four lawmakers is below…

10-17-11 NCBA, PLC Welcome EPA Decision to Retain Current Dust Standard

— Groups Still Support Legislation to Prevent Future Threats  

WASHINGTON (Oct. 17, 2011) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) welcomed news from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson that the decision has been made to retain the current coarse particulate matter (dust) standard. This decision is subsequent to the onslaught of pressure from NCBA, PLC and several members of Congress to convince EPA not to regulate farm dust at levels twice as stringent as the current standard. According to Bill Donald, NCBA president and Montana rancher, the groups maintain that no science-based evidence exists that would justify the burdensome, costly regulation that would have resulted in farmers and ranchers being fined for working in dusty environments in rural America.

“This is refreshing news. The consequences of EPA regulating farm dust at levels twice as stringent as the current standard would have undoubtedly forced many farmers and ranchers into nonattainment, which would have resulted in enormous fines and would have jeopardized the future of many farms and ranches,” said Donald. “While we are pleased with Administrator Jackson’s decision to lean on common sense and science, this issue is far from resolved.”

Attached:  Industry Letter to House Subcommittee on Energy and Power – CLICK HERE to view

10-17-11 The American Lamb Board Launches Third Lamb Jam Tour starts Oct 23rd in Seattle, WA

The American Lamb Board is kicking off its third Lamb Jam tour this month in Seattle, WA, October 23, 2011. The Lamb Jam tour cities for FY 2012 will again include Seattle; Boston; Washington, DC; San Francisco and a finale in New York City. The tour is designed to increase demand for lamb, build fans of lamb in strong lamb markets and to increase awareness about the benefits of American lamb. The Lamb Jam tour highlights local lamb producers and renowned chefs in each market. Consumers get the opportunity to interact directly with local lamb producers to better understand how lamb is produced and where they can buy it in the market.

The tour showcases the versatility of American lamb beyond the rack with approximately 20 chefs from each market competing head-to-head for top honors using local lamb in four cut categories – leg, loin, shank and shoulder. The chef dishes are judged by a panel of local media judges and then sampled by approximately 600 attendees in each market who vote on their favorite dish for the “People’s Choice Award.”

The tour helps break down barriers and misconceptions about lamb and position lamb as approachable and fun. Beyond tasty lamb samples from local chefs, Lamb Jam also features live music, tattoo parlors, lamb caricature artists, lamb personality quizzes, make-your-own lamb swag bags and local wine and beer pairings from wine and beer sponsors.

According to ALB Executive Director Megan Wortman, “More than a third of consumers have never tried lamb, and many people who have tried lamb only eat it for special occasions or when they eat out. ALB developed Lamb Jam to give people an opportunity to try lamb for the first time or to try different cuts or different preparations. We want people to get more familiar and comfortable with lamb as a great meal option.”

The FY 2012 Lamb Jam tour dates:

10-17-11 Farm Service Agency County Committee Voting Begins November 4th

Denver, Colorado, October 17, 2011—Trudy Kareus, State Executive Director of the Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that ballots for the 2011 FSA county committee elections will be mailed to eligible voters November 4, 2011.  The deadline for eligible voters to return ballots to their local FSA offices is December 5, 2011.

“The FSA county committee allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of federal farm programs, “said Kareus” I urge all eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, to get involved in their communities by voting in this year’s elections.”

To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs.  A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm, can also vote.  Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate names during the nomination period held last summer.

10-17-11 *NCBA Op-Ed* Farm Dust Amendment a Common Sense Solution…

Written by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.)

No one truly thinks that dust kicked up when a field is combined poses a threat to the air we breathe. Nor does anyone truly believe dust trailing a truck on a dirt road threatens the environment. Yet recently, many farmers and ranchers have been troubled by reports that EPA is seeking to overreach its authority by regulating naturally-occurring farm dust. To clear up the confusion, I’ve asked EPA to confirm their intentions in plain English when it comes to regulating farm dust. Their mixed responses have caused only more confusion – leaving in question whether farm dust will soon be subject to increased federal scrutiny and regulation. I’ve introduced a bill in the Senate to establish absolute clarity in the law for farmers and ranchers.

Here’s where the problem lies: Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA is developing plans to increase regulation on what it calls “particulate matter” – particles in the air that may be harmful to us and our environment. The definition for this matter is so broad that it includes everything from smog to everyday farm dust. In April, the agency released a report with a recommendation to double the stringency of its standards for particulate matter. The decision has not yet been finalized, but the report certainly establishes that there is serious consideration within EPA to increase regulation on particulate matter, including dust on farms, ranches, and throughout rural America.

Of course we should make an effort to keep smog out of the air we breathe. Yet it is nonsensical to include farm dust in the same category as such harmful particles. In fact, EPA has studied farm dust specifically, and did not conclude that it had any adverse impact on the environment or public health. Yet in an effort to target particles proven harmful to the air, EPA is also unnecessarily creating uncertainty for ag producers.

10-17-11 Syngenta Introduces 105 New Corn Hybrids for the 2012 Planting Season

 ·         New hybrids provide growers more access to elite genetics

·         24 of the new hybrids feature the Agrisure Viptera™ 3111 trait stack

·         Additional hybrids feature the Agrisure Viptera™ 3110 trait stack, the Agrisure Viptera™ 3220 trait stack and the Agrisure 3122™ trait stack

MINNETONKA, MINN. — October 17, 2011 — Syngenta, one of the world’s leading agricultural seed and crop protection providers, has introduced 105 new corn hybrids for the 2012 planting season. These include 24 new hybrids featuring the Agrisure Viptera™ 3111 trait stack, which provides breakthrough control of the broadest spectrum of above- and below-ground insects available. Syngenta has also released additional new hybrids that feature the Agrisure Viptera™ 3110 trait stack that are a good choice for areas where rootworm management is not a primary concern.

This year, growers also have access to hybrids with the Agrisure Viptera™ 3220 trait stack for reduced refuge. This trait stack offers growers dual modes of action against above-ground corn pests—including corn borer and corn earworm—with a five percent structured Corn Belt refuge. These hybrids are also a good choice for areas where growers are not concerned about rootworm management.  Hybrids with the reduced-refuge Agrisure 3122 trait stack are also available for the 2012 planting season and feature dual modes of action against both corn borer and corn rootworm.

These new hybrids offer growers additional choices to maximize yield performance under various growing conditions and soil types.

“This year’s hybrids provide growers with a more complete lineup of elite corn genetics for 2012, developed to provide industry-leading insect control and exceptional herbicide tolerance in corn,” said Eric Boersma, corn genetics portfolio manager, Syngenta. “With the extent of our expanded corn portfolio, growers will be able to find the hybrids necessary for maximum growth and yield in their local area.”

10-14-11 *National FFA News* The 1st Ever FFA Podcast is here!

The FFA Podcast

FFA Podcast for Thursday, October 13^th
In this issue, we have a preview of the 84th National FFA Convention, which begins October 19th in Indianapolis. Sound bites include Riley Pagett, National FFA President, Jamison Holt, FFA Advisor in Cerro Gordo, IL, and Lucy Whitehead with the National FFA Alumni Association.

Watch Convention Live Online

Gavel to gavel coverage of the 84th National FFA Convention can be seen on the Alltech Ag Network, powered by iHigh, at AlltechAgNetwork.com. Not only will each session be streamed live, but they will be available on demand immediately following the live broadcast. Check back for more details.

Live Broadcast Schedule (All Times Eastern):

• Session 1: Wednesday, October 19 at 7:15pm
• Session 2: Thursday, October 20 at 2:00pm
• National FFA Talent Review: Thursday, October 20 at 5:15pm
• Session 3: Thursday, October 20 at 7:30pm
• Session 4: Friday, October 21 at 8:00am
• Session 5: Friday, October 21 at 12:00pm
• Session 6: Friday, October 21 at 3:00pm
• National FFA Band and Chorus Concert: Friday, October 21 at 5:45pm
• Session 7: Friday, October 21 at 7:00pm
• Session 8: Saturday, October 22 at 7:45am
• Session 9: Saturday, October 22 at 1:30pm