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“EPA GHG Information Available”

For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data include public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels.

The data indicates that in 2010 power plants were the largest stationary sources of direct emissions with 2,324-million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, followed by petroleum refineries with emissions of 183 mmtCO2e.

CO₂ accounted for the largest share of direct GHG emissions with 95 percent, followed by methane with 4 percent, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1 percent.

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“FMD Vaccination Procedures Ready”

Officials who will be involved in decisions related to the use of vaccines to help control a U.S. outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease have two new tools allowing them access to important guidelines. They are: The National Animal Health Emergency Management Services Guidelines and The Appendix on FMD vaccination.

Jim Roth, DVM, director of the Center for Food Security and Public Health, and the Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says these documents provide the information professionals will need in understanding the complexities of FMD vaccination, and for making sound decisions if FMD is found in the United States.

Roth says, – the key to performing quickly and collaboratively in the face of any foreign animal disease outbreak is for every agency to be prepared.

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“Brazilian Imported Ethanol Tax Questioned”

The Renewable Fuels Association is urging U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk to investigate the news that the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo was imposing a 25 percent tax on all imported ethanol.  Port Santos in Sao Paulo is the main port of entry for U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil, which accounted for an estimated 400-million gallons in 2011. RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says – because ethanol produced in Sao Paulo is tax exempt, ethanol imported into Sao Paulo from the United States and other areas is at a substantial economic disadvantage.

Dinneen says – this action is discriminatory and may severely—and immediately—restrict the exportation of U.S. ethanol to Brazil. He has always held that – decisions surrounding Brazil tariffs are neither permanent nor transparent and additional trade barriers could be constructed at any time. The actions of the state of Sao Paulo are such an example.

In his letter to the trade ambassador, Dinneen wrote – we believe the action taken by the state of Sao Paulo is in violation of the Generalized Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and possibly an article of the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement. According to Dinneen, – it is no doubt that this recent decision will result in the erection of another significant barrier to U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil.

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 “NBB Backs Tax Incentive”

The National Biodiesel Board says the U.S. biodiesel industry’s record growth and resulting job creation is at risk without immediate action from Congress to reinstate the industry’s tax incentive.  That was the message within written testimony submitted to the Senate Finance Committee by the National Biodiesel Board. The one-dollar-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive expired on December 31 for the second time in three years.

In her testimony, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel emphasized that when the incentive was reinstated last year after a lapse in 2010, it helped boost biodiesel production to a record volume of nearly 1.1 billion gallons in 2011. That volume – triple the production in 2010 – supported more than 39,027 jobs and 3.8-billion in Gross Domestic Product, according to a recent study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX.

Under projected expansion, with the tax incentive in place, the industry is expected to support more than 74,000 jobs by 2015 and some 7.3-billion in GDP. Steckel says – the biodiesel industry is poised to continue that momentum so long as Congress and the Administration continues supporting strong policies such as the biodiesel tax incentive. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to extend the tax incentive for three years.

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 “HFCS Studies Draw Fire”

According to the National corn Growers Association, problems with recent reports attacking high fructose corn syrup demonstrate the need for clarity and caution on the part of research scientists.  Even though researchers may acknowledge specific limitations, NCGA says the mainstream media does not always act as prudently as they report the news. In any case, NCGA President Garry Niemeyer says – the science is clear that, enjoyed in moderation, there is no difference between High Fructose Corn Syrup and other sugars.

Niemeyer points out that according to the American Medical Association, not only do table sugar and HFCS have a similar composition, but the American Dietetic Association has found that, once absorbed into the bloodstream, the two sweeteners are “indistinguishable.”

CRA points to two studies which contained inconsistencies. One example is a study by researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University that draws unfounded conclusions about cardiovascular risks associated with consuming fructose, which is found in many sweeteners. CRA reports the authors failed to provide needed perspective. And authors of a second study conceded their study had “several limitations,” and were unable to draw meaningful conclusions based on their data.

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“Grassley Wants Focus on Tax Code”

As it studied extenders and tax reform, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley told the Senate Committee on Finance – this Committee has held numerous tax reform hearings. Yet, we have not discussed what we should do about the numerous non-revenue policy objectives included in the current tax code. 

Mr. Grassley pointed out the oil and gas industries have received massive, permanent tax breaks for over a hundred years. In contrast, tax incentives for alternative energy have existed only for a few decades and have always been temporary. He says – discussions on incentives for the oil industry and for alternative energy often fail to consider that a key reason to support renewable energy sources should be energy independence. It is also important to consider the number of domestic jobs supported by the energy sector.

Clearly, in the short-term, Congress should extend tax incentives for alternative energy sources.  With the economy still sputtering, we cannot afford the job losses that occur from pulling the rug out from under industries like biodiesel and wind that are still developing. In the long-term, Grassley says, – we need to consider whether a permanent and comprehensive energy tax policy is appropriate and, such a policy should be developed in the context of comprehensive tax reform.

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 “Rural Economic Development Funds Released”

Loans and grants from USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program will be provided to applicants in ten states to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says – this funding will providing our rural communities with resources to support small businesses, improve public facilities, and create new, sustainable jobs.

Four County Electric Membership Corporation in Burgaw, North Carolina, was selected to receive a grant to establish a revolving loan fund. Funds will provide financing for the Bladen Healthcare, LLC to purchase medical equipment for a new health clinic. This project will create and retain 20 jobs.

Also in North Carolina, Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation in Red Springs was selected to receive a grant to provide financing to the Robeson County Government to help make required improvements to the county detention center. These upgrades will create new jobs during the construction period and will help retain 139 jobs.

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“Hog Markets Incentives Strong”

On average, Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics believes U.S. pork producers should see another profitable year in 2012. He projects a 12-dollar-per-pig profit for the average farrow-to-finish producer.  Meyer credits: exports, economic impact on meat demand; feed prices and hog and pork supplies.

Meyer says consumer sentiment appears to be improving and, while unemployment is still high, it’s looking better as well. Of course, feed price is always a concern. Meyer doesn’t blame corn ethanol for high feed prices.  He points out that federal tax credits are not why corn ethanol production climbed. That was because of 100-dollar oil, Meyer says – it was profitable.

Meyer also points out how unusual is to have four points on his list of pork market concerns.  With such tight feed supplies, Meyer says, you either – get more efficient or you cut numbers. So far we’ve cut numbers. While productivity has continued to improve, U.S. producers are averaging 10.2 pigs per liter. Meyer says – we can still improve efficiency.

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“RR2 Soybeans Doing Well”

Market Probe, a third party market research firm, reports that 90 percent of farmers who grew Genuity^® Roundup Ready 2 Yield^® soybeans in 2011 said they were satisfied with the second-generation trait technology. They cited higher yields, excellent plant health and more beans per pod,

In comparison, based on 2011 harvest results, top-performing Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans achieved an average yield advantage of greater than 4 bushels per acre over soybean varieties with original Roundup Ready^® technology.

Lisa Flynn, Monsanto soybean traits marketing manager, says – with increased variety the opportunity to ‘Ask for the 2’ is easier than ever before.

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“Pioneer Recommends Management of Nitrogen Rates”

According to a recent research study conducted by Pioneer Hi-Bred, corn grown in rotation with soybeans requires less nitrogen fertilizer than continuous corn, while producing higher average yields per acre. John Shanahan, Pioneer agronomy research manager, says – corn residue acts like a ‘sponge’ immobilizing the fertilizer, making it temporarily unavailable to the corn plant.

The agronomist notes – growers working with continuous corn need to be mindful of crop residue from the previous year and adjust their nitrogen fertilizer rates accordingly. As expected, corn yield increased with increasing nitrogen rates in both continuous corn and rotated corn and decreased with reduced rates. But Shanahan says – across all tested nitrogen rates, the average yield was higher for corn in rotation versus continuous corn by 33 percent or about 45 bushels per acre.

Furthermore, reducing nitrogen rates resulted in much more substantial yield decreases for continuous corn than for rotated corn. For example, rotated corn with no applied nitrogen yielded more than continuous corn with 50 percent of the normal nitrogen rate applied. In addition, reducing rates caused nitrogen stress sooner and with more yield impairment for continuous versus rotated corn.

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 “Organic Chili Featured at Super Bowl”

From zip lines to food lines fans of fun have inundated Indianapolis this week in preparation for Sunday’s Super Bowl football game. As part of the big game, at least one food line will feature three varieties of organic chili — organic vegetarian chili, beef chili and pork chili. This is the first time that that an organic concessions item will be sold in the history of the Super Bowl.

Farm Aid has partnered with Centerplate, the hospitality and culinary hosts of Super Bowl XLVI, to bring fans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis the Super Bowl first. Farm Aid co-founder John Mellencamp says – Farm Aid is introducing football fans to family farmers by serving HOMEGROWN Chili at the Super Bowl. Mellencamp says – its good food from family farms, including some from right here in Indiana.

HOMEGROWN Chili sales at the Super Bowl will benefit Farm Aid and family farmers. Centerplate will donate two-dollars to Farm Aid for every bowl of HOMEGROWN Chili sold. Mellencamp says – we’re thrilled they’re working with us to create a true Heartland Experience for fans.

SOURCE: NAFB News Service

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