News Update
January 27, 2012
Feed-grains Marketing Workshop
Scheduled for Feb. 8-9 in Amarillo
The feed-grains market is in chaos, but a two-day workshop Feb. 8-9 might help producers have a better understanding of what is happening, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist.
Changing supply and demand conditions, potential acreage shifts, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission restrictions, the elimination of the ethanol tax credits/barriers, La Niña and the European debt crisis, among other things, will make 2012 one of the most challenging marketing years for feed-grain producers, said Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist and coordinator of the program.
The 2012 Feed-grains Workshop, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, will be at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center-Amarillo, 6500 W. Amarillo Blvd. Producers attending can expect to get a better understanding of the fundamental and technical factors affecting the feed-grains market for the upcoming year, Amosson said.
“The ultimate goal of the workshop is to develop a written marketing plan for the 2012 crop. Attendees will look at projected impacts of ethanol production, feed use, exchange rates, price levels, weather concerns, industry issues and basis. In addition to the fundamentals, specific attention will be spent discussing the marketing tools that may best fit this year’s marketing plan, including pros, cons, how and/or when to use them and potential implications to your credit line,” he said.
“If producers just pick up one piece of information that helps them improve their marketing by a dime, that’s equal to $10,000 on a section of corn production. I don’t see how a producer can afford to miss this opportunity.”
Amosson and Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension grain marketing specialist from College Station, will serve as the primary instructors. A panel of area lenders, brokers and grain merchandisers, as well as special guest analysts will provide additional insights into this year’s markets.
“I can’t remember a year where there have been so many unknowns that could impact the feed-grain price,” Amosson said. “Producers really need to understand what is and could be happening this year in order to make informed marketing decisions.”
He said the goals of this year’s workshop are to identify and quantify factors that will be affecting this year’s market and discuss what marketing tools and strategies they have available to deal with them.
Preregistration is required and attendance is limited to 60. The cost of the workshop is $125 per participant and covers the costs associated with instruction, breaks, meals and materials.
Guide Serves as In-Field Reference to Identify Crop Problems
A pocket guide designed by Purdue University Extension to be an in-field reference for corn and soybean producers is now available.
The 2012 Corn and Soybean Field Guide allows farmers to quickly analyze trouble spots in their fields.
The guide is updated annually and is full of information and photographs to help diagnose and manage problems such as weeds, diseases and insects. Its 320 pages cover crop development, nutrient deficiencies, planting decisions, soil fertility and herbicide injuries. The information can be used throughout the growing season — from planting to harvest.
The 2012 updates include new nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. The guides also can now be purchased in single or bulk quantities through Purdue Extension’s The Education Store at www.the-education-store.com.
Producers who use the guide to help manage pest problems and apply appropriate amounts of fertilizer for deficiencies can not only produce top yields but also save money, said Corey Gerber, director of Purdue’s Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center.
The Corn and Soybean Field Guide has been in production since 1988. About 25% of the publication’s sales are in Indiana, with the rest scattered around the country and the globe. According to Gerber, the guide is applicable to other regions of the U.S. and around the world.
Individual copies are $7, or a box of 25 copies is $157.50. They can be ordered online at the web address above or over the telephone at 1-888-398-4636. They usually ship within two business days.
Angus Internship Deadline Approaching
Summer is fast-approaching, and college students looking for an internship should be sure to apply with the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, Mo. The application deadline for the three paid internships is Feb. 5. Details of each position are listed below.
The American Angus Association Junior Activities Department provides a college sophomore, junior or senior an outstanding opportunity to assist with preparations, communications and correspondence for junior shows and events. Applicants must be enrolled in an agriculture-related major, and consider themselves a self-starter, detail-oriented and an outgoing individual who has the ability to work well with others. Travel to the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and other shows and events is expected.
The internship spans from approximately late-May to mid-August, with specific starting and ending dates depending on the applicant’s availability.
A cover letter, résumé and references are due Feb. 5, 2012, to Robin Ruff, American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.
For more information contact Ruff at 816-383-5100 or rruff@angus.org.
The American Angus Association Communications and Public Relations Department is now accepting applications from college juniors or seniors studying journalism, agricultural communications or related fields. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills, in addition to completed coursework in news and feature writing, as well as editing and design. Experience in photography, video and social media is an asset in this fast-paced internship.
The internship spans from approximately late-May to mid-August, with specific starting and ending dates depending on the applicant’s availability.
Applications are due Feb. 5, 2012. To apply, send a cover letter, résumé, references and writing samples to Jena Thompson, American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.
For more information contact Thompson at 816-383-5100 or jthompson@angus.org.
Angus Productions Inc. offers a college student the opportunity to be part of its editorial team for the summer. This 10-week, writing-intensive internship will offer the selected intern the opportunity to participate in producing various publications, including the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, the Angus e-List and editorial websites, as well as assist in social media efforts. The internship will be flexible enough to tailor to the strengths and needs of the intern, but many duties can be expected. Experience in news and feature writing, editing and photography are strongly suggested.
The internship spans from late-May to mid-August; specific starting and ending dates will be negotiated with the selected candidate.
Applications are due Feb. 5, 2012. To apply, send a cover letter, résumé and writing samples to Shauna Hermel, Angus Productions Inc., 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.
For more information, contact Hermel at 816-383-5270 or shermel@angusjournal.com.
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.