News Update
June 19, 2012
Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium
August 21 in Arcadia, Ind.
A major symposium on improving soil quality and productivity is scheduled for Aug. 21 at one of Indiana's family farming operations.
USDA and university scientists, leading producers and prominent crop consultants will present their research and insights at the second annual Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium: Research and Practical Insights into Using Gypsum. The all-day event will take place at Rulon Ent. near Arcadia, Ind.
The symposium is designed for certified crop consultants, university and extension personnel, farm managers, farm producers and others interested in soil science. Attendees can earn approximately 7 hours of continuing education credits.
Rulon Ent. is a family farm partnership owned by Ken, Roy and Rodney Rulon. Started in 1869, the operation is based on the homestead farm where four generations of Rulons have farmed with sustainability and environmental responsibility as the focus.
The Rulons started applying gypsum to "problem fields" that contained particularly tight soils prone to prolonged wetness, explains Rodney Rulon. After observing increased water infiltration and better rooting, the Rulons expanded their use of gypsum two years ago across much of their 5,800-acre operation. They apply a base rate of a ton of gypsum per acre every other year and higher rates on their tightest soils.
"As continuous no tillers, everything we do is geared to improving soil quality and health. Gypsum is a tool we use to improve soil structure as well as provide plant nutrients needed for crop systems," says Rulon. The operation is the national winner of the American Soybean Association's 2012 Conservation Legacy Award.
Last year's symposium was hosted at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Ag Research Station and attracted 200 participants. The on-farm venue this year will allow participants to see demonstrations of improved soil management and gypsum application techniques in addition to in-depth presentations on research findings and producer and consultant panel discussions.
Symposium presenters include a cross section of research scientists, crop consultants and innovative producers.
"I think every person involved in crop production will be able to take something away from this year's symposium that they can apply in their work," says Ron Chamberlain, chief agronomist for Gypsoil.
The cost of the symposium is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. and the program gets underway at 8 a.m. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, visit www.gypsoil.com/symposium or call 563-320-2247.
NFU: House Appropriations Bill Must Fully Fund GIPSA, CFTC
National Farmers Union (NFU) sent a letter to leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations urging the removal of provisions that would prevent the implementation of portions of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule.
"NFU has long been an advocate for greater competition and fairness in livestock and poultry markets and supported the finalization of a strong set of rules put forward by the GIPSA in 2010 and 2011," said NFU President Roger Johnson. "Unfortunately, funding for the vast majority of these provisions was removed last year, leaving only five rules, which primarily deal with poultry growers, to be implemented by GIPSA. The Fiscal Year 2013 agriculture bill would defund three of those five rules."
Cuts to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) budget are also concerning to NFU.
"The FY 2013 appropriations bill in its current form would provide $180.4 million for the CFTC, which is $25 million below the previous year's level and $128 million less than the president's request," said Johnson. "The CFTC, the agency that has been tasked with increased authority over agricultural and financial markets as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, needs significantly greater resources in order to help prevent the next financial crisis. NFU strongly urges the committee to increase the funding level for the CFTC in the FY 2013 Agriculture Appropriations Bill."
NCBA Vice President Bob McCan Regarding
TPP Invitation to Mexico
On Mon., June 18, 2012, President Obama announced that the United States and the other countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have extended an invitation to Mexico to join the TPP trade negotiations. In addition to the United States, the current TPP countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President and Texas cattleman Bob McCan commended the announcement and issued the following statement.
"Mexico is our second-largest export market and their participation in these negotiations is paramount. TPP has the potential to be the beginning of a new era in global trade where tariff and non-tariff barriers are eliminated and standards are based on sound, objective science instead of political protectionism. This agreement could likely become much more than a multilateral free-trade agreement. Eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers promotes greater economic stability and job creation in all countries, which will strengthen bonds between nations and encourage global security in the Pacific Rim.
"NCBA encourages the United States to push for full and free market access to all TPP countries. NCBA wants prices to be determined by market demand instead of being inflated by protectionist trade barriers, which is one of the greatest hindrances to U.S. beef trade. Specifically, U.S. beef has been subject to non-science-based standards in multiple countries for many years. This has been very disruptive for the U.S. beef industry and has caused an enormous amount of damage to U.S. beef trade.
"We cannot afford to perpetuate politically motivated standards as a justification for public safety. All TPP countries must agree to and abide by the highest sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards possible, in accordance with the World Trade Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health. Mexico being a part of this historic agreement is a victory for global trade and for all U.S. cattle ranchers."
Rebuilding the Beef Herd Program July 26 in Lampasas, Texas
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service continues its Rebuilding the Beef Herd educational workshop series July 26 at the Lampasas County Farm Bureau office, 1793 North U.S. Hwy. 281 in Lampasas.
"The reduced cow inventory combined with high input costs, competing uses for land, prices of competing meats and the radical changes in grain use are reshaping the beef business," said Rick Machen, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Uvalde and program presenter. "Those with serious intent to enter, rebuild or expand their operations can't wait for rains and greener pastures. They need to develop a plan they can have in place when opportunity presents itself."
Machen said the Rebuilding The Beef Herd program is part of a statewide AgriLife Extension educational initiative. Drought conditions in 2011 led to a reduction of more than 660,000 beef cows, Machen said.
"The Lampasas program will feature presentations on pasture recovery, restocking methods and evaluating potential replacement options," he said. "The afternoon part of the program will feature a presentation on break-even costs for cattle production, female-replacement options and how to strategically build flexibility into an operation, plus leased-grazing options and other discussion."
Registration is $40 per person, including lunch. To register, call the AgriLife Extension Service office for Lampasas County at 512-556-8271. Three pesticide applicator continuing education units will be provided to Texas Department of Agriculture license holders.
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