News and Information for the Grain, Milling, Feed, Seed and BioFuels Industries http://www.grainnet.com Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:39 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/ASA_Testifies_Before_House_Ag_Committee_in_Support_of_Trade_Normalization_With_Cuba-90999.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/ASA_Testifies_Before_House_Ag_Committee_in_Support_of_Trade_Normalization_With_Cuba-90999.html St. Louis, MO—The American Soybean Association (ASA) testified today before the House Committee on Agriculture on normalizing trade and travel between the U.S. and Cuba. ASA strongly supports HR 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, which would eliminate financing and travel restrictions affecting trade with Cuba, and is consistent with the Administration’s goal to double exports in the next five years. “U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba have cost U.S. farmers and businesses billions of dollars in exports to the Cuban market,” said ASA Board member Scott Fritz, a soybean producer from Winamac, IN. “In a time of Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:51 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Bartlett_Grain_Co__to_Pay__14_560_Civil_Penalty_to_Settle_Allegations_of_Unauthorized_Repackaging_of_Four_Pesticides-91000.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Bartlett_Grain_Co__to_Pay__14_560_Civil_Penalty_to_Settle_Allegations_of_Unauthorized_Repackaging_of_Four_Pesticides-91000.html Kansas City, KS) - A Missouri agricultural merchant has agreed to pay a $14,560 civil penalty to the United States to settle allegations that it repackaged and sold four different pesticides without proper authorization at its facility in Waverly, NO in 2008. According to a consent agreement filed this week in Kansas City, KS, Bartlett Grain Company, LLC, headquartered in Kansas City, MO, was found to be in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as a result of an inspection of its Waverly facility by the Missouri Department of Agriculture in November 2008. The inspection and subsequent review Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:23:24 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/NFU_Testifies_Before_House_Ag_Committee_on_Importance_of_Ag_Trade_With_Cuba-90998.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/NFU_Testifies_Before_House_Ag_Committee_on_Importance_of_Ag_Trade_With_Cuba-90998.html Washingtonand#151;National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson testified March 11 before the House Committee on Agriculture concerning a review of U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba. In his testimony, Johnson expressed NFU’s support of the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645), the bi-partisan legislation sponsored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and co-sponsored by 30 other Members of Congress, including Representatives Jerry Moran of Kansas, Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut, and Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri. “I have personally led eight trade-related missions to Cuba,” said Johnson. “I can speak from firsthand experience on the importance of Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:29 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Soybean_Federation_Endorses_Plan_for_River_Infrastructure_in_Proposed_FY_2011_Federal_Budget-90993.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Soybean_Federation_Endorses_Plan_for_River_Infrastructure_in_Proposed_FY_2011_Federal_Budget-90993.html Jefferson City, MOand#151;Long-overdue improvements to the nation's inland waterway transportation system were endorsed by the U.S. Soybean Federation (USSF) on Tuesday. With Congress preparing to decide the FY 2011 budget, USSF partnered with Waterways Council, Inc. in endorsing a 20-year capital investment plan to fund and mainstream construction projects for the nation's river lock and dam system. USSF joins a number of organizations urging Congress to adopt a new comprehensive, consensus-based package of recommendations to better address the needs of the entire waterways system and provide more dollars for long overdue infrastructure improvements. The recommendations were developed over a year-long Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:36 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Wheat_Associates__Can_Wheat_Producers_Keep_Pace_With_Expanding_Global_Demand_-90992.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Wheat_Associates__Can_Wheat_Producers_Keep_Pace_With_Expanding_Global_Demand_-90992.html Arlington, VAand#151;U.S. wheat export demand is steady for the second straight month in a growing world market according to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for March 2010. Producers around the world have responded to growing demand by producing record crops recently. As a result, USDA forecasts that global ending stocks for 2009/10 (June-May) will be 196.8 million metric tons (MMT) up 60 percent from a recent low of 123.3 MMT in 2007/08. Significantly, though, the March WASDE report calls for world wheat demand to grow again this year. Falling wheat Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:52:44 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_Secretary_Vilsack_Announces_Details_and_Objectives_of_Office_of_Environmental_Markets-90991.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_Secretary_Vilsack_Announces_Details_and_Objectives_of_Office_of_Environmental_Markets-90991.html Washington—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced March 10 new details about the functions and objectives of USDA's Office of Environmental Markets (OEM). OEM, now part of USDA's Natural Resources and Environment mission area, will work to carry out USDA's climate and rural revitalization goals by supporting the development of emerging markets for carbon, water quality, wetlands and biodiversity. "Environmental markets leverage private investments that result in cleaner air, improved water quality, restored wetlands, and enhanced wildlife habitat," said Vilsack. "These markets have the potential to become a new economic driver for rural America, exactly what we need to support a bold, creative Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:45:59 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Aurora_Cooperative_to_Develop_Former_Sundance_Feed_and_Seed_Site_in_Grand_Island__NE-90988.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Aurora_Cooperative_to_Develop_Former_Sundance_Feed_and_Seed_Site_in_Grand_Island__NE-90988.html Aurora, NE—As a follow-up to the Grand Island, NE grain terminal expansion announcement, the Aurora Cooperative has announced its plan to develop its new site on the eastern edge of Grand Island. The site, formerly known as Sundance Feed and Seed, was previously acquired by the company and will become the agronomy/energy service location as the Aurora Cooperative moves from its current location at 1104 South Lincoln Ave., Grand Island. Multiple site improvements will be constructed over the upcoming months. Relocation and opening of the East Grand Island site is scheduled for the spring/summer of 2011. The long term future of Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:43:07 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Aurora_Cooperative_Acquires_Four_Aerial_Application_Businesses-90987.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Aurora_Cooperative_Acquires_Four_Aerial_Application_Businesses-90987.html Aurora, NE—The Aurora Cooperative, a leading grain marketer and agricultural supplier in Nebraska and surrounding states, announced March 2 the acquisition of four aerial application businesses to service its agronomy owner-patrons throughout its multi-state trade area. The acquired aerial businesses include: • Boardman Aerial Spraying – Henderson, NE • Pioneer Aerial Applicators – Minden, NE • Buffalo Aerial Services – Kearney, NE • Traudt Aerial Service – Aurora, NE The acquisition, along with the company’s owned aerial businesses in Grant, NE, (Cornhusker Ag Aviation), and Bertrand, NE, (FFC), will create one of the largest agricultural aerial application businesses in the United States. Owners of the Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:40:09 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Illinois_Farm_Bureau__Ag_Can_Lead_the_Way_in_2010_Job_Creation-90985.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Illinois_Farm_Bureau__Ag_Can_Lead_the_Way_in_2010_Job_Creation-90985.html At a recent town hall meeting in Ohio, President Obama vowed to fight to bring jobs back to hard-hit communities. He said he would never stop fighting for an economy in which "hard work is rewarded, where responsibility is honored, [and] where accountability is upheld." I would suggest that there is no better place to find such noble traits than in the farm fields of America. Because of these noble traits, agriculture is in a unique position to lead when it comes to creating jobs in the U.S. Economists predict many jobs shed in the recession might Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:36:49 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/CBS_Evening_News_Report_Explains_High_Fructose_Corn_Syrup_Essentially_Identical_to_Sugar-90984.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/CBS_Evening_News_Report_Explains_High_Fructose_Corn_Syrup_Essentially_Identical_to_Sugar-90984.html Washington—CBS Evening News with Katie Couric March 10 ran a report, "Is high fructose corn syrup really so bad?" prepared by CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller. In the report, Ms. Miller noted, "High fructose corn syrup is just sugar with an image problem." CBS Evening News In commenting on the CBS story, Audrae Erickson, president, Corn Refiners Association concluded, "This CBS Evening News story corrects the record on an important health and nutrition matter for American consumers. "There is no nutritional difference between high fructose corn syrup and sugar. "A sugar is a sugar whether it comes from cane, corn, or Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:21:04 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/OSHA_Extends_Comment_Period_on_Restoring_Work_Related_Muscoluskeletal_Disorders_Column_to_Form_300__Federal_Register_-90977.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/OSHA_Extends_Comment_Period_on_Restoring_Work_Related_Muscoluskeletal_Disorders_Column_to_Form_300__Federal_Register_-90977.html http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-4988.htm Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:05:00 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/EPA_Renews_Charter_for_Farm__Ranch__and_Rural_Communities_Advisory_Committee_for_Two_Years__Federal_Register_-90975.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/EPA_Renews_Charter_for_Farm__Ranch__and_Rural_Communities_Advisory_Committee_for_Two_Years__Federal_Register_-90975.html http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-4549.htm Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:45:20 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Wheat_Exports_to_Japan_and_Korea_to_Be_Disrupted_Due_to_Repairs_to_Locks_on_Colombia_and_Snake_Rivers__Business_Week_-90966.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/U_S__Wheat_Exports_to_Japan_and_Korea_to_Be_Disrupted_Due_to_Repairs_to_Locks_on_Colombia_and_Snake_Rivers__Business_Week_-90966.html http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-11/japan-korea-may-face-u-s-wheat-supply-disruption-update1-.html Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:22:02 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Arizona_Cotton_Research_and_Protection_Council_Seeks_Exemption_from_Tolerance_Requirements_for_Aspergillus_Flavus_AF36_on_Corn__Federal_Register_-90962.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Arizona_Cotton_Research_and_Protection_Council_Seeks_Exemption_from_Tolerance_Requirements_for_Aspergillus_Flavus_AF36_on_Corn__Federal_Register_-90962.html http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-4323.htm Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:23:06 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/ARS_Sends_Third_Seed_Shipment_to_Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault_in_Norway-90947.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/ARS_Sends_Third_Seed_Shipment_to_Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault_in_Norway-90947.html http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100311.htm Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:05:06 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/AGRO__Formerly_AAWCO__Launches_New_Web_Site-90908.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/AGRO__Formerly_AAWCO__Launches_New_Web_Site-90908.html The Association of Grain Regulatory Offices (AGRO) would like to invite you to visit our new website, www.agroonline.org. New features include a Discussion Forum area available to Regular and Affiliate members, easy links to state statutes, easier correction of information by viewers of the website and other improvements. The site allows for payment of annual dues and summer meeting registration. To access the members section, please complete the registration form, at http://agroonline.org/members/index.htm. Soon after we receive your registration, we'll send you a note with your login information. Please visit soon!! The annual summer meeting has been set for July 25-28, 2010 at the Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:58:03 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Warm_Weather_Aids_Kansas_Wheat_Crop__Eagle_-90929.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Warm_Weather_Aids_Kansas_Wheat_Crop__Eagle_-90929.html http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/09/1217005/warm-weather-bolsters-kansas-wheat.html Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:02:01 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Canada_Wheat_Exports_Could_Benefit_From_U_S____Brazil_Tariff_Dispute__Reuters_-90928.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Canada_Wheat_Exports_Could_Benefit_From_U_S____Brazil_Tariff_Dispute__Reuters_-90928.html http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE6283O720100309 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:26:48 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Global_Crop_Diversity_Trust_Collects_Wild_Relatives_of_Crops_to_Help_Combat_Climate_Change_Impact_on_Food_Security__Reuters_-90926.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Global_Crop_Diversity_Trust_Collects_Wild_Relatives_of_Crops_to_Help_Combat_Climate_Change_Impact_on_Food_Security__Reuters_-90926.html http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6272DL Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:09:10 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_ERS_Updates_Season_Average_Price_Forecasts_Data_Sets-90921.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_ERS_Updates_Season_Average_Price_Forecasts_Data_Sets-90921.html http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/PriceForecast/ Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:57:53 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_and_DOJ_Announce_Schedule_for_Ag_Competition_and_Regulation_Workshop_in_Des_Moines__IA_on_March_12-90920.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/USDA_and_DOJ_Announce_Schedule_for_Ag_Competition_and_Regulation_Workshop_in_Des_Moines__IA_on_March_12-90920.html Washington—The Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced March 10 an updated schedule and panelists for the first joint public workshop, which will be held on March 12, 2010, in Ankeny, Iowa, to explore competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The workshop will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). The workshops, which were first announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 5, 2009, are the first joint Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition and regulatory issues Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:53:33 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/FAPRI__Economic_Turnaround_and_Bioenergy_Mandates_to_Grow_Demand_for_Food__Feed__and_Fuel-90919.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/FAPRI__Economic_Turnaround_and_Bioenergy_Mandates_to_Grow_Demand_for_Food__Feed__and_Fuel-90919.html Washington—Despite the recent slowdown in the world economy and supply response to earlier dramatic price increases, which depresses commodity prices in the short run, the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute projects that an economic turnaround and bioenergy mandates will grow demand for food, feed, and fuel, stimulating trade and price recovery over the rest of the decade. FAPRI analysts briefed Congress this week on their 2010 agricultural economic baseline projections, known as the FAPRI Outlook. According to the Outlook, the slowdown in the world economy in 2009 proved to be deeper and more widespread than originally anticipated, with a Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:02:34 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/CME_Group_to_Launch_Crude_Palm_Oil_Futures_Contracts-90915.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/CME_Group_to_Launch_Crude_Palm_Oil_Futures_Contracts-90915.html Chicago and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, announced March 8 the launch of a dollar-denominated, cash-settled crude palm oil futures contract scheduled to begin trading on May 23, 2010, for trade date May 24. Crude palm oil is the most consumed edible oil in the world. These contracts will be listed with, and subject to, the rules and regulations of CME. Crude palm oil is contained in a multitude of diverse products, from cooking oils and soaps to biodiesel fuel. Settlement prices at expiration of the new electronically traded futures contract will be based Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:44:57 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Canadian_Grain_Commission_Issues_Canadian_Grain_Exports__Crop_Year_2008_09_Report-90911.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Canadian_Grain_Commission_Issues_Canadian_Grain_Exports__Crop_Year_2008_09_Report-90911.html http://www.grainscanada.gc.ca/statistics-statistiques/cge-ecg/annual/exports-08-09-eng.pdf Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:42:01 CST http://www.grainnet.com/articles/IL_Soybean_Assn__CEO_Lyle_Roberts_to_Retire-90910.html http://www.grainnet.com/articles/IL_Soybean_Assn__CEO_Lyle_Roberts_to_Retire-90910.html Bloomington, IL—Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Lyle Roberts has announced he will retire in the fall, after more than 25 years of service to the state's soybean farmers and 40 years of service to agriculture. Roberts will officially retire September 1, 2010, at the beginning of ISA's fiscal year. "I have enjoyed my work with the ISA. "Illinois is fortunate to have a progressive soybean farmer board that has always been on the cutting edge of research and market development efforts worldwide," says Roberts. "ISA leaders also have always had a close working relationship with the four state