CROP NEWS WEEKLY Penton Media July 1, 2009 Volume 9 Issue 25 If you want to view this on the web go to: http://enews.penton.com/enews/cropnewsweekly/v/333 EDITOR'S NOTE Logan Hawkes 07/01/09 Happy Independence Week! Amid all the planting, spraying and cultivating, it's time once again to observe our National Independence this weekend. The annual Fourth celebration rarely falls on the weekend, but this Saturday most farmers get the chance to fire up the smoker out back and spend a few hours with the family as we observe the founding of our Nation. Sure, it's just another day in the week; another day for the seedlings and weeds to grow and yet another distraction from the farming business that burdens the grower who spends countless hours each day nurturing the fields. But for Americans it's also one of most important holidays of the year. It reminds us that we have the opportunity to ply our trade and plow our fields in relative safety, protected by a constitutional guarantee of freedom and liberty and justice for all. We shouldn't take it lightly. Many have died protecting those principles, and it is good and just for us to honor the day appropriately. Happy Fourth to all! In the news this week, reports are out that indicate soybean acres are at a record high. There are still weather problems across much of the Midwest. There's a growing fear of more ag cutbacks this year and plenty of room for concern over water and environmental programs. You can catch up with all the latest in this issue. Happy reading! FROM OUR EDITORS --Soybean acres at record high U.S. farmers planted a record-breaking soybean crop this spring, according to USDA's June 30 Planted Acreage report. According to the estimate, soybean acres are up 2 percent from last year, while corn acres are up 1 percent. Cotton acres are down 4 percent. Soybean planted area for 2009 is estimated at a record high 77.5 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Area for harvest, at 76.5 million acres, is up 3 percent from 2008, and will be the largest harvested area on record, if realized. - Elton Robinson, Farm Press Editorial Staff To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/soybeans/soybean-acreage-0630/ --Ag cutbacks threaten no-till Recent legislation supported by President Obama is a threat to farmers across the U.S. Obama's proposed budget would cut hundreds of millions of dollars from conservation programs that was promised under the 2008 farm bill. The President's budget would cut $30 million in funding in 2010, and $175 million over the next three years. Another program under-the-gun from the President's proposed cuts is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, which is earmarked for a $250 million cut. - Roy Roberson, Farm Press Editorial Staff To view the full article go to: http://southeastfarmpress.com/grains/soil-conservation-0626/ --Biotechnology to improve seeds Biotechnology offers a realistic means to not only improve important seed components, but also to boost the overall nutritional quality of seeds, according to a recently published book edited and partly written by Hari B. Krishnan, an Agricultural Research Service scientist. The book, "Modification of Seed Composition to Promote Health and Nutrition," can serve as a textbook for students as well as a primer for scientists, according to Krishnan, a molecular biologist at the ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia, Mo. Published by the Crop Science Society of America, the new book contains up-to-date information on biotechnological improvements of seed composition from some of the world's leading scientists in the field. To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/news/biotechnology-seed-0625/ --NCGA commends amendment The National Corn Growers Association has commended House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson for his negotiations on pending climate change legislation, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. (For more, see 'House climate bill deal' below) "We appreciate the dedication Chairman Peterson has shown to U.S. corn growers and the agriculture industry during this legislative process," said Bob Dickey, NCGA president. "He has been a true champion for our industry during negotiations and his amendment to the climate change legislation will make several steps in the right direction." - National Corn Growers Association To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/legislative/ncga-climate-bill-0626/ --ACRE educational campaign Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is urging producers to learn about the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program before the August sign-up deadline. Congress created ACRE in the 2008 farm bill to give producers an additional option to help manage the risks associated with farming. Farm Service Agency Administrator Doug Caruso has launched an educational campaign on the ACRE program this week in North Dakota during a series of meetings with farmers, including an event with the North Dakota Farmer's Union. "The ACRE Program is an innovative risk management tool and I encourage producers to seriously consider whether to adopt this option," said Vilsack. To view the full article go to: http://southeastfarmpress.com/markets/farm-payments-0625/ --Latest honey bee losses Honey bee colony losses nationwide were approximately 29 percent from all causes from September 2008 to April 2009, according to a survey conducted by the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is less than the overall losses of about 36 percent from 2007 to 2008, and about 32 percent from 2006 to 2007, that have been reported in similar surveys. "While the drop in losses is encouraging, losses of this magnitude are economically unsustainable for commercial beekeeping," said Jeff Pettis, research leader of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. ARS is USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency. To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/news/honey-bee-losses-0626/ --Corn yields/climate patterns New mathematical models developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists and colleagues could eventually help farmers use climate patterns to predict corn yields. Farmers could use this information, which indicates yield cycles of about two years, to adjust their production practices. For instance, crops grown in low-yield years may require less fertilizer. These adjustments, in turn, could reduce the flow of excess nitrate from crop fertilizers into the surrounding watershed, which may help control hypoxia downstream in the Gulf of Mexico. To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/corn/corn-yields-0626/ --Concerns: Water quality policy Recent actions by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seem to signal a move away from locally-led, cooperative approaches to controlling nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and toward greater federal regulation, said Trey Lam, president of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) in a letter sent to the members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation. To view the full article go to: http://southwestfarmpress.com/news/water-quality-0625/ RICHARD BROCK ---------------------------------------- LITTLE PLANTING PROGRESS IN CORN BELT Because of persistent and often generous rains in the southern Corn Belt and Midsouth, only another 4% of the soybean crop got planted last week. USDA reported Monday afternoon that 91% of the crop had been planted as of this past weekend. Using USDA initial soybean plantings estimate, that calculates out to 6.84 million unplanted acres. However, dry conditions this week should allow for rapid completion of the soybean planting season, with the exception of double-cropped acres that must wait until after wheat is harvested. The concern is how much yield potential has been lost in fields planted after June 15. Only 84% of the soybean crop nationwide had emerged as of this past weekend. The five-year average for emergence is 90%. The soybean crop that is up and growing is in pretty good shape. USDA now says 67% of soybean acreage is in good or excellent shape, up from 66% last week. http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/richardbrock/0623-small-planting-progress/ ---------------------------------------- AUDIO/VIDEO FEATURES ---------------------------------------- TWO VARIETIES - ONE FIELD (http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/tv/) This air cart seeds two bean varieties, based on soil pH, yield maps, soil type, drainage and other variables, as explained in this informative video with host Ben Rahe, Advisor, Premier Crop Systems... - from CSD LIVE Watch the video (http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/tv/) ISOBUS TESTED AT NEBRASKA TRACTOR LAB (http://farmindustrynews.com/tv/recent/0625-ISOBUS-progress-tested/) Roger Hoy, director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, reports on the progress of this ISOBUS standards test site for North America. - from FIN-TV Watch the video (http://farmindustrynews.com/tv/recent/0625-ISOBUS-progress-tested/) ---------------------------------------- MORE MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS ---------------------------------------- GREEN SHOOTS AND KILLING FROST By examining this title, you might think that I have turned into an agronomist or the weatherman. Well, neither would be the most appropriate response. This is a reaction to the media and government's speculation concerning a possible turnaround in the economy, referring to positive components as "green shoots." If one examines the global economy from the last quarter of 2008 to its current status, one could concur that the economy was in rapid decline. Will it make a robust rebound? Projected North American growth was slightly below 1%, which is very similar to the outlook for the last quarter of 2008. However, the actual output growth was negative 6.3% and 6.1%, demonstrating rapid decline. Japan and South Korea were projected to have a slightly positive to slightly negative growth rate. Within six months, GDP was negative 12% and negative 20%, respectively. Brazil and Australia faced similar fates. - Dave Kohl, Corn & Soybean Digest http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/davidkohl/0630-green-shoots/ QUICK POLL QUESTION This week's poll question: Have you had glyphosate resistance problems to the extent that you have to spray with another chemistry to finish the job? * YES * NO Log on now to the Corn & Soybean Digest and take our quick poll. We would all like to know your answer! (And check the current results while you're there) http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/">VOTE NOW CLIMATE BILL PASSES HOUSE After robust debate Friday, June 26, the House of Representatives passed cap and trade legislation by a narrow margin, 212 to 219. Over 40 Democrats voted with Republicans against the bill. Eight Republicans crossed the aisle to vote for the 1,300-page bill, now headed to the Senate where another close vote is expected. The House bill passed only after lengthy negotiations between Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. (For more, see House climate bill deal reached) Their joint efforts are likely only the first step in climate-based legislation this year with international negotiations for a new climate change treaty set to begin shortly. A lengthy list of agriculture advocacy groups has credited Peterson with ensuring the farming community will be able to benefit from a carbon offset program and market while removing some of the more controversial aspects from play. - Farm Press http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/ag-issues/news/0629-climate-bill-passes/ YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO IGNORE GLYPHOSATE RESISTANCE What makes this study, "U.S. Farmer Awareness of Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds and Resistance Management Strategies" (2009, Vol. 23:308-312), especially important is that it is one of only a few that have compiled information on a broad scale about farmers' perspectives on weed management in glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops. Many of the surveyed farmers, who grow GR crops in six states, reported that they were not very concerned about the emergence of GR weeds. However, the more often glyphosate is used, the more likely GR weeds will evolve. In fact, many weeds are already resistant, and this has and will continue to have economic ramifications. The farmers also tended to believe they could reduce the likelihood of GR weed proliferation most effectively by following the glyphosate label's instructions for use. Fewer understood that tillage and crop rotation are other effective strategies. The farmers' position stemmed from a belief that better herbicides would soon be available to treat GR weeds. However, because of the time commitment and high costs associated with developing these products, they will probably not be available for several more years. - Corn & Soybean Digest http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/corn/news/0630-glyphosate-resistance-threat/ USDA APPROVES GUARANTEED LOAN FOR COMMERCIAL-SCALE BIODIESEL PLANT Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA Rural Development has approved a $25 million loan to enable a Minnesota biodiesel facility to diversify its operations and significantly expand the production of advanced biofuels. "The investment announced today helps fulfill the Obama Administration's goal of increasing production of biofuels while securing jobs in the alternative fuels industry," Vilsack said. "This is great news for a community that recently saw this company cease production of its operations due to tough economic conditions." USDA Rural Development is providing SoyMor Biodiesel a $25 million guaranteed loan to purchase equipment that will enable SoyMor to convert multiple types of feed stocks, including an unrefined corn oil waste product from nearby ethanol facilities, into biodiesel. In its current configuration, the plant only has the ability to process soybean oil. - Corn & Soybean Digest http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/ag-issues/news/0629-USDA-approves-loan/ WATER STANDING IN MANY CORN BELT FIELDS It is mid-June and throughout the Corn Belt corn is waist to shoulder high with early planted fields beginning to reveal tassels. Soybeans are all ankle to knee high and early planted beans are beginning to bloom. In a typical year those conditions all might be true, but 2009 is not typical and those descriptions of corn and soybean fields are little more than pipedreams in many regions. A complete assessment will be an important element in many marketing plans. USDA's Weekly Crop Progress Report indicates the Corn Belt is not short of water this spring. In fact, surplus water has hampered crop development in some regions of the eastern Corn Belt. - Corn & Soybean Digest http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/corn/news/0623-corn-belt-field-water/ AG GETS A SAVE (FOR NOW) WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AMENDMENT This week, Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) authored an amendment to the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2454), which helps address serious agricultural concerns. In a press conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday, Peterson said he and others have been working with Senator Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) "to massage the part of the bill that affects agriculture in terms of whether we can develop the next generation of biofuels, and we can have an offset program that we believe works for agriculture . . ." Following the announcement of the amendment, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a letter to Rep. Peterson in support. The RFA has been concerned about the issue of international land use change being incorporated into lifecycle greenhouse gas analyses (as required by the Renewable Fuel Standard/RFS). The RFA points out that the science of international land use impacts is "nascent," and that time is still needed for scientists to come to consensus on scientifically-sound analysis. - Lynn Grooms, Farm Industry News http://blog.farmindustrynews.com/biofuellines/ ---------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER You are subscribed to this newsletter as #email# To subscribe to this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB To unsubscribe from this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB&cid=#message_id#&lid=#list_id#&email=#email# For information on advertising in Crop News Weekly, please contact: Roger Randall at mailto:roger.randall@penton.com For questions concerning delivery of this newsletter, please contact our Customer Service Department at: US Toll Free: 866-505-7173 International: 847-763-9504 or mailto:cropnewsweekly@pbinews.com To get this newsletter in a different format (Text or HTML), or to change your e-mail address, please go to your profile page here: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB&email=#email# Penton Media | 249 W. 17th Street | New York, NY 10011 Copyright 2009, Penton Media. 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