“Administration-Moves on Deficit”
President Obama opened a “Fiscal Responsibility Summit” at the White House Monday with a pledge to cut in half the nation’s 1.3 trillion dollar deficit by the end of his first term. He also promised to observe “pay-as-you-go” budget rules. Those rules require increased spending or tax cuts to be offset by spending cuts or revenue increases elsewhere. The President’s proposed budget will be released this Thursday and could impact agriculture. Obama is expected to let some tax cuts, championed by former President Bush, expire on schedule in 2011. That would raise the tax bill for families earning more than 250-thousand dollars a year. And families with estates in excess of 3.5 million dollars would pay more in taxes.
**************************************************************
“House Dems Release Spending Measure”
Also on Monday, House Democratic leaders released a 410-billion dollar omnibus spending measure that would wrap up work on the fiscal year 2009 appropriations bills. The bill’s writers say this bill works in harmony with the economic recovery package, making investments that address the country’s immediate needs while investing in our long term economic strength. Of interest to agriculture, the bill would increase funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts; make strong investments in cutting edge science; and addresses Healthcare Access and Affordability. The bill also reduces earmarks by 5 percent, building on last year’s reduction of 43 percent.
*************************************************************
"Expected Announcements from President Obama"
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate Kathleen Merrigan to the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture post. Merrigan is currently an Assistant Professor and Director of the Agriculture, Food and Environment MS and PhD program at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston. But from 1999 to 2001 - she was Administrator of USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Merrigan has also served as an expert consultant at the Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and as a staff member on the Senate Agriculture Committee. In other positions of interest to agriculture - Obama plans to nominate Joe Cannon as Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Tom Strickland, Chief of Staff and Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior.
*************************************************************
“Court Issues Injunction Against California.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California has issued a preliminary injunction finding that federal laws preempts a California law regarding regulations applied at federally inspected meat packing establishments. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence O'Neill ruled that the Federal Meat Inspection Act preempts a California law that requires all non-ambulatory livestock to immediately be euthanized because the state law is different than and in addition to the federal law and usurps the authority of federal veterinarians and inspectors.
The plaintiffs, the American Meat Institute and the National Meat Association, say they will now seek a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment that the state law is preempted as it pertains to swine and other species that the Food Safety and Inspection Service allows to be processed even if non-ambulatory. There has been no word as to if the state of California will appeal the district court’s ruling.
***************************************************************
“AMI Reacts to COOL Implementation”
American Meat Institute President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle has responded to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's letter asking meat processors to voluntarily go above and beyond the mandatory country-of-origin labeling laws that will take effect March 16. Boyle said AMI is – gratified - that USDA will allow the final rule go into effect as scheduled. But, - it will be up to individual companies to decide whether they take labeling efforts beyond what the law currently prescribes. AMI anticipates that almost 95 percent of beef and pork products will be eligible to bear a "Product of the USA" label once the rule goes live. Boyle says - to the extent that companies are able and elect to go beyond these federal labeling requirements is an individual company decision, which will have to be made in collaboration with a company's retail grocery customers.
***************************************************************
“Senate Committee Members Want Review of Cuba Policy”
A report written by minority committee staffers calls for lifting Bush administration restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba, re-instituting formal bilateral cooperation on drug interdiction and migration, and allowing Cuba to buy U.S. agricultural products on credit. The report stops short of proposing the 47-year-old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba be lifted. The Republican call for review runs parallel with Obama Administration statements. An administration official says it was - not unreasonable - to expect that Obama would ease constraints on Cuba before he attends the mid-April Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. trading partners such as Latin America and Europe maintain diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba. The views of Indiana Senator Richard Lugar are appended to the report. Mr. Lugar wrote, - the debate is important because it has implications for security interests in the Straits of Florida, broader U.S.- Latin American relations, and global perceptions of U.S. foreign policy. Lugar emphasized, - it is clear that the recent leadership changes have created an opportunity for the United States to reevaluate a complex relationship marked by misunderstanding, suspicion, and open hostility.
***************************************************************
“Time to Order Fertilizer”
Last fall’s high fertilizer prices resulted in an abnormally low rate of fall application. This year, farmers may be waiting for prices to fall before they buy. But that could result in fertilizer not being available to them - or at high prices anyway. So, farmers need to bite the bullet and place their orders. According to Dr. Terry Roberts, President of the International Plant Nutrition Institute, cutting back on fertilizer below optimum rates will not reduce the cost of seed, pesticides, fuel, rent, or taxes, but it will decrease yields and it will decrease profits. Roberts reminds producers that - fertilizer is still a good investment. Each dollar spent on fertilizer can return up to two or three dollars or more in profit, depending on conditions.
**************************************************************
“Ag Outlook Forum This Week”
Plans for USDA’s 2009 Agricultural Outlook Forum continue to fall into place. Added to the list of speakers are Lawrence Summers, Director of the National Economic Council and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver the keynote address and more than 140 moderators and speakers will present their expertise and outlooks on agriculture. This year’s Agricultural Outlook Forum is titled: “Global Agriculture & Rural America in Transition" and is will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. USDA has hosted this annual event since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making.
Monday, February 23, 2009
2009 Will Be A Hard Year
Had 2007 not been such a good year for agriculture, 2008 would have been an utter train wreck. That's probably the reason 2009 will be tough, but not impossible for farmers and ranchers in Texas.
Joe Parker is President and Chairman of the Board for First National Bank in Byers, Texas and also servers as 2nd Vice President for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He says "they will continue to underwrite loan applications but will look at them with a tougher eye because of the declining values of so many things". Parker agrees one of the challenges is the correlation between the stock market and commodity prices. However the three most difficult areas facing cattlemen today are: cost of fertilizer, fuel and feed. "It's really hard to budget and project" where any of the three could be going this year.
As for a bit of optimism, the wheat farmer/cattle producer from Byers (about 20 miles Northeast of Wichita Falls) says there might be some stocker and replacement cattle that can be bought at lower prices. "I feel like that it will be a chance for some cattlemen to improve their inventories". "We feel like that the operators who have a good handle on their budgets and can take opportunities to clean up on some efficiencies, will find some good buys out there on equipment and operating inputs" he added. "It's going to be a tough year" Parker adds, offering a dose of reality. "2009 - economically - will be a tough year."
Producers looking for suggestions and ideas for weathering the storm will want to attend the TSCRA's Annual Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth March 20 - 22. For more information CLICK HERE.
Joe Parker is President and Chairman of the Board for First National Bank in Byers, Texas and also servers as 2nd Vice President for Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He says "they will continue to underwrite loan applications but will look at them with a tougher eye because of the declining values of so many things". Parker agrees one of the challenges is the correlation between the stock market and commodity prices. However the three most difficult areas facing cattlemen today are: cost of fertilizer, fuel and feed. "It's really hard to budget and project" where any of the three could be going this year.
As for a bit of optimism, the wheat farmer/cattle producer from Byers (about 20 miles Northeast of Wichita Falls) says there might be some stocker and replacement cattle that can be bought at lower prices. "I feel like that it will be a chance for some cattlemen to improve their inventories". "We feel like that the operators who have a good handle on their budgets and can take opportunities to clean up on some efficiencies, will find some good buys out there on equipment and operating inputs" he added. "It's going to be a tough year" Parker adds, offering a dose of reality. "2009 - economically - will be a tough year."
Producers looking for suggestions and ideas for weathering the storm will want to attend the TSCRA's Annual Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth March 20 - 22. For more information CLICK HERE.
Monday's Headlines
“Final COOL Rule to Go Into Effect As Planned”
U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the final rule for country-of-origin labeling will go into effect March 16th as scheduled. The Secretary also released a letter that invites stakeholders to follow additional voluntary labeling practices. Voicing his support for COOL - Vilsack called the program a critical step toward providing consumers with additional information about the origin of their food. He added USDA will closely review industry compliance with the rule and evaluate the practicality of the suggestions for voluntary actions outlined in his letter. While the rule was under regulatory review - according to a release from USDA - Vilsack determined the best avenue for evaluating the program was allowing it to go into effect and carefully monitoring implementation and compliance by retailers and their suppliers. The evaluation period will give the Secretary the information he needs to decide whether additional rulemaking is necessary to provide consumers with adequate information.
*****************************************************************
“JBS Abandons National Beef Takeover”
Effective this past Friday, U.S. Premium Beef and National Beef Packing Company have terminated their Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with JBS S.A. Premium Beef’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Hunt says the Department of Justice lawsuit filed last fall to block the purchase was what led to the decision to call off the purchase. Still, Hunt says, - we are excited to continue the growth and success of our business on a stand-alone basis. National Beef CEO John Miller says this development has re-energized our management team. Miller added, - we are eagerly looking forward to building on our value-added model while continuing to focus on serving the needs of our customers. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, JBS told Reuters it blamed U.S. authorities who insisted it sell two of its eight North American units so it did not surpass the size of U.S. food giants Tysons Foods and Cargill. JBS added the termination of the purchase effectively renders all litigation moot as well.
*****************************************************************
“Organizations React to End of Merger”
R-CALF USA and the Organization for Competitive Markets expressed their pleasure with the announcement that Brazilian-owned meatpacker JBS has abandoned its bid to take over National Beef Packing Company. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said this takeover bid was defeated by a combination of aggressive opposition from R-CALF USA and OCM. Bullard said our organization’s members - should be proud that they have achieved their goal of blocking this monumental, anticompetitive merger. OCM Executive Director Fred Stokes said this news is extremely welcome and represents a very positive start on what will be a long, hard fight to restore competition to the U.S. cattle market. Stokes added, we must now - focus our collective efforts on reversing the anticompetitive mergers of the past, including JBS' 2008 acquisition of the nation's largest feedlot company when it acquired Smithfield Beef Group. Since March 2008, R-CALF USA and OCM aggressively opposed the JBS/National Beef merger on the grounds that it would exacerbate the distortions already evidenced in the U.S. cattle market and would strengthen JBS' ability to use packer-owned cattle and other forms of captive supplies to manipulate prices paid to hundreds of thousands of independent cattle producers.
**************************************************************
“Reminder About Refuge Requirements”
The National Corn Growers Association reminds U.S. Bt corn growers that the Environmental Protection Agency requires growers to plant a refuge on their farm. These refuge acres ensure that rare resistant insects that feed on insect-protected varieties of corn will mate with susceptible insects and slow the development of resistance. Loss of the technology to resistance could cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars through yield reduction and increased pesticide use. Rob Korff, chairman of NCGA’s Biotechnology Working Group, points out - since the introduction of biotech traits, the vast majority of corn growers have followed refuge requirements to help protect the efficacy of this important technology. He adds - growers must continue to follow these requirements to help preserve its long-term value. To help preserve Bt technology, the EPA established the Compliance Assurance Program. Under the program, thousands of growers are randomly surveyed about their IRM compliance practices each year through EPA mandated on-farm assessments. Growers who do not comply with refuge requirements can lose access to the technology. Similarly, seed dealers who do not follow through on their commitments stand to lose their ability to sell the products.
****************************************************************
“EPA Advisory Committee Meeting”
The Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee, meets in Washington, D.C. beginning today. The 30-member independent advisory committee to the Environmental Protection Agency was formed in 2008 as part of EPA’s efforts to improve its relationship with the agricultural community.
Topics planned for discussion include impacts of EPA agriculture programs on climate change and renewable energy; identification and development of a comprehensive environmental strategy for livestock operations; and development of a constructive approach to sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment. The committee members represent large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; environmental, conservation, and citizens’ groups; and state, local, and tribal governments.
*************************************************************
“WTO Talks Slowly Moving”
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy says just because some countries have undergone political change is now reason to – set on our hands. And that is why, - since the beginning of the new year we have resumed work in all areas of negotiations with all chairman undertaking work according to the plan. And all of this trade talk is taking place without the United States having the benefit of having a Trade Representative in place. Ag Chair, Ambassador Crawford Falconer, says consultations, would have him speaking with each of the main negotiating groups and with some individual delegations such as the European Union. Falconer hopes that after two rounds of negotiations a set of issues could emerge that could be discussed in – small invitation only – meetings. Observers of the trade talks believe not much will happen until the United States has a Trade Representative able to participate in the talks. It could be late March before President Obama’s nominee, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, will be confirmed and briefed on trade policy issues. That might be in time for a meeting of 20 major trading powers in London on April 2nd.
***************************************************************
“President Signed Energy Agreement with Canada”
During his visit to Canada last week President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement to work toward developing clean energy technology. Mr. Obama said, the agreement - will advance carbon reduction technologies. And it will support the development of an electric grid that can help deliver the clean and renewable energy of the future to homes and businesses, both in Canada and the United States. While there, the President also said his election-year promise to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement will have to wait. The U.S. President also warned against a - strong impulse - toward protectionism while the world suffers a global economic recession. Mr. Obama said he wants to find a way to toughen NAFTA’s labor and environmental standards but stressed that nothing should disrupt the free flow of trade between neighbors. President Obama also said, – we've got to be very careful about any signals of protectionism. He explained - as the economy of the world contracts, I think there's going to be a strong impulse on the part of constituencies in all countries to see if we -- they can engage in beggar-thy-neighbor policies.
**************************************************************
“Growing DDGS Exports Help Ethanol Industry”
The U.S. Grains Council’s manager of international operations for DDGS says increasing the exports of distiller’s dried grains with solubles – is critical to the continued success of the U.S. ethanol industry. Dan Keefe says - as ethanol margins have been pinched in recent months, DDGS have become a more important product for maintaining ethanol plant profitability and continued operation. Keefe says - the Council is working around the world 24 hours a day to increase awareness of U.S. DDGS as a feed ingredient and expand demand for the ethanol co-product. In fact, Keefe says, - we are the only organization conducting hands-on market development programs to increase utilization of the co-product in animal rations across the globe. According to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the 2008 calendar year concluded with 4.5 million metric tons of U.S. DDGS entering the overseas marketplace. That’s up 91 percent from 2007. Council programs launched in 2002 introduced the co-product in overseas markets unfamiliar with the product. For example, Turkey, the third largest DDGS market, increased its imports last year near 2 and one-half times.
***************************************************************
“New Biofuel Resource Found”
A desert shrub called Quayule (why-YOU-lee) may prove to be an economical, environmentally friendly source of renewable energy. Right now, guayule is being used to make high-quality gloves, medical devices and other in-demand natural rubber products. But scientists at the Agricultural Research Service’s Western Region Research Center in Albany, California, say bioenergy can be made from ground-up Quayule stems and branches; left after their white, rubber-rich latex has been removed. The leftovers--a soft, light brown sawdust-like material called bagasse--provide 8-thusand to 9-thousand Btu per pound, about the same as charcoal. Researchers are looking into converting Quayule bagasse into bio-oil and synthetic gas. They say Guayule isn't a food or feed crop, so using it for energy production won't compete with those uses. Guayule's bagasse and latex are available year round. The only other biofuel feedstock available continuously right now is garbage from municipal solid waste. Guayule shrubs can be harvested for the first time as early as two years after planting, and are ready to harvest again in about another year and a half. In addition, guayule thrives in hot, dry ecosystems where many other biofuel crops wouldn't grow well.
***************************************************************
“Corn Contest Yields Insight”
Commodity Classic begins this Thursday in Grapevine, Texas. This meeting is where the National Corn Growers Association, The American Soybean Association, The National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers will meet separately and in combined programs. More than 45-hundred growers and their families and industry representatives are expected to participate. Some of the corn growers attending will be discussing the latest results of the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest and a study released by Informa, a data analysis company. The Informa report found that when comparing National Agricultural Statistics Service corn production figures to contest figures, contest participants average yields are - at least 10 years ahead of everyone else. How is all of this increase in production occuring? It all deals with plant counts. Based on the reams of data provided on each participating farm, one can have a good look at some yield-boosting techniques. And these techniques are setting the future of corn growing. Dave Alley, senior consultant for Informa , says - the contest is a leading indicator of what the future holds for corn innovation and corn potential.
U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the final rule for country-of-origin labeling will go into effect March 16th as scheduled. The Secretary also released a letter that invites stakeholders to follow additional voluntary labeling practices. Voicing his support for COOL - Vilsack called the program a critical step toward providing consumers with additional information about the origin of their food. He added USDA will closely review industry compliance with the rule and evaluate the practicality of the suggestions for voluntary actions outlined in his letter. While the rule was under regulatory review - according to a release from USDA - Vilsack determined the best avenue for evaluating the program was allowing it to go into effect and carefully monitoring implementation and compliance by retailers and their suppliers. The evaluation period will give the Secretary the information he needs to decide whether additional rulemaking is necessary to provide consumers with adequate information.
*****************************************************************
“JBS Abandons National Beef Takeover”
Effective this past Friday, U.S. Premium Beef and National Beef Packing Company have terminated their Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with JBS S.A. Premium Beef’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Hunt says the Department of Justice lawsuit filed last fall to block the purchase was what led to the decision to call off the purchase. Still, Hunt says, - we are excited to continue the growth and success of our business on a stand-alone basis. National Beef CEO John Miller says this development has re-energized our management team. Miller added, - we are eagerly looking forward to building on our value-added model while continuing to focus on serving the needs of our customers. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, JBS told Reuters it blamed U.S. authorities who insisted it sell two of its eight North American units so it did not surpass the size of U.S. food giants Tysons Foods and Cargill. JBS added the termination of the purchase effectively renders all litigation moot as well.
*****************************************************************
“Organizations React to End of Merger”
R-CALF USA and the Organization for Competitive Markets expressed their pleasure with the announcement that Brazilian-owned meatpacker JBS has abandoned its bid to take over National Beef Packing Company. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said this takeover bid was defeated by a combination of aggressive opposition from R-CALF USA and OCM. Bullard said our organization’s members - should be proud that they have achieved their goal of blocking this monumental, anticompetitive merger. OCM Executive Director Fred Stokes said this news is extremely welcome and represents a very positive start on what will be a long, hard fight to restore competition to the U.S. cattle market. Stokes added, we must now - focus our collective efforts on reversing the anticompetitive mergers of the past, including JBS' 2008 acquisition of the nation's largest feedlot company when it acquired Smithfield Beef Group. Since March 2008, R-CALF USA and OCM aggressively opposed the JBS/National Beef merger on the grounds that it would exacerbate the distortions already evidenced in the U.S. cattle market and would strengthen JBS' ability to use packer-owned cattle and other forms of captive supplies to manipulate prices paid to hundreds of thousands of independent cattle producers.
**************************************************************
“Reminder About Refuge Requirements”
The National Corn Growers Association reminds U.S. Bt corn growers that the Environmental Protection Agency requires growers to plant a refuge on their farm. These refuge acres ensure that rare resistant insects that feed on insect-protected varieties of corn will mate with susceptible insects and slow the development of resistance. Loss of the technology to resistance could cost U.S. farmers billions of dollars through yield reduction and increased pesticide use. Rob Korff, chairman of NCGA’s Biotechnology Working Group, points out - since the introduction of biotech traits, the vast majority of corn growers have followed refuge requirements to help protect the efficacy of this important technology. He adds - growers must continue to follow these requirements to help preserve its long-term value. To help preserve Bt technology, the EPA established the Compliance Assurance Program. Under the program, thousands of growers are randomly surveyed about their IRM compliance practices each year through EPA mandated on-farm assessments. Growers who do not comply with refuge requirements can lose access to the technology. Similarly, seed dealers who do not follow through on their commitments stand to lose their ability to sell the products.
****************************************************************
“EPA Advisory Committee Meeting”
The Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee, meets in Washington, D.C. beginning today. The 30-member independent advisory committee to the Environmental Protection Agency was formed in 2008 as part of EPA’s efforts to improve its relationship with the agricultural community.
Topics planned for discussion include impacts of EPA agriculture programs on climate change and renewable energy; identification and development of a comprehensive environmental strategy for livestock operations; and development of a constructive approach to sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment. The committee members represent large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; environmental, conservation, and citizens’ groups; and state, local, and tribal governments.
*************************************************************
“WTO Talks Slowly Moving”
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy says just because some countries have undergone political change is now reason to – set on our hands. And that is why, - since the beginning of the new year we have resumed work in all areas of negotiations with all chairman undertaking work according to the plan. And all of this trade talk is taking place without the United States having the benefit of having a Trade Representative in place. Ag Chair, Ambassador Crawford Falconer, says consultations, would have him speaking with each of the main negotiating groups and with some individual delegations such as the European Union. Falconer hopes that after two rounds of negotiations a set of issues could emerge that could be discussed in – small invitation only – meetings. Observers of the trade talks believe not much will happen until the United States has a Trade Representative able to participate in the talks. It could be late March before President Obama’s nominee, Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, will be confirmed and briefed on trade policy issues. That might be in time for a meeting of 20 major trading powers in London on April 2nd.
***************************************************************
“President Signed Energy Agreement with Canada”
During his visit to Canada last week President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed an agreement to work toward developing clean energy technology. Mr. Obama said, the agreement - will advance carbon reduction technologies. And it will support the development of an electric grid that can help deliver the clean and renewable energy of the future to homes and businesses, both in Canada and the United States. While there, the President also said his election-year promise to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement will have to wait. The U.S. President also warned against a - strong impulse - toward protectionism while the world suffers a global economic recession. Mr. Obama said he wants to find a way to toughen NAFTA’s labor and environmental standards but stressed that nothing should disrupt the free flow of trade between neighbors. President Obama also said, – we've got to be very careful about any signals of protectionism. He explained - as the economy of the world contracts, I think there's going to be a strong impulse on the part of constituencies in all countries to see if we -- they can engage in beggar-thy-neighbor policies.
**************************************************************
“Growing DDGS Exports Help Ethanol Industry”
The U.S. Grains Council’s manager of international operations for DDGS says increasing the exports of distiller’s dried grains with solubles – is critical to the continued success of the U.S. ethanol industry. Dan Keefe says - as ethanol margins have been pinched in recent months, DDGS have become a more important product for maintaining ethanol plant profitability and continued operation. Keefe says - the Council is working around the world 24 hours a day to increase awareness of U.S. DDGS as a feed ingredient and expand demand for the ethanol co-product. In fact, Keefe says, - we are the only organization conducting hands-on market development programs to increase utilization of the co-product in animal rations across the globe. According to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the 2008 calendar year concluded with 4.5 million metric tons of U.S. DDGS entering the overseas marketplace. That’s up 91 percent from 2007. Council programs launched in 2002 introduced the co-product in overseas markets unfamiliar with the product. For example, Turkey, the third largest DDGS market, increased its imports last year near 2 and one-half times.
***************************************************************
“New Biofuel Resource Found”
A desert shrub called Quayule (why-YOU-lee) may prove to be an economical, environmentally friendly source of renewable energy. Right now, guayule is being used to make high-quality gloves, medical devices and other in-demand natural rubber products. But scientists at the Agricultural Research Service’s Western Region Research Center in Albany, California, say bioenergy can be made from ground-up Quayule stems and branches; left after their white, rubber-rich latex has been removed. The leftovers--a soft, light brown sawdust-like material called bagasse--provide 8-thusand to 9-thousand Btu per pound, about the same as charcoal. Researchers are looking into converting Quayule bagasse into bio-oil and synthetic gas. They say Guayule isn't a food or feed crop, so using it for energy production won't compete with those uses. Guayule's bagasse and latex are available year round. The only other biofuel feedstock available continuously right now is garbage from municipal solid waste. Guayule shrubs can be harvested for the first time as early as two years after planting, and are ready to harvest again in about another year and a half. In addition, guayule thrives in hot, dry ecosystems where many other biofuel crops wouldn't grow well.
***************************************************************
“Corn Contest Yields Insight”
Commodity Classic begins this Thursday in Grapevine, Texas. This meeting is where the National Corn Growers Association, The American Soybean Association, The National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers will meet separately and in combined programs. More than 45-hundred growers and their families and industry representatives are expected to participate. Some of the corn growers attending will be discussing the latest results of the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest and a study released by Informa, a data analysis company. The Informa report found that when comparing National Agricultural Statistics Service corn production figures to contest figures, contest participants average yields are - at least 10 years ahead of everyone else. How is all of this increase in production occuring? It all deals with plant counts. Based on the reams of data provided on each participating farm, one can have a good look at some yield-boosting techniques. And these techniques are setting the future of corn growing. Dave Alley, senior consultant for Informa , says - the contest is a leading indicator of what the future holds for corn innovation and corn potential.
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