Roy GraberRoy Graber is a senior reporter at WATT Global Media. From the Author - Page 10PoultryChinese agree to buy $5.3 billion worth of US soybeansChinese importers signed letters of intent to purchase more than 13 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans, valued at $5.3 billion, at a ceremony held in Des Moines, Iowa on September 24.PoultryPresident Obama signs US farm bill into lawU.S. President Barack Obama on February 7 signed the 2014farm bill into law during a visit to Michigan State University. The bipartisanlegislation seeks to end direct subsidies to farmers and cut food stamps, whileexpanding government-backed crop insurance plans.Business & MarketsEPA proposes scaled-back Renewable Fuel Standard for 2014The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on November 15 proposed its 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which calls for a reduction in the mandated amounts of corn used for ethanol production in the United States. The proposed new standards are a welcome step for the poultry industry, but until the RFS is eliminated, a true solution to problems with high poultry feed costs will not be found, industry groups say.Animal Feed Manufacturing“Dead Zone” researcher briefs Congress on effects of ethanol policiesEvery year,nitrogen used to fertilize corn fields in the Midwest leaches into theMississippi River and out into the Gulf of Mexico. Experts say thefertilizer feeds a giant algae bloom, which eventually dies and settles to theGulf floor, consuming oxygen and suffocating marine life. The area is known asa “dead zone,” and many say the federal government’s ethanol policies are toblame.PoultryHumanitarian work also benefits US agriculture, Espy saysThe importance of helping people in developing African nations become more efficient as farmers is not lost on former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy. In addition to filling a humanitarian purpose, it also can benefit the agriculture industry in the U.S.HomeHouse speaker assures Congresswoman he’ll name farm bill confereesRep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., said U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner has assured her that he will appoint members to the House-Senate farm bill conference committee before October ends. With Senate farm bill conference committee members already selected, the naming of house committee members will allow formal farm bill negotiations to begin.Animal Feed ManufacturingWilbur-Ellis Feed Division expanding to the east, southThe Wilbur-Ellis Feed Division, based in Vancouver, Wash., is stretching out from its traditional Western territory and continues to look at options for growth. Rob Fullerton, who after a 21-year stint with the company took over as feed division president on July 1, is excited to take over the leadership role as Wilbur-Ellis expands.Animal Feed ManufacturingAnimal feed costs could drop as grain prices forecast lowerPoultry and livestock producers should see some relief from high animal feed costs, as the price of corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum have all been forecast lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, released on March 8. Corn prices are projected 20 cents a bushel lower, with a range of $6.75 to $7.45.PoultrySome signs of optimism for poultry industryLike many agricultural bankers, Steve Hatz has heard pessimistic comments about the drought and its effects on feed grain prices and the overall economic state of the poultry industry. But the senior vice president of Bank of the West, whose animal protein portfolio includes broiler, egg, hog and cattle producers across the Midwest, sees plenty of signs of optimism.Animal Feed ManufacturingBrazilian animal feed production down three percent in 2012Production in the Brazil animal feed industry decreased about three percent in 2012, according to data from Sindirações, the Brazilian Feed Industry Association.Animal Feed ManufacturingUSDA to start releasing reports at noonWhen the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases its crop reports on January 11, it will be the first time they are released at noon, Eastern Time. The previous release time was at 8:30 a.m., also Eastern Time.Animal Feed Regulations & SafetyAFIA, K-State hosting feed safety courseThe American Feed Industry Association, along with the International Grains Program of the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University, has partnered to offer "Advanced Feed Manufacturing Focusing on Feed Safety," Feb. 18-21, 2013, in Manhattan, Kan.Previous PagePage 10 of 11Next Page
