May 18, 2012
WHEAT HARVEST POSTING STRONG YIELDS. . . . .Wheat harvest kicked off to a good start this week with yields in the 80 bushel range not uncommon for growers. Reports of fields harvesting 100 bu per acre have been reported. Additionally, new wheat markets are developing as Peco (formerly Townsend) is reportedly seeking to source wheat for the next 6-weeks.
UNIVERSITY STUDY TRACKS FUEL SAVINGS WITH ETHANOL. . . . .America's growing use of domestically produced ethanol reduced wholesale gasoline prices by an average of $1.09 per gallon in 2011, according to updated research conducted by economics professors at the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State University. The 2011 results, which are up from an average impact of $0.89 per gallon in 2010, were released this week by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.
U.S. COLOMBIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTED. . . . .The Colombia FTA went into effect on Tuesday May 15. The FTA reduces U.S. duties on many products: rice will be allowed in under a TRQ and corn and soybeans will receive immediate duty free access. U.S. market share for corn and soybeans was eroded after Argentina signed an FTA with Colombia three years ago. In marketing year 2011-12, the US only exported 154 million bushels of corn to Colombia. Under the FTA, U.S. corn producers would gain immediate access to the Colombian market for 2.1 million metric tons of corn at zero percent duty (historically U.S. has had more than 80% market share in Colombia). The Arkansas Farm Bureau is working with the Grains Council to bring a Colombian buying team to Arkansas in July.
JOE FOX ON THE JOB AS ARKANSAS STATE FORESTER - On Monday, May 14, Joe Fox joined the Arkansas Forestry Commission as State Forester, appointed by Gov. Mike Beebe.
WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE ARKANSAS WATERSHEDS - State Conservationist Mike Sullivan announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving impaired watersheds located within the Bayou Bartholomew watershed in Arkansas. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will manage the initiative by making funds available to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in the selected watersheds.
JIM CRAMER INTERVIEWS USDA SECRETARY TOM VILSACK . . . Jim Cramer of CNBC’s Mad Money recently interviewed USDA Sec. Vilsack. Topics discussed were ethanol, commodity prices, food costs, biotech, trade agreements, and feeding 7 billion people.
To watch the full interview, click on the following link:
Mad Money - USDA Sec Vilsack
CORN WEBINAR THURSDAY AT 11:00 AM. . . . .Recordings of the weekly corn producer webinars are available online at
http://www.arfb.com/media-communications/webex/default.aspx The first two webinars covered fertilizer timing, nutrient deficiencies, insect threats and more. The series will continue throughout the growing season on Thursdays at 11a.m. To join the conference, follow the instructions below:
You have 3 options to join:
Option 1: Download Webex Ap and Join from Smartphone or Tablet
Click the link:
https://arfb.webex.com/arfb/j.php?ED=198284012&UID=0&PW=NMzEzZTJkMmI3&RT=MiM3
OR
Open the Ap: Enter Meeting Number: 572 822 694 and Password: WCPU12
Option 2: Call 1-877-668-4490
enter Meeting Number/Access Code: 572 822 694
when asked for attendee ID press #
Option 3: Join from Computer
Click the link:
https://arfb.webex.com/arfb/j.php?ED=198284012&UID=0&PW=NMzEzZTJkMmI3&RT=MiM3
Enter your name and email when prompted and click "Join Now".
Say Yes or OK to any boxes which pop up
Click Join using computer or enter your phone number area code first to have Webex call you back
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION 2012 SUMMER DIVISION MEETING SCHEDULE
Dairy
|
June 05
|
Conference Call |
9:00 AM |
Bruce Tencleve |
| Horticulture |
June 05 |
Conference Call |
8:00 PM |
Bruce Tencleve |
| Forestry |
June 06 |
Baucum Nursery, Little Rock |
10:00 AM |
Matt King |
| Beef Cattle |
June 07 |
Agora Conf. Center – Conway |
9:30 AM |
Travis Justice |
| Equine |
June 07 |
Agora Conf. Center – Conway |
9:30 AM |
Travis Justice |
| Poultry |
June 07 |
Agora Conf. Center – Conway |
9:30 AM |
Bruce Tencleve |
| Swine |
June 07 |
Agora Conf. Center – Conway |
9:30 AM |
Evan Teague |
| Rice |
June 18 |
Rice Research & Ext. Center – Stuttgart
|
10:00 AM |
Brandy Carroll |
| Soybeans |
June 18 |
Rice Research & Ext. Center – Stuttgart |
10:00 AM |
Brandy Carroll |
WFG
|
June 18 |
Rice Research & Ext. Center – Stuttgart |
10:00 AM |
Matt King |
| Cotton |
June 19
|
Conference Call |
8:00 AM |
Gene Martin |
| Aquaculture |
June 21 |
Conference Call |
1:00 PM |
Gene Martin |
GENERAL MOTORS PRIVATE OFFER. . . Members can save $500 on qualifying 2011/2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicles. Complete details at
http://www.arfb.com/member_services/gm/
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