Controversial Keystone XL Pipeline route rejected

Lyons, NE - Americans concerned about the proposed route of the Keystone XL Pipeline received welcome news Wednesday when the Obama administration announced the rejection of a special U.S. State Department permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.

“We applaud President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton for making a common sense decision that protects both Nebraska and the entire nation,” said Johnathon Hladik, Energy Policy Advocate at the Center for Rural Affairs.

Approving the Keystone XL pipeline without an established route through Nebraska would amount to a failure on the part of our federal government to consider the best interests of the American people,” Hladik concluded.

According to a  U.S. State Department news release, the Department has been conducting a transparent, thorough, and rigorous review of TransCanada’s permit application for the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project since 2008. As a result of this process, particularly given the concentration of concerns regarding the proposed route through the Sand Hills area of Nebraska, on November 10, 2011, the Department announced that it could not make a national interest determination regarding the permit application without additional information.

Specifically, the Department called for an assessment of alternative pipeline routes that avoided the uniquely sensitive terrain of the Sand Hills in Nebraska. The Department estimated, in consultation with the State of Nebraska and TransCanada and based on prior projects of similar length and scope, that it could complete the necessary review to make a decision by the first quarter of 2013.

Congress passed the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 on December 23, 2011. The Act provides 60 days for the President to determine whether the Keystone XL pipeline is in the national interest – which, according to the State Department release, the Administration considers insufficient for such a determination. The denial of the permit does not, however, preclude any subsequent permit application or applications for similar projects.

The Center for Rural Affairs rallied along with thousands of other Nebraskans during the past year building opposition to the proposed line, attending hearings across the state and expressing concern about the proposed route of the pipeline.  Many Center supporters and staff members testified in opposition to the pipeline’s projected route, which would travel through 300 miles of Nebraska, including 92 miles across the Sandhills, bringing oil from tar sands in northern Canada to refineries in the southern United States. A determined set of individuals and organizations representing varied interests and communities throughout Nebraska played a pivotal role in the final decision.

“This decision is a win for the innumerable citizens, activists and advocates who made their voice heard,” said Hladik. “While there is still work to be done, we can now be proud that we did our part to protect our air, land and water for this generation and the next.”

Overseas Directors Are USGC’s “Boots on the Ground”
The upcoming U.S. Grains Council 9th International Marketing Conference and 52nd Annual Membership Meeting (Feb. 13-15) in Panama will offer Council members and attendees an unparalleled opportunity to share information with all 10 of the Grains Council’s international directors.

“As your ‘boots on the ground,’ they are in a unique position to share the latest developments in their regions,” said Tom Sleight, USGC vice president of operations and membership.

“In Panama, we will devote an entire lunch session to a ‘meet your international director’ opportunity,” Sleight explained. “Instead of giving formal presentations, our directors will rotate from table to table to facilitate individual interchanges.”

Director-member exchanges at Council meetings present a dynamic trade in information, according to Cary Sifferath, USGC senior regional director for the Mediterranean and Africa.

“I know members value the chance to ask questions and get the latest word on developments in our overseas markets, but we as international or country directors also benefit from hearing what’s going on in Texas, Idaho or Indiana.

“It’s all about sharing information to connect the dots. What we learn from Council members puts us in a stronger position to speak on behalf of U.S. exports when we go back to our country offices.”

For more details on the Panama meeting agenda or to register, go to www.grains.org and click on “upcoming meetings.” Or contact Valerie Smiley, USGC manager of membership, atvsmiley@grains.org.

Federal Agency Consolidations Pose Concerns for USGC, Ag Trade
President Obama requested approval from Congress Friday to consolidate six federal trade and commerce agencies. This consolidation plan concerns the U.S. Grains Council, said Rebecca Bratter, vice president of international operations, because of the impact it will have on agricultural trade. Click here to hear what she had to say.

Panama: Much More than a Canal
Long before the Canal, Panama was a strategic link for Spanish conquistadores. Later as part of the Spanish empire, Panama shipped as much as 60 percent of the gold that flowed into Spanish coffers. To explore this history and culture behind modern Panama, register for one, or all, of the optional tours that the U.S. Grains Council will host during the 9th International Marketing Conference and 52nd Annual Membership Meeting.

The Panama City Tour, Sunday, Feb. 12, will take participants back to the early 1500s, where Balboa first saw the Pacific and where the first Spanish city was founded on the misnamed Southern Ocean.

The USGC tour schedule will include historic Spanish ruins, the city’s colonial sector and a panoramic view of the city at the Pacific entrance to the modern Canal.

On Monday, the Malambo Orphanage Tour presents a rare opportunity to “give back” to our host country. Participants will have a chance to practice the Council’s mission by improving the lives of disadvantaged Panamanian children at the San Jose Malambo Orphanage, run by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy.

Opened in 1890, the orphanage depends on individual and corporate donations to serve 180 children and administer a school for 400 more. Space is limited on this tour, so advance registration is necessary.

For a step back into Panama’s pre-Columbian past, Tuesday’s Handicrafts and Jewelry Tour will take participants to one of Panama City’s best handicrafts markets, where members of the Kuna and Embera tribes sell traditional masks, molas and jewelry, much of it modeled after pre-Columbian artifacts.

Finally, Thursday’s Gamboa Rain Forest Tour opens the door to the vibrant Panamanian rain forest, from research ponds of frogs and fresh-water fish to an orchid nursery and butterfly show. The tour will culminate in a cable car ride through a lush forest canopy to a panoramic view of the Canal and Panama’s Parque Nacional Soberania. Don’t miss the exceptional photo opportunities.

For complete meeting details or to register, go to www.grains.org or contact Valerie Smiley, USGC manager of membership, at vsmiley@grains.org.

COUNCIL NEWS

Council says Farewell to Sean Callanan
Sean Callanan, current USGC manager of programs, will depart the U.S. Grains Council on Jan. 29, 2012, to join a new initiative at the Cotton Council International (CCI) as program manager – greater Europe. Sean has been a recognized asset at the Council. The knowledge and experience he brought to the position will be missed.

Do you find the information in Global Update useful? If so, be sure to pass it on to your friends and colleagues who might benefit from learning more about the U.S. Grains Council’s programs to build demand for U.S. grains and increase market access around the world. If they would like to receive Global Update directly, encourage them to contact Marri Carrow at mcarrow@grains.orgwith their name, company and e-mail to subscribe.

Don’t miss an issue of Global Update! Make sure you continue to receive Global Update without interruption by adding mcarrow@grains.org, teder@grains.org or lerbsharkey@grains.org to your e-mail program’s safe senders list, also called a white list.

The U.S. Grains Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact the U.S. Grains Council.

Center for Rural Affairs Offers Farm Bill Help Line to Assist Producers

Lyons, NE - The Farm Service Agency recently announced that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is now available nationwide.
The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides federal loan guarantees to retiring farmers and landowners who self-finance the sale of their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

“With land values continuing to escalate, beginning farmers and ranchers face ever greater challenges in gaining access to land,” said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Rural Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. “The program is designed to encourage private land contract sales by providing a degree of protection to the retiring farmer whose retirement savings is often in the land and farm.  This protection may be the incentive some need to take that step and self-finance the sale of their land to a beginning farmer and rancher.”

In order to be eligible for this program, a farmer needs to self-finance the sale of their land, and sell to either a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer.

The buyer of the farm or ranch must be a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher;  not be larger than a family farm (in which most of the management and labor is provided by family members); have an acceptable credit history demonstrated by satisfactory debt repayment; be the owner or operator of the farm or ranch when the contract is complete; and be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere without a guarantee to finance actual needs at reasonable rates or terms.

Under this program, the seller of the farmland has two guarantee options:

• A “prompt payment” guarantee that covers three amortized annual installments or an amount equaling three amortized annual installments; or
• A standard asset guarantee that covers an amount equal to 90 percent of the outstanding principle of the loan provided that the seller obtains a servicing agent.

For either option, the loan guarantee stays in effect for 10 years.  The purchase price or appraisal value of the farm or ranch that is the subject of the contract sale cannot be greater than $500,000.  The buyer of the farm and ranch must contribute at least 5 percent as the down payment for the land.

Farmers and ranchers interested in this program should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Bruckner also encourages farmers, ranchers and others to call the Center for Rural Affairs’ Farm Bill Helpline with questions about the application process as well as other farm and conservation program options that beginning and established farmers and ranchers can access.  Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

Retiring land owners looking to find the right beginning farmer or rancher to sell or transfer their land to can also register for the Land Link Program.

The Center’s Land Link program matches beginning farmers looking for land with established landowners, increasing opportunities for new farmers while promoting good stewardship. The process includes retirement planning, new farmer financing, farm business, and environmental assessment in order to ease transitions of family operations from the retiring generation to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Parties specifically interested in participating in Land Link should call Virginia Wolking with the Center for Rural Affairs at (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.

Proven Program Helps Create Rural Jobs
By Steph Larsen, stephl@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

In two short years the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP), administered through USDA, has proven to be a solid job creator in rural America. The program provides loan capital and technical assistance grants to small business development organizations to make loans and provide support to startup and existing rural businesses.

RMAP loan funds can be used to purchase real estate and allow for a loan term of up to 10 years. They are filling a previously unmet financial need.

The Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) received an RMAP award in December 2010. In less than a year, REAP placed 14 loans totaling $559,000, creating 18 jobs, and saving 9 jobs. The entrepreneurs receiving these loans were unable to receive financing through traditional sources.

More than 90 small business development organizations in 40 states have received awards under the program.

Unfortunately, Congress passed the bill that cuts funding for the program.

The impact of this move is that hundreds of entrepreneurs will not receive the loans or training from this otherwise successful program. For some, it may mean closing their doors.

The good news is that the program still exists, and existing loans are already helping rural entrepreneurs.

The Program can continue to make a positive impact for small businesses. When rural entrepreneurs have the skills and funds to make their ventures successful, they create the jobs we need for a healthy economy and vibrant communities. Congress can do their part by restoring funding for the program.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Each month, the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown, raised or processed in the state. This month, Colorado beans are featured in our Pinto Bean, Vegetable and Tortilla Soup recipe.

Available Now…Beans

Colorado produces a wide range of bean varieties including pinto, light red kidney and black. In 2010, Colorado ranked eighth nationally in dry bean production with 125 million pounds, valued at $30 million. Beans are high in protein and fiber and low in fat, calories and sodium. A diet including beans may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Look for Colorado beans at your local grocery store or at restaurants across the state.

Pinto Bean, Vegetable and Tortilla Soup

Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC

Serves 8

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Small Yellow Onion, diced
• 3 Ribs Celery with Leaves, diced
• 3 Carrots, diced
• 2 Zucchini, diced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Tbsp. Garlic, pureed
• 1 Jalapeno, diced with seeds
• 4 6” Corn Tortillas, cut into thin strips
• 1 14.5 oz. Can Crushed Tomato
• 3 32 oz. Containers Vegetable Cooking Stock, low or no sodium
• Kosher Salt to taste
• 1/2 Tsp. Black Ground Pepper
• 1 Tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
• 2 14.5 oz. Cans Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbsp. Masa Corn Flour
• 1/2 Bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped, leaves only, no stems

Heat a large stock pot on high heat. Add the oil and heat, then add the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, red and green bell peppers and sauté for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the garlic, jalapeno and tortillas and sauté for 1 minute. Stir to ensure the tortillas soften slightly. Add the tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer then add the seasonings and beans. Adjust seasoning to desired taste level. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the Masa on the surface of the soup and stir in to help thicken. Turn off the heat and add the chopped cilantro. Serve with grilled corn tortillas or garnish with shredded Pepper Jack Cheese and tortilla strips.

Enjoy with a Colorado wine, such as a glass of Pinot Gris from Garrett Estate Cellars, located in Olathe, Colorado.

Visit www.coloradoagriculture.com for a complete list of recipes.

Center for Rural Affairs Offers Farm Bill Help Line to Assist Producers

Lyons, NE - USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced that the deadline for producer applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) will be January 13, 2012.

While CSP is a continuous sign-up program and producers can apply to enroll at any time of the year, NRCS applies a cut-off date for applications to be considered during a particular fiscal year.  Once the cut-off date is past, producers may continue to apply for the program, but they will not be considered for entry until the spring of the following year, in this case spring of 2013. In order to enroll in 2012 applications must be filed by January 13.

The Conservation Stewardship Program is a voluntary stewardship incentives program, administered by USDA’s NRCS, designed to reward farmers, ranchers, and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation, as well as for the adoption of additional conservation measures that provide multiple environmental benefits that run beyond the farm or ranch. This program pays producers for clean water, better soil management, improved habitat, energy efficiency, and other natural resource benefits.

“The ranking cutoff leaves NRCS with less than a month (during the busy holiday season) to publicize the program and conduct outreach through its state and local offices,” said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Rural Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. “We hope that this will be enough time for NRCS and partners to reach out to producers.”

CSP is one of the most popular conservation programs. In 2010 alone, nearly 21,000 applicants enrolled in CSP, putting additional conservation on 25.2 million acres, about the size of the state of Kentucky. Farmers and ranchers interested in applying should contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to meet the deadline.

To sign up, producers should visit their NRCS local service center.

Bruckner is encouraging farmers, ranchers and others to call the Center for Rural Affairs’ Farm Bill Helpline with questions about the application process and to share their experiences, both positive and negative. “We know the previous sign-ups have yielded some great success stories for farmers and ranchers, but also some disappointments and frustrations.”

“We want this program to work for all farmers and ranchers employing conservation-based farming systems, and firmly believe the CSP is a step in the right direction for policy to financially reward historical commitments to conservation, as well as encourage further adoption,” Bruckner continued. “This is a far better approach than paying to clean-up problems.”

Bruckner commented that it would be most useful for producers to have specific information available when they call, including a complete copy of their application materials, and more specifically the Conservation Measurement Tool responses and ranking information for their state or ranking area. The NRCS office will provide only a summary, unless specifically asked for a complete print out that includes their ranking information, the highest scores in their state or area, and how far down the ranking list NRCS was able to provide contracts before the money ran out for the last sign-up period.

“One of the main goals for our Farm Bill Helpline is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of programs such as the CSP,” said Bruckner. “It is only with that information that we are able to push for any needed changes and improvements.”

Producers can also receive guidance for applying for other conservation programs. “Through our helpline you will speak to someone who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program,” Bruckner added. Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

Park County Resident Found to have

“Mistreated and Neglected the Cattle Under his Care”

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – On December 15, 2011, a Park County judge barred Vernon E. Wagner, of Park County, from owning, managing, controlling, or otherwise possessing cattle in Park County.  The ruling stems from a joint investigation by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Park County Sheriff’s Office.

Vernon E. Wagner of Park County owned a number of cattle and was under contract to care for additional livestock.  In May 2010, nearly 400 of those cattle were gathered based on the discovery of at least 140 dead cows and many emaciated cattle.  Wagner was then deemed an “unfit owner” of those cattle by the courts.  Through a temporary restraining order, the rest of Wagner’s herd was to remain under his care with specific orders pertaining to their proper care as well as a provision that allowed welfare checks by CDA.

The conclusion of the process occurred on December 15, 2011, when Judge Stephen A. Groome, District Court, Park County, ordered a permanent injunction against Wagner.  Groome explained that testimony during the trial “…constitutes very strong and convincing evidence of Wagner’s dismal failure to provide adequate nutrition for the cattle under his control.”

Judge Groome also stated, “the court finds and concludes that, unless Wagner is permanently restrained from cattle ranching in Park County, he will continue to neglect and mistreat the cattle under his control in violation of the Animal Protection Act; and that merely ordering Wagner to comply with the Animal Protection Act’s provisions would prove meaningless and would result in more Wagner cattle being abused, mistreated, and neglected.”

A court appointed receiver has possession of the cattle and will care for them until they are sold.

Park County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Fred Wegener

“Sargent Bobbi Priestly, Deputy Bramlett, and Deputy Hardy were pleased with Judge Groome’s decision.  I am very proud of this collaborative effort between the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Park County Sheriff’s office.”

Colorado Department of Agriculture

Dr. Keith Roehr, State Veterinarian

“I know Colorado’s cattle industry shares our deep concerns about the improper care and treatment of these cattle; our livestock industry is a vital part of Colorado’s culture and our ranchers are dedicated to protecting their livestock.”

Colorado Livestock Association

Bill Hammerich, CEO

“The Colorado Livestock Association supports the findings, conclusions and orders in this case. Colorado’s livestock industry is dedicated to the care of their animals and we appreciate the effort put forth by both state and local officials who provided the evidence and testimony needed by the court to arrive at their decision.”

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association

Terry Fankhauser, Executive Vice President

“Members of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association hold in high regard proper animal care and husbandry and have no tolerance for animal abuse.  The real testament that this case serves is to illustrate, is that Colorado’s systems to stem, report and punish those who break our animal care laws are fully functional and are not in need of remedy.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) played an important role in furthering the investigation.  Each year, the BAP investigates more than 12,000 reports of animal cruelty and neglect in Colorado.  Citizens with concerns for animal care and welfare are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or BAP.  For more information or to file a cruelty/neglect report, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/animals and click on “Bureau of Animal Protection.

In Letter to USDA, Senators Urge Secretary Vilsack to Find a Resolution that Ensures a Competitive Trade Environment in Mexico for U.S. Potato Producers

Today, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging him to prioritize advancing an agreement that will help U.S. potato growers increase their access to markets in Mexico.  Vilsack is scheduled to meet with Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary on Tuesday.

The senators, who have long fought to open markets in Mexico, emphasized that a resolution would support new jobs in Colorado, particularly in the San Luis Valley region.  Currently, U.S. growers are allowed to sell potatoes in a limited area within 26 kilometers of the U.S./Mexico border.  This restriction is in place despite an agreement made in 2003 to discuss expanding the market to all of Mexico.

According to industry estimates, if U.S. potato growers had full access to the Mexican market, total exports could exceed $130 million annually, supporting more jobs, particularly in agriculture.

“This will translate into more U.S. jobs, especially in the agriculture sector and rural communities across the nation – particularly in our state of Colorado where agriculture ranks in the top three economic sectors, with agricultural exports rising by more than 23 percent last year alone,” the senators wrote.  “With each additional season of delay, American producers are forgoing valuable economic opportunities.  We thank you for your continued efforts to find a bilateral resolution that ensures a fair trade environment in Mexico for American potato producers. ”

A copy of the letter follows.

December 12, 2011

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

We write in regard to your upcoming meeting with Mexican Agriculture Secretary Mayorga to discuss market access for fresh potato exports from the United States into Mexico.  We know a resolution this issue has been the focus of an ongoing effort by you and your staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and we express our gratitude and continued support.

As you are aware, in March 2003, Mexico and the United States signed an agreement that, if fully implemented as envisioned, would expand market opportunities for U.S. potato farmers while providing direct benefits to Mexican consumers.  Unfortunately, consumers in Mexico still do not have full access to U.S. potatoes as outlined in the 2003 agreement.  It is our understanding that U.S. potato growers only have access to a 26-kilometer area directly south of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Since the inception of the 2003 agreement, U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico have increased to approximately $30 million a year.  Once full access is allowed, even conservative industry predictions of fresh potato exports to Mexico estimate we could see that number increase to more than $130 million.  This will translate into more U.S. jobs, especially in the agriculture sector and rural communities across the nation – particularly in our state of Colorado where agriculture ranks in the top three economic sectors, with agricultural exports rising by more than 23 percent last year alone.

We thank you for your continued efforts to find a bilateral resolution that ensures a fair trade environment in Mexico for American potato producers.  We truly appreciate your commitment to realizing the full potential of the 2003 agreement.

As you have noted in previous correspondence, agricultural trade represents great opportunity to support one of America’s most significant growth engines.  In an effort to promote increased market access, Colorado’s Governor John Hickenlooper and Agriculture Commissioner John Salazar have also worked toward finding a resolution to this matter by highlighting the proven preventative measures that are currently implemented by the U.S. to ensure that American potatoes pose no phytosanitary risk to the Mexican domestic potato market.  With each additional season of delay, American producers are forgoing valuable economic opportunities.

We fully support a bilateral solution to this matter and understand that your discussions are focused on this goal.  We encourage you to collaborate with the U.S. Trade Representative to review this market access issue vis-à-vis the United States’ and Mexico’s shared commitment to open markets and meeting our obligations under international trade agreements.  A bilateral solution would be a key victory for both nations.

Sincerely,

Mark Udall                                                      Michael F. Bennet

Cc: The Honorable Ron Kirk, Ambassador

Wind power is the future. It’s the most cost-effective source of renewable energy, and is starting to undercut fossil fuels. Power from conventional coal costs $68 per megawatt-hour, while wind power in high resource areas cost $65 per megawatt-hour.

Supplies of coal and oil dwindle each day, but there will always be wind. And since wind will always be there, it isn’t subject to the type of supply-side market fluctuations that exist for fossil fuels.

Moreover, coal has serious underlying environmental implications. The combustion of coal is required for it to be used for energy, and this combustion releases multiple tons of carbon dioxide and other gases, which contribute to respiratory diseases and climate change.

Combustion of coal exceeds both natural gas and crude oil in its emissions.  Although some of these emissions can be reduced through technology, they are proven to create serious health problems in areas where they are emitted excessively.

The only environmentally unfriendly thing about wind is its effect on birds and their migration. Cars, glass, cats, and pesticides all make far greater contributions to bird mortality than windmills. Wind companies are working to further minimize this impact.

Global energy consumption is on the rise, wind power even more so. Thirty-five percent of all new U.S. generating capacity added in the last 4 years was wind. The energy, jobs and environmental benefits of wind hold great promise, not just for the rural Midwest and Great Plains, but for all of America, rural and urban alike.