USDA Issues ARC/ PLC Payments for Crop Year 2016
USDA announced it will issue nearly $8 billion in Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payments for crop year 2016. Payments are being made to producers who enrolled base acres of barley, corn, grain sorghum, lentils, oats, peanuts, dry peas, soybeans, wheat and canola. In the upcoming months, payments will be announced after marketing year average prices are published by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service for the remaining covered commodities. Those include long and medium grain rice (except for temperate Japonica rice), which will be announced in November; remaining oilseeds and chickpeas, which will be announced in December; and temperate Japonica rice will be announced in early February 2018. The estimated payments are before application of sequestration (6.7% reduction) and other reductions and limits, including adjusted gross income limits and payment limitations.
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Senate Approves Censky, McKinney
The Senate approved Steve Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Ted McKinney as Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Secretary Perdue had been the only Senate confirmed person at the Department for some time. Both are now sworn in and have assumed their posts.
Traditionally, the Deputy Secretary leads the internal budget effort and Censky’s approval is timely as the Administration is starting to build its FY 2019 budget request to Congress. The FY 2019 budget request will be transmitted to Congress in February of 2018.
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Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Nomination Hearing for Northey, Ibach
The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the nominations of Bill Northey and Greg Ibach as Undersecretaries for Farm Production and Conservation and Marketing and Regulatory Programs respectively. Northey will have supervisory responsibility for the Risk Management Agency and he was asked by several Senators if he would protect and expand crop insurance (Roberts R-KS, Stabenow D-MI, and Hoeven R-ND). Northey indicated he would. A link to their testimony is below. Northey’s verbal testimony starts around the 47th minute in the 1.5 hour hearing. The Q&A starts around the 57th minute. The Senate wass in recess last week, The Senate Agriculture Committee will vote on their nominations when the Senate returns this week. Both are expected to be confirmed.
See Their Statements
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House Approves Budget, Senate Budget Committee Clears Its Version
On a party-line vote, the House approved its FY 2018 budget. The House budget includes a $10 billion cut over ten years in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Also on a party line vote, the Senate Budget Committee approved its version of the FY 2018 Congressional Budget. The Senate version does not include cuts to programs under the Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction. The full Senate is expected to vote on its budget this week.
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BASF to Buy LibertyLink and Other Assets From Bayer
BASF has signed an agreement to acquire Bayer’s LibertyLink technology and other significant parts of Bayer’s seed and nonselective herbicide businesses.
It’s all part of a divestment Bayer wants to make for its planned acquisition of Monsanto, now slated to close first quarter 2018.
The all-cash purchase price is €5.9 billion ($6.97 billion), subject to certain adjustments at closing.
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Farmers: How Strong is Your Bank?
In a town of 200 located 8 miles east of the South Dakota border, the State Bank of Bellingham, Minnesota, is surrounded by farms.
Like most of nearly 2,000 lenders defined by the American Bankers Association as farm banks, it’s not remarkable, except for one thing: More of its loans go to farmers than any other bank in the nation.
With 97% of its loans backing agriculture, the State Bank of Bellingham is first on the ABA’s Top 100 Lenders Ranked by Concentration list.
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Washington Week in Review: Oct. 12, 2017: NAFTA, Perdue in London, House Ag in New York
The latest round of talks for renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement kicked off this week, but are agriculture issues on the agenda? Agri-Pulse’s Phil Brasher and Spencer Chase have more on that and other developments from the week.
Listen to the Review
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New Genetically Engineered Corn Could Revolutionize Our Agriculture
New research shows how, with the addition of a bacterial gene, corn’s nutritional value can be efficiently enhanced. The gene enables corn, the largest commodity crop in the world, to produce methionine, a key amino acid essential for tissue repair and growth. By producing a staple crop that contains methionine, which is found in meat, millions of people all over the world who can’t afford to eat meat could improve their health through nutrition. This genetically engineered corn crop could also dramatically reduce worldwide animal feed costs.
Methionine is one of nine amino acids that are essential to human health. In addition to supporting tissue repair and growth, it strengthens nails and improves the skin’s flexibility and tone. Methionine also contains sulfur which aids cells in absorbing zinc and selenium, and guards against both pollution and premature aging. Amino acids occur in our food, so nutritionally inadequate diets often lack sufficient amounts of one of more of these critical compounds.
Animals, including livestock, also need methionine. This means that billions of dollars’ worth of methionine must be added to field corn seed annually, since corn lacks the amino acid in nature. For example, according to the study, chicken feed is typically made up of corn and soybeans, so it is typically lacking methionine, the essential sulfur-containing amino acid.
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California Agriculture Leads Nation in Specialty Crop Funding
The SCBGP provides grants to state departments of agriculture to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.
The program will fund 54 projects, awarding grants ranging from $50,000 to $450,000 to non-profit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and colleges and universities.
Selected through a competitive process, these projects focus on increasing sales of specialty crops by leveraging the California Grown identity; increasing consumption by expanding the specialty crop consumer market, improving product availability, and providing nutritional education for consumers; training growers to equip them for current and future challenges; and conducting research on conservation and environmental outcomes, pest control and disease, and organic and sustainable production practices.
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New Details, Photos Emerge on Wineries, Vineyards Destroyed by Wine Country Fires
Updated 11:10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15: Days after the Atlas Fire ripped through Sky Vineyards in Napa’s Mt. Veeder district, the ground is charred and vines are blackened. While the owners’ home and vineyards burned, the winery is still standing. And in Mendocino’s Redwood Valley, Golden Vineyards’ owner says they’ve been able to shift from fighting fires to picking grapes.
Updated 4:13 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6: Six more wineries were confirmed destroyed Friday, as a sixth day dawned with fires still burning throughout Northern California.
Paras Vineyard, Roy Estate, Pulido-Walker’s Estate Vineyard, Sill Family Vineyards and Patland Estate Vineyards in Napa were extensively damaged, while Backbone Vineyard & Winery lost their winery and wine inventory when the former Cole Bailey winery, which they had taken over, burned in Redwood Valley.
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Florida Requests Additional $5 Billion for Agricultural Recovery
This is including $5 billion in funds to for agriculture.
The Senators expounded on the request in the full request:
“U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Hurricane Irma caused massive damage to Florida’s agriculture community with initial total loss estimates from Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at $2,558,598,303 and rising.”
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Welcome New Members
Thank you for being a part of ASFMRA! Help ASFMRA welcome our new members and thank them for choosing the Society as the organization that they desire to be affiliated with. ASFMRA continues to support rural property professionals and offers services, resources and education which will be of benefit to all of our members, both professionally and personally.
We are recognizing new members of the Society on a monthly basis. You may recognize your colleagues in the following list and we encourage you to welcome them into ASFMRA!
New Members
Danielle Cornwell in Normal, IL (Illinois Chapter)
Jason DurJava with Ag Land Consultants Inc. in Turlock, CA (California Chapter)
James Kendall with Snyder Appraisal Associates in Lancaster, PA (Northeast Chapter)
Landon Nordstrom with Farm Credit West in Santa Maria, CA (California Chapter)
Nathan Petitjean with NAB Services LLC in Osage City, KS (Kansas Chapter)
Christopher Phelps with G. Herbert Pritchett & Associates, Inc. in Madisonville, KY (Kentucky Chapter)
Kara Schneider in Brookings, SD (South Dakota Chapter)
Weston Walker with Walker Agri Services in Aldrich, MO (Missouri Chapter)
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Share Your Experience – Make a Referral
You know first-hand what a great organization ASFMRA is and what it means to you both professionally and personally. Pass that benefit on to others that you know who would benefit from membership with The Most Trusted Rural Property Professional Organization – ASFMRA! Talk to those you know who would benefit from ASFMRA’s educational offerings, networking, and meetings. Let them know your experiences of being involved in this great association and some of the business contacts you have made along with lasting friendships. Your peers listed below have done just that! They spoke to individuals about ASFMRA and those individuals have now become members of ASFMRA!
Richard Mercier, ARA
Ann Roehm
Gregory Snyder, ARA
Richard Sullivan, ARA
Dan Whisenhunt, AAC
Thank you to all who have referred someone and in some cases, more than one, to join ASFMRA.
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Have You Heard About the Auction Items? Make Your Donation Now!
Time is getting short and soon we will be in Savannah enjoying the historical city, friends that we may not have seen for a year, and fun activities at the ASFMRA Annual Conference. This includes participating in the annual Live and Silent Auctions. As well as this year’s On-Line Auction for a Golf Foursome in Savannah. You can participate by donating an Auction item and/or by bidding at the Auction. This fun, entertaining annual event at the Annual Conference supports a variety of projects such as the development of new educational offerings, rewrite of course material to continue to offer cutting edge education, and much more.
Mark your calendar now – November 16, 2017 in Savannah, Georgia and be part of this special event. Plans are being made and we need you to make the Auction a success again this year! We need your donations. The Education Foundation Auction’s success depends on you – ASFMRA members, Chapters, sponsors, exhibitors, and nonmember supporters.
Donations that have been made to the 2017 Education Foundation Auction include –
The Indiana Chapter has donated an Indianapolis 500 Racing package. You do not want to miss your opportunity to bid on this amazing package that includes everything that you will need to have an amazing weekend! The package has it all – includes two tickets for the 2018 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race weekend (May 25th through May 27th), two race day tickets located in the Paddock Grandstand where you will have a spectacular view of the Start/Finish, two tickets for admission to Miller Lite Carb Day (May 25th), two tickets for Legends Day (May 26th), two tickets for admission to the garage area immediately following completion of the race, and a three day auto parking permit!
Brian Gatzke, ARA has donated the Savannah Golf Foursome. Come play golf in Savannah with Stephen Frerichs plus receive $100 to spend in the Club House. Enjoy your round of golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor. This Golf Foursome may be redeemed either before or after the ASFMRA Annual Conference (valid until April 8, 2018). Don’t forget – You can place your online bid on this item NOW! Bid on the Golf-Foursome!
Roos & Associates, Inc. has donated a Quilt that you will want to take home with you! This is a farm theme Queen/King sized quilt made by Pat Roos. This quilt will keep you warm on the cold nights and keep you feeling nice and snug. You will have a difficult time sharing this quilt with your family.
The Missouri Chapter has donated a Charlie Daniels Autographed Fiddle. Don’t miss out on this one! A beautiful red/white/blue fiddle signed and authenticated by Charlie Daniels. This also comes with a Charlie Daniels Band CD, padded case, certificate of authenticity, and a signed photograph of Charlie Daniels. What a fantastic gift or collector item for any music lover!
The Northeast Chapter has donated a Frederick Remington Bronze “The Mountain Man”. This depicts one of the old Iroqouis trappers who followed the fur companies into the Rocky Mountains. The sculptor chose a dramatic episode in the daily life of a trapper and his mount’s decent on an almost vertical slope. Once you see this, you will want to make sure you take this home with you!
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass has donated a Complimentary One (1) Night Stay in a Traditional Room and a Complimentary Breakfast for Two (2) in Ko’Sin Restaurant at the Sharaton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona – the site for the 2018 ASFMRA Annual Conference. The gift certificates are valid through December 30, 2018. Make sure to bid on this item and plan to attend the Conference next year for another fantastic event!
Boyd Harris has donated a Stetson 30X Hat. It is crafted in the original Gateway to the west, from the Stetson factory in St. Joseph, Missouri. This 30X felt hat will set you off in style! You get to pick your size and color.
The Ontario Chapter has made a cash donation to the 2017 Education Foundation Auction!
Dick and Conni Edmunds have donated a Niagara Falls Trip. This is a weekend trip to tour local area, Niagara Falls and attractions, Amish stores, etc. You do not want to miss your opportunity to bid and win this fantastic vacation trip that you will remember for life! Dick and Conni Edmunds have also donated Maple Syrup and Maple Cream. There are going to be a variety of sizes so everyone will be able to find the right size of syrup and/or cream that works for you and your family to enjoy this amazing maple syrup and maple cream.
The South Dakota Chapter has donated a Case of South Dakota Wine. This is a mixed case that consists of twelve (12) bottles of wine from six (6) South Dakota wineries. Be the lucky recipient of this wine and you will be able to sample a variety of wines from South Dakota. The South Dakota Chapter has also made a cash donation to the 2017 Education Foundation Auction!
The Illinois Chapter has donated a Waterford Crystal Bowl. This beautiful bowl will make any place you sit it stand out.
The Mid-South Chapter has donated a Beretta A400 Xplor Action 12-guage Semiaction Shotgun. Lightweight design, rotating bolt, feeding system and self-cleaning piston, fiber-optic sight, and Micro-Core butt pad. Carry case is included.
Jeff Berg, ARA has donated a Toy Semi Tractor and Hopper Bottom Grain Trailer. This Peterbilt Model 367 cab features lights and sounds, opening doors, and adjustable mirrors. Jeff has also donated a Bruder John Deere T6701 Combine Harvester. This has realistic details and functions. You do not want to miss your opportunity to bid on these and make your child or grandchild’s Christmas by giving them these gifts that they will create memories of joy with!
A Sewing Basket has been donated anonymously. This is a converted bushel basket and perfect for storing your needle ware projects! It will hold your crochet and knitting needles, yarn, and current project you are working on. This is a must have for anyone who enjoys crochet, needle work, and any crafting at all!
Make your tax deductible donation to the Education Foundation Auction today by simply completing the donation form. Return the completed form directly to Hope Evans via email at: hevans@asfmra.org or fax at: 303.758.0190.
Make your commitment for Auction items by October 23, 2017. Auction items should be shipped directly to the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa to arrive no later than Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Please do not send your Auction items to arrive at the hotel more than three (3) days in advance – not to arrive before November 10, 2017 – due to the cost the hotel charges for storage.
If you have any questions concerning donations, contact Hope Evans directly at: 303.692.1216 or hevans@asfmra.org. THANK YOU for your generous donations and continued support.
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