The official publication of the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
APRIL 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
National Festival of Breads announces 2015 finalists Farmers talk trade in Colombia Wheat Foods Council generating the buzz Kansas growers sought for wheat yield contest Industry News
Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 1
Volume 2 • Number 4 www.rediscoverwheat.org The official publication of
In This Issue :
1990 Kimball Avenue Manhattan, Kansas 66502 (785) 539-0255
KAWG MEMBERSHIP
EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER
$100 per year
Marsha Boswell • mboswell@kswheat.com
Audrey Schmitz • commintern@kswheat.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Julia Debes • jdebes@kswheat.com Jordan Hildebrand • jhildebrand@kswheat.com
CEO
KAWG OFFICERS
Justin Gilpin • jgilpin@kswheat.com
PRESIDENT Michael Jordan • Beloit
VICE PRESIDENT Kenneth Wood • Chapman SECRETARY/TREASURER Justin Knopf • Salina IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gary Millershaski • Lakin
KWC OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN Scott Van Allen • Clearwater VICE CHAIRMAN Jay Armstrong • Muscotah SECRETARY/TREASURER Brian Linin • Goodland IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Ron Suppes • Dighton
Rediscover Wheat is published by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG) and the Kansas Wheat Commission (KWC), 1990 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, twelve times per year. Contents of this publication may not be reprinted without permission.
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Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2015
3 National Festival of Breads announces 2015 finalists 4 Farmers Talk Trade in Colombia 6 Wheat Foods Council Generating the Buzz 7 Recipe: Pecan Twists 8 IGP Institute Stakeholder News Brief 10 Milling Practices Course to be Held 11 Managing Mill Balance and Control Course Planned 12 Runner's Delight: Students host ag-focused 5K 13 Recipe: Quick Soft Pretzels 14 News from the National Association of Wheat Growers 21 News from U.S. Wheat Associates 30 Kansas growers sought for wheat yield contest 31 Maltby Market Analysis 36 Upcoming Events
National Festival of Breads announces 2015 finalists
by Jordan Hildebrand
fter months of analyzing recipes, mixing, kneading, baking and tasting, a panel of judges has selected the recipes that will be represented in the fourth National Festival of Breads, sponsored by King Arthur Flour®, Red Star Yeast® and Kansas Wheat. The baking competition will be held June 13, in Manhattan, Kan.
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Cindy Falk, nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat and chairwoman of the National Festival of Breads, said the eight adult finalists and one youth champion represent an array of trends and flavor profiles. "Finalists in the 2015 National Festival of Breads have risen to the challenge of developing creative, flavorful recipes that highlight some of the latest trends in baking," Falk said. "We look forward to meeting these contestants in Kansas this summer when they participate in the National Festival of Breads." Eight adult finalists and one youth champion have been named for the biennial National Festival of Breads, the nation's only national amateur bread-baking competition. They are from all over the United States, from Maine to California. Adult contestants will travel to Manhattan, Kan., from June 11-14, to bake their creations on June 13, at the National Festival of Breads, sponsored by King Arthur Flour®, Red Star Yeast® and Kansas Wheat. While in Kansas, contestants will participate in a host of additional activities, including a Wheat Harvest Tour with stops at a wheat farm, grain elevator and flour mill. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500, plus a year's supply of Red Star Yeast® and an expense-paid trip to the King Arthur Flour Baking Education Center in Norwich, Vt.
Congratulations to our Finalists! Ethnic Breads: Felice Bogus • Raleigh, N.C. Chickpea-Stuffed Aleppo Flatbreads Mary Hawkes • Prescott, Ariz. Cheddar 'N' Chilies Accordion Bread Rolls: Merry Graham • Newhall, Calif. Curry & Chia Onion Buns Amy Meiers • Santa Rosa, Calif. Rosemary Cardamom Twisters Whole Grains: Ronna Farley • Rockville, Md. Crunchy-Topped Coconut Almond Bread Patrice Hurd • Bemidji, Minn. Peppered Parmesan Veggie Bread Time Saving and Simple: Jane Fry • Elk Falls, Kan. Chocolate Swirl Loaves Lisa Keys • Kennett Square, Pa. Smokehouse Cranberry Cheese Bread Youth Category Ellie Sapat • Falmouth, Maine Wild Maine Healthy Blueberry Banana Nut Bread
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Farmers Talk Trade in Colombia story by Julia Debes
sk what is the price of wheat and most farmers will have a pretty good answer. Ask who is buying wheat – and why – and the question is a little harder. That is why the Kansas Wheat Commission works with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the industry’s export market development organization, to connect farmers with the customers that purchase the high quality hard red winter (HRW) wheat they produce each year.
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Kansas Wheat Commission Chairman Scott Van Allen from Clearwater participated in one such trip in early March. The first stop on the 2015 USW Latin American Board Team was the second largest market for U.S. HRW in South America – Colombia. The Colombian climate is not conducive for wheat production, so millers there depend on imports. The United States and Canada compete for market share, especially for the 76 percent of food wheat used for bread and pastries. Overall, Colombia has imported about 53.3 million bushels (1.45 million metric tons) annually. In 2014, about 43 percent of those imports originated in the United States. “My reason for joining this trip was to meet with our customers face-to-face and assure them that we, as the producers of the wheat they purchase, produce the highest quality possible, given the weather limitations we encounter during the growing season,” said Van Allen.
Kansas Wheat Commission Chairman Scott Van Allen discusses the Kansas wheat crop with executives from Harina del Valle, the largest wheat importing company in Colombia.
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The team, accompanied by USW South American Assistant Regional Director Osvaldo Seco, visited three different cities in Colombia to discuss current U.S. wheat crop conditions, challenges presented by gluten-free fad dieting, upcoming export opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico and newly imposed mycotoxin restrictions set by the Colombian government. These standards changed the
Colombia does not grow much wheat, so the team instead checked out a local sugarcane field. maximum levels of DON (vomitoxin), which has already caused problems with some shipments, particularly for soft red winter (SRW) wheat. “It is not always easy to envision exactly what USW is doing day-to-day to help farmers, but in Colombia, the team saw several firsthand examples,” said USW Programs and Planning Assistant Stephanie Bryant-Erdmann, who led the team. “The final day in Bogota, the team met with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) members and millers to address the Colombian government's new DON restrictions. They were able to see FAS and USW working together with the Colombian industry to solve a problem that impacts both U.S. and Colombian markets.”
In addition to Van Allen and BryantErdmann, the 2015 Latin American Board Team included Von Johnson from the Nebraska Wheat Board and Ken Tremain from the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association. After leaving Colombia, the team traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico before returning home. “We need to visit our customers on a regular basis and keep them informed and to give them the opportunity to notify us as to changing requirements and situations in the world of wheat,” said Van Allen. “We were able to assure our customers that we are doing everything possible to provide them with the highest quality and most reliable source of wheat anywhere in the world.”
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Wheat Foods Council Generating the Buzz
WFC Member Update - March 2015 WheatFoods.org
51 D Red Fox Lane, Ridgway, CO 81432
In this Issue: Generating the Buzz, Sponsorship of Michele Tuttle as Spokesperson, WFC Board Meeting Hotel Reservation Information, March Re-Cap and More!
ights, camera, action – in early March the Wheat Foods Council was on set in Salt Lake City, UT, for Generating the Buzz new photography for the recipe section of the wheatfoods.org website. Wheat Foods Council president Judi Lights, camera, action – in early March the Wheat Foods Council was on set in Salt Lake City, UT, for Adams, with k+m principals Jula Kinniard and Dave Mangan, oversaw theFoods shoot, utilizing the talents of new along photography for the recipe section of the wheatfoods.org website. Wheat Council President photographer Kelsey andprincipals food stylist Eaton. Over theMangan, course of 2 ½ days, recipes werethe shot – Judi Adams, alongHansen with k+m JulaSuzy Kinnaird and Dave oversaw the 20 shoot, utilizing 14 new and 6 updating existing ones. Keep an eye on the website for a new section “Latest Recipes, ” under talents of photographer Kelsey Hansen and food stylist Suzy Eaton. Over the course of 2 ½ days, 20 reci- the Recipe shots accompanying recipes. Recipes developed byaPat Montgomery, MS, pes tab, werefeaturing shot – 14the new and and 6 updating existing ones. Keep an eyewere on the website for new section “Latest Recipes,” under the Recipe tab, featuring the shots and accompanying recipes. Recipes were deRD, who previously worked for Campbell Soup. veloped by Pat Montgomery, MS, RD, who previously worked for Campbell Soup. Shown here are a few of the new shots. Delicious, nutritious, and beautiful! Shown here are a few of the new shots. Delicious, nutritious, and beautiful!
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Also underway are plans to promote the Wheat Foods Council’s sponsorship Also underway are plans to promote the Wheat Foods Council’s sponsorof triathlete Michele Tuttle, MPH, RD, will be competing inMPH, the RD, who will be competing in the ship ofwho triathlete Michele Tuttle, International Triathlon Union (ITU) Grand Final 2015 Union in Chicago. International Triathlon (ITU)Michele Grand Final 2015 in Chicago. Michele was a bronze medal winner at thewas 2014 Worlds in London and is ranked #11 in London and is ranked #11 a bronze medal winner at the 2014 Worlds in the US in her age group. As a mom, athlete and RD very knowledgeable in the US in her age group. As a mom, athlete and RD very knowledgeable carbohydrates and wheat, Michele for makes a perfect spokesperson for about carbohydrates and wheat, about Michele makes a perfect spokesperson WFC. WFC. Promotion strategies include adding a page to the existing WFC website about Michele and her quest where we will highlight her diet (lots of wheat Promotion strategies include adding pagecarbs) to theand existing WFC website foodsa and training regimen. The page will also feature Michele’s about Michele and her quest where wemedia will highlight diet (lots of wheat social outreachher including blogs and tweets. In addition, Michele will foods and carbs) and training regimen. The page will on also feature Michele’s be authoring articles such topics as why she doesn’t follow a Paleo diet, social media outreach including why blogsshe andisn’t tweets. In addition, Michele a vegetarian or vegan, andwill why she doesn’t avoid white flour. Further marketing plans include featuring be authoring articles on such topics as why she doesn’t follow a Paleo diet,Michele as part of the WFC’s participation in she the May 2015 Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition why she isn’t a vegetarian or vegan, and why doesn’t avoid white flour. meeting (SCAN) as well as in the WFC quarterly e-magazine Kernels. Further marketing plans include featuring Michele as part of the WFC’s participation in the May 2015 Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition meeting (SCAN) as well as in the WFC quarterly e-magazine Kernels. 6
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Pecan Twists Ingredients
Dough 2 packages RED STAR® Active Dry Yeast ½ cup lukewarm water (110115°F) 1 cup low-fat milk, warmed (110°F) 6 tablespoons margarine, softened ½ cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 beaten eggs 5 ½ - 6 cups bread flour Filling ½ cup packed brown sugar ⅓ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⅔ cup chopped pecans ¼ cup margarine, melted
Nutrition Information Makes 24 rolls. Nutrition information per serving (one unglazed roll): 229 cal, 8 g fat, 19 mg chol, 108 mg sodium, 34 g carbo, 1 g fiber, 5 g pro, 65 mcg folate.
Directions 1. Dissolve yeast in water. In large bowl, combine milk, margarine, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast. Stir in 3 cups of the flour. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead 10 to 12 minutes by hand or with dough hook. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double. 2. Punch down dough and divide into four equal pieces. Cover, let rest 10 minutes. 3. For filling, stir together brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Roll two pieces of dough into 12 x 9-inch rectangles. Brush one rectangle with half of the melted margarine; sprinkle with
half of the filling. Place second rectangle on top of first. Seal edges. Cut crosswise into 1-inch strips. 4. Twist each strip a few times. Starting with one end, which becomes the center, wrap dough around in a swirling motion, continuing to twist as the dough is wrapped. Tuck end under roll. Place on greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double. 5. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 13 to 15 minutes. If desired, glaze with 1 ½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon melted margarine, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk. Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 7
March 2015 February
STAKEHOLDER NEWS BRIEF Moving the Mission Marcha Madness slowly After whirlwindisFebruary, down,tobut itwinding is apparent methe thatmadness the hasn’t been isolated toand the learning curve is steep basketball court. The distance the familiarization process will educationfor program has also had continue quite some time. an exciting March seeing a total My initial impression of the IGP of 123 participants across five Institute and the Department Brandi Miller Gordon Smith courses. The IGPand Institute has of Grain Science Industry supported than 400 individuals date this year is that thesemore are special places, full of to dedicated across a total of 13 committed courses. With the increased professionals, truly to investing in theinterest, future two fantastic studentand employees have joined the team. of our state, country world. As technology evolves, They are featured in this traditional boundaries of newsletter. distance, culture, economics and accessibility soften allowing our education and the On-site, the IGP Institute Conference Center hosted outreach missions to have even greater impact. Feed the Future Innovation Lab for the Reduction of Knowledge and selfstrategic -improvement aremeeting. becoming key Post-Harvest Loss planning Several enablers that allow individuals and businesses to reach university partners attended including representatives their potential. To this end, the IGPofInstitute from optimum the University of Nebraska, University Kentucky, appears uniquely suited to provide meaningful training Purdue and ADM Institute as well as representation from through innovativepartners approaches anjoin expanding USAID. In-country wereacross able to the meeting range of critical offerings. remotely. via Zoom and participate
held chapter meeting well, Jones discussed As mya indoctrination intoasthe IGPCassie Institute and its strategiccontinues, ways for the grain handling industrymany to hireof mission I look forward to meeting and and retain KSU graduates. Thearound Food Protection you continuing the dialog how everyAlliance part of heldenterprise two-day Quality Assurance Boot Camp with 36 key the can drive market preference, consumption people from the food safety pest management industry and utilization of U.S. cereal grains and oilseeds. It is present.my Also, theto Buhler-KSU Expert Milling course indeed honor be a part of this team and our was held with 11 individuals attending representing three commitment to continual improvement in all that we do. Icountries. welcome your input and I can be reached at glsmith@ ksu.edu andIGP 785-532-3503. In addition, faculty also spent time abroad.
In addition, IAOM held their tri-district meeting attracting industry millers from more than eight states. GEAPS
Brandi Miller IGP Institute Assistant Director
In the Spotlight Trainings and Activities
Derek Marcotte Courses and activities held in March • Miller with Prairie Flour Mills, Elie, • Buhler-KSU Expert Milling (English) Manitoba, Canada • GEAPS 500 – Introduction to Grain Operations • Completed two flour milling distance Management courses and enrolled in a third training • GEAPS 500 – Introduction to Grain Operations “I have learned a lot about quality control from cleaning the Management (Spanish) wheat to creating a better overall product.” • GEAPS 540 – Entry Level Safety • GEAPS 555 – Advanced and Preventative Maintenance for Grain Facilities: Conveyance Equipment • GEAPS 620 – Grain Receiving, Cleaning and Conditioning
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Rediscover WH1980 E ATKimball | APRIL 2015 Avenue, 102 IGP Institute Conference Center | Manhattan, KS
Highlights include Jay O’Neil’s travel to the NCI-USSEC Risk Management Workshop in Singapore, Carlos Campabadal’s trip to Bangkok for the Asia Feed Expo, and Sincerely, Carlos’ attendance at the AFIA Equipment Manufacturers committee meeting in Washington D.C. We hope you enjoy reading this news brief and share it with others. Gordon Smith Sincerely, IGP Institute Director
Trainings and Activities Where inactivities the World Courses and held in February A• monthly at where we’ve we make our way AFIA 500look – Fundamentals ofbeen Feedas Manufacturing around the globe promoting U.S. commodities and IGP • GEAPS 521 – Aeration Systems Design and Fan Institute training opportunities. Operational Management • Attended BNSF Customer meetings in Overland Park, • GEAPS 530 – Quality Management Systems Kansas • GEAPS 542 – Electrical Safety • Spoke at the NCI-USSEC Risk Management Workshop in • GEAPS 544 – Preventing Grain Dust Explosions Singapore • GEAPS 600 – Overview of Milling Principles • Traveled to Bangkok to attend the Asia Feed Expo • Attended AFIA’s Equipment Manufacturers Committee meeting in Washington D.C.
66506–7000 | Tel. 785-532-4070 | Fax 785-532-6080 | www.grains.k-state.edu/igp | igp@ksu.edu
Welcome Distance Interns The IGP Institute faculty and staff welcomed two new distance education interns to the organization. Kylie Blythe (left) is a native of Mission Valley, Kansas and is finishing her junior year as an agricultural communications and journalism major. Jackie Newland (right) is also a sophomore in agricultural communications and journalism and is from Neodesha, Kansas. “It has been a pleasure working with both Kylie and Jackie. They bring energy and enthusiasm to the IGP distance education program at IGP,” says Brandi Miller, IGP Institute assistant director.
Rave Reviews
Marketing the Brand
“By coming here, I was able to better understand how the processes work and the function is of each of the equipment and how we can improve the process. I am going to be able to go back right away and put these in practice. We will try to improve the process we already have, but maybe we aren’t doing the best that we can.” Viviana Bermudez Manager of R&D, Innovation with Bunge Milling Buhler-KSU Expert Milling course “This has been a very challenging course as there are many factors to consider when it comes to the quality management of grain. There is a ton of very useful information provided for anybody that is or will be involved in either the design or operation of aeration systems. I, for one, will utilize the information going forward to better understand how I can maximize the benefits provided by a sound aeration system design and operation.” Greg Oberle Superintendent of CHS GEAPS 521 – Aeration Systems Design and Fan Operational Management course
by Lisa Moser, Marketing and Communications Coordinator • Circulated pre-course publicity for all IGP Institute trainings in June and July. • Sent out post-course publicity on Buhler Expert Milling training. • Wrote a feature article for trade publication promoting the value of IGP Institute trainings. • Designed extension bulletins for future use in IGP trainings and program outreach. • Developed IGP Institute distance course video introductions. Evaluating Pellet Quality Feed quality is often defined by physical characteristics, and the quality of a pelleted feed is often specifically based on the amount of fines present. In the case of feed pellet quality, relating the physical characteristics and amount of fines involves the determination of pellet durability. Pellet durability represents the ability to handle pellets without experiencing unacceptable breakage and/ or generating a significant amount of fines. Benefits derived from manufacturing feed in pellet form include decreased segregation of ingredients and improved physical handling properties, including increased bulk density, reduced dustiness, and less bridging in bulk feed bins. Research has demonstrated that feeding
pellets improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain (F:G) ratio in swine (Stark, 2012a) and poultry (Stark, 2012b). Directly related to pellet quality, the amount of fines in the feeder will impact animal performance. McKinney and Teeter (2004) demonstrated poorer feed conversion in poultry as the amount of fines in the feed pan increased from 0 to 100%. Nemechek et al. (2012) observed finishing pigs fed screened pellets (no fines) had the best feed conversion, pigs fed meal had the poorest conversion, and pigs fed a mixture of 50% fines and 50% pellets were intermediate. Swine and poultry research studies clearly indicate that establishing a specification for the maximum percent of fines at the feeder is important for growth performance and feed conversion.
A method for evaluating pellet durability was first developed in 1962 (Pfost et al., 1962) and standardized in 1969 (Young et al., 1969; ASAE Standard S269.1). The standard was most recently revised in 2012, and the technique is defined by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers as ASAE Standard S269.5 (2012).
ASAE Standard S269.5 – Pellet Durability Test The Standard states the durability of pellets and crumbles shall be determined by the following procedure:
Equipment Durability of pellets and crumbles should be determined by tumbling the test
Table 1. Sieve Sizes Diameter of Pellets or Crumbles mm crumbles 2.4 3.2
in.
Required Screen Size size*
mm
in.
crumbles
No. 12
1.7
0.066
0.094 (3/32)a
No. 10
2.0
0.079
0.125 (1/8)
No. 7
2.8
0.111
3.6
0.141 (9/64)
No. 6
3.4
0.132
4.0
0.156 (5/32)
No. 6
3.4
0.132
4.8
0.188 (3/16)
No. 5
4.0
0.157
5.2
0.203 (13/64)
No. 4
4.8
0.187
6.4
0.250 (1/4)
No. 3.5
5.7
0.223
7.9
0.313 (5/16)
0.265
6.7
0.265
9.5
0.375 (3/8)
5/16
7.9
0.313
12.7
0.500 (1/2)
7/16
11.1
15.9
0.625 (5/8)
0.530
13.5
19.0
0.750 (3/4)
5/8
15.9
22.2
0.875 (7/8)
3/4
19.0
25.4
1.00 (1)
7/8
22.2
0.438 0.530 0.625 0.750 0.875
*American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E11-87, Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes • Pellet Diameter a
K a n s a s s tat e U n i v e r s i t y a g r i c U lt U r a l e x p e r i m e n t s tat i o n
and
c o o p e r at i v e e x t e n s i o n s e r v i c e
This extension publication created focuses on evaluating pellet quality. It will be available through K-State Research and Extension online bookstore.
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Milling Practices Course to be Held Kansas State University's IGP Institute to hold advanced milling practices training. Stories by Melissa Grimmel, IGP Institute Communications Intern hose involved in the milling industry wanting to learn how to improve operations and their technical skills are encouraged to attend the Milling Practices to Improve Flour Quality course. The course will be held June 9-12, 2015 at the IGP Institute Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas.
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“This advanced training will provide participants with an understanding of quantitative techniques to analyze and improve the quality of flour produced by improving their skills in evaluating the impact of milling on flour quality characteristics and milling efficiency,” says Mark Fowler, IGP Institute’s associate director and course manager. “Through this training, participants will have a deeper knowledge of the variables that impact flour quality and how their roles affect operations.” The training is designed for milling engineers, operation managers, production managers, head millers and shift managers. However, anyone with a 10
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theoretical milling background and practical work experience in a flour milling may attend. Topics covered in the training include analysis of mill flow sheets and design, analysis of mill balance and product distribution, adjustment of roll stands, sifting and sifter design, purification system and process control. Past course participant Steve Mortimer says the hands-on portion of the course was the most beneficial. “I wanted to learn about the physics of the machinery in wheat milling, how they work and what order they should go in,” Mortimer says. “I really enjoyed the mill work and the Hal Ross Flour Mill classes were a great way to learn. I enjoyed working with the machinery.” Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive continuing education credits that may be used toward a specialist certificate through the GEAPS-KSU Grain Processing Management credential.
This is just one example of the customized trainings offered by the IGP Institute. In addition to grain processing and flour milling, IGP offers courses in the areas of grain marketing and risk management, and feed manufacturing and grain quality management. To register, visit www.igpevents.grains.ksu.edu. For more information visit the IGP website at www.grains.kstate.edu/igp.
Managing Mill Balance and Control Course P lanned for June Kansas State University's IGP Institute to hold newly designed training to enhance millers' knowledge. illers wanting to gain a better understanding of the milling process and how their own job fits into milling operations are encouraged to attend the IGP Institute’s Managing Mill Balance and Control course. The course will be held June 2-5, 2015 at the IGP Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas. This is the second year the newly designed course will be held.
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“The course is focused on the milling principles applied to setting and balancing the break system to optimize flour extraction,” says Mark Fowler, IGP associate director and course coordinator. “Maintaining the mass balance of products flowing through the mill is a critical part of optimizing mill performance.”
work experience in a flour mill is required to take the course. Participant John Underhill from the 2014 course says going over the introductory information of milling was beneficial. “I don’t actually mill on a daily basis, but I oversee those who do,” Underhill says. “So having a better understanding of what they’re required to do helps me out on my daily job.” Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive continuing education
credits that may be used toward a specialist certificate through the GEAPS-KSU Grain Processing Management credential. This is just one example of the trainings offered through IGP Institute. In addition to grain processing and flour milling, IGP offers courses in the areas of grain marketing and risk management, and feed manufacturing and grain quality management. To register, visit www.igpevents.grains.ksu. edu. For more information visit the IGP website at www.grains.kstate.edu/igp.
The course covers topics including measuring break extraction, optimizing break release and product distribution for different classes of wheat and the impact of wheat quality on extraction. It provides students with more information about the milling process and how employees impact it. The training is designed for milling engineers, operation managers, production managers and shift managers. Practical Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 11
Runner's Delight: Students host ag-focused 5K
by Jordan Hildebrand
unning is hard work, and crossing a finish line is even harder. Did you know that runners are encouraged to load up on carbohydrates to power their muscles during distance training? Runners in the United States have access to some of the safest, most affordable running fuel in the world—our food system. Kansas State University students are using this knowledge and a passion for agriculture to create a unique running experience—the Farm 2 Fork 5k.
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The K-State Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) chapter will host the 5k race, which is a little more than 3 miles, on April 11th, the morning of K-State's Open House. The start and finish line will be on Waters Hall lawn, with the route winding through campus. Registration for the event begins at 7:30 a.m. with all participants receiving a t-shirt. While runners will enjoy the thrill of the race, they will also have the opportunity to learn about three very different aspects of agriculture: maple syrup, bacon and wheat, all industries that can be found in Kansas. As 12
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runners proceed through the route, they will find signs placed throughout the course detailing the production of these delicious items. The three commodities will combine at the end of the race as each runner will receive a maple bacon doughnut from Varsity Donuts, a favorite local eatery. Brooke Harshaw, a junior in agricultural communications and journalism at K-State and a coordinator of the event said, "We feel like this is a unique opportunity for runners, because, as far as we know, there are no other educational races revolving around agriculture. 5k races are really trendy right now, and it's exciting to be able to draw the link with how your food and physical fitness can work together for a healthy lifestyle." The event, sponsored in part by Kansas Wheat, is also a great educational experience for the students planning the race. Audrey Schmitz, sophomore in agricultural communications at K-State and food coordinator for the event, said, "I feel like this has been good hands-on, practical experience in event planning.
Being able to work with sponsors is a valuable skill that I have been able to develop by working on planning the race." ACT members hope to make this an annual fundraiser for their organization and will focus on different sectors of agriculture every year. Steve Korthanke, a maple syrup producer in Brown County, said, "Most people equate maple syrup production with areas in Vermont and New Hampshire, but not necessarily northeast Kansas. I'm excited that the students are promoting areas of agriculture that are not traditional to Kansas. There are very few producers here, and it's a time-consuming process, but I'm happy it's being celebrated." Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow is an organization that helps to develop excellent communicators for the ag industry. It's open to all students who want to focus on sharing ag's story, with an emphasis on professional development. For more information about K-State ACT and the Farm 2 Fork 5k, please visit kstateact5k. wordpress.com.
Quick Soft Pretzels April is National #softpretzel Month! A popular hands-on activity with children’s groups. The recipe suggests the form, but the baker must do the shaping to create the particular work of art.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups lukewarm water (110-115°F) 2 packages RED STAR® Active Dry Yeast ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 ¾ teaspoons salt ½ cup vegetable oil 5 - 5 ¼ cups all-purpose or bread flour 1 egg white 1 tablespoon cold water Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
Directions 1. Measure water into large bowl. Sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved. Add sugar, salt, oil, and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. 2. Knead dough 8 to 10 minutes. Cover dough; let rest 30 minutes. Divide dough into 24 pieces; cover, let rest 5 minutes. Roll each into a uniform 18-inch rope. Shape into a pretzel by making a circle, bringing the
ends together, twisting once and then pressing ends onto the bottom curve of the circle. 3. Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Beat together egg white and cold water; brush pretzels with mixture. If desired, sprinkle on seeds.
Nutrition Information Makes 24 pretzels. Nutrition information per serving (one pretzel): 146 cal, 5 g fat, 0 mg chol, 176 mg sodium, 22 g carbo, 1 g fiber, 3 g pro, 54 mcg folate.
4. Bake in preheated 425°F oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Remove pretzels from baking sheets; cool on wire rack. Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 13
News from : NAWG Weekly Updates March 5, 2015 NAWG President Blankenship Attends White House Briefing NAWG’s newly elected president Brett Blankenship attended a briefing at the White House with senior Administration officials to discuss President Obama’s export and international trade agenda. Among the senior administration officials present were Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Ambassador Darci Vetter, who serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator and U.S. Trade Representative. The briefing stressed the importance international trade holds in the future of American agriculture. In order to secure trade with Asian countries, the president requires Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to secure a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) treaty. The TPP is key to a strategic pivot to Asia as the Asian middleclass continues to grow. The TPP covers a vital region for wheat exports, and will become a powerful model for future agreements. The U.S. needs to be in the lead on this trade agreement, which will encompass 40 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. 14
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NAWG supports the passage of TPA, the signing of TPP, and an expansion of international trade because many wheat growers’ bottom-lines are dependent upon Asian trade. It is imperative that the U.S. Congress help create the policy climate for the TPP to move forward. Senate Bill Introduced that Would Provide Ag Industry Transportation Relief Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced bi-partisan and bi-cameral legislation that would eliminate the burdensome regulation that requires agriculture industry professionals to obtain a hazardous material endorsement before transporting diesel fuel critical for a number of agricultural operations. The Senators’ legislation exempts agribusiness participants from the requirement to obtain a hazardous material endorsement, while operating a service vehicle carrying diesel fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less, if the tank containing diesel fuel is clearly marked. Exempted parties include all custom harvesters,
agriculture retailers, agriculture business employees, agriculture cooperative employees, or agriculture producers who hold a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Under current regulations, any driver transporting more than 119 gallons of diesel fuel is required to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement on their Class A CDL. The bill was endorsed by a number of organizations including NAWG. Read the full press release at www.roberts. senate.gov/.
Commodity Classic 2015 Wraps Up Commodity Classic 2015 set a total attendance record for the 20 year old event, with nearly 8,000 attendees in Phoenix, Ariz. Other records broken were the number of growers, at 4,328 (compared to 3,874 in 2014); and the number of first-time attendees, at 1,409 (compared to 1,261 in 2014). In addition to attending the event, NAWG also installed its new officer team. Washington wheat farmer Bret Blankenship was elected as the new President at the Association’s Board of Directors meeting Thursday, Feb. 26.
Other NAWG officers elected and installed at the meeting included: • Gordon Stoner, Outlook, Mont., Vice President • David Schemm, Sharon Springs, Kan., Treasurer • Jimmie Musick, Sentinel, Okla., Secretary • Paul Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., Immediate Past President NAWG Attends Monsanto Event on Monarch Butterflies NAWG attended a meeting organized by Monsanto titled “Monarch Butterflies: Challenges and Opportunities.” The session included speakers highlighting public and private efforts to study and promote the development of monarch butterfly habitats. The discussion highlighted the coordinated efforts between government agencies, areas of focus and efforts to reestablish milkweed, so as to improve the habitat for Monarchs in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and in the Midwest Corn belt. Speaking at the session were representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa State University, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Monarch Watch. Another collaborative meeting on the Monarch will be held in April and facilitated by the Keystone Policy Group. NAWG Vice President Participates in Panel at BakingTech 2015 NAWG vice president Gordon Stoner participated in a panel discussion at BakingTech 2015. He discussed biotechnology
as part of the closing General Session. Stoner’s comments focused on the importance of biotechnology and the need for innovation to help feed our planet’s growing population. BakingTech 2015 addressed topics such as how to recruit and train the next generation of leaders, how to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner, how to meet ever-changing and difficult consumer demands and what technology is available to improve operational efficiently to ensure food safety. The American Society of Baking hosted the event. NAWG appreciates the opportunity to be part of these discussions. For a complete list of events at BakingTech 2015, visit http://www.asbe.org/assets/1/7/ ASBprogram2015.pdf. Domestic and Trade Policy Committee at Commodity Classic Last week at Commodity Classic the Domestic and Trade Policy Committee met to discuss a variety of wheat-related policies. During the meeting, the Canadian wheat growers’ group, Ag Canada, spoke to the Committee to discuss the importance of the U.S. and Canadian trade relationship, especially in agriculture. They showed a video explaining all the connections the U.S. and Canada possess in agriculture trade, which you can view here. The Committee heard updates on Idaho’s crop insurance project as well as current crop insurance strategy, to promote synergy with like-minded groups. Along with updates, the Committee focused on expiring resolutions, while passing many new resolutions and extending some of the expiring.
National Wheat Foundation Board of Directors at Commodity Classic The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) conducted its annual meeting during the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Discussion centered around the Foundation’s progress in achieving the its core objectives and the proposed FY 2016 organizational budget. Progress reports were provided to the NWF Board on the current educational programs administered by the Foundation, including the Wheat Leaders of the Future (WOLF) Program, funded by Bayer CropScience, the Wheat Advocate Program, funded by Monsanto, the Jerry Minore Scholarships and the new National Wheat Yield Contest, funded by BASF, and the upcoming NWF-hosted National Ag Day Bagels & Briefing. The board also received an update on its Wheat Innovation Alliance. One of the actions the board took was to no longer actively seek funds to build a new Wheat Building in Washington, DC, and to seek permission from previous contributors to the building fund to utilize their funds on future projects of the board’s choice. The NWF Board welcomed two new board members: David Cleavinger, a NAWG past president from Texas, and Ryan Findlay of Syngenta. The board also elected officers for 2015. Dusty Tallman, a wheat grower from Colorado, will serve as Chairman; Phil McLain, a North Carolina wheat grower, will serve as Vice Chairman; and, Steve Joehl of Monsanto will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 15
March 12, 2015 U.S. Wheat Organizations Join USACC in Renewing Call for End to Cuban Embargo After participating in a “learning journey” to Cuba March 1 to 4, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) have joined members of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) to renew a call for Congress to end the U.S. trade embargo. USW Assistant Director of Policy Ben Conner and Kansas wheat farmer Doug Keesling represented the U.S. wheat industry on the trip. “Our visit was an important first step toward a stronger relationship with Cuba,” Conner said. “We appreciated the opportunity to sit down and personally discuss these issues with representatives of the Cuban government and its people. We left with the distinct impression that lifting the embargo represents a unique chance to benefit people in both countries.” “We have exported wheat to Cuba in the past, and there should be no reason why we can’t do it now or in the future,” Keesling said. “It is the biggest wheat importer in the Caribbean — just a couple days away from our Gulf ports — and our own policies are keeping us from working together again. That’s not good for farmers or for the Cuban people.” While ongoing travel and financing restrictions negatively affect the export potential for U.S. wheat farmers, competitors in the European Union and Canada freely sell wheat to Cuba. Even if 16
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the U.S. government loosens its trade policies, the larger political implications of an ongoing embargo create an unstable business environment for the United States and Cuba. “Since Cuba can buy almost anything from anywhere except from the United States, the embargo is effectively an embargo against U.S. businesses and citizens, not of Cuba,” said USW President Alan Tracy. “We will seize every opportunity to expand trade and Cuba is no exception,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship. “Cuba represents untapped trade potential within our own hemisphere, and an end to the embargo would greatly benefit the U.S. export economy. Our wheat growers stand with America’s farm and business leaders to promote trade with Cuba today, tomorrow and well into the future.” The visit included more than 95 U.S. agricultural leaders who met with officials of the Cuban government and learned about initiatives underway in Cuba to boost food production. “As a result of this week’s learning journey, U.S. agricultural interests are well-positioned to facilitate a strong, two-way relationship when the embargo is lifted,” said USACC Chair Devry Boughner Vorwerk. Waters of the U.S. Hearing Scheduled for House Agriculture Committee On March 17, the House Agriculture Conservation & Forestry Subcommittee held a hearing on the Waters of the
U.S. regulation. The regulatory proposal issued last year has faced opposition from agriculture, business, and state and local government due to the lack of clarity provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. The regulation could expand the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and encompass ditches and ephemeral streams, potentially impacting agricultural activities where these features are present. The Administration has said they will issue a final regulation this spring without additional time for public review and comment, despite the over one million comments that were received prior to the public comment deadline last Fall. EPA officials have stated they will make changes to the regulation to reflect comments, but without additional time to review the proposal before it would go into effect, there is growing concern about the actions EPA will take. NAWG joined several other agriculture commodity associations in providing joint testimony at the hearing. New Farm Bill Program Sees Payments to Producers Rise Forecasts by the Congressional Budget Office and the University of Missouri’s Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute predicted that the new farm programs will surpass payouts seen under the old system of direct payments, potentially reaching $7 billion annually over the next few years. While these payments will go to grain and oilseed growers, the sharp decline in corn prices in recent
years indicates that the majority of these payments will go to corn growers. Read more about new farm programs, courtesy of AgriPulse, at http://www.agri-pulse. com/Paymentso-to-producersto-rise-under-new-farm-billprograms-03092015.asp. Senate Finance Chair Expresses Desire for Presidential TPA Chairman Orrin Hatch (RUT) of the Senate Finance Committee stated his desire to have legislation that provides the President with fast-track trade authority ready in April. He and the committee’s Ranking Member, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, are in continuing negotiations to this effect. Enactment of Trade Promotion Authority is seen as critical to the President Obama’s ability to wrap up the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement this year. The United States hosted a meeting of the TPP negotiators in Hawaii on March 9 to March 15. NAWG supports Congressional efforts to grant President Obama TPA to streamline both the negotiation process with our international partners and the approval process of such agreements in Congress, which would eliminate the ability to amend international trade treaties in Congress and have an up-or-down vote on all trade agreements.
March 19, 2015 Tonsager Joins Wheat Growers’Policy Team NAWG announced the addition of Joshua Tonsager to lead the organization’s Washingtonbased government affairs
team. Tonsager will serve as legislative director for NAWG, overseeing the policy team and leading the associations work on transportation and research and technology issues. Most recently, Tonsager served as a Legislative Assistant in the Office of Former Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota. His issue portfolio included agriculture, trade, economic development and appropriations. Prior to joining Senator Johnson’s staff, Tonsager served as a Research Assistant for Former Senator Johnson. Tonsager received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota. Tonsager can be reached at JTonsager@wheatworld.org. National Wheat Improvement Committee Hits the Hill The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss important wheat research issues. NWIC began their trip speaking with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Administrator Chavonda Jacobs-Youngs thanking the agency for their support of wheat research projects and looking forward to continued partnership. The remainder of their trip was spent speaking with congressional offices highlighting the benefits of wheat research efforts and ARS funding as well as and the importance of continuing funding for specific programs like the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, Small Grains Genomic Initiative and Triticeae Coordinated Agriculture Project (TCAP).
NWIC is comprised of wheat researchers and wheat growers from across the country. “In my thirty years in wheat research, I have never been as excited about the scientific and technological opportunities being revealed by our applied and basic researchers in the USDA, Land-Grant and private company sectors across the country,” said NWIC Chairman Paul Murphy. “I am humbled by the level of stakeholder support from organizations such as NAWG, who are unflinching in their advocacy for wheat research on Capitol Hill.” This annual event is an opportunity to educate stakeholders on Capitol Hill and at USDA about the importance of wheat research projects around the country and to emphasize the need for consistent, adequate funding even in tough budget times. NWF Hosts Full Crowd for National Ag Day Briefing In celebration of National Ag Day on March 18, the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) hosted a bagel breakfast and educational briefing on Capitol Hill. The event filled the Senate Ag Committee Hearing Room with more than 100 industry representatives, Hill staff, embassy staff, and media participating in a forward-looking discussion about innovation and the next generation of agriculture. The panel of industry experts included: • Gordon Stoner; Vice President, NAWG • Matt Erickson; Chief Economist, Senate Agriculture Committee Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 17
• David Van Sanford; Professor of Plant and Soil Science, University of Kentucky NWF Chairman Dusty Tallman moderated the discussion that emphasized the importance of a cooperative industry approach to advancing agriculture – not only production agriculture, but the entire farm-to-table industry. NAWG Submits Comments on Ozone Regulations In comments filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NAWG expressed concern over the proposed changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone. EPA’s proposed regulation would lower the ozone standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to between 65-70 ppb or as low as 60 ppb. The lower standards could impact managed burning plans that several state associations have negotiated with their state regulatory agencies. A new, lower standard set by EPA would require states to implement new plans to meet air quality standards. NAWG asked for additional time for the existing standards, which were set just six years ago, to remain in place and to allow for additional reductions in ozone levels. A copy of the letter is available at http://www. wheatworld.org/wp-content/ uploads/NAWG-Comments-onOzone-Regulations-3-17-15.pdf. House Agriculture Committee Approves Pesticide Bill On March 19, the House Agriculture Committee approved HR. 897, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act. Currently EPA requires a Clean Water Act 18 18
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit or individual permit for anyone that will discharge pollutants from point sources into waters of the U.S., including pesticide applications. In 2009 the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decided in National Cotton Council v. EPA that the discharge into waters of the U.S. of biological and chemical pesticides that leave a residue are a pollutant. Prior to this lawsuit, the EPA did not consider pesticides pollutants, but regulated the use of pesticides under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. With pesticide applications now falling under the Clean Water Act, several provisions of the law apply – including daily fines of up to $37,500 for violations and citizen lawsuits in addition to the NPDES permit requirement. EPA is also in the process of finalizing a regulation on waters of the U.S., potentially increasing the waters that fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and subsequently increasing pesticide applications requiring a permit. NAWG several agriculture groups in sending a letter of support to members of the House Agriculture Committee. Agriculture Committees Focus on Clean Water Act Regulation The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee held a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed regulation on waters of the U.S. NAWG signed on as a supporter to testimony presented by National Cotton Council
Chairman Sledge Taylor. Also supporting the testimony were: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, USA Rice Federation, and Western Peanut Growers. The testimony focused on the agriculture industry’s concerns with the regulation and asked that any action taken by the EPA be available for public comment again before being finalized. The Senate Agriculture Committee also announced a full committee hearing on the same topic on March 24.
March 26, 2015
Senate and House Consider Budget Resolutions The U.S. House of Representatives adopted its FY 2016 budget resolution on a vote of 228-199. The version of the budget resolution approved by the full House reflects the version passed by the House Budget Committee, but it includes an additional $2 billion for a particular Defense account. During floor consideration, the House rejected a number of alternative budget proposals, including a proposal from the Republican Study Committee that would have called for the elimination of funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program. The final version adopted by the House does include reconciliation instructions for the Agriculture Committee to find $1 billion in reductions over 10 years in mandatory programs.
The Senate is still considering its budget resolution with amendment votes anticipated to extend through Thursday night. There were a number of amendments introduced that could impact crop insurance and the farm programs, including amendments from Senator Flake (R-AZ) that would eliminate premium subsidies on policies utilizing the Harvest Price Option, limiting premium support for producers with an AGI above $750,000, and calling for disclosure of participants in the crop insurance program; an amendment from Senator Shaheen (D-NH) that would call for a premium support cap of $50,000 annually; and an amendment from Senator Booker (D-NJ) that would call for a reduction in the AGI cap for Title 1 farm programs. NAWG is opposed to these amendments and we ask that you contact your Senate offices to oppose any amendment that would undermine crop insurance or that would reopen the Farm Bill.
Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act Introduced
Senate Commerce Committee Approves STB Reform Bill
NAWG applauds the introduction of legislation that will create a national, sciencebased labeling standard for foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and urges Congress to quickly pass the bill. The legislation, which will ensure that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains the authority on food safety and labeling standards in the United States, was introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC). Currently, a growing patchwork of mandatory state labeling laws threatens to harm interstate commerce, drive up the price of food and increase consumer confusion. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act will ensure labeling decisions are established by science based, uniform standards that are consistent in every grocery store in all 50 states.
On Wednesday, March 25, the Senate Commerce Committee adopted by voice vote legislation (S. 808) introduced by Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) that would reauthorize and reform the Surface Transportation Board (STB). NAWG supports the legislation, which includes several important reforms to the STB, including: an increase in the number of board members from three to five; transparency requirements to ensure the reporting of the nature and disposition of complaints considered by the STB; the establishment of a voluntary arbitration process to resolve disputes; and the new ability of the STB to initiate investigations without having to wait for a formal complaint to be filed.
House Hearing on Biotechnology
“We are pleased by the introduction of this bipartisan legislation. A uniform standard will bring the clarity desired by the consumer while ensuring they have direct access to fact-based, accurate information about how their food is grown, which is just not possible through conflicting state-by-state labeling laws,” said Brett Blankenship, NAWG president and wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash.
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on mandatory biotechnology labeling laws. The Committee heard from six witnesses on the harm mandatory biotech labeling laws would bring to the agriculture industry and consumers. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) said in his opening statement, “Biotechnology is an essential tool for farmers to have in the toolbox if we plan to feed an estimated 10 billion people by the year 2050 in an environmentally sound, sustainable and affordable way.”
See NAWG’s complete release http://www.wheatworld.org/ news-events/2015/03/nawgapplauds-introduction-of-thesafe-and-accurate-food-labelingact/
Senate Agriculture Committee Hears About“Murky”Clean Water Act Regulation In a hearing this week, the Senate Agriculture Committee heard testimony from state and local officials, a livestock producer, a mosquito control district and a rural co-op regarding the proposed Waters of the U.S. regulation. Those testifying overwhelmingly supported the development of a new regulation stressing that EPA should undertake more consultation with states prior to issuing a regulation. During debate on the FY16 budget, the Senate passed related amendments expressing concern over the proposed regulation. Rediscover WH WHE AT | APRIL 2014 19 Rediscover E AT | APRIL 2014 19
Senator Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) amendment addressed maintaining the agriculture exemptions under the Clean Water Act and passed 99-0, and Senator John Barrasso’s (RWY) amendment, which passed 59-40, addressed limiting the applicability of the regulation to puddles, isolated ponds, roadside ditches, irrigation ditches, storm water systems, wastewater systems and water delivery. NAWG Expresses Concern Over Glyphosate Reclassification NAWG expressed concern about the claims of a recent, stand-alone report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that moves to reclassify glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. “The claims by the IARC are very troubling and are not based on any new science. More than 25 years of analysis from global regulatory bodies and the international scientific community assessing updated data and peer-reviewed literature has consistently provided the same evidence: The toxicity levels of glyphosate are low, and glyphosate is not carcinogenic,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship. “The discrepancy between 25 years of scientific analysis and one report, which was based on a limited amount of data, cannot be ignored. Consumers can have faith that U.S. farmers and ranchers,
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including wheat growers, work tirelessly to provide the safest possible food for our families and theirs. NAWG stands side by side with our industry partners and allies in supporting farmers’ conscientious use of glyphosate.”
View the full statement http:// www.wheatworld.org/newsevents/2015/03/wheat-growersexpress-concern-over-iarcglyphosate-reclassification/
News from : March 12, 2015 Growth in Grain Storage U.S. Wheat Exports Are Weathering This Bear Market By Casey Chumrau, USW Market Analyst Marketing year 2014/15 has turned into a perfect storm of bearish factors for U.S. wheat exports. Global wheat supplies are even larger than first expected, U.S. prices remain higher than the competition and protein is limited. The abundant supply of corn and soybeans has added price pressure to all grains and, to complicate matters, the U.S. Dollar Index (USDX) hit a 12-year high, making U.S. agricultural products even more expensive for overseas customers. Despite the challenging context, the United States will still be the largest single supplier of wheat in the world this year as customers concerned with consistent quality and reliable supply find value in our production. U.S. wheat futures started to decline in June 2014 due to typical harvest-time pressure and a forecast for record global supplies. In its updated World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report released March 10, USDA estimated global production reached a new record of 725 million metric tons (MMT) this year, well above its
initial May 2014 estimate of 697 MMT. Almost every major wheat producing country harvested more wheat than first projected. However, higher yields came at the expense of quality in many regions. In July 2014, the U.S. Dollar Index (USDX) started a steady climb that has not stopped, increasing a bearish outlook that helped push futures down nearly 30 percent since the beginning of the marketing year. The FOB price of hard red winter (HRW) 12.0 protein from the Gulf on March 6 was $82 per metric ton (MT) less than a year earlier. U.S. farmers hoped that the sharp decline in price would help stimulate demand — and many of them have sufficient cash flow to hold some wheat from the market for better prices. Even though U.S. farm gate prices remain relatively low, export prices are still more expensive relative to competing supplies. On March 6, the USDX hit its long-term high when it closed at 97.6. The index has increased 21 percent since July 18, 2014, which is effectively an additional price premium for U.S. wheat. The bearish factors have held U.S. wheat export sales back to 21.8 MMT as of Feb. 26, compared to average sales at this date over the last five years of 25.6 MMT. Yet global demand
for wheat continues to grow at a remarkable pace. That is why USDA has not changed its current U.S. wheat export projection of 24.5 MMT in two months even in the face of these market factors. There are 10 weeks remaining in marketing year 2014/15. We note for buyers that locking in such excellent value for the quality U.S. wheat they need remains attractive, as it has for much of this marketing year. U.S. Wheat Organizations Join Renewed Call for End to Cuban Embargo After participating in a “learning journey” to Cuba March 1 to 4, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) have joined members of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) to renew a call for Congress to end the U.S. trade embargo. USW Assistant Director of Policy Ben Conner and Kansas wheat farmer Doug Keesling represented the U.S. wheat industry on the trip. “Our visit was an important first step toward a stronger relationship with Cuba,” Conner said. “We appreciated the opportunity to sit down and personally discuss these issues with representatives of the Cuban Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 21
government and its people. We left with the distinct impression that lifting the embargo represents a unique chance to benefit people in both countries.” “We have exported wheat to Cuba in the past and there should be no reason why we can’t do it now or in the future,” Keesling said. “It is the biggest wheat importer in the Caribbean — just a couple days away from our Gulf ports — and our own policies are keeping us from working together again. That’s not good for farmers or for the Cuban people.”
The visit included more than 95 U.S. agricultural leaders who met with officials of the Cuban government and learned about initiatives underway in Cuba to boost food production. “As a result U.S. agricultural interests are well-positioned to facilitate a strong, two-way relationship when the embargo is lifted,” said USACC Chair Devry Boughner Vorwerk. Plant Biotechnology: Public Fear of Unknown at Odds with Scientific Evidence
While ongoing travel and financing restrictions negatively affect the export potential for U.S. wheat farmers, competitors in the European Union and Canada freely sell wheat to Cuba. Even if the U.S. government loosens its trade policies, the larger political implications of an ongoing embargo create an unstable business environment for the United States and Cuba.
By USW Policy Specialist Elizabeth Westendorf
“Since Cuba can buy almost anything from anywhere except from the United States, the embargo is effectively an embargo against U.S. businesses and citizens, not of Cuba,” said USW President Alan Tracy.
The Pew Research Center conducts a regular survey comparing how U.S. consumers and scientists view science and society that includes several questions about GMOs in food. The latest poll results, released in January, were striking: 57 percent of the public agreed with the statement that GM foods are “generally unsafe to eat,” with only 37 percent saying GM foods are generally safe. This is in contrast to 88 percent of scientists polled who agreed with the statement that GM foods “are generally safe.” This gap of 51 percentage points was the largest of the survey, which also included questions on animal testing,
“We will seize every opportunity to expand trade and Cuba is no exception,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship. “Cuba represents untapped trade potential within our own hemisphere, and an end to the embargo would greatly benefit the U.S. export economy. Our wheat growers stand with America’s farm and business leaders to promote trade with Cuba today, tomorrow and well into the future.” 22
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Perhaps it is our relative wealth. Perhaps it is cultural bias for celebrity influence. Perhaps it is just nonchalance. Whatever the reasons, there is a wide gap between scientific reality and public opinion in the United States. Polls on food and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are particularly revealing.
hydraulic fracturing, vaccinations and nuclear energy. That 67 percent of the public polled agreed that “scientists do not have a clear understanding about the health effects of GM foods” is very troubling. USW believes that an overwhelming number of studies and reports reaffirm that food ingredients derived from plant biotechnology meet the same safety requirements for food and feed as ingredients from traditionally bred plants. Yet misinformation on the Internet, often circulated by activist groups that profit from fear mongering, seems to gain public acceptance even in the face of basic truths. Here is another example. A separate survey in January conducted by the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics found that 82 percent of respondents supported mandatory labels on GMOs. However, 80 percent of respondents also said they supported mandatory labels on “foods containing DNA.” Fundamentally, this indicates that people fear technology they do not understand. The use of the scientific acronym DNA apparently put them on the defensive despite the fact that DNA is a natural part of every plant or animal cell and in virtually every bite of food any of us has ever eaten. Looking at the challenge in this light does offer hope that widespread public education efforts might help consumers understand the positive impact plant biotechnology has had and will continue to have on sustainable agriculture and producing more
and better food for an increasingly hungry world. Food and Agricultural Economist Jayson Lusk, who runs the Oklahoma State survey, noted that while people may express high levels of concern about GMOs, it often does not play out in their actions. He pointed out that initial polling strongly supported GMO food labeling initiatives in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, yet each ballot initiative failed (and in some cases with a strong majority). The result of a December 2014 Intelligence Squared debate on GMOs is another sign that education could make a difference. At the beginning of this televised debate, the audience was evenly split — one third opposed GMOs, one third approved and one third were undecided. After the debate, however, 60 percent approved of GMOs, 31 percent opposed and 9 percent were undecided. Bill Nye, a well-known U.S. pop culture science advocate who attended the debate has also expressed concerns about GMO food for years. Perhaps inspired by the debate, he has since taken the time to discuss plant biotechnology with plant geneticists and has reportedly changed his mind. For those wishing to join Bill Nye and many others who want to learn more, there are excellent resources. We suggest gmoanswers.com, the Genetic Literacy Project, ucbiotech. org and Truth About Trade and Technology. To learn more about the thoughtful positions of the U.S. wheat industry on
biotechnology and trade, we invite you to visit http://www.uswheat. org/biotechnology or http://www. wheatworld.org/issues/biotech/.
with biotech research underway in many different countries, it is important for our industry to be involved in GAABT’s efforts.”
New Online Resource Offers Tools and Guidance for Agricultural Trade Policy Development
The term LLP refers to the unintentional, low level presence of an agricultural biotech product approved in one or more countries, but not yet approved in the importing country. USW supports establishing LLP policies for wheat trade that are predictable, science-based and consistent with international guidelines.
On March 10, the Global Alliance for Ag Biotech Trade (GAABT) launched its organizational website, www. gaabt.org. The new site offers a one-stop location for resources including studies, articles, data and industry positions that will help policymakers and regulators create predictable, efficient and achievable trade policies for agricultural biotechnology. GAABT is a farm-to-fork industry coalition representing grower and producer groups, grain and feed handlers, food and seed industries, and technology providers. Bringing together different parts of the agricultural value chain, GAABT encourages the development of trade policies that facilitate the movement of food, feed, grain and processing ingredients and reduce the potential for trade disruptions. As a GAABT member, USW supports the organization’s leading role in addressing asynchronous biotech event approvals and low level presence (LLP) policy efforts. “We are glad to see GAABT become a more public-facing organization offering information that can help reduce trade disruptions,” said Shannon Schlecht, USW vice president of policy. “Wheat is the most traded grain in the world and
“A workable LLP threshold should incorporate biological and logistical realities,” Schlecht said. “U.S. wheat organizations support a five percent LLP threshold on a trait specific basis to achieve a cost effective approach,” said Schlecht. “We also encourage governments to establish synchronized approval policies to minimize trade disruptions of biotech products.” GAABT’s mission is to seek practical solutions to agricultural biotech trade challenges by providing users information related to LLP, such as national policy approaches, regulatory approval processes and international support for trade policy solutions. To learn more about the Global Alliance for Ag Biotech Trade or access resources on agricultural biotech crop trade, visit www. GAABT.org. Wheat Industry News Grains Featured in USDA’s MyPlate Campaign. The USDA’s “MyPlate” initiative celebrated National Nutrition Month throughout March. To promote Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 23
its dietary guidelines, USDA consumer campaigns last month and next December will feature the key message “make at least half your grains whole grains.” MyPlate is USDA’s new generation icon illustrating the five food groups prompting consumers to think about eating healthy meals. For more information and helpful resources visit http://www. choosemyplate.gov/. NCI Pasta Production and Technology Short Course. Registration closed March 31, 2015 for this short course on April 14 to 16 in Fargo, ND, introducing the fundamental and applied aspects of manufacturing extruded pasta products. The course includes raw material quality criteria, specifications, processing variables and the impact on final pasta product quality. For more information and registration, go to http://www. northern-crops.com/courses2/. IGP Institute/KSU Mill Balance and Control Course. The IGP Institute, Manhattan, KS, has scheduled this course for June 2 to 5, 2015. The course focuses on the principles of wheat cleaning, conditioning and milling; understanding the importance of wheat quality and preparation to the milling process; and the advantages of wheat and flour blending. For more information or to register, visit http://www. grains.k-state.edu/igp/IGP_KSU_ Managing_Mill_Balance_and_ Control.html. WMC Biscuit and Cracker Technology Short Course. The Wheat Marketing Center in Portland, OR, will hold its Biscuit and Cracker Technology Short 24
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Course May 12 to 16, 2015. For more information or to register, visit http://wmcinc.org/ WMC_03_Cookie_and_Cracker. html. NAWG Elected Brett Blankenship as President at its Board of Directors meeting Feb. 26. “I’m looking forward to a very productive year for NAWG and America’s wheat growers. I hope to spend every day advancing the wheat industry into the 21st Century,” said Blankenship who farms in eastern Washington. Other NAWG officers elected were Gordon Stoner, Outlook, MT, Vice President, David Schemm, Sharon Springs, KS, Treasurer, Jimmie Musick, Sentinel, OK, Secretary, and Paul Penner, Hillsboro, KS, Immediate Past President. Read more at http://bit.ly/1D50quP. Blankenship Calls for Trade Promotion Authority for TPP. “Capital Press” reported this week that the new NAWG president attended a White House briefing for commodity leaders to promote trade promotion authority (TPA). Blankenship said it is critical for this president to have TPA to reach a successful agreement on the pending Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Read more at http://bit.ly/1E90Q0N. Congratulations to Ann Murchison, office manager at USW/Portland, for 20 years of service to U.S. wheat farmers and their customers. Thank you, Ann, for adding so much value to our work, for your commitment and for your contributions to our industry.
Just the Facts. U.S. farmers seed enough wheat each year to cover about 29 million soccer pitches (that is about 44 million American football fields). USDA estimates U.S. wheat production for marketing year 2014/15 was 55.17 MMT.
March 26, 2015 More Rain Needed to Make the 2015/16 HRW Crop By Casey Chumrau, USW Market Analyst Spring came early in most parts of the U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat belt this year and revealed a crop that looks promising overall — but one that needs a good boost of moisture. Following a mild winter with limited protection from snow, the first concern about the crop is winterkill. There are signs of damage here and there but it is too early to speculate about its ultimate effect on yields. A bigger variable at this point is soil moisture. Current drought conditions are less severe compared to last year at this time, but moisture is still a serious concern, especially with unusually warm weather so far in March. When U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) asked representatives from the major HRW states for crop condition updates, they said the next two weeks would be critical to plant development. Like the farmers they work for, all remain optimistic that the forecasted rain will greatly benefit the emerging and greening wheat. Here is a summary of HRW conditions as of March 25.
Oklahoma received beneficial rain in most parts of the state last week that is helping overcome some freeze damage in early March. According to Mike Schulte, executive director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, most of the crop looks surprisingly good throughout the state. USDA agreed and increased its most recent rating to 44 percent good to excellent from 40 percent the prior week. Topsoil and subsoil moisture in all regions of the state are still lacking and the U.S. Drought Monitor rates conditions in the western half of the state as extreme to exceptional. Warm temperatures this early in the season increase the urgency for more rain that is in the forecast for next week. Kansas winter wheat, including hard white, recently received a bit of moisture but needs a lot more in the coming weeks. Drought conditions exacerbate the higher than average winterkill Kansas experienced this year according to Kansas Wheat Commission CEO Justin Gilpin. Some winter wheat entered dormancy in less than ideal condition due to extreme temperature changes in November. The very warm weather now in early spring just increases the need for more rain. Still, USDA rates 41 percent of the Kansas winter crop as good or excellent, unchanged from the prior week. Nebraska farmers report that wheat is greening in the south and breaking dormancy in the north. The state lacked snow cover for most of the winter and the wheat crop is suffering from both drought and variable winterkill. Some fields show up
to 80 percent damage while other fields have none. The Nebraska wheat crop report on March 20 said soil moisture is adequate for now in some areas and very short in others. With such warm temperatures, the crop will need significant moisture in the next two weeks to maximize its potential. The last official rating of Nebraska’s wheat conditions was March 2 when USDA estimated 62 percent of the crop was good or excellent and just 3 percent poor. Conditions as of this week may not be so good. South Dakota also did not have much snow cover or other precipitation this winter. USDA steadily owngraded the state’s crop quality ratings in the five months after planting and the early warm-up is adding challenges. None of the crop is rated as excellent — but none is rated poor, either. As of March 2, 93 percent was rated as good or fair and much of the state is expecting much needed rain this week. According to Reid Christopherson, executive director of the South Dakota Wheat Commission, there are no reports of winterkill or abandonment yet. He said the notillage systems most farmers now use help save soil moisture and increase sustainability. Montana also had a relatively warm winter and early spring, but soil moisture is still adequate in most of the state. In fact, Montana is the only HRW producing state in which the U.S. government does not report any drought conditions. Collin Watters, executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, said the risk of a serious frost is dwindling.
Although it was mostly light, wind and freeze damage is greater than last year due to limited snow. That is probably the reason USDA rated Montana’s winter wheat crop as 44 percent good or excellent on March 2, which is down 53 percent from last year. A rating of 22 percent poor or very poor on March 2 compares to 9 percent last year. Watters is optimistic that favorable weather in the next few weeks will help the crop overcome any winter damage. Washington’s winter wheat crop, including HRW and soft white (SW), is coming out of dormancy two to three weeks earlier than normal. Glen Squires, CEO of the Washington Grain Commission, said there were areas of winter kill throughout the state, hitting HRW and club wheat hardest. Some reseeding is already occurring in the heavily damaged fields. While the wheat that survived looked good coming out of winter, the soil needs more moisture. Some recent rains have helped, but Squires is concerned that production will suffer without adequate rainfall in the next three months. New Agriculture Census Data Confirms: U.S. Farms are Family Farms By Amanda Spoo, USW Communications Specialist Jason Scott is a sixth generation farmer from Maryland who manages 1,500 acres of diversified crops, including soft red winter wheat, but running Walnut Hill Farm is a family affair. Scott’s father works fulltime on the farm and as a sales representative for the family-owned seed agency. When someone needs a ride to Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 25
move equipment around, Scott’s grandfather is the designated driver, and helps with irrigation systems. Scott’s mother, who also doubles as a daycare provider for Scott’s daughter, handles the farm’s books. Dig deeper and you will continue to learn how members of Scott’s extended family contribute to what has become a multi-faceted business. “We simply couldn’t do it without family involvement,” said Scott, who currently serves as a USW director and the organization’s SecretaryTreasurer. The latest data from the 2012 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report confirms that family-owned farms remain the backbone of U.S. agriculture. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is using typology from the report’s 6 million data points to help answer a much-debated question: what is a “family farm?” This report defined a family farm as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the operator and individuals related to the operator through blood, marriage or adoption. "What we found is that, in fact, 97 percent of all domestic farms are family-owned,” said Hubert Hamer, NASS statistics division director. That family dynamic is essential to producing an abundant and diverse U.S. wheat crop. Each year, U.S. wheat farmers produce roughly twice the U.S. demand to supply export markets, making the United States the largest single wheat exporting country in the world. 26
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Scott understands the responsibility that his farm has in ensuring that the U.S. wheat store is always open. “Our goal is to produce as much of the best product we can for our buyers, while causing as little adverse effect as possible on the environment and the people around us. I think this is key to the reputation of the U.S. wheat brand,” said Scott. “Many times when talking with customers I have heard they like the reliability and honesty we provide. They want to know they can get the wheat they want.” The report highlights that both small and large family farms have a role in contributing to the marketplace. The data showed that 88 percent of all U.S. farms are small family farms and the 3 percent of farms “that are large or very large family farms” hold the majority of all vegetable and dairy sales in the United States. “I am not surprised that family farms make up such a large majority of U.S. agriculture,” Scott said. “There is a sense of pride in running a successful farm and I don't know any farmers that would feel as prideful to do that for a group of stockholders. It has been said farming is not a job, it is a lifestyle, and I personally cannot think of anything else I would rather do. The variety of daily challenges that we deal with causes us to constantly learn and better ourselves so we can keep our farms sustainable both financially and environmentally.” To access all the data products from the Census typology report, including Highlights, infographics and maps, visit www.agcensus.us.
U.S. Wheat Industry Trade Policy Priorities for 2015 USW and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) represent U.S. wheat farmers and support the free and fair flow of global wheat trade. Domestic policy, export market development and trade policy dramatically affect the bottom line of U.S. farmers and their downstream customers. By supporting policies that improve market access, eliminate unfair trade practices and enforce existing trade commitments, U.S. farmers can continue to be the world's most reliable choice for high quality wheat and help meet the food needs of a hungry and growing world population. Each year, the two national wheat organizations publish trade policy priorities. The complete 2015 summary is available at http://bit. ly/1DVc8Zh. Here are some highlights: - We encourage full funding of the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program that support critical market building and development programs for U.S. wheat producers and U.S. agriculture. - We encourage renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as an essential tool for negotiating market-opening free trade agreements. - We support a comprehensive and forward-looking TransPacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and encourage efforts to include more countries. We also support a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and encourage pursuing new free trade agreements.
- We support the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the global rules-based trading system. We believe that a successful negotiation by the 160 WTO members provides the best opportunity to generate new U.S. wheat sales. The WTO remains an important institution and we support efforts to re-energize trade negotiations. - We support greater transparency and stronger monitoring and enforcement of trade partner compliance with their trade policy obligations, including domestic support, market access and export competition commitments. - We support ending the U.S. trade embargo and normalizing trade relations with Cuba. We also support the current exemptions for agricultural sales to sanctioned countries for humanitarian purposes. - We support the development of harmonized global approvals and science-based standards for the import of biotech crops, including the development and application of predictable low-level presence (LLP) policies for biotech crops approved in accordance with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. - We are concerned by the increase in non-tariff barriers and encourage more robust sanitaryphytosanitary (SPS) measures that would be fully enforceable, create greater transparency and a rapid response mechanism. - We believe there is a role for both in-kind and cash donations in future food aid programs and encourage the continuation of monetization as an efficient and beneficial means of contributing to food security and to local capacity building.
AACCI Paper Reviews Effective DON Management Practices By Amanda Spoo, USW Communications Specialist In the grain supply chain and wheat milling industry, nothing is more important than maintaining the quality and integrity of our wheat food products from farms to tables around the world. One familiar challenge is managing the occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin associated with the development of the plant disease Fusarium head blight or scab. Participants manage the presence of DON in wheat at each step in the supply chain. Breeders work to develop resistant varieties. Farmers practice responsible disease control and look toward future innovations. As wheat continues along the chain, domestic handlers and exporters select and blend the grain, while millers screen and clean to meet the specifications contracted with their customers. Most private contracts for milling wheat specify a maximum limit (ML) of 2 parts per million (ppm) for DON and a number of countries have set legal limits for DON in wheat at levels lower than 2 ppm. Recently Codex Alimentarius has actively pursued establishing an international standard ML of 2 ppm for DON in raw grain. To provide input to the process Codex is following to evaluate the need for such a standard, the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) commissioned a study by the American Association of Cereal Chemists International (AACCI) that was published in the January-
February 2015 issue of Cereal Foods World. The study examined the occurrence and effective management of DON in North America. It showed how current cleaning and quality control practices in North American mills lead to high quality end products that meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory limits for DON in flour and end products without setting government regulations for raw wheat. The study concluded, “MLs should be adequately protective of health yet also practically achievable so that trade disruptions do not occur.” USW helped fund the AACCI study. “U.S. wheat farmers have proven over many years that even when head blight pressure is strong, they can deliver the kind of quality the world’s millers and wheat food makers need,” said USW Vice President of Planning Jim Frahm. “We participated because we thought the study NAMA proposed would provide important information for our customers.” AACCI posted the full report on its website. Codex is scheduled to make a final decision about a whole grain DON standard ML later this calendar year. Biochemist Lays Groundwork for Creating a Celiac-Safe Wheat By Julia Debes, USW Communications Consultant, Reprinted from “Kansas Wheat” with Permission What would it take for celiacs to be able to have their wheat — and eat it too? Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2014 27
That is exactly what Dr. Chris Miller hopes to achieve in a research project funded by Kansas wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat Commission. Miller, the senior director of research, innovation and quality at Engrain, is working to lay the groundwork for creating a celiacsafe wheat — and one that could still make a great-tasting, goodlooking loaf of bread. Step One: Identifying Reactivity Miller will first identify the level of celiac disease reactivity in 300 different cultivars in four different categories: currently planted Kansas wheat varieties, historically popular wheat varieties, new experimental wheat lines and wild wheat relatives. Miller will literally put these samples to the test — relying on the reaction between human antibodies and wheat proteins. Antibodies are the defenders of the human body, each developed to remove a specific “threat.” For people with celiac disease, a portion of their antibodies have identified gluten as something that may cause harm to the body. When they consume gluten, antibodies defend, which causes damage to the small intestine. Every celiac sufferer’s sensitivity to gluten is a little different, which is why some just get an upset stomach and others end up in the hospital after consuming gluten. This means there is not one antibody that reacts to one protein. Instead, an array of human antibodies and their variations react to potentially hundreds of different wheat proteins — or even just fragments of proteins. 28 28
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To match wheat proteins with the custom-made human antibodies with which they react, Miller will use a process called antibody staining. Miller will take all of the individual proteins from one wheat variety and stick them in a gel — like pieces of fruit in Grandma’s prize JELL-O salad. The human antibodies are then washed with a colored stain and then mixed into the gel. If the human antibody finds its wheat protein target – they stick together and show up as a colored band. Proteins without an attached antibody remain invisible, and unmatched antibodies simply wash away. The more dense the color, the more antibodies that reacted, or the higher level of reactivity for that specific wheat variety to human celiac disease. With this information, Miller can rank each cultivars for their level of reaction. Wheat breeders can use Miller’s rack-and-stack to screen new and upcoming varieties for lower naturally occurring levels of reaction for human celiac disease. Step Two: Down to the DNA Each person’s immune system has different antibodies, however, so Miller must identify any wheat protein fragment that could potentially react to any one person’s antibodies and create a celiac reaction. To find the exact epitopes, or protein fragments, that react to human celiac disease antibodies, Miller will use a process called immunoprecipitation. In this process, a single antibody is adhered to the surface of a microscopic magnetic bead. The miniature magnets are then fixed
to a surface — like hundreds of super tiny magnets stuck to a fridge. Then, the proteins from a single wheat sample are washed over the surface. The reactive proteins stick, the others simply wash away. From there, Miller can isolate and sequence the reactive cereal proteins. These sequences provide targets to sequence the specific genes that cause a human celiac disease reaction. Results Benefit More Than Farmers. At the end, Miller will have created the most comprehensive study of wheat proteins related to celiac disease ever published. Kansas wheat farmers are the only group supporting research into the identifying the exact DNA that causes a celiac reaction as well as the levels of reactivity in wheat varieties. The results, however, would be life-changing for the three million Americans with celiac disease. As Miller said, “This is a huge contribution to science — not just to Kansas, but to all of human health.” Wheat Industry News Telling the Story of Wheat Innovation. The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) visited Washington, DC, last week to discuss important wheat research issues. NWIC thanked the USDA Agricultural Research Service for its support of wheat research projects and visited congressional offices highlighting the benefits of ARS funding and the importance of funding for specific research programs.
“In my thirty years in wheat research, I have never been as excited about the scientific and technological opportunities being revealed by our applied and basic researchers in the USDA, Land-Grant and private company sectors across the country,” said NWIC Chairman Dr. Paul Murphy. Read more at http://bit. ly/wheatresearch. Wheat Farmer Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. Past USW director Chris Cullan, of Hemingford, NE, was one of 10 inductees recognized on March 12. Cullan has been very involved in the wheat industry on both the state and national level, including traveling to Asia with USW and furnishing land each year for university wheat variety trials. FDA Issues Safety Clearance for Food Crops with Beneficial Biotech Traits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has completed its review of food safety data for Arctic apples and Innate potatoes and concluded that the biotech foods are as safe and nutritious as conventional varieties. Arctic apples resist browning caused by cuts and bruises. Innate potatoes are a variety with less black spot bruising, less postharvest food waste and reduces production of acrylamide (a suspected carcinogen) during cooking. Read FDA's news release for more details at http://www. fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/ PressAnnouncements/ ucm439121.htm. The Truth About Pasta. The second issue of “The Truth About Pasta,” a new monthly newsletter from the International Pasta
Organization is out. Each issue features a new and different topic — all pointing to the truth that pasta is healthy, sustainable, convenient, delicious, affordable, does not make you fat and much, much more. This month's focus is on sustainability. Be sure to look for each new issue, with new topics and information. Read this issue and join the mailing list at http://bit.ly/truthaboutpasta. Aussie Biotech Reference Guide. The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) has launched the second edition of The Official Australian Reference Guide to Agricultural Biotechnology and GM Crops during a “Science Meets Parliament” event in Canberra. Through the Guide, ABCA aims to provide facts about this technology that reflect scientific evidence provided by independent experts. The Guide is available online at www.abca. com.au. Sad News. Wheat friends learned that Jenny Tong, sister of Executive Administrator Patricia Tong, USW/Singapore, passed away March 15 in Singapore. Jenny worked for the U.S. Meat Export Federation for a number of years as well as doing temporary duties for other cooperators and the U.S. Ag Trade Office. Our thoughts are with Patricia and her family at this time Registration open for the IGP Milling Practices to Improve Flour Quality. The IGP Institute in Manhattan, KS, is hosting this course on June 9 to 12, 2015, for milling engineers, operation managers, production managers, head millers and shift managers.
Registration closes May 8. For more information or to register, visit www.grains.ksu.edu/igp. NCI Pasta Production and Technology Short Course. Registration closes March 31, 2015 for this short course at the Northern Crops Institute April 14 to16 in Fargo, ND, introducing the fundamental and applied aspects of manufacturing extruded pasta products. The course includes raw material quality criteria, specifications, processing variables and the impact on final pasta product quality. For more information or to register, visit www.northerncrops.com/courses2/. WMC Biscuit and Cracker Technology Short Course. The Wheat Marketing Center in Portland, OR, will hold its Biscuit and Cracker Technology Short Course May 12 to 16, 2015. For more information or to register, visit http://wmcinc.org/ WMC_03_Cookie_and_Cracker. html. Follow USW Online. Visit our page at www.facebook.com/ uswheat for the latest updates, photos and discussions of what is going on in the world of wheat. Also, find breaking news on Twitter at www.twitter. com/uswheatassoc, additional photos at www.flickr.com/ photos/uswheat, plus video stories at www.youtube.com/ uswheatassociates.
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Think you have the best wheat in Kansas? Prove it!
Enter the Kansas Wheat Yield Contest by June 1, 2015, for your chance to win! The top yield entry in Western, Central and Eastern regions of Kansas receives a $1,000 cash prize and plaque.
Kansas growers sought for wheat yield contest ow that the 2015 Kansas wheat crop is breaking dormancy, achieving top yields is on the minds of wheat farmers. With Mother Nature’s help, your best management practices could be just the ticket to earn you a quick $1,000 in cash, if you enter the Kansas Wheat Yield Contest.
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Now in its sixth year, the contest includes three regions: Region 1 (Western Kansas), Region 2 (Central Kansas) and Region 3 (Eastern Kansas). Producers achieving the top yield in each region receive a $1,000 cash prize and plaque from Kansas Wheat and corporate co-sponsor, BASF. Yield Contest sponsors also offer additional cash awards. Winners who use an AgriPro, WestBred, Plains Gold, LimaGrain or Kansas Wheat Alliance variety will receive an additional $500 cash prize from those companies, respectively. For the fifth year in a row, contest entrants will be eligible to participate in the Quality Initiative of the Wheat Yield Contest. Each contest participant will be asked to submit a 5-pound sample of wheat from the contest field. The sample will be evaluated for quality components such 30
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as test weight, protein content, variety and kernel quality. Top scoring samples will undergo further testing at ADM Milling’s Quality Laboratory in Kansas City. The sample with the top quality score will receive $250 in cash. Central Region winner Doug Keas of Plainville cinched both the region award and the Qualitive Initiative in the 2014 contest. Keas planted SY Wolf on a 10.32 acre plot in Rooks County. His winning yield was 78.39 bushels an acre. The June 1 deadline is approaching quickly, so be sure to enter the contest soon. Folks who enter the contest will be asked to share management information about their farm, including details about tillage and agronomic practices, crop protection products usage and more. A third party verifier will be employed at harvest to ensure the integrity of the contest.
Wheat farmers who are 18 years or older from throughout Kansas are eligible to participate by enrolling a plot at least five acres in size. The fee is $50 per entry. Producers may enter more than once, but each entry must be submitted on a separate entry form. Kansas Wheat directors, employees and spouses are prohibited from entering the contest. Contestants must use certified seed. The contest is open only to dryland fields planted to certified Hard Winter wheat. Contest winners will receive their awards at the 2015 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. For those who are interested in accepting the challenge, more details about the 2015 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest can be found online at www.kswheat.com, by requesting an information packet via e-mail at kswheat@kswheat. com, or by writing to Kansas Wheat, 1990 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.
I E L D C O N T E S T 2015
Hello Kansas Wheat.
Maltby Market Analysis by Dan Maltby
Wheat prices set back early this week on better than expected crop conditions, followed by a quarter inch of rain, followed by horrible export sales as reported on Thursdays…three strikes and you’re out. I’m really not sure a weaker stock market, currency fluctuations and a bounce in crude oil helped or hurt, although corn possibly benefited from the crude oil rally…but corn, and beans, are anxiously waiting for the USDA planting intentions report coming this Tuesday. We’ll see spring wheat and durum acres too. According to “analysts surveyed”… average acreage guesses for corn are 88.7 million acres, down from last year’s 90.6, and bean acreage is expected to climb to 85.9 million acres, up from 83.7 last year. Wheat’s average guess was 55.8 compared to 56.8 in 2014/15. Are these realistic guesses? "analysts" maltby
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 all wheat 57.3 60.5 63.2 59.2 53.6 54.4 55.7 56.2 56.8 55.8 corn 78.3 93.5 86.0 86.4 88.2 91.9 97.2 95.4 90.6 88.7 soybeans 75.5 64.7 75.7 77.5 77.4 75.0 77.2 76.5 83.7 85.9 milo 6.5 7.7 8.3 6.6 5.4 5.5 6.2 8.1 7.1 6.8 sun seeds 1.7 1.8 2.2 1.7 1.5 1.3 1.9 1.6 1.6 1.7 millet 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.5 0.5 barley 3.5 4.0 4.2 3.6 2.9 2.6 3.6 3.5 3.0 3.4 canola 1.0 1.2 1.0 0.8 1.4 1.1 1.8 1.3 1.7 1.3 oats 4.2 3.8 3.2 3.4 3.1 2.5 2.8 3.0 2.7 3.2 total selected 228.6 237.8 244.3 239.6 233.9 234.7 246.7 246.3 247.7 247.3
58.8 89.0 84.7 8.3 1.5 0.4 3.4 1.8 2.4 250.3
You can see the analysts’ bean acreage guess would be a record, and corn would be a 5 year low. I think the early favorable weather will encourage MORE wheat acres than most, and I see a jump in milo acres. I tapered my bean guess a bit, because I think corn acres will not drop as much as most seem to expect. Are these coming acreage guesses enough to move prices out of these relatively narrow current ranges? This is Dec15 corn. Is 88.7 million of corn really a market mover?
Charts and discussions follow, with the goal of giving you useful information to help you with your business. My disclaimer remains the same: these are my sometimes rapidly changing opinions; the markets are quite treacherous; and past performance is no guarantee…dm Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 1
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No. This corn acreage guess is not low enough to mean anything. Why? Because YIELD is more of a factor. Consider this table, which shows based on about any corn acreage number, a 4 billion bushel production range is possible, based on yield: corn acres planted corn acres harvested yield bu/ac production yield bu/ac production yield bu/ac production yield bu/ac production
85 78 147 11,466 156 12,168 166 12,948 173 13,494
86 79 147 11,613 156 12,324 166 13,114 173 13,667
87 80 147 11,760 156 12,480 166 13,280 173 13,840
88 81 147 11,907 156 12,636 166 13,446 173 14,013
89 82 147 12,054 156 12,792 166 13,612 173 14,186
90 83 147 12,201 156 12,948 166 13,778 173 14,359
91 84 147 12,348 156 13,104 166 13,944 173 14,532
92 85 147 12,495 156 13,260 166 14,110 173 14,705
93 86 147 12,642 156 13,416 166 14,276 173 14,878
So what will move corn on this long term chart? It will be yield, not acres.
How about soybeans? This is Nov beans (SX15), which look like a big acreage # is “in the market”…
Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 2 32
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Thus one has to ask if the bean acreage number could be smaller than expected… Does the possibility of $9.00 beans encourage record acres, as we saw on the acreage table on page 1? I don’t think $9.00 beans encourage USA bean production. But $9.00 beans to South America is probably a different calculation. Besides prospective plantings, we will also see stocks-in-all positions, which will help fine tune this season’s wheat carryout, and give clues about this year’s corn carryout as well. This Stocks report could move the market, but I do not expect it to do that. Here we sit… CLOSE
KWK15
KWN15
KWZ15
CK15
CN15
CZ15
WK15
MWK15
MWN15
SK15
SN15
03/27
$5.53
$5.58
$5.84
$3.91
$3.99
$4.15
$5.08
$5.75
$5.80
$9.67
$9.72
03/20
$5.70
$5.75
$6.01
$3.85
$3.93
$4.09
$5.30
$5.90
$5.94
$9.74
$9.78
03/13
$5.39
$5.44
$5.72
$3.81
$3.88
$4.05
$5.02
$5.68
$5.73
$9.74
$9.78
03/06
$5.22
$5.28
$5.56
$3.86
$3.94
$4.11
$4.83
$5.57
$5.62
$9.85
$9.91
02/27
$5.40
$5.46
$5.75
$3.93
$4.01
$4.18
$5.13
$5.67
$5.73
$10.32
$10.35
02/20
$5.38
$5.46
$5.73
$3.93
$4.01
$4.16
$5.07
$5.67
$5.72
$10.02
$10.06
02/13
$5.64
$5.69
$5.93
$3.95
$4.03
$4.18
$5.29
$5.85
$5.87
$9.95
$10.00
02/06
$5.65
$5.67
$5.94
$3.94
$4.02
$4.17
$5.29
$5.81
$5.87
$9.80
$9.86
01/30
$5.43
$5.46
$5.72
$3.79
$3.86
$4.01
$5.07
$5.61
$5.69
$9.68
$9.73
01/23
$5.69
$5.72
$5.98
$3.95
$4.03
$4.17
$5.33
$5.83
$5.91
$9.80
$9.85
01/16
$5.80
$5.83
$6.08
$3.94
$4.01
$4.15
$5.35
$5.91
$5.99
$9.98
$10.03
01/09
$6.05
$6.09
$6.33
$4.08
$4.15
$4.22
$5.68
$6.10
$6.17
$10.58
$10.62
All of these blue font numbers representing 11 week closing highs will roll off of this table next week, which will dramatically narrow the range between the 11 week closing high, and the 11 week closing low. This means the market gets flatter, and more volatile, more easily spooked.
Keep in mind I’m expecting a bigger wheat acreage number than the average of the analysts… if that occurs, will it be a bearish input?
Could it be bearish enough to force wheat to break down through theses lows? This is KC July15…:
Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 3
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OR…as this forecast is NOT calling for the needed quarter inch this week, will that be supportive?
I think one thing we learned last week is the wheat market struggles to rally if conditions do not get worse, especially if the markets expects deteriorating conditions Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 4
Cash wheat bids mainly followed the futures, although we see some better basis bids…
Date Dodge Colby Goodland Protection Scott City 03/20 $5.23 $5.23 we see some $5.18 $5.13 Cash wheat bids$5.13 mainly followed the futures, although better basis bids… 03/20 $5.30 $5.40 $5.34 $5.35 $5.30 Date Dodge Colby Goodland Protection Scott City 03/13 $4.99 $5.03 $5.04 $5.04 $4.99 03/20 $5.13 $5.23 $5.23 $5.18 $5.13 03/06 $4.82 $4.86 $4.87 $4.86 $4.82 03/20 $5.30 $5.40 $5.34 $5.35 $5.30 Date Concordia Salina Hutchinson Wichita Ark City 03/13 $4.99 $5.03 $5.04 $5.04 $4.99 03/20 $5.33 $5.43-$5.53 $5.19-$5.43 $5.31-$5.43 $5.27 03/06 $4.82 $4.86 $4.87 $4.86 $4.82 03/20 $5.50 $5.60-$5.70 $5.36-$5.46 $5.48-$5.55 $5.44 Date Concordia Salina Hutchinson Wichita Ark City 03/13 $5.09 $5.19-$5.39 $5.05-$5.24 $5.14-$5.24 $5.13 03/20 $5.33 $5.43-$5.53 $5.19-$5.43 $5.31-$5.43 $5.27 03/06 $4.92 $5.02-$5.27 $4.88-$5.07 $4.94-$5.07 $4.96 03/20 $5.50 $5.60-$5.70 $5.36-$5.46 $5.48-$5.55 $5.44 BASIS Dodge Colby Goodland Protection Scott 03/13 $5.09 $5.19-$5.39 $5.05-$5.24 $5.14-$5.24 $5.13 City 03/20 -40 -30 -30 -35 -40 03/06 $4.92 $5.02-$5.27 $4.88-$5.07 $4.94-$5.07 $4.96 03/20 -40 -30 -35 -35 -40 BASIS Dodge Colby Goodland Protection Scott City 03/13 -40 -36 -35 -35 -40 03/20 -40 -30 -30 -35 -40 03/06 -40 -36 -35 -36 -40 03/20 -40 -30 -35 -35 -40 Date Concordia Salina Hutchinson Wichita Ark 03/13 -40 -36 -35 -35 -40 City 03/20 -20 -10, +00 -34, -10 -22, -10 -26 03/06 -40 -36 -35 -36 -40 03/20 -20 -10, +00 -34, -15 -22, -15 -26 Date Concordia Salina Hutchinson Wichita Ark City 03/13 -30 -20, +00 -34, -15 -25, -15 -26 03/20 -20 -10, +00 -34, -10 -22, -10 -26 03/06 -30 -20, +05 -34, -15 -28, -15 -26 03/20 -20 -10, +00 -34, -15 -22, -15 -26 03/13 -30 -20, +00 -34, -15 -25, -15 -26 03/06 -30 -20, +05 -34, -15 -28, -15 -26
Sublette $5.15-$5.17 $5.30-$5.34 Sublette $4.99-$5.03 $5.15-$5.17 $4.82-$4.86 $5.30-$5.34 $4.99-$5.03 $4.82-$4.86 Sublette -38, -36 -40, -36 Sublette -40, -36 -38, -36 -40, -36 -40, -36 -40, -36 -40, -36
This is KC May/July…looks fairly firm coming into the roll season…might get interesting, although the lack of export frenzy probably is a drag on this spread. Anyways…big reports come out Tuesday.
Maltby Analysis is provided members the Kansas Association of although Wheat Growers via ThisMarket is KC May/July…looks fairly firmweekly comingtointo the rollof season…might get interesting, the Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 5 email. To become a KAWG member and subscribe, please contact Jordan Hildebrand at jhildebrand@ lack of export frenzy probably is a drag on this spread. Anyways…big reports come out Tuesday. kswheat.com. Kansas Wheat market update #163 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/27/15 pg. 5
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