NY Crop Grower 7.9.12

A publication of the NY Corn & Soybean Growers Association Summer 2012, V ol. 2 No. 6

NYCSGA Board Announces Two New Directors p. 4 & 12 Exec. Director Travels to Central America on Soybean Learning Tour p. 7 Will We Have A Farm Bill This Year? p. 4

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 1

The New York Crop Grower

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 2

New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association President, Steve Van Voorhis Henrietta, 585-746-1542

Vice President, Ron Robbins Sackets Harbor, 315-382-3883

Secretary/Treasurer, Ralph Lott Seneca Falls, 315-568-9501

President's Column

Prepping for a Busy August

I

t's hard to believe it's July already. It seems like yesterday it was January and the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association was getting ready for the winter Corn & Soybean Expo. Instead, we're now looking forward to putting on our best Summer Crop Tour to date. We have Ken Ferrie back again this year to talk about implementing variable rates, as well as nearly three dozen exhibitors, and of course, Dinosaur Barbeque for lunch.

Board Members Roger Arliss, Pit Farm Clyde, 315-521-0488 Adam L. Craft Williamson, 315-589-2386 Todd Du Mond, Du Mond Ag, LLC Union Springs, 315-252-9191 Loren Herod, Community Bank NA Geneva, 315-781-2138 Bill Jenkins, Jenkins Farm Wyoming, 585-786-5793 Seth Pritchard, Catalpa Farm Canandaigua, 585-748-3334 Mike Stanyard, Cornell Cooperative Extension Newark, 315-331-8415 Tom Sutter, Monroe Tractor Henrietta, 585-334-3857, 585-730-1853 Jason Swede, Gary Swede Farms Pavilion, 585-243-9739 Tim Taylor, SeedSource, LLC Skaneateles, 315-374-2611 Raymond Dean Auburn, 315-209-7183 Beth Chittenden, Dutch Hollow Farm Schodack Landing, 518-732-4633

Julia Robbins Executive Director

In addition to the Summer Crop Tour, the board and our volunteers are busy preparing for the Empire Farm Days NYCSGA food booth. When browsing the latest in tractors and combines makes you hungry, make sure you stop by our booth to refuel for the rest of your day at EFD. NYCSGA will also have a checkoff display, highlighting what we're doing to educate consumers about modern agriculture practices, as well as to showcase your checkoff dollars at work.

Steve Van Voorhis, President Speaking of putting your checkoff to work: included in this edition of the Crop Grower is a list and descriptions of the research projects that were funded this year by the New York soybean checkoff. The NYCSGA board and I think that there is a lot of value for growers in these projects, and we are anxious to share the results of our researchers' hard work.

Finally, I'd like to thank the growers and grain dealers for cooperating with us during our transition from a membership organization to a Qualified State Soybean Board (QSSB). I understand that this process hasn't been seamless at times, but I am confident that keeping your soybean checkoff dollars right here in New York state will reap innumerable benefits going forward.

Sackets Harbor, 315-778-1443 The New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association is a grassroots organization representing corn and soybean producers’ interests. The Association works to develop and expand markets, educate members, and enhance public policy for corn and soybean growers in the Empire State. The Association sponsors research on corn and soybean production, utilization and marketing and hosts educational programs.

I look forward to seeing you at Empire Farm Days and the Crop Tour.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 3

Executive Director's Report

Sweet Summertime...

By Julia Robbins

H

appy Summer to growers and friends of the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association. And what a busy summer NYCSGA has planned! But before I tell you what's coming up this summer, let me catch you up on what NYCSGA was up to this spring.

In April, the NYCSGA Board of Directors approved eight projects for soybean checkoff funding. It is essential to the board that your checkoff dollars be put to good use, and they are confident that the projects that were funded this year will be useful to growers and the soybean industry as a whole. This newsletter includes a description of each project that was funded this year by the New York soybean checkoff.

In May, I traveled to New York City to tour the biodiesel facilities in and around the City. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the three fuel companies supplying the metro New York City area are selling B-20 (diesel mixed with 20% biodiesel) heating oil to nearly all of their customers. This is great news for the biofuel industry and hopefully this demand for biodiesel expands outsides of the City.

In June, I was very fortunate to travel to Costa Rica and Panama with the US Soybean Export Council for their first ever "QSSB (Qualified State Soybean Board) Training Camp". This was my first time ever visiting Central America, and it was a fascinating experience. I was astounded at the extensive use of US soy in Central America-from raising tilapia on soy diets, to crushing soybeans into trans-fat free vegetable oil. From developing soy meal for the diets of dairy cows to using soy fillers in sausages and deli meat. The

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Panama Canal was also a memorable experience. Some of those Panama-max ships clear the canal with just six inches on each side. The expansion of the canal will definitely provide a big boost for the container shipping industry.

And now, what's coming up... I'm looking forward to seeing you at Empire Farm Days (Aug. 7-9). Be sure to stop by NYCSGA's food booth for some hot food and cold drinks. We'll also have a large soybean checkoff display to showcase your checkoff at work and our consumer education campaign.

And I hope everyone is planning on attending the annual NYCSGA Summer Crop Tour. We have another excellent program planned for this year. Ken Ferrie is returning as our keynote speaker to build on last year's presentation. This year, he'll focus on implementing variable rates. And of course, we're having Dinosaur Barbeque for lunch!

Finally, for the first time, NYCSGA will be exhibiting at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, NY (Aug. 21-26). Our display will focus on biodiesel and educating consumers about modern agriculture. The Dutchess County Fair attracts nearly 1 million visitors, mostly from the Hudson Valley and New York City area. The fair also received funding through the checkoff's Green Ribbon program to utilize biodiesel as Want More Yields? fuel for its rides and attractions.

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It's going to be a busy and (hopefully) hot summer! I hope you find some time to enjoy this too-short season.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 4

Status of the Farm Bill

W

hen the House of Representatives returns from its Independence Day recess on Monday, July 9, the interests of the American agriculture industry will take center stage as the chamber begins work on its version of the 2012 Farm Bill. As the voice for the soybean industry in Washington, the American Soybean Association offers the following breakdown of where this critical legislation stands, and where things go from here: * The Senate passed its version of the 2012 Farm Bill on June 21 on a 64-35 vote.

It replaces Target Prices, the Counter-Cyclical Program (CCP), and ACRE with the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program that would partially offset current-year revenue losses of from 11 to 21 percent at either the farm or county level (producer's choice).

Benchmark revenue would be based on the previous five-year Olympic average of prices and yields. Payment acres would be the average of planted and prevented planted acres in 2009-2012.

The payment acre percentage would be 65 percent at the farm level or 80 percent at the county level. * ASA recognizes that reducing federal budget deficits will require cuts in agriculture spending, including for farm programs. ASA supports development of a new program that will complement crop

insurance in helping farmers manage risk.

Crop insurance is the core of the farm program safety net, and ASA opposes changing its structure or shifting funding to other programs. * ASA developed a revenue-based proposal very similar to the Senate bill last year. While the House has yet to finalize its version before taking a position, ASA is pleased that the Senate has approved legislation that meets ASA's goals for a risk management program that wouldcomplement crop insurance. * The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark-up its farm bill on July 11. It is reported to offer producers a choice between a revenue-based program similar to the Senate bill and a price-based alternative.

The price-based program will include fixed target prices at significantly higher levels than under the CCP, tied to current-year production. Payment acres would be the total of current Crop Acreage Bases (CAB) on the farm.

The payment acre percentage would be 85 percent. Producers would be able to plant up to their total CAB to any program crop.

production during last fall's Super Committee process. ASA believes higher fixed price supports will influence planting decisions and distort production when prices are at or below target price levels. This is particularly true when, unlike under the CCP, target prices are tied to current-year production. And allowing producers to plant up to their total CAB to any crop would make this distortion even worse. * ASA has expressed its views on a target price program to House Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas and to Members of the Committee who represent soybean districts. ASA believes House action is essential in order to enact a farm bill this year, before program authorities under the 2008 Farm Bill expire on October 1.

ASA supports moving the process forward by having the House Committee report a bill as scheduled, and that the full House pass a bill before Congress adjourns on August 3 for a five-week recess.

As the House moves forward with the Farm Bill deliberations in the coming weeks, ASA and the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association will keep you up to date on key developments.

* ASA expressed strong concerns about a target price program tied to current

Q&A with New Directors

R

aymond Dean

What is the name of your farm?

Elmhurst Dairy What does your farm operation consist of?

The farm includes 90 dairy cows and 600 acres of crops (soybeans, corn, hay, wheat and oats) What is your secret to success?

Keeping expenses under control.

How do you stay on top of the new technologies in farming?

Magazine articles, the internet, winter meetings What are some of the challenges and opportunities you run into as a farmer?

Finding experienced labor is always a challenge, as well as keeping equipment updated.

What are you looking forward to during this growing season?

I am looking forward to more "normal" weather and seeing the results of several new corn hybrids that we planted.

Why did you join the NYCSGA Board?

I'm hoping to meet more farmers and leaders in the grain industry in New York as well develop my own leadership skills.

You left another career to come back to the farm. Why did you make that choice?

I left an engineering position after 30 years in order be my own boss, make my own hours, and see jobs done from start to finish.

Hometown: Auburn, NY Education: BS, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Family: Ken 22, Cheryl 21, Joanna 17, Madalyn 9 Hobbies: Local and high school sports

By Beth Chittenden & Julia Robbins

O

n May 12, NYCSGA Board Director Beth Chittenden and Executive Director Julia Robbins attended the Brooklyn Food Conference. This annual event is hosted by the Brooklyn Food Coaltion, an organization that focuses on three main causes: access to healthy and tasty food for all; environmental sustainability, and justice for food workers.

The vision of the Brooklyn Food Conference is, "a food system that supports the health of our people and our planet. Right now the industrial food system harms both. Too often that same system underpays its workers and denies their rights. We want to turn that around and the only way we can do that is to work together on many levels and many approaches." The Conference's program went on to say, "We want food without pesticides, synthetic fertilizer, hormones, antibiotics or genetic engineering."

The following are accounts from Beth & Julia on their experiences at the Brooklyn Food Conference:

Beth Chittenden: In May, Julia and I were in NYC and spent a few hours at the Brooklyn Food Conference.

WOW, what a learning experience it was. It was held in a high school with at least 8 floors and they expected 2,000 - 3,000 people to attend. * 184 speakers were scheduled * Cooking demos * Films * Extensive expo of all the organizations that focus around food in NYC A couple things we noticed: * Most of the farmers present were small organic farms, many in the Hudson Valley, one from Ithaca & Pulaski * Cabot was present trying to find markets for their cheese. * MANY organizations were against GMO's, chemicals, pesticides, factory farming, beef, soybeans, pink slime etc. * Anti-modern agriculture has spent more time researching the negative aspects of agriculture and are acting on them - more so than many of us who work in agriculture know about our own research.

* To have a conversation with these groups you need to be knowledgeable and patient

"family farm" seems to be the latest buzz word, with most attendees and speakers at

* WE are in BIG trouble if they succeed in doing HALF the things they hope to do.

this event whom I interacted with portraying a "family farmer" as a farm hand in overalls who needs their "help" in saving him from corporate America. WE KNOW DIFFERENT. And we have to start talking about the FACTS vs. the MYTHS.

WE as farmers need to have a voice. It is hard for us to support our practices when we don't even have a seat at the table.

Julia Robbins: While Beth spent most of her time talking with attendees in the expo area, I went to listen to a couple speakers. I was astounded by the misinformation people are portraying as fact. Kathy Ozer, from the National Family Farm Coalition, said that "'family farms' are being taken advantage of by their large corporate grain dealers (such as Cargill &

New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association will definitely be exhibiting next year at the Brooklyn Food Conference so that we can start having this conversation.

If you run across someone spreading misinformation about modern farming practices, please take a minute to explain the truth. Every little bit we can do will help.

ADM)", as people around the room nodded in agreement. Furthermore, the term

On-the-Farm Conservation Stories Wanted Tell Your Story When You Enter the Conservation Legacy Awards

U.

S. soybean farmers are invited to tell the story of conservation on their farms by entering the 2012-2013 Conservation Legacy Awards.

Winning entries will help tell the story to the public about how soybean farmers are committed to protecting the soil, water and air through outstanding environmental and conservation practices while continuing to farm profitably.

The 2012-2013 Conservation Legacy Awards program is sponsored by the American Soybean Association (ASA), BASF, Monsanto, United Soybean Board and Corn & Soybean Digest magazine.

Conservation Legacy Award winners from three regions (Midwest, Northeast and South) will each receive an expense-paid trip for two to the 2013 Commodity Classic convention and trade show, Feb. 28-March 2 in Kissimmee, Fla. Regional winners will also be showcased in video features focusing on their winning conservation practices. In addition, the regional winners will be featured in a special insert in

Corn & Soybean Digest magazine.

One National Conservation Legacy Award winner will be chosen from the three regional winners and announced at the ASA Awards Banquet held during Commodity Classic.

All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter. Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 6. Applications will be judged in five areas: soil management, water management, input management, farmstead protection, and conservation and environmental management.

To learn more about the Conservation Legacy Awards program and to access the online application visit www.soygrowers.com/clap.

For more information contact: Jill Wagenblast, ASA Director of Marketing & Planning, (314) 754-1310, jwagenblast@soy.org.

www.nycornsoy.org

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 5

Anti-Modern Agriculture Attitudes Dominate Brooklyn Food Conference

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 6

New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association 2012 Soybean Checkoff Funded Research Projects & Initiatives

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estern New York Crop Management Association Yield Response to Varied Seeding Rates $8,800 "The objective of this trial is to evaluate yield response of soybeans to two different row widths planted at three different seeding rates."

Western New York Crop Management Association Varied Rates and Timing of Nitrogen Application to Increase Soybean Yield $10,000 "The objective of this trial is to evaluate yield response of soybeans to application of nitrogen at two different times, three separate methods and three different rates."

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Livingston County Soybean Tactical Agriculture Teams (Tag Teams): Soybean Management Programs for New York Producers $4,437 Project includes conducting on-farm TAg Team season-long integrated pest management and integrated crop-management education programs for soybean producers in Genesee and Ontario Counties; increase producer knowledge of agronomic and economic aspects of soybean production with an emphasis on the identification, biology, and management of critical pests, including diseases, weeds and insects; teach producers the value of scouting and sampling for pests to determine if pesticide applications are warranted and economically justified.

BCA Ag Technologies Assessing Seed Treatments and Mid-Season Micronutrient Foliar Applications and the Impact on Yields in Soybean Production $5,613 "The objective of this experiment is to assess early crop growth habits in response to a biofertility inoculants designed to enhance seedling development and increase fertilizer use efficiency. A mid-season foliar application of a micronutrient blend will be applied to assess crop response to selected micronutrients and to determine if there is a synergistic effect with the inoculants."

DuMond Ag, LLC Soybean Placement, Population, Tillage and Fertilization Trial (Continuation) $9,975 "A second year follow-up on 2011 trial to determine the stand, emergence, yield benefits to placing soybean seed with a corn planter on 20" rows as compared to drilling them on 15" rows; evaluate how different populations affect yield of soybeans planted on 20" rows and/or drilled at 15" rows; evaluate the response to a single pass vertical tilled soybeans to conventional tilled soybeans."

Cornell University Enhancing Integrated Options to Better Manage Soybean White Mold Using a Biological Fungicide $9,491 "Develop research-based information to enhance soybean production and protection from Sclerotinia white mold through an objective field evaluation of effectiveness of a commercially available fungicide (Contans) in New York state."

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County Education and Technical Assistance through TAg Teams for Dairy Farmers Beginning to Grow Soybeans in the Catskill Region $5,765

"This project will provide grower education and technical assistance to a small but growing number of dairy farms that are beginning to grow soybeans in the Catskill region as a means of diversifying and controlling feed costs. Up until the last three years, there has been little or no soybean production in this region."

National Biodiesel Board State Regulator & Technical Support- Northeast $15,000 "The State Energy Initiative Project focuses on regulatory activity at the state level. In general, state regulatory officials, have a limited understanding of biodiesel, its physical properties, and its environmental benefits. As a result, NBB staff is often called upon to provide expertise for rulemaking efforts on issues such as low carbon fuel standards, statewide mandates, underground storage tank rules, measures to control criteria pollutants, and U.S. EPA Clean Air Attainment issues."

Cornell University Field Scale Studies Evaluating Soybean Inoculants and other Seed Treatments $7,850 Determine if certain inoculants, seed treatments and fungicide treatments provide a soybean yield advantage, reduce soil pathogen damage, and are economically advantageous for farms.

By Julia Robbins

F

rom June 17 to June 22, twenty-one state and national soybean staff attended the first annual "QSSB Training Camp" in Costa Rica & Panama, hosted by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). The purpose of the trip was to give state staff an opportunity to see firsthand the international marketing programs that USSEC and ASA are currently conducting in Central America. Each of the processing facilities that we visited in Costa Rica and Panama owe much of their success to the technical assistance that your checkoff dollars provide through ASA International Marketing and USSEC.

Inolasas is a soybean crushing and feed processing facility that uses 100% US soy.

98% of the soy oil produced at the plant is sold

Aquaculture: We visited Granja ACI aquaculture farm, an operation that harvests tilapia six days a week and uses 42-45 metric tons of soybeans per day (2 containers).

day in Central America, we visited the Panama Canal, which is currently undergoing an expansion so that the extra

large "Panama-max" vessel, holding over 50,000 containers, can travel through the

Tilapia Processing Facility:

through Wal-mart. The soy meal goes to Dos Pinos, which we visited in the afternoon.

Following our visit to ACI's fish farm, we visited their processing facility, where 800 workers, working six days a week, process 5,000 pounds of tilapia per day. The facility also processes kosher tilapia.

Port of Puntarenas:

Just a few miles from our hotel was the Port of Puntarenas.

Dos Pinos is the largest dairy cooperative in Costa Rica, producing milk, ice-cream and cheese. We visited Dos Pinos' feed mill, where they produce soy meal for the dairy, poultry and pork industries.

Cargill's La Cinta Azul meat processing plant: La Cinta Azul produces over 2.1 billion pounds of poultry, pork and beef products. The company uses soy fillers in many of its deli meats and sausages.

Panama Canal: On our fourth

canal. Grain is the number two commodity that passes through the canal. Number one is goods such as cars, electronics, toys, etc., and the number three commodity is oil.

Melo: Following our visit to the canal, we toured Melo, a diversified company based around the poultry industry. Melo's portfolio includes chicken raising operations, fast-food restaurants, real-estate and a feed processing facility, the

latter of which we visited. Melo uses 55% US Soy and 45% Argentine soy. Their decision to use soy from South America is based simply on cost.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 7

QSSB Training Camp, June 17-22, 2012 Costa Rica & Panama, Hosted by USSEC & ASA

Your So ybean Check off Dollars at Work in New York State 7 - Walton, Brockport, Geneva:

1 - Seneca Falls: Once again, NYCSGA will be exhibiting at Empire Farm Days, Aug. 7-9. This year, we’re focusing on the ways NYCSGA is working to educate consumers on modern agriculture practices, as well as the many uses of soybeans grown in New York. Stop by to participate in fun soybean-related activities and to feed your growling stomach at our popular food booth!

The popular Tag Teams soybean management education program for producers will be underway again this summer throgh soybean checkoff funding awarded to Cornell Cooperative Extensions in Delaware and Livingston Counties.

3 - Albany: NYCSGA is providing funds to the National Biodiesel Board to educate New York state regulatory staff about biodiesel, its physical properties, and its environmental benefits. NBB will also provide technical expertise for rulemaking efforts on issues such as low carbon fuel standards, statewide mandates, underground storage tank rules, and more.

4 - Union Springs: NYCSGA will host its annual Summer Crop Tour at DuMond Farms in Union Springs on Aug. 14. The event will focus on production technology used in growing soybeans and corn.

DuMond Farms is also using funding from the soybean checkoff to continue its placement, population, tillage and fertilization trial.

7

7 6

1

4 3

2 - Rhinebeck:

5 - Ithaca: Cornell researchers are using soybean checkoff funds to find ways to better manage white mold and to evaluate soybean inoculants and other seed treatments.

5 7

6 - Warsaw: Consultants from Western New York Crop Management Association have been awarded funds from the soybean checkoff to study rates and timing of nitrogen application to increase yields, as well as the yield response to varied seeding rates.

2

The Dutchess County Fair, Aug. 21-26, is again a Green Ribbon Fair, earning financial support from the soybean checkoff to showcase its use of soy-based products, including biodiesel fuel to operate carnival rides.

And this year, NYCSGA will have a large display at the fair focusing on educating visitors about modern agriculture and biodiesel.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 10

Biodiesel is Big in the Big Apple

By Julia Robbins

I

n May, Executive Director Julia Robbins joined Tom Verry, Director of Outreach & Development for the National Biodiesel Board, on a tour of biodiesel facilities in the metro New York City area.

"I was surprised to discover how much biodiesel is being consumed in the New York City area as well as how receptive consumers are to using the product to heat their homes and fuel their vehicles," Julia said.

She and Tom Verry visited three large biodiesel suppliers in the metro area. Fred M. Schildwachter & Sons, located in the Bronx, began blending its fuels with biodiesel back in 2001. Since then, almost all of Schildwachter's 8,000 customers are using a B-20 blend to heat their homes. And, Schildwachter's really likes using soy oil because of its clean burning properties. The company currently stores 500,000 gallons of biodiesel on site and has the capacity to store 1,000,000 gallons.

Metro Fuel Oil Corp in Brooklyn is also a major fuel oil supplier in New York City and Long Island and supplies much of the city's public works fleet. Metro is currently building one of the largest biodiesel plants in North America, with a capacity of up to 110 million gallons per year. The company is hoping that New York will continue to increase its production of soybeans so that they can deliver New York soy biodiesel to their New York City customers. The biodiesel plant is expected to open this fall.

Metro also operates a biodiesel and petroleum storage facility in Calverton, Long Island.

The third fuel supplier that uses biodiesel is located in Port Chester, NY (Westchester County). Westmore Fuel Company, Inc.,

provides heating oil and on-road diesel fuel to customers in lower Westchester County, NY and lower Fairfield County, CT, an area that includes the cities of Port Chester, NY and Greenwich, CT. Westmore has a storage capacity for 800,000 gallons of heating oil and 300,000 to 350,000 gallons of on-road diesel.

The company also stores 20,000 gallons of B-100 on site. 100 percent of Westmore's customers receive B-20 heating oil.

Westmore recently completed a large tank and piping installation project allowing custom rack blending of biodiesel for any

Biodiesel 11

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 11

East Coast Ports Open New Market Opportunity

A

n opportunity to increase U.S. soybean meal exports lies right in your backyard. Ports down the East Coast, including one in Newark, N.J., could create a new market opportunity for soybean farmers.

Europe demands high-quality soybean meal to feed its poultry, livestock and fish, but the U.S. currently cannot directly meet Europe's soybean meal needs with the bulk vessels shipped from U.S. ports.

Shipping more U.S. soy in individual containers out of the East Coast ports can potentially solve the problem. This would allow for smaller shipments to be sent

directly to Europe and help meet the needs of its animal producers.

Right now, the U.S. sends many empty shipping containers from the East Coast back to European countries that import large amounts of soybean meal. This creates the opportunity to use these empty containers to ship U.S. soybean meal back to Europe.

More than 390,000 empty 20-foot containers sent overseas could potentially ship soybean meal back to Europe. Each of these containers loaded with 19 tons has the capability to carry more than 7.4 million metric tons of U.S. soybean

meal, or the equivalent of 273 million bushels.

"If we can use our ports here on the East Coast to ship high-quality, protein-rich soybean meal directly to the European farmers at

a competitive price, they are going to buy our soybean meal instead of settling for soybean meal from other countries," says Rick Stern, United Soybean Board (USB) Audit & Evaluation program chair and a soybean farmer from Cream Ridge, N.J.

Biodiesel from 10 blend from B2 to B99.

biodiesel-up to a B-20 blend.

Currently, the city of New York has a mandate that all fuels consumed in the city contain a B-2 (2% biodiesel) blend.

Later this year, that mandate will increase to B-5, which is more good news for soybean growers!

Finally, starting on July 1, 2012 in New York state, heating oil and on road diesel will both be made up

There is also pending legislation in New York state that would expand the B-2 mandate to all of New York state.

And the good news for consumers? New York state offers a tax credit to consumers who heat their home with biofuels: a 1 cent credit per gallon for each percent of

of 15 parts per million of ultra-low sulfur diesel. This will mark the first time since 1994 that both products will have the exact same properties.

U.S. ports in Newark, N.J.; Baltimore; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; and

Savannah, Ga., already have container-loading capacity and could begin shipping containers with more U.S. soy soon.

Soybean meal can easily be sent from soybean-crushing plants to these ports by rail or truck.

The soybean checkoff wants to further investigate opportunities in containerized

shipments and has funded research looking at eastbound container trade.

Preliminary findings have shown shipping rates to be very competitive during some times of the year, and many European markets remain very interested in container shipping options because of the quality of U.S. soybean meal.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 12

Q&A with new Directors

B

eth Chittenden

What is the name of your farm?

Dutch Hollow Farm What does your farm operation consist of?

Dutch Hollow Farm is an LLC owned by 5 members of the Chittenden family. We milk 600 jersey cows and raise all of our replacements. Each year we sell approximately 40 females for breeding stock throughout the nation. In addition we merchandise about 10 bulls as young sires through bull studs to enter the artificial insemination programs. All our animals are registered, currently we are using IVF and embryo transfer on our animals with the highest genomic potential.

All the crops for the animals are grown by the farm as well as soybeans and corn for HMSC or dry shelled. We do sell extra crops to several other farmers as well as dry shelled corn. Furthermore we are diversified with a custom harvest business. We plant corn, chop haylage & corn silage for other farms as well as bale hay for several local farms.

What is your secret to success?

There is no silver bullet to survive in the dairy business but we have found that by diversifying and doing what we know best it lessens the risk that currently exist in agriculture. Brian works with the crops and oversees the overall management of the farm while brother Alan spends his time strictly with the cows and the breeding program. Younger brother Nathan manages the young stock and heifers. Each brother spends time in their specific field. Recently I have started an education program inviting the public, schools, and groups to the farm to learn about all aspects of agriculture.

Family members and help work together as a team to make all the efforts at Dutch Hollow successful.

Activities/memberships/other boards that you participate in/ serve on?

For the past several years I have served on the Dairy Promotion Committee in Columbia County helping promote dairy and agriculture throughout the county. Both my daughters have served as the county Dairy Princess. In the past I have also served on the CCE 4-H Dairy Committee helping to organize and coach dairy bowl, dairy judging, showmanship clinics and the events at the fair. Currently I am also on the Columbia County Farm Bureau Board.

I have also worked with the American Jersey Cattle Association to plan and organize the National Junior Jersey Convention, served on the National Junior Committees and the

All-American Committees. Presently I am the Junior Advisor for the New York Jersey Cattle Association.

How do you stay on top of the new technologies in farming?

We find it very important to stay abreast the new technologies in agriculture. Agriculture magazines often introduce new technology as well as on-line issues. Each year we attend meetings offered by agriculture organizations, attend farm shows and talk to salespeople from many different companies.

What are some of the challenges and opportunities you run into as a farmer?

Each year brings new and old challenges, of course the weather, price of grains and milk are always at the forefront. However in our current location finding dependable, knowledgeable help is a huge problem.

Another issue that we are faced with more

and more each year is dealing with the public. The general public has no knowledge of the practices we use in the fields and more landowners are trying to dictate what we can grow on the land.

What are you looking forward to during this growing season?

This growing season we purchased the Precision System to use on the corn planter and converted the planter to a vacuum system. We are hoping to increase our yield per acre just by improving the population of the seed per acre. After a disastrous crop last year due to Irene and a wet spring we are hoping to increase our inventories of all our crops.

Why did you join the NYCSGA Board?

The reason I decided to join the NYCSGA Board was to become a part of a growing voice in New York promoting and educating

consumers about agriculture. Without farmers telling their story, educating consumers and promoting their business too many people with misinformation will dictate to us what technologies we can use.

This board has the ability to reach consumers in many different facets as well as support their facts with current research.

You left another career to come back to the farm. Why did you make that choice?

I grew up on a farm, went to college to be in agriculture and that is where my true passion is. Unfortunately I had to leave the industry for a time period to provide for my family, but as always I was lead back to my roots and my love. As well as working as a member of Dutch Hollow Farm I am also running an education center on the farm to educate consumers about the amazing business we are all part of.

Hometown: Schodack Landing, NY Education: BS from Cornell University in Animal Science MS in Education from College of Saint Rose Family: I have been married to Brian Chittenden for the past 23 years. We have two children, Cassie currently at Cornell University and Meagan a Senior in High School. Meagan is hoping to continue her career in the Culinary field.

Hobbies: Recently we just purchased a camp to have a little quiet time away from the farm. It is also located on the VAST snowmobile trails in Vermont where we spend time during the winter relaxing on our snowmobiles. Other activities I enjoy include riding my horse, browsing for antiques and preserving our past through scrapbooks.

August 14, 2012 DuMond Farm, Union Springs, NY 8:30am - 4:30pm Featuring: Ken Ferrie, Crop-Tech Consulting, Inc. Agenda 8:30am - Registration & Exhibits 9:30 - Speaker

Ken Ferrie - Implementing Variable Rate Applications

11:30 - Dinosaur BBQ Lunch Equipment Displays, Agribusiness Exhibits

1:00 - Speaker Ken Ferrie - Implementing Variable Rate Applications Continued

2:00 - Field Session 1 Soybean Population and Row Spacing Trial - Cornell Cooperative Extension Field Educator Nitrogen Stabilizer Trial - Ken Ferrie Implementing Variable Rate Technology-Issac Ferrie Adapt-N: Online Nitrogen Management Model - Cornell University

3:15-3:30 - Break & Exhibits 3:15 - Field Session 2 Soybean Population and Row Spacing Trial - Cornell Cooperative Extension Field Educator Nitrogen Stabilizer Trial - Ken Ferrie Implementing Variable Rate Technology - Issac Ferrie Adapt-N: Online Nitrogen Management Model - Cornell University

4:30 - Adjourn and Evaluations

Ken Ferrie As President of Crop-Tech Consulting, an independent agronomic consulting business, Ken Ferrie oversees the test plots in the Farm Journal Test Plot program and leads the curriculum for Farm Journal’s Corn College. Ken is noted for his extensive cutting-edge knowledge and systems approach to farming. He is known as one of only a few completely independent agronomists in the US. A graduate of Illinois State University, Ken is a native of northeast Iowa. He has previous experience as a floater operator, crop scout, maintenance manager at three elevators, co-op manager and company agronomist.

Directions DuMond Farms, 5083 White Road Union Springs, NY 13160 Issac Ferrie Crop-Tech Consulting

Todd DuMond DuMond Farms, Crop Tour Host

From the North, East, or West: Take Exit 40 (Auburn Weedsport) off I-90 (NYS Thruway).

Take Route 34 South through Auburn. Approximately 3-4 miles south of Auburn turn right on Skillet Road. At the second stop sign, turn left onto White Road. DuMond Farms is the first farm on the right.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 13

IMPLEMENTING VARIABLE RATE APPLICATIONS

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 14

2012 New York Grain Corn and Soybean Yield Contests Soybeans: Eligibility: Any farmer who grows more than 10 acres of soybeans in New York state is eligible. Test area blocks - two acres in one block (ex.: 180’ x 484’ = 2 acres) to be selected by the grower. For convenience, the test area may be measured after harvest by the contest supervisor. The harvested area must be inclusive of headlands and outside rows.

Participants must use non-irrigated soybeans, but are not restricted as to variety, fertilization, spacing or other cultural practices.

There will be four classes of beans based upon maturity (0, 1, 2, & 3).

Judging and Prizes: The NYCSGA Yield Contest Committee will determine the winners for each maturity group based on soybean yields at 13% moisture. First place in each maturity group (0, 1, 2, & 3) in each of the five regions (West, Finger Lakes, Cen-

tral, East & North) will receive special recognition and plaques at the 2013 Corn & Soybean Expo. Grand Champion (across all maturity groups) will win a trip for two to the 2013 Commodity Classic (no substitutions, includes registration, travel & hotel). Overall 2nd & 3rd place winners will be awarded $250 & $100 respectively.

Corn: Eligibility: Designated fields must be at least 10 acres of the same hybrid number with 1.25 continuous acres to be harvested from each field and accurately weighed in the presence of an unbiased supervisor. The harvested area must be exclusive of headlands and outside rows, and include more than one pass across the field. The originally entered hybrid number must be the same hybrid number that is reported on the Harvest Report Form.

Judging & Prizes: The NYCSGA

Yield Contest Committee will determine winners for each region based on corn grain yields at 15% moisture. Any plots that yield more than 250 bushels per acre of grain must have a second contiguous 1.25 acres harvested and weighed.

The second 1.25 acres must adjoin the first harvest area. The average of the 2 yields from the 2 harvested areas will be considered the final yield.

1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each of the 5 regions will receive special recognition and plaques at the 2013 Corn & Soybean Expo.

This year, the overall Grand Champion will also receive a trip for two to the 2013 Commodity Classic in Orlando (no substitutions, includes registration, travel & hotel). The 2nd & 3rd place overall winners will receive $250 & $100 respectively.

Yield 15

NCGA Yield Contest Entrants in the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Yield Contest who are also entrants in the NYCSGA Yield Contest may use the NCGA Harvest Report Form to determine the contest yield. If using the NCGA

Harvest Report Form, the NCGA Rules and procedures will apply in determining the final yield.

ALL All decisions of the Contest Committee are final. The Committee reserves the right to

disqualify any entry without refund for violation of the stated rules and harvest procedures. Contest entrants will be notified in December 2012 of the final yields and contest placements. The winners will be recognized at the 2013 NYCSGA Corn &

Soybean Expo in Syracuse on January 26.

FSA Representative The unbiased contest supervisor may be a NRCS, SWCD staff person, Extension agent, farm lending institution representative, FFA or

vocational ag instructor, private crop consultant, state/private college agricultural staff member, FSA crop insurance agent, or retiree from one of these occupations. A supervisor may have no financial or direct business ties to a company selling agri-business supplies.

Contest supervisors are responsible for overseeing all computations and field measurements and must be present during harvesting, weighing and moisture testing.

Weighing of all entries must be calibrated on approved certified scales or weigh wagon.

The applicant must completely fill out the Harvest Report Form(s) and attach the weigh ticket(s) along with the moisture percent information or moisture ticket. The unbiased supervisor must sign off on the completed Harvest Report Form(s). The completed Harvest Report Form(s) must be sent to: Mike Stanyard, Cornell Cooperative University Extension, Wayne County CCE, 1581 Route 88N Newark, NY 14513.

Email mjs88@cornell.edu Call with questions 315-331-8415.

The forms must be sent within 7 days of harvest date or no later than December 1, 2012, whichever date is earlier.

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 15

Yield from 14

New York Corn and Soybean Association • Summer 2012 • Page 16