JANUARY 2013
Senators share legislative issues at corn growers meeting Property taxes expected to be major point of discussion By MARY PAT HOAG World-Herald News Service
NORFOLK — There are plenty of givens about the current Nebraska legislative session. Taxes and water issues, for example, will again command attention. Then throw in mountain lions, out-of-state Internet betting and overcrowded prisons for good measure. And don’t forget Medicare expansion and the death penalty. Plus, 17 state senators who will be term limited this year will want their final say on certain issues. And all of it will be crammed into a short session of 60 days. That’s the scenario described Monday by two Northeast Nebraska state senators who addressed members of the Elkhorn Valley Corn Growers Association at the group’s annual
meeting at Prenger’s in Norfolk. Taxes will again be a major issue, especially because of Gov. Dave Heineman’s special interest in the topic as he winds down his final year in office, said Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus. But Schumacher said he doesn’t expect “huge cuts ... only shifting the buck around.” Property taxes — which are set by the local county governments, community colleges and school boards — will be a “more serious problem,” Schumacher said. “We’ve been treading water for a few days,” said Schumacher of the 2014 session that began on Jan. 8. Legislators have until Wednesday to introduce new legislation. Sen. Jim Scheer of Norfolk said more than 200 bills were carried over from last year’s
session, with more than 350 new bills already introduced as of last Friday. “We haven’t done much in the first 10 days,” he said. “We may be in a rather slow boat going nowhere.” Schumacher said he anticipates a “rather large discussion on Medicare expansion and water policy,” with prisons another time-consuming topic. The state’s prisons are currently at 150 percent of population capacity, said the attorney who is now in his fourth year as District 22’s representative. Possible options are releasing prisoners earlier, housing them in available county jails or constructing a new prison at a hefty cost, Schumacher said. Scheer, a Norfolk businessman now in his second year in office as the District 19 representative, discussed his school alliances measure, Legislative Bill 682. He emphasized that
many see the legislation as a merger or consolidation bill; it is neither. Instead, the proposed legislation would create alliances among existing school districts with fewer than 650 students as a way to facilitate greater use of digital learning and technology to improve student learning. Schools would not have to be in contiguous counties. Rural school districts would have the option of forming alliances but would need corresponding school periods and time schedules to do so. One advantage is that an alliance could provide rural students with more class offerings. Scheer also backs legislation that would require any state-funded institution — community colleges, universities and state colleges — to accept academic credits from each other. A student should not have to duplicate a class, such as English 101, when transferring to another institution, Scheer said. It’s a waste
The Associated Press
In this Oct. 1, 2013, file photo, corn flows from a combine into a grain wagon as harvest workers move through a cornfield on a farm in Aberdeen, S.D. South Dakota corn farmers produced a record crop last year, but prices and future markets were on their minds during their annual convention on Jan. 18 in Sioux Falls. of the student’s time, as well as the student’s and parent’s money, he added. Each year, the state senators representing Madison and Stanton counties are invited to the annual meeting of the Elkhorn Valley
Corn Growers, which covers both counties. The meeting is conducted on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday when state senators are in recess. Representing the
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The Nebraska economic council foresees modest growth in 2014 LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska forecasters expect the state’s economic growth to trail the national pace over the next few years as income declines for Nebraska farmers, according to a report issued Tuesday. “As the agriculture sector normalizes after several years of high commodity prices, the Nebraska economy lacks a spark to match the growth of a recovering U.S. economy,” said Eric Thompson, an associate professor of economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and director of UNL’s Bureau of Business Research, which publishes the semiannual report by the Nebraska Business Forecast Council. The council report said the state’s farm income is expected to stabilize at about $5.1 billion this year — a drop of about 7.3 percent from last year and well below the record $7.5 billion in 2011. Last year’s enormous national corn crop sent prices tumbling from more than $6 a bushel in 2012 to less than $5 in 2013. The report said
the price drop cut income for most Nebraska farmers but also lowered costs for cattle ranchers and other livestock producers. The net result: a $500 million drop in overall Nebraska farm income. The council predicted similar numbers for this year and expects the state’s ag sector to expand modestly in 2015 and 2016 as well. The forecasters projected growth in nonfarm income to hit 4.1 percent in 2014, compared with 3.3 percent last year. The state’s nonfarm income is predicted to grow faster than inflation this year and in 2015 and 2016. The state’s manufacturing sector should see steady, moderate growth through 2016, the report said, because of growing foreign demand for Nebraska food products. The strongest growth is forecast for this year, when the food processing industry is expected to add 1,000 jobs. But manufacturers that serve the state’s ag sector likely will experience a drop in sales. The council expects a 1.1 percent total increase in Nebraska jobs for 2014.
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The corn harvest average yield, at 170 bushels per acre, is up 28 bushels from last year and the second highest on record. Farmers harvested 9.55 million acres of corn for grain, up 5 percent from 2012 and the second largest harvested acreage since 1933.
Record crop, ‘best of times, worst of times’ Corn harvest has caused prices to drop nearly in half By ROBERT PORE World-Herald News Service
Given better growing conditions for Nebraska’s dryland corn than those during the 2012 drought, farmers last year produced a record crop at 1.62 billion bushels, up 26 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield, at 170 bushels per acre, is up 28 bushels from last year and the second highest on record. Farmers harvested 9.55 million acres of corn for grain, up 5 percent from 2012 and the second largest harvested acreage since 1933.
It was also a record corn-production year nationally as corn-for-grain production is estimated at 13.9 billion bushels, down slightly from the Nov. 1 forecast but 29 percent more than in 2012. The average yield in the United States is estimated at 158.8 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 87.7 million acres, up slightly from both the November forecast and 2012 harvest. The record harvest has caused lower prices compared to 2012, when prices reached highs exceeding $8 per bushel. With the record harvest, corn prices have dropped nearly in half. That could impact how much corn is grown this year, especially if the Environmental Protection Agency lowers ethanol production quotas. Bob Dinneen, president and chief executive officer of the Renewable
Fuels Association, said confirmation that the 2013 crop was a record-breaker would drive corn prices even lower if the EPA lowers ethanol production. “This report represents the best and worst of times,” Dinneen said. “Farmers are to be congratulated for their history-making hard work and success. Sadly, though, misguided decision makers at EPA and elsewhere in the administration are on the brink of punishing these same farmers by undermining demand.” He said it would be “absolutely the wrong time” to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard volumetric targets. Due to the expected surplus, corn prices have already dropped to nearly $4 per bushel — below the price of corn when the Energy Independence and Security Act was
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Lower crop prices trim demand for Neb. ag land The hot sellers’ market cooling off due to drop LINCOLN (AP) — The national drop in corn prices to less than $5 a bushel last year from more than $6 a bushel in 2012 apparently has dampened demand for farmland in Nebraska and cooled off the hot seller’s market. A regional farmland price index kept by Creighton University economist Ernie Goss has hit its lowest level since 2009. A January report issued last week said the index dropped for the second month. In addition, a recent report by Farm Credit
Services of America says that during the second half of last year, Nebraska farmland value increased at the slowest rate seen in several years, rising less than 1 percent. The financial services cooperative based its conclusions on a benchmark study of 65 farms over three decades, as well as analysis of more than 3,500 ag real estate sales. “The enthusiasm that might have been there, let’s say a year ago, the enthusiasm is just not as great now”
for farmland, real estate broker Doyle Onnen told the Lincoln Journal Star. Goss said the driving force for land was in agricultural commodity prices, “which put a bubble in land prices.” “Now a good deal of the air has come out of the bubble in commodity prices, so some of that air will come out of the bubble in land prices,” Goss said Monday. The rise in land prices may have slowed or even plateaued, but record highs remain. Last year, the average value of land irrigated by center pivots in eastern Please see PRICES, Page E9
RECORD from Page E4
signed in 2007 and below the cost of production. Dinneen said American farmers are not the only ones who will be punished by the proposed lower RFS. “Small businesses and investment will be undermined,” he said. “Innovation will be discouraged. And the pain will get personal as American drivers across the country are hit with increased gas prices. It doesn’t have to be this way. There is still time for the Obama White House and EPA to do the right thing and restore the numbers for ethanol to their statutory levels.” Nebraska is the nation’s second-leading ethanol producer with a capacity of more than 2 billion gallons. More than 600 million bushels of corn is processed into ethanol at the state’s refineries. Along with increased corn production, the USDA reported that Nebraska soybean production totaled 252 million bushels in 2013, up 22 percent from 2012. Yield, at 53 bushels per acre, is up 11.5 bushels from a year earlier. Area for harvest, at 4.76
ISSUES from Page E3
Nebraska Corn Board at Monday’s meeting was Allen farmer Debbie Borg, who began her three-year term as the District 4 director last June. The district encompasses most of Northeast Nebraska. She said the Renewable Fuels Standard is the number one current concern of the state corn board. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed reducing the amount of ethanol that must be blend-
million acres, is down 5 percent. Nationwide, the USDA said soybean production in 2013 totaled 3.29 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the Nov. 1 forecast and up 8 percent from 2012. United States production is the third largest on record. The average yield per acre is estimated at 43.3 bushels, 0.3 bushel more than the November forecast and 3.5 bushels more than last year. Harvested area is down slightly to 75.9 million acres. Sorghum-for-grain production in 2013 in Nebraska is estimated at 9.38 million bushels, more than double last year’s production. Yield, at 67 bushels per acre, is up 8 bushels. Area harvested for grain, at 140,000 acres, is more than double the 2012 harvest. Nationwide, the USDA said sorghum grain production in 2013 is estimated at 389 million bushels, down 6 percent from the November forecast but up 58 percent from 2012. Planted area is estimated at 8.06 million acres, up 29 percent from last year. Area harvested for grain, at 6.53 million acres, is up 32 percent. Average grain yield, at 59.6 bushels per acre, is down 2.6 bushels from the previous forecast but up 9.8 bushels
from last year. Other 2013 state crop production estimates: n Alfalfa production of 2.42 million tons is up 6 percent from a year earlier. n All other hay production, at 2.52 million tons, is up 40 percent from 2012. n Proso millet production in 2013 is estimated at 4.58 million bushels, nearly seven times last year’s production. n Oil sunflower production in 2013 is 21.7 million pounds, up 5 percent from last year. n Sugar beet production of 1.31 million tons is down 10 percent from 2012. n Dry edible bean production of 2.75 million hundredweight is down 14 percent from a year ago. n Potato production is 8.42 million hundredweight, down 19 percent from last year. In related news, the USDA estimates that Nebraska’s winter wheat-seeded area for harvest in 2014 totals 1.5 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Winter wheat production in 2013 is estimated at 39.6 million bushels, down 26 percent from the previous year and the lowest since 1944.
ed into the nation’s gasoline supply. If approved, the measure would have a “major impact” on this state’s corn producers, who might see a 25-cent per bushel cut in price, which would translate into a $1.2 billion annual hit to the state, she said. Borg said the board sent out 20,000 letters to the state’s corn producers, with 4,000 already returned; all will be delivered to the EPA by the Jan. 28 comment deadline. Livestock expansion
in the Cornhusker State — especially an increase in dairy herds — is another key funding area for corn checkoff funds. Some fault county zoning regulations that restrict the number of livestock, a major consumer of corn, she said. “We have to be livestock friendly in this state,” she said. The Nebraska corn checkoff is at one-half cent per bushel, which is one of the lowest in the nation. Funds are targeted to education, promotion and research.
Effective cattle-handling education Scope of vision nearly 360 degrees with a blind spot directly behind By ROB EIRICH Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance-UNL Extension
Cattlemen know the importance of proper cattle handling and its effect on animal health and performance. Beef Quality Assurance has been implementing effective cattle handling (low-stress) into educational programs since its establishment in the 1980s. The first thing livestock handlers must understand is cattle’s scope of vision. Cattle have nearly 360-degree vision, with a blind spot directly behind them.
Knowing this helps producers use positioning within the animal’s eyesight Rob to direct them to Eirich move in the opposite direction. Cattle also want to maintain a comfort zone around them. As objects move into that zone the animal tends to move away. Temple Grandin, a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and a Livestock Handling
Specialist, calls this zone the “flight zone” as seen in Figure 1. All animals have a different size of flight zone, depending on the amount of pressure applied into the flight zone. Producers also learn the “point of balance,” which is normally the point of the shoulder with most cattle. When the handler is behind the “point of balance”, animals move forward, but as you move in front of that point, animals will move back. This, combined with the “flight zone,” makes cattle handling more effective whether on horseback, on foot, or motorized vehicle. Curt Pate, Stockman and Stewardship
Clinician, emphasizes the importance of handling cattle in a calm, patient manner to reduce the animal’s stress level and improve the effectiveness of cattle movement. Handlers need to maintain small, slow movements to apply pressure in and out of an animal’s “flight zone” to direct animals in the correct direction. Understanding cattle’s natural behavior will also make handling less stressful on animals and handlers. Remember, if you are working too hard take another approach to Courtesy graphic handling. Handling facility design Cattlemen know importance of cattle handling and can also reduce the stress its effect on animal health and performance. Cattle of processing. Whether want to maintain comfort zone around them and this Please see CATTLE, Page E8
graphic shows scope of vision.
States weighing labels on genetically altered food Seventy percent of processed foods contain at
least one ingredient made or derived from GM crops PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — In the absence of federal regulation, states from Rhode Island to Hawaii are considering laws to require labels on food items containing genetically modified ingredients. Currently, only Connecticut and Maine have laws requiring labels for genetically modified food. But those requirements won’t kick in until other states adopt their own rules. Bills to do just that are expected in more than two dozen states. Seventy percent of processed foods contain at least one ingredient made or derived from genetically modified crops, known as GMOs,
according to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. The industry-backed Grocery Manufacturers Association puts the number between 70 and 80 percent. Genetic modifications to a plant can improve its quality, hardiness or resistance to pests or disease. Scientific studies have found no evidence that GMOs are more harmful than foods without genetic modifications, but those pushing for label requirements point to the value in the information itself. “I don’t know if it’s harmful or unhealthy, but it’s something people have a right to know about,” said Rhode
Island state Rep. Dennis Canario, a Democrat sponsoring a labeling bill. “They put calories on a package. They put the fat content. If the ingredients have been genetically altered, shouldn’t that be listed on there somewhere?” The proposals are opposed by biotechnology companies and many agricultural groups, who say genetic engineering has yielded more sustainable, affordable and productive farming around the globe. Business groups worry that labeling requirements would raise costs for food producers — and ultimately consumers — and raise unnecessary fears. Please see LABELS, Page E13
The Associated Press
This photo taken Oct. 16, 2013, shows dairy cows on Larry Hasheider’s farm in Okawville, Ill. Hasheider grows soybeans, wheat and alfalfa on the farm, nestled in the heart of Illinois corn country where he also has 130 dairy cows, 500 beef cattle and 30,000 hogs and even gives tours, something he says he never would have done 20 years ago. Add one more item to the list of chores that Larry Hasheider has to do on his 1,700-acre farm — defending his business to the American public. There’s a lot of conversation about traditional agriculture recently, and much of it is critical. Among the issues people are concerned about are genetically modified crops, overuse of hormones and more.
CATTLE from Page E7
you utilize a tub and snake, Bud Box, a combination of both, or neither, proper movement and handling practice can improve cattle movement. Never over-crowd your handling system and remove distractions that cattle may see upon entering the facility. The National Beef Quality Assurance website, www.bqa.org, has a number of videos available for more information on cattle handling, processing, and facility design. For more information about Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance or to get BQA certification, contact Rob Eirich, UNL Extension Educator and Nebraska Director of BQA at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center 308.632.1230 or reirich2@unl.edu .
announces his retirement Hutchens is leaving, Brunkhorst selected to succeed him LINCOLN — Don Hutchens has announced his retirement as executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board effective July 30, 2014, leaving a position that he has held for 27 years. In discussions on Hutchens’ announcement, succession planning and options, the board of directors has interviewed and selected Kelly Brunkhorst to succeed him. Brunkhorst currently serves as director of research for the Nebraska Corn Board. A native of Geneva, Hutchens Don received Hutchens his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of NebraskaLincoln in 1970. He was engaged in full-time farming and livestock production for 14 years before beginning his career in agricultural leadership. He continues to serve as owner and manager of a crop production operation
PRICES from Page E6
Nebraska topped $10,000 an acre for the first time, according a re-
and feeds cattle. He and his wife, Donna, have two adult children; Kate Boos, MD, family practice physician in Kearney, and Jerad, a district sales manager for GSI Group, LLC. In 1985, Don was Kelly Brunkhorst named assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, eventually serving as director during 1986. He was selected as executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board in 1987. Hutchens’ involvement and leadership within the corn industry and agriculture has been widespread and varied. He is a graduate of the first LEAD (Leadership, Education, Action and Development) class in Nebraska, which included an ag study mission to Asia. He received the Outstanding Alumni award from LEAD in 1991. He was named to Nebraska Agricultural Hall of Achievement in 1992. In 2012, Don was recognized by U.S. Grains Council for 25 years of service. He also served 6 years on National Corn Growers Association’s Biotech Working Group. He serves as the Corn Board representative
on the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN). “Don has been a selfless and dedicated advocate and spokesman for Nebraska agriculture for nearly three decades and everyone associated with Nebraska agriculture owes him a huge debt of gratitude,” said Tim Scheer, chairman of Nebraska Corn Board, from St. Paul. “We wish him the best as he transitions to the next phase of his life and career — and we fully expect to continue seeing Don engaged and involved in promoting Nebraska agriculture in the years to come.” His volunteer involvement has included board membership and leadership positions with Lincoln YMCA, Nebraska 4-H Foundation, Nebraska FFA Foundation, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, Agriculture Committee of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and serving on the Campaign Cabinet for the Nebraska Centennial Mall project. He was also a mentor in the Teammates Mentoring program. Hutchens accompanied National Corn Growers Association representatives in the final round of GATT talks held in Brussels, Belgium, in December 1990. He has made presentations in Russia,
port by the Agricultural Economics Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Onnen, who is based in York, said he’s seen farms go for well above that price.
“There is lots of demand for real-high-quality irrigated land,” Onnen said, especially those with plentiful groundwater. “Those farms are in really strong demand.”
Please see BOARD, Page E24
t
Neb. Corn Board executive
AG NEWS AT A GLANCE
Ex-Neb. beauty queen’s lawsuit over bull dismissed GERING (AP) — A former Nebraska beauty queen’s lawsuit over injuries she suffered when a bull charged at her at a 2010 county fair has been dismissed. Scottsbluff radio station KNEB reports Scotts Bluff County District Judge Leo Dobrovolny ruled Tuesday that defendants in the case were not served within the required six months after the lawsuit was filed in August 2012. Jessica Littlejohn and her father filed the suit against entities including the Scotts Bluff County Agricultural Society, the Scotts Bluff
County Fair Board and the County Scholarship Fair Pageant. Scotts Bluff County was dismissed from the case last March. A bull broke loose as Littlejohn and pageant contestants were being introduced to a crowd. The lawsuit claimed the county entities were negligent for not securing the bull.
Lincoln-based district’s water plan criticized VALPARAISO (AP) — Proposed groundwater allocations have drawn criticism from some farmers in a Lincoln-based natural resources district. The Lincoln Journal Star says reaction to the plan for the Dwight-
Valparaiso-Brainard area was aired at a hearing Thursday in Valparaiso (val-puhRAY’-zoh). The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District wants to stabilize the groundwater supply in that area, which covers a section of about 150 square miles. The district oversees nearly 1,600 square miles in southeast Nebraska. The district wants to allocate 7 inches an acre each year to irrigators who use center pivot irrigation in 2014. Irrigators who use gravity pipe would get 10 inches an acre. Farmer Gary Hellerich said at the hearing that the figures weren’t realistic. He says a three-year allocation of 30 inches would give farmers more flexibility.
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Horse slaughter blocked by federal law Measure stops the agriculture department from spending money for inspections of slaughterhouses for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The president’s action came as a New Mexico judge granted a preliminary injunction against a Roswell company from moving forward with its plans to start slaughtering horses. The ruling by state District Judge Matthew Wilson will keep alive a lawsuit by Attorney General Gary King, who’s seeking to permanently block horse slaughter in New Mexico. The lawsuit could serve as a possible insurance plan in case the federal government provides inspection funding in the future. Blair Dunn, a lawyer for Valley Meat, said the company will continue to wage a legal fight to convert its cattle processing plant to the slaughtering of horses. He contended that the federal move to withhold money for meat
inspections could cause U.S. trade violations. “I don’t see them opening now. No matter what, they are not going to violate the law,” said Dunn, who also represents a plant in Missouri that wants to produce horse meat. The last domestic horse slaughterhouses closed in 2007, a year after Congress initially withheld inspection funding. After federal money was restored in 2011, plants in New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa began trying to start horse slaughtering. King’s lawsuit contends that the Roswell company’s operations would violate New Mexico’s environmental and food safety laws. Valley Meat is trying to disqualify the judge who’s handling the case because of com-
The Associated Press
In this July 16, 2004, file photo provided by the Bureau of Land Management, wild horses are seen on the at the Pryor Mountain National Wild Horse Range in south-central Montana. The attorney for a New Mexico company that has been fighting to open a horse slaughter house says the company is not going to give up despite two lawsuits and Congressional action to block the resumption of domestic horse slaughter with a ban on funding for federal inspections at equine facilities. ments posted by horse slaughter opponents on a Facebook page for the
t
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The resumption of commercial horse slaughter in the U.S. was blocked Friday as President Barack Obama signed a budget measure that withholds money for required federal inspections of the slaughtering process. Although the measure provides temporary funding for the federal government, it stops the Agriculture Department from spending money for inspections necessary for slaughterhouses to ship horse meat interstate and eventually export it to overseas consumers. “This clear message from Washington echoes the opinions of an overwhelming number of Americans from coast to coast: horse slaughter is abhorrent and unacceptable,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the American Society
judge’s election campaign. Wilson issued an order Friday saying
he would consider setting a hearing on the company’s request.
BEHIND THE SCENES
United Soybean Board
The truth behind the star of every big game — bacon ST. LOUIS — As millions of Americans gather around their televisions on the first Sunday in February, there’s one star that’s already a winner even before the kickoff. Whether it’s a main ingredient, an appetizer or simply a garnish, bacon is the standout star of any dish. But, there’s a side of the bacon story that most Americans aren’t so familiar with. Just like a conditioned
star athlete, a lot of hard work, dedication and countless hours go into making sure the bacon found in fan-favorite recipes is top quality. For example, modern animal housing provides a well ventilated, warm (a must-have for those cold, snowy days) and clean home where the pigs receive a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. And these are just a few of the ways that pig farmers across the country are dedicated to making sure the bacon on your table, and theirs, is a top pick. Check out this video to learn more. “Our pigs are our
highest priority on our farm,” says Jennifer Debnam, a pig farmer from Kennedyville, Md. “We constantly have to be at the top of our game, using the latest technologies and advancements in animal health. No matter the weather, time of day or time of year, we make sure that our pigs are healthy and well taken care of — not only for the well-being of the pig, but so that you never have to worry about bacon being available at the grocery store.” Want a glimpse at what goes into producing America’s favorite pork product? Check out “The Truth Behind Bacon.”
Neb. workshops to help specialty crop growers LINCOLN (AP) — Several workshops will be held across Nebraska to help producers of specialty crops improve their business. A state grant of $29,706 is paying for the workshops the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is planning. The university’s Nebraska Cooperative Development Center is leading the program. Casey Foster with the Nebraska Agriculture Department says the program should help the economy in the state because specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, nuts and Christmas trees are often sold near where they are grown. The evening workshops will help farmers learn more about marketing and business management. They begin Tuesday in Wayne. Other workshops will be held in Ord on Jan. 28, in Grand Island on Feb. 19 and in Scottsbluff on Feb. 24. More details are available by contacting the coordinator at bnemec2@unl.edu.
Farm bill final version uncertain Hard-fought gains on federal subsidy payments appear to be in danger in legislation battle By JOSEPH MORTON World-Herald News Service
WASHINGTON — Advocates for tightening limits on federal farm subsidy payments rejoiced at their victory last year when their proposals were included in both the House and Senate versions of the latest farm bill. But those hard-fought gains appear to be in danger now as members of a conference committee hammer out the final version of the legislation. “I’m worried about it. I think it’s, sadly, in trouble,” Rep. Jeff Fortenberry told The World-Herald on Tuesday. The Lincoln Republican
successfully pushed for the tighter limits in the House version, while Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, got them included by the Senate. Both bills would establish a hard cap on farm payments of $250,000 and tighten loopholes on who meets the requirement that subsidy recipients be “actively engaged” in the farm operation. Farm bill supporters who favor tighter payment limits say stories of wealthy or absentee farmers collecting large payments give the whole program a black eye. While the limits generally are backed by those in the Midwest, southern growers
“
”
“I’m worred about it. I think it’s, sadly, in trouble.”
—Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska R epresentative, about status of farm bill
tend to have larger operations and say the limits are too restrictive. It’s an argument that appears to be gaining ground now in the negotiations among conference committee members, many of whom did not support the limits. Fortenberry said it appears that even conference committee members who are sympathetic to tighter limits have not championed the provision. What’s clear is that the fight continues. Grassley has been spotted recently on the House side of the
Capitol, working House members in the hallway on the payment limits issue. He told The World-Herald that he has written letters to Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., urging them to exert their influence to keep the payment limits in the final version. Both Grassley and Fortenberry expressed outrage this week at word that the conference committee could
Please see BILL, Page E13
Former ag secretary battles cancer Eustis native deals with chemotherapy treatment at age 83 By JOSEPH MORTON World-Herald News Service
Time and Temperature 308-532-6007
WASHINGTON — This week brought the latest round of chemotherapy for former Agriculture Secretary Clayton Yeutter, a Nebraska native who has been battling cancer. The treatments leave the 83-year-old exhausted and weak, but at least they never make him nauseous as they do many others, his wife, Cristy, told The WorldHerald in an interview. “He has a cast-iron gut, which I said is from eating dirt growing up on a farm,” she said. President George H.W. Bush tapped the Eustis native as his agriculture secretary in 1989. Prior to that, he served as U.S. trade representative from 1985 to 1988.
He had been scheduled to moderate a panel event this week at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln but had to cancel because he was too sick to travel, Cristy said. Yeutter, who now lives in Maryland outside Washington, D.C., was first diagnosed with colon cancer several years ago and underwent successful surgery and chemotherapy. The cancer returned last year, however, and he underwent more surgeries and chemo. Then a scan showed the cancer had spread to his liver. “It’s not the news we were hoping to get, because he’s always been much stronger and much healthier than his age would suggest,” Cristy said. They are hopeful that the chemotherapy will work, at least in halting the progress of the disease. “The initial prognosis statistically when you have cancer that spreads to your liver is six to 12 months, but that’s a statistic,” she said.
Nothing is certain, she stressed. “Only God knows how long you’re going to have on this earth, and in the meantime he’s doing the best he can to fight it,” she said. He has many reasons for trying to stick around as long as possible. She noted that they have several young children. The couple married in 1995 and adopted a baby girl from Russia named Victoria. Now 17, Victoria caused a stir a couple of years ago when she tried to run away from home. She took a bus from Maryland to California and was spotted just before the bus reached its destination. The couple also adopted two other girls, now 14 and 8, from Kazakhstan and Guatemala. Yeutter also has four grown children from his first marriage. His first wife, Jeanne, died in 1993. “All the prayers that we can get, we would certainly love,” Cristy said.
LABELS from Page E8
“This is mainstream agriculture,” said Karen Batra, a spokeswoman with BIO, a biotechnology trade association. “It is how our food is grown, and it’s how the vast majority of our commodity crops are grown. There’s never been a single reported medical incident related to the consumption of these foods.” Voters in California and Washington rejected ballot proposals in the past two years that would have required GMO labeling. And in New Hampshire, state lawmakers defeated a GMO labeling bill Wednesday. Among other arguments, opponents said any labeling requirements would likely face a legal challenge. “If you believe genetic modification produces food that has a health risk, then you’re saying the FDA should be the one to label it,” said New Hampshire state Rep. Linda Lauer, a Democrat and a retired chemist. “And if there’s no health risk, then why are you requiring a label?” So Connecticut and Maine continue to wait on other states to enact laws before their own will take effect. Lawmakers in those two states added that provision to prevent a patchwork of state labeling rules that might be
“
“This is mainstream agriculture. It is how our food is grown, and it’s how the vast majority of our commodity crops are grown. There’s never been a single reported incident related to the consumption of these foods.”
”
—K aren Batra, spokeswoman with BIO, about health effects of GMO foods onerous to food producers. The issue may be decided in Washington, where both sides are pushing for a federal standard on how GMO foods are labeled. The Food and Drug Administration, which says all genetically engineered foods must meet the same requirements as traditional foods, now allows producers to voluntarily label their items as genetically engineered or not. Last week, a coalition of organic food producers, GMO critics and supporters in Congress wrote to President Barack Obama urging the FDA. Meanwhile, last month the Grocery Manufacturers Association wrote to the FDA asking whether foods “derived from biotechnology” could be allowed to be labeled “natural.” The association represents Monsanto Company, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble and hundreds of other companies. It notes that GMOs have been on the market for two decades, and include soy, corn, sugar and
other items commonly used in a variety of foods. Some businesses aren’t waiting for government action. Whole Foods announced last year that it plans to label GMO products in all its U.S. and Canadian stores within five years. And General Mills recently announced it would no longer use GMOs in its original Cheerios recipe. Dozens of nations including the members of the European Union already have GMO labeling laws. Scott Faber, executive director of the pro-GMO labeling organization Just Label It, said he believes the U.S. will follow suit, following pressure from states passing their own requirements first. “Clearly the FDA has the authority to require labeling, but the states are leading the way,” Faber said. “Ultimately, once a number of states act, the federal government will too.”
BILL from Page E13
roll back or eliminate their language, thereby reversing what was agreed to by majorities on both sides of the Capitol. Grassley said that with the House and Senate language nearly identical, it should have a “do-not-touch” label on it. “It should be non-negotiable,” Grassley said. Fortenberry said the whole affair underscores why Nebraska has a unicameral legislature where there’s no such thing as a conference committee. He said the ongoing process on the farm bill is “not in
accord with the spirit of the Republic.” Work on a new farm bill has dragged on for many months as lawmakers tangled over a number of hot-button issues, including food stamps, but some think an end could be in sight. The Senate approved $4 billion in cuts to food stamps, while the House opted for about 10 times that amount of cuts. The final version is expected to cut about $8 billion, but those writing it have reason not to release the specifics just yet. That’s because Congress is about to leave for a weeklong recess. “I think there’s a farm bill, I really do,” said Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb. “I think they just don’t want to lay it out there
for the next couple weeks and have it shot at.” One consideration for farm bill negotiators is that they could lose some votes if they eliminate the limits altogether from the final version. For example, Grassley said that even though the limits are not the biggest part of the bill, he would not be able to support the legislation if they are removed. He said it’s “ridiculous” to have 10 percent of the nation’s farms receiving 70 percent or more of the farm program’s benefits. “When you’re cutting food stamps, how would anybody have guts enough to say we ought to keep these loopholes open for rich farmers?” Grassley said.
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3JP11B
Stow n Go, Flex Fuel Sale $10,900 or $ 161/Month*
10 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
3CT44A
Local Trade, Very Clean Sale $32,500 or $ 477/Month*
09 CHEVY TAHOE Z71
3CT55A
Leather, sunroof, Rear DVD Sale $26,866 or $ 445/Month*
06 FORD EXPLORER
08 HONDA RIDGELINE
4DT22A
10 TOYOTA COROLLA LE
13P42
2GT69B
4JP11A
12 CHEVY 3/4 TON LTZ DIESEL
or
145/Month*
$
3DT80B
2DX43A
10 DODGE RAM 3500 SLT DIESEL Sale $30,685 or 449/Month*
$
13P19
13P17A
09 GMC 3500 CREW 4X4
Sale $21,760 or $ 355/Month*
Sale $28,853 or 2DX37A
480/Month*
13 NISSAN MAXIMA
13P37
Leather, Sunroof Sale $22,500 or $ 309/Month*
12 KIA FORTE EX
13P54A
12 DODGE 1500 LARAMIE
3DT30A
Sale 15,150 or $ 204/Month*
Longhorn, Loaded, Sunroof, Nav Sale $32,982 or $ 476/Month*
12 DODGE RAM 2500 REG BOX 4X4
23K Steering Wheel Controls
$
Sold here new, very sharp Sale $21,384 or $ 304/Month*
08 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 4X4
Duramax Flatbed
$
311/Month*
$
10 CHRYSLER 300S
Longbox, Crew
38K Miles
13P38
Sale $19,333
or
12 FORD FOCUS
29K Books for $ 49,275 Sale $ 43,750
Sunroof, Leather
Sale $9,966
Sale $15,237 or $ 203/Month*
Sale
08 BMW X3 SI
Bedliner
10K Miles
$
2DX38A
Center Bench, Tow package, cloth Sale $27,900 or $ 463/Month*
13 TOYOTA COROLLA
Sunroof 10,980
A/C, Cruise, Auto, Great commute car Sale $10,900 or $ 141/Month*
09 CHEVY TAHOE LT
V8 Limited,
4JP23A
Local trade, Leather, Roof Sale $18,966 or $ 305/Month*
08 DODGE RAM 1500 SLT REGULAR CAB LONGBOX
Perfect Work Truck Demo with 200 Miles
Sale $13,975
Sale
or 13P39
186/Month*
$
12P37
25,787
$
Disclaimer * Monthly payments figured as: 2013 at 2.84% for 72 months , 2012 at 3.15% for 72 months and 2010, 2011 at 3.75% for 72 months. With approved credit. 2008/2009 at 4.25% for 63 Months With approved credit. Payments also figured with $2000 down or in trade equity.
11 DODGE RAM 1500 LARAMIE
3DT37A
Rambox Local Trade Sale $ 31,622
11 FORD F-150 CREW XLT
13P40A
4x4 Ecoboost Sale $27,222 or $ 388/Month*
12 MAZDA CX-7
4BC01B
Leather, Steering Wheel Controls, Automatic Sale $17,202 or $ 235/Month*
11 CHEVY 1500 LT Z71
3CT60A
13 CHEVY CAMARO ZL1
4GT05A
12 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 CREW 4X4
3GT63A
Sale 40,866
$
4CT15A
2GT59A
Leather, Center Buckets Sale $26,700 or $ 380/Month*
12K Miles, Local Trade Sale $29,995 or $ 430/Month*
11 CHEVY TAHOE
34K Laramie
11 BUICK ENCLAVE CXL
Sale $ 49,900
Leather, Center Buckets Sunroof, Rear DVD Sale $30,562 or $ 439/Month*
10 GMC 1500 SLT CREW
Latitude, Remote Start Sale $17,499 or
Sale 35,995
3CT18A
$
13 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
239/Month*
$
13P43
12 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ
Leather, Laredo Sale $29,136 or 4DG02A
409/Month*
$
4CC08A
12 DODGE RAM 1500 CREW LARAMIE
leather, sunroof LTZ Sale $16,988 or $ 232/Month*
or 499/Month*
$
3DT70A
13P49
11 CHEVY 2500 DURAMAX CREW 4X4
11 CHEVY 2500 CREW Z71 DURAMAX Leather Sale $ 38,500
36K Sale $ 34,833 3CT59A
3CT48A
2007 CHEVY TAHOE
12P49A
Leather Power Buckets Sale $17,455 or $ 239/Month*
12 CHEVY IMPALA
Sale $34,499
Leather Sale $25,999 or $ 369/Month* 4CT33A
11 JEEP COMPASS 4X4
White Diamond, heated/cooled seats, sold here new
with 2903 miles Original MSRP $61,330
11 DODGE RAM 2500 DIESEL CREW
4DT13A
Tow, Power Seat Sale $26,900 or $ 383/Month*
11 CHEVY AVALANCHE LTZ
Very Clean, Low Miles, Local Trade Sale $ 20,120
2007 GMC YUKON XL
SLT, Leather Sale $ 17,285 12P30A
Disclaimer * Monthly payments figured as: 2013 at 2.84% for 72 months , 2012 at 3.15% for 72 months and 2010, 2011 at 3.75% for 72 months. With approved credit. 2008/2009 at 4.25% for 63 Months With approved credit. Payments also figured with $2000 down or in trade equity.
PROTECT THE FARM
By Rebecca Nordquist, RD, MHA, CLTC Ed and Katie's farm had been in the family for several generations. Ed's Dad had farmed the 2 sections and passed it to his son. Ed had expected to pass it to their Son, Jon when Dad decided to retire but he wasn't planning that for a long time yet. Jon had farmed with his Dad since he was a kid. Dad had always been the strength of the family‌Until‌both Jon and Katie started noticing that Ed seemed a little indecisive. He couldn't seem to remember figures anymore. He couldn't even decide what to order on the menu at the diner much less make decisions about the farm business. He would jump in the truck and get lost in the pastures that he farmed for so many years. He'd get frustrated and lash out at Katie or Jon. He was trying so hard to hold on but he couldn't do it anymore. Finally Katie convinced him to go to his doctor. After much discussion and testing, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. How frightening to the family. Within 2 years, Katie was his full-time caregiver and it was noticeably wearing on her. Her health was declining and Jon finally stepped in. It was time to consider a nursing home for Dad. Here's what they discovered‌1 in 8 Americans will be diagnosed with Alzheimers, if you reach the age of 85, 50% of Americans will hear that diagnosis. The cost of a nursing home in this area is about $72,000 per year. Medicare doesn't pay for it and Ed and Katie didn't buy Long Term Care Insurance. Medicaid will pay BUT it is designed for low income people consequently, they will require that their savings, IRA's, and retirement accounts be depleted before they will pay. This is what is called a "spend down". Mom will be able to keep the house, one car, and $4000 as well as a maximum amount of around $114,000 (this increases a little every year) depending on how much savings they had. Everything else will have to be liquidated. If Dad and Jon put together a farm sale contract, Medicaid can attach to the income but not the farm asset. You'll want to work closely with an attorney to ensure that Medicaid can't slap a lien against the asset. There is a 5 year look-back period so any transfer of assets would
need to happen prior to the 5 years, otherwise, Medicaid will consider them as part of the asset count. This was financially devastating not only to Ed and Katie but it affected Jon as well. Ed was in the nursing home for 6 years, costing them almost $450,000. What could they have done differently to protect themselves? You buy homeowners insurance, car insurance, and medical insurance to protect from a catastrophic financial loss. Why not Long Term Care Insurance? Over 70% of people over the age of 65 will need some type of long term care whether it be home care, assisted living, or nursing home. Here's how to protect your family farm, business, and loved ones. Buy a long-term care policy. The younger you are when you buy it, the less expensive it will be and the better your health will be when the insurance company reviews your application. In addition, you can put an inflation factor on a policy that will allow your policy to grow. For instance, if you buy a policy worth $250,000 in benefits, it may grow to a value of $500,000 in 20 years with an inflation factor. In addition, some policies put in place after July 1, 2006 meeting certain criteria will be Partnership Qualified. It means that that policy value (in this case $500,000) will be Medicaid protected. That means that Medicaid will allow you to keep up to the value of your policy benefit without forcing you to spend-down. In Katie and Ed's situation, Katie would have been able to keep up to $500,000 of their assets along with the additional assets of the house/car/and cash without forcing the spend-down. The policy would have paid the nursing home for his care depending on how much policy he bought. He wouldn't need Medicaid unless his policy benefit was depleted. Many dementia patients have stays of 10-12 years in the Nursing Home. Many of these end up on Medicaid but the Partnership Qualification status protects those assets. You can purchase insurance with benefits ranging from$1000 per month to $6000/month or more. Most people are purchasing policies of $4000 to $4500/month
so it would pay the entire amount for home health, assisted living, and most of a nursing home bill depending on what services you need. In addition, the premiums may have the added advantage of reducing your taxable income. Most businesses can use the premium as a business expense. An individual may also be able to use premiums to reduce your taxes. Consult your accountant for more details, the amounts are based on your age and amount of your premium. Many folks are making the decision to purchase it in their early 50's and have it paid off by the time they hit 65 so they don't have to continue making premium payments into their retirement. Many attorneys and accountants are starting to refer folks to agents to get their clients protected. Don't wait until health and age get the better of you. Do it now to protect your farm and your family. If you have questions, please schedule a complimentary appointment or call Rebecca Nordquist at Phares Financial at 308-532-3180 or email at RebNordquist@msn.com. I'll also be at the Farm and Ranch Expo so stop by the Phares Financial Booth with questions. I will be having a Long Term Care Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 13th at North Campus of Midplains Community College. Representatives from Home Instead and Linden will be there to discuss LTC living arrangements as well as insurance options. Call our office to reserve a spot. 532-3180
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Beef report centers on ties with UK restaurants Video-audio link ties Neb. representative in Brazil to customers across the world By LORI POTTER World-Herald News Service
KEARNEY — Nebraska Beef Council staff and directors took a quick trip around the world Tuesday morning without ever leaving their Kearney meeting room. Speaking via a video-audio link from Brazil, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Trade Representative Stan Garbacz gave an update on projects and prospects to promote and sell Nebraska beef to customers in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and even Africa. He focused on the strong relationship between Nebraska and Goodman restaurants in the United Kingdom. Garbacz said Goodman has very popular high-end steakhouses that feature
corn-fed Nebraska beef. Beef displayed in aging coolers with glass fronts is labeled as being from Nebraska. He estimated that a steak dinner for two there, including a glass of wine and appetizer, could cost about $200. More recently, the Goodman brand has been expanded to three new restaurants
“
“The Goodman folks are very committed to beef from Nebraska.”
”
—A nn M arie Bosshamer, Neb. Beef Council Executive Director, about the sale of beef across the world
with menus featuring just burgers and fries or lobster and fries. Nebraska beef trimmings are turned into ground beef. Garbacz said there are plans for a third set of Goodman restaurants that will serve only crab legs from Norway and steaks. “The beef is all from Nebraska,” he said. “The Goodman folks are very committed to beef from Nebraska,” said Nebraska Beef Council Executive Director Ann Marie Bosshamer of Amherst. At the company’s expense, delegations of restaurant managers, chefs and others have been sent to Nebraska the past few years to be educated about how the beef they serve is produced and processed, she said. All beef going into the United Kingdom and other European Union countries must be certified as hormone free. Garbacz said importers and traders there buy Nebraska cattle and pay
processors to pack and ship it. Bosshamer said the Tyson plant at Lexington and Greater Omaha Packing are two of seven U.S. plants that can make shipments to the European Union customers. Garbacz said Goodman plans its own symposium about Nebraska beef June 7 in London. An expected 80 to 90 executive chefs, restaurant owners and managers are expected to pay a fee to attend. “It’s not so much a ‘Hi, how are you’ deal, but more of a seminar,” he said, adding that presenters will include University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professor of Animal Science Chris Calkins, Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach of Sumner and a representative of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Garbacz encouraged the Beef Council directors to send Bosshamer as a presenter and also a director-beef producer. The board approved
File photo
Beef that produces steak dinners, like the one in this file photo, is sold all over the world. There is a strong relationship between Nebraska and Goodman restaurants in the United Kingdom. that request, although the director attending with Bosshamer is still to be determined. Garbacz also reported Tuesday that Goodman officials’ ties to a businessman from Lebanon who is opening restaurants in Ghana may result in Nebraska beef products heading to Africa. He said Ghana is seeing more expatriates with the income to spend in steakhouses the businessman is opening.
Also, in response to requests from several Nebraska beef processors, a new poster that shows the whole beef and high-quality photos of different cuts is being designed with Calkins’ assistance for use in Asian and European markets. Garbacz said Nebraska beef from Greater Omaha Processing will be promoted at a Kuwait food show in a couple
Please see BEEF, Page E20
Legislation would help with trade agreements By ROBERT PORE World-Herald News Service
Legislation that would help advance new trade agreements to benefit Nebraska producers, manufacturers and consumers is being supported by U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., and U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb. Johanns said the legislation known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) gives
clear set of trade priorities and objectives, and provides for timely congressional consideration of negotiated trade agreements. “Trade is an important part of our nation’s economy and plays a key role in helping create jobs here at home,” Johanns said. “This legislation, if signed into law, gets us one step closer to breaking down trade barriers preventing our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers from
shipping American products around the world.” The bicameral, bipartisan TPA legislation was drafted by the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Max Baucus, D-Mont., along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich. Previous TPA legislation expired in Please see TRADE, Page E20
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TRADE from Page E19
2007 and has not been renewed. Johanns said the legislation specifically: n Outlines a robust trade agenda. n Strengthens and improves existing law. n Updates existing trade objectives to reflect modern economic realities. n Strengthens consultations with Congress and the American public. n Ensures Congress retains control over implementing any trade agreements. Smith said that as Nebraska producers continue to expand their sales around the
world, the legislation would “enhance U.S. leverage in the global marketplace and update Congress’s authority and ability to provide direction to the administration in trade negotiations.” “At a time when some nations are putting up tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. products, this legislation would help our negotiators ensure Nebraska goods and products receive fair treatment in new agreements, which would benefit our economy and hardworking taxpayers,” he said. Smith is a member of the Committee on Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and has worked to
promote modern, scientific and fully enforceable standards in trade agreements. Last summer, he held a series of public forums across the 3rd District to help businesses and individuals better understand the value of global trade and provide information on expanding market access for local products. According to Smith, Nebraska merchandise exports, including agriculture, totaled $7.4 billion in 2012. According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, every dollar in agricultural exports generates $1.34 in economic activities such as transportation, financing, warehousing, and production.
For all your up-to-date news, check out the Telegraph website at www.nptelegraph.com
Johanns’ accusations spur OSHA response Former US secretary of agriculture said agency is exceeding its authority By JOSEPH MORTON World-Herald News Service
WASHINGTON — Federal safety regulators responded Wednesday to Sen. Mike Johanns’ accusations that they have overstepped their bounds with stepped-up inspections of grain bins. The Nebraska Republican pushed for language that was included in a recent spending bill, reiterating that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no authority to regulate small farms and instructing the agency to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on any policy changes. During a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Jordan Barab, deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, lamented what he described as confusion over the agency’s approach to grain bins and promised to work with the USDA to clarify operations that are exempt from OSHA regulation. But Barab also defend-
BEEF from Page E19
of weeks as part of food supplier Sysco’s booth, and work continues to expand Nebraska beef sales in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.
ed the agency, saying it has always taken seriously the longstanding prohibitionagainst regulating small farms, including their grain bins. The agenMike cy has Johanns been reviewing its policies and its past actions but has found no examples where it was out of line, he said. The agency got more aggressive about grain bin inspections in 2011 after seeing an alarmingly high number of cases where people became engulfed and “drowned” in the grain, Barab said. In 2010, there were 57 engulfments, 31 of them fatal. He credited the resulting OSHA campaign of public education and stepped-up enforcement activities with a drop to 19 engulfments and 8 fatalities in 2012. “The good news is that that campaign saved lives,” he said. Johanns, a former
U.S. secretary of agriculture, has said that he is happy to work with OSHA on additional education efforts to improve farm safety, but that the agency has been exceeding its authority. In particular, Johanns points to one small Nebraska farm facing $132,000 in fines for willfully violating OSHA regulations on atmospheric tests in a grain bin, failure to wear approved gear when entering the bin and other issues. Barab said he could not comment in depth on the Nebraska case because it is the subject of ongoing litigation, but he did say that the farm in question chose to identify itself as a “grain and field bean merchant wholesaler.” “Nor did they claim to be a farming operation when we first went out there,” Barab said. Barab said inspectors in the field have been told to send any cases that might be questionable because of the small-farm rule to the national level. He said
When asked by Beef Council directors about prospects for China opening its markets to U.S. beef imports, Garbacz replied, “Unless something political messes things up, by the end of 2014, they’re gonna open things up. ... But the Chinese can wake up
tomorrow and change their minds.” In other business Tuesday, the board re-elected Steve Hanson ,of Elsie, as chairman, Rod Gray of Harrison as vice chairman and Dawn Caldwell of Edgar as secretary, and elected Buck Wehrbein of Waterloo as treasurer.
Please see OSHA, Page E21
World-class ag exhibit is coming to the State Fair
Interactive showcase designed as a year-round attraction for visitors, schoolchildren, others By LORI POTTER World-Herald News Service
KEARNEY — Visitors to the 2014 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island can watch a movie inside a grain bin, drive a virtual combine and watch live cooking demonstrations in a new interactive showcase for Nebraska agriculture. The “Nebraska Agriculture Experience” will be unveiled at the fair, but it’s being designed as a year-round attraction for visitors that will include schoolchildren, trade associations, industry groups and other ag interest groups. “I’ve never seen an exhibit like you’re going to see at the Nebraska State Fair this year,” fair Executive Director Joseph McDermott told the Nebraska Beef Council board Tuesday in Kearney. “It’s a world-class exhibit in a brand-new building.” The ag showcase will fill one end of the 54,000-square-foot building, and Nebraska
Game and Parks is planning an exhibit at the other end that will feature attractions fairgoers had loved at the agency’s old fairgrounds building in Lincoln. McDermott said the new building also will have a museum in the middle to show the history of the State Fair dating back to 1868. A second level will house the fair administration team’s permanent office and a meeting space. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Assistant Dean Kathleen Lodl, an ex-officio State Fair Board member, said a UNL Extension educator will be in the building year-round to greet visitors and market the attraction. She said the new building is being constructed between the fairgrounds’ commercial and FFA-4-H buildings and just west of the Kids Zone, which should increase traffic to all those venues. “The money is a
work in progress,” Lodl said, with $1.5 million pledged to date for the $5 million ag experience exhibit, of which $1 million will go into an endowment to help fund regularly updated presentations. Funds are being sought from commodity groups, water organizations, industry interests and others. Boards overseeing the commodity checkoff funds have been contacted first. Lodl said the corn and soybean boards each have committed $200,000. Tuesday, the Beef Council board voted to designate the $5,000 in the budget for the State Fair to the new ag exhibit. Lodl emphasized that the exhibits will focus on agriculture now and into the future. “It’s about the importance of feeding the world and that Nebraska agriculture is doing that,” she said. The design work involves a consultant from Minneapolis who is a professional planner of exhibit spaces, UNL experts and representatives of commodity groups. Please see FAIR, Page E23
OSHA from Page E20
the agency hopes it can clear up the confusion about what it’s doing. “We don’t want there to be any doubt with small farmers that we’re going to come onto their farms and cite them for anything
related to their farming operations,” he said. “That’s not our intent.” Johanns said he was pleased to hear the agency is willing to revisit its policy. “Stepping back in line with the law means that OSHA must honor Congress’ intent to protect fami-
ly farms — including post-harvest activities,” Johanns said. “And it means OSHA must reverse its pursuit of fines on farms that meet the law’s standards.” He added that actions speak louder than words and time will tell if OSHA really does follow the law.
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District board addresses compact call years Rule change restricting water pumping will go to public hearing on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Telegraph staff reports CURTIS — At the district’s first board meeting for 2014, board members of the Middle Republican NRD voted to take to hearing the following rule change: Restrict ground water pumping to 15 inches for any year that is declared a compact call year. This will not affect the 5-year allocation and irrigation may resume with normal restrictions during regular allocation years. Irrigators will not lose any of their earned carryover. Those inches will be available
FAIR from Page E21
Lodl said content meetings are ongoing. An exhibit plan is expected by early February to allow construction to start in March or April and allow information technology installation and testing in July, just before the August opening. She said one priority is a prep kitchen and presentation stage with overhead mirrors and a projection system for live cooking shows. The grain bin-shaped theater will show ag footage. There will be three-dimensional sculptures on walls. Pillars will feature crop plants and
during normal compact years. The penalty for over-pumping during compact call years will be much harsher than over pumping during regular allocation years. The adopted changes will help producers plan ahead and adjust their operation accordingly in anticipation of compact call years in the future — 2014 has been officially declared a water short year. The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. and will precede the regular board meeting. In other efforts to stay in compliance with the District Integrated
Management Plan and to assist Nebraska to remain in compliance with the Republican River Compact, the board voted to make an offer to the Frenchman Valley and H&RW Irrigation Districts to purchase surface water out of Enders Reservoir. This surface water would be allowed to flow to the Republican River and into Kansas. The N CORPE project is a couple of weeks behind schedule according to Board Chairman Buck Haag. Easements are being sought for privately-owned culverts that are in the path of the pipe and difficulties encountered while boring under gas lines are the primary reasons for the setback. Also, Buck Haag and Bill Hoyt, board representatives on the N CORPE
livestock, and there will be exhibits about crop technologies, animal agriculture, bioenergy, irrigation and water conservation, and more. A structure in the middle of the exhibit will be display space for nonfood products that also come from Nebraska commodities. “We’ve found that even in Nebraska, a lot of people have no idea about agriculture,” Lodl said. Beef Council Director Dawn Caldwell of Edgar said it’s critical that beef industry representatives can do face-to-face education with fairgoers to talk about nutrition. “We’re not going back to the 8-foot-tables-plopped-inthe-middle-of-a-room
look” for commodity groups, Lodl replied. She said one idea is to have portable teaching carts that can be moved to where the crowds are within the exhibit or even outside. Exhibit planners also want ag producers to be front, center and approachable, Lodl said, because one big theme of the exhibit is “real people make your food.” She expects that 40 percent to 60 percent of the exhibits’ content will be changed from year to year. Lodl said that’s one reason ag interest groups supporting the project now probably will be contacted for additional funding until project managers get a clear picture of how everything is working.
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committee announced that they are stepping down from this duty and invited other board members to take their turn. Board members Brad Randel and Benjie Loomis were nominated to represent the Middle Republican NRD on the N CORPE Board. During the variance hearing, the board heard a request from Amanda Johnson, of Hayes Center, to allow two new wells on her property and to close two existing wells. Johnson explained the soils on her existing irrigated land probably should have never been cultivated because it is very sandy and hilly. The new ground is more level and has tighter soils. She would save water irrigating the new ground. She would plant the old fields to
grass. The board approved the variance request. Jason Kennedy, the district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, reported that the Conservation Stewardship sign up deadline has been extended to Feb. 7. He also reported that the pre-approval process for Environmental Quality Incentives Programs or EQIP applications has begun. Kennedy indicated that the NRCS has funding to offer $439.09 per acre to permanently convert irrigated acres to dryland acres. The board voted to approve a cost share of $1564.91 per acre for a total compensation of $2,000 per acre applicable only to acres within the 60-percent depletion area. Assistant Manager
Robert Merrigan reported that for 2013, ground water irrigators pumped an average of 10.13 inches across the district. N-CORPE’s water use for establishing a ground cover on the old crop fields was 5.29 inches. By county, Frontier averaged 10.31 inches; Hayes averaged 10.21; Hitchcock averaged 9.75; Lincoln averaged 9.79; and Red Willow averaged 10.59. Merrigan also reported that the Department of Natural Resources funds are available again this year to help pay for two dry-year leases that were funded last year. BeeBee has accepted an Acres Retirement Program (ARP) of $55,475 for surface water rights for 2014.
Please see CALL, Page E24
CALL from Page E23
The board heard public comments from seven individuals during public forum. Dan Hughes, of Venango in Perkins Co., introduced himself as a candidate for the Senate representing the 44th District. Tim McKillip, of Hayes County, asked why we had to reduce allocations when we are in compliance with Kansas. Dan Estermann, of Lincoln Co., expressed concerns about culverts being modified as part of the N-CORPE project. Randy Robinson, of Lincoln Co., asked why we aren’t following the recommendations made by the general manager in December, which was to take
no actions. (Return to the 5-year 60-inch allocation). Haag responded by saying that a lot has changed since December. Bill Barger, of Culbertson, asked the board to allow irrigators to use more water. Josh Friesien, of Wallace, and former board member, asked the board to consider the costs of N-CORPE and the costs to the producer as they consider allocations for this year. Sylvia Johnson read a statement on behalf of absent board member Blaine Stinson. He was recommending to the board to consider a higher hard cap than the 12 inches used in 2013. He recommended a hard cap of 14 to 15 inches. He said “that the potential for a runaway on water use is very slim.”
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Tri-Basin considers cost-share changes Board want to discuss ways to use unspent allocations from 2013-14 By LORI POTTER World-Herald News Service
HOLDREGE — Tri-Basin Natural Resources District officials will consider increasing cost-share rates on some water conservation practices that qualify for Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program funds. Cost-shares on 12 well flowmeters and two pivot irrigation systems were approved at Tuesday’s board meeting in Holdrege. However, Tri-Basin General Manager John Thorburn said some of the NRD’s allocation for fiscal year 2013-14 may go unspent by the Feb. 28 deadline to obligate it to projects. What’s left will be returned to the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission. He said not spending all of the money in one year doesn’t imperil an NRD’s allocation for the
BOARD from Page E9
the European Union, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Taiwan and Japan. During his time as executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, Hutchens has been a strong voice for not only the corn industry, but the entire agriculture industry. He has promoted a number of collaborative efforts involving crop, livestock and biofuels interests in Nebraska, nationally and internationally. “There are no better people to work for than Nebraska farmers and ranchers, and I have truly enjoyed my years with the Nebraska Corn Board,” Hutchens said. “It has been a privilege to serve the industry I love, and I cherish the friendships that I have forged during my career. I am very supportive of the
next year. Thorburn and the directors briefly discussed some ways to better use the funds. One proposal was to increase the cost-share limits for flowmeters from the current $300, which is only about 25 percent of the actual cost of the $1,200-$1,400 devices, and for soil moisture sensors. The directors put the issue on the agenda for a board retreat the morning of Feb. 11 with the option to consider action at the regular board meeting that afternoon. Meanwhile, they authorized Thorburn to see if the Natural Resources Commission would consider adding atmometers to the list of technologies qualifying for NSWCP cost shares. The devices measure evapotranspiration from fields and are used by
board’s selection of Kelly Brunkhorst and I truly believe that Nebraska’s corn checkoff program is in very good hands. His solid base of economics, research, production and sustainability of our industry, not to mention sound judgment, makes him a natural selection. He not only has the respect of our board and staff, but also that of the other states’ and the national cooperators.” Brunkhorst was raised on a diversified farm and ranch operation south of Wauneta. He graduated from the University of NebraskaLincoln with a bachelor’s degree in mechanized systems management and business. Upon graduation, he managed a feed mill for a private swine operation in north central Nebraska. He then became a district sales manager for Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company before becoming the vice-president of operations and education for
farmers for irrigation scheduling. “Any change we make can’t apply until July 1,” Thorburn said, because that is the start of the new fiscal year. In a report about Platte Basin surface water supplies, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District’s Irrigation Division Manager Dave Ford said Lake McConaughy holds 964,100 acre-feet of water, compared with 1,067,000 a-f a year ago. It currently is about 55 percent full. Snowpacks above the Glendo and Seminoe reservoirs on the North Platte River in Wyoming are at the 30-year average for mid-January. “Obviously it’s still very early in the snowpack season. ... But that’s a sliver of good news,” Ford said. The bad news for seeing higher flows into Lake McConaughy for use by CNPPID irrigators and hydropower plants is that the combined water volume in
Please see CHANGES, Page E25
the Nebraska Grain & Feed Association. He joined the staff of the Nebraska Corn Board in 2004 and his responsibilities included research, grant writing, seed industry and first purchaser relations, and leadership on issues related to transportation, industrial uses of corn, domestic and international markets. He has also represented the board on national research, production and stewardship committees, in addition to being chosen to participate in two national strategic planning initiatives. He, and his wife, Carey, have two sons, Seth and Alex. “Kelly has proven to be a thorough and dedicated advocate for Nebraska corn farmers and he is extremely well qualified to lead Nebraska’s corn checkoff program,” Scheer said. “Agriculture and the corn industry are in a period of tremendous
change and challenge — and our board felt it was critically important to ensure continuity in the leadership of the program and leverage the institutional knowledge that Kelly has gained to the advantage of Nebraska’s corn farmers. Kelly also understands the unique structure and environment of Nebraska’s corn checkoff. We are exceedingly pleased he has accepted the offer to serve as executive director.” “I am humbled and honored to be selected to serve Nebraska’s corn farmers as executive director of their checkoff,” Brunkhorst said. “We have a great team on staff and I look forward to working with them, our board, other corn producing states, in-state and national cooperators, and all of Nebraska agriculture to strengthen and build upon the foundation that Don has established.”
Funding for Missouri River study again stripped Farming, levee groups strongly dislike study conservationists say is needed to prevent habitat loss KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Federal officials are barred from spending money on a Missouri River environmental study for a third straight year under a $1.1 trillion government-wide spending bill. Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer introduced the amendment that would prohibit funding for the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan, a study that conservationists say is needed but farming and levee groups strongly dislike. President Barack Obama signed the spending bill Friday. The plan “was initially created to prevent
CHANGES from Page E24
t
all upstream reservoirs in Wyoming is about 1.1 million a-f, or just 37 percent of capacity. Ford said that means those reservoirs can hold all the water from a normal year runoff in the basin. In other business, the board: n Was reminded that the annual Holdrege
Board says weather imperils Neb. winter wheat LINCOLN (AP) — The lack of snow cover and high winds have imperiled much of Nebraska’s winter wheat crop.
habitat loss and recover endangered species but has turned into little more than a federally funded and sanctioned platform for environmental activists who have no regard for our river communities,” Luetkemeyer said in a written statement. The study was authorized in 2007 and was intended to culminate in a plan that would guide restoration and recovery efforts along the river for the next 30 to 50 years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which conducted the study in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spent $16.6 mil-
lion on the research before funding was yanked after extensive flooding in 2011 led to a backlash against environmental projects. The flooding began after the corps began releasing massive amounts of water from reservoirs in Montana, Nebraska and the Dakotas that had been inundated with melting snow and heavy rains. Many levees in downstream states such as Iowa and Missouri were no match for weeks of sustained pressure and gave way. Homes and farms were damaged or ruined. Amid the flooding, many farmers claimed that the wildlife restoration efforts had diverted the focus away from flood control — something the corps denies. Jennifer Switzer,
Water Conference starts at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at the Phelps County Ag Center in Holdrege. n Approved a dozen groundwater and certified irrigated acres transfers for farmers making plans for the 2014 crop season. n Approved $1,000 from the NRD’s information and education budget for the new Nebraska Building on the State Fair grounds in Grand Island. The building will fo-
cus on agriculture. Each of the state’s 23 NRDs have been asked for $1,000, and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Foundation has been asked for $2,000. n Met in closed session to review preliminary cost estimates for the Sand Creek groundwater recharge project in eastern Kearney County and also to discuss land acquisition.
chief of planning for the corps’ Kansas City office, said the ongoing defunding of the study limits the agency’s ability to take a long-term look at environmental issues. “Without a longrange study like this, you have a more shortterm view of the world and kind of operate on a project-to-project basis or a year-to-year basis,” she said. Goals of the study included looking for ways to restore some of the same functions to the Missouri River as existed before the waterway was dammed and straightened, making it more than 200 miles shorter than the river at the time of Lewis and Clark. Workers also narrowed the channel so the water would flow deeper and faster, helping boat
operators and making it self-scouring, which removed the need to dredge it. But several species have suffered as tens of thousands of acres of shallow-water habitat disappeared. Wild populations of pallid sturgeon, a dinosaur-era relic that can live more than 50 years and weigh up to 80 pounds, are expected to disappear from the Missouri River by 2018. That will leave only hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon in the river. Tom Ball of the Sierra Club said it’s wrong to think that environmental projects come at the expense of flood protection. He said that excavating shallow areas along the main channel for the pallid sturgeon and other wildlife also
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southern Panhandle and that wind erosion is moderately severe. The southwest corner has had little moisture since fall. The board says that without snowmelt or rain, farmers expect 25 to 35 percent winter kill in the area.
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AG NEWS The Nebraska Wheat Board said in a report Wednesday that wind erosion in 30 to 40 percent of the northern Panhandle has exposed plant crowns, subjecting them to possible winter kill. The board says the crop looks fair in the
could make the river less flood-prone, because that new habitat provides more capacity for the waterway in high-flow years. “A lot of the work that needed to be done has been put on hold,” said Ball, who serves on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee, which advises the corps and other federal agencies on river recovery efforts, including the study before it was defunded. The committee’s members include eight states, several American Indian tribes and people representing interests such as navigation, irrigation and recreation. “This,” he said of defunding the study, “is not the way to avoid jeopardy.”
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Ethanol advocates join for hearing in Des Moines Politicians, supporters gather to criticize EPA proposal to reduce amount of biofuels in gasoline DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad gathered Midwestern politicians and ethanol supporters in Des Moines on Thursday for a daylong hearing to criticize a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce the amount of ethanol that must be blended with gasoline. The EPA has proposed reducing by nearly 3 billion gallons the amount of biofuels required to be blended into gasoline in 2014. The EPA in
November reported that the additive had become less necessary in light of fuel-efficient engines and lower fuel demand. But political leaders in Iowa, the nation’s top ethanol-producing state, say such a move would devastate Iowa’s economy and cost thousands of jobs. “Renewable fuels have created high-paying jobs and rewarding careers right here in the agricultural heartland of America,” said Branstad, a Republican. “The EPA’s proposal on
the (Renewable Fuel Standard) could have devastating effects on this growth and on job creation.” The gathering is meant to highlight criticism of the proposed change to the Renewable Fuel Standard and put pressure on the EPA to reconsider. “Federal policy should not undermine innovation and further advances in such an important sector,” said Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, calling the proposed change the “wrong policy at the wrong time.” Iowa’s Republican congressmen and industry represen-
tatives from several Midwestern states also were expected to speak at the event. Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of ethanol, a fuel additive primarily made from corn that produces lower carbon emissions than gasoline. Branstad said he asked the EPA to host a hearing in Iowa on this issue, but the agency declined. Thursday’s event was supported by Iowa’s entire congressional delegation, but Sen. Tom Harkin and U.S. Reps. Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack, the Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation, could not attend due to scheduling
reasons, according to Branstad’s office. But a Democratic state lawmaker, state Sen. Jeff Danielson, of Cedar Falls, was scheduled to speak. The Renewable Fuel Standard is part of 2007 legislation signed by President George W. Bush and updated under President Barack Obama that called for increasing annually the minimum amount of renewable fuels, including ethanol, in the nation’s fuel supply. The EPA’s November proposal marked the first time the government had called for rolling back that minimum requirement. The EPA stated in its
November report that the additive had become less necessary in light of fuel-efficient engines and lower fuel demand. The recent boom in domestic oil production has also made ethanol less prized as a U.S.-produced fuel that limits dependence on foreign oil. The grain alcohol burns cleaner than gasoline but produces less energy. The EPA is currently taking public comments on the recommendation. In a statement, agency spokesman David Bloomgren said the EPA looks forward to receiving additional information during the process of finalizing the rule.
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MICKI - 6 year old, spayed female, domestic shorthair black. Litter trained, good with cats & kids but prefers a no dog home. Doesn't care to be held, but LOVES to be petted and scratched. Big, beautiful girl! HOMELESS SINCE 1-20-2014
Fur the Love of PAWS passionately dedicated to saving animals in need at the North Platte Animal Shelter as well as animals in the community
ABEL - Adult, intact male, domestic shorthair grey & white. Litter trained, good with kids & cats, can dog test. LOVES people, a really friendly boy. Loves feathers! HOMELESS SINCE 1-20-2014
DARBY - Approx. 1 year old, female, Black Lab Blend. Stray- can kid, cat, dog
HOLLY - Approx. 6 month old, female, Golden Lab Blend. Good with dogs & kids, can cat test. An energetic girl ready to learn commands and basic obedience. Craves direction. She is gorgeous and would be a great family addition! HOMELESS SINCE 1-15-2014
sjeklocha
VETERINARY CLINIC Dr. Susan Sjeklocha
1306 N. Buffalo Bill • North Platte • 308.534.1257
Westfield Small Animal Clinic 308-534-4480
NORTH PLATTE VETERINARY CLINIC 308-532-0366
308-532-5474
NORTH PLATTE 308-534-7636 800-303-7636 MAYWOOD 308-362-4228 800-233-4551
Cans for Critters Recycling Program Proceeds benefit the Rescue of Shelter Pets & Homeless Animals of NP Area. Call for Drop Off Locations 520-7762
facebook.com/NPCansforCritters