National Farmers Union Newsletter (May 2011)

National Farmers Union e-newsletter https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?age...

You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.

Issue Number 72 May 30,
2011

In this issue...
NFU Urges Congress
to Roll Back Cuts to
Ag Programs
NFU President Roger Johnson urged Congress to restore funding to
NFU to Congress: certain agriculture programs that were severely cut in the U.S. House of
GIPSA Rule Should Go Representatives agriculture appropriations bill. In a letter to the House
Forward Appropriations Committee, Johnson said that the long-term costs of the
cuts outweigh the short-term benefits. Under the proposed
NFU VP of appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012, agriculture's budget will have
Government Relations been cut 26 percent in the last two years.
Praises Community
Wind Projects at "Fiscal responsibility should not entail cutting costs to realize short-term
Conference savings that result in increased long-term expenses," said Johnson. "NFU
members know the importance of balancing a budget and prioritizing
Vote for Your Favorite expenditures but we believe the proposed agriculture spending cuts will
Foods be a serious mistake as we try to emerge from the economic downturn."
Save the Date In addition to making severe cuts to important agriculture and nutrition
OwnEnergy/NFU programs, the appropriations bill contains a rider that would prevent
Alliance implementation of the proposed GIPSA Rule.

See us on Flickr "The GIPSA rule proposes to restore competition to the livestock and
poultry marketplace and is long overdue," said Johnson. "USDA proposed
Biogas East and the rule in June 2010 to implement provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill that
Midwest Conference called for enforcement the 90-year-old Packers and Stockyards Act. Now
is not the time for further delay."
NFU Education

NFU Gear Funding for agricultural research, rural development, conservation
programs, and nutrition were all cut significantly in the appropriations
Farmer's Share bill, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Food and Drug
Administration were funded well below the levels necessary to fulfill their
Price Barometer important regulatory obligations. Johnson urged Congress to ensure that
funding reductions be proportionate across all federal program areas and
Quick Links that agriculture is not unfairly burdened with cuts.

NFU website NFU President Roger Johnson sent a letter to all 435 members of the
U.S. House of Representatives last week urging them to allow U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to continue
implementing the proposed Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration (GIPSA) rule. The letter was in response to a letter sent
by some members of Congress to Secretary Vilsack on May 18 asking

1 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


that the proposed GIPSA rule be scrapped and that a new rule be
written.

"The packer-producer and meat packing industries have been wrongly
arguing that the 110th Congress rejected the provision that was passed
Subscribe to Our in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 under the Livestock
e-newsletter Title," said Johnson. "This action requested by the members of Congress
is unfortunately based on inaccurate information. Members of Congress
were given ample opportunities to propose amendments, vote the bill
down on the floor of each body, and to vote against the conference
report. This bill even overrode two presidential vetoes, requiring a
two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House. The 110th
Congress strongly supported this bill, including the GIPSA provisions."

Take Action! Johnson called on members of Congress to stand up for family farmers
and slow the decline in the number of livestock operations across the
country. Thirty years ago there were 1.3 million beef cattle operations.
Today there are only 740,000. In 1980, there were 660,000 hog farms.
Today there are only 67,000. Last year alone, approximately 2,300
additional hog producers went out of business.

NFU News Releases "The members of the 112th Congress have the same opportunity to
stand up and support rural America," said Johnson. "They can support
the rulemaking process that more than 60,000 Americans took their time
to comment on in order to have their voices heard. Asking USDA to
re-propose the rule would be telling those Americans that their voices
were not the ones we wanted to hear."

Farmers Union Click here to view PDF of the letter
Insurance

NFU on
Facebook
NFU Vice President of Government Relations Chandler Goule addressed
attendees of the Windpower 2011 conference in Anaheim, Calif.,
sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Goule was
one of three panelists on a panel entitled "Community Wind: Power for
NFU on Twitter People."

"NFU has long been an advocate for community wind projects, and with
good reason," said Goule. "Community wind projects produce 2.6 times
as many jobs and 3.1 times as much economic benefit compared to wind
projects with outside ownership."
NFU on Flickr
Goule also highlighted NFU's partnership with OwnEnergy, which allows
NFU members to become involved with a community wind project.
NFU e-newsletter
Staff: "NFU has teamed up with community wind developer OwnEnergy to build
and operate community wind projects across the country," said Goule.
Melisa Augusto, "Community wind projects are great for rural America because they give
Director of farmers and ranchers an additional revenue stream while simultaneously
Communications producing clean energy. We are very excited about the possibilities for
rural America that are created by community wind, and seek public
Tony Jarboe, policy opportunities to encourage community wind across the U.S."
Communications
Coordinator

2 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


NFU is co-sponsoring Roll Call's "A Taste of America" event. Click here to
log on and vote for your favorite foods from around the United States!
Voting is done in an NCAA-tournament-style bracket. See the Round 2
winners and make sure your vote is counted in Round 3 as the field
narrows. Send your favorite cuisine to the next round!

Mark your calendars for two important Farmers Union activities:

Fall Legislative Fly-In
Sept. 12-14, 2011
Washington, D.C.

110th Anniversary Convention
March 4-7, 2012
Omaha, Neb.

Contact Melisa Augusto at maugusto@nfudc.org for more details

OwnEnergy and National Farmers Union have launched a new website
portal for members! This website allows members to register and log in
to participate in live chats with wind developers, participate in blogs on
various topics related to the industry and learn more about many areas
of wind development in our knowledge center. If you are interested in
wind energy, please log on!

When you sign up with OwnEnergy as an NFU Member, you get access to
these helpful and useful resources:

Access premium content in the OwnEnergy Knowledge Center
Participate in Live Chats with OwnEnergy and other NFU members
Read the Wind Development Blog
Join a wind development specialist each Thursday for a live chat.
Log in anytime 4-6 p.m. EST to have your questions answered

Click here or go to www.yourownwindfarm.com for more information.

Check us out on Flickr! Click here to view and download photos from
NFU's fly-in and other recent events.

3 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


Biogas USA East
June 21-22, 2011
Chicago, United States
www.greenpowerconferences.com/biogasUSAEast

Creating a Growing East Coast Market

Join Biogas USA East in Chicago this June as they leverage the huge
potential of landfill gas on the East coast and growing farm/co-digestion
AD projects in the neighboring states. This key event will bring together
leaders of the US biogas industry to examine how to develop
commercially successful biogas projects and address the latest
technological advances in production. For more information visit their
website at www.greenpowerconferences.com/biogasUSAEast

Biogas USA EAST 2011 event features presentations from
leading experts including:

Keynote policies & finance addresses from:
Rachel Goldstein, Team Leader, Landfill Methane Outreach Program
(LMOP), US EPA
Chandler Goule, Vice President of Government Affairs & Head Lobbyist,
NFU
Chris Cassidy, National Business Renewable Energy Advisor, USDA
Rural Development
Jon Best, Senior International Account Manager, Renewable Energy,
Cat Power Finance

Utilities' strategies for biogas:
Anthony LaRusso, Manager, Sustainable Gas Group, National Grid
Ronald Kent, Technology Development Manager - Major
Demonstrations, Sempra Utilities
Andrew McVie, Business Development Manager, Terasen Gas

Plus insight analysis & case studies from feedstock producers
and biogas developers:
Douglas Carruthers, Senior Vice President, Organic Resource
Management
Dale L. Doerr, Wastewater Superintendent, Sheboygan Regional
WWTP
Michael Bakas, Senior Vice President, Renewable Energy, Ameresco
Kelly Sarber, Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Management,

4 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


Representing Port of San Diego
Dean Olson, Resource Recovery & Energy Division Director, Will
County Land Use Department
Mark Stoermann, Project Manager, Fair Oaks Dairy Farms
John W. Logan, Director, Brinson Farms

Why attend?

· Discover the full market potential for large scale biogas
production

· Identify the challenges and opportunities in developing
profitable biogas projects

· Understand the latest legislation and policy developments for
biogas development

· Hear the latest developments in agricultural, landfill and
waste biogas

· Find out how companies are upgrading biogas for grid
connection and transportation

· Hear about cutting edge technologies in anaerobic digestion
and plant optimization

· First class networking opportunities: 800+ past attendees

· Meet potential investors, clients, partners and suppliers

· Have your questions answered by the experts during
interactive sessions

Click here to register for the event. Enter the promo code NFU20 for a 20
percent discount.

2011 ACE Institute 'Opening New Doors'

Please join cooperative educators in Winnipeg, Manitoba July 26-29 for
this year's ACE Institute, themed "Opening New Doors." With an exciting
lineup of speakers, this year's Institute will feature presentation on
educating about the cooperative advantage inside co-ops, within the
classroom and throughout society. New university programs; multi-
stakeholder co-operatives redefining sustainable business and services;
mobilizing people and ideas using social media; investing in co-ops -
come learn and discuss the ideas that make the co-op model effective
and the examples that are reshaping our economy.

Online registration can be found at:
http://web.me.com/clchamberlaincom/ACE_Institute/Registration.html

5 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


Financial assistance can be found at: Ralph Morrison Foundation
(http://www.ralphkmorrisfoundation.org/morris_app_guide.asp)
or the ACE Scholarship (http://web.me.com/clchamberlaincom
/ACE_Institute/Scholarships_files/ACE%20Scholarship_EN.pdf)

Register Now for All-States Anniversary Celebration

All-States Leadership Camp will celebrate 75 years this year. Be a part of
our celebration on Saturday, July 16. Bring your family! All are
welcome. Details and registration (required) on the event can be
found at http://www.nfu.org/education/events/all-states-
leadership-camp.

All-States Camp Alumni Profile: Audrey Rosenbrock

Being a member of the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council in
the 1980s was a prestigious honor for Audrey Rosenbrock. The
experiences from attending All-States Camp in Bailey, Colo., are some of
the greatest memories that she cherishes to this day.

"The people I served with on that council are some of the greatest
people I have ever met. That week was the highlight of my summer!"
said Rosenbrock.

Rosenbrock was the lone representative from Rocky Mountain Farmers
Union (RMFU) and enjoyed meeting people from other states like North
Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas.

"I remember how much fun and energetic the camp counselors and staff
were, especially when we dressed up for each theme night," said
Rosenbrock.

During class sessions, Rosenbrock learned about the importance of
cooperation and teamwork throughout the week of camp activities. The
education from All-States Camp heightened Rosenbrock's confidence and
had a huge impact on her life. It empowered her to listen, learn, and
lead others in her life during college, in her job, and in her community.
Rosenbrock credits her experience on NYAC with her decision to work as
a counselor. She serves as a counselor for a variety of camps, including
Pioneer Camp for senior citizens, All-States Camps, and RMFU youth
camps for many years. Rosenbrock's daughter, Darla, is currently serving
on the NFU Youth Advisory Council this summer.

6 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


Check out the NFU store on our home page by clicking here or by visiting
www.nfu.org and following the link to the "NFU Store" on the lower left.
Get discounted Cabela's merchandise with the National Farmers Union
logo or with your state's Farmers Union logo.

Farmer's Share of Retail Food Dollar
April 2011

Retail Farmer's
Product (unit) Price Share Change
Multi-purpose Flour (5 lbs.).........................$2.99.......$0.97.........+
Bread (Wonder, 1 lb. loaf)..........................$3.99.......$0.19.........+
Wheaties, (15 oz.).....................................$5.29........$0.13........+
Beer, Miller Lite, 6 pack...............................$6.49........$0.04........-
Soda (corn) 2 liter cola..............................$1.09........$0.11........+
Milk (1 gallon, fat free)................................$3.99........$1.69........+
Potatoes (Russet, 10 lbs.)**......................$5.49........$0.73........+
Potato Chips (Lays Classic 13.5 oz.)**.......$3.99........$0.22........+
Cheddar Cheese (1 lb.)**...........................$4.49.......N/A............+
Boneless Ham (per lb.)................................$3.99.......$0.92........+
Bacon (1 lb.)..............................................$4.99.......$0.92.........+
Top Sirloin Steak (1 lb.)...............................$8.49.......$1.93........+
Eggs (1 doz. AA-L).....................................$2.79.......$1.08.........+
Carrots (fresh. 2 lbs.)..................................$3.30.......$1.39.........+
Lettuce (head, 2 lbs.).................................$2.79.......$0.35........-

* Retail prices: based on store brand except where noted from Safeway,
Washington, D.C., April 29, 2011.

** Potato Farmer's Share reflects March prices.

Change indicates increase or decrease in farmer's share from the
previous month.

View a printable version of Farmer's Share. Taken from "Agricultural
Prices," USDA/NASS.

April 2011

Current Parity % of
Commodity Price Price Parity
Crops

7 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM


Barley (bushel).................4.62...........11.60..........40
Corn (bushel)...................6.40...........10.40..........62
Cotton, Upland (lb) ..........0.839..........1.93...........43
Flaxseed (bushel).............13.20..........27.70.........48
Oats (bushel)....................3.04...........6.80...........50
Peanuts (lb).....................0.232..........0.734.........32
Rice (cwt)........................14.00.........44.30..........32
Sorghum Grain (cwt).........11.80.........18.30..........64
Soybeans (bushel)............12.80.........25.80...........50
Wheat (bushel).................8.18...........16.50..........50
Livestock
Cattle (cwt)......................120.00.........275.00.......44
Hogs (cwt).......................67.10..........150.00........45
Lambs (cwt)*..................169.00..........318.00.......55
Dairy/Poultry
Eggs, (dozen)...................1.050.............2.47........44
Milk, All (cwt)...................16.10............49.50........43
Milk, Mfg. (cwt)*...............N/A..............44.80........N/A

*Lamb and manufacturing milk prices are one month behind all other
prices in this analysis.
** Egg Prices are Mid-month in this analysis.

Taken from "Agricultural Prices," USDA/NASS.

20 F Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20001

www.nfu.org

This email was sent to maugusto@nfudc.org by news@nfudc.org |
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

National Farmers Union | 20 F Street NW | Suite 300 | Washington | DC | 20001

8 of 8 6/6/2011 12:37 PM

National Farmers Union Newsletter (May 2011)

Recomendados

Recomendados

Más contenido relacionado

Destacado

Destacado (9)

Similar a National Farmers Union Newsletter (May 2011)

Similar a National Farmers Union Newsletter (May 2011) (20)

Más de Home Grown Cow

Más de Home Grown Cow (8)

Último

Último (20)

National Farmers Union Newsletter (May 2011)