12.02.2014

USA - Drought begets early start to California wildfire season

SAN FRANCISCO — California’s worst drought in decades is feeding what may become a devastating wildfire season, one that is starting about five months early. Extremely dry conditions have sparked 487 wildfires so far in 2014, compared with only 2 for the same period a year ago, according to the state Forestry and Fire Protection Department, known as Cal Fire. Potential power failures, home losses, lost tourism dollars and crop damage could jeopardize the world’s 10th largest economy as California struggles to emerge from the deepest recession since the 1930s. “Having this occur statewide is unprecedented, certainly in my career,” Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott, who started out as a firefighter almost 30 years ago, said in a telephone interview last week. “We anticipate the potential for a very long and sustained fire season throughout the rest of the year.” Fires could damage critical power lines and cause blackouts, disrupt water supplies and destroy sensitive ecosystems, said Bill Stewart, a forestry specialist at the University of California at Berkeley. Last year, prolonged dry conditions led to the third-largest fire in California’s history. The “Rim Fire” shut power lines and hydroelectric generators, charred parts of Yosemite National Park and threatened the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir watershed, which supplies 85 percent of the drinking water to San Francisco. Fires could even pose a risk for the state’s $22 billion wine industry. In 2008, smoke from smoldering wildfires in Mendocino County contaminated crops of pinot noir grapes, said Bill Pauli, a grower and general partner of Yokayo Wine Company in Ukiah, Calif. “Some wines had the odor of someone who had been standing next to a barbecue,” Pauli said in a telephone interview. “It was not a good situation and we all hope it doesn’t happen again.” Source - http://www.pressherald.com/USA - Drought begets early start to California wildfire seasonSAN FRANCISCO — California’s worst drought in decades is feeding what may become a devastating wildfire season, one that is starting about five months early. Extremely dry conditions have sparked 487 wildfires so far in 2014, compared with only 2 for the same period a year ago, according to the state Forestry and Fire Protection Department, known as Cal Fire. Potential power failures, home losses, lost tourism dollars and crop damage could jeopardize the world’s 10th largest economy as California struggles to emerge from the deepest recession since the 1930s. “Having this occur statewide is unprecedented, certainly in my career,” Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott, who started out as a firefighter almost 30 years ago, said in a telephone interview last week. “We anticipate the potential for a very long and sustained fire season throughout the rest of the year.” Fires could damage critical power lines and cause blackouts, disrupt water supplies and destroy sensitive ecosystems, said Bill Stewart, a forestry specialist at the University of California at Berkeley. Last year, prolonged dry conditions led to the third-largest fire in California’s history. The “Rim Fire” shut power lines and hydroelectric generators, charred parts of Yosemite National Park and threatened the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir watershed, which supplies 85 percent of the drinking water to San Francisco. Fires could even pose a risk for the state’s $22 billion wine industry. In 2008, smoke from smoldering wildfires in Mendocino County contaminated crops of pinot noir grapes, said Bill Pauli, a grower and general partner of Yokayo Wine Company in Ukiah, Calif. “Some wines had the odor of someone who had been standing next to a barbecue,” Pauli said in a telephone interview. “It was not a good situation and we all hope it doesn’t happen again.”

11.02.2014

USA - Deep Freeze 2014 poses problems for Ohio Farmers

USA - Deep Freeze 2014 poses problems for Ohio FarmersThe bitterly cold winter is making things tougher for Ohio growers - and that could translate to higher food prices later in the year. The sub-zero temperatures have caused Ohio wine-grape, blackberry and peach growers to lose much of this year's crop. The value of the crops lost to the cold weather hasn't been determined. Laboratories are analyzing grapevines, blackberry canes and strawberry plants for damage. And, of course, the winter is not over yet.The bitterly cold winter is making things tougher for Ohio growers - and that could translate to higher food prices later in the year. The sub-zero temperatures have caused Ohio wine-grape, blackberry and peach growers to lose much of this year's crop. The value of the crops lost to the cold weather hasn't been determined. Laboratories are analyzing grapevines, blackberry canes and strawberry plants for damage. And, of course, the winter is not over yet. Mitch Lynd, owner of Lynd Fruit Farm east of Columbus, tells the newspaper that he likely lost most of the fruit on his 3,000 peach trees when temperatures fell well below zero. Local consumers could end up paying more, but global competition tends to keep prices down. Source - http://www.wfmj.com/

11.02.2014

UK soil crisis hitting crop yields, warns expert

British soils are reaching crisis point and it isn’t being helped by the shortage of soil scientists, says Shane Ward, the first director of the Soil and Water Management Centre. He outlines how the centre can help reverse this Challenges for UK farmers Why does soil and water management warrant greater attention? Soil is the fundamental basis of farming and you can argue that nothing can happen without it. But there is a growing problem and many don’t realise its 
seriousness. The trigger was the step change in agricultural mechanisation about 20 years ago. You just have to look at tractors and machinery, they have greatly increased in size and we now we have “super tractors” and “super combines”. They are not just heavier, these machines have “bigger boots”. Manufacturers and farmers believed they could go anywhere with the modern flotation tyres, but this is simply not true and soils were being damaged. The technology lulled farmers into a false sense of security because they could not see the damage. But all they were doing was pushing the compaction problem further down.It’s not just the increased weight, there is a timeliness aspect. Back when tractors were smaller and tyres narrower, you saw them sink into the soil and you kept off. But flotation tyres mean you can still travel and subject soils to loads in unsuitable conditions, without any real visual signs of damage. It’s all about machine management, but the new generation of farmers are less focused on soil having been sold the concept that modern flotation tyres prevent soil damage. This has been exacerbated by the collapse of drainage systems that have not been maintained and are coming to the end of their life. What are the implications and costs of this damage? The damage to soil is reducing their capability for good drainage and it’s obvious that you get soil pans and structural damage from repeated damage over the years. I have no doubt that it is reducing crop yields, as well as contributing to increased disease and pest carryover between seasons, because wetter soils are more conducive to pathogens and pests. Blackgrass also tends to favour wetter soils. Also, you have to ask the question of flooding given the wet weather seen in the past two years. A lot of the recent flooding problem is due to urban sprawl and the run-off from hard concrete areas. But you have to consider what impact these “concrete soils” are having and whether we would see as much flooding with better draining soils. The extent infiltration is being impaired is not known, but UK farmed soils are definitely not as free draining as they used to be. This is resulting in more run-off with more water entering watercourses and increasing the risk of floods. There are also concerns on nutrient and soil run-off. Soil research Are you concerned about the declining number of soil scientists? Soil scientists hold the key, but there are fewer of them right across the universities and research centres in the UK. This is not peculiar to the UK – it has happened right across the western world over the past two decades. There has also been the loss of key research organisations, such as Silsoe Research Institute which was a world leader in soil and vehicle interactions. The result is a large reduction in the number of soil scientists and facilities at a time when more were needed, with the trend to larger machinery.This combined with damage to soils is leading to a soil crisis. It is a wake-up call and this is why we established the Soil and Water Management Centre at Harper Adams University, Shropshire. Soil and water management centre What is the role of the centre and who is it aimed at? It is a centre of excellence aimed at helping UK farming make the most of its two most precious assets. It is not just about research, but also a central source of existing information and advice, it offers practical soil and water management education and training and co-ordinates farm-based workshops and demonstration projects. The centre was established in 2012 by 10 industry partners (GrowHow, Challenger, Vaderstad, Agrii, BASIS, Michelin, Cooperative Farms, Agco, Interagro and NRM) and the Rothschild Foundation; and is closely linked with industry. It also offers benefits far beyond the farm gate, including retailers in relation to food quality, local authorities and water companies in relation to catchment management, agronomists and farmers, and ultimately the public – effectively anyone who is affected by farming. Research is a key part and there is a team of 20 academics at Harper Adams University. This comprises of a small core of soil scientists, with the rest being engineers, crop researcher and agronomists overseeing projects with a soil and water element. For example, in the past some projects would have no soil and water element, often being ignored, but this is no longer the case. For example, technology projects looking at irrigation cannot ignore the implications on soil.How will the centre benefit farmers? Through the conduct of high-quality research of direct relevance to farming – we place particular emphasis on linking in to the farming community and its practitioners. We are developing a website allowing subscribers access to information including practical advice, the latest research findings and discussion forums. This will be launched later this year. What is your role at the centre? My main role is to establish the Soil and Water Management Centre at Harper Adams University. It will focus on soil and water management and there are five key themes. Water: Its use and management in farming, such as irrigation and vegetable crop quality.Vehicle-soil interaction: This includes how to operate machines in the most efficient way to minimise soil damage, such as tyre types and pressuresSoil chemistry and biodiversity: This covers nutrients in soil and the use of pesticides and bio-fumigationSmart systems and big data: This relates to data capture, transmission to cloud, storage and analysesSustainable agricultural systems: Ensuring agricultural production systems are sustainable in the medium and longer terms, and take into account the impact of farming on the soil and environment. Solutions What are the possible solutions that the centre is investigating? We have a range of ongoing trials and are also seeking further funding, such as under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme as well as funding from levy boards such as the HGCA.Controlled traffic farming (CTF) is one possible solution and we have an ongoing project here at Harper looking at the long-term effects: plots that will initially run for 10 years, and probably much longer. Reducing machinery size is not an immediate option and CTF may offer part of the solution. There is also ongoing work looking at tracks versus tyres and their impacts on crop production and soil structure. How do you see the centre fitting in with wider efforts such as the government’s Agri-Tech strategy? Looking further beyond, we are developing a UK network of the key soil and water research players. Under the Agri-Tech programme, there is £90m being spent over five years for a number of centres. Harper Adams is working on the establishment of the UK Agri-Soils Innovation Centre (ASIC) with seven other partners (Cranfield University, Reading University, University of Nottingham, James Hutton Institute, John Innes Centre + University of East Anglia, Rothamsted and ADAS). It will include an Innovation Gateway, giving the industry direct access to the national capability in this research area. Benefits will include a “one stop shop” to the UK’s soil-water research capability; also, avoiding duplication of efforts and facilities and bringing together resources in terms of buildings, equipment and intellectual capability. It will enable a strategic UK-wide approach to agri-soil research. I see this network resulting in the UK once again being a world leader in soil and water research and innovation. The combined group complements each other and has a combined staff of 500 (crop scientists, engineers and agronomists), 20 being soil scientists. It will also include a strong industry partnership, merging the UK research capability in agri-soil research with the needs of the industry. The capability and impact of this national centre will be far greater than the sum of the capacity of the individual members. This is a major development for UK agri-food industry – a world first. It will also help us in bidding and getting involved in international research projects. The aim is to have it up and running in 2014. Source - http://www.fwi.co.uk/British soils are reaching crisis point and it isn’t being helped by the shortage of soil scientists, says Shane Ward, the first director of the Soil and Water Management Centre. He outlines how the centre can help reverse this. Soil is the fundamental basis of farming and you can argue that nothing can happen without it. But there is a growing problem and many don’t realise its 
seriousness. UK soil crisis hitting crop yields, warns expert

11.02.2014

USA - Extreme weather hurting fruit crops

USA - Extreme weather hurting fruit cropsMARION — School schedules, roads and driveways haven’t been the only victims of this winter’s subzero temperatures and frequent snowstorms. While they may or may not be shivering in their boots, local fruit farmers face an uncertain and potentially bleak harvest later this year.Shamrock Vineyard could lose 70 percent or more of its grape crop this year, owner Thomas Van Creasap estimated Monday.MARION — School schedules, roads and driveways haven’t been the only victims of this winter’s subzero temperatures and frequent snowstorms. While they may or may not be shivering in their boots, local fruit farmers face an uncertain and potentially bleak harvest later this year.Shamrock Vineyard could lose 70 percent or more of its grape crop this year, owner Thomas Van Creasap estimated Monday. “Yeah, it’s going to be bad,” Creasap said, trudging through snow up to his calves to inspect grapevines near the driveway at his Waldo-area operation on Rengert Road. “This December the vines never really seemed to harden properly,” he said, referring to the early subzero weather that arrived in the Marion area and the rest of Ohio before the soft tissue of green vines became hard wood to protect against winter weather. “When you have that, the vines don’t get that slow, steady cool-down. ... Then when you get the cold weather, it really wreaks havoc out there.” At Lawrence Orchards south of Marion, owner George Lawrence ventured to guess the extreme cold may have damaged much of his peach crop, but was less certain about the impact on apple trees. “My guess is we probably lost a little bit,” Lawrence said. “I’m sure there’s some bud damage. ... It would have to be pretty significant to affect too much of the crop at this point.” Apple trees have five buds, which he said means that he could have four out of five buds damaged and “still have a crop,” although damage typically is spread out unevenly, ruining all five buds on an apple tree shoot while only damaging two or three on another. “I’m not worried,” he said. “Concerned? Probably. My bigger concern is peaches. Peaches are a little more tender. It may be an interesting year for peaches. ... It’s still up in the air. There is potential for damage on peach trees. That’s my bigger concern because if there’s damage to the tree it’s going to take a lot longer to get my crop back.” Creasap said he recently raised the prices of two wines produced at Shamrock, the first increase in four years, to attempt to offset rising operations costs and to compensate for weather-damaged grapes. “You‘ve still got to prune, maintain and spray,“ he said. “You just might not have any fruit, but it doesn’t matter if you’re producing or not — you’ve still got to prune.” He said damage to this year’s crop in Ohio will show up in next year’s wine output, as this year’s wines were made with last year’s grapes. He said consumers could see a price increase of about $1 for a bottle of wine due to the severe winter weather. “The cost of materials, bottles and cork, are going up for us,” he said. “Nothing gets cheaper. ... That being said there are going to be price increases. You have to be delicate. You don’t want consumers to run away. We’ve been blessed. We’ve got great consumers that really support us and embrace us.” He said if Shamrock runs short of its own grapes, it purchases other Ohio grapes for sale, never going outside of the state for its product because it promises its customers Ohio table wine. Finding grapes from other vineyards in Ohio will be difficult because of the damage caused by the cold particularly to the European varieties wineries sell. “It’s going to be pretty devastating throughout the Midwest,” he said. Source - http://www.marionstar.com/

11.02.2014

Brazil Sugar Crop Seen by Copersucar Delayed on Dry Conditions

Brazil Sugar Crop Seen by Copersucar Delayed on Dry ConditionsPersistent dryness in Brazil’s center south, the main sugar-growing region of the biggest producer, will delay this year’s harvest as producers leave cane in the fields longer to grow, according to Copersucar SA. The start of the season, which usually takes place in April, will be delayed by about two weeks, Luis Roberto Pogetti, chairman of the Sao Paulo-based producers cooperative, which has 47 associate mills, said today in an interview at the Kingsman sugar conference in Dubai. Persistent dryness in Brazil’s center south, the main sugar-growing region of the biggest producer, will delay this year’s harvest as producers leave cane in the fields longer to grow, according to Copersucar SA. The start of the season, which usually takes place in April, will be delayed by about two weeks, Luis Roberto Pogetti, chairman of the Sao Paulo-based producers cooperative, which has 47 associate mills, said today in an interview at the Kingsman sugar conference in Dubai. Rainfall in cane-growing areas of southeast Brazil was below the historical average in January and similar conditions are expected this month, according to weather forecaster Somar Meteorologia. “The harvest will start later because people will wait a while for the cane to grow,” Paulo Roberto de Souza, chief executive officer at Copersucar, said in the interview. “The next 10 to 20 days will be crucial in determining the amount of cane that will actually be available for the harvest.” While earlier forecasts were for a crop that exceeds the region’s processing potential, dry weather now means that crushing will be about the same as capacity, according to Copersucar. Processing in the center south will probably be unchanged at 595 million tons in 2014-15, with a bias to the downside, Pogetti said. Brazil’s southeast got 75 millimeters (3 inches) of rain in January, estimates Somar. That compares with a historical average of 275 millimeters. Precipitation in February will probably be less than half of the long-term amounts, Celso Oliveira, a meteorologist at Sao Paulo-based Somar, said on Feb. 5. Similar weather conditions in the 1999-2000 season resulted in crop loses of 23 percent, according to Copersucar. Idle Capacity “If rains return next week, while the excess cane is already lost, we will still be able to crush the full capacity,” de Souza said. “If in the next 15 to 20 days, rains don’t return, then we start to have idle capacity. We may have five, ten, 20 million tons of idle capacity.” Dry weather this year is also likely to have a negative impact on next year’s crop as growers can’t plant at the moment, de Souza said. Cane plants that were cut late in the season last year won’t have received enough water to regrow and be harvested again this year. A potential El Nino weather pattern, which could bring rainfall to Brazil at the start of the season, would also add to delays to the crop and reduce the time available for processing, according to de Souza. Copersucar is rebuilding its terminal at the port of Santos, Brazil’s biggest, after it caught fire on Oct. 18, sending sugar prices traded in New York to a one-year high. In January, the company shipped 100,000 tons of sugar from the facilities, with another 250,000 set to be loaded onto ships in February and the same amount in March, de Souza said. Loadings are forecast to reach 400,000 tons in April, half of monthly capacity. Source - http://www.businessweek.com/

11.02.2014

USA - Montana Board of Hail Insurance paid out record amount in 2013

Montana's hail insurance program paid out record amounts in 2013. Due to the costs associated with the extensive crop damage, the hail board voted to not offer refunds to farmers this year. After issuing 2,082 polices last year, the Montana Department of Agriculture and the hail board covered 1,046 losses totaling more than $14 million from hail events. In the program's 98-year history, the program experienced the worst loss on record. "The bottom-line is Montana had a bad hail year. With sound fiscal management and a strong reserve fund, the department was able to cover 186% of premiums in 2013. After reviewing the actuarial report at our annual meeting, the hail board voted to not offer refunds to farmers this year to keep the program whole for next year," said Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ron de Yong. The Montana state hail insurance program was created to provide basic hail insurance coverage on any crop grown in the state. The five-member board consists of Commissioner of Insurance Monica Lindeen, Agriculture Department Director Ron de Yong, chair Gary Gollehon, and producers Trudy Lass Skari and Jim Schillinger. A reserve fund is maintained to provide security for the programs financial responsibilities. "This might have been a once in a life-time hail year, but we need to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Currently, we are looking into reinsurance so Montana farmers are protected next year," explained Gary Gollehon, chairman of the hail board. The program, with existing reserves, can cover 122% of claims next year. In examining reinsurance, the board must consider catastrophic weather events that could be harmful to farmers. Source - http://www.kaj18.com/ Montana's hail insurance program paid out record amounts in 2013. Due to the costs associated with the extensive crop damage, the hail board voted to not offer refunds to farmers this year. After issuing 2,082 polices last year, the Montana Department of Agriculture and the hail board covered 1,046 losses totaling more than $14 million from hail events. In the program's 98-year history, the program experienced the worst loss on record.USA - Montana Board of Hail Insurance paid out record amount in 2013

11.02.2014

New Zealand - Saturday rain timely for crops

New Zealand - Saturday rain timely for cropsIt was timely for farmers and croppers, and while grapegrowers could have done without the rain at the weekend so near to the start of the vintage, the breeze since has helped. Gisborne and the Poverty Bay Flats received about an inch, or 24 millimetres, of rain overnight on Saturday. Other rural areas of the district received 25-50 millimetres. Gisborne Grapegrowers president said they could have done without it.It was timely for farmers and croppers, and while grapegrowers could have done without the rain at the weekend so near to the start of the vintage, the breeze since has helped. Gisborne and the Poverty Bay Flats received about an inch, or 24 millimetres, of rain overnight on Saturday. Other rural areas of the district received 25-50 millimetres. “It seems to have been fairly widespread,” said Federated Farmers provincial president Peter Jex-Blake. “It soaked in over a couple of days so it has set the pastoral scene up for the next 4-6 weeks.” Gisborne Grapegrowers president Doug Bell said they could have done without it. “We dodged a bit of a bullet when it came to the rain at the weekend. “The winds since Saturday’s showers have dried the berries out quickly and that’s exactly what was needed.” The first crops in the main grape harvest will start to come off the vines of the district sometime early next week. “The pressure remains for some growers with powdery mildew,” said Mr Bell. Blocks with the mildew will remain affected but growers were generally on top of the situation, he said. “From now on, as the grapes start to ripen, the impact of the disease will reduce.” Mr Jex-Blake said it would have been welcome rain for the district’s croppers. “The crops were starting to get a bit thirsty and this will have kicked them back into life again.” About a month ago it had been starting to get a bit dry, he said. “But since then it has been turning into a pretty good season. “The only cautionary downside for farmers could be facial eczema. “If we get warm, moist and humid weather it could become a threat.” As far as he was aware there were no areas of the district at this stage with dangerously high facial eczema spore counts. LeaderBrand general manager Richard Burke said the rain was more disruptive than anything. “Easterlies are always dangerous because they can turn into extended wet periods and it doesn’t matter what crop you’re growing. “We need for these damp, overcast conditions to clear away and for the sun to come back out,” Mr Burke said. It had been good though that the humidity had remained low, he said. The fine weather with light winds forecast for the rest of the week will be welcomed by all. Source - http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/

11.02.2014

Australia - Conditions create cotton concerns

A continuation of hot, dry conditions through late December and early January created uncertainty in both the grower and post-farmgate sectors of the Australian cotton industry. Recent confirmation of a planted area of almost 390,000 irrigated hectares and just over 30,000 dryland hectares had raised hopes that the crop would deliver on early estimates of around 4.2 million bales. But the recent harsh conditions have increased the risk that water will be stretched for many irrigated producers, and some dryland area could fail to make a crop. And while ACSA is yet to amend our production forecasts, we are concerned that a possible slide from “trendline yield” - combined with increased abandonment - could see national production potential slip to below 4 million bales. Given the heavy level of forward sales from growers this season, this could leave some producers overcommitted. In this instance, it is critical that growers and merchants open a clear and frank dialogue over the state of the individual crop as soon as possible. Under the terms of a fixed bale supply contract with a merchant, the grower has an obligation to deliver the number of bales contracted within the delivery period specified, and the merchant has the obligation to pay the contracted price on time and in full. If for some reason the grower is unable to fulfill this obligation, they need to make the merchant aware of the situation so that a workable solution can be implemented. Clearly, it is too early now to accurately estimate what most crops will produce in two to three months time. But if there is a risk of shortfall, the best course of action is to flag that risk so that all parties are fully informed. With luck, the weather will turn between now and harvest and any production shortfalls will be kept to a minimum. Source - http://www.theland.com.au/Australia - Conditions create cotton concernsA continuation of hot, dry conditions through late December and early January created uncertainty in both the grower and post-farmgate sectors of the Australian cotton industry. Recent confirmation of a planted area of almost 390,000 irrigated hectares and just over 30,000 dryland hectares had raised hopes that the crop would deliver on early estimates of around 4.2 million bales. But the recent harsh conditions have increased the risk that water will be stretched for many irrigated producers, and some dryland area could fail to make a crop.

11.02.2014

USA - Peach Farmer Says Freezing Temps Are Welcome

USA - Peach Farmer Says Freezing Temps Are WelcomeThese cold snaps and ice storms we've seen have made quite a mess in Central Texas the past few weeks. But not everyone is praying for warmer weather. When you learn why, you may welcome the cold weather too. "We haven't had a good crop here since 2010," said Farmer Jamey Vogel. But he thinks this year will be different. "We're in good shape right now," he says. Last year was bad. "Out of 6,000 trees I picked a total of 130 boxes. That was because it was too cold, too late in the season," These cold snaps and ice storms we've seen have made quite a mess in Central Texas the past few weeks. But not everyone is praying for warmer weather. When you learn why, you may welcome the cold weather too. "We haven't had a good crop here since 2010," said Farmer Jamey Vogel. But he thinks this year will be different. "We're in good shape right now," he says. Last year was bad. "Out of 6,000 trees I picked a total of 130 boxes. That was because it was too cold, too late in the season," Vogel says. Right now though, he says the cold is welcome, "Cold, wet weather is better because the peaches are still dormant and they need a certain point of cold weather to break the dormancy so this is a good thing." But Vogel contends at one point there could be too much of a good thing. "In a few weeks we'll start to see buds swell on these trees and we'll see blooms popping out and once that happens we can see cold damage," he says. Until then the cold has Vogel optimistic about his crop. It's probably the only reason he likes the cold. "I'm kind a tired of winter!" he says. Vogel says the only slight risk right now is if those warm ups we occasionally get last too long. That could cause early blooms and then of course, damage when it cools back down. So if you like Texas peaches find a way to enjoy the cold -- at least for now. Source - http://www.keyetv.com/

10.02.2014

USA - Passage of farm bill gives local farmers certainty

After operating for the past three years without a new farm bill for guidance, local farmers can enjoy a little bit of certainty with Congress’ passage of a slimmer bill last week. With the bill, farmers across the country will continue to receive financial assistance — from Southern peanut growers to Midwest corn farmers and dairies around the country. The support is designed to provide a cushion in the face of unpredictable weather and market conditions. However, the portion of the “farm bill” that directly affects agriculture makes up only a small slice of the nearly $100-billion-per-year appropriation. The large majority of the bill funds the food stamp program which aids 1 in 7 Americans — 47 million recipients in all. Overall, the new bill is projected to save around $1.65 billion annually, with about 1 percent in annual savings, $800 million, coming from the food stamp program. For farmers, one of the most significant changes will be the redirection of $4.5 billion annually from the direct payment program into new subsidies that kick in when a farmer has losses. Local farmers expressed relief for finally having legislation in place rather than having to rely on yearly extensions of the last farm bill. “It gives us some certainty going forward for the next five years,” said Fairview farmer Ben Haynes who raises cattle and grows wheat, corn and soybeans with his father, Darrell, and brother, Bart. “It’s not perfect, but it allows us to make plans for the future. For the past three years, we’ve had to plant not knowing what we would have which is a bit unnerving.” The bill has a stricter limit on the overall amount of money an individual farmer can receive — $125,000 in a year, when some programs were previously unrestricted. In place of the direct payments, farmers of major row crops — mostly corn, soybeans, wheat and rice — will now be able to choose between subsidies that pay out when revenue drops or when prices drop. Cotton and dairy supports were overhauled to similarly pay out when farmers have losses. Those programs may kick in sooner than expected as some crop prices have started to drop in recent months. Haynes said crop insurance is a critical safety net for farmers. “As farmers, we’re not setting prices; the market determines that,” he said. “So having that insurance is very vital for farmers who can be very dependent on the weather and other factors. With the bill, there’s also more flexibility with that insurance.” Another positive benefit Haynes sees is the beginnings of better insurance for tree (i.e. nuts) and fruit farmers. The insurance has traditionally been geared more toward row crop farmers. The bill also sets policy for hundreds of smaller programs, subsidies, loans and grants — from research on wool to loans for honey producers to protections for the catfish industry. It will provide assistance for rural Internet services and boost organic agriculture. Jeremy Calvert who grows produce in Bremen said he was glad the bill appropriated more money to research and development for fruits and vegetables. “Our three major crops are peaches, tomatoes and strawberries,” he said. “The added investment for research and development of different fruit and vegetables varieties is going to be critical for our ability to compete. I think that aspect of the bill will be very beneficial to us.” Even though the farm bill had been tied up on Capitol Hill over budget cuts, Haynes said a welcome surprise is the addition of a permanent disaster relief program for livestock. “That’s going to help a lot of people, like the people in Texas who lost cattle to extreme drought or those in South Dakota who lost cattle from early blizzards.” Darrell Haynes said overall, he was pleased that the bill will offer farmers stability over the next few years. “It’s expensive to farm,” he said. “We spend $3,000 a day just to operate, and we’re a small family farm. We have grain and cows. Chicken and cows eat grain so if you can have stability in one segment, it helps the others. You can’t touch one with affecting the other.” Source - http://www.cullmantimes.com/USA - Passage of farm bill gives local farmers certaintyAfter operating for the past three years without a new farm bill for guidance, local farmers can enjoy a little bit of certainty with Congress’ passage of a slimmer bill last week. With the bill, farmers across the country will continue to receive financial assistance — from Southern peanut growers to Midwest corn farmers and dairies around the country. The support is designed to provide a cushion in the face of unpredictable weather and market conditions.

10.02.2014

USA - Montana farmers report record hail damage in 2013

USA - Montana farmers report record hail damage in 2013Insurance claims for crop damage due to hail in Montana exceeded $14 million in 2013. The Montana Department of Agriculture says that's the most expensive year in the 98-year-history of the state's crop-hail insurance program. The agency's hail board on Friday as a result announced that the state's hail insurance program will not offer refunds this year. 2013 might have been a once-in-a-lifetime year, but the crop-hail insurance program has to be prepared if another bad year happens.Insurance claims for crop damage due to hail in Montana exceeded $14 million in 2013. The Montana Department of Agriculture says that's the most expensive year in the 98-year-history of the state's crop-hail insurance program. The agency's hail board on Friday as a result announced that the state's hail insurance program will not offer refunds this year. Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ron de Yong says the hail board voted not to offer refunds so it could keep the program viable. Board Chairman Gary Gollehon says 2013 might have been a once-in-a-lifetime year, but the crop-hail insurance program has to be prepared if another bad year happens. Source - http://missoulian.com/

10.02.2014

USA - Beetle infestation threatens palm tree wipeout in Hawaii

USA - Beetle infestation threatens palm tree wipeout in HawaiiWhat’s Hawaii without palm trees? That’s a question the island state hopes it won’t have to answer as it attempts to stave off an invasion by the coconut rhinoceros beetle, an unwanted visitor that’s already done extensive damage on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. Big, hungry and hard to kill, the coconut rhino beetle bores into the tops of coconut palms, eating growing tissues, drinking the sap, ripping into the bases of fronds and exposing the plant to disease. Then it crawls off to breed, preferably in piles of mulch or trash. What’s Hawaii without palm trees? That’s a question the island state hopes it won’t have to answer as it attempts to stave off an invasion by the coconut rhinoceros beetle, an unwanted visitor that’s already done extensive damage on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam. Big, hungry and hard to kill, the coconut rhino beetle bores into the tops of coconut palms, eating growing tissues, drinking the sap, ripping into the bases of fronds and exposing the plant to disease. Then it crawls off to breed, preferably in piles of mulch or trash. Adults can grow up to two inches long and live to the ripe old age of three months. “This beetle is really tough, and most of the pesticides that are legal for use in Hawaii do not work on it,” said Darcy Oishi, the state Agriculture Department official in charge of containing the beetle. The first specimens in Hawaii turned up on a golf course on the military’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, outside Honolulu, in December. About 500 pheromone-baited traps have been deployed within a one-mile radius of the site; authorities have urged the public to look out for the beetle and clear away any debris that might make for a beetle’s love nest. Other alternatives under consideration include possibly releasing a fungus or a virus known to attack the insect in its native habitat in tropical Asia, Oishi said. Not known how they reached Hawaii The source of the infestation on Oahu is unclear so far. Oishi said there’s no evidence they stowed away aboard a military ship or plane. And since Honolulu’s international airport is located just across a highway from the golf course, they might have reached Hawaii via civilian aircraft. “What we have found is one major breeding site and a few minor breeding sites, all in close proximity to each other, and we are currently working with the Navy and the USDA plant protection and quarantine service to deal with the issue,” Oishi said. So far, scientists have found a relatively small population of several thousand. An uncontrolled infestation would pose a “tremendous” economic risks to the state, he said. “Do people want to go to a Hawaii that is without palm trees?” Oishi asked. The coconut is no longer a cash crop on Hawaii, “but it’s super-important as an ornamental plant.” Islanders still eat its meat, drink its milk and the husks and fibers have a variety of uses in native Hawaiian cultural practices. And the beetles might not stop at the palms: They could also attack valuable crops and ornamental plants, he said. The coconut rhino beetle has been turning up across the Pacific islands since the 1940s. In 2007, it reached Guam, probably in a shipment of construction material from Asia, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Efforts to wipe them out have been unsuccessful, said Aubrey Moore, a University of Guam entomologist who is advising Hawaii on what has and hasn’t worked there. “Eradication isn’t impossible, but it’s highly improbable at this time,” Moore said. “So now we’re trying to learn how to live with it. And the same thing will happen in Hawaii if they don’t start doing something right away.” “We can expect to lose about 50% of our coconut palms when it’s all over, and that’s looking really sad,” he said. Tackling a problem before it blossoms But Hawaii has some advantages that Guam didn’t — including plenty of natural beetle predators such as birds. Most of Guam’s avian life was wiped out by another invasive species, the brown tree snake, which arrived around 1950. Birds, rats and mongoose, which were introduced to Hawaii in a 19th century attempt to control rats, are already attacking the rhino beetles, Moore said. Ants and other beetle species may also help by eating the rhino beetle’s larvae. And Oahu is bigger than Guam, which is located about 1,500 miles south of Japan in the Northern Mariana Islands. The smaller the island, the more susceptible to damage from invaders, Moore said.“They have significant resources that we never had,” he said. “The USDA’s taking this very seriously, and they have a big group of people there.” But the one breeding site identified so far on Hawaii is “pumping out adults like crazy.” Faced with a fast-breeding, invasive menace, Hawaiian officials are also discussing whether to resort to more advanced biological control mechanisms. Growers in countries such as the Philippines, where coconuts are still a cash crop, use sawdust laced with a fungus that attacks the coconut rhino beetle in traps and breeding sites; a Malaysian virus that attacks them has been used to control the population in Samoa and Fiji. But neither measure has been approved by U.S. regulators. Oishi said those steps are being studied in Hawaii, but will require extensive studies under “very contained conditions.” Then they would have to be approved by both state and federal agencies, which will require their own environmental assessments. In the meantime, the battle against the beetles — a grubby struggle, fought tree-to-tree and mulch heap-to-mulch heap — will grind on.“We will have to be monitoring this project for at least a year, probably more along the lines of three years,” Oishi said. Source - http://wtvr.com/

10.02.2014

Canada - Polar Vortex Claims Another Victim: Ontario Grapes

For Ontario grape grower Hank Hunse, 2014 will be remembered as “the year of the grape-killer cold.” In a newsletter to his customers last week, Hunse, who owns the winery Small Talk Vineyards, said he has lost almost all of his Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc crops for 2014 due to the extreme cold. The lack of lake effect may have contributed to the damage, Hunse said. Cold-air masses usually come from the northwest and warm up as they cross Lake Ontario. This winter, however, the cold winds came mostly from the west. While some Ontario grapes seem to have fallen victim to this winter's notorious polar vortex, experts say it's too early to tell the extent of the damage. The final verdict on how this winter will have affected the sensitive perennial crops won't be available until June, according to Grape Growers of Ontario's CEO Debbie Zimmerman. The organization, which represents over 500 grape growers in the province, is currently collecting samples at vineyards across the province to study the buds, Zimmerman said. Starting in spring, it will also look at vine health. “If the vines have been affected, that's when we have broader concerns,” she said. Jim Willwerth, senior scientist in viticulture at Brock University, echoed Zimmerman's sentiment. "It's only February. We don't know what this winter is going to bring at the end of the day," he told. Grapes' cold-hardiness is location and variety-specific, said Willwerth, who oversees the university's Vine Alert program that tracks the survival rate of grape buds. For example, Merlot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc are three of the most sensitive crops, he said. There have also been "hits and misses" across the province, Willwerth said. Vineyards on Lake Erie's north shore are more vulnerable than those on the Niagara Peninsula and in Prince Edward County. High-quality ice wine crop What does all this mean to consumers? The damage doesn't immediately translate to empty wine racks, both Zimmerman and Willwerth said, thanks to the surplus from previous years that saw mild winter and balmy temperatures. Hunse also said he has enough inventory to last him for two seasons. The bitter cold also means an early harvest season for ice wine, resulting in "a very high quality crop," Hunse said. Because of the reduced crop, however, Hunse informed his customers that he will be increasing the prices for both red and white wines to mitigate the loss. Like many growers, Hunse carries crop insurance, but it's not enough to cover all the cost, he said. That's a trend that can be expected across the industry, he said. “If I see a 10-per-cent increase in the next few months, I wouldn't be surprised,” he told. Source - http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/Canada - Polar Vortex Claims Another Victim: Ontario GrapesFor Ontario grape growers, 2014 will be remembered as “the year of the grape-killer cold.” They have lost almost all of their Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc crops for 2014 due to the extreme cold. The lack of lake effect may have contributed to the damage. Cold-air masses usually come from the northwest and warm up as they cross Lake Ontario. This winter, however, the cold winds came mostly from the west. While some Ontario grapes seem to have fallen victim to this winter's notorious polar vortex, experts say it's too early to tell the extent of the damage.

10.02.2014

India - Apples, cherry to get insurance cover in J&K

World famous Kashmiri apple and cherry will get the insurance cover from national insurance companies under the National Crop Insurance Scheme starting in Jammu and Kashmir from this year. Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production Ghulam Hassan Mir on Sunday asked the insurance companies to bring the horticulture produce under the ambit of NCIS, starting with apple and cherry from this year. The Minister issued the instructions at a meeting convened to discuss the measures for economic stability of the farmers of the state through a crop insurance cover.Mir directed the authorities of the Horticulture Department to compile yearly data of horticulture produce, identify the areas prone to unforeseen natural calamities and suitable locations for installation of automated weather stations and submit the report to the departments concerned for further action. Asking the Banks to open nodal centres at block, tehsil and district levels to enable the farmers to report about the damage within 48 hours of any eventuality, he further instructed the insurance companies to work out the premium amount easily affordable by the farmers. Mir said with the revision of NCIS guidelines, it was expected that maximum number of farmers would be able to manage risk in agriculture and horticulture products in a better way. The Minister said there are 5 lakh Kisan Card holders in the state, who are being directly benefited by various schemes launched by the government adding it is mandatory for the bankers to remain associated with the insurance companies to provide assistance to needy farmers. Source - http://www.deccanherald.com/World famous Kashmiri apple and cherry will get the insurance cover from national insurance companies under the National Crop Insurance Scheme starting in Jammu and Kashmir from this year. Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production asked the insurance companies to bring the horticulture produce under the ambit of NCIS, starting with apple and cherry from this year. The Minister issued the instructions for economic stability of the farmers of the state through a crop insurance cover. India - Apples, cherry to get insurance cover in J&K

10.02.2014

Africa - Northern farmers fear another drought

Africa - Northern farmers fear another droughtDespite some parts of the country receiving good rains, farmers in the north continue to fear a recurrence of drought. Many livestock farmers, especially in the Oshana Region, have already lost hope of receiving rainfall this season. Some of the farmers at Otuwala village, a few kilometres from Oshakati, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their livestock continue to die because of the shortage of water. The mahangu farmers also expressed similar sentiments, saying they are worried because their crop is wilting and the army worm has invaded their fields, destroying the crops.Despite some parts of the country receiving good rains, farmers in the north continue to fear a recurrence of drought. Many livestock farmers, especially in the Oshana Region, have already lost hope of receiving rainfall this season. Some of the farmers at Otuwala village, a few kilometres from Oshakati, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their livestock continue to die because of the shortage of water. “We have lost hope this season. We only received little rain last year and there is no grazing left. It’s dry in this area,” said one of the farmers. The mahangu farmers also expressed similar sentiments, saying they are worried because their crop is wilting and the army worm has invaded their fields, destroying the crops. “I am worried about what is happening to my mahangu crop. It is dying because this year’s rain is so disappointing and the armyworm has invaded my field,” said Christina Medusalem. According to the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin Senior Hydrologist, Ronny Hango, many parts of the country have received showers, with places like Outapi, Eastern Omaheke and Aranos said to have received heavier than normal rainfall. Other parts like Kunene, Oshikoto and Oshana regions have only received little rainfall. “We anticipated good rain this year and we are still hoping to get it,” said Hango. When asked about the dry spell being experienced in some parts of the country, Hango said, “For the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin, it is normal to experience a dry spell in January, however it is not yet too late for good rain. Anxiety will begin to mount when we find ourselves with nothing in mid- February,” he said. He further explained that both the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) and the Sea Surface Forum for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration have predicted normal to above normal rainfall for this year. SARCOF is a regional climate outlook prediction and application process adopted by the 14 Sadc states. “The only worrisome situation is that the clouds are building up daily but in most cases do not result in good down pours. This requires some scientific explanation,” concluded Hango. Source - http://www.namibian.com.na/

07.02.2014

USA - Lambing goes on despite cold

USA - Lambing goes on despite coldFarmer from Page County, started lambing his 300-ewe flock in mid-January. His first group will finish up in early February, and after a 10-day break to move lambs and clean, a second group will get started. A third group of ewes will start lambing in March. Most of his ewes are Polypay-based. Most of the ewes are bred to Hampshire or Suffolk rams, while he uses Polypay rams to produce replacement ewes.The north wind howls as Austin Nothwehr checks a group of newborn lambs and their mothers. “It’s been a cold winter, but at least it’s dry,” he says. Nothwehr, who farms near here in Page County, started lambing his 300-ewe flock in mid-January. His first group will finish up in early February, and after a 10-day break to move lambs and clean, a second group will get started. A third group of ewes will start lambing in March. “We like the schedule, because it gives us a chance to take a little break and get things cleaned up,” Nothwehr says. Most of his ewes are Polypay-based. Most of the ewes are bred to Hampshire or Suffolk rams, while he uses Polypay rams to produce replacement ewes. Lambing prep generally begins around Christmas. Ewes are taken into the barn and sheared, Nothwehr says. “That gives the lambs an easier time when they nurse, and it also lessens the moisture in the barn because the ewes are shorn,” he says. “They are also going to put off more heat, and that keeps the barn warmer. It stays 35 to 40 degrees in there, and that’s plenty warm.” All the necessary supplies are purchased and stored, and lambing jugs are set up. “You don’t want to have to be running to town because you run out of something,” Nothwehr says. “We get pretty busy, so you have to be prepared.” Once lambs are born, he makes sure ewes are producing ample milk to get them started. He also puts iodine on the lambs’ navels to prevent infection. “We keep a pretty close eye on the lamb and the ewes,” Nothwehr says. “We shoot for a 200 percent or better lamb crop, so we expect them to have twins. “We even have some triplets, although we can usually graft a lamb onto a ewe that just had one lamb. We usually don’t let a ewe try to raise triplets.” After a day or two in the pen, lambs are numbered to match their ewe and are ear tagged. Tails are banded, as are the testicles of the ram lambs. Lambs and ewes are moved into a mixed pen with 10 to 15 other families. They are in that pen for a week before being moved into larger pens that are part of a nearby hoop building. Lambs are weaned at six to eight weeks and remain in the hoop building until they are marketed. This winter’s cold weather has been a challenge for producers, says Jeff Held, Extension sheep specialist at South Dakota State University. He says lambing in cold weather not only requires adequate facilities, but a thorough management plan. “You want that newborn lamb protected from the cold, and ideally it’s 35 to 40 degrees in that barn,” Held says. “If it’s too warm, you could have upper-respiratory issues as time moves on. If the water freezes some, it’s too cold and you run the risk of hypothermia. “An eight- to 10-pound lamb that is kept dry and well-fed can handle a good range of conditions.” He says ewes should be shorn two to four weeks ahead of lambing. They will likely require 30 to 40 percent more feed before lambing because of the lost body condition in late gestation. “They will also burn up more calories to stay warm because they are shorn,” he adds. “You want to maintain the weight for the benefit of both the ewe and the lamb.” Vaccinations also need to be up to date before lambing, Held says. Adequate mineral and vitamins also need to be available. Held says lamb mortality is about 20 percent nationwide, and about 80 percent of those mortalities occur in the first two weeks after lambing. He says starvation and hypothermia are major causes of lamb loss. Getting colostrum into the lambs quickly is critical to survival, he says. Held suggests at least one to two ounces per pound of body weight, adding lambs are not as efficient at absorbing antibodies 12 hours after birth. “Observe the lamb closely, and make sure the ewe is OK and the lamb is suckling,” he says. “Using a lambing jug is going to give the ewe an opportunity to bond with her lamb as well.” Held says frozen colostrums should be kept on hand for lambs that have difficulty suckling, or for ewes that do not have enough colostrum. Lambs also need to be kept warm and dry to prevent hypothermia. Held says lambs will quickly burn up the fat reserves they built up before birth. He says lambs that lack energy could be showing the initial signs of hypothermia. The combination of lack of energy and cold weather can be deadly, Held says. A cold mouth is also a sign of hypothermia, he adds. He says lambs showing signs of hypothermia need supplemental heat quickly to restore their body temperature to normal. Nothwehr says keeping lambs and ewes dry and warm can be a challenge. He makes sure all the barns stay warm and excess moisture is kept out. “I think you just need to stay observant and make sure you are ready for just about anything,” Nothwehr says. “We have a lot of ewes lambing at a time, so we are out there a lot to make sure everything is going well. If you’re prepared and observant, you should be able to end up with a healthy lamb.” Source - http://www.iowafarmertoday.com/