20.10.2016

India - Drought in 4th straight year saw huge cut in productivity

Farmers across the state have made insuranceclaims worth Rs 862 crore against the crop losses suffered during the rabi season that ended in March this year. Severe drought last year damaged large tracts of crops. This payout will be the highest since 1999. Officials said the number, though the highest in so many years, is just the tip of the iceberg of losses as the indemnity level for the scheme was 60%, which means farmers who incur losses in more than 60% of the area will only be paid up to 60%. A small section of farmers was not covered under the scheme, so their losses will be unaccounted for.The amount of claims should only be treated as an indicator of the severity of distress the agriculture sector is in due to drought, said the official. Farmers across Maharashtra have made insurance claims worth Rs 862 crore against crop losses suffered during the rabi season. This payout will be the highest since 1999. The insurance payout for the kharif season in 2015-16 of Rs 4,208 crore was the highest since 1999. For the rabi season of 2015 16, a total of 34.26 lakh farmers had opted for insurance of crops on a total area of 25.25 lakh hectares, insuring crops worth Rs 2,858 crore. However, total claims worth Rs 862 crore have been approved by the centrally appointed agricul tural insurance company. Rs 400 crore each will be shared by the state and the Central government towards the payout, while Rs 62 crore is the premium paid by the farmers. The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) is a Central scheme under which premium is fixed depending on the crop that is being insured. Only a small percentage of the total premium is paid by the farmer; the remaining is pooled in by the state and the Centre. "The claims against losses for the last season were exceptionally high as the agriculture sector was going through a low period due to the fourth consecutive year of drought," said a senior official. Due to the severe drought situation in the state, there has been a reduction in both the area under cultivation during the rabi season and agricultural productivity. A total of 62.44 lakh hectares were available for cultivation this year. But data made available by the agriculture department shows only 77.49% of the total land was cultivated during the rabi season. Overall production of all crops came down by 17%, while per hectare productivity reduced by 25%. In 2015-16, almost 70% of the state was drought-affected, which includes over 28,000 villages and 90 lakh of the 1.36 crore farmers in the state. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

20.10.2016

Argentina on alert due to severe storms and hail

The national weather service issued a weather warning as, in the short term, there could be storms with strong gusts of wind and occasional hail storms that could affect several provincial towns. In Cordoba, it could affect the towns of General Roca and Presidente Roque S. Peña. In Buenos Aires, it would affect the cities of 25 de Mayo, 9 de Julio, Bolivar, Carlos Casares, Carlos Tejedor, Florentino Ameghino, Gral. Pinto, Gral. Villegas, Lincoln, Pehuajó, Rivadavia, and Trenque Lauquen. In La Pampa, the storm could affect Chapaleufú, Conhelo, Muraco, Parera, Realicó, and Trenel. Additionally, the National Weather Service issued a warning for the provinces of Neuquén, Mendoza and San Juan, of strong, gusting winds in the mountainous areas. They stated that that area would be affected by winds and gusts coming from the West at speeds that range between 70 and 110 kilometers per hour." In addition, they stated, "the storm will be accompanied by snow and there is the possibility of white winds in the high mountains of Mendoza and San Juan." There will also be strong storms that could affect crops in the North, Centre, and South-East of the province of Buenos Aires, in Cordoba, in the South of Entre Rios, in the Centre and East of La Pampa, the South of Santa Fe, in San Luis, in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, and in Río de la Plata. The Agency said that some of the storms could have a strong intensity,  with an abundant amount of water falling in short periods, gusts, hail, and strong electrical activity. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com

19.10.2016

Philippine agri production loss from typhoon Sarika hits 61.86 mln USD

The Philippines has incurred huge losses in the agriculture sector amounting to almost 3 billion pesos (61.86 million US dollars) due to typhoon Sarika, locally named as Karen, a senior government official said Tuesday. Latest report from the field showed that the total production loss in agriculture due to Sarika was already estimated to reach 2.972 billion pesos, according to Christopher V. Morales, an official in the Agriculture Department. "A total of 260,002 hectares of agricultural areas, with an estimated production loss of 215,716 metric tons and a total of 86,261 farmers were affected in CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) and Regions I, III, IV-A and V," Morales said in a memorandum to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol. The products affected were rice, corn and vegetables including livestock. Sarika left the Philippines Monday morning after it made a landfall in the northern province of Aurora. The Department of Agriculture is now monitoring typhoon Haima, locally named as Lawin, which is expected to make a landfall over northern province of Cagayan by early Thursday morning. Source - http://www.globaltimes.cn

19.10.2016

Canada - Farmers Still Hoping to Combine Canola

About 20 per cent of the Saskatchewan crop remains to be combined, but every field is different. Some are snow covered while others have no snow, but are very wet. There have been plenty of discussions locally (at elevators and coffee shops) and on social media (Twitter, Facebook) about what to do---if and when conditions improve. The Canola Council of Canada's agronomy specialist for east-central Saskatchewan, Warren Ward says many topics are being discussed. "At what moisture would they be willing to combine and what are some of the different management strategies they would use once they had harvested some of those tough crops. Everyone is going to have a different perspective and different equipment available to them, but I think having someone else to bounce those ideas off of is always a learning experience people can benefit from." Ward says a small area of standing canola in his region was combined prior to the latest rain this past weekend. (Oct 15-16) "I did hear the odd report of somebody trying or thinking of trying some standing canola that was anywhere between 11 and 12 per cent moisture content. At this stage in the game at those moisture contents, I think that if a person is able to get at it, they would be probably be taking it off of the field." Ward adds that growers harvesting at a high moisture content should have a management plan for the canola after it goes in the bin. Source - http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca

19.10.2016

Nigeria - Climate change threatens government’s diversification agenda

The United Nation’s Environment Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA) has warned that climate change may be a threat to the Federal Government’s diversification effort into agriculture. ‎ According to EBAFOSA, Climate Change is likely to drive majority of the population into destitution as assets are lost and resources diverted to deal with emergencies, instead of being used for physical, social and economic infrastructure development. The National President of EBAFOSA in Nigeria, James Oyesola, at a briefing on this year’s World Food Day, recently, said the ‎frequency and intensity of extreme events, heat waves, droughts and floods are likely to increase, leading to reduced yield levels and disruptions in food production and distribution channels. He noted that the theme for the 2016 World Food Day, “Climate is changing. Food and Agriculture must too”, is very unique and timely taking into cognisance that one of the biggest issues related to climate change is food security vis a vis agriculture. “Temperature rise and changes in timing magnitude, and distribution of precipitation are likely to increase moisture and heat stress on crops and livestock which will make agricultural practices unpredictable,” he said. Oyesola said agriculture is the most vulnerable to Climate Change, more as it is dominated by small scale farmers who rely on rain-feed agriculture, due to widespread of poverty and low levels of technical development. He explained that there are considerable evidences that climate change is already affecting people in Nigeria and its environment, thereby creating strong negative impact, as some areas are becoming too hot for certain crops or animals, while it rains little or too much in some to foster farming, leading to the outbreak of climate sensitive diseases. “All these are serious indications which may serve as a disincentives for farmers who could produce more food, potentially contributing to even lower food production and a threat to food security. There will be reduction and loss of income (poverty), loss of crops and livestock’s, high prices of food and other commodities which may lead to civil strife. There may also be intensification of migration out of agriculture, increased morbidity and mortality of human and livestock, loss of biodiversity, decline in the rate of economic growth (also increase in imports), loss of traditional export markets,” he warned. The UNEP-EBAFOSA President however said the way out is to develop ‎the ecologically sustainable and resilient food production by increasing the proportion of agriculture that uses sustainable, organic methods of farming. He said: “For us to be in tandem with this year World Food Day theme, our Intended Nationally Determined Contributions and Sustainable Development Goals”, major investments are needed to ensure that vulnerable farmers in Nigeria have the tools to build their resilience, adapt and contribute to food security. There should also be new public investment in agriculture with emphasis on agro-ecological based approaches (EbA); it is also important to foster people – centred resilience in order to help vulnerable small scale farmers achieve food security. Finally, vulnerable farmers who are particularly women and small-scale farmers should be treated as key partners in the struggle against climate change.‎” Source - http://guardian.ng

19.10.2016

Philippines - Typhoon Karen destroys nearly P2.97 billion worth of crops

As of October 18, the DA said a total of 215,716 metric tons (MT) of crops planted in 260,002 hectares of agricultural lands in Regions 1, 3, 4A and 5 were affected by the typhoon. The DA said the rice sector suffered the brunt of Karen as it registered a production loss of 205,870 MT, valued at P2.81 billion. The typhoon also destroyed 5,195 MT of high-value crops with an estimated value of P106.43 million. Corn crops damaged by the typhoon reached 4,651 MT, worth P60.34 million. The DA said rice farmers in Region 3, or Central Luzon—considered the rice granary of the Philippines—incurred the biggest loss. The typhoon destroyed a total of 167,869 MT of rice, valued at P2.21 billion, planted in Region 3. Rice farmers in Tarlac were hardest hit, as they lost P1.04 billion worth of crops. Data from the DA showed that Region 5, or the Bicol region, recorded crop damages amounting to P465.12 million. Also hit were Regions 1 and 4A, which posted losses reaching P172.93 and P13.97 million, respectively. However, the DA expressed confidence that crops planted in more than 98 percent of affected areas have chances of recovery. The agency is currently conducting field validation of the data it collected. Typhoon Karen exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday. But another typhoon, which is stronger than Karen, is expected to hit the country this week. In a memorandum, the DA directed its regional offices that are in the pathway of Typhoon Lawin (international code name Haima) to take the necessary precautionary measures. “Activate immediately your respective quick-response center and prepare and secure seed buffer stocks,” the memo addressed to DA-Regional Field Office (RFO) heads in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5, and the Cordillera Administrative Region read. The memo, signed by Roy Abaya, OIC undersecretary for Operations, asked RFOs to coordinate with affected neighboring regions to determine and provide their needed assistance. The RFOs were also directed to closely monitor updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), secure their respective personnel and properties, and relocate livestock in their jurisdiction to safer places. “Submit regular updates to the Office of Secretary and Office of the OIC Undersecretary for Operations daily every 9 a.m., including holidays,” the memorandum read. The Pagasa said Lawin is expected to make a landfall over Cagayan on Thursday and could even become a supertyphoon. Source - http://www.businessmirror.com.ph

19.10.2016

Canada - Crop Hail Claims Above Normal in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has an interesting situation with a larger number of total claims----but a lower average payout per claim. The Canadian Crop Hail Association indicates losses tracked above the five-year average at 11,001 claims. An average year is usually closer to 8,000. "Our adjustors were really taxed," says Rodney Schoettler, chief executive officer with Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance. "It hailed every day in July and August this year. July is normal to have hail everyday, but not August. Since harvest was delayed, we also had more claims than usual in September." Schoettler says crop hail claims were filed in 280 of the 297 rural municipalities in Saskatchewan. Total payouts amounted to just over $124 million, resulting in a 70.8 per cent loss ratio. The number is close to the long-term average, but well below the 45.6 per cent loss ratio in 2015. "We had a lot of small events, more localized hail storms. You would have the pocket in the middle where it was heavy and then it would be real light on the outside. It (usually) was just small areas that were hit." Some areas---including Kindersley, Moose Jaw and Frontier had multiple hail events during the growing season. Manitoba had the worst year for hail in Western Canada with a loss ratio of 142.6 per cent. Total losses were reported at $67 million, which is a sharp increase over last year's total of $46 million. Alberta reported crop hail payouts of $64 million compared to $50 million last year. The loss ratio was 81.8 per cent. Based on these numbers, farmers in Manitoba can expect to pay more for crop hail insurance next year. Some Alberta customers could see increases as well, while Schoettler anticipates Saskatchewan will be ''relatively flat." Source - http://www.saskatoonhomepage.ca

19.10.2016

Australia - Frost Appeal to support affected growers

THE CBH Group has launched an appeal to support grain growers affected by recent frosts. The appeal invites growers to donate grain to be sold after harvest. CBH Grower and External Relations general manager Brianna Peake said proceeds from grain donations would be distributed to growers who were not able to recover enough seed for planting next year's crop. "While the extent of damage caused by the frosts remains unclear, we're aware that some growers have lost a significant amount of their crop for this season," Ms Peake said. "The frost appeal is just one measure we are putting in place to assist these growers." Other measures include segregations offered at certain sites to take frost damaged grain. CBH's operations team will endeavour to maximise the value of this grain that growers have left to deliver. Growers will need to consult with CBH representatives at their local receival sites to assess the service requirements. Growers who have concerns about contract commitments with CBH marketing and trading or Pre-Pay Advantage contracts are advised to contact their business relationship manager. CBH is also working to support growers at a grassroots level with funds allocated for community-focused events. "Over the coming weeks our country-based managers will be holding barbecues or beer and pizza nights in local communities to give growers an opportunity to support one another," Ms Peake said. "We understand there is a lot of pressure on those that have been impacted by frost and peer support is incredibly important." CBH is also working with its mental health partner The Black Dog Institute to communicate support services and resources to growers at a local level. Source - http://www.farmweekly.com.au

18.10.2016

India - Farmers may have shifted to high risk farming due to crop insurance

The rapid transformation of farming and food systems to cope with a warmer world, such as adopting climate-smart practices, particularly to curb greenhouse gas emissions, is critical for hunger and poverty reduction, the United Nations agriculture agency said in a report. The State of Food and Agriculture 2016 (SOFA): Climate change, agriculture and food security said that under the worst-case scenario, much of the forecast increase in the number of poor occurs in Africa (43 million) and South Asia (62 million). Reduced income in the agricultural sector explains the largest share of increased poverty as a result of climate change. This is because the most severe reductions in food production and increases in food prices occur in Africa and India, which account for a large share of the world’s poor. The second most important factor leading to increased poverty is health impacts, followed by the impacts of higher temperatures on labour productivity. The report stated that index-based insurance, which pays out benefits on the basis of indices such as rainfall, area-average yields and vegetation conditions measured by satellites, is being tested as a risk-mitigation tool in several countries. When an index exceeds a predetermined threshold, farmers receive a quick pay-out, delivered in some cases via mobile phones. However, index-based insurance by itself does not provide a full solution to climate-related risk. “For example, India’s Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme may have prompted a shift among participants towards more profitable but higher risk farm production systems, thanks to subsidized premiums. Uptake of index-based insurance has been generally limited because it usually involves high transaction costs. Another problem is a lack of trust in insurance institutions.” The report went on to say that multiple stressors greatly affect animal production, reproduction and immune status. “Research in India found that a combination of climate-related stresses on sheep – for example, excessive heat and lower nutritional intake – had severe impacts on the animals’ biological coping mechanisms.” “There is no doubt climate change affects food security,” said the director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), José Graziano da Silva. “What climate change does is to bring back uncertainties from the time we were all hunter gatherers. We cannot assure any more that we will have the harvest we have planted,” he added. That uncertainty also translates into volatile food prices. “Everybody is paying for that, not only those suffering from droughts,” Mr. Graziano da Silva said. It is agriculture, including forestry, fisheries and livestock production, which is contributing to a warmer world by generating around a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, agriculture must both contribute more to combating climate change while bracing to overcome its impacts, the report said. Without action, agriculture will continue to be a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. But by adopting climate-smart practices and increasing the capacity of soils and forests to sequester carbon, emissions can be reduced while stepping up food production to feed the world’s growing population, the report added. The report provides evidence that adoption of climate-smart practices, such as the use of nitrogen-efficient and heat-tolerant crop varieties, zero-tillage and integrated soil fertility management would boost productivity and farmers’ incomes. Widespread adoption of nitrogen-efficient practices alone would reduce the number of people at risk of undernourishment by more than 100 million, the report estimates. “2016 should be about putting commitments into action,” urged Mr. Graziano da Silva, noting the international community last year agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, which is expect to come into force early next month. Agriculture will be high on the agenda at the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as  COP 22, in Morocco starting on November 7. Source - http://www.governancenow.com

18.10.2016

Australia - Sept storms cost farmers hundreds of crops

Recent storms have inundated and demolished the crops in low-lying farms in Condobolin and Forbes in central-west NSW, but have largely left houses and buildings undamaged, it has been reported. Neil Fettell of the NSW Farmers Association told AAP that wheat, barley, and canola farms were worst hit by the storms, with some farms “completely wiped out,” while local stock farmers were able to save most of their sheep and cattle. "The overall production will still be pretty good but for individual farmers it means heavy financial loss," he said. "It's very tough, not just financially but emotionally." The inundated farms are expected to remain flooded for some five more weeks until water level in the Lachlan River gradually subsides, AAP said. Meanwhile, most houses and buildings around Condobolin and Forbes escaped damage from the floods. Insurance claims reached less than $10 million, with insurers receiving about 750 claims from the Forbes region, mostly from low-level storm damage, AAP reported. Road transport in the region is expected to improve after a section of the Newell Highway between Jerilderie and Narrandera was reopened on Thursday. Fettell said the residents were able to prepare better for the floods thanks to the internet and social media. Source - http://www.insurancebusinessonline.com.au

18.10.2016

USA - Pecan orchards hit hard by Hurricane Matthew

Damage, lost production to have big economic impact across the state Hurricane Matthew toppled thousands of mature pecan trees in South Georgia, while damaging cotton and peanut crops to a lesser degree, and farmers are working hard to assess damage from the storm and determine if they will be eligible for federal assistance. Damage varies from place to place, but, “I haven’t been by a single (pecan) orchard that doesn’t have some big trees down,” said Bill Tyson, Bulloch County extension agent. Some orchards might have only a few trees down and some might have 50 percent down, he said. Wade Plantation, in northern Screven County, lost 1,000 mature pecan trees, or about 75 acres worth of trees, according to property owner William S. “Billy” Morris III. Morris also owns Morris Publishing Group, which operates the Augusta, Sylvania and Savannah newspapers among others. He estimated damage from the storm will reduce pecan production this year by 25 percent to 30 percent. Extension agent Ray Hicks said commercial producers lost 2,000 pecan trees valued at $1 million in Screven County alone. That doesn’t include trees in small groups on farms or in people’s backyards. John Emory Pryor, who harvests pecans in Effingham, Chatham, Screven, Bulloch and Jenkins counties, said he lost 400 trees over 700 acres. Pryor also said the cotton crop took a hit. Cotton plants also were “blown down real bad,” he said. Pryor said he isn’t sure how much damage the peanut crops will suffer. The ground has to dry before the remaining peanuts can be harvested, and by then they may have begun sprouting or have fallen off the plant. “We just got our fingers crossed,” Pryor said. Overall the damage from the storm was not as bad as it could have been, but was worse than expected, said Julie McPeake, spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. “Our pecan growers were some of the hardest hit, with some losing one-third of their trees,” she said. “That is a monumental loss when you consider the investment each tree requires.” Pecan trees take 15 years to grow enough to produce a decent crop. She said cotton farmers had as much as 50 percent of their lint blown to the ground, and what is still standing will be downgraded for the quality because of the saturation and wind damage. Farmers also lost a few cattle that were hit by trees, she said. Morris said six pregnant cows were killed by falling trees on his property in South Carolina. McPeake said that federal assistance for farmers must go through Gov. Nathan Deal, who will have to ask for a disaster declaration from the Secretary of Agriculture. The money would come through the USDA. Hicks said some farmers do have private insurance that covers their crops and orchards. U.S. Rep. Rick Allen toured farms in Screven County last week along with Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. Allen urged farmers to keep detailed records for federal disaster applications. “Local pecan farmers … asked me, ‘How do you harvest with trees down all around the pecan trees?’ People are hurting.” Allen said. Some farmers are hiring workers to pick up pecans from the ground by hand. “It’s very expensive and there’s a labor shortage,” Long said. He said a wet spring followed by a dry summer and then a hurricane caused a lot of problems in one year’s time. “It’s been an extremely, extremely difficult year for farmers,” Long said. Source - http://savannahnow.com

18.10.2016

New Zealand - Sudden hailstorm hits fruit growers

In Motueka, New Zealand, a sudden heavy hailstorm has come at a terrible time for kiwifruit growers. A Caltex Motueka employee said the heavy hailstorm started at about 3.15pm on Friday 14 Oct., and lasted for "a good 20 minutes".  It's still too early to tell how apple orchards will fare but it's not looking promising for kiwifruit growers still assessing the damage from another hailstorm which hit the region just last week. Motueka Fruit Growers Association chairman, Simon Easton, said growers would be impacted as the storm was where "it's kiwifruit country". It looked like Motueka and part of Redwoods Valley had been badly hit, he said, with hail "white, thick on the ground and pea sized". As for the other fruit growers, Easton said it could come to nothing, or it could be "a bloody disaster". "Two major storms this early is very unusual." Mainland Kiwi Growers Entity director, Evan Heywood, who grows apples and kiwifruit in the Motueka area, said it was unlikely the hail had done much damage to the kiwifruit. "What's happened is the hail's gone through the leaves and shredded the leaves a little bit and broken some shoots as well. It probably won't have done a lot of damage to the fruit." He said it was too early to tell how the apples would be affected. "You won't know until the fruit grows a bit." Source - http://www.freshplaza.com

18.10.2016

Pakistan - Mobilink’s mobile-based agricultural service launched to for Farmers

Mobilink is targeting the agriculture sector of Pakistan with the launch of its new value added service (VAS), ‘Ba Khabbar Kisaan’. The App based service utilizing interactive voice response technology will provide farmers information and services related to agriculture  such as optimized cultivation methods, modern farming techniques, health education for farmers, health precautions for plants, 24/7 helpline with trainings, weather information, crop insurance, market-related information and a platform for sales. The launch of ‘Ba Khabbar Kisan’ was held in Dera Sardar Sarfraz Khan, Attock, where more than a 1000 local farmers were present to witness Dr. Syed Ismail Shah, Chairman – Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Mobilink and Warid Pakistan provide a breakdown of the service’s benefits to the farming community. With the launch of this service, Mobilink is looking to harness the strength of its extensive telecommunications network to connect farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities, in a bid to drive productivity, profitability and innovation. “With the launch of our ‘Ba Khabbar Kisaan’ service, Mobilink is showcasing that mobile operators can offer much more than just basic communication facilities,” said Aamir Ibrahim. “This service is in line with the direction we took by re-introducing Jazz, as we now want to offer our subscribers freedom of choice, digital empowerment and the power to do more with less; ultimately becoming the first Telco to reach out and reshape all echelons of society.” “We believe this service will play an integral role in ensuring farmers get their due reward for playing an important role in the society by transforming their ability to increase crop yields, improve efficiency and grow incomes,” he further added. Dr. Syed Ismail Shah said, “The government is continuously making all necessary arrangements to ensure farmers are provided support against problems climate change and urbanization bring. Also, we still believe a lot more can be done if the telecom sector plays its due role. In relation to this, we have held various seminars on successful telecom – agricultural models from around the world to stress on the fact that more mobile-based applications are needed for better usage of telecom in agriculture.” “Thus, it gives me immense pleasure that Mobilink decided to launch a mAgri service in line with international standards with the core objective of increasing agricultural productivity and income. And PTA will continue encouraging the development of local content based applications and is willing to extend all sort of support to help farmers through the provision of reliable and timely information, automation of certain agriculture processes using specialized applications, and connecting the buyers and sellers in the market place,” he further added. The free of cost service has been developed after understanding the needs of local farmers. It focuses on three pain points of the agricultural sector – productivity losses, supply chain inefficiencies, and financial exclusion – by offering relevant & timely information, supply chain related services, and mobile financial services. Source - https://www.techjuice.pk

18.10.2016

USA - Nov. 9 crop insurance workshop to focus on risk management strategies

Professionals, including growers and ranchers, who wish to enhance their knowledge of risk management and their ability to design an appropriate risk management plan are encouraged to register for a crop insurance workshop hosted by Nebraska Extension on Nov. 9 at the Heartland Events Center, 700 E. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island.  This year’s workshop will focus on farm survival, outlook and risk management strategies. Topics discussed during the workshop include where to consider cutting costs, whole-farm crop insurance, current crop insurance policy issues, and a market outlook provided by Jeff Stolle of the Nebraska Cattlemen and Cory Walters of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.  In addition, the workshop will feature a panel on decision making in the current financial condition of agriculture. The panel will include: Roy Smith, retired producer and grain marketer, will discuss how to survive economic downturns Tina Barrett, director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc., will provide an up to date Nebraska producer financial picture and survival strategies Jerry Catlett, senior vice president of Bruning State Bank, will talk about how to handle unfortunate financial news Matt Habrock, assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, will discuss the Nebraska Farm Financial Health Survey “We feel that the content in this years workshop will be quite useful to farmers and lenders, in addition to crop insurance agents,” said Nebraska Extension Specialist, Cory Walters. “The workshop will help improve participants understanding of how to navigate  the current economic environment.” The workshop is held in conjunction with workshops hosted by Colorado State University Extension, Kansas State University Research and Extension and Oklahoma State University Extension.  Continuing education credits have been applied for in Nebraska.

17.10.2016

USA - Hurricane Matthew Devastates Georgia Pecan, Cotton Crops

Georgia’s top agriculture official says Hurricane Matthew hit the state’s pecan and cotton farmers hard. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black says he toured farms in three counties this week following the storm that raked Georgia’s coast last weekend. Black says many pecan farmers lost up to one-third of their trees, including trees older than 100 years. Black says it takes at least seven years for a new tree to start producing pecans. High winds also damaged the cotton crop by driving fiber into the ground or tangling it. Rain also harms the quality of cotton, lowering its sale price. Officials say the hurricane also damaged some seed beds for Vidalia onions. Black says the damage is difficult to quantify. Source - http://www.insurancejournal.com

17.10.2016

India - KC(M) flays govt. move on crop insurance scheme

Kerala Congress(M) general secretary Joseph M. Puthussery has called upon the government to take immediate steps to include the districts of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta in the Prime Minister’s crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) without any further delay. Mr. Puthussery was inaugurating a farmers’ march and dharna in protest against the alleged anti-farmer policies of the government in Thiruvalla on Saturday. He alleged that the government, in its order issued on July 21 implementing the PMFBY in the State, had excluded the two districts from the ambit of the crop insurance scheme. The very purpose of the crop insurance scheme would be defeated by excluding the paddy bowls of Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad from its ambit, he alleged. Mr. Puthusserry further alleged that the exclusion of the two districts was part of a dubious design to help the corporate majors that have participated in the tender process. The Centre had announced the crop insurance scheme in January earlier, in an effort to reduce recurrence of agricultural distress without having to effect hefty hikes in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Mr. Puthussery said the KC(M) would continue its struggle for the cause of farmers. Cherian Polachirackal, KC(M) general secretary; Saji Alex, convener; Varghese Mammen, Sam Eapen, Thomas Mathew, Ambika Mohan, Biju Lankagiri, Thampi Kunukandathil, and Joe Elanjimoottil, all party secretariat members also spoke.  Source - http://www.thehindu.com