Agriculture Groups Come Together to Support Domino’s Pizza

Order Domino’s Pizza This Weekend to Support A Company Who Supported Agriculture

Domino’s Pizza has taken a stand for agriculture by rejecting a proposal by the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) to require its pork suppliers to only buy pork from producers who do not use sow gestation stalls. This weekend, the agriculture community is rallying together to thank Domino’s for their “reliance on animal experts to determine the best way to raise an animal that’s used for food” (according to a Domino’s spokesperson), rather than choosing to accept HSUS’s proposal. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Announces National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced its final rule concerning the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), which requires that all medical certificates must be issued by a certified medical examiner. Beginning May 21, 2014, drivers will only be able to obtain a medical certificate from a medical examiner who is on a “National Register of Certified Medical Examiners” list, and who has undergone the FMCSA training course. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

OABA Joins NGFA and NAEGA in Urging CFTC to Solicit Public Comments on Issues Raised by Plan to Expand Electronic Futures Trading

Later this month, the InterContinental Exchange (ICE) and CME Group are planning to launch an expanded 22-hour-per-day electronic trading for grain and oilseed futures and options contracts. The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) have submitted a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) urging it to institute a 30-day public comment period to provide additional time to assess issues associated with the expanded trading. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

AFIA 2012 Feed Mill of the Year Applications Available Online

Interested AFIA Members Must Submit Applications by May 31

Applications for the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) 2012 Feed Mill of the Year Award are now available here, and are due by May 31. The award recognizes overall excellence in feed manufacturing operations, emphasizing safety, quality, regulatory compliance, operating efficiencies and overall industry awareness of food safety. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

MACC Executive Director Rod Kelsay Joins NCBA at White House Community Leaders Briefing

Mid America Cooperative Council Joins 150 Cooperatives

Approximately 150 cooperative leaders met with top policymakers at the White House on May 4, 2012, to discuss how their organizations spur economic recovery through job creation and ongoing investments in their local communities. The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) coordinated the briefing with top White House policymakers. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Why Certified Crop Advisers Provide Value to Ohio’s Agribusiness Industry

Note: Ohio CCA Exam Registration Opens May 7

The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program provides tremendous value to individuals in the agribusiness industry, and also to the companies who have hired – or are looking to hire – agribusiness professionals. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Findlay Is Home to International Animal Feed Production Company

Hamlet Protein Opens New Plant in Ohio

Findlay, Ohio is a new home to Hamlet Protein, an animal feed production company that operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Convention

June 20-23 in Washington, D.C.

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) will hold its 129th Annual Convention June 20-23 in the Washington, D.C. area. In addition to regular conference programming, ASTA has organized a day of meetings with elected Congressmen and Senators to tell the story of the American seed industry on Capitol Hill through individual appointments arranged by ASTA staff. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Upcoming OABA Events – Mark Your Calendar to Save the Dates!

Grain Handling Regional Safety Seminar, Grain Grading School, Golf for Scholarships Outings, Grain Entrapment Prevention and Rescue Workshop, OABA Annual Meeting

Be sure to save the date for upcoming Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) educational events throughout the summer. More information about each event is provided below. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Attention Feed Industry Members: Clean Air Act Compliance Status Date Approaching

Notification of Compliance Status Due by May 4, 2012

The deadline to submit a notification of compliance status to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is fast-approaching. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

USDA Announces Investment in Farm to School Program to Improve Health and Nutrition of Kids Receiving School Meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest in farm to school programs nationwide to help eligible schools improve the health and well-being of their students and connect with local agricultural producers. The new program will promote opportunities for nutrition and agriculture education while providing new economic opportunities for food producers nationwide. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

What’s Happening at OABA

Member Visits, OABA Supports IPM Grant Proposal, Agribusinesses Featured for Ohio Agriculture Month

(Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Technological Advances Provide Opportunities to Tap into Ohio’s Natural Resources

Oil and Gas Exploration Spreads to New Parts of Ohio

Many landowners throughout Ohio are considering exploring oil and natural gas drilling on their properties, and the drilling is spreading westward across the state. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

Sweet Manufacturing Adds New Bilingual Customer Service Specialist

Sweet Manufacturing Company announced the hire of James Davidson as its new Customer Service Specialist, who will provide assistance to customers worldwide. (Click the story title above to read the full article.)

2012-2013 OABA Board Members Announced

New Board Members and Officers Take Effect May 1st

Earlier this week, appointed members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Board of Directors counted ballots for the election of Directors for the Ohio AgriBusiness Association. We had an exceptionally good slate of nominees this year and many of the races were very close!

Ohio Certified Crop Adviser of the Year Award Winner

Mike Dailey Shares His CCA Experience

Mike Daily, independent consultant from Mt. Vernon, was awarded the 2012 Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) of the Year Award on March 6, and shares his personal experience of being a CCA.

NIAA’s Chairman’s Award Presented to Dr. Tony Forshey

Dr. Tony Forshey, Chief of Animal Health and State Veterinarian for the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), received the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Chairman’s Award, which is given to an outstanding volunteer for his/her unselfish dedication and tireless devotion to the advancement of animal agriculture.

OABA Members Featured in Ag Media

Jill Boyd and Jenifer Pemberton Share Expertise with Brownfield

Late last month, Jill Boyd – Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Board of Directors vice chair and Agronomy & Plant Protection Committee member, and Territory Sales Manager for Morral Companies – talked with Brownfield’s Dave Russell about fertilizer inventories in Ohio. To read the story and listen to the audio interview, click here.

Nitrous Oxide Facts in Response to Recent Study

University of California Berkeley Study Claims Fertilizer Is A Greenhouse Gas Contributor

A study released this week by researchers at the University of California Berkeley names fertilizer as a major greenhouse gas contributor. The study, which was reported in the journal Nature Geoscience, claims to have found fertilizer use to be the “smoking gun” responsible for a “dramatic rise in atmospheric nitrous oxide” which the authors cite as a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

ODA Accepting Specialty Crop Grant Proposals

$642,019 Available to Promote the Growing of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Nut Crops

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting proposals for the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which will provide funding for projects to enhance the competitiveness of crops such as fruits, vegetable , nuts and nursery crops.

Tadd Nicholson Named New Executive Director of The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association

The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) announced Tadd Nicholson as its new executive director. In his new role, he will also manage two of Ohio’s check-off programs, the Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) and the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program (OSGMP).

Early Planting Affects Crop Insurance

Warm Weather is Enticing for Early Planting

With the unusually warm weather in Ohio this March, some farmers have undoubtedly considered getting a head start on planting. In fact, some farmers in Hull, Indiana already have corn out of the ground according to Ohio Ag Net/Ohio’s Country Journal.

2012 Ohio Agriculture Women of the Year Award

Nominations Are Due by May 31, 2012

Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich and Ohio Agriculture Director David T. Daniels are accepting nominations for the 2012 Ohio Agriculture Women of the Year Awards, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Office of the First Lady.

OSU Nutrient Management Research Project to Validate Phosphorus Index, Help Farmers Choose Best Practices, Provide Contributor Data

OABA is Asking Members for Help in Funding Critical Project

The issue of nutrient management and water quality has come to the forefront in Ohio over the last few years. As you know, Governor Kasich created a task force headed by the State Directors of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection which met numerous times between August 2011 and January 2012. Last week, the group recently released their water quality recommendations, which encouraged 4R Nutrient Management and noted that awareness and additional research is needed.

Nominate an Agribusiness for Ohio Agriculture Month

Ohio Businesses Highlighted on Ohio Business Profile Website

Ohio Secretary of State John Husted highlights Ohio businesses each month on the Ohio Business Profile website to raise awareness of companies registered and doing business in Ohio. Each month, a handful of local companies tied together by a common theme are selected to be featured on the site, and April’s theme is Ohio Agriculture.

ODA Accepting Submissions for “Ag Is Cool!” Creative Expressions Contest

School-Age Children (K-12) Can Enter to Win Tickets to Ohio State Fair, The Band Perry Concert

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting submissions for the 2012 “Ag Is Cool!” Creative Expressions contest through July 9, 2012. Ohio children who are enrolled in school, or who are homeschooled, during the 2011-2012 academic year can submit their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win two tickets to the Ohio State Fair and The Band Perry concert on August 2.

ODNR, ODA and OEPA Make Water Quality Recommendations

Awareness and Additional Research Needed, 4R Nutrient Management Encouraged

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) announced yesterday their recommendations for reducing excess agricultural nutrients from affecting or entering the western basin of Lake Erie.

OABA Grain Merchandising 101 Recap

Course Provided Overview of Grain Market

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Grain Merchandising 101 training course wrapped up this week. The two-day training course took place on March 6 and 13 in Waldo and provided an overview of various segments of the grain market, with a focus on tangible application of the knowledge.

Dow AgroSciences Developing Innovative Stewardship Program

New Research Shows Three-Fold Reduction in Physical Herbicide Drift for Enlist™ System

According to new data shared by Dow AgroSciences scientists, the new Enlist™ Weed Control System being developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC will help farmers address pressing weed control challenges with technology that features an up to three-fold reduction of the amount of physical herbicide drift compared to current technology. More than a dozen research summaries from the company were presented at the Weed Science Society of America’s (WSSA) national meeting in early February. Components of the Enlist system have not yet received regulatory approvals.

2012 Certified Crop Adviser of the Year

Ohio CCA Board Presented Award to Mike Dailey

The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Board awarded Mike Dailey with the 2012 CCA of the Year Award on March 6 at the Conservation Tillage Conference in Ada, Ohio.

OABA Facility Management Training Course Recap

Course Focused on Safety, OSHA Inspections and Effective Employee Management

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Facility Management Training Course wrapped up this week with the second day of training in Horatio. The two-day training course began on February 8 in Crestline with the focus on behavioral-based safety and preparing for an Ohio Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) inspection. On Thursday, the second part of the training covered effective employee management, organizational management skills, internal communications and human resources management.

USDA Accepting Applications for 2012 Export Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced that it continues to accept fiscal year 2012 applications for two export market development programs: the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program.

OABA Lake Erie Watershed Crop Nutrient Retailers Meeting Was Success

Group Addressed Algal Blooms in Ohio Watersheds

Nearly 200 Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members, Ohio farmers and agriculture retailers attended the OABA Lake Erie Watershed Crop Nutrient Retailers Meeting on February 29 in Perrysburg, Ohio.

More Farmers Favor Biotech Crops

Adoption of Agricultural Biotechnology Increased Eight Percent Over Past Year

Global adoption of biotech crop technology continues at unprecedented rates. According to Clive James – author of the annual biotech crop report released by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) – an additional 29.7 million acres were planted during 2011, which represents an annual growth rate of eight percent over 2010.

ARA Applauds Court Decision on EPA’s FL Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rule

Federal Water Quality Standards may not be Imposed on Fertilizer use Unless There is Proof of Harm to the Environment

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) applauded the U.S. District Court Decision, issued February 18, that restricts the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to impose numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) in the state of Florida. The decision was handed down by Judge Robert L. Hinkle and found that biological harm – not just an increase of nutrients above background concentrations – must be the basis for the EPA’s numeric nutrient standards.

Time is Running Out to RSVP for a Weed Resistance Workshop

Helping Agribusinesses and Farmers Be Proactive

The severity of Glyphosate-resistant Palmer Amaranth has been realized in the U.S. and it is imperative that Ohio agribusinesses and farmers become proactive in dealing with this issue. That’s why the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and the Ohio Soybean Association have joined forces to offer this Weed Resistance Workshop at no cost for Ohio custom applicators and farmers. Take a look at what weed resistance challenges other farmers have experienced firsthand.

Agricultural Linked Deposit Program Helps Farmers Offset Operating Funds

Online Ag-LINK Applications Due March 9

Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members are encouraged to promote the Agricultural Linked Deposit Program (Ag-LINK) with their customers. Having this conversation with your customers provides an extra level of value, as it can help your customers save money on interest rates.

Mid America CropLife Association Names Steve Taylor New Water Consultant

The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) has named Steve Taylor as its new water consultant. Taylor serves as the Missouri Agribusiness Association (MO-AG) President and Executive Director. Currently as part of his duties at MO-AG, Taylor engages in issues affecting the industry and works with several affiliated organizations.

Kasich Appoints Daniels to Lead Department of Agriculture

Governor John R. Kasich announced the appointment of Sen. David Daniels (R-Greenfield) to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Daniels has represented Ohio’s 17th Senate District since January 2011 and will submit his resignation to the Ohio Senate on Wednesday. He is expected to be sworn in and begin his duties as ODA director on Thursday, February 16.

OABA Bowling for Scholarships Recap and Winners

Nearly $5,000 Raised for Educational Trust Scholarship Fund

Last Friday (Feb. 10), 92 Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members came together for the 2012 Bowling for Scholarships event in Bowling Green, Ohio. The event is held annually to raise money for the OABA Educational Trust, which provides scholarships to college students with an agribusiness focus enrolled at various colleges around the state. Through bowler registration, event sponsors, and an onsite 50/50 drawing and auction, the event raised nearly $5,000 for scholarships.

CEU Opportunity: Integrated Pest Management Plan Writing Workshop

Deadline to Register Is March 5; Space is Limited

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and The Ohio State University’s Integrated Pest Management Program are teaming up to offer a workshop on integrated pest management (IPM) conservation plan writing for specialty crop growers. The workshop will provide 5.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to certified crop advisors, independent crop consultants, and technical service providers who have an interest in (and preferably experience with) working with vegetable, tree fruit or small fruit production.

Washington Report for 2-17-12

By Steve Kopperud

President’s FY2013 Budget Cuts USDA by $32 Billion; Ups FDA based on New User Fees – Push for 2012 Farm Bill Ramps Up; USDA asks for “Flexibility” in Spending – Vilsack Tells Senate Ag Committee: Give USDA Flexibility on Spending, Priorities – Bloomberg Sees Corn Acreage Up, USDA Sees Prices Down as Ethanol Settles Down – “Advanced” Ethanol Companies want Farm Bill Financial Support – Payroll Tax Deal Reached – House, Senate Highway Reauthorization Bills in Limbo – House Ag Approved Bill Protects Market End-Users – BSE Meat Import Rule Changes Pushed

Ag Groups Applaud House Committee on Hours of Service Agriculture Exemption Proposal

American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) applaud the work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passage of the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012,” which provides for a five-year, $260 billion authorization for the surface transportation program.

Upcoming Ohio AgriBusiness Association Events

Need to Register? Hurry, Registration is Filling up Fast!

Anhydrous Ammonia Workshop, Weed Resistance Workshop, Crop Nutrient Retailer’s Meeting, Grain Merchandising 101 – if you are hoping to attend one of OABA’s upcoming events, be sure to reserve your spot soon – registration is filling up quickly. To register for an event, go to www.oaba.net/events or call OABA at 614-326-7520.

Ohio Agribusiness Industry Bowls for Scholarships

Final Results to Be Announced Next Week

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) held its annual Bowling for Scholarships event today, February 10, 2012. OABA would like to thank the 92 people who bowled to raise money for the OABA Educational Trust, which provides scholarships to college students with an agribusiness focus. It was a great time for a good cause!

DOT Announces Release of 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook

2012 Guidebook to Replace 2008 Version

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the release of the 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook. The new version is scheduled for release in April 2012 and will replace the existing 2008 version.

OABA Holds 2012 Custom Applicator Day in Waldo, Ohio

140 Attendees Participated in the Annual Event

Last week, OABA held its 2012 Custom Applicator Day. More than 140 participants attended the event and heard from industry experts focusing on the practical side of custom application, including topics like weed resistance, cover crops, insect resistance, rotating chemistries and more. Particularly well received was a presentation by Ford Baldwin regarding weed resistance issues in Arkansas. Attendees also had the opportunity to earn ODA pesticide recertification credits and pest management certified crop advisor CEUs.

Washington Report for 2-3-12

By Steve Kopperud

Senate Announced Farm Bill Hearing Schedule; Commodity Groups Try for Unity - House Committee Approves Highway Reauthorization; Dumps Heavier Truck Language - DOL Rewrites Child Labor Regs, but Aggies Continue Attack - CFTC Says ‘Major’ Progress Made on MF Global; CME Sets up Farmer Indemnity Fund - Ag, Food Groups Tell FDA: No New ‘Food Safety Taxes’ - General CRP Sign-up Announced; CSP Sign-up Huge

2012 Ohio Pork Congress Quickly Approaching

Come Learn About the Latest Pork Industry Technologies

The 2012 Ohio Pork Congress will be held February 7–8 at the Crowne Plaza North in Columbus. The event is open to stakeholders in the Ohio pork industry. On Wednesday, February 8, pork producers are invited to attend the Professional Pork Producers Symposium, a set of educational seminars featuring experts from around the U.S. Also on Wednesday, the pork industry will recognize and honor leaders and outstanding pork producers at the OPPC Awards Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza North.

OABA to Hold 2012 Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) Safety Workshops

Three Opportunities to Attend – February 21, 22 and 23

Ag retailers and employees working with anhydrous ammonia are required be trained in general awareness and safety of handling and transporting ammonia. The upcoming 2012 OABA Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Workshops offer training and assistance to help dealers and their employees in complying with the DOT Hazardous Materials Training Requirements for anhydrous ammonia. These workshops are also an excellent opportunity for dealers to invite their local emergency personnel for anhydrous ammonia training (all emergency personnel can attend at the member rate).

Washington Report for 1-27-12

By Steve Kopperud

MF Global Claims Due by January 31 - Nothing New in State of the Union for Ag, Rural America - U.S. Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Meat Industry on Downer Law - UEP-HSUS Egg Bill Causes Fallout - 2012 Farm Bill Being Set up for Push to 2013 - 2012 Farm Bill Being Set up for Push to 2013 - Vilsack Doesn't Rule Out More Job Cuts, Program Tightening - House Ag Passes Changes to Dodd-Frank - Broad Push for Heavier Trucks - Administration Looks to Expand Deportation Pilot Program

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association and Ohio Soybean Association Join Forces to Offer Ohio Weed Resistance Workshops

Workshops Available at No Cost to Participants

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) and the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) have joined forces to offer a one-of-a-kind event series: the Ohio Weed Resistance Workshops. The workshop program will be presented at three events across the state on, February 28, February 29 and March 1, 2012 and is being offered at no cost to participants.

2012 Applicator Manual Available for Purchase

67 Percent of the Labels Revised for 2012

The 2012 Applicator Manual from the Asmark Institute is now available. These books have become the industry standard in helping comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirement to have label information for your applicators while handling or applying pesticides.

Washington Report for 1-20-12

By Steve Kopperud

Federal Government Consolidation Authority Sought by Obama - 2012 or 2013 for Farm Bill? - Bill to Broaden, Reinvent RFS Introduced - New Food Safety Rulemakings Behind Schedule - New Highway Program Reauthorization Package Expected by February - Feds, Minnesota Sign Cooperative Water Quality Pilot Program Pact - GE Alfalfa Challenge Rejected by Federal Court

The Ohio Agricultural Council Offers New Scholarship Opportunity for Students Majoring in Agriculture

February 15, 2012 Application Deadline

The Ohio Agricultural Council (OAC) recently announced a new scholarship opportunity for Ohio students pursuing a degree in agriculture and/or agribusiness. Through the scholarship program, OSA will award up to five $1000 scholarships to high school seniors preparing to enter college or any undergraduate student currently enrolled in college.

Asmark Institute to Build Bloomington, IL Training Complex

New Facility to Provide Hands-On Grain Handling and Pesticide and Nutrient Application Training

Lask week, the Asmark Institute announced plans to construct a new training complex in Bloomington, Ill., to host its Ammonia Technician Course and a series of new courses designed for grain facilities. The Bloomington complex will also serve as the central dispatch point for the Professional Applicator Training course.

Washington Report for 1-13-12

By Steve Kopperud

USDA to Close 259 Offices Nationwide Beginning July 1 - Montana Farmers File Class Action Suit against John Corzine over MF Global Debacle - Ethanol Now Consumes More Corn than Feed Use: Private Analyst - After No Administration Response, Ag/Food Coalition Asks EPA to Suspend Dioxin Plans - Deadline for U.S. Appeal of WTO COOL Ruling Extended - NLRB Finalizes ‘Ambush’ Union Election Rule - House Listeria Outbreak Investigation Says Private Audits No Food Safety Assurance - USDA to Hold Public Ag Air Quality Task Force Meeting Feb 7-8

AWT Issues Notice of Nurse Tank Inspection Program

Extends Structural Integrity Warranty to 5 Years for All Tanks Manufactured in 2009 and 2010

American Welding & Tank, LLC (AWT) has issued an important inspection program notice regarding the integrity of AWT nurse tanks. AWT is currently working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to address concerns over possible pinhole weld defects in anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks manufactured by AWT between June 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010.

4R Nutrient Stewardship—A Framework to Plant By this Spring

OABA Encourages Ag Retailers to Keep the 4Rs in Mind as Planting Season Approaches

As the Ohio agricultural industry steps up to be part of the water quality solution across the state, 4R Nutrient Stewardship is helping lead the way. 4R nutrient stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping system goals, such as increased production, increased farmer profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability.

Washington Report for 1-6-12

By Steve Kopperud

What Confronts Congress in 2012? - Ethanol Industry Pushing on “Demand” Side of Spending - Ag Groups Tell CFTC Rulemakings are “Inflexible” - NLRB Moves to Finalize Union Election Rule; House May Act Again - FDA Restricts Cephalosporin Use - Regulators Should Avoid “Knee Jerk” Reaction to MF Global; Market Exodus Seen - USDA Updates Data Set on Fertilizer Use, Price

OABA’s Activities and Accomplishments of 2011

And Looking Ahead to 2012

It has been a big year for the Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA) and its membership. Early in the year, former OABA President and CEO Gary King announced his retirement after 21 years of serving the Ohio agribusiness industry. In May, the OABA board selected Christopher Henney, formerly of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, to take over leadership of the Association. Together, Henney, OABA Board Chair Herb Mayer and the rest of the OABA board hit the ground running with a vision for the organization’s future.

Ohio Primaries to Take Place March 6, 2012

Governor Kasich Signs Primary Date and Redistricting Lines into Law

On December 15, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law the bill that reunites the state’s primaries to March 6 (rather than dates in March and June) and puts into place the new U.S. House district lines.

Washington Report for 12-16-11

By Steve Kopperud

Senate Ag Grills Corzine, MFG Execs; CME’s Duffy Alleges Corzine Knew of Bad Loans - Four More MFG Victims Testify at Senate Ag Hearing on Bankruptcy - Lucas Allows Farm Bill One-year Extension Possible - 73 Sign Bipartisan House Letter Pushing Sunset of Ethanol Credit; RFS Attacked by Ag Groups; Rangel Introduces Bill to Retain Ethanol Import Tariff - Last Days of Congressional 2011 All About the Money - New GIPSA Contracting Rules Finalized with Objectionable Sections Gone, Modified

OABA To Host Crop Production Conference in January

Hear From Leading Agronomists and Earn CCA Credits

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) will host a Crop Production Conference on January 5–6 at The Ohio State University Fawcett Center in Columbus, Ohio. The two-day program will provide attendees the opportunity to hear from leading agronomists across the U.S.; stay abreast of the current and most important agronomic topics; network with certified crop advisors, farmers, and others; as well as earn CCA CEUs in nutrient management, soil and water management, crop management and pest management.

Update on the MF Global Bankruptcy

NGFA Urges Restoring Customer Funds, Assets Receive Top Priority

In the aftermath of the MF Global bankruptcy, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today said that returning 100 percent of customer-segregated funds and other property to their rightful owners should be the top priority of lawmakers, regulators, commodity exchanges and the trustee.

Washington Report

By Steve Kopperud

House Ag Grills MFG’s Corzine for Three Hours: ‘I Don’t Know Where the Money Is’ - Zero Risk was Expected, says NGFA Witness in MFG Hearing - Stabenow Says Deficit Farm Bill Part of ‘Foundation of Ideas’ for Final Product - House Passes Farm Dust Restriction Ignoring Veto Threat - Bipartisan House Letter Pushes Sunset of Ethanol Credit; RFS Attacked by Ag Groups - U.S., Canada Announce Border Trade, Security Deal - Rail Strike Avoided - EPA Modifies Boiler Rule - DOT Bans Truck Drivers from Using Hand-held Cell Phones - Livestock, Poultry Groups Publicly Oppose UEP-HSUS Agreement

OABA Board Approved the 2011 OABA Strategic Plan

And OABA’s Logo and Website Get a New Look

At their November 16 board meeting, the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Board of Directors finalized and approved OABA’s 2011 Strategic Plan. The strategic planning process began last summer, when OABA embarked upon an initiative to set the direction, priorities and goals for the association over the next five years.

OABA Submits Comments on Proposed Child Labor Regulation Revisions

OABA Urges the U.S. Department of Labor to Allow Existing Provisions to Stand

Earlier this week, OABA submitted comments regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed revisions to child labor regulations. The proposed revisions would ban youth less than 18 years of age from engaging in specific types of work at off-farm agricultural business, as well as on farms not owned or operated by their parents.

Washington Report

By Steve Kopperud

Ag Groups want Congressional Oversight of MF Global Protections, House Ag Panel to Subpoena Corzine; Trustees Ask to Double Customer Pay Out - What’s Next for Farm Programs, Ag and FDA Spending? - For Congress, It’s All about Taxes, Spending for the Rest of the Year - House Set to Act if Railroad Workers Strike - House Punts Highway Reauthorization to 2012 - Kingston Bill Puts H2A Visa Program in Spotlight - House Committee Approves Farm Dust Bill - Japan Reveals New BSE Case; May be New Strain - EPA News

Kasich Appoints Zehringer ODNR Director

Ohio State Veterinarian Forshey to Serve as Interim ODA Director

On Tuesday, November 16, Governor John Kasich appointed Jim Zehringer to become the new director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Zehringer, formly the director of the Ohio Department of Ag (ODA), will take over the position from Assistant Director Scott Zody, who has served as interim director since David Mustine’s departure in September.

Update on MF Global Bankruptcy

Lawmakers, MF Global Trustees and Others Urge Release of Customers’ Funds

Unfortunately, some members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) have been affected by the recent bankruptcy of MF Global, Inc., which is now under a court-ordered liquidation. In the last few weeks, MF Global trustees, lawmakers and other agribusiness stakeholders have urged the timely release of customer funds.

Washington Report

By Steve Kopperud

Ag Committees’ First Farm Bill Rewrite Too Costly; Chairs Now Pushing Three-way Approach to New Farm Programs - Will it or Won’t it? Super Committee Deadline Looms - Congress Approves FY2012 Ag Approps Bill, Carries CR to Keep Government Operating; Rest of Spending Bills likely to be Bundled into Single Package - House Tries Balanced Budget Amendment, but Effort Likely to Fail - Pet Food to be Tested by FDA for Salmonella - California Ballot Question on Labeling All GE Foods Submitted to Attorney General - Wheat Board Sues Canadian Government - Thanksgiving to Cost More: AFBF

OABA Seeks Input on Proposed Federal Regulation Revisions that Could Impact Grain Handling and Feed Facilities

Requesting Responses by Monday, November 21, 2011

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) is seeking input from our grain handling/feed facility members by Friday, November 21, 2011 regarding the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed revisions to child labor regulations that would ban youth less than 18 years of age from engaging in specific types of work at off-farm agricultural business, as well as on farms not owned or operated by their parents.

OABA Comments on Petition Atrazine Ban

Comment Period Open until November 14, 2011

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing concern about a petition from “Save the Frogs” asking the agency to ban the production and use of atrazine.

Last Chance to Register for Seed Technology Seminar

Get the Latest Information on Seed Technology and Earn CCA Credits

Time is running out to register for the upcoming Seed Technology Seminar, hosted by the Ohio Agribusiness Association (OABA) next Thursday, November 17, 2011 in Waldo, Ohio. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to anyone who would like to register.

Nominations Sought for Ohio Certified Crop Advisor of the Year Award

All Nominations Due by December 1, 2011

The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program is currently seeking nominations for the 2011 Ohio Certified Crop Adviser of the Year award. The annual award program seeks to recognize highly motivated individuals who deliver exceptional customer service in the areas of nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production, and who have contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within Ohio’s agriculture industry.

Department of Labor Extends Child Labor Comment Period

Comments Now Due by December 1, 2011

On September 2, 2011, the Department of Labor (DOL) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register (see 76 FR 54836) that included proposals to amend its existing regulations on child labor in agricultural employment and child labor in nonagricultural employment under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The proposed regulation would ban youth under certain ages from engaging in specific types of work at off-farm agricultural businesses and on farms not owned or operated by their parents.

MF Global Bankruptcy Ripples Through Grain Industry

CME Group Transfer of Accounts to Other Brokerage Firms Set to Begin

The bankruptcy filing on Oct. 31 of the financial firm MF Global created far-reaching ripple effects into the grain, feed and grain processing industry. For much of this week, customers of MF Global’s commodity brokerage operations faced uncertainty and a dearth of information concerning their futures market positions and disposition of cash on deposit with the firm.

Washington Report

By Steve Kopperud

House, Senate Ag Committees Struggling to Rewrite Farm Bill Programs - EWG Study: Revenue Insurance Costly, Doesn’t Work, Lists Farm Bill Priorities - Super Committee Remains Deadlocked; Boehner OKs Revenues - Highway Bill could become “Jobs” Bill - EPA Dust Regulation Roadblock Bill OK’d by House Committee - HOS Rules Delayed - House Committee Moves to Slap Down NLRB on Union Election Rulemaking

OABA To Host Seed Technology Seminar

Learn the Latest Information on Seed Technology and Earn CCA Credits

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) will host a Seed Technology Seminar on Thursday, November 17, 2011 in Waldo, Ohio. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to anyone who would like to attend. The seminar presents an opportunity for both farmers and those in the agribusiness industry to come together and hear the latest information on seed technology, seed hybrid performance, and pest research. As an added bonus, participants can earn up to five CCA credits at the various sessions (see the seminar agenda for details).

EPA Seeks Comments on Petition to Ban Use and Production of Atrazine

OABA Encourages Members Using Atrazine to Post Comments

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments on a petition from the group, “Save the Frogs,” asking the agency to ban the use and production of atrazine. EPA has posted the petition for public comment, consistent with its goal to be open and transparent in scientific and regulatory processes.

Washington Report

By Steve Kopperud

November 1 Deadline Looms for Specifics on Ag Cuts - Deficit Committee Moves to Dueling Budget Cutting Plans; House Tax Plan in Play - Bill to “Clarify” Ag HOS Exemption Introduced - Stabenow Wants Biobased Tax Credits - RFA Wants “Open Fuel Standard” – “Worst-case” Scenario says “Clean Energy” Mandate Could Increase Costs by 30% - EPA New Rule Proposal Means CAFO Filings by Producers - Methyl Bromide Phase-out Permitting Comments Sought - EU Clamps Down on Dioxin in Feed, Ingredients

Members-Only Section of OABA Website Offers a Great Resource

Find and Update Your Company Information Online

The Ohio AgrbiBusiness Association (OABA) is offering its members exclusive access to a members-only section of its website. This feature grants OABA members access to two key resources: an online version of the OABA directory and the ability to directly update their company and contact information in the OABA database.

NGFA Conceptually Supports CFTC Passage of Speculative Position Limits

Reserves Ultimate Reaction for Release of CFTC’s Final Regulations

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association's (OABA) national partner, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), has released the following statement following the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) approval, by a 3-2 vote on Oct. 18, of final regulations implementing speculative position limits for agricultural and other commodities under the Dodd-Frank regulatory reform law...

Washington Report

10-13-2011

Ag Panels to Recommend $23 Billion in Cuts for Super Deficit Committee Action - FTAs, TAA Reauthorization Passed by Congress, Obama to Sign - Ag Tell Super Committee to Put a Hold on “Discretionary” Regulation; NFU Disagrees - EPA News - Jackson’s Denial of “Dust” Regulation Doesn’t Satisfy Johanns - Boiler, Cement Rule Bill Passed by House - Corn Crop Reduced, Bigger 2012 Supplies Seen - DOT Says U.S.-Mexico Truck Deal is Legal - House GOP Leaders Vow to Oppose HOS Rule Proposals

Anhydrous Ammonia Tank Safety

American Welding & Tank Issues Statement Regarding Department of Transportation Action

American Welding & Tank (AWT) announced October 7, that it disputes a recent action brought by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regarding the manufacture of certain anhydrous ammonia tanks in early 2010.

4R Nutrient Stewardship

Article by Lara Moody, Director of Stewardship Programs, The Fertilizer Institute

Crop advisors know that nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are essential for growing crops – but similar to calories in our diets too much of a good thing can become a problem. Today, many policymakers, environmental groups and the media representatives both nationally and at the state level, are increasingly focused on fertilizers as a problem for the environment, not a solution to meeting the food needs of a growing population. While there is not a one size fits all answer, we know that mandatory rate reductions and input limits are not an environmental, economic or socially beneficial answer either. Alternatively, 4R nutrient stewardship that utilizes fertilizer best management practices addressing the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place, provides the foundation for a science-based system to achieve sustainable plant nutrition management. In short, 4R practices are good for the grower and good for the environment.

Ohio AgriBusiness Association Board Votes to Support a “Yes” on State Issue 2

Ballot Issue Would Retain Reforms of Senate Bill 5

At its September meeting, the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to support a “yes” vote on Ohio State Issue 2, the voter referendum on the state’s new public employee collective bargaining law that was passed by the General Assembly in March.

OABA Helps Members Fill the Employee Gap

Job Posting Tool Available on the OABA Website

Concern is growing among agribusiness about the lack of qualified employees to staff their locations. With more than half of agribusiness leadership set to retire in the next 15 years, approximately 52,000 ag-related job openings each year, and a food output that is expected to double by the year 2050, agribusiness’s ability to find, hire and train skilled workers will be critical for the industry.

Having an Issue with State Agencies, Permits or Regulations? OABA Can Help.

If your company has ever dealt with government agency relations, regulatory or permitting issues, you know firsthand how much time and effort it can take to resolve them. When problems like these arise, you don’t have to go it alone. OABA can help. We invite members who run into difficulties with state agencies and processes to let OABA know; we will gladly join the discussion and advocate on your behalf.

Ohio Livestock Care Standards Take Effect

New Animal Care Rules In Effect as of Thursday, September 29

Comprehensive animal care rules developed by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board went into effect Thursday, September 29 when Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Jim Zehringer signed the final administrative order at a special ceremony in Fort Recovery.

Nominations Sought for Ohio Certified Crop Advisor of the Year Award

All Nominations Due by December 1, 2011

The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program is currently seeking nominations for the 2011 Ohio Certified Crop Adviser of the Year award. The annual award program seeks to recognize highly motivated individuals who deliver exceptional customer service in the areas of nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production, and who have contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within Ohio’s agriculture industry.

Department of Homeland Security Seeks Public Comment on Ammonium Nitrate Security Program

Announces Nationwide Listening Sessions to Educate Public on Proposed Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking public comment on the proposed rule for Ammonium Nitrate Security Program and has scheduled several listening sessions to brief the public on the basics of the proposed rule and inform them how they can provide comments.

OABA Testifies on the CAT Tax in Front of the House Tax Study Committee

Encourages Legislature to Level the Playing Field for Grain Industry

Thursday, September 22, the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) testified before the House Study Committee on Tax Structure regarding the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) and its impact on Ohio’s grain handling industry.

Newman Named to Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk have appointed Joel G. Newman, president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), to the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee.

Washington Report

9/22/11

Obama Cuts $40 Billion from Ag; Roberts, Lucas Say Proposal Shows “Lack of Understanding” - Obama, Congress to Super Committee: “Go Big” - Under Attack, Crop Insurance is Likely Linchpin of Farm Bill Risk Management Approach - Ag Groups Unveil Program Alternatives as Ag Panels Push to October 14 Deadline - Ag Disaster Programs Expire October 1; Vilsack Issues Warning - Congress Moves toward FTA Approval with TPA, TAA Senate Agreement - House Bill on EPA Rulemakings Draws White House Veto Threat - House Judiciary Committee Approves E-Verify Mandate - Waterway Infrastructure Subject of House Subcommittee Hearing - Canadian Farmers Vote to Retain Wheat Board Monopoly; Ag Minister Ignores Vote

Redistricting Debate Front and Center in Ohio State House

Proposed Revisions to District Map Pass Ohio House on September 15

The Ohio congressional redistricting plan was passed by the Ohio House of Representatives this Thursday, September 15, nearly 48 hours after it was unveiled. The bill (House Bill 319) reduces Ohio's current 18 congressional districts to 16, eliminating one Republican seat and one Democratic seat.

OABA Antitrust Compliance Policy and Member Policy Template Available Online

In view of ever-present government scrutiny of business activity and enforcement of the antitrust laws, it is important for all businesses, including trade associations, to maintain strict compliance with the antitrust laws. OABA is committed to fully complying with Federal and state antitrust laws, and we encourage all of our members to make the same commitment. A copy of OABA’s official Antitrust Compliance Policy is available the "About" section of our website.

Ohio Corn & Wheat CEO Steps Down

Dwayne Siekman Leaves Legacy at Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association

The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) announced yesterday that CEO Dwayne Siekman is stepping down to pursue new career opportunities. Siekman has served Ohio’s grain industry for 15 years. He began his relationship with the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA) and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) in 1996 as director of programs and in 2004 was selected as its executive director. In 2005 he began managing the Ohio Wheat Growers Association (OWGA). OCGA and OWGA became a single entity—OCWGA—January 1, 2011.

King to Retire from Ohio AgriBusiness Association After 21 Years of Service

Open House to Be Held September 23

Gary King, former president and chief executive officer of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA)—will be officially retiring from the organization at the end of October.

Mustine Leaving Position as ODNR Chief to Head JobsOhio Energy Development

ODNR Assistant Director Scott Zody Named as Interim Director

David Mustine is leaving his position as director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to serve as general manager for energy at JobsOhio—the Kasich administration’s non-profit economic development corporation. In his new position, Mustine will head up development of the state’s oil and natural gas reserves in eastern Ohio.

Ohio Farmers Eligible for Federal Disaster Relief Funds

87 Ohio counties designated primary or contiguous disaster counties

According to Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) office, new federal assistance is available for Ohio farmers and agricultural producers who experienced crop or production loss due to severe weather from February 2 to July 31, 2011.

Washington Report

9/9/11

President Challenges Congress on Jobs; Most Points Heard Before - House Agriculture Subcommittee to Hold September 14 Feed Availability Hearing; Ethanol Exports Hit Record in July - Disaster Funding War Rages; Schumer, Gillibrand want Money for NY Farms - Obama Stuns Enviros by Killing Ozone Smog Rule - FDA Enforcing Expanded Prior Notice on Imports - Highway Bill to get Short-term Extension—Again - New Guest Worker Proposal Slammed - Syngenta GE Corn Hits Roadblocks Absent EU Approval - USGS Says “Roundup” Found in Rivers, Rain, Air

JobsOhio Interim CIO Recognizes the Importance of Agriculture

Mark Kvamme Addresses Business Professionals in Northeast Ohio

Interim Chief Investment Officer Mark Kvamme of JobsOhio spoke to several hundred business professionals and entrepreneurs in Northeast, Ohio earlier this week.

EPA’s SPCC Program to Take Effect in November

The Ag Retailer Association Encourages Awareness

The Ag Retailer Association (ARA)—a national partner of OABA—is encouraging all members to be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Program will take effect this November 10, 2011.

Ohio AgriBusiness Association Hosts Grain Warehouse Law Seminars

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) is hosting a series of seminars aimed at helping grain industry stakeholders get up to speed on Ohio’s Grain Warehouse Law.

Ohio's Commercial Activity Tax to be Revisited

House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) recently established the House Study Commmitte on Ohio’s Tax Structure. The committee, chaired by Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) is one of three created to seek public input on important topics lawmakers might act on this session.

Corn, Bean Conditions Deteriorate

Poorest Conditions in Texas

The outlook for 2011 crop corn and soybean production continues to deteriorate with USDA's latest report.

Webinar for Pesticide Retailers on Refillable Container, Labeling and Repackaging Rules effective in August 2011

Join us for a Webinar on August 25

Agribusiness Golfs for Scholarships

Draws over 100 participants

The second of two OABA Golf for Scholarships events was held August 17th at the Shelby Oaks Golf Club in Sidney, OH. Over 100 participants enjoyed the spectacular golfing weather and the opportunity to network with old friends and meet new ones.

DOT Trumpets “No New Regulations for America’s Ag Community”

Agency Received over 1,700 Comments

In an unusually broad communications blitz this week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has “no intention to propose new regulations government the transport of agricultural products.”

Livestock Care Standards Effective Date Announced

Information Sessions Offered

Ohio Agriculture Director James Zehringer announced recently that animal care rules developed by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board will become effective on Sept. 29.

Ohio's Rob Portman on Debt Reduction Super Committee

One of Twelve Selected

Senator Portman could be the go-to guy on the panel when it comes to how the federal government actually operates. A friend of ag from his days in the House, Portman is a freshman member of the Budget Committee.

High Quality Horse Hay In Demand

Due to Texas Drought

We need very high quality horse hay. Timothy or orchard mix is good. Other may be considered.

2011 Farm Science Review

Advance Sale Ticket Order Form

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is once again providing members an opportunity to purchase tickets for the Farm Science Review in advance.

USDA Designates 5 Ohio Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Severe Weather to Blame

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated five Ohio counties as primary agricultural natural disaster areas, making certain farmers and other agricultural producers in the counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG)

Applications Available

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association and the Ohio Soybean Council have joined forces to assist individual cooperatives in pursuing mutually beneficial grant funding opportunities.

AFIA Webcast on SPCC Rule

State and Regional Feed & Grain Associations

Next week, AFIA is conducting a webcast on the SPCC rule featuring two EPA officials.

Kelvin Miller, age 55, Sales Manager of Ashand Scale Co., Inc. .

Passed away unexpectedly last week (7/14/11)

Kelvin joined ABSCO Scales in April of 1986 as a salesman in the Ashland, Ohio office.

Get the Most Out of Your OABA News & Notes

A Member Benefit

We hope you are enjoying your weekly OABA News & Notes. In order for you to fully benefit from the information; check out these helpful tips:

Washington Report - 7/8/11

By: Steve Kopperud

Get the latest Wasington happenings right here!

Past OABA Board Chair Dies

Hal H. Hammel passed away on June 30th

With sadness we inform you of the recent passing of Hal Hammel. Hal died on June 30th. Funeral services took place at the Klaus-Weigel Funeral Home in Hamilton, Ohio on July 2nd. He was born in 1925 in Hamilton.

OABA Members and Staff Tour Transloading Facilities, Rail Terminals in Chicago

Courtesy of the Ohio Soybean Council

Members and staff of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association joined the board of directors of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) to tour container loading and shipping facilities in the Chicago area on Thursday, June 23. The purpose of the visit was to develop a more thorough understanding of the containerized movement of soybeans and other agricultural products.

State Government at Work

Governor Signs State Budget - Ohio Estate Tax Repealed - House Bill 229 Provides for Regulatory Revisions - Legislation Approved to Clarify Animals at Large Liability

Washington Report - 7/1/11

By: Steve Kopperud

Get the latest Washington happenings right here!

Trade Matters

Ohio is the 7th Largest Exporting State

Watch the fourth and final part of our series on why Trade Matters to Ohio's ag economy.

NGFA Urges STB to Take Action on Switching Charges at Public Hearing on Rail Competition

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today (June 22) urged the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) to review its policies that allow freight railroads to unilaterally impose excessive switching charges that can close off access to agricultural markets.

NGFA Commends CFTC’s Proposed Action to Extend Dodd-Frank Deadline for Implementing Swaps Provisions

Action Important to Continued Use of Off-Exchange Ag Options-Based Contracts

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has commended the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for proposing an action that would extend what otherwise would be an automatic mid-July implementation of many of the swaps-related provisions of the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory reform law.

TRADE MATTERS

New Video Released Today

Watch our latest video to hear from Ohio AgriBusiness Association's Chris Henney and Ohio Farm Bureau's Adam Sharp as they explain how trade spurs economic development for Ohio farmers and agribusness.

OBAMA CONTINUES TO BACK CORN-BASED ETHANOL

But, wants to see new non-corn biofuels

President Obama continues to support the ethanol industry, but stopped short of committing to increasing the percentage blend of ethanol in gasoline during a White House press conference with regional reporters. While supporting the current corn-based ethanol industry, Obama stressed again his desire to see new biofuels developed from non-corn feedstocks. "Corn-based ethanol over time is not going to provide us with the energy-efficient solutions that are needed," Obama said, but added he wants to maintain "the progress we've made in building up a biofuels infrastructure and the important income generation that has come from ethanol plants."

PINS TOPPLE FOR STUDENTS

Generates over $4,000!

The 12th Annual OABA Bowling For Scholarships event, recently held at Varsity Lanes, Bowling Green , OH, netted nearly $4,000 for the OABA Educational Trust Fund. The Fund is used to provide financial assistance for Ohio students pursuing college/university curriculums, which will lead to careers in agribusiness. Nearly 150 people, mostly OABA members, had a great day of bowling, pizza and a general good time - all in the "dead of winter." A special thanks to those who planned, participated and/or financially sponsored this very worthwhile event.

Winners of the day were:

Individual-Flight A: Andy Clady, Ridgeville Elevator

Individual-Flight B: Brad Gorton, ABIS/JH Ward Agency

Team: Varsity Lanes Chris Hines, Varsity Lanes
Dan Hines, Varsity Lanes
Gary Richardson, Varsity Lanes
Sean Richardson, Varsity Lanes
Thanks to Varsity Lanes, Bowling Green, OH, for their graciousness as our host and for their generous prize and financial contributions.

Thanks to the following for sponsoring lanes, lunch and prizes:

ABIS/JH Ward Agency--Advanced Trading--Advanced Agri-Solutions--Agrium US Inc.--The Andersons (Grain)--The Andersons (Plant Nutrient)--Ashland Scale Co.--Avizent (Frank Gates)--Blanchard Valley Farmers Co-op--Bunge North America-CoBank-- Country Hedging--Country Star Co-op-- Deshler Farmers Elevator--Elevator Services & Storage-- The Farmers Commission Company--FCStone / FGDI--George Greenleaf--The GSI Group--Kraft Foods-- Luckey Farmers--Mennel Milling Co.--Mercer Landmark--Michigan Millers Mutual Ins. Co.-- Morral Companies--Northern Ohio Grain Co-op--Ohigro, Inc.--PCS Sales--Sidney Manufacturing--Town & Country Co-op--Varsity Lanes--Walton Agri-Service, Inc.

Last, but not least, thanks to the "Bowling for Scholarships" committee members for the expenditure of their time and effort:

Dan Hines, Varsity Lanes
John Henry Ward, ABIS/JH Ward Agency
Mark Trenchard, Town & Country Co-op
Jill Boyd, Morral Companies
Beth McAlister, The Andersons

SCOTT MOORHEAD TO BE HONORED

Retirement Reception - March 11th

A retirement reception will be held for Scott Moorhead, General Manager of the former Payne Equity Exchange Company on March 11, 2009 at the Payne American Legion Hall on State Route 49, Payne, OH. Scott's successful career of more than 50 years of service in the Ohio agribusiness industry will be celebrated between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m.

MISSING PERSON FOUND

Kelly Berg alive and in fair condition

You'll recall in mid-December, we sent an OABA "Missing Person" Bulletin seeking your help regarding the apparent kidnapping of Kelly Berg, the brother of Cory Berg, president of Quality Liquid Feeds.

Several of you have asked for an update.

Recently, the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) provided us with a copy of the email below from Cory reporting that his brother had been found alive in New Mexico:

Kelly Berg was found alive and in fair health condition by the FBI in Albuquerque, NM Jan 14th. The FBI is not releasing any further information at this time as they are continuing their investigation. The family of Kelly Berg wants to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and special offers of help during this difficult time. Said Cory Berg, "It's times like these when you briefly loose faith in mankind, but after the outpouring of support and kindness that faith is quickly restored and you realize that the world is still full of good.

Grain Merchandising 101 / 102

Two sessions provide practical overview

The OABA Grain Committee has planned a grain merchandising training course consisting of two classes offering an overview of grain marketing with an emphasis on application. The course is intended for those desiring a greater understanding of grain markets and merchandising tools; such as grain originator, grain accounting and grain operations personnel. This is a great opportunity to provide your banker with a greater understanding of what you deal with in the markets. Those on your agronomy side of the business may also benefit from these classes.

Both classes will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Blanchard Valley Farmers Cooperative, Findlay, Ohio. Merchandising 101 is Tuesday, March 17th with the Merchandising 102 class a week later on Tuesday, March 24th. The course is structured so both classes work together to build a strong knowledge base of the markets and merchandising.

Course content addresses supply and demand, various types of contracts, futures markets, convergence, spreads, options, along with the cost of doing business. This course will help build a greater understanding of the basics of how and what it takes to make the grain marketing process work.

Call the OABA office (614) 326-7520 or visit www.oaba.net to learn more about the course or to register.

Happy Holidays

Here's to us all, God bless us every one!

from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

US WILL FALL SHORT

Won't Meet Biofuels Mandate

Alternative feedstock technologies are not progressing fast enough and corn-based ethanol is not being produced in sufficient quantities for U.S. industry to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2022 mandate, says the Energy Information Agency (EIA) in its annual forecast of domestic energy production. "The key risk factor is rate of development of cellulosic biofuels technology," the agency said, adding that near-term growth of cellulosic is "certainly a question mark." EIA said U.S. producers will only blend about 30 billion gallons of biofuels, including corn-based ethanol, by 2022, 17% short of the mandated 36 billion gallons.

THE OBAMA CABINET COMPLETED

No Opposition Expected

The Obama transition team set a record in announcing nominations for cabinet secretary positions - and some agency/commission heads - by completing the majority of its proposed nominations prior to Christmas. Now the job is selecting the subcabinet - all though deputy, under and assistant secretaries. No one will be formally nominated to fill a cabinet slot until President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in as president, but the following list shows those nominees who have accepted or are very likely to accept (*) the President-elect's invitation to join his cabinet:

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Agriculture

Former Sen. Tom Daschle (D, SD) Health & Human Services

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY) State

Sec. Robert Gates, Defense

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Commerce

Timothy Geithner, New York Fed president Treasury

Eric Holder, former Clinton justice official Attorney General/Justice

Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, former Army chief of staff Veterans Affairs

Arne Duncan, Chicago schools superintendent Education

Shaun Donovan, New York City housing commissioner HUD

Dr. Steven Chu, scientist/scholar Energy

Lisa Jackson, former head of New Jersey EPA EPA

Sen. Ken Salazar (D, CO) Interior

Rep. Ray LaHood (R, IL) Transportation

Rep. Hilda Solis (D, CA) Labor

Peter Orszag, former Clinton advisor, CBO director OMB

Gary Gensler, Clinton treasury subcabinet CFTC

Mary Schapiro, former regulator SEC

Ron Kirk, former Dallas mayor Special Trade Representative

So far, no significant opposition to any intended nominee has surfaced, and all are expected to be confirmed quickly by the Senate.

GRAIN OPERATIONS TRAINING COURSE

Only 6 openings remain

LIST OF AG SECRETARY CANDIDATES EXPANDS

Selection no earlier than Thanksgiving and probably later

Experience teaches that more often than not someone touted for a cabinet secretary slot early on likely doesn't get it, however the list of candidates for Secretary of Agriculture continues to expand. The former Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa has recieved the most lip service, with many contending his selection would be a political pay-back from the Obama Administration, based on Vilsack's short-lived run for the Democrat nomination during the Iowa caucuses. The newest name on the list is John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Assn., a fourth generation Virginia farmer and unsuccessful 2000 House candidate, who has pushed various Administrations for years on civil rights and equal treatment issues related to black farmers and ranchers. The other most-talked-about candidates are former Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D, TX), now a consultant with a Washington law firm; Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), a registered lobbyist; Rep. Collin Peterson (D, MN), sitting chair of the House Agriculture Committee who's repeatedly said he isn't seeking the job, and North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, a very distant long-shot candidate, but being touted by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Also new to the list are Dallas Tonsager, a South Dakota farmer, former state Farmers Union president, and co-chair of the Obama ag advisory team; Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sibelius (D), and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D, SD), both of whom are also touted as possible candidates for Secretary of Health & Human Services, as well as other slots in an Obama Administration. Also making the list is Marshall Matz, a Washington food and nutrition attorney at the same law firm as Stenholm, who co-chaired the Obama agriculture advisory committee.

CONTAINER/CONTAINMENT FINAL RULE CHANGES ANNOUNCED

December 29, 2008 is the effective date

EPA Pesticide Container Regulations - EPA is amending the pesticide container and containment regulations, which provide for the safe storage and disposal of pesticides, effective December 29, 2008.
Organization: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Summary: This final rule:
* extends the labeling compliance date from August 17, 2009 to August 17, 2010;
* changes the phrase ``sold or distributed'' to ``released for shipment'' as associated with all of the compliance dates;
* provides certain exceptions to label language requirements;
* allows for waivers of certain label requirements; and
* makes various minor editorial changes.
* In addition, the Agency is amending 40 CFR part 152 by establishing a definition for ``released for shipment.''

Web site: The Federal Register notice is at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-25665.htm

Supporting documents and related materials are under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0327, which is available at http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0327

A nice list of the amendments appears on the U.S. EPA website athttp://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/container-amendments.htm#citations

Contact: Jeanne Kasai, Field and External Affairs Division (FEAD), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, telephone number: (703) 308-3240; fax number: (703) 308-2962; e- mail address: kasai.jeanne@epa.gov or

Nancy Fitz, FEAD, OPP, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, telephone number: (703) 305-7385; fax number: (703) 308-2962; e-mail address: fitz.nancy@epa.gov

(A special thanks to CropLife America for providing this information and working so diligenly in providing comments on behalf of the industry)

OHIO YIELD FORECAST

According to USDA Ag Statistics

Based on conditions as of October 1, Ohio's average corn yield is forecast at 147 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from the previous month's forecast. Total grain production is forecast at 463.05 million bushels, down 14 % from last year's State production total.

The 2008 average soybean yield for Ohio is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, down 4 bushels from last month's forecast and 9 bushels below the 2007 average State yield. Total State production is forecast at 174.04 million bushels, down 13% from 2007.

U.S. corn production is forecast at 12.2 billion bushels, up1% from last month but 7% below 2007. U.S. soybean production is forecast at 2.98 billion bushels, up 2% from September and up 11 % from last year.

USDA, DOE ANNOUNCE NATIONAL BIOFUELS ACTION PLAN

Moving toward non-food feedstocks

A "national biofuels action plan" has been released by USDA and the Department of Energy (DOE), a broad interagency effort to accelerate development of the domestic alternative fuels industry. The plan, part of President Bush's goal to reduce gasoline consumption by 20% over the next 10 years, is built off of $1 billion in congressionally authorized spending on such things as cellulosic ethanol, and is designed to ensure "...the next generation of biofuels that are made primarily from feedstocks outside the food supply..." Part of the plan examines using higher percentages of ethanol in gasoline, increasing the average from 10% blends (E10) to E15 or E20. DOE has been conducting testing on the higher blends since 2007, and has thus far found no significant changes in emissions. The plan also takes a look at the "deployment of cellulosic biorefineries" as critical to hitting biofuel mandates, and DOE announced an additional $76.3 million in grant money to ongoing projects. Subject to appropriations, DOE and USDA will award another $7 million in grants to five projects to develop cost-effective, environmentally friendly ways to convert non-food feedstocks into stabilized pyrolysis oils - those developed though superheating of biomass.

COMMODITY GROUPS URGE USDA TO STEP UP TO AG EQUITY CRUNCH

Temporary loan guarantees encouraged

With rural businesses and producers dealing with an increasing liquidity crisis, most of the nation's major commodity groups are calling on Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer to help stave off future compounding of the situation by another strong runup in commodity prices. The fear is that farmers, rural businesses and others could hit borrowing limits or lenders could hit limits on their ability to manage the risks associated with these loans. The groups contend USDA has the authority through the Commodity Credit Corp. (CCC) to set up a temporary loan guarantee program to ensure "efficient marketing" if credit tightens. USDA would guarantee loans to institutions loaning to ag business and allow for the continuation of forward contracting and input supply financing to producers.

Asmark Institute, Inc. Regulatory Compliance Program a Great Member Service

Asmark Institute offers a simple, effective and cost efficient regulatory compliance tool

We are all aware of new heightened security across the country. Agribusiness, by its nature faces many risks and security issues. It follows then that governmental regulations and oversight are becoming more demanding, in-turn requiring more of your time. In addition to governmental pressure, insurance companies are taking a closer look at agribusiness to make sure companies are in regulatory compliance, as well as providing timely training to employees, as a condition of coverage, or as a way to help reduce liability insurance premiums.

In an effort to help members address the increased pressures and workload associated with regulatory compliance, the Ohio AgriBusiness Association partner, the Asmark Institute, Inc. offers members a simple, effective and cost efficient, web based regulatory compliance and training tool.

Asmark provides the tools to give you the piece-of-mind that your regulatory and training requirements are being fulfilled.

If compliance is taking more of your time then you would like, and you are not sure you are getting it all done, then you need to contact OABA today to learn more about the Asmark Institute.

UPCOMING OABA EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Mark your calendars now

OABA committees have been busy planning great educational opportunities for members:

• Seed Technology Seminar November 13, 2008, All Occasions, Waldo, OH
  
• Crop Production Conference / Advanced Agronomy Workshop January 8 & 9, 2009 Fawcett Center, Columbus, OH
• Custom Applicator Recertification Day January 21, 2009, All Occasions, Waldo, OH

NEW MILEAGE RATES

Increases by 8 cents

As of July 1, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobil (includes vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business increased from 50.5 cents per mile to 58.5 cents per mile. The new standard mileage rate will remain in effect through December 31, 2008.

OABA GRAIN DAY

What financing alternatives are there & other important gems of information

The OABA Grain Committee has planned a very timely program for this year's OABA Grain Day Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at All Occasions, Waldo Ohio.

Grain Day's program looks at how rising markets have placed a burden on how business is being done. Operation costs are staggering, risk exposures are enormous been and the ability to sustain a place in the market has new constraints never before encountered by agribusiness.

OABA is providing a forum to help you gather information allowing you to make discussions in a timely manner. This program is intended for owners, general managers, CFO's and merchandisers, but anyone in your organization needing an understanding of financing and the markets should plan to attend this enlightening program!

Program registration has been mailed and is also posted at www.oaba.net.

OHIO SUPREME COURT DECISION IMPACTS PRACTICES OF OHIO AGRIBUSNIESS FIRMS

Interest rates must be in a written agreement with customers

Many Ohio agribusiness firms have in the past put notations on company invoices to customers regarding the interest rate due on past due accounts. The Ohio Supreme Court on March 26, 2008, ruled that notations on invoices and account statements setting interest rates different than Ohio's statutory rate (a variable rate, which is currently 8% per annum) are not enforceable.

The case involved an Ohio agribusiness seeking to enforce its invoice terms which provided for compound interest at the rate of 24% per annum. The Court found that Ohio law requires a separate written contract and that the agribusiness did not have such a written contract with the customer. A number of Ohio courts had previously ruled that interest terms based on invoice notations were enforceable.

What this means to Ohio agribusiness and other firms intending to charge interest above the variable statutory rate on open accounts need to have a separate written agreement with their customers. Such an agreement could be in a form of a master agreement governing the parties' business arrangement, or some other written document. The bottom line is that simply notifying customers of the interest rate terms is not sufficient based on the Court's decision.

Courtesy of attorney David C. Barrett, Jr., BARRETT, EASTERDAY, CUNNINGHAM & ESELGROTH LLP

FARM BILL UPDATE

House, Senate Successfully Override White House Veto of Incomplete Farm Bill

The House and Senate this week successfully voted to override the President's veto of HR 2419 - an incomplete version of the 2008 Farm Bill missing its trade section due to a clerical error in the House Speaker's office. Ag leaders on both sides of Capitol Hill were quick to point out that with the successful override votes, the new provisions included in the 14 titles of HR 2419 are now law. "Most of the Farm Bill is now law and the Administration can begin implementing the new programs and policies immediately," said House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D, MN) and ranking member Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R, VA). However, this means trade title programs, including cooperator funding, export promotion, food assistance programs and other trade provisions are in limbo until both chambers pass a "repaired" Farm Bill.

On May 22, the House took that action and passed a complete Farm Bill (HR 6124) as originally agreed to in conference committee. The Senate was unable to take action on the "repaired" bill before it left on its week-long Memorial Day recess, so it will take up the complete package early the week of June 2. However, while the House was able to pass the complete package under suspension of its rules, a move that permitted no amendments, the Senate faces a growing number of critics on the GOP side of the aisle who want to see changes in the bill, primarily to remove costly earmarks unrelated to farm programs. Attempts to remove earmarks in the Senate are unlikely to be successful given its overwhelming initial approval, but at least one Senator is known to be threatening a "hold" on the bill - preventing the chamber from taking any action to pass the newly restored Farm Bill.

In an embarrassing bureaucratic blunder - now sucking up precious House and Senate floor time -- the House enrolling clerk "inadvertently" dropped the trade title from the bill (HR 2419) sent to the White House and subsequently vetoed by President Bush. House Democrats wanted to simply reinsert the trade title and send the bill back to the White House, but the House parliamentarian objected. Further complicating the situation, the House had already voted 316-108 to override the veto, despite GOP recommendations to hold off on the floor action. The "snafu," discovered by the White House after the President vetoed the bill, derailed the House and Senate's legislative schedules, delaying a House vote on the FY2009 budget. Dodging a bullet, if the budget resolution had passed before the "new" Farm Bill was approved, critics could have tried to force a cost analysis against the new budget numbers, which potentially could have totally derailed the Farm Bill package. Said the White House about the "congressional Farm Bill foul up:" "We believe this would be a perfect time to fix the earmarks, budget gimmicks and increased subsidies to wealthy farmers. Congress should also take the opportunity to fix the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program...ACRE will subject American taxpayers to billions of dollars in more payments to farmers already enjoying profitable years."

AgriPOWER INSTITUTE

Ohio Farm Bureau Launches AgriPOWER Institute

A new program created by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) will help farmers and agribusiness's gain influence over public policy issues that impact their businesses.

The AgriPOWER Institute is an intensive, year-long leadership course designed to develop advocates for the agriculture industry. OFBF will enroll 20 individuals in the institute's inaugural year.

Starting this summer, selected farmers and agribusiness representatives will engage in seven two- to three-day training sessions. The program is designed to make efficient use of participant's time, and dates have been selected with respect to a farm's busy calendar.

Both OFBF staff and outside experts will provide extensive instruction on the policy issues that face local communities, Ohio, the nation and the world. Specific sessions will focus on important leadership skills such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure. The program will also offer external educational experiences, including a planned trip to Washington, D.C.

Tuition is $4,000 and includes lodging, meals, group travel, materials and all course contents. OFBF is offering 14 full scholarships in the program's first year. Additional scholarships may be available through the support of other organizations.

"Farm Bureau has always been about leadership. This program is a concentrated effort to help our members become even more effective in the public policy arena," said Keith Stimpert, OFBF executive vice president of public policy.

Those accepted are asked to commit to all of the sessions. Applications, as well as session dates, locations and descriptions are available at www.ofbf.org. Applications are due May 30. For more information on the program please contact Sandy Kuhn at skuhn@ofbf.org or 614-246-8288. Applications can be downloaded at www.ofbf.org/page/DTOD-7CXNMU/

PESTICIDE CONTAINER RECYCLING PROGRAM IN NEW HANDS

Container Services Network LLC is new provider

The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) has awarded Container Services Network LLC (CSN) the contract to recycle triple rinsed pesticide containers - up to 55 gallons - for the Mid -West region, which includes Ohio.

CSN will work with dealers to ensure the most efficient and economic methods of recycling are used while meeting all ACRC protocols. CSN will utilize its regional service centers (two in OH) to process "whole" containers rather then chip on-site. By doing so they can offer year round pick up of containers at not cost, when at least 6,000 lbs are available to be picked up. Pick up of lesser amounts may result in a transportation fee.

CSN provides bags for the collection of 5 gallon and smaller containers. The bag system not only streamlines the pick up process, but also aids in container accumulation for dealers that may have fewer containers. Each bag will hold approximately 50, 2 gallon containers. Containers over 5 gallons will be loaded loose. All containers must be triple rinsed with caps and labels removed. CSN will work with dealers to schedule pickups.

If you have any questions as to how the CSN ACRC Recycling Program works, or how CSN can be of assistance call (866) 225-6629, or visit www.ContainerServicesNetwork.com

FARM BILL CONFERENCE DEAL REACHED

President to Veto as Race to Secure Votes Begins

In a press conference that began with Senate Ag Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D, IA) announcing, "I'm a happy man," and likening the production of a comprehensive Farm Bill to "passing a kidney stone," House and Senate leaders and Farm Bill conferees announced agreement on all sections of the 2008 Farm Bill. The bill, still awaiting an official price tag from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), comes in $10.4 billion over the budget baseline, with all new funding going to federal nutrition programs. In fact, over 73% of the spending in the bill goes to foods stamps, feeding programs and food aid, with only about 16% going to farm payments and other program spending. The overall cost of the bill is estimated at $610 billion over 10 years, but the final language won't be released by the conference committee until the CBO score is received. House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D, MN) said he intends to have the language posted to the committee website (http://www.agriculture.house.gov/) by 9 a.m., Monday, May 12, so members can study the bill. It's currently planned for the bill to go to the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, May 13, and be on the floor to begin debate on Wednesday, May 14. The Senate will take the bill up on much the same schedule. The goal is to get an approved bill to the President before Friday, May 16, when the current extension of the 2002 Farm Bill expires.

The President said he'd veto the bill in its current form. The big question now is can Congress pass the bill with a margin guaranteeing an override of the Bush veto? An early signal the veto threat is real was the May 8 announcement by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R, OH), former member of the House Ag Committee who represents a predominantly ag district, saying he opposes the bill. Boehner said the bill "continued to get worse this week rather than better." Boehner's opposition is a blow to House ag leaders who need to pass the bill by better than a two-thirds vote to guarantee the override.

GRAIN GRADING SCHOOLS

Two in 08

Commodity testers whose certification expires September 30, 2008 have two opportunities to recertify by attending one of OABA's Grain Grading Schools. The two, three hour session are ODA approved for recertification.

Individuals wanting to become certified will also find these schools a great way to prepare for and take the Commodity Tester Exam. The exam is offered at the conclusion of each school.

The schools are: Wednesday June 11th or Thursday, September 4th. Both schools are held at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Reynoldsburg, OH. Instruction is provided by Eurofins Scientific, Inc. and Steve Peters Inc.

Registration information has been mailed to all licensed commodity handlers.

Don't miss these opportunities to renew your commodity tester certification ahead of the September 30, 2008 deadline.

Registration is available anytime by going to www.oaba.net.

OK! OK! HERE'S THE INFORMATION YOU WANT

OABA golf outing dates, locations and registration information available!

WANT A "WIN . WIN" EXPERIENCE

Get involved with your association

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) is seeking members interested in serving on various OABA committees. Committees are the backbone of association activities. Committees plan educational programs for members and help direct association policy. The OABA standing committees are:

• Agronomy & Plant Protection
  
• Anhydrous Ammonia
  
• Crop Production Conference
  
• Feed Committee
  
• Grain Committee
  
• Safety & Risk Management
  
• Seed Committee

MARKETS CFTC ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURAL FORUM

Concern over markets

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced it will convene a public meeting to discuss recent events affecting the agriculture markets including the lack of convergence between the futures and cash prices, higher margin requirements and the impact on market participants, and the role of speculators and commodity index traders.

"These historic market conditions, particularly in wheat and cotton, require the CFTC to hear firsthand from participants to ensure that the exchanges are functioning properly to discover prices and manage risk," said CFTC Acting Chairman Walt Lukken.

The forum is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on April 22, 2008 and will be held in the agency's Washington, DC headquarters. It will include representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a broad set of stakeholders in the agricultural markets, such as exchanges, traders, merchandisers and producers. Further details on the forum will be made available in the coming weeks.

OABA MEMBERS ELECT DIRECTORS

Five new Directors to serve on OABA Board

OABA members have elected the following to serve 3 year terms beginning May 1, 2008 on the Ohio AgriBusiness Association's Board of Directors. Newly elected directors are:

• David Wurm, Syngenta Crop Production, Dublin, OH (Representing the Agrichemical Industry Dealer / Distributer-Independent Ownership category)
• David W. Case, Seed Treatment & Technology Technical Sales Representative, Bayer CropScience, Enon, OH (Agrichemical Industry Member-at-Large category)
• Jack Heim, General Manager & Treasurer, Walton Agri-Service, Inc., Upper Sandusky, OH (Representing the Elevator / Terminal Independent Ownership category)
• Thomas F. Zitter, Owner & President, Big K Mills, Inc., Fort Recovery, OH (Representing the Feed Industry Manufacturer category)
• Richard W. Heilmann, Plant Manager, Crop Production Services, Ottawa, OH (Representing the Fertilizer Industry Dealer / Distributer-Independent Ownership category)

Re-elected for a second term are:

• Tom Bostic, President and CEO, Central Ohio Farmers Co-0p, Inc., Marion, OH (Representing the Dealer / Distributor category)

Just under forty percent (40%) of eligible voting members returned a ballot. Thank you for your participation.

For a complete list of the OABA Board of Directors, reference the OABA Directory or the OABA website at http://www.oaba.net/ under the "About Us" tab.

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SAFETY WORKSHOPS

Workshops offer an excellent training opportunity

OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL DEFUNDS MEXICAN TRUCK EXPERIMENT

Will Bush comply?

Tucked inside the FY2008 omnibus spending bill signed by President Bush on December 26, is language that stops the Department of Transportation from spending any money to implement its experimental program under which Mexican trucking companies would be allowed to operate within the U.S. if similar concessions are granted to U.S. companies wanting to operate within Mexico. The deal between the two countries would have required both nation's to certify certain trucking companies which met all existing federal safety and insurance requirements of the respective countries. It's unclear whether the "no funding" provision, included as part of the report accompanying the omnibus bill, will have an impact as President Bush has indicated he may order his departments and agencies to ignore any "instructions" from Congress not contained in legislative language.

JAPAN CONTINUES TO FIND BSE WITHIN ITS BORDERS

Confirms 34th Case

Japan's 34^th case of BSE has been confirmed by the federal government, saying a cow in northern Japan's Hokkaido prefecture has tested positive for the disease. The 15-year-old cow was born in the western part of the country, but raised in Hokkaido.

NEW I-9 FORM RELEASED

Effective now!

The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service has released its revised Form I-9, effective December 26, 2007. Employers using outdated forms are subject to fines and penalties. The 2007 Form I-9 need only be used with new employees and current workers needing re-verification of citizenship.
The new form is designed to meet requirements that reduce the number of documents employers may accept as proof of employment eligibility. The announcement says the following documents are not acceptable because they can be easily forged or tampered with:
*Certificate of U.S. citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
*Certificate of naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
*Alien registration receipt card (Form I-151)
*Unexpired reentry permit (Form I-327)
*Unexpired refugee travel document (Form I-571)
*
Acceptable documents include:

*U.S. passport (expired or unexpired)
*Permanent resident card or alien registration card (Form I-551)
*Unexpired foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp
*Unexpired employment authorization document that contains a photograph (Form I-766, I-688A or I-688B
*Unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired arrival-departure record (Form I-94) bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the worker's nonimmigrant status for nonimmigrant aliens authorized to work for a specific employer.

For details, go to http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis, and click on the "Important Alerts" section of the website.

SENATE PASSES FARM BILL

Conner says bill is flawed

The Senate moved quickly Friday afternoon to resolve procedural differences and voted to approve HR 2419 on a vote 79-14. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) acting Secretary Chuck Conner, "Farmers and ranchers face enormous uncertainties and deserve a safety net, and I am a firm believer in federal support of agriculture. Yet, the farm bill just passed by the Senate fails to strengthen the safety net and increases taxes to generate $15 billion in revenue used to grow the size and scope of government. The bill further increases price supports and continues to send farm subsidies to people who are among the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. The Senate-passed farm bill does not represent fiscal stewardship and lacks farm program reform.

"This legislation is fundamentally flawed. Unless the House and Senate can come together and craft a measure that contains real reform, we are no closer to a good farm bill than we were before today's passage.

DOT LIMITS HOURS OF SERVICE ON SOME DRIVERS

Ag production-related driving exempted

An 11-hour hours-of-service (HOS) limit within a 14-hour duty period will be maintained for commercial drivers, according to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Under the interim final rule, drivers would have to be off duty for at least 10 hours after an 11-hour run. DOT said the 11-hour maximum maintains improved safety records for commercial drivers. In 2006, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.94 the lowest ever recorded. DOT said it is also working on a proposed rule to require drivers and trucking companies with serious or repeat hours of service violations to track compliance with on-board recorders. Agriculture enjoys a specific HOS exemption for production related driving.

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SIX CLARK STATE STUDENTS

Note to OABA Members: Please consider these top-notch students when hiring

OABA Educational Trust Scholarships were awarded to:

Abigayle R. Stump, Bellefontaine, OH (expected graduation Spring 2009)

Matthew W. Wildman, South Charleston, OH (expected graduation Spring 2009)

Ethan M. Womacks, Jamestown, OH (expected graduation Spring 2009)

George Greenleaf Agri-Industry Scholarships (under the stewardship of the OABA Educational Trust) were awarded to:

Robert Bair, Eldorado, OH (expected graduation Spring 2008)

Matthew Haun, West Liberty, OH (expected graduation Spring 2008)

Roger W. Wright, Springfield, OH (expected graduation Spring 2009)

Congratulations to all we look forward to you joining Ohio's agribusiness industry.

HERCULEX RW, HERCULEX I/RR2 APPROVED FOR IMPORT INTO EU

News release by Dow AgroSciences, LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred

The European Commission has granted full food, feed, processing and import approval of grain corn and derived products containing the Herculex RW Rootworm Protection trait, as well as the stack of Herculex I Insect Protection andRoundup Ready Corn 2 (RR2), into the European Union (EU).

These products had previously been deemed safe by the EU's own independent scientific authority . the European Food Safety Authority . and have been approved in numerous other countries around the world already. This decision means grain with these traits is immediately approved for import as grain and processed products into the 27-nation EU.

For a complete copy of the news release contact the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.

10 YEARS OF ELEVATOR ARTICLES

OABA and other state ag associations help sponsor

For ten years Bruce & Barbara Selyem have been writing
the column "Old Time Grain Elevator" for the grain industry's
trade magazine, Grain Journal. While driving through Kansas
in December 2006, the idea of collecting all 10 years of col-
umns and making them into a book, started the process made available in September 2007.

Old Time Grain Elevators: Stories & Photography Of A
Vanishing Way of Life is a hardbound, 180-page collection of
60 grain elevator stories and essays representing 25 states and
provinces. The stories are illustrated with 123 color photo-
graphs and includes a gallery of another 20 photographs at the
end of the book.

To make this book possible, there is a section of sponsors'
advertisements. These advertisers were invited and selected
to represent a cross section of today's grain industry. Modeled
after a series of early 20th century grain elevator books, the
ads are of value for today, but will also be of historic interest
for generations.

The book sells for $25 US plus shipping. Contact Bruce
& Barbara Selyem, 155 Prospector Trail, Bozeman, MT 59718,

406.388.9282, bselyem@grainelevatorphotos.com

AGRICULTURAL AND HOLY LAND TOUR OF ISRAEL

February 9-20, 2008

Israel is one of the most meaningful and exciting places in the world and offers a unique opportunity to us in Ohio, especially in the field of agriculture. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (http://www.ofbf.org/) is offering an Agricultural and Holy Land Tour of Israel February 9-20, 2008 as their 2008 international agriculture study tour. The mission is co-sponsored by the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of the Negev Foundation (http://www.negev.org/) as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance Ohio-Israel agro-trade relations.

The mission offers participants the chance to visit with Israeli farmers, agriculture specialists, and agricultural community leaders. Participants will also have the opportunity to view first hand the advanced technologies being used in Israeli agriculture. Mission members will participate in tours focused on agricultural sectors including: dairy, cattle, field crops, cut flowers, ornamentals, greenhouses, irrigation, aquaculture, wine, and desert agriculture. In addition, the trip will provide a special opportunity to visit Holy Land sites in Nazareth and Jerusalem and around the Sea of Galilee.

The mission fee includes round trip air transportation from Columbus to Israel (airport tax and fuel surcharges not included), all hotel accommodations, most meals, touring, and tips. The cost of the mission is $2,419.00 per person, based on double occupancy. Participation is limited and reservations are taken on a first come - first served basis. Early registration and travel insurance are highly recommended. A $300.00 deposit and a signed passenger reservation form contract are required to secure your space on the mission.

Ohioans involved in agriculture and agribusiness are invited to join this unique tour Please see http://ofbf.org/page/REVN-74ZFY9/ for details. If you are interested in exploring collaboration or business opportunities with Israel while on the mission, for more information concerning the trip to Israel, to receive a brochure describing the mission, and for a registration form, please contact Dr. Sarah Horowitz, Program Director, Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of The Negev Foundation at (216) 691-9997 or sarah@negev.org ASAP.

EPA SAYS STARLINK TESTING NO LONGER NECESSARY

Asks for Public Input

Reporting that over 99.9% of corn tested in 2006 for the active protein in StarLink corn was negative and that the risk to human health is extremely low, EPA is asking for public comment on a draft white paper that would withdraw FDA guidance for the testing. No StarLink corn has been planted since 2000 when illegal residues of the corn were found in food products. Testing, says the white paper, would provide "no additional human health protection." To comment on the white paper, go to http://www.epa.gov/.

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SECURITY TAX CREDIT

Would assist with security implementation costs

A special thanks to the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) for its leadership in persuading the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), to include the Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit in the Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007. ARA worked with Senator Pat Roberts(R-KS), a committee member, to sponsor this important amendment included in a final finance bill. Present law does not provide a credit for agricultural business security. This proposal will allow a retailer of agricultural products and chemicals or a manufacturer, formulator, or distributor of certain pesticides a business tax credit for 30 percent of costs for the protection of such chemicals or pesticides, including employee security training and background checks, installation of security equipment, and computer network safeguards. The proposal in the modification to the Chairman's mark sets a $2 million annual limit on such credit and a per facility limitation of $100,000 (reduced by credits received for the five prior taxable years). The cost is $14 million over ten years. ARA is working with a broad coalition, including the National Agricultural Aviation Association, CropLife America, Chemical Producers and Distributors, The Fertilizer Institute and regional and state associations (such as the Ohio AgriBusiness Association;) to secure passage by contacting key committee members from their respective states. For more information, please contact Richard Gupton, ARA vice president of public policy and counsel at richard@aradc.org or (202) 457-0825.

KALMBACH FEEDS HOLDS GRAND OPENING

New Feed Plant Doubles Capacity

Ohio AgriBusiness Association member Kalmbach Feeds, Upper Sandusky, OH recently dedicated their new $12 million feed plant located just north of the company's present plant and office on State Route 199 north of Upper Sandusky. The new complex consists of a slip-formed processing tower, measuring approximately 45'Wx60'Lx150'H. A prefabricated steel framed building surrounds the plant's processing tower and houses support process functions. A 46,000 square foot prefabricated steel process and warehouse building is connected to the main plant tower. The plant is fully automated from receiving to bulk load out.

Over 700 people attended the event. The plant was dedicated in the name of Milton P. Kalmbach (1930-2007) who along with his wife Ruth founded the business in 1963.

SPEED IDENTIFICATION SYMBOL

Required by October 19, 2007

Ohio Governor Strickland signed the Speed Identification Symbol (SIS) bill into law in mid July. The law, effective October 19, 2007, is primarily directed to identifying farm machinery (includes commercial applicators and some towed equipment) which has been designed in its original equipment configuration for specified ground speeds greater than 25mph. The law allows said machinery to operate above 25mph when displaying both Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) and SIS emblems.

For a detailed two page summary of the law in a "question and answer" format prepared by The Ohio State University Extension, contact the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) office at (614) 326-7520 or info@oaba.net

TOWNSHIP SPEED REDUCTION BILL DRAFTED

Would give township trustees "at will" power

State Representative Matthew Barrett (58^th District, Amherst, OH) has drafted a bill relating to speed limits in townships. The bill would allow township trustees to reduce the speed limit, at their will, depending on the type of road.

Three tiers would be established. First, unimproved highways, with the intention of including Chip-and-Seal, could be reduced to a 35 mph zone at the discretion of the township trustees. Second, paved highways less than 18 feet wide could be reduced to a 45 mph zone, again without engineering study and at the direction of the township trustees. The third tier, or improved highways over 18 feet wide, would fall under the current system of speed limits of 55 mph reduced through engineering and traffic investigation.

Representative Barrett has asked Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members to provide him with any comments you might have on this bill prior to his introducing it. To voice your comments or arrange a meeting with Representative Barrett, contact Jennifer Koperdak of his office at (614) 466-9628 or (800) 282-0253.

If you would like a copy of the 20 page bill draft contact the Ohio AgriBusiness Office at (614) 326-7520.

JOHANNS RESIGNS

Will run for Senate Conner Takes USDA Helm

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns resigned his cabinet post September 20, fueling reports he intends to run for the Nebraska Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R, NE) in 2008. USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner was named acting Secretary of Agriculture by President Bush, and is expected by industry insiders to get the nomination to formally succeed Johanns.

GRAIN GRADING SCHOOL FOR COMMODITY TESTERS

One last chance

Commodity testers whose certification expires September 30, 2007 have a great opportunity to recertify by attending OABA's Grain Grading School. The three hour session is ODA approved for recertification.

Individuals needing to become certified will also find this school a great way to prepare for, and take the Commodity Tester Exam. The exam is offered at the conclusion of the school.

The school is Thursday, September 6, 2007, at ODA, Reynoldsburg, OH. Instruction is provided by Eurofins Scientific, Inc. and Steve Peters, Inc.

Registration information is being mailed to all licensed commodity testers.

Don't miss this opportunity to renew commodity tester certifications before the September 30, 2007 deadline.

For secured online registration, REGISTER TODAY!.

Registration is also available anytime by going to www.oaba.net and clicking on the calendar.

AS EXPECTED-CORN ACRES ARE UP

Both in Ohio and U.S.

According to the latest USDA News Release, Ohio farmers planted an estimated 4.0 million acres of corn this past spring. This is up 850,000 acres from the previous year and represents the largest amount of corn acreage in the state since 1985 when an estimated 4.25 million acres were planted.

U.S. corn planted for all purposes is estimated at 92.9 million acres in 2007, up 19 percent from 2006 and 14 percent higher than 2005.

HOUSE FARM BILL WRANGLE IS ALL ABOUT MONEY, REFORM

Two versions may be submitted

In the wake of House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson's subcommittee revolt over farm program payments his subcommittee surprised him last week by approving an extension of 2002 commodity payments non-agriculture committee members say without cuts in subsidy payments to pay for new initiatives in conservation, energy and nutrition programs, floor consideration of the Farm Bill will be a battle royal. It's now expected Peterson may bring two versions of the omnibus package to the full committee when it begins markup, likely the week of July 16. One version would be his preferred approach, a draft bill within the budget constraints set by House rules, but which cuts crop subsidy programs, limits overall payments to farmers and uses the cuts to pay for new programs. The other would extend farm programs as they are, but allocate $20 billion in reserve funding to new initiatives. Peterson continues to talk with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D, CA) about offsets to pay for new initiatives, including money for fruits and vegetable grower programs important to Pelosi's state, but so far only offsets for cellulosic ethanol research and processing plants has been forthcoming. The lack of dollars to meet the "pay-go" rules of the House means the push to waive that rule is growing. However, non-ag committee members are unlikely to go along with a budget waiver simply because Peterson can't get consensus within his committee.

CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS

Performance standards will be risk-based

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published in the Federal Register an interim final rule on "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards" (CFATS). DHS will soon publish its final list of "chemicals of interest" which will include some fertilizer products regulated by CFATS. Facilities possessing those chemicals will be required to adhere to new and complex regulations.

The regulation will require online submission of data and significant information exchange between facilities and DHS. Careful thought and planning is necessary from the outset in order to adequately work through the regulatory process.

The interim final rule listed anhydrous ammonia, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and urea as chemicals of interest. DHS has made significant changes to the list, but those changes will not be known until the list is published in the coming weeks.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) encourages their members to familiarize themselves with the regulatory process, including user registration and a Top-Screen, also known as a criticality assessment. Following the Top-Screen, only facilities which DHS determines to present a high level of security risk will proceed through the regulatory process. (The Fertilizer Institute TFI)

THE SUMMER'S FIRST "GOLF FOR SCHOLARSHIPS" EVENT IS A SUCCESS!

Late Scramble is August 15th

The first OABA "Golf for Scholarships" event of the year drew many participants who enjoyed a great day of golf and networking. Deer Ridge Golf Club, Bellville, OH continues to be very challenging. The elevations and valleys made for some very "interesting" shots and the rough gobbled up golf balls like "squirrels eatn' buckeyes." But when all was said and done, a great time was had by all and the scholarship fund benefited significantly.

The winners were:

First Place - Jim Pullins, Monsanto; Craig Davis, producer guest; Donald Davis, producer guest and Kevin Davis, producer guest.

Runners Up Dave Case, Bayer CropScience; Paul Kaffenbarger, Champaign Landmark, Inc.; Jerry Nickoli, Schlessman Seed Co. and Doug Uher, Luckey Farmers, Inc.

Putting Contest Dan Hines, Varsity Lanes

OABA MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Ken Wannemacher joins Ag States Group

Ken Wannemacher, formerly of Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company, has joined the Ag States Group. Ken brings his Michigan Millers book of business with him and will continue to service these accounts from his office in Ottoville, OH. Additionally, Ag States Group has purchased a portion of the Michigan Millers book of business formerly serviced by Steve Davis and Jim Andriot. These customers will be serviced by current Ag States Group employee, Elliott Doyle, from his office in Worthington, OH.

Ag States Group is the nation's largest agribusiness insurance broker serving more than 2,200 agribusinesses throughout the United States and offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to address the diverse needs of its customers.

OHIO CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION ADVISES GROWERS BIOTECH TRAIT LACKS WORLDWIDE APPROVAL

OABA and OCGA to compile list of elevators / feedmills

As the 2007 corn planting season gets under way, the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA) is advising growers that Syngenta's Agrisure Rootworm trait (MIR 604) has not received full approval anywhere in the world, most notably Japan, the United States largest export customer. The OCGA's and National Corn Growers Association's biotechnology policy supports events that have received full regulatory approval in the United States and throughout the world.

NCGA's request that Syngenta withhold the release of the Agrisure Rootworm trait was solely based on the current lack of full Japanese approvals. "Our request is consistent with our policy, which addresses customer concerns and protects our traditional markets," said OCGA President Mark Drewes. "OCGA supports commercial release of biotech corn events or combination of events that have received full approval by U.S., Japanese and other foreign regulatory agencies."

At this time every kernel of Agrisure RW MIR 604 must be used domestically. The safest available market is for domestic livestock feed. Ethanol plants are not automatic safe delivery points, as the Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) is often exported.

Please contact OABA (614) 326-7520, or Tadd Nicholson, OCGA (740) 360-1228 as soon as possible if your elevator / feed mill is anticipating accepting Agrisure RW this harvest. Doing so will allow us to help growers determine delivery points which are not exposed to export markets.

Should Agrisure MIR 604 be found in the export channels, it has the potential to cause a major market disruption similar to what we've experienced in the past.

Agrisure Rootworm and stacks are carried by NK Brand, Garst and Golden Harvest hybrids.

ETHANHOL HIKING FOOD COSTS: IOWA STATE

One time jump, not a perennial increase

Consumer food price increases due to ethanol competition for corn could be as high as $50 a person per year, according to an Iowa State University study. The roughly $1.50 per bushel run up in corn prices as ethanol competes with food and feed uses is the culprit, the study says, but says the price jump is "a one-time shot, not a perennial increase." Dr. Bruce Babcock, author of the study, said while some companies are passing along legitimate ingredient cost increases, some food companies may be using the corn price increase as an excuse to raise prices.

OFBF EXCELLENCE IN CROP ADVISING AWARD

Nominations now being accepted

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is now accepting nomination for the Excellence in Crop Advising Award. The OFBF Excellence in Crop Advising Award recognizes Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) who have provided superior service and advise for farmers in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio CCA Program will recognize one outstanding Ohio CCA. The Ohio winner will receive a plaque, recognition in publications, and a cash award of $500! The award will be presented to the Ohio CCA state winner at the OSU Farm Science Review in London, Ohio in September 2007.

The purpose of this award is to increase the awareness that farmers and their agronomic advisers strive to do their best in not only making agronomic but economic and environmentally sound cropping decisions. With increasing farm size, complexity of management options and regulatory constraints, farmers are relying more and more on the advice of CCAs. There are over 600 CCAs providing services to Ohio farmers.

Contact the OABA office (614) 326-7520 for a nomination form and a description of nomination process. In order to qualify for the award, at least one of the nominators must be an Ohio Farm Bureau member.

Send nominations to: Amy Hurst, OFBF, 280 North High St., PO Box 182383, and Columbus, OH 43218-2383. The deadline for nominations is July 16, 2007.

ARE YOU TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF OABA MEMBER SERVICE PROGRAMS?

It may be worth your time to check them out

Membership in OABA has many benefits with each member having his/her own reasons for belonging. One popular reason for membership is the Association's member service programs intended to help members save money and time. OABA Member Service programs are:

• Asmark Institute Regulatory Compliance
• Debt Collection
• Drug & Alcohol Testing
• Health Insurance
• Natural Gas Purchasing
• Workers' Compensation

OABA MEMBER EXPANDS OPERATIONS

Auglaize Provico acquires EMP Co-op and plans merger with Minster Farmers Co-op

The Auglaize Farmers Board of Directors has agreed to acquire EMP Co-op Inc. with Auglaize Farmers Co-op stock. Auglaize Provico, Wapakoneta, OH, has been providing management services to EMP Co-op since last December and will continue to do so until the effective date of the transaction, which is September 1, 2007. EMP Co-op is a grain marketing and crop production supply farmer cooperative on the Ohio-Indiana border that operates 6 locations in Ohio and Indiana with 25 employees. EMP Co-op had $33 million in total sales in 2006 with 9 million bushels of grain sales and $7 million in crop supply sales.

In addition. Auglaize/Provico and Minster Farmers Cooperative Exchange, Minster, OH, having worked together in a number of areas such as feed, fertilizer, crop protection products, grain and petroleum, have announced plans of intent to merge the two cooperatives. The merger will require an affirmative vote by the members of both organizations.

CORN GROWERS STAND ALONE

in calling for Revenue-based Payment Program

The National Corn Growers Assn. (NCGA) is the only national commodity group representing a major program crop calling for an end to production-based subsidies as part of the next farm bill rewrite. NCGA would replace the current system with a direct payment plan that would be tied to the average revenue in a farmer's home county. USDA proposed a plan whereby program crop producer payments would be tied to changes in national farm income. NCGA says its plan would add about $800 million a year to the cost of farm programs, starting in 2010. NCGA has been proposing the plan to other commodity groups, but reports indicate no takers so far.

ODA FILES AMMONIA RULE

Allows compliance with special DOT exemption

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has filed a rule to allow companies wishing to test their NH3 nurse tanks, which do not have nameplates, to remain in service following a strict testing protocol.

Nurse tanks with no ASME data plate cannot legally be transported on public highways. This rule allows Ohio companies to voluntarily participate in the Nurse Tank Inspection Program (NTIP). NTIP was established by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to help industry to verify compliance with DOT nurse tank requirements by obtaining a DOT exemption based on a requirement set forth by DOT for the exemption.

To learn more about NTIP, how it works, and the specific requirements, go to www.nursetank.org.

ODA is still in the process of a major rewrite of the current ammonia rules, but wanted to move forward on this in a timely manner in order to allow industry the opportunity to participate in the DOT exemption.

OABA MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

J. H. Ward Agency

The J.H. Ward Agency of Unionville Center, OH has announced plans to merge with LaMair-Mulock-Condon Co. of West Des Moines to form a new partnership, ABIS/J.H. Ward Agency. The new agency brings together the expertise of two leading agencies specializing in insurance and risk management services for agribusiness operations.

The J.H. Ward Agency, Inc. was started in 1994 by John Ward, President. With more than 25 years of experience in the very specialized field of insurance and risk management services for agribusiness operations, John Ward sees many benefits from the new agreement.

"Our commitment to our customers requires that we prepare ourselves not only for the products and services they need today, but also for services they will need in the future," said John Ward. "The opportunity to offer insurance products from leading insurance companies such as Michigan Millers, Nationwide AgriBusiness, Penn Millers and others puts us in a better position to represent our customers. We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with ABIS to expand our services and meet these needs in the years ahead.",

Roger Hoyt, CEO of LaMair-Mulock-Condon Co, offered his comments: "The strengths of the J.H. Ward Agency combined with added services and the access to insurance carriers available through ABIS solidify the company's leadership in the agribusiness insurance market. We will build on our shared tradition of bringing the best in service to all our clients.",

OABA MEMBERS GETTING CABIN FEVER

Have the OABA "Golf for Scholarships" dates been set?

Apparently the cool wet spring weather has inflicted an epidemic of "cabin fever" on several OABA members. We've been getting calls asking for the dates for the two 2007 OABA "Golf for Scholarships" events. Well the "Golf for Scholarships" Committee is right on top of it and tells us the dates are as follows:

OABA "Golf for Scholarships" Early Scramble
Wednesday
June 20, 2007
Deer Ridge Golf Club
Bellville, OH

OABA "Golf for Scholarships" Late Scramble
Wednesday
August 15, 2007
Hawthorne Hills Country Club
Lima, OH

Get both dates marked on your calendar, rearrange the clubs in your bag, take two aspirin and call us in the morning!

OABA TO HOST LUNCHEON FOR NEW ODA DIRECTOR BOGGS

March 28, 2007 at All Occasions Catering, Wado, OH

We are pleased to announce new Ohio Department of Agriculture Director, Bob Boggs has accepted an invitation to meet with OABA members. OABA has planned a lunch meeting for Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at All Occasions Catering, Wado, OH. This is a great opportunity for OABA members to meet Director Boggs and get an early take on his plans and directions for the department.

Call the OABA office to register.

FAPRI SAYS GRAIN PRICES WILL STAY HIGH

Ethanol demand will drive feed cost up

Corn use for ethanol production could double this year from 2005 levels, sucking up nearly 32% of the corn crop, and high corn prices will signal at least an 8.5 million crop acreage shift to corn, according to the 2007 Briefing Book for Congress compiled by the Food & Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) out of the University of Missouri. FAPRI's report was recently released in Washington, DC. Other message points include high crop prices mean higher net income for grain farmers while translating into higher feed costs cutting into the profits of livestock producers. The price of producing pork, FAPRI said, is expected to increase six cents a pound or 16% on higher feed costs driven by ethanol demand for corn. The FAPRI Briefing Book is available at http://www.fapri.org/. />

ABOUT 4 MILLION ACRES WILL LEAVE CRP

25% in corn states

A little over four million acres will leave the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through 2010, USDA reported, with about 85% of the 28 million acres re-enrolled or extended. Of the 4.1 million acres coming out of the CRP, about 1.4 million are in corn producing areas.

SURGE IN CORN PRICES

High demand the reason

According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, ethanol plants and foreign buyers are gobbling the nation's corn supplies, pushing prices as high as $3.40 a bushel. Farmers haven't seen prices this high for more than a decade. The monthly crop report forecast even better prices than in December, raising the estimate 10 cents to $3 to $3.40 a bushel. Robust prices have made corn more expensive for livestock feed and as food for people. But a drop-off in those uses was more than offset by growing demand from foreign markets. Exports are forecast to claim 2.25 billion bushels of corn from last year's crop, up from last month's forecast of 2.2 billion bushels.

Overall, the corn crop came in at 10.5 billion bushels, slightly under last month's forecast of 10.7 billion bushels. Anticipated yields were 2.1 bushels lower per acre, and the area planted and harvested was slightly smaller than expected. The amount of corn used for ethanol, forecast at 2.15 billion bushels, was unchanged from last month.

Nationwide, supplies of corn are expected to drop to 752 million bushels, a drop from last month's forecast of 935 million bushels and a steep decline from last year's supply of 1.967 billion bushels.

BIOFUELS TO DRIVE FARM BILL

Could supply 5% of America's fuel

Speaking to the annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation, House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D, MN) said he will create a new subcommittee to deal with renewable fuels and energy issues affecting American agriculture. Peterson said renewable energy will drive the 2007 Farm Bill, and he believes it is possible for 5% of America's fuel supply to come from home grown, renewable fuels in the future. He also said it is his intention to have a new Farm Bill on the president's desk by Sept. 30, when the current farm bill expires.

FREE AGRONOMIC INFORMATION

OSU/Purdue Extension Information Sheets

Would you like a great way to communicate agronomic information to your farmer customers? If so, you need to take advantage of three agronomic information fact sheets published by OSU/Purdue Extension. These single page, front & back, full color information sheets address three important weed control topics:

1) "Management of Giant Ragweed in Roundup Ready Soybean Fields with a History of
Poor Control"

2) "The Benefits of Preemergence Herbicides in Roundup Ready Soybeans"

3) "Control of Lambsquarters in Corn and Soybeans"

These publications are great to place on your sales counter for customers to pick up, or to use in meeting situations.

If you would like to place an order please contact:

Mark Loux
Horticulture & Crop Science
The Ohio State University
Phone: 614-292-9081
FAX: 614 - 292-7163
e-mail: loux.1@osu.edu

OABA MEMBERS EXPAND BIO-FUEL AVAILABILITY

Two Ohio Co-ops have open house events

Town & Country Co-op, headquartered in Ashland, OH, recently announced the addition of an E85 pump at their Medina, OH location. The announcement was held in conjunction with their Corn Fuel Open House event which attracted several political and industry dignitaries.

Champaign Landmark, Inc., Urbana, OH, hosted a Grand Opening Celebration of its remodeled fuel plaza featuring E85 for flexible fuel vehicles and Soy BioDiesel (B20) fuels. The Co-op is the only fuel plaza offering E85 in a 25 mile radius of its Urbana location.

Currently there are less than 20 locations offering E85 statewide.

JOHN I. LEWIS DIES

Served in WWII where he was wounded in action

John I. Lewis, 83, passed away Saturday December 16, 2006. John was born and remained a lifelong resident of Belmont, OH. He was the retired owner of Belmont Mills, Belmont, OH, now owned and managed by his sons J. I. Lewis and Robert Lewis. Belmont Mills is a long time member of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association. John served on several of the Association's committees. We will miss this staunch supporter and entrepreneur of Ohio agribusiness.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Belmont United Methodist Church, the Belmont VFD, or the Bethesda, Belmont, Morristown Rotary Club. Contact information is available by calling Belmont Mills at (740) 484-4633.

SUNRISE COOP ADDS E-85

Station offers both BioDiesel and E-85

Sunrise Cooperative in Norwalk, Ohio recently added E-85 ethanol fuel to their retail fuel station. Sunrise Cooperative made changes and modifications at the fuel station in October of 2005 in anticipation of this new fuel. All eight dispensing pumps at the Sunrise station can be used to fill flex-fuel vehicles with E-85. This locally produced, renewable fuel source followed closely on the heals of another renewable fuel source, BIODIESEL, which was made available at the Sunrise station in May of this year. Sunrise markets over 6 million gallons of BioDiesel blended fuels in norhtwest Ohio. Sunrise is one of the very few, if not the only, retail fuel supplier in the state of Ohio offering both E-85 and BioDiesel at the same station.

GOLFERS SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS IN A BIG WAY!

Students are the real winners!

Just under two hundred participants and nearly ninety sponsors generated nearly $27,000 (net) during the 2006 Golf for Scholarships events! Once again OABA members and friends demonstrated their willingness to "dig deep" to support students pursuing fields of study leading to careers in agribusiness. The OABA Educational Trust Fund, including its stewardship of the Greenleaf Agri-Industry Award, provides between $30,000 & $40,000 annually to students attending the following institutions: OSU Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), Clark State Community College, The Ohio State University, Owens Community College and Wilmington College. On their behalf, we say THANK YOU! For more information about OABA scholarships, select the "Scholarships" tab on the OABA website at http://www.oaba.net/

The winners of the "Late Scramble" event at Hawthorne Hills Country Club, Lima, OH were:

First Place Team Alvin King, King Feed & Supply, Inc.; Phil Kandel, King Feed & Supply, Inc.; Joe Wilkins, King Feed & Supply, Inc.; and Chris Woodruff, King Feed & Supply, Inc.

Runners Up Team Jack Heim, Walton Agri-Service, Inc.; Ben Frombaugh, Walton Agri-Service, Inc.; Blake Rossel, Walton Agri-Service, Inc.; and Eric Ward, Walton Agri-Service, Inc.

But again, the real winners, thanks to all who supported and participated, are the students at the many colleges and universities throughout Ohio who receive OABA Educational Trust scholarships.

AGRICULTURAL AND HOLY LAND TOUR OF ISRAEL

February 23-March 6, 2007

Israel is one of the most meaningful and exciting places in the world and offers a unique opportunity to us in Ohio, especially in the field of agriculture. The Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of the Negev Foundation (http://www.negev.org/) is sponsoring a mission to Israel as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance Ohio-Israel agro-trade relations. The mission is being co-sponsored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and colleagues are invited to join this unique Agricultural and Holy Land Tour of Israel on February 23-March 6, 2007.

The mission offers you the chance to visit with Israeli farmers, agricultural communities, and agriculture government officials, to discuss and view first hand the advanced technologies being used in Israeli agriculture. You will participate in tours focused on agricultural sectors including: dairy, cattle, sheep and goats, poultry, field crops, cut flowers, ornamentals, greenhouse agriculture, irrigation, wine, organic agriculture, and desert agriculture. In addition, the trip will provide a special opportunity to visit the Holy Land's holy sites in and around the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, and Jerusalem.

The mission fee includes round trip air transportation from Columbus to Israel (airport tax and fuel charges not included), all hotel accommodations, most meals, and touring. The cost of the mission is $2,519.00 per person, based on double occupancy. The trip is limited in participants. A $300.00 deposit is required to secure your space on the mission. Early registration and travel insurance are highly recommended. For more information concerning the trip to Israel, to receive a brochure describing the mission, and to sign up, please contact Dr. Sarah Horowitz, Program Director, Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of The Negev Foundation at (216) 691-9997 or sarah@negev.org ASAP. The deadline to sign up is November 3, 2006

MINNESOTA ETHANOL IMPACT STUDY

Thirty-eight page PDF version available

The Minnesota Ethanol Impact Study referenced by Bob Zelenka, Minnesota Grain & Feed Association during his presentation at OADA Grain Day offers an interesting insight into the "projections" vs. reality of ethanol to Minnesota's economy. It can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website: www.mda.state.mn.us/ethanol/economicimpact.pdf

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SIX WILMINGTON STUDENTS

Note to OABA Members:Please consider these top-notch students when hiring.

Scholarships totaling $5,300 were awarded to six students majoring in Ag-Business and attending Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH.

OABA Educational Trust Scholarships were awarded to:

• Mathew BrackmanWapakoneta, OH (expected graduation, Spring, 2009)
  
• Wade Rethmel,Defiance, OH (expected graduation, Spring, 2008)
  
• Dustin Uhlenhake,Coldwater, OH (expected graduation, Spring, 2007)
  
  

• Andrea Baldinger, Waldo, OH (expected graduation, Fall 2010)
  
• Sara Campbell, Ripley, OH (expected graduation Spring, 2008)
  
• John Schaeffer, Castilia, OH (expected graduation Spring, 2010)
  
  

CCA EXAM STILL A CHALLENGE

More failing then passing

The numbers are in for the August CCA exam and they continue to indicate the exam's difficulty. Over the past few years, the pass / fail rate has shown the exam does a good job of discerning exam preparation and agronomic knowledge. Below are the pass /fail rates for this past August for both Tri-State (IL-IN-OH) and Ohio.

Tri-State
Number who took the International Exam: 73
Number who passed: 30 = 41%
Number who failed: 43 = 59%

Number who took the Tri-State Exam: 117
Number who passed: 34 = 29%
Number who failed: 83 = 71%

Ohio
Number who took the International Exam: 17
Number who passed: 7 = 41%
Number who failed: 10 = 59%

Number who took the Tri-State Exam: 19
Number who passed: 4 = 21%
Number who failed: 15 = 89%

The next CCA exam is Friday, February 2, 2007. For more information about the CCA exam and program go to www.oaba.net and click on the CCA Info tab.

CONSULTANTS CAN ATTEND CNMP PROVIDER TRAINING

Opportunity for CCAs

Sound nutrient management is not a concept that is limited by state boundaries. Regardless of where they live or what their state requires of farmers, farm consultants, technical service providers, professional engineers and agency staff members can acquire the necessary skills to develop comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs) during a Nov. 7-9, 2006 training program at the Holiday Inn, Lima, Ohio.

"The information presented here will be relevant for many states. For example, any livestock producer who wants EQIP cost-share funds will have to complete a CNMP, so this training will be useful for plan providers from any state," says Natalie Rector, MSU Extension nutrient management specialist and the course coordinator.

Michigan State, Ohio State and Purdue University Extensions along with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), are working together to provide CNMP development training. After attending the training, participants will be equipped to educate farmers about how CNMPs can minimize the environmental impacts of animal operations and how they can use manure nutrients for crop production.

During the three-day class, this team will provide practical, hands-on instruction and tips for successful plan development. All of the components required by the NRCS for producers to qualify for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) cost-share funds will be covered. A sample dairy CNMP will be available for review.

The class will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The $375 registration fee includes materials, breaks and lunch each day. The registration deadline is Oct. 6, after that the fee will be $450 and there will be no on-site registration. For more details and a registration form, visit www.rootzone.msu.edu , contact Natalie Rector at 269-781-0908, or Greg La Barge at OSU Extension at 419-337-9210. This class may receive national NRCS approval, call closer to the time of the event to learn more details. CCA continuing education credits will also be available for attendees.

OHIO'S FIRST INTERSTATE BIOFUELS STATION OPENS

6027 State Road (I-71, exit 151), Mt. Gilead, Ohio

The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Ohio's first biofuels station which is easily accessible to interstate travelers will take place September 8th. The Sunoco station, owned and operated by Knight Enterprises will feature E85 ethanol and B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel.) Knights Enterprises is also opening a second location featuring biofuels in Marion, Ohio.

LISTENING SESSIONS ON ENVIRONMENT SLATED

Make your voice heard

The U.S. Secretaries of Interior, Commerce and Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality have announced dates and locations for eight listening sessions on cooperative conservation and environmental partnerships. These sessions, the first of at least two dozen to be held around the country. Columbus, OH is scheduled as a meeting site. The meeting will be Monday, August 21 at 4:00 p.m. in OSU's Ag Adm Bldg Auditorium.

The listening sessions will give citizens an opportunity to exchange ideas on incentives, partnership programs, and regulations that can improve results and promote cooperative conservation and environmental partnerships.

Those who wish to pre-register for a particular session will need to do so on on-line in advance of the meeting www.cooperativeconservation.gov .

The meetings will focus on issues, programs, and policies mentioned frequently at the White House ConferenceConservation.
Discussion topics will include:

• How can the federal government enhance wildlife habitat, species protection, and other conservation outcomes through regulatory and voluntary conservation programs?
• How can the federal government enhance cooperation among federal agencies and with states, tribes, and local communities in the application of
  environmental protection and conservation laws?
• How can the federal government work with states, tribes, and other public- and private-sector partners to improve science used in environmental protection and conservation?
• How can the federal government work cooperatively with businesses and landowners to protect the environment and promote conservation?
• How can the federal government better respect the
  interests of people with ownership in land,water, and other natural resources?

DON'T IGNORE THIS FORM!

Ohio Public Safety Form to accompany ODA License Renewals

You will be receiving, if you have not already, your renewal for your Ohio Pesticide, or Fertilizer license renewal from the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Along with the license renewal form will be a Ohio Public Safety form titled Declaration Regarding Material Assistance / Nonassistance To A Terrorist Organization.

The Department of Homeland Security is requiring states to obtain this declaration in an effort to make sure no one knowingly is a terrorist, or supports terrorist organization as defined by the U.S. Department of State Terrorist Exclusion List.

If you do not return a completed - answering all questions - copy of this form to ODA, ODA will not be allowed to issue your license.

Don't forget to make a copy for your records.

BIOTECH FEED INGREDIENTS ARE SAFE

Derived products are wholesome, safe abd nutritious

Livestock and poultry feeds processed from genetically modified grains and oilseeds present no problems of safety or consumer risk, according to a study released by the Council for Agriculture Science & Technology (CAST). "Meat, milk and eggs produced by farm animals fed biotechnology derived crops are as wholesome, safe and nutritious as similar products produced by animals fed convention crops," CAST said The CAST task force which compiled the study examined regulatory risk assessments, looked at the results of feeding studies and examined what happens when animals consume DNA from various proteins.

GET A PEEK AT THE CCA EXAM

Volunteer CCAs needed to review exam

The Ohio CCA Board is looking for volunteers to help with the annual review of the 2007 CCA Exam. Ohio CCAs, along with CCAs from Indiana and Illinois, will review the exam to make sure it is asking pertinent questions which exhibits an individual's knowledgeable of today's agronomics.

The review date is Friday, September 22, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m at the Marten House and Conference Center, Indianapolis, IN. The Ohio CCA Board will cover all cost associated with the meeting.

If you are interested in helping with the review process call or e-mail Brian Peach at
(614) 326-7520, bpeach@oaba.net.

OABA GRAIN DAY

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

The OABA Grain Committee has finalized the program for OABA Grain Day Wednesday, September 13, 2006, at Northridge Swim and Tennis Club, Findlay Ohio.

Grain Day is an opportunity to network with colleagues while being updated on the latest hot topics in the industry. You will not want to miss this year's program featuring a panel discussion on the bio-fuels industry and how it is affecting the grain industry.

There is also an informative presentation on last July's fire at The Andersons how it happened, how it was handled, and what was learned. This will offer valuable insight into managing a crisis you hope never happens to you!

Along with the educational sessions there will be ample time to visit exhibitors and catch up with colleagues and friends.

The complete program and registration is currently posted on OABA's web site. Mark your calendar now and watch your mail for registration material so you can be part of this exciting event.

MORE ETHANOL PLANTS TO BE BUILT?

The Andersons, Inc. and Marathon to form joint venture

The Andersons, Inc. and Marathon Oil Corporation have announced that the companies have signed a letter of intent which could lead to the formation of a 50/50 joint venture which would construct and operate a number of ethanol plants. The formation of the joint venture and other related activities are subject to approval by each company's board of directors and the execution of definitive agreements.

"Marathon is one of the nation's leading blenders of ethanol in gasoline and has been doing so for more than 15 years," says Gary R. Heminger, Executive Vice President of Marathon Oil Corporation and President of the company's refining, marketing and transportation operations. "We see the partnership with The Andersons as an important step in maintaining the reliability of future ethanol supplies and in furthering our commitment to meet the needs of the motoring public in progressive and innovative ways."

"We are pleased to be partnering with Marathon in the pursuit of ethanol as an alternative fuel source," says The Andersons, Inc. President and CEO Mike Anderson. "We believe our strategic relationship is a natural extension of both of the companies' rich histories in our respective industries. The Andersons has a strong tradition of service in grain markets, and recently has begun construction, management and development of ethanol plants. Marathon represents years of petroleum refining and distribution experience. Additionally, both companies have strategic interests in ethanol production and similar philosophies regarding the impact ethanol will have on American consumers and our environment."

The Andersons will provide day-to-day management of the ethanol plants, as well as corn origination, risk management, and dry distillers grain and ethanol marketing services. Site selection is expected to be finalized soon. The initial plant is expected to have a nameplate annual production capacity of 110 million gallons of ethanol. Timing of construction is contingent upon selection, regulatory requirements, permitting and economic incentives.

CANADA CONFIRMS SEVENTH BSE CASE IN ANIMAL BORN AFTER FEED BAN

Second Case in 10 Days - USDA To Send Expert

The Canadian government confirmed July 13 the nation's seventh case of BSE in a 50-month-old dairy cow in Alberta, and because the animal was born well after the 1997 Canadian feed ban, USDA will send an expert to assist Canada in its epidemiological study of the animal's origins and feeding practices.

The Canadian authorities, acknowledging the animal was born after the feed ban, said "a full accounting and determination of how this animal was exposed to BSE will be the primary focus" of the government's investigation.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said "Diagnosis of an animal born roughly four and a half years after the,feed ban does raise questions that must be answered." He said a thorough understanding of all circumstances is necessary "to assure our consumers that Canada's regulatory system is effectively providing the utmost protections," to consumers and ranchers.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Agricultural Exports of Individual US States

On July 3, the USDA Economic Research Service released a report, titled "State Export Data" which consists of " ... Annual estimates of U.S. exports by State and commodity group based on each States' share of U.S. agricultural production. These ERS estimates are based on two key sources of data. Export data are national-level Foreign Agricultural Trade of the United States(FATUS) data from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, which are not separable by State. ERS also uses State-level historical production data from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service to determine State export shares for U.S.crops and livestock. Using these approximations, a State that is the largest producer of an agricultural commodity will also account for the largest share of U.S.exports of that commodity. Compared with other estimates, these estimates of State of export origin tend to be more accurate for agricultural commodities and do not inflate the relative exports from port States or undercount those of inland States ..." - The report is posted at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/StateExports/

OABA GRAIN DAY

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

The OABA Grain Committee has finalized the program for OABA Grain Day Wednesday, September 13, 2006, at Northridge Swim and Tennis Club, Findlay Ohio.

Grain Day is an opportunity to network with colleagues while being updated on the latest hot topics in the industry. You will not want to miss this year's program featuring a panel discussion on the bio-fuels industry and how it is affecting the grain industry.

There is also an informative presentation on last July's fire at The Andersons how it happened, how it was handled, and what was learned. This will offer valuable insight into managing a crisis you hope never happens to you!

Along with the educational sessions, there will be ample time to visit exhibitors and catch up with colleagues and friends.

The complete program and registration is currently posted on OABA's web site under the calendar tab. Mark your calendar now and be watching your mail for registration material, so you can be part of this exciting event.

THE SUMMER'S FIRST "GOLF FOR SCHOLARSHIPS" EVENT IS A SUCCESS!

Late Scramble is August 16th

The first OABA "Golf for Scholarships" event of the year drew several participants who enjoyed a great day of golf and networking. Although the new log clubhouse was a very impress venue for our awards luncheon, Deer Ridge Golf Club, Bellville, OH continues to be very challenging. The elevations and valleys made for some very "interesting" shots and the rough gobbled up golf balls like "kids eatn' cookies." But when all was said and done, a great time was had by all and the scholarship fund benefited significantly.

HAVE YOU REGISTERED?

Just a three weeks away!

Not much time left to register for the 2006 OABA Golf for Scholarships Early Scramble event, Thursday, June 22nd at the Deer Ridge Golf Club, Bellville, Ohio. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day away from the "grind" and network and socialize with your friends and colleagues old and new.

And, you'll be helping your Association continue to provide quality scholarships to those who will carry on in our industry.

Call the OABA office at (614) 326-7520 or register on-line. $$Linktoform29,0

2006 EXCELLENCE IN CROP ADVISING AWARD

OFBF and Ohio CCA Board seeking nominations

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) and the Ohio CCA Board are sponsoring an Excellence in Crop Advising Award. This is to recognize an individual who has provided superior service to farming clients in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production.

The purpose of this award is to increase the awareness that both farmers and their dealers strive to do their best in making cropping decisions which are both economically and environmentally sound. Farmers can look to CCAs as a risk management tool. The certification process is meant to ensure qualified individuals are providing cropping information. This assists the farmer in managing an economically viable business, while practicing responsible stewardship principles in utilizing natural resources. Together, a farmer and a CCA, make a team that works to put good management practices in place on the farm.

If you know of someone who is deserving of this award contact the OABA office for a nomination form; bpeach@oaba.net , or (614) 326-7520.

CARGILL QUESTIONS WHETHER ETHANOL SHOULD BE PRIORITY

Food production should come first

NO DUMPING OF U.S. CORN, DUTIES LIFTED

A major victory for U.S. corn exporters & Canadian corn users

Unprocessed U.S. corn moving to Canada has not harmed Canada's domestic corn industry, says the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), and the $1.65 per bushel duty imposed on U.S. corn exports will be lifted immediately and provisional duties collected by Canada since the duty was imposed in December, 2005 will be refunded.

U.S.CONSUMER GROUPS SAY FEED BAN IS INEFFECTIVE

Ask FDA to tighten feed rule

Two U.S. consumer groups, both long-time critics of the FDA feed rule on ruminant feeding and the agency's enforcement of the rule, said the latest Canadian case of BSE shows the rule is not the "firewall" industry and government contend.

Consumers Union (CU) said the fact Canada has had three BSE cases in animals born after its feed ban was put in place is proof enforcement is lacking. CU was joined by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which calls for FDA to tighten its rule to ban the feeding of plate waste, chicken litter and the use of blood products in feed. Further, CSPI said, feed mills should be required to dedicate equipment or entire mills to ruminant feed production.

WHEN IS IT TOO WINDY?

Label directions vague

Clarifying the difference between windy and too windy caused a spray drift case to be thrown out of district court in Illinois. According to the Daily Environment Report Banner, criminal charges against a custom spray applicator were dropped because the label language was too vague. The label said the pesticide product should not be applied in a way that would cause drift.

The incident was an application of AAtrex 4 and Bicep II Mangum that was impregnated into
fertilizer pellets and applied with an air flow application rig. A neighbor videotaping the application claimed that the pesticide drifted onto her property. The wind speed at the farm during the application was recorded at 20 miles per hour.

The court found the label was vague and lacked meaningful guidance for enforcement of the drift provision and that any reasonable person would determine that spray drift would be associated with liquid applications, not pellet formulations.

(Sources: Daily Environment Report Banner, No. 57, ISSN 1521-9402; EPA
Office of Pesticide Programs Update, March 27, 2006; St. Louis
Post-Dispatch, March 17, 2006)

MEMBERS, PLEASE PUT OABA ON YOUR MAILING LIST

Help us stay in touch with you and the industry

Some of you have already put OABA on your mailing list for your newsletters, notices and announcements. This is much appreciated as it helps us to stay in touch with what's going on in your organization and the industry in general.

• By mail:
• Ohio AgriBusiness Association
• Suite 200-A
• 5151 Reed Road
• Columbus OH 43220-2598
• By fax:
• (614) 326-7520
• By email:
• info@oaba.net

We will not share or publish any information received without your permission. Thank you for this favor.

DUST EXPLOSIONS FOR 2005

Ohio included for the third straight year

Robert W. Schoeff, Professor Emeritus, Kansas State University and Mavis Rogers, FGIS-USDA, in their annual report, state there were thirteen dust explosions reported in the U.S. in 2005. This compares with six in 2004 and a ten-year average of 10.5 explosions. There were two fatalities and eleven injuries. One of the incidents was in Ohio and is recorded as "severe damage, but no injuries or fatalities." Incidents occurred in eight other states: Minnesota (3), North Carolina (2), Kentucky (2) and one each in Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Washington.

ANTI-METH LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW

Part of the USA Patriot Act

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has informed us the fertilizer industry, retailers and farmers may be getting some relief from those attempting to steal anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine. Although the methamphetamine epidemic is not just a fertilizer industry problem, anhydrous ammonia, which is commonly used to make meth, has been the target of many thefts in recent years. For this reason, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) welcomed President George W. Bush's March 9 signing of the USA Patriot Act, which contains legislation to regulate the sale of pseudoephedrine the main ingredient in methamphetamine. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill March 7 by a vote of 280-138, while the Senate approved the bill 89-10 March 2.

BERRY WANTS LOW-COST RUSSIAN AMMONIUM NITRATE ALLOWED INTO U.S.

ITC resists

Rep. Marion Berry (D, AR) is pushing hard to allow American farmers to buy lower-cost Russian ammonium nitrate fertilizer, and has put out a press release blasting the International Trade Commission (ITC) for holding in place tariffs he says prevent Russian companies from selling in the U.S. Berry said domestically produced fertilizer prices "are through the roof," and expressed frustration at the ITC's decision to "keep cheap inputs out of reach of our farmers." The ITC voted to keep existing tariffs on ammonium nitrate, similar to a 2005 ruling that maintained tariffs on imported urea.

ATTENTION TO ANIMAL ID HEATS UP

May be part of the 2007 Farm Bill

Critics said if an individual animal identification system were up and running, the Alabama cow confirmed as the U.S.'s third case of BSE would have been traced all the way back to its birth herd. Alabama and USDA officials said they may never know where the animal came from. The cow had no ear tags, tattoos or brands, and there is no record who sold the animal last year at auction.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R, GA), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said a national animal ID program will be part of the 2007 Farm Bill, even though USDA said it does not want to wait for the farm bill process.

USDA has announced the tracking device manufacturing and distribution guidelines that are supposed to move the system closer to reality. While animal ID ear tags appear to be the most commonly used system, USDA will allow supplemental technologies, which will vary among species.

Under the envisioned system designed to pinpoint an animal's lifetime movement within 48 hours of a disease outbreak -- cows would have numbers assigned, as would farms, sale barns and feedlots. In addition, USDA foresees allowing any number of new technologies to be used, including retinal scans, radio frequency tags and DNA markers.

SENATE AG COMMITTEE CHAIR SAYS 2007 FARM BILL WILL BE MOST CONTROVERSIAL

Other priorities will delay progress

Several Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) members were in attendance as U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Saxby Chambliss gave the keynote address at the National Grain & Feed Association's 110^th annual convention last week in Charleston, SC. Chambliss said current key issues such as, but not limited to, lobby reform, immigration reform and the budget will all delay serious farm bill deliberation. This coupled with Bush's desire to cut ag spending; the fact that the bill will be written during a time of budget deficit; some political leaders are wanting to move away from farmer subsidies; and the direct impact the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement, or lack there of, all indicate this farm bill may be the most controversial ever.

NATIONAL FOOD, FEED LABELING BILL PASSES HOUSE

Senate passage unclear

A bill to allow FDA's food and feed safety and warning labeling rules to preempt state regulations has passed the U.S. House, overcoming significant and often emotional opposition. On a 238-139 vote, the National Uniformity Act for Food would prohibit states from imposing food safety and warning labels unless they followed federal labeling rules. The bill's chances in the Senate are unclear given the level of opposition generated in the House.

The bill says the federal labeling regs are the law of the land unless a state petitions FDA to accept a local regulation or there is an absence of a federal rule. Opponents said the cost alone of petitioning FDA would approach $400,000. While opposition consumer groups and state attorneys general and food and feed regulators -- said the bill would override 200 state laws that provide consumers with important food safety information, proponents, including food processors, livestock and poultry producer groups and agribusiness, said that assertion is exaggerated and the bill will bring consistency to warning label regulation, allowing states and the federal government to collaborate on labeling.

REPRESENTATIVE HOOPS SUBMITS GRAIN EXEMPTION

Will help eliminate export disparity

Representative James Hoops (R-Napoleon) has informed the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) he has submitted to the Ohio House leadership an amendment to the Budget Correction Bill, which will exempt grain from the recently enacted Commercial Activity Tax (CAT.) OABA has been working with Representative Hoops and his staff in support of the amendment to eliminate a competitive disparity between those who export grain from Ohio and those who sell their grain within the state. The amendment will exempt grain represented by "Receipts realized from the sale of grain by an agricultural commodity handler, as defined in section 926.01 of the Revised Code, who is licensed by the Director of Agriculture to handle agricultural commodities in this state."

We should have a response from the House leadership within a week as to the acceptance of the amendment. At this time, Representative Hoop's office feels very good about its chances.

USDA REPORTS SOYBEAN RUST IN TEXAS

Looks like we need to be on the lookout again this year

USDA reports Asian soybean rust has been found in beans at the Texas A&M experiment station in Weslaco, TX, near the Mexican border. The disease was found during harvest, but on late-planted, relatively immature beans. The field had been surveyed in December, 2005 and no rust was found at that time.

BWC LEARNING CENTER

Free Classes

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has reminded us there are dozens of free training courses available through BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene. These courses are offered at their training center in Pickerington at the Ohio Center for Occupational Safety and Health (OCOSH) and at branch sites and BWC service offices across the state, including Toledo, Cincinnati, Canton, Cambridge, Portsmouth, Youngstown and Cleveland. Employers may enroll any number of employees at no additional cost. To enroll or learn more about the courses available April - June 2006, visit the BWC Learning Center at $$Link
bwclearningcenter.com
bwclearningcenter.com
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TRUCK GROUP SUPPORTS LIMITING HIGHWAY TRUCK SPEEDS

Speed governors would be installed

The American Trucking Assn. (ATA) endorsed action to limit the maximum speed of big trucks at the time of manufacture to 68 mph; a move ATA said will reduce the number and severity of speed-related crashes. The installation of speed "governors" to control maximum speed follows an ATA study of the issue which found nearly 75% of the trucks evaluated already had speed governors and that most were set at 70 mph or lower.

PEOPLE ARE THINKING SPRING!

Lot's of calls to the OABA office!

We have had several calls wondering about the dates and locations for the 2006 OABA Golf for Scholarships outings. Must be they are thinking spring and marking key events in their calendars! Here they are:

NEW NITROGEN FERTILIZER TOOL

Could save up to $1.5 billion annually nitrogen applications

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced the release of USDA's Energy Estimator for Nitrogen, a web-based awareness tool that farmers and ranchers can use to identify potential nitrogen cost savings associated with major crops and commercial nitrogen fertilizer applications.

"The Energy Estimator for nitrogen provides our nation's producers with another new tool to reduce their energy costs and protect the environment," said Johanns. "Encouraging proper fertilizer management is part of USDA's comprehensive energy strategy to help farmers and ranchers mitigate the impact of high energy costs."

Information about USDA's Energy Estimator for Nitrogen can be found at $$Link
http://nfat.sc.egov.usda.gov/
http://nfat.sc.egov.usda.gov/
0$$

STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR NH3 SCHOOLS

Register on-line or call the OABA office at (614) 326-7520

OABA is hosting three NH^₃ Safety Workshops. The workshops are an excellent way to offer new employees, as well as veteran employees, quality training experience in ammonia handling and safety.

The three workshops are:

February 21, 2006
Holiday Inn Springfield South
Springfield, OH

February 22, 2006
Dutch Heritage
Bellville, OH

February 23, 2006
Blanchard Valley Farmers Co-op SORRY SESSION FILLED
Findlay, OH

$$LinkToForm17,0 More information is available on-line by accessing the OABA website at www.oaba.net and selecting the "Calendar Tab" then the workshop you wish to attend.

AGRIUM ACQUIRES ROYSTER-CLARK

Makes Agrium the largest agricultural retailer in the U. S.

Royster-Clark's shareholders tendered 98.6 percent of their shares by Agrium's deadline on Wednesday February 8th, for a total purchase price of about $616 million.

"We are very pleased to have concluded this accretive acquisition and will immediately start the integration process in order to provide a smooth transition for our new employees and customers," Agrium CEO Mike Wilson said in a release Thursday morning.

"As the new industry leader in direct-to-grower agricultural retail sales, we are confident that we can create significant value for our customers, shareholders and employees."

Agrium said it intends to acquire the remaining common shares of Royster-Clark, as allowed under Ontario law.

Agrium is a major Canadian dealer in seed, chemicals and fertilizer.

Virginia-based Royster-Clark is a U.S. retail distributor of agricultural nutrients, seed and crop protection products, and provider of farm services to U.S. growers, with about $1.15 billion US in sales last year.

JOIN AN AGRIBUSINESS MISSION TO ISRAEL MAY 3-12, 2006

Must apply by February 24th

Israel is one of the most meaningful and exciting places in the world and offers a unique opportunity to us in Ohio, especially in the field of agriculture and food. The Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of the Negev Foundation (www.negev.org) is sponsoring a mission to Israel as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance Ohio-Israel agro-trade relations. The mission is being co-sponsored by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Members of the Ohio Agri-business Association and their colleagues are invited to join this unique Agribusiness Mission to Israel on May 3-12, 2006.

Mission participants will visit Israeli agricultural communities and food and agribusinesses, exchange information with Israeli farmers and businessmen, and learn about Israel's advanced food and agribusiness technologies that have made the country famous. The mission will also attend Israel's 16th International Agricultural Exhibition, Agritech 06 (www.agritech.org.il). In addition to these events, participants will also have the opportunity to have meetings with potential clients and distributors, make business contacts, and to participate in tours focused on their areas of interest, including agriculture, agricultural product processing and agribusiness, and the food industry in Israel.

The trip will be limited in participants, which will allow to tailor the mission to the food and agribusiness sectors in Israel that are most important to the participants. The trip will also provide a special opportunity to visit the holy sites of the area. The mission fee includes round trip air transportation from Columbus to Israel, all hotel accommodations, meals, special receptions, touring, and tips. The cost of the mission is $2,700/person, based on double occupancy. This price reflects an $850 courtesy subsidy provided by The Negev Foundation, the mission sponsor. For questions or to reserve your spot, contact Sarah Horowitz at (216) 691-9997 or sarah@negev.org. The deadline to apply is February 24, 2006.

CUBANS TO BUY U.S. CORN

Some from Ohio

A memo of understanding between the U.S. Grains Council and Cuban farmers will send up to 700,000 metric tons of corn to Cuba this year, according to reports. The Caribbean island nation has spent more than $100 million with corn growers from North Dakota, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa, according to an Associated Press report.

LUCKEY FARMERS CHALLENGES FARMERS COMMISSION

Regardless of the outcome, OABA's Educational Trust Wins!

During a recent OABA Educational Trust Board of Trustee's Meeting, the topic turned to the upcoming "Bowling for Scholarships" event which will be held Friday, January 27, 2006 at Varsity Lanes in Bowling Green, OH. Before you knew it, Dan Walski, General Manager of Luckey Farmers, Inc. had challenged Eric Parthemore, President & CEO of The Farmers Commission Company the losing team to contribute $500 to the Ohio AgriBusiness Association Educational Trust. If you are already signed up for Bowling for Scholarships, maybe your team should challenge one of the other participating teams. If you are not signed up, do so immediately by Calling the OABA office at (614) 326-7520. Make your own team or register as an individual and we will assign you to a team. This event is always a fun day and weather is never a factor!

IRS MILEAGE RATES FOR 2006

Drop by 4 cents per mile

The standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of using an automobile for business has been reduced to 44.5 cents per mile for 2006. This compares with 48.5 cents per mile for the recent period of September 1st December 31st of 2005.

CROP PRODUCTION CONFERENCE / OSU ADVANCED AGRONOMY WORKSHOP

Register Today!

The annual Crop Production Conference (January 6th) is again paired with the OSU Advanced Agronomy Workshop (January 5th) offering an excellent educational opportunity for practicing agronomist and CCAs get a head start on the new year.

The Crop Production Conference is at the Fawcett Center and offers 5 CCA CEUs; 1.5 in Nutrient Management, 0.5 in Soil and Water Management, 2.5 in Pest Management and 1.5 in Crop Management.

The OSU Workshop is at the University Inn and provides 8 CEUs, 2 each in Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management, Pest Management, and Crop Management.

The CPC agenda is also approved by ODA for 1.5 hours of Pesticide Recertification Credits for category 2A (1.0 Hr.) and 2C (0.5 Hrs.)

Registration information has been mailed. More information is available on the calendar tab of the OABA web page at www.oaba.net under the CCA Info tab. You can register on line for either or both programs at $$LinkToForm34.

As always, you can call the OABA office at (614) 326-7520.

U.S. HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES AMMONIUM NITRATE BILL

Buyers and sellers would have to register

A House Homeland Security Committee subcommittee has approved a bill to regulate the production of ammonium nitrate by requiring any person who produces, sells or buys ammonium nitrate to register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An amendment accepted in subcommittee would also require sellers to record the purchaser's drivers license number or other photo identification and the amount of ammonium nitrate purchased. Records would have to be retained for three years. DHS would be authorized to make grants to states to enforce the law, and record audits would be conducted during other state inspections of fertilizer facilities. There's no word on when the full committee will vote on the bill. A similar bill in the Senate has seen no action to date.

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION PASSED BY U. S. HOUSE

Natural gas futures will have greater scrutiny

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 4473) by unanimous consent. This legislation includes provisions making the natural gas futures markets more transparent and provides the CFTC with greater market oversight.Jack Eberspacher, President & CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) said "This legislation is critical to helping prevent the ongoing price volatility and market manipulation that is currently taking place in the natural gas futures markets. Traders on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) have caused the price of natural gas to reach all time highs, recently exceeding $15.50 per 1,000 cubic feet, which is severely hurting America's agricultural industry. Agricultural retailers and their farmer customers cannot afford to pay natural gas and fertilizer prices that are substantially higher than last growing season. The economics simply will not work for production agriculture." The Ohio AgriBusiness Association has supported ARA, which has played a key roll in promoting the legislation. The U.S. Senate is now urged to take similar action by passing H.R. 4473 as soon as possible."

CLARK STATE ADDS AG ENGINEERING OPTION

Expands career possibilities

Clark state Community College has recently added an "Agricultural Engineering" option to its Agricultural Business Technology curriculum. In addition to the agricultural business core, this option places emphasis on powered equipment maintenance, facility maintenance & construction, and hardscape construction. This new option is directed toward careers with a mechanical emphasis in the agricultural industry. For more information about Clark State go to www.clarkstate.edu or for specific information regarding the Ag Engineering option contact: Susan Everett, Professor, Agribusiness/Horticulture, PH: (937) 328-8072, EM: everetts@clarkstate.edu. Also see the OABA Website at www.oaba.net and select the "Scholarships Tab" at the top of the page.

PORTMAN SAYS EU MUST CUT DEEPER

Must offer "real market access!"

The European Union's (EU) second offer on trade distorting ag subsidy reductions is too little and U.S. Special Trade Representative Rob Portman urged the EU to promise deeper cuts at meetings next week in Europe.

Portman, testifying at a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the status of the WTO trade talks, said if the EU does not offer greater reductions in its subsidies, then it's likely the December ministerial meeting will collapse. The U.S. has offered to cut its subsidies by up to 65% in exchange for offers on tariff reduction and market access. The EU countered the U.S. offer by saying it would reduce subsidies by an aggregate 46% -- Portman said the real figure is 39%.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, testifying at the same House hearing, said that any WTO deal on agriculture hinges on "a better proposal by the EU," explaining any EU offer must include "real market access."

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN OABA

You are encouraged to support these fellow members in any way you can!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.


Brubaker Underwood, Seed Inoculants, Polymers, Colorings, Coatings, etc. Anne Webster, Territory Manager. 53068 County Road 653, Paw Paw, MI 49079. PH: (269) 655-2074 or CELL: (269) 207-7712

NGFA's COUNTRY ELEVATOR / FEED INDUSTRY SHOW

December 4-6 in St. Louis Don't Miss it!

The National Grain & Feed Association's (NGFA) Country Elevator / Feed Industry Conference & Trade Show continues to be one of the most popular events for country elevators and feed mills. It's a no nonsense business-focused program geared for managers, merchandisers, operations employees and others. OABA highly recommends you consider attending. If you do, we guarantee you will leave with several business ideas you can bring home and implement now! For details go to NGFA's website at www.ngfa.org or call them at (202) 289-0873.

OABA SEED TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

Another can't miss program

The Seed Technology Seminar is Thursday, November 17, 2005 at All Occasions Catering in Waldo, Ohio. The Seed Technology Seminar provides a great opportunity to stay up on current trends and issues important to the seed industry as well as seeing friends and colleges.

New to this year's program will be tabletop exhibitors whose sole market is offering products and services to the seed industry.

The meeting is approved for 5.0 CCA CEUs; 1.0 in Pest Management; 3.0 in Crop Management and 1.0 in Professional Development. ODA has approved the meeting for 1.0 hour of pesticide recertification; 0.5 hr. each in categories 2A (Agronomic Pest), and 2D (Seed Treatment).

Registration information has been mailed, or $$LinkToForm6.

MURDER JUSTIFIED?

Bill to increase penalties introduced

Senators on both sides of the aisle were stunned when a leading animal rightist, who is also a California surgeon, testified at a Senate Environment & Public Works Committee hearing that murder of biomedical researchers was "morally justified" to end animal experimentation.

In a hearing Oct. 26 on animal rights violence, Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), chair of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works also announced he was introducing a bill to amend the federal criminal code to provide greater federal protections to labs, farms, ranches, food companies and animal exhibitions.

OABA CONTINUES TO SEEK CAT RELIEF

Your Association objects to unfair competition

As an OABA member, you are now beginning to see how Ohio's recently enacted Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is affecting your business' bottom line. If the tax affected our industry equally across the board we wouldn't have much of an argument, but it doesn't - particularly in the high volume-low margin grain business. Goods and services exported from the state are exempt from the tax. This means two like businesses, one exporting most of its grain/feed and the other selling most of its grain/feed within the state are affected significantly different by the CAT. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is opposed to this uncontrollable differential and will again seek to amend the tax law to give relief to those grain businesses in Ohio who predominately sell within Ohio's borders.

We are currently meeting with the Ohio Farm Bureau and others to determine the most effective way to pursue the amendment. When the time comes, we will need testimony from several of you who are licensed grain handlers and adversely affected by the CAT. Please let Gary King (gking@oaba.net or (614) 326-7520) know if you are willing to testify, so we can start laying the groundwork now. ONLY YOU CAN RIGHT THIS DIFFERENTIAL CREATED BY A TAX RUSHED THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE DURING THE LAST HOURS OF THE BUDGET BILL!

ETHANOL PLANT GETS GO AHEAD

Will include beef feedlot and a dairy

After eight months of addressing and meeting a myriad of requirements and administrative procedures, Harrison Ethanol LLC has completed the purchase of 276 acres of land in Harrison County, just south of the town of Cadiz, OH. According to reports, an ethanol plant, beef feedlot and a dairy will be located on the site.

Harrison Ethanol LLC is an Ohio based company composed of Ohio farmers and Ohio business owners. The proposed corn based ethanol facility is designed to produce 20 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol annually as well as human foods and animal feeds. Harrison Ethanol will consume nine million bushels of corn. The corn will be purchased by Coshocton Grain Company from local farmers with additional corn to be shipped by rail into the facility.

Harrison Ethanol will employ 107 people on site and will directly contract an additional 60 truck driving jobs. The project represents a $68 million capital investment in Appalachian Ohio. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as construction funds are released from escrow.

GOLFERS SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS IN A BIG WAY!

Students are the real winners!

Just under two hundred participants and nearly ninety sponsors generated over $25,000 (net) during the 2005 Golf for Scholarships events! Once again OABA members and friends demonstrated their willingness to "dig deep" to support students pursuing fields of study leading to careers in agribusiness. The OABA Educational Trust Fund, including its stewardship of the Greenleaf Agri-Industry Award, provides between $30,000 & $40,000 annually to students attending the following institutions: OSU Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), Clark State Community College, The Ohio State University, Owens Community College and Wilmington College. On their behalf, we say THANK YOU! For more information about OABA scholarships, select the "Scholarships" tab on the OABA website at www.oaba.net

KATRINA AGRIBUSINESS RECOVERY REPORTS

Frequently updated

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and North American Export Grain Association are issuing periodic post-Katrina recovery reports which are posted on NGFA's website home page at www.ngfa.org. Check the site daily for the latest information.

GOLFERS-PLAY THE OSU GRAY COURSE!

Help OABA support OSU ag activities at the same time

OSU is inviting members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association to play in the 4th Annual Vice President's Cup, to be played Monday, October 10, 2005. The event is on behalf of Bobby Moser and is sponsored by the OARDC Support Council & State Extension Advisory Committee.

It is a $140 per golfer scramble format and will be played on the OSU Gray Golf Course with a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in playing (we'll place you on a team if you have less than a foursome) contact Gary King at the OABA office at gking@oaba.net or (614) 326-7520.

OABA GRAIN DAY WELL RECEIVED

Event deemed a success

On September 9th OABA unveiled Grain Day, a new, annual event for OABA members involved in the grain industry.

Over 60 people took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere at the Shelby Oaks Golf Club in Sidney, Ohio to enjoy friends and colleagues. Those attending the morning session had the opportunity to tour Cargill's processing plant, play golf, or visit exhibitors.

In the afternoon Jason Sagebiel, Sr. Risk Mgr., Renewable Fuels Group, FCStone, LLC and Gordon D. Linn, Pres., The Linn Group, The Chicago Board of Trade presented thought provoking information on the "Future of Ethanol" and "Managed Futures and Their Impact on Agri-Business" respectively.

A wonderful dinner, followed by more time to visit with friends and exhibitors brought the day to a close.

The OABA Grain Committee will soon start planning next year's Grain Day - so if you were unable to attend this year, you won't want to miss next year.

Thanks to the following exhibitors and sponsors who helped make our first Grain Day a success:

• Brock Grain Systems
• Consolidated Grain & Barge
• Elevator Service & Storage Inc.
• Eurofins Scientific Inc.
• Farmland Insurance / Nationwide Agri-Business
• Key Bank
• Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance
• QT plus
• Safe Grain / Maxi-Tronic
• Steve Peters Inc.
• Summit Software, Inc.

ELEVATORS MUTUAL UNDERGOES NAME CHANGE

Add areas such as woodworking, mercantile and small rural businesses

Elevators Mutual Insurance Company, an Ohio AgriBusiness Association Member, has changed its name to Affinity Mutual Insurance Company. The firm changed its name after a long transformation from an exclusive focus in agribusiness insurance to broader insurance service offerings.The company will continue to maintain its heritage in agribusiness.

AGLIME FOURM

August 22, 2005, Columbus, OH

Seeking the most current information on agricultural lime and liming equipment? On Monday, August 22, 2005 at the Concourse Hotel, Columbus Airport, Columbus OH, you have a great opportunity to get that information. The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association is sponsoring the annual Aglime Forum. The program is targeted at the agronomy professional. Along with a stellar educational program there will be displays of state-of-the-art aglime handling equipment. The meeting is approved for CCA CEUs in Nutrient Management (4.5) and Soil and Water Management (1.0).

Complete program information is available at http://www.nssga.org/meetings.cfm or
Contact Shannon Grace at (703) 526-1085 / sgrace@nssga.org

GRAIN GRADING SCHOOL FOR COMMODITY TESTERS

Only one in 2005

Commodity testers whose certification expires September 30, 2005 have a great opportunity to recertify by attending OABA's Grain Grading School. The three hour session is ODA approved for recertification.

Individuals needing to become certified will find this school a great way to prepare for, and take the Commodity Tester Exam. The exam is offered at the conclusion of the school.

The school is Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at ODA, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Registration information has been mailed to all licensed commodity handlers.

Don't miss this opportunity to renew commodity tester certifications before the September 30, 2005 deadline.

You can register on-line $$linktoform12,1 today.

Registration is also available anytime by going to www.oaba.net and clicking on the calendar.

OABA EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Mark your calendars now

OABA committees have been busy planning great educational opportunities for members They are :

• OABA Grain Day - September 8th, Shelby Oaks Golf Club, Sidney, OH
• Seed Technology Seminar November 17th, All Occasions, Waldo, OH
  
• Crop Production Conference January 6th, Fawcett Center, Columbus, OH
  
• Applicator Recertification Day January 17th, All Occasions, Waldo, OH

PRESIDENT SCHEDULED TO SIGN TRANSPORTATION BILL TODAY

Includes permanent Ag Hours of Service exemption

President Bush is tentatively scheduled to sign the omnibus highway reauthorization bill today, and while ag is pleased it makes permanent the agriculture exemption from the hours of service rule, budget hawks are calling for the Bush to veto the bill over its cost.

The hours of service exemption applies to feed, ag commodities, non-processed foods, fiber and livestock. The exemption says that regulations on maximum driving time and on-duty time for drivers do not apply during planting and harvest periods determined by each state if the delivery of the "supply" is within a 100 air mile radius of the source or distribution point of the commodities involved. Further, the definition of "farm supplies" specifically mentions "livestock feed at any time of the year."

OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT

OABA member to Chair Agricultural Law Committee

David C. Barrett, Jr. of the Dublin, OH law firm BARRETT, EASTERDAY, CUNNINGHAM, & ESELGROTH LLP (a member of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association), has been appointed to chair the Ohio State Bar Association's Agricultural Law Committee. A 1978 graduate (major in agricultural economics) of The Ohio State University, Barrett received his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1981. He currently serves on the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) Grain Committee and has contributed several presentations and educational segments at Association events. Congratulations Dave!

SEVERAL WEBSITES DEVOTED TO SOYBEAN RUST

Be sure to bookmark these sites for regular use and updates

Still lots of talk about Asian soybean rust in Ohio, but so far, it's been just that-talk. However, every time we get a tropical storm surge from the south, the possibilities get greater. There are a number of websites devoted to providing the latest information on the fungus. Most are updated quite frequently and we encourage you to bookmark them for frequent access.

www.usda.gov/soybeanrust - Soybean Rust Information Site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

www.SoyRAP.com sponsored by the American Seed Trade Association and Doan Agricultural Services Company

www.soybeanrust.com sponsored bySyntine RustTracker system

www.agriculture.purdue.edu/soybeanrust - Purdue Agriculture Soybean Rust Page sponsored by Purdue University

OABA MEMBERS STAY ON TRACK AT ANNUAL MEETING

One of the most exciting Annual Meetings ever!

When the checkered flag dropped, it not only signaled the end of the 2004/2005 Ohio AgriBusiness Association and OABA Educational Trust Annual Meetings, but the end of the kart races, which provided excitement and fatigue most of us will not soon forget. The Annual Meetings were held at Speeds Indoor Kart Racing in Columbus. OABA members drove several laps of a Mid-Ohio Racing format in race karts capable of 45 miles per hour! No one realized just how grueling it would be and all appreciated and applauded the winners as they stepped onto the winners' podium, complete with champaign! The Winners? 3rd Place-Doug Uher, Luckey Farmers, Inc.***Runner Up-Mike Tobe, Blanchard Valley Farmers Co-op***and the Champion-Scott Boulis, Mercer Landmark, Inc.

There were several requests from those who attended to do it again next year we'll see.

MONSANTO FILES ACTION AGAINST ARGENTINA

Loss of suit could create financial disavantage for U.S. growers

The world's third largest soybean exporter, Argentina, is in a lawsuit in a Denmark court courtesy of the biotechnology company Monsanto. Monsanto has long argued its case in Argentinean courts for royalties that it claims are owed to them from the sale of soybeans derived from Roundup Ready (RR) seeds. Thus far, Argentina has refused to recognize Monsanto's patent protection lawsuits and scoffed at demands for $15 per metric ton royalties on soybean exports. In the Argentinean Congress, attempts to create a public fund to pacify Monsanto have met hostile opposition from farming groups. Farmer interest groups hold significant sway in a country that's largest export and revenue (in excess of $1 billion annually) is derived from soybeans. Monsanto has initiated litigation in Denmark to prevent European importers from buying Argentinean soybeans without paying the royalties. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) joins the Agricultural Retailers Association in its support of Monsanto's claim, since U.S. soybean growers will be at a financial disadvantage in world markets if farmers in Argentina do not pay the royalties.

OHIO PASSES PREEMPTION LEGISLATION FOR FERTILIZER AND SEED

Thirteenth state to adopt seed preemption legislation this year

As part of HB 66 (the Budget Bill), Governor Bob Taft recently signed the industry-backed provision into law. The legislation Prohibits political subdivisions from regulating or enacting legislation relating to (1) the registration, packaging, labeling, sale, storage, distribution, use, or application of fertilizer or (2) the registration, labeling, sale, storage, transportation, distribution, notification of use, use, or planting of seed

OABA GRAIN DAY

Grain Committee plans new event

The OABA Grain Committee is finalizing details for OABA Grain Day a new membership event. OABA Grain Day is Thursday, September 8, 2005, at Shelby Oaks Golf Club, Sidney, Ohio.

The intent of Grain Day is to provide a causal, fun event for everyone in the grain industry to visit with one another, as well as learn about key industry trends. The day starts with two options - touring the Cargill Oil Pressing plant in Sidney, or playing a fun nine holes of golf at the Shelby Oaks Golf Club. Next comes lunch and the opportunity to visit exhibitors and friends. The afternoon program features Peter Nessler Jr. Vice President, Renewable Fuels Group FCStone, LLC discussing "The Future of Ethanol". The committee is exploring a speaker to address the recent interest from fund managers in the commodity industry. The day concludes with a cookout and more time for socializing.

Watch your mail and the OABA web site for registration information. Plan now to spend the day in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying friends and colleagues, and maybe conduct a little business.

OABA AMENDMENT NOT INCLUDED IN FINAL BUDGET BILL

Ways and Means Committee next step

OABA's amendment to level the Commercial Activity Tax "playing field " was not included in the final version of the state's budget bill.

Thanks to Representatives Bob Gibbs (R), Lakeville, and Steve Reinhard (R), Bucyrus for trying to move the amendment forward in the Conference Committee. Unfortunately, at this time it was perceived more as an exemption then a correction to an unintended consequence.

Even through the amendment was not included this time; we will try again in the fall when the Ways and Means Committee will look at corrections to the budget language.

Another option available to us would be to introduce a separate bill to incorporate our amendment into law.

OABA will continue to keep the topic at the forefront and encourages members to continue to remind their legislators of the importance of the amendment to the grain industry.

Thanks to all those who, on behalf of the amendment, contacted their legislators.

Senator Mumper Led CAT Amendment Effort

Senate leadership not receptive

OABA appreciates the effort by Senator Larry Mumper (R), Chair, Senate Ag Committee in introducing and providing leadership in offering OABA's amendment to the State Budget Bill.
Unfortunately the Senate leadership was not receptive to amendments.

The amendment offered would allow commodity handlers substantial tax relief from the CAT. It allows commodity handlers doing 80 percent, or more of their business within Ohio to only pay the CAT on 25 percent of those sales. OABA believes this amendment is critical to keeping Ohio's grain industry viable and competitive. There is still an outside chance the amendment could be included in joint conference committee, which is scheduled to meet next week to hammer out differences between the House and Senate versions.

The budget overhauls business taxes, replacing taxes on assets with a commercial activity tax (CAT) on gross receipts. Senator Amstutz (R), said the budget changes "give Ohio a powerful marketing tool" to compete with other states for jobs. It seems surprising that Senate leadership is willing to sacrifice small, family-owned grain elevators that have been doing business in Ohio for decades in order to entice larger companies to move to Ohio with the (CAT).

Equine Marketing Program

Senate Bill 37

In surprisingly rapid fashion the Senate has passed S.B. 37 which allows for the establishment of an equine marketing program in accordance with current law governing agricultural marketing programs. As passed in the Senate, the program would be funded through assessments on horse feed.

The bill will require the Director to hold a referendum petition to establish the marketing program, i.e. equine owners vote yes or no on an equine marketing program.

If approved, feed manufactures will be responsible for the collection and remittance to ODA of a yet to be determined assessment (in Virginia it is 7.5 cents per bag or $3.00 per ton). We have already expressed our concern about the assessment means and would prefer to see an additional fee for a Coggin test or a current breed or discipline registration. Should feed be the assessment vehicle, we strongly recommend the need for language to provide an administrative fee for the manufacturers to help off-set the cost of collections and remittance.

OABA is scheduled to meet with the Ohio Farm Bureau and representatives of the equine industry to discuss our concerns and various amendments.

Use the link below to get a PDF file of the bill http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText126/126_HB_37_I_Y.pdf

Welcome Annette Morris

New OABA Office Administration Manager

When you call the OABA office - welcome OABA's newest and brightest employee, Annette Morris. Annette brings with her a great deal of valuable experience and is a fast learner. She has three teenage children and lives in Grove City, OH. We're happy to have Annette on board!

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR WILMINGTON STUDENTS

Note to OABA Members:Please consider these top-notch students when hiring.

Scholarships totaling $5,300 were awarded to four students attending Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH.

OABA Educational Trust Scholarships were awarded to:

• Corey L. GerlachNew Concord, OH (expected graduation, Spring, 2006)
  
• Leisha Truman,Kenton, OH (expected graduation, Spring, 2006)
  
  

• Justin Armintrout, Washington Court House, OH (expected graduation, Fall 2005)
  
• Ashley Shroll, Bucyrus, OH (expected graduation Spring, 2007)
  

HAVE YOU COMPLIED WITH THE LATEST POSTING REQUIREMENT?

Failure to do so can have negative results!

By now, you should have received a letter from the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC) informing you of a new employee posting requirement. Employers must now post a notice informing employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol following an accident of their right to rebut this evidence at a hearing, and to show why drugs or alcohol were not the reason for the injury. This "notice of rebuttable presumption" should be displayed next to your BWC Certificate of Payment, where you generally post legal notices (lunch room or other common area.) We can fax you a copy if you call (614) 326-7520, or email a copy if request it at gking@oaba.net, or you can download it at http://www.ohiobwc.com/downloads/blankpdf/RebutPresumpCertNotice.pdf

Failure to post the notice prior to the date of the challenged workplace accident can result in an employee asserting he or she did not know of their right to rebut the results of the test, meaning the claim could be decided in a substance abuser's favor. We suggest you incorporate the notice in your employees handbook section dealing with workers' compensation or on workplace substance abuse.

SOYBEAN RUST FOUND IN FLORIDA

Increases the chances rust could reach Ohio

The Florida Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of soybean rust in that state, the first discovery of the plant disease "overwintering" in the U.S. Experts say this discovery also ups the odds the disease will be found in the Midwest this summer.

US FOOD SUPPLY REMAINS VULNERABLE TO TERRORISTS

More to be Done

The General Accountability Office (GAO), in a recent report, says too few border inspections of imported food and limited access to vaccines is keeping the U.S. food supply vulnerable to terrorist attack. The report warns while much has been done, more needs to be implemented.

Since USDA passed border inspections to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002, inspections have fallen from nearly 41 million in 2002, to 37.5 million last year. DHS said a lack of inspectors is partially to blame for the drop, and said it intends to hire an additional 500 inspectors within 12 months.

Of equal concern is the intentional introduction of animal and poultry diseases. While most of the impact would be economic, there are additional concerns about such diseases as avian influenza which have human health consequences. The greatest concern is introduction of food-and-mouth disease (FMD), which if introduced into the U.S. herd would cost about $5 billion.

USDA was urged to come up with a cost/benefit analysis of stockpiling animal vaccines and evaluate rapid diagnostic tests for use at the site of an outbreak, while training veterinarians to recognize foreign animal diseases.

SAVE MONEY WITH THE OABA DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM

Don't risk costly fines

Be certain your company is following the DOT guidelines for substance abuse testing of CDL drivers. If not, you are risking costly fines. Either way you should consider looking into becoming a member of the OABA Drug an Alcohol Testing Program administered by OnSite LLC. By joining the OABA program you'll let OnSite do all the work. They provide the random selection, locate a convenient testing location if you are large enough they may come to you and report the results in a confidential and timely manner, all at a very competitive cost.

For more information contact OABA at (614) 326-7520, or info@oaba.net.

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR OWENS STUDENTS

OABA continues to help our industry grow!

Scholarships totaling $3,500 were distributed to four students attending Owens Community College, Perrysburg, OH all majoring in Agribusiness Management.

OABA Educational Trust Scholarships were awarded to:

• Kyle Bodenbender, Liberty center, OH (expected graduation Spring 2006)
  
• Lucas Brubaker, Holgate, OH (expected graduation Spring 2006)
  

• Logan Haake, Malinta, OH (expected graduation Spring 2006)
  
• Taysha Short, Alvorton OH (expected graduation Spring 2006)
  

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE MID-AMERICA AG SHOW

January 18-19, 2005, Westin Hotel, Indianapolis, IN

Over ninety exhibitors will be showing their wares and services, the education program offers something for everyone and the social opportunities are plentiful at this year's Mid-America Ag Show (MAAS).

Tuesday starts with educational programs offering learning opportunities providing solutions and strategies for today's agribusiness industry, (3 CCA CEUs in PD). Session cover topics like "Avoiding Contract Problems"; "BSE Bio-Security"; Right Sizing Operations to Maximize Profits"; and "Understanding the Changes Taking Place in Agriculture".

Wednesday programming focuses on agronomic topics providing continuing education with sessions approved for pesticide recertification and Certified Crop Adviser CEUs, (CORE = 3.0 hrs, 2A = 0.5 hr., 2C = 1.0 hr., 2D = 1.0 hr. and 5.5 CCA CEUs in PM.).

To learn more about the Mid-American Ag Show go to www.MidAmericaAgShow.com.

MAAS is co-sponsored by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.

BOWLING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS REGISTER NOW!

Help Support Students in Agribusiness

What better way to support the OABA Educational Trust Fund, than to "Go Bowling" on a grey winter day! The 2005 Bowling for Scholarships event will be Friday, February 11, 2005 at the Varsity Lanes in Bowling Green , Ohio. A day of fun, pizza and fund raising to support students pursuing careers in our industry. Register as an individual and we'll place you on a team or register your whole team. Either way, don't wait because we only have room for 28 teams.

Call the OABA office at (614) 326-7520 or register on-line. $$Linktoform16,0

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN OABA

You are encouraged to support these fellow members in any way you can!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.


Bank One NA, Agribusiness lending, leasing and cash management. Doug Evans, Vice president, Agriculture. 11660 St Rt 159, Amanda, OH 43102. PH: (800) 705-8462; FX: (740) 969-8822

Cherry Fork Farm Supply LLC, Feed mill and resale of farm supplies. Shonda Hughes. 5715 Decatur Pike, PO Box 35, Cherry Fork, OH 45618. PH: (937) 695-0264; FX: (937) 695-0203

Michael E. Dailey Private Crop Advisor, Self employed private crop consultant. Mike Dailey, 6070 Beckholt Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050-9519. PH: (740) 501-2545.

Jeffersonville River Terminal (JRT), Bulk fertilizer wholesaler. Steve Powell, Account Manager. 17110 Kellogg Rd., Bowling Green, OH 43402. PH: (419) 823-1718; FX: (419) 823-3125

Tietje, Mullet & Klink, Inc. (TMK Farm Service), Full service agribusiness, grain, feed and fertilizer facility. Thad Gerber, Vice President, Finance. 138 Second St., PO Box 278, Sugarcreek, OH 44681-0278. PH: (330) 852-4681; FX: (330) 852-4683

Winchester Ag. Service, Resale and application of fertilizer, chemicals and seed. Shonda Hughes, Owner. 1350 Tri County Rd., PO Box 205, Winchester, OH 45697. PH: (937) 695-0388; FX: (937) 695-0389

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO THREE CLARK STATE STUDENTS

Note to OABA Members: Please consider these top-notch students when hiring.

Scholarships totaling $3,500 were awarded to three students attending Clark State Community College, Springfield, OH all majoring in Agribusiness.

An OABA Educational Trust Scholarship was awarded to:

• Melissa Massy, Springfield, OH (expected graduation Spring 2006)

• Andrew Cox, New Carlisle, OH (expected graduation Fall 2005)
  
• Amanda Eichelberger, South Charlston, OH (expected graduation Spring 2005)
  

USDA CONFIRMS SOYBEAN RUST IN UNITED STATES

Shouldn't be a problem this year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of soybean rust on soybean leaf samples taken from two plots associated with a Louisiana State University research farm on 11/06/04.

While this is the first instance of soybean rust to be found in the United States, the detection comes at a time when most soybeans have been harvested across the country. As a result of the harvest, the impact of the fungus should be minimal this year.

If you would like a complete copy of the USDA press release, contact gking@oaba.net or the Association office at (614) 326-7520.

REPORTER BUYS AMMONIUM NITRATE FROM FERTILIZER DEALERS

Two out of three is two too many!

An investigative reporter for a St. Louis news station purchased 400-500 lbs of straight ammonium nitrate from two dealerships in Missouri. One other dealer refused to sell. The news story has aired and will once again put security procedures at agribusinesses in the spotlight and reignite the call for regulation of ammonium nitrate purchases.

We can't stress enough that when it comes to the sale of ammonium nitrate or urea fertilizer, YOU MUST KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER. You should immediately report any attempt by unknown persons to purchase nitrate fertilizers and take note of the vehicle, their appearance, etc. In this case, the investigative reporter presented false forms of identification at all three retail facilities.

OABA is working with Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives (ATFE) and other agribusiness associations across the country to help communicate to fertilizer dealers the importance of proper security procedures. Please be aware and do your part!

Thanks to our sister association, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, for sharing this information with us.

EU APPROVES BIOTECH CORN

Safe for both animal and human consumption

The European Commission (EC) on October 26 approved the use of Monsanto's "Roundup Ready" genetically enhanced corn (NK603), along with its use in processed foods and food ingredients, basically ruling such corn is safe for human consumption and clearing the way for import by the EU.

Monsanto praised the EC decision, saying it affirmed the safety of the product for use in foods. The decision does not authorize the cultivation of the corn in the EU, which is the subject of a separate submission. The decision also completes the steps necessary to allow the EU to import, process and use NK603 in animal feeds in the EU, a decision initially made in July, 2004.

JAPAN/US REACH BEEF TRADE AGREEMENT

Largest market for US beef to re-open soon

U.S. and Japanese officials in Tokyo recently reached a framework agreement permitting the resumption of beef trade between the two countries following a ten-month interruption. Trade between the two countries will resume following completion of regulatory processes in both countries.

A special marketing program will be developed for Japan under which USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service will certify exported products meet the terms of the agreement. The United States now will be permitted to sell beef and variety meats to Japanese importers from animals below 21 months of age. Animal age will be determined by a combination of production records and physiological means (grading system). This marketing program will be evaluated by the countries in July 2005 and modified as appropriate.

Japan was the largest market for U.S. beef and products with sales in 2003 before the ban was imposed exceeding $1.7 billion. Exports in total account for well over 10% of the total value of U.S. beef output. U.S. sales to Japan were suspended following the discovery of the one case of BSE from an imported cow on December 23, 2003 in Washington State.

FCSA PULLS PLUG ON RABOBANK BUYOUT DEAL

Too much flack from the farming community

Dutch cooperative banking giant Rabobank announced late this week that Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) of Omaha, NE, has terminated its acquisition agreement, according to media reports.

When FCSA and Rabobank originally announced an agreement in principal under which Rabobank would acquire FCSA, taking it out of the national farm credit system, it created a bit of a political firestorm in the Midwest service area served by FCSA. Critics of the proposed buyout, which included the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, contended the loss of FCSA from the national farm credit network would mean the unraveling of the entire system. For its part, Rabobank argued the sale would allow Rabobank to offer a broader array of farm lending services than current available to FCSA shareholders.

Rabobank said it is not abandoning its plans for U.S. expansion, and will continue to push for a larger presence in U.S. ag banking, including the potential for other acquisitions.

PLAN TO ATTEND THE MID-AMERICA AG SHOW

January 18-19, 2005, The Westin Hotel, Indianapolis, IN

Exhibitors are signing up, the education program is nearly complete and registration information will be mailed soon for the 2004 Mid-America Ag Show (MAAS). Mark that calendar now - plan on attending this special industry gathering.

In addition to a trade show floor offering exhibits of new products and services you will need for the coming years, you will also find informative education programs to get an idea of what those coming years may offer.

MAAS is co-sponsored by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and the Agribusiness Council of Indiana.

Make plans to attend now!

GOLFERS SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS IN A BIG WAY!

Students are the big winners!

Over two hundred participants and nearly ninety sponsors generated over $27,000 (net) during the 2004 Golf for Scholarships events! Once again OABA members and friends demonstrated their willingness to "dig deep" to support students pursuing fields of study leading to careers in agribusiness. The OABA Educational Trust Fund, including its stewardship of the Greenleaf Agri-Industry Award, provides between $30,000 & $40,000 annually to students attending the following institutions: OSU Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), Clark State Community College, The Ohio State University, Owens Community College and Wilmington College. On their behalf, we say THANK YOU! For more information about OABA scholarships, select the "Scholarships" tab on the OABA website at www.oaba.net

RECORD YIELDS?

For both Corn and Soybeans

Based on an October 1 yield survey conducted by the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service, Ohio's average corn yield is estimated at 160 bushels per acre, up four bushels from the 2003 average State yield. Total production is forecast at 496 million bushels, from an expected 3.10 million harvested acres.

The average State soybean yield is estimated at 46 bushels per acre, 7.5 bushels higher than 2003. If realized, this yield will also be a new State record. Total production is forecast to be at 203.3 million bushels, 23 percent more than in 2003. Soybean producers expect to harvest 4.42 million acres.

USDA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE

Can be customized by individual users

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman recently announced the availability of "My.USDA.gov," which will allow individual users to customize the USDA homepage for their unique needs.

"eGovernment is an important part of President Bush's Management Agenda to improve the operations of government," said Veneman. "My.USDA.gov is the latest installment of USDA's efforts to provide customers with the latest information they need more quickly and easily."

Veneman noted the launch of My.USDA.gov features added functionality, allowing customers to find items of interest, by selecting "Browse by Audience" and as launched in January, the "Browse by Subject." A customized page can be created in three easy steps by going to www.usda.gov and signing up for an ID.

GRAIN OPERATIONS TRAINING COURSE

A practical training course for the grain handling industry

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association Grain Operations Training Course is designed to provide quality, hands-on training for individuals whose primary responsibilities are in grain operations. The course is a series of four, day long classes, held over the period of December March at an operating grain facility. Each session will focus on specific aspects of efficient grain operations. Experienced grain operation professionals and elevator supervisors provide practical instruction addressing four main categories: Safety, Maintenance, Grain Handling and Administration. The course is limited to 30 students. The small class size enhances learning by allowing for better interaction between instructors and students.

Registration information is availble at www.oaba.net and click on the calendar tab, or you can register online at $$linktoform25 today.

This is a popular program so do not wait until the last minute or you may be left out. Contact OABA (614) 326-7520 for more information.

"AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS SECURITY TAX CREDIT" BILL

Would provide 50% tax credit

A tax relief bill (S.B. 2872) helping ag retailers, distributors and other eligible agricultural businesses cover the expensive costs related to improving on-site security has been introduced by Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Ben Nelson (D-NE). The bill, which is supported by the Ohio AgriBusiness Association and most other state and national agribusiness associations, provides tax credits equaling 50 percent of the cost of eligible security upgrades at agricultural retail businesses and is capped at $50,000 during any 5 year period. This money can be used for many different security programs, such as employee background checks, locking equipment and even the latest chemical additives that can render fertilizer unfit for illegal purposes.

PENALTY FOR THEFT OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA

Ammonia theft to become felony

H.B. 536 introduced by Rep. John Schlichter (R), Washington C.H., OH will make the theft of anhydrous ammonia a felony of the third degree. Thanks to Greg Garman, Southwest Landmark for arranging a meeting with OABA staff and Rep. Schlichter to discuss the bill and what industry is doing to combat ammonia theft.

The bill in its self may not go along way to stop theft, but it does give law enforcement and the courts a bigger stick to use in punishing offenders.

If you would like a copy of H.B. 536 you can call OABA at (614) 326-7520 or go to:

1. www.oaba.net
   
2. Related Links
   
3. State Government
   
4. Ohio House
   
5. Legislation (lower right)
   
6. Find Bill By Number
   Bill Number: enter 536,
   check HOUSE
   check 125th General Assembly

OABA SEED TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR

New location great program

The OABA Seed Committee has put the finial touches on this years' Seed Technology Seminar. The Seed Technology Seminar is scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2004 at All Occasions Catering in Waldo, Ohio. The Seed Technology Seminar provides a great opportunity to stay up on current trends and issues important to the seed industry as well as seeing friends and colleges.

The meeting is approved for 4.5 CCA CEUs; 2.0 in Pest Management; 1.5 in Crop Management and 1.0 in Professional Development. ODA has approved the meeting for 3.0 hours of pesticide recertification; 1 hr. each in categories 2A (Agronomic Pest), 2C (Agronomic Weed) and 2D (Seed Treatment).

Watch your mail for registration information. $$LinkToForm6, or register on line at www.oaba.net under the calendar tab.

WORKERS' COMP LEGISLATION

Notice must be posted-Abuse policy recommended

Ohio recently enacted a new law geared toward curbing substance abuse in the workplace. The law specifies conditions under which chemical testing of an employee may establish a rebuttable presumption the employee's injury was caused by use of alcohol or an unprescribed controlled substance. The burden of proof now shifts to the worker, who must provide evidence the injury was not caused by alcohol or drugs.

Under the law, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) will provide all employers with a written notice (it will be attached to your certificate of coverage) which must be posted in your workplace. The notice informs your employees they may not be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are injured while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance not prescribed by a physician. The law takes effect October 13, 2004. Remember, you must conspicuously post the written notice in a place viewable by your employees.

BWC also suggests you create a written substance abuse policy which outlines for your employees when testing may occur and the consequences for failing a test. Not only does a written policy serve as a deterrent, but it also protects your company from legal liabilities related to testing.

1. If you would like BWC's recommendations for a written substance abuse policy, contact the OABA office at king@oaba.net, PH: (614) 326-7520 or FX: (614) 326-7519.

2. If you do not have a drug and alcohol testing program in place, contact OABA for information regarding the Association's Random Testing Program.

ATF TO VISIT FERTILIZER DEALERS

Ammonium nitrate a concern

OABA has learned that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is taking steps to educate fertilizer dealers about protecting their community from terrorist who may plan to use ammonium nitrate of other fertilizer products for criminal intent.

The ATF will be visiting various fertilizer dealers in the state and will be passing out brochures and posters to encourage dealers to evaluate their security procedures, especially dealers that handle ammonium nitrate.

They hope by conducting these visits, it will create awareness so that dealers will not be hesitant to contact ATF, the FBI or local authorities if they believe they see suspicious activities or persons.

COURT STRIKES DOWN NEW HOURS OF SERVICE RULES

Does not effect exemption for agriculture

The U.S. Court of Appeals has announced DOT's Hours of Service rules are going back for review. Everyone is being instructed to continue using the current, revised Hours of Service rules that were effective January 4, 2004.

Here's the link to the DOT website formal announcement:

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/fmcsa0804.htm

WILL NH3 TANKS HAVE TO UNDERGO NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING?

NSTB Recomends it!

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the recent rupture of an anhydrous ammonia tank in Iowa, which killed one worker, was due to inadequate welding, insufficient inspection during the tanks manufacture and lack of periodic inspections during its service life. The NTSB concluded periodic non-destructive testing could have detected the defect and the internal crack in the tank during its service life and the tank could have been repaired or removed from service. The NTSB has now recommended all nurse tanks undergo nondestructive testing to identify flaws that could lead to a rupture. Currently there are no federal or state requirements concerning periodic inspections be conducted.

GRAIN GRADING SCHOOLS FOR COMMODITY TESTERS

For certification or recertification

Commodity testers whose certification expires September 30, 2004 have a great opportunity to recertify by attending one of three OABA Grain Grading Schools. The three hour sessions are ODA approved for recertification.

Individuals needing to become certified will find these schools are a great way to prepare for, and take the Commodity Tester Exam. The exam is offered at the conclusion of each school.

The schools are :

• August 3, 2004, ATI, Wooster, OH
• August 4, 2004, Owens Community College, Perrysburg, OH
• August 5, 2004, Holiday Inn Airport NW, Englewood, OH

FEED INSPECTOR'S MANUAL

Available online at no charge

After much consideration, the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has made the Feed Inspector's Manual available online at no charge. For those of you subject to feed inspections, you may want to note the internet location for future reference or you can download a copy of the manual (293 pages) from the AAFCO web site (www.aafco.org). The manual appears at the bottom of the first page.

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY DEPOSITORS FUND ASSESSMENT BEGINS

1/2 cent-per-bushel fee effective July 1st

Starting July 1, 2004, the Ohio Department of Agriculture begins assessing cent-per-bushel on all deliveries of all agricultural commodities. The fees collected will need to be remitted to ODA Grain Warehouse Section on a quarterly base with the first payment due no later then November 1, 2004. ODA will be sending the necessary form. The fee is being assessed to replenish the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund which reimburses farmers in the event of insolvencies at Ohio warehouses.

OABA has drafted an "announcement" which can be edited to fit your needs and then posted or distributed to customers for the purpose of notifying them of the assessment. If you would like a copy faxed or e-mailed contact us at (614) 326-7520, or bpeach@oaba.net.

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRENGHTHEN OABA

You are encouraged to support these fellow members in any way you can!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.


Ag Application Equipment, a dealer in used self propelled sprayers and spreaders. Joe Schille, President. 1317 Joan Way, McLean, IL 61761. PH: (309)824-0963, EM: j.schille@gte.net

Alifet U.S.A., Inc., marketer of by-pass fats for dairy use. Raymond Rouse, President. Suite 25 A Building H 9200 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242. PH: (513) 984-4420; FX: (513) 792-2313; EM: ray3714@aol.com

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN OABA

You are encouraged to support these fellow members in any way you can!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.

Athens Landmark, Inc., a farm supply co-operative. Fred Winters, General Manager, 25 Kurtz Street PO Box 157, Athens, OH 45701. PH: (740) 593-6631, FX: (740) 592-1583

Central Ohio Ag Service, Inc. dba Animal Station, retail animal and pet feed & supply. G. Todd Sands, VP and Manager. 121 Ewing Street PO Box 813, Centerburg, OH 43001. PH: (740) 625-5147; FX: (740) 625-5148

Precision Laboratories, Inc. , manufacturer of specialty seed adjuvants & seed treatment technologies. Jay Brooks, District Manager, 533 East Viburnum, Westfield, IN 46074. PH: (419) 351-4877

Tri-Rinse, Inc., Container recycling. Stephen Pizzitola, Project Manager, PO Box 157, St. Louis, MO 63110. PH: (314) 647-8338, FX: (314) 647-5028

NH3 ADDITIVE

Renders anhydrous ammonia ineffective for meth production

The Fertilizer Industry Methamphetamine Task Force has announced it is optimistic about the discovery of an additive that renders anhydrous ammonia ineffective for the illicit production of methamphetamine.

Anhydrous ammonia, which supplies one of the three basic plant nutrients, is a highly beneficial fertilizer for the production of food and fiber. Its theft for the production of the illegal drug methamphetamine is of paramount concern to the fertilizer industry.

The additive was identified by researchers at Iowa State University. Following the success of the university's tests regarding the additive's efficacy, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) conducted further tests regarding the additive's ability to inhibit the use of ammonia for the production of methamphetamine. The task force met in Kansas City to discuss DEA's preliminary results and final testing is anticipated in the near future.

The fertilizer industry appreciates the support it has received from U.S. Senators Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) to fund research at Iowa State University, and the dedication of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy throughout this ongoing process.

The Fertilizer Industry Methamphetamine Task Force represents the producers, distributors and retailers of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in North America. The task force works with federal and local law enforcement agencies, as well as researchers and industry professionals in an effort to deter the theft of anhydrous ammonia for the production of methamphetamine.

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY DEPOSITORS FUND

Some confusion over remittance of cent per bushel fee

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is in the implementation phase of re-instating the cent per bushel fee for the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund. ODA has notified all licensed handlers via mail explaining the process which starts with the July 1, 2004 quarter. The first remittance is due to ODA not later then November 1, 2004.

Since the fee has not been collected for over 20 years there are a number people who have no experience with the process. As such there is some confusion over a few minor points.

• The cent per bushel is applicable to all inbound grain from producers, including grain bank and DP, and all inbound grain from other licensed handlers when a warehouse receipt is issued. The fee is figured on net bushels.
  
• Grain delivered from out-of-state to an Ohio licensed handler is subject to the fee.
  
• Quarterly remittance of the fee from licensed handlers to ODA is required for ALL applicable grain delivered during each quarter.
  
• The fee may be passed to the producer in any manner the licensed handler determines to best fit their system. It can be collected at time of delivery, at settlement, or not at all. We suggest individual handlers adopt a uniform policy.

USDA PROVIDES $8 MILLION FOR 2003 EMERGENCY CONSERVATION FUNDING

Ohio included

Ohio, along with 20 other states, will share in approximately $8 million allocated for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Agricultural producers that realized losses that occurred due to severe weather events during calendar year 2003, will now receive some financial assistance through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The counties of Auglaize, Mercer, Columbiana, and Mahoning have applications already on file at their FSA office, for damages that occurred in 2003. The 2003 ECP funding is currently available because allocations in other states were unused during previous years. This financial assistance will partially compensate farmers and ranchers in the rehabilitation of agricultural lands.

ECP funds help producers remove debris from farmland, restore fences and conservation structures, provide water for livestock, and reshape farmland damaged by natural disaster conditions. Locally elected county committees are authorized to implement this type of ECP funding. Eligible producers that have applied for ECP will receive cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent for practices approved by the FSA county committee.

UPDATE FROM EPA's OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREVENTION, PREPAREDNES AND RESPONSE

Copy and paste links to your browser for future reference

1. To help facilities better understand the Risk Management Program regulations, EPA maintains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning the Clean Air Act 112(r). Following the April 9th amendments to the Chemical Accident Prevention Rule, EPA updated these FAQs. The revised FAQs were posted May 24 on the OEPPR website at:
$$link,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/caa-faqs.htm,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/caa-faqs.htm,$$

FAQs for the Amendments Rule were posted in April and are available on the OEPPR website at:
$$link,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/2004-FAQ.htm,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/2004-FAQ.htm,$$

EPA also maintains FAQs for the reporting software, RMP*Submit. The updated FAQs for RMP*Submit 2004 were posted May 25 on the OEPPR website at:
$$link,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/rmp_submit_faq.htm,http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/rmp_submit_faq.htm,$$


2. RMP*WebRC, a web-based tool to assist RMP filers to correct their RMPs, was launched on May 21, 2004. RMP*WebRC requires user registration.
Invitation letters and instructions have been sent to RMP facilities with 5-year updates due after June 21, 2004 so that they can register and use RMP*WebRC to add newly required data elements. All other RMP facilities will be sent an invitation and instructions after the EPA Reporting Center has received and processed their 5-year update.

OABA SPONSORS FFA AWARD

North Union wins both team & individual awards

OABA helped to sponsor the 2004 Ohio FFA Agronomy Career Development Event conducted during the 76th Annual Ohio FFA Convention in Columbus.

The first place team was North Union FFA and the first place individual was Jake Davis from the North Union FFA Chapter. The Agronomy Career Development Event challenges students' knowledge of crop, weed, disease, insect, and pest identification, as well as fertilizer, pesticide, and sprayer calibration problems and their solutions. Members participate in developing solutions for problematic scenarios and various other management practices.

GRAIN WAREHOUSE BILL BECOMES LAW

Per-Bushel Fee to be Reinstated July 1, 2004

Legislation amending the Ohio Agricultural Commodity Handler Law has now become law.

The legislation made several changes to the law governing the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund. The Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund is used to pay for claims brought by farmers against insolvent licensed handlers. The fund consists of a per-bushel fee remitted by licensed handlers, plus any money ODA collects via legal actions on behalf of the fund. Since 1999 there have been five grain warehouse insolvencies. The cost to the fund has been approximately $450,000 for a case in 1999 to the most recent one of $2.5 million this year.

The key areas of the Commodity Handler Law addressed in the legislation are:

1. First and foremost the bill increased the balance of the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund from $4 million to $10, 000 million. Also, it allows the Director to reinstate the per-bushel fee if the fund balance is less then $8 million.
   
2. The bill expanded the situations in which the fund pays 100% of the loss for valid claims.
   
3. Another key component is that earned interest from the fund is to be credited to the fund. Originally monies from the Agricultural Commodity Depositors Fund could only be used to indemnify depositors and for no other purpose. Now the Director may request no more the $500,000 per fiscal year be transferred to pay for program administration.
   
4. The Senate version amended the definition of a quorum for meetings of the Commodity Advisory Commission. A quorum now consists of any 4 members present rather then 2 farmers and 2 licensed handlers. The Commission composed of 7 members 3 farmers, 3 licensed handlers and a banker act in an advisory capacity in matters relating to the law.

GIPSA CHANGING INSPECTION AND WEIGHING FEE SCHEDULE

Effective June 14, 2004

The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is changing the fee schedule for official inspection and weighing services performed under the authority of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, as amended.

According to GIPSA administrator Donna Reifschneider, the changes are needed to cover the cost of providing services, replenish the retained earnings accounts and to maintain a 3-month operating reserve. "Maintaining GIPSA's financial stability will ensure continued provision of the inspection and weighing services that the grain industry relies on to facilitate the sound and orderly marketing of grain in domestic and export markets," Reifschneider said.

The USGSA authorizes GIPSA to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the cost of performing official services, and costs associated with administrative and supervisory activities related to official services.

Specifically, GIPSA is eliminating 3-month and 6-month contracts because they are not widely used; increasing the 1-year contract hourly rate and the non-contract hourly rate; increasing hourly rates for services not performed at an applicant's facility; increasing unit fees for additional tests provided by GIPSA; replacing the 6-level administrative tonnage fee with regional administrative tonnage fees; replacing the unit fee charged to delegated States for export ships with a tonnage fee; increasing hourly fees for special weighing services; and establishing a usage fee per facility when the GIPSA test car is used to test track scales.

The fee schedule change becomes effective June 14, 2004.

The final rule is on GIPSA's web site at: http://www.usda.gov/gipsa/rulemaking/current/5-13-04.pdf. />

SENATE PASSES EXPORT TAX REFORM

Bill includes energy programs

The Senate has finally passed a legislative fix to the ongoing foreign sales tax problem that has resulted in European Union retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, and tossed in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and alternative fuel tax incentives for good measure.

The single bill approach to these two thorny issues kills two political birds with one procedural stone. The foreign sales incentive, under which exporting companies enjoyed lower income tax rates on export sales, had been deemed illegal nearly two years ago by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and when the U.S. did not move to immediately end its export subsidy program, the EU responded with a 7% retaliatory tariff on many U.S. ag products.

The sales incentive program is replaced by a series of other corporate tax breaks to offset the income tax break loss.

The RFS, along with tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel production, was a must-have for several midwestern Senators facing tough reelection races, including Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. The RFS is particularly important to corn and soybean producers from whose crops ethanol and biodiesel are refined.

BSE FEED RULE COMPLIANCE REMAINS HIGH

FDA allows six months to comply

Only 12 companies out of more than 14,000 inspected in the last five months by FDA for compliance with its BSE feed rule required serious action, according to the latest FDA compliance statistics. Another 80 firms were cited for minor infractions requiring voluntary remedial action, while two firms were referred to state regulators.

The FDA database www.fda.gov was updated April 23, with data current as of April 17.

The serious infractions, which included labeling, record-keeping and other potential cross contamination problems, generated warning letters and allow six months to fix. If no action is taken the agency can get an injunction against the firm.

RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN EXTENSION DENIED

Rule is set to take effect June 21st

We have been informed by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) that they have been notified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its decision to deny a one month extension deadline for re-submission of Risk Management Plans (RMP).The Ohio AgriBusiness Association supported TFI's effort to delay the re-submission deadline for facilities which handle anhydrous and aqua ammonia. There was concern regarding RMP*Submit the computer based program which will be utilized to submit RMPs to EPA, noting the program has just been made available and is significantly different from the previous version. Unfortunately, EPA officials are not in agreement and therefore the rule is set to take effect June 21st. If you would like a copy of the EPA denial letter faxed to you, contact the Ohio AgriBusiness Association at gking@oaba.net or (614) 325 7520.

FDA FEED RULE CHANGES UNPUBLISHED

Agency May Go To Proposed Rule

FDA, having missed its "two-week" deadline announced a month ago for publishing changes in its ruminant feeding rule, appears no closer to publication. An industry insider said FDA will likely publish only a rule "status update" within the next two weeks.

Another unconfirmed report, but heard from several sources, indicates the agency is considering abandoning its intent to publish an interim final rule effective on date of publication and will instead, publish only a proposed rule. This strategy will allow FDA to continue to collect comments and data on the various options open to it to refine and enhance federal restrictions on the feeding of mammalian materials to ruminants.

The delay by FDA complicates actions in Canada and Mexico, which have strived to work with the U.S. to harmonize BSE prevention and mitigation programs. Several governments around the world have put their respective BSE program changes on hold until FDA publishes its feed rule changes.

GRAIN DUST EXPLOSIONS FOR 2003

Ohio Leads the Country with Two

Robert W. Schoeff, Professor Emeritus, Kansas State University and Mavis Rogers, FGIS-USDA, in their annual report, state there were seven dust explosions reported in the U.S. in 2003. This compares with eight in 2002 and a ten-year average of just less than twelve. There were two fatalities and eight injuries. Two of the incidents were in Ohio. Five other states had one incident each, including Iowa, Illinois and Michigan in the corn belt. For a complete copy of the report, contact the Association office at (614) 326-7520 or info@oaba.net .

FINGER PRINTING POSTPONED AGAIN

Don't Get The Inkpad Out Yet!

We have been informed the Transportation Security Administration has again postponed the implementation date for fingerprint background checks for commercial drivers licensees with a hazardous material endorsement until January 31, 2005. Stay tuned!

MARGIN CALLS AFFECT EVEN THE LARGEST TRADERS

Bunge Seeks To Raise $500 Million To Cover Cost Of Soybeans

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)-Bunge Finance, a unit of agricultural giant Bunge Ltd. (BG), recently sought to sell a $500 million bond offering to finance purchases of soybeans, which have skyrocketed in price by 70% over the last year.

The company, which processes soybeans and other agricultural commodities, will use the proceeds of the 10-year offering to cover higher soybean carrying costs. The price of soybeans recently hit $10.64 per bushel, substantially above historical norms of $5 to $6, and the highest level since July 1988. The price increase is due to surging demand, notably from China, as well as a smaller 2003 crop in the U.S., Argentina and Brazil.

ODA DROPS PESTICIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM

Future uncertain

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will no longer be grinding pesticide jugs for recycling. The program was eliminated due to budget.

ODA organized the collection sites, scheduled and operated the grinder. The plastic chips where sold to and collected by Tri-Rinse. The income from the chips was accrued by OABA. OABA then promoted the program to members and purchased plastic bags and grinder blades which then where donated to ODA.

The program started in 1996 as a service to farmers and dealers in an attempt to reduce the waste stream of plastic pesticide containers to landfills.

Tri-Rinse is considering taking over the program for this coming year. Watch for information in your OABA newsletter.

PARTHEMORE APPOINTED TO ADVISORY COMMISSION

Three year term repesenting cooperatives

Eric Parthemore, President / CEO, The Farmers Commission Co. has been appointed by Fred Dailey, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture to the Commodity Advisory Commission.

The commission is composed of seven members; three farmers, one licensed handler representing a cooperative, one licensed handler who is the owner operator of a rural warehouse, and one licensed handler representing a major agricultural commodity transportation center and one rural banker. Eric is representing the cooperative position.

The commission meets a minimum of three times annually and serves to advise and counsel the director on matters relating to the administration of the Ohio Agricultural Commodity Handler Law.

PEOPLE NEEDING PEOPLE

Have you visited this special area of the OABA website?

Although the present economy isn't exactly a "bowl of cherries" there are OABA members and associates who have positions within their organizations they need to fill. An easy way to get people together is to go to the Ohio AgriBusiness Association Website at www.oaba.net. Simply select the "Job Postings" tab along the top of the home page.

If you would like to post an available position for 30 days, just follow the on-line directions. There is no cost for OABA members.

If you are looking for employment or thinking about a change, the posted positions are there for viewing.

MONSANTO SENDS USDA NEW BIOTECH WHEAT PETITION

Will wait for farmers and consumers ok

Withdrawing its original 2002 petition but submitting a new request, Monsanto has asked again for USDA to approve "deregulated status" for the world's first genetically modified wheat.

Monsanto called the new petition a revised version "cleaned up and less cumbersome" -- of the original request for approval for Roundup Ready wheat filed in December, 2002, but media reports indicate the new petition includes information asked for by regulators since the original filing.

Several overseas flour millers have expressed concern over genetically modified wheat and have warned the U.S. that if approved, they may seek supplies elsewhere.

Monsanto has said consistently that even if approved, it would not market the GM wheat until consumers and farmers were OK with it.

ALTERNATIVE CROPPING MAY DOUBLE HARVEST

The system can afford a number of production and environmental benefits

An alternative production system being adopted by Ohio growers might be cause for a double-take of wheat fields in the spring.

During the time when wheat is maturing, tiny soybean plants are popping up in neat rows alongside their neighbor. The system, known as Modified Relay Intercropping (MRI), is the practice of interseeding soybeans into wheat so that two crops are growing in the same field during the crop season.

The idea of such a system has intrigued many Ohio growers. Farmers in such counties as VanWert, Hancock, Seneca and Huron have adopted the practice. In fact, growers in Crawford County have been so successful that one-fifth of the county's 20,000 wheat acres are now under the alternative cropping system.

"AND NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY"

Are you getting all the information?

It has come to our attention many of you are not aware several of the articles appearing in the OABA News & Notes, are continued, even though you do not see it on the main page when you open your emailed newsletter.

You will note at the bottom of each article there is a hot link as follows: Complete Article>. Simply select this link to see if there is more to the article. If the article is relatively brief, it will simply be repeated. If the article is lengthier, the part on the main page will be repeated followed by the rest of the article.

Check each article to see if there is more than what appears on the main page.

Try it with this article!

OABA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR OWENS STUDENTS

OABA Continues to help our industry to grow!

Scholarships totaling $3,300 were distributed to four students attending Owens Community College, Perrysburg, OH all majoring in Agribusiness management.

OABA Educational Trust Scholarships were awarded to:

• Graham Blue, Edgerton, OH (expected graduation Spring 2004)
  
• Blake Bushman, Pemberville, OH (expected graduation Spring 2005)
  

NEW MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN OABA

You are encouraged to support these fellow members in any way you can!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.


Huntington Equipment Finance , an equipment financing company, Joe Hines, VP,41 S. High St., 8th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. PH: (614) 480-4559; FAX: (614) 480-5791; Email: joe.hines@huntington.com.

K & S Millwright, Inc., involved in millwright, concrete, and crane rental, Kurt Klingelhofer, Owner, 1422 Knox School Rd., Beloit, OH 44609. PH: (330) 823-8811; FAX (330) 823-0911.

Pro Pet, LLC, a pet food manufacturer, Mike Wright, Pres/CEO, PO Box 369, 1400 McKinley Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885. PH: (800) 780-0874 or (419) 394-3374; FAX (419) 394-8024; Email: mwright@propet.com.

The Shelly Company, producers of aglime, Dave Ashworth, Aglime Sales, 1700 Fostoria Ave Ste. 200, PO Box 3100, Findlay, OH 45840. PH: (419) 422-8854; FAX: (419) 429-3444; Email: dashworth@shellyco.com.

THE ALLEYS OF BOWLING GREEN

Students benefit

The 7th Annual OABA Bowling for Scholarships event, held last week at Varsity Lanes, Bowling Green , OH, netted nearly $5,000 for the OABA Educational Trust Fund. The Fund is used to provide financial assistance for Ohio students pursuing college/university curriculums, which will lead to careers in agribusiness. Twenty-three lanes of bowlers, mostly OABA members, had a great day of bowling, pizza and a general good time all in the "dead of winter." A special thanks to those who planned, participated and/or financially sponsored this so very worthwhile event.

USDA LIKELY TO WIND DOWN BSE INVESTIGATION

STEPPING UP EFFORTS TO REESTABLISH BEEF TRADE

USDA will likely begin winding down its formal BSE investigation in Washington State as early as this week, while increasing its diplomatic efforts to get U.S. beef exports moving again, according to Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman.

Veneman said the scientific importance and likelihood of finding the remaining animals which entered the U.S. with the infected BSE cow was diminishing rapidly, and that her opinion was supported by a recommendation from her international scientific review team which questioned the continuing dedication of manpower and resources to the ongoing investigation.

She said efforts to reestablish beef exports were accelerating. Undersecretary Bill Hawks is in Mexico for talks on opening the Mexican border she said, underscoring that Mexico is the U.S.'s largest customer for beef by volume and second largest by value. At the same time, Undersecretary J.B. Penn is getting ready for a mid-February delegation trip to Japan for further discussions, and that U.S. Special Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, as part of his world tour to reinvigorate the Doha Round of WTO discussions, will be in Japan this week to talk beef sales. In a related development, a Korean technical team will be in the U.S. this week to talk BSE-related issues.

USDA AG CENSUS HAS SOME NEW DATA

A preliminary look!

The 2002 Census of Agriculture serves as the most comprehensive source of data describing U.S. agriculture. Some of the new data included in the new report includes sex of the operator, residence on or off the farm, days worked off the farm, age group categories, etc. For example, preliminary results show:

• The average age of the principle operator on Ohio farms in 2002 was 53.8 years old.
  
  
• 25.4 percent of Ohio farm operators were women in 2002; the number of women who were principle operators increased 28.0 percent from 1997.
  
  
• Principle operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino origin increased by 44.4 percent from 1997 to 2002.
  
  
• 9.1 percent of Ohio's agricultural operations are still run by individuals or families and many are still small farms. 60.0 percent of Ohio operations had less than $10,000 in sales of agricultural products in 2002.
  
  
• The number of total farms decreased from 1997 by 952 to 77,785 in 2002.
  
  
• Total land in Ohio farms decreased by some 128 thousand acres since 1997 to a new toal of 14.6 million acres in 2002.
  

OSHA REMINDS EMPLOYERS TO POST INJURY / ILLNESS SUMMARIES

Post OSHA Form 300A on February 1

Beginning February 1, employers must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Employers are required to post only the Summary (OSHA FORM 300A) - not the OSHA 300 Log from February 1 to April 30, 2004.

The summary must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2003 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. The form is to be displayed in a common area wherever notices to employees are usually posted. Employers with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from the record keeping and posting requirement.

Copies of the OSHA Forms 300 and 300A are available on the $$Link,www.osha.gov,OSHA,$$ website in either Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet format. The forms are found on the Recordkeeping page of the website. The OSHA website is also linked from the OABA website under the Related Links Tab.

GEAPS/IAOM GREAT LAKES REGIONAL CONFERENCE

April 15-17, 2004

Three Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) chapters Michigan/Southern Ontario, Seaway and Hoosier, along with two IAOM districts Wolverine and Ohio Valley, are teaming up for the 8th annual conference at the Potawatomi Inn Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN. This regional show typically draws close to 200 registrants from 7-10 states and Canadian provinces.

The program features a workshop on bin rescue training, educational sessions on Food Security, Dust Explosions, Ethanol Update, Electrical Safety, Grain Bin Design, Fumigation Update, and special sessions called "Do Your Gears Need Oil or Bearings Need Grease" and "What Do We Do When Petroleum Runs Out".

The conference also includes a table top trade show with nearly 40 suppliers, several social events and a golf outing. For details and additional information contact Ken Schmenk, The Andersons at (419) 644-4711.

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SAFETY WORKSHOPS

Three workshops scheduled

Registration information for the annual NH3 Safety Workshops has been mailed. The workshops are an excellent way to offer new employees a quality training experience in ammonia handling and safety.

The three workshops are:

February 24, 2004
Holiday Inn Springfield South
Springfield, OH

February 25, 2004
Dutch Heritage
Bellville, OH

February 26, 2004
OSU Extension, NW Dist. Office
Findlaly, OH

SECURITY PLAN GUIDE AVAILABLE

Do it the easy way!

We still receive requests, asking if there is a guide to help create security plans for the Highway Transportation of Hazardous Materials requirement. Well there is! The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a "Guide to Developing an Effective Security Plan for the Highway Transportation of Hazardous Materials". You can access the guide by going to http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/hm/Security_Plan_Guide.htm

YOUR BWC PAYROLL REPORT WILL BE DIFFERENT

Please note the following two changes

There will be two things different about the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) payroll report you receive for the July 1 to Dec. 31, 2003 reporting period. First the 20% dividend will be on the sheet for you to calculate and only pay 80%.

Second, BWC will not be offering the 50/50 split payment option as they did with the most recent reporting period. As mentioned when providing this payment option, it was being offered based on-then economic conditions and most importantly, that there was no dividend being offered for the Jan. 1 to June 30, 2003 period, so you would be paying 100% of your full rate.

You will be required to pay your full amount due and cannot break the payments into 50% portions. If you do not pay your premium you will be lapsed and invoiced for the remaining amount. Yet, due to the success of 50/50, BWC says they will still review, each reporting the period, the benefit to you of providing 50/50 as a payment option.

Payroll report and premium payment is due at BWC's office by February 27, 2004. Please contact BWC Employer Services at 614.752.6332 with questions.

OSU WEED SCIENCE PROGRAM HONORED

Congratulations!

Dr. Mark Loux, Dept of Hort & Crop Science, received the "Distinguished Achievement Award" in the category of Education during the Annual Meeting of the North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS) on December 3, 2003 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jeff Stachler, a graduate student working with Mark, received the "Distinguished Achievement Award" in the category of Professional Staff.

The NCWSS established the Distinguished Achievement Awards in 1990 to recognize the outstanding contributions of its members. Since 1990 only 58 members have been recognized with this award.

Congratulations to Mark and Jeff, both have always been there to support and/or participate in Ohio AgriBusiness events and activities.

IS A SEED PROCESSOR SUBJECT TO FDA FACILILTY REGISTRATION?

Remember, the registration deadline was December 12th, so act now

Some confusion remains about whether seed processors are subject to the FDA food facility registration requirements under the Bioterrorism Act. The answer is "yes," if the seed in question is destined for a food crop or for a crop to be used as an ingredient in animal feed/pet food.

Below is an excerpt from FDA's Question/Answer document on who must register as a food facility:

Q: Is a facility that manufactures/processes and sells seed to farmers required to be registered if the seed is intended for cultivation? What if the seed is an ingredient that will be included in animal feed?

A: FDA requires registration of any facility that manufactures/processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the U.S. (emphasis added.) As noted in a response to a comment in the Interim Final Rule (Comment 62), FDA will consider a product as one that will be used for food if the owner, operator, or agent in charge of the facility reasonably believes that the substance is reasonably expected to be directed to a food use. Therefore, if the owner, operator, or agent in charge of the facility in this question reasonably believes that the seed is reasonably expected to be used as an ingredient for animal feed, the seed is considered "food" and thus, the facility is required to be registered. However, if the seed is reasonably expected only to be cultivated, the facility is not required to be registered.