Attention Media: AgriNotes & News will not be published next week, as Michigan Farm Bureau staff will be attending the American Farm Bureau Federation Information Conference in Alabama. The publication also will temporarily cease the following week, as the Farm Bureau center will be closed in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Look for AgriNotes & News to resume on July 10.

Michigan apple and tart cherry growers are bracing for the shortest crops in several years primarily due to frost damage. Meanwhile, some of the state's vegetable fields have been completely destroyed by flooding. For more information, contact Ken Nye, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2021. click here for the full story

If you're a farmer who remembers the size difference between your first cell phone and the one up to your ear right now, you'll appreciate just how much new technology the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) will squeeze into its exhibit at Ag Expo this year. For more information, contact Tim Rogers, (800) 292-2680, ext. 6543. click here for the full story

A request by the state of Texas for exemption from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) should be denied, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week. Ethanol benefits the economies of both the United States and Texas. Additionally, Texas doesn't meet standards that have been established for granting a wavier, AFBF wrote in a letter to Stephen Johnson, EPA administrator. For more information, contact Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023. click here for the full story

Michigan's U.S. Representatives and Senators who, for the second time, voted Wednesday to override President Bush's veto of The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, more commonly known as the farm bill, once again exhibited remarkable leadership and foresight for all of Michigan - not just agriculture, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB), the state's largest general farm organization. For more information, contact Ryan Findlay, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2025. click here for the full story

Short crops expected for Michigan tart cherries, apples; Some vegetable losses also anticipated

Contact: Ken Nye, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2021

LANSING, June 19, 2008 - Michigan apple and tart cherry growers are bracing for the shortest crops in several years primarily due to frost damage. Meanwhile, some of the state's vegetable fields have been completely destroyed by flooding.

"The flooding devastation in the Corn Belt has drawn a lot of attention to the condition of field crops, but in Michigan, where we produce more than 200 commodities, we also need to be concerned about our specialty crops. Unfortunately, some of Michigan's fruit and vegetable crops are in rough shape," said Ken Nye, Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) horticultural and forestry specialist.

Tart cherries

Michigan leads the nation in the production of tart cherries, producing about 75 percent of the country's total crop. But on Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service forecast this year's Michigan tart cherry production at 135 million pounds, 30 percent below last year's level of 193 million pounds. Tart cherry processors meeting this week are expecting worse, estimating production at just 128.5 million pounds.

"Last year the Northwest region alone produced 132 million pounds (of tart cherries)," said Phil Korson, president of the Cherry Marketing Institute and executive director of the Michigan Cherry Committee, in response to the dramatic drop in estimated production between this year and 2007. "This will be the shortest crop since 2002."

Like 2002, frost is mostly to blame for this year's problems, said Korson. The growing season started out in relatively good shape despite a cool spring, but the situation toured sour with incidents of frost later on.

"Frost from a couple weeks ago literally froze cherries on the tree," he said, adding that recent hail also caused damage but on a more "spotty" basis.

Still, Michigan is far better off than Wisconsin, where a variety of weather factors ranging from drought last summer to an early warm spell and sudden freeze earlier this year have lowered production to an estimated 200,000 pounds, 98 percent below the 10.4 million pounds produced a year ago. "That's virtually no crop at all," said Korson.

Between Michigan and Wisconsin and production declines in other states, tart cherry production nationally this year is forecast at only 177 million pounds, 30 percent below the 252 million pounds produced in 2007.

Fortunately, there are enough tart cherries reserved in inventory to meet consumer demand. However, consumers should expect to pay a little more because of the shortfall, said Korson.

Sweet cherries

Sweet cherries, which develop before tart cherries, have fared far better with only some pockets of weather-related damage, said Korson.

Michigan's 2008 sweet cherry crop is anticipated to total 25,000 tons, an 8 percent decline from last year but a 25 percent increase from 2006. Nationally, U.S. sweet cherry production is forecast at 249,580 tons, down 23 percent from 2007.

Apples

Frost in April followed by severe frost in late May has forced the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association's Apple Division to significantly lower its expectations as well. This week MACMA pegged the state's apple production at an estimated 14.5 million bushels, down from an average of 20 million bushels, said Dawn Drake, MACMA-Apple Division manager. Michigan's apple processors are slightly more optimistic with a forecast of 16.1 million bushels.

"This is the worst we've seen it in a number of years," said Drake, adding that Red Delicious apples, the state's top apple variety, were the hardest hit followed by Gala apples.

Even so, Michigan's problems are minor compared to New York, said Drake, where severe hail on Monday damaged half the crop in Wayne County - the second-largest apple-producing county in the nation and home to half of New York's entire apple crop.

All things considered, Drake says "demand will definitely exceed supply," so consumers should be prepared to pay more for U.S.-grown apples, especially considering the costly freight charges involved to ship apples from Washington, the leading apple-producing state, to other parts of the country.

Vegetables

Severe rain has wreaked havoc on some of the state's vegetable crops. In parts of Ottawa and Allegan counties as much as 7 to 12 inches of rain fell from June 6-9, flooding farm fields and leaving little or no chance of survival for crops growing in muck soil.

In making his weekly crop condition report immediately after the rains, Bill Steenwyk, a district vegetable educator for Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, reported that one muck grower was surveying his celery field from a rowboat.

Steenwyk estimates the Hudsonville area, also known as Ottawa County's "salad bowl region," will experience an 80 percent loss in radishes, a 50 percent loss of lettuce, and 30 percent losses in each of the celery, onion and red beet crops.

Initial assessments put county-wide crop damage across all commodity sectors at a 15 to 20 percent loss, and the figure could be higher because the full extent of damage to the area's nursery crops won't be known until July or August, according to the Ottawa County MSU Extension office. For crops that weathered the storm, concern now shifts to the threat of vegetable diseases that thrive in moist and warm climates, said Nye.

"Growers will tell you that they're not out of the woods yet," said Nye. "If you're not deciding whether you can salvage your crop or whether you should start over if possible, you've got a host of other weather-related issues to worry about."

Tomatoes

Meanwhile, Michigan's tomato crop is plugging along. That's good news considering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that Michigan-grown tomatoes are not associated with the current Salmonella outbreak and have been declared safe to eat.

"We should have Michigan tomatoes ripe for picking in July. With the state added to FDA's 'safe to consume' list, now's a perfect opportunity for consumers to seek out Michigan-grown product," said Nye.

Michigan is home to approximately 500 open-field tomato farms and 15 hydroponic/greenhouse tomato operations with locally focused distribution.

Consumers can locate Michigan-grown produce by looking for the "Select Michigan" label at area grocery stores, visiting local farmers' markets, or searching online with MSU's Michigan MarketMaker program at www.mimarketmaker.msu.edu.

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Editor's Note: Additional information on Michigan crop conditions, as well as crops in Iowa, can be found in the AgriTips section. For assistance arranging an interview with a local farmer, contact Jeremy C. Nagel, County Communications Department manager, (800) 292-2680, ext. 6584.

MFB to offer technology smorgasbord at Ag Expo, July 15-17

Contact: Tim Rogers, (800) 292-2680, ext. 6543

LANSING, June 19, 2008 - If you're a farmer who remembers the size difference between your first cell phone and the one up to your ear right now, you'll appreciate just how much new technology the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) will squeeze into its exhibit at Ag Expo this year.

Dubbed "Technology Row," the tent will display a smorgasbord of the newest devices that will fit into most modern farmers' management plans.

Beginning at the building's west end, the popular cattle handling demonstrations will feature presentations about the power of electronic identification tags to manage information.

"Electronic ear tags can be a great herd management tool if used to their potential," said Ernie Birchmeier, MFB livestock and dairy specialist. "We'll have experts on hand to give visitors tips on how to best use the technology."

Of course, the traditional demonstration of chutes and gates is back, with presentations set for each day at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On your way to the cattle demos, be sure to check out the new offerings in Technology Row. There will be displays about the latest innovations in soil testing and grid sampling, along with remote sensing satellite imaging and mapping.

"We're going to have presentations about remote sensing, grid sampling, variable rate applications and precision planting," said Dennis Rudat, MFB's Ag Expo coordinator and director of the MFB Information and Public Relations Division. "This technology can be used to find pest pressure points in any field, and it can all work together with the grid sampling and other technology to help minimize costs by helping with the most efficient variable rates of application of fertilizers and pesticides. With escalating input costs, we want to demonstrate new technology farmers can use to help them farm more efficiently, cut costs and get better returns on their investments."

State meteorologist Jeff Andresen will display the latest in weather modeling at the Farm Bureau tent, with an emphasis on how the newest technology can help farmers anticipate insect pressure.

If that's not enough, there will be people on hand to advise visitors about the best ways to use new in-tractor technology on older tractors, the latest in water quality monitoring and, just for fun, there will be new Wii computer games available for folks who want to play tennis, baseball, bowling , boxing or other new Wii programs.

And don't forget to register for your last chance at winning a two-year lease of a General Motors car at the Expo.

"All in all, we think Technology Row will be just as fun as it will be informative," Rudat said. "Technology can help farmers minimize expenses by making them more efficient, so time spent at the Farm Bureau tent will be well worth a farmer's time."

Ag Expo is the state's largest outdoor farm show. It takes place on Michigan State University's campus July 15-17.



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American Farm Bureau: Texas RFS waiver request should be denied

Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023

LANSING, June 19, 2008 - A request by the state of Texas for exemption from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) should be denied, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week. Ethanol benefits the economies of both the United States and Texas. Additionally, Texas doesn't meet standards that have been established for granting a wavier, AFBF wrote in a letter to Stephen Johnson, EPA administrator.

"The RFS is part of the fuel for economic growth and any evaluation of a waiver request must consider not only the impacts of the waiver on Texas - alleged impacts that we dispute - but also the negative impacts on jobs that would be created by a waiver," AFBF stated. AFBF also noted that ethanol contributed $46.7 billion to the nation's gross domestic product and created 238,541 new jobs in 2007.

In addition, AFBF said that Texas doesn't meet established standards for a waiver, which require proving severe harm to the economy of a state, region or the nation. According to the organization, the Texas request doesn't take into consideration the substantial economic benefits of ethanol, including lower retail gasoline prices and increased opportunities for Texas agriculture producers.

AFBF also noted in its letter to EPA that although Texas officials assert the state's livestock sector is experiencing severe harm due to increased corn prices caused by the RFS, no data linking the two is provided.

Increased corn prices are caused by numerous factors, AFBF wrote. These include record export demand fueled by a weak dollar, record domestic feed use, a flood of speculative money into the commodities markets, and dramatic price increases for crude oil and energy.

"If EPA sends a signal that the government is not fully committed to implementing the RFS - by wavering at the first hint of an increase in price regardless of whether the RFS is the cause or the severe harm standard has been satisfied - the investment markets could react and thus jeopardize the ability to meet the goals of the legislation," according to AFBF.

AFBF also urged EPA officials to consider that the RFS not only strengthens the existing first-generation biofuels industry, but is fundamental to spurring innovation for second- and third-generation biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, biomass-based biodiesel and other advanced biofuels.

"The RFS target of 36 billion gallons can only be achieved if EPA's implementation ensures continued incentives for investment in ethanol plants - plants that may be utilizing corn ethanol now but that have the capability to produce biomass-based and cellulosic ethanol in the future," the organization stated.



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MFB praises Congress for overriding farm bill veto - twice

Contact: Ryan Findlay, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2025

LANSING, June 19, 2008 - Michigan's U.S. Representatives and Senators who, for the second time, voted Wednesday to override President Bush's veto of The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, more commonly known as the farm bill, once again exhibited remarkable leadership and foresight for all of Michigan - not just agriculture, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB), the state's largest general farm organization.

"We have these elected leaders to thank for holding steadfast in their conviction that this is sound policy for the country. The legislation provides vital support for nutrition, conservation, research, food safety and many other programs that benefit all Americans at a time when these types of programs are desperately warranted," said Ryan Findlay, MFB associate national legislative counsel.

Last month President Bush vetoed and Congress overrode a version of the legislation which, due to a clerical error, did not contain the trade title. This second round of voting approves the bill in its entirety and enacts the 35-page trade section dealing with farm export and food aid programs.

While it's estimated that 73.5 percent of the "farm bill" will pay for federal food and nutrition programs that feed low-income Americans, school children and the elderly, much of the President's criticism of the legislation centered on reforms to agricultural programs. Congress agreed to cut commodity-type supports for farmers in half from the last farm bill, but the President wanted more.

"Congress reduced commodity-type supports for farmers from $95 billion over five years in the last farm bill to about $48 billion in this bill over a five-year period. So the safety net for agriculture is expected to cost right around half of what it did in the 2002 bill. We consider that significant reform," said Findlay.

"Fortunately we had the support of our Michigan Senators and Representatives who had the foresight to see that we don't write farm bills for the short-term and good times. We write them for the long-term and tough times," he added. "This bill is a five-year bill. We'd all like to hope that prices will remain favorable for commodities for the next five years, but we can't be certain that prices will remain high for the next five weeks let alone five years."

MFB has turned its attention toward helping members understand the details of the more than 1,500-page bill, including the complexities surrounding individual farmer involvement in specific agricultural programs.



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Ag coalition seeks federal hearings into cause of rising food prices

Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023

A coalition of farm and commodity organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), on Monday urged congressional leaders to promptly initiate comprehensive hearings to examine all the reasons for increased retail food prices.

The coalition urged the hearings to focus on the underlying causes of the rise in food prices, which sectors of the economy are responsible for the rise in prices, and whether any of them have benefited unduly from such prices increases.

In a letter to House and Senate leaders, the coalition noted recent media reports have attributed higher commodity costs paid to farmers as the cause of higher costs passed on to consumers.

"Such a perspective is a great disservice to the general public because it ignores the facts behind higher prices. Equally important, however, is the concern that, left unchallenged, such reports will help to shape public opinion and public policies in ways that are detrimental to U.S. agriculture," coalition members wrote in a letter.

While recognizing that higher retail food prices are affecting many people here at home and abroad, the coalition told members of Congress that pointing the finger of blame only at farmers, whose share of the food dollar is small compared to other entities, is wrong and does not provide the true picture of what is driving up food costs.

In addition to AFBF, the National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Sorghum Association and National Association of Wheat Growers signed the letter to congressional leaders.

Iowa Farm Bureau: Floods impact up to 16 percent of Iowa grain

Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023

Floodwaters in Iowa have damaged nearly 1.3 million corn acres and up to 2 million acres of soybeans. Although corn has increased by $1.50 a bushel, most foods at the grocery store level won't be impacted, according to an Iowa Farm Bureau press release issued this week.

That's because global wheat production is up, and wheat has a larger impact on breads and cereal than corn. Additionally, 81 cents of every food dollar spent go to fuel and marketing costs not directly related to the price of the crop.

However, since nearly half of Iowa's corn (and all the co-product of ethanol production) is used to feed livestock, consumers can expect meat prices to fluctuate.

"In the short term, pork and beef prices may initially drop as livestock farmers liquidate herds because feed costs are too high for them to hold out. But expect those prices to climb at the meat counter in about six months," said Dave Miller, Iowa Farm Bureau's director of research and commodity services.

"Iowa has 25 million tillable acres but 16 percent of it is underwater right now. How much of an impact the potential loss has also depends on the flooding of other states. Meanwhile, wheat growers in the U.S. and globally have responded to higher prices and are set to harvest large crops. Given time for farms to respond to higher prices, food supplies will expand," Miller said.

"This year, most of the corn and a significant portion of the soybeans were planted when the floods hit." Miller said. The biggest question facing many farmers right now is whether or not they should replant. But that decision can only come after seven to 10 drying days.

Farm Bureau Quick Facts

June is Dairy Month

June Dairy Month is an annual tradition developed to celebrate the dairy industry and its many contributions to American society. The month originated in 1937 and was originally called National Milk Month. The purpose then was to stabilize milk demand during periods of peak production. June Dairy Month became the official title in 1939, when the focus shifted to greater use of a broad category of dairy products.

Milk and dairy products are the most readily available sources of calcium, providing about 73 percent of the calcium in our food supply.

Milk is about 90 percent water, helping provide valuable fluids to keep a person hydrated in addition to nutrients.

A gallon of milk weighs 8.5 pounds.

It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make 1 pound of butter.

More than 10 pounds of milk go into 1 pound of cheese.

It takes 12 pounds of whole milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association