Ag Headlines, Thursday August 13th, 2015

USDA Forecasts Third Largest Corn Crop on Record

USDA on Wednesday forecasted farmers will produce 13.7 billion bushels of corn this year, according to the Crop Production report. Despite a four percent decrease from last year’s production, if that would hold true, this year would see the third highest corn production on record. Although the reports sent markets lower, many in agriculture expect downward adjustments in following reports later this year as harvest sets into full swing. Highlights of the report include:

U.S. soybean growers are forecasted to reduce their production this year. NASS forecasts U.S. soybean production of 3.92 billion bushels, down one percent from last year.

The report also included the first production forecast for U.S. cotton. NASS forecasts all cotton production at 13.1 million 480-pound bales, down 20 percent from last year

Wheat production is forecast up from 2014. According to the report, all wheat production is expected to total 2.14 billion bushels this year, up 5 percent from 2014.

USDA also updated the Planted Acreage numbers following a resurvey of producers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. Reductions in planted acreage, according to USDA, has accounted for a drop in corn production four percent from 2014, a one percent drop in soybean production, a 20 percent decline in cotton production and winter wheat production dropping one percent.

AFBB: Maps Show Massive Increase in EPA Authority

The American Farm Bureau says maps it released show how the Environmental Protection Agency will radically expand its jurisdiction over land use if its controversial Waters of the U.S. rule takes effect as expected August 28th. The maps, prepared by Geosyntec Consulting, show the dramatic expansion of EPA’s regulatory reach, according to AFBF. A map of Pennsylvania alone shows 99 percent of the state’s total acreage is subject to EPA scrutiny. AFBF President Bob Stallman said the rule “creates a new set of tools for harassing farmers in court, and does it all with language that is disturbingly vague and subject to abuse by future regulators.” The maps released this week include the states of Montana, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Additional maps are being developed for parts of Missouri, New York, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. See the maps online at fb dot org. (www.fb.org)

Midwest Producers Starting HPAI Recovery

As the cooler weather this fall approaches, Midwest poultry and turkey producers have concerns over another outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza while farmers work to recover from the spring outbreaks. Meatingplace reports the Minnesota poultry industry is working to repopulate chicken and turkeys after more than 100 farms were hit this past spring. So far, about 40 have been repopulated in the state. The Wisconsin Agriculture Department lifted its final six quarantines and the Iowa Poultry Association says poultry farmers are preparing for their recovery from HPAI. The association also predicted a full recovery in Iowa could take more than a year with egg supplies increasing gradually over the next 12 to 18 months. But the threat of additional outbreaks possible this fall could hinder the recovery efforts.

NAFB News