To allow Wisconsin pork producers an opportunity to learn more about this topic, and what may very well be the next on-farm production practice targeted, producers are invited to a symposium on June 13 at Sam and Maddies Restaurant and Pub, 3656 State Road 23, Dodgeville, Wisc. The program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but you are asked to R.S.V.P. by June 8 to ensure accurate meal counts by calling WPA at 1-800-822-7675, or e-mailing tvaassen@wppa.org.

As a pork producer with a vested interest in the future of the industry, this is your chance to voice your opinion and help set the stage for on-going discussions for Wisconsin on these issues. The general program plans are below, more specifics can be found on the WPA website – www.wppa.org.

Keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Wes Jamison, an Associate Professor of Communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he teaches Public Relations, Persuasion, Political Communication, and Communication Theory. He is President of Cornerstone Public Relations LLC., where he conducts research in the US and Europe on public relations, communication, and animal rights. Jamison will discuss with the group what issues he anticipates will be next on the radar screen for animal rights and agriculture, as well as share the implications that Europe is facing with increased animal welfare standards in that country.

Brandon Scholz, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Grocer’s Association, will discuss trends in the grocery industry and how they can affect farmers.

Production Issues Panel – Two pork producers of will share their experiences and the economics of gestation stalls. In addition, Dr. Paul Sundberg from the National Pork Board will talk about the science and research that has been conducted on sow housing. Finally, Dr. Kurt Vogel, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls who studied under Temple Grandin, will address animal care perceptions and trends.

A livestock processor has been invited to discuss potential market access issues for pork producers who do not adapt their buildings to group housing for gestating sows. Finally, a representative from the National Pork Producers Council will review the legislative challenges this subject is likely to face, as well as the packer/processor perspective. The program will conclude with discussion time from participants.

The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.

“This is a major accomplishment for county Farm Bureaus that qualify,” said Bob Leege, WFBF Executive Director of Member Relations. He noted that these counties have taken a big step toward achieving total membership growth by the September 30 membership year end.

Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States due to overexposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. The American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. This year alone, ACS estimates there will be more than 76,250 new cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than two million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in the U.S.

“Farmers and ranchers are fortunate to be able to spend much of their working lives outdoors,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “The downside of prolonged exposure to the sun while on the farm or ranch is that it can lead to skin damage and cancer.”

In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, outdoor workers experience twice the amount of nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) compared to those who work indoors.

Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. Because no single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, the council recommends the following: do not burn or tan; seek shade often, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing; generously apply sunscreen; use extra caution near water, snow and sand; and get Vitamin D safely.

Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, numerous moles or freckles or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer as well. To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, protection from intense UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.

The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly for changes in moles and skin growths; schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice any change.

“Lincoln understood the importance of agriculture to America, and, as importantly, he realized science and technology played a major role in the farming industry.  The federal government was, from the beginning of its involvement in agriculture, dedicated to scientific progress in farming.  This commitment continues today at USDA and is shared by farmers and ranchers across the country, regardless of the methods of food and fiber production they use—organic or conventional.

“Because of Lincoln’s foresight, America’s farmers and ranchers today grow more food using fewer resources than ever before.  This innovation on the farm translates to a shrinking environmental footprint because of farmers’ commitment to the land and water.

“Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing our work with USDA as we embrace agriculture research, science, innovation and biotechnology—all important components to meet the challenges of ensuring a healthy environment in a growing world. So, Happy Birthday USDA and best wishes as we continue down the road for another 150 years.”

Nationally, all hay stored on farms on May 1, 2012 totaled 21.4 million tons, down 4 percent from a year ago. Disappearance from December 1, 2011 to May 1, 2012 totaled 69.3 million tons, compared with 79.9 million tons for the same period a year ago. This is the smallest disappearance since 1985.

Compared with last year, hay stocks as a percent of production increased across much of the Northern Tier and in many eastern states. Mild temperatures coupled with limited snowpack left many pastures and ranges  accessible to livestock herds for longer periods during the winter, allowing producers to feed less hay. Similarly, beneficial rainfall throughout much of the spring and summer boosted pasture growth in many Atlantic Coast states, delaying the need for supplemental feedstuffs as winter approached. Elsewhere, on‐farm stocks declined from last year in a number Great Plains states, as prolonged drought conditions hampered pasture growth and
forced many livestock producers to feed an increased amount of hay to their herds.

Across the reporting stations, average temperatures last week were 2 to 4 degrees above normal. Average high temperatures ranged from 65 to 70 degrees, while average low temperatures ranged from 46 to 49 degrees. Precipitation totals ranged from 0.72 inches in La Crosse to 2.61 inches in Milwaukee. If you are interested in further weather data, please reference the following sites:

http://www.noaa.gov/
http://www.aos.wisc.edu/~sco/
http://www.cocorahs.org/
http://www.weather.gov/

Statewide, corn was 57 percent planted and 13 percent emerged this week. Wet field conditions kept planters off of clay soils. Several reporters commented that corn fields will need to be replanted after storm damage. A few reporters commented that damaged alfalfa stands will likely be replanted to corn in their area.

Soybeans were 16 percent planted, with producers planting as field conditions permit.

Oats were 94 percent planted and 72 percent emerged this week, with 83 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition statewide.

First cutting hay was 9 percent harvested this week. This year has seen the earliest start date for haying in the past 30 years of Crop Progress data.

Spring tillage rose to 79 percent complete. Fertilizer spraying and other chemical applications were ongoing.

Winter wheat was reportedly looking good across much of the state. Potatoes were emerging in Marquette and Portage Counties. Snap beans were being planted in Trempealeau and Shawano Counties. Early planted peas were reportedly in good condition. Strawberry plants were blooming this week, with frost damage reports ranging from light to a 50 percent loss in Waupaca County. Asparagus also suffered frost damage in Waupaca County.

Selected Quotes from Farm Reporters and County Ag Agents

Nationally, winter wheat production is forecast at 1.69 billion bushels, up 13 percent from 2011. The expected area for harvest as grain or seed totals 35.6 million acres, up 10 percent from last year. Based on May 1 conditions, the U.S. yield is forecast at 47.6 bushels per acre, up 1.4 bushels from the previous year.

Commencing July 1, the following dairy producers will begin a three-year term as elected members of the WMMB:

District 2            Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marinette, Oconto and Vilas
Candidate: Connie Seefeldt, Seefeldt Farms, Coleman

District 5             Dunn and St. Croix
Candidate: Kay Zwald, Bomaz Farms, Hammond

District 8            Marathon
Candidate: Steve Sternweis, Mara-Wood Farms, Marshfield

District 11           Outagamie and Winnebago
Candidate: Robert Letter, R-R Letters, Seymour

District 14          Jackson, La Crosse and Trempealeau
Candidate: Patricia Kling, Kling Acres, Taylor

District 17           Calumet and Manitowoc
Candidate: Rosalie Geiger, Ran-Rose Farms, Reedsville

District 20          Richland and Sauk
Candidate: Sharon Laubscher, Laubscher Farms, Wonewoc

District 23          Iowa and Lafayette
Candidate: Jay M. Stauffacher, Highway Dairy Farms, Darlington

WMMB directors guide the organization’s finances, formulate and set its policies and long-range business plan, and maintain its mission: To help grow demand for Wisconsin milk by providing programs that enhance the competitiveness of the Wisconsin Dairy Industry. Through these initiatives, a WMMB director has the opportunity to representWisconsin dairy farmers and products, as well as become involved in activities that inform and educate consumers.

For more information on WMMB and the 2012 election, visit www.WMMB.com/election. The site also contains newly elected director biography information.

There are going to be more soybeans grown across the United States this year, but that increase will be dwarfed by the amount of soybeans that will be used and exported. The scenario will mean U.S. soybean supplies will fall to a mere 16 days of inventory, according to American Farm Bureau Federation analysts.

According to the Agriculture Department’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report for May 2012, this year’s soybean crop is projected at 3.205 billion bushels, an increase of 149 million bushels from 2011. That boost, however, is not projected to keep up with strong demand from exports, which are expected to increase by 190 million bushels and the crush use of soybeans, which will increase by 10 million bushels.

“When all is said and done, our ending stocks of soybeans will drop to just 145 million bushels,” said AFBF Senior Economist Todd Davis. “That equates to a 4.4 percent stocks-to-use ratio, which is just over a two week supply of soybeans at the end of the year. That will tend to be a bullish factor and should keep soybeans positioned as the market driver.”

Prices will reflect soybean stocks being projected at historically low levels. The 2012-2013 U.S. marketing year average prices is pegged at $13 per bushel, which would eclipse the 2012 record of $12.35 per bushel, Davis explained.

Davis said there are several factors leading to this perfect storm for soybeans. South American soybean production continues to decline, with Argentina’s production reduced by 91.8 million bushels and Brazil’s production reduced 36.7 million bushels from April. According to Davis, as the harvest wraps up in South America, the market is now grasping a better understanding of how their drought cut into production. On the world level, ending stocks for soybeans will be the tightest they have been since the 2007-2008 marketing year, 53.24 million metric tons, or a stocks-to-use ratio of 15.5 percent.

This report also carried significant news on the corn side, Davis said. The 2012 U.S. corn crop is now projected at 14.8 billion bushels, which would be a record if realized. That is 2.4 billion bushels more than what was harvested in 2011.

USDA projected a record 2012 yield of 166 bushels per acre based on the rapid pace of planting and crop emergence, according to Davis. Demand for corn is also projected to increase due to increased feed use (up 900 million bushels) and exports that should increase by 200 million bushels.

“Corn production will outpace stronger demand and that will likely result in lower prices, but those prices will help fuel the robust demand we see both domestically and abroad,” Davis explained.

Davis said 2012-2013 ending stocks for the domestic corn supply will be at 1.88 billion bushels. That is an increase of more than 1 billion bushels. The stocks-to-use ratio is projected to increase to 13.7 percent, which is the largest since 2009-2010. Davis said that because of the large increase in corn stocks, the U.S. marketing-year average price is projected to decline sharply to $4.60 per bushel, compared to the 2011-2012 price of $6.10 per bushel.

But there was a little surprise in the latest report, according to Davis.

“There was a curveball regarding old-crop corn,” Davis said. “The May report actually increased ending stocks of last year’s crop by 50 million bushels. This came as a fairly significant surprise, as pre-report estimates projected a decline in stocks due to stronger demand. According to the report, that demand never materialized because the amount of corn used for feed was reduced by 50 million bushels to reflect a greater use of wheat in feed rations.”