By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:09 PM
The 2012 version of the wheat scab prediction tools are now available. . These tools provide daily estimates of risk for Fusarium head blight also known as wheat scab. Selecting a state from the map will zoom view to individual states and detail the risk of disease in that area. The risk maps show current estimates of the risk of Fusarium head blight based on weather past seven days. A green map indicates a low risk of severe disease. Yellow and red colors on the map indicate a progressively greater risk of disease.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:08 PM
Two South Dakota companies have already seen results from a recent trade mission to China, according to Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who led the March trade mission.
“It was my expectation that our trip to China would produce measurable outcomes for our state and our businesses,” the Governor said. “I’m excited to announce that the trip was a success on both counts, advancing the economic interests of South Dakota and our businesses in future international trade.”
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:07 PM
In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) this morning, a group of eight prominent agricultural associations voiced its support for the Senate’s approach to the 2012 Farm Bill, and raised several issues related to commodity and risk management programs.
Co-signed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association and USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, the letter commended the committee for adhering to its original proposal of $23 billion in deficit reduction, brought forth to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction last fall. Additionally, the groups applauded the Committee’s decision not to restructure the federal crop insurance program or to reduce its funding for deficit reduction purposes.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:05 PM
This week the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee commented publically that the committee’s farm bill markup will begin next Wednesday and is expected to be done by the end of the week with a strong majority of the committee voting for it. Chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) stated there is “a tremendous amount of consensus on the majority of the bill.” She also commented that she is “confident’ that Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will find floor time for the bill. The Senate committee leaders have presented a united front with leaders of the House Agriculture Committee in reauthorization of the 5-year legislation that expires September 30th of this year.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:03 PM
We all love chicken – in fact, Americans buy more chicken than any other food for the center of the plate. So if you’re looking to add a new twist to a tried and true favorite, look no further than our “Deviled Chicken Breasts with Mushroom and Bacon Dressing.”
At only 250 calories and 15 grams of fat per serving, it is rich in flavor, without the guilt. The “secret” ingredient is the seasoned croutons, which are mixed with sautéed onion, garlic, bacon and low-sodium chicken broth, then tucked into a pocket in the chicken breast and baked to a tender perfection. The recipe calls for pre-made croutons for ease of preparation but feel free to substitute homemade if desired.
This recipe can dress up or down – from a special occasion, to a healthy and easy week night meal. Pair it with a crisp salad and some grilled asparagus and savor the flavor!
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:01 PM
Senators Kent Conrad (D) and John Hoeven (R) are among 40 legislators who are proposing a new Farm Bill.
The lawmakers are calling it the "Revenue Loss Assistance and Crop Insurance Enhancement Act of 2012, or RLAP. It combines Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance (SURE) and Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) into what they say is one simpler and more effective program.
RLAP would work in conjunction with crop insurance to provide coverage for losses between 12 and 25% of their average historic revenue. An eligible loss can be due to any combination of decreased yields, declining prices or quality discounts. RLAP would be based on individual farm performance, rather than an area trigger, and assistance would be provided on a commodity specific basis.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 7:00 PM
USDA announced that international food assistance in fiscal year 2012 will benefit more than 9.7 million people worldwide under USDA's Food for Progress and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition programs.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 6:59 PM
Opening markets is no easy task, as trade representatives often find. Three major free trade agreements - with South Korea, Colombia and Panama - have been making progress, but there's more work ahead. Floyd Gaibler, U.S. Grains Council director of trade policy outlined the key issues in a blog on the organization's website this week. His insight paints a picture of the challenges that face trade negotiators and policymakers.
South Korea is a kind of bright spot since that agreement went into force on March 15, but Gaibler notes that "Timing was important as opposition parties continue to raise threats to oppose the agreement and achieve a majority within their parliament when elections are held [this month]," he says. Gaibler adds that the United States plans to request a renewal of discussions on U.S. beef trade, which was tabled by mutual agreement until the FTA went into effect.
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 6:58 PM
A near record enrollment of 36 participants from 21 pasta manufacturing companies in Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, and USA attended the Pasta Production and Technology Short Course from April 10 to 12 at Northern Crops Institute (NCI), Fargo, N.D., USA. NCI’s pasta short course has been offered annually since 1984.
“We were pleased to host a near record enrollment at this year’s course,” says John Crabtree, NCI Assistant Director. “Almost all of the major U.S. companies were represented. This says a lot about what the NCI staff has done with the program over the years. Many companies have sent their people to the course since its beginning.”
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By South Dakota Wheat Commission on
4/25/2012 6:56 PM
A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist has shown researchers and plant breeders a better way to handle the massive amounts of data being generated by plant molecular studies, using an approach that should help speed up development of improved crop varieties.
Jean-Luc Jannink, who is with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant, Soil and Nutrition Research Unit in Ithaca, N.Y., has demonstrated that by using a statistical approach known as Genomic Selection (GS), scientists can capture and exploit more of the data produced by the growing number of studies focused on DNA sequences found in plant genomes. GS is currently used in cattle breeding.
ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency in USDA. This research supports the USDA priorities of improving agricultural sustainability and promoting international food security.
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