For the 64th year, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s county presidents are visiting Washington, D.C. to discuss agricultural issues with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Andy Vance tagged along to cover the events of the week that included a briefing of agricultural issues, a discussion about healthcare with AFBF's Pat Wolff and a breakfast with Senator George Voinovich.

Andy talked with American Farm Bureau's Director of Public Policy about what may lie ahead on the healthcare front.

Climate change remains a hot topic in Washington, and AFBF's Rick Krause discusses that issue with Andy.

One of the keynote speakers for OFBF's trip to DC was Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Among the topics of her speech was her passion for agriculture.

American Meat Institute's Janey Riley was also a guest of OFBF. She discussed disspelling myths about livestock agriculture.

On Monday, Senator George Voinovich held what would be his final Ag Forum, hosting leaders from various aspects of Ohio agriculture to discuss issues that are important to their respective industries.

The ABN's Gary Jackson was on hand as well to talk to those in attendance about what they are conveying to the Senator.

Ohio Farm Bureau's Executive Vice President Jack Fisher talked to Gary about what a great partner Voinovich has been for agriculture.

Dwayne Seikman was on hand representing the Ohio Corn Growers Association.

The Ohio Soybean Association was accounted for by Bret Davis.

The pork industry has battled with many issues in recent years, as Todd Stickly discussed with Gary.

The 25X’25 program reports that an EPA decision on whether to raise the E10 blend level to E15 should not be expected before the end of the summer. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says the Department of Energy is scheduled to finish testing on how the fuel will affect automobile engines by April or May.  EPA will base its blend level decision on those results.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered some optimism, telling reporters on Capitol Hill that all signals suggest the EPA will approve E15. He said - there has been some indication from DOE that in their tests of newer-model vehicles with E15, indicate it does not create any problems. Vilsack added - I think that's a good sign.

In a recent "state of the industry" address to the annual Renewable Fuels Association meeting, RFA president and CEO Bob Dineen said EPA should - tear down the blend wall - that industry officials say it is driving ethanol to a saturation point in the U.S. transportation fuel market.

Brace yourself for what might be a huge food recall. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration believe the public health risk is low, and no one is known to have fallen ill as a result of the contamination. But, manufacturers voluntarily recalled 56 products last week, and that number is expected to balloon in the coming weeks into what could be one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history.  Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union says - over 10-thousand products – eventually could be affected.

FDA says thousands of types of processed foods -- including many varieties of soups, chips, frozen dinners, hot dogs and salad dressings -- may pose a health threat because they contain a flavor enhancer that could be contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella was detected early last month in one lot of the flavor enhancer -- hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or HVP -- made by Basic Food Flavors, as well as inside the company's Nevada manufacturing facility. The company is one of only a handful that make HVP. The additive is mixed into foods to give them a meaty or savory flavor. It’s similar to monosodium glutamate, or MSG.

The contamination is believed to date to September 2009, meaning millions of pounds of potentially tainted HPV -- all of which the company has recalled -- was shipped in bulk to foodmakers over five months. Federal officials say the public health threat is low because most products containing HVP are cooked during processing or carry cooking instructions for consumers, so any salmonella would be destroyed before the food was eaten. Ready-to-eat products, such as chips and other snack foods, would carry greater risks.

When you get Ag Leaders from all aspects of agriculture it makes for a great opportunity to recap a very bountiful 2009 harvest and to look ahead to determine how to make 2010's growing season and seasons beyond even better. That is exactly what Commodity Classic is doing this week in Aneheim, California. Of course, that gives The ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill plenty of topics to cover with plenty of producers from National and State commondity groups from the corn, soybean and wheat sectors.

Here are just some of the guests from Day 2 of Commodity Classic, sponsored in part on The ABN by John Deere.

John Deere's AMS Specialist Jerad Hayes tauts the ways that AMS can help make farmers more prodcutive and profitable.

Don Borgman is Deere's Director of Industry Relations. He shared with Andy some of the new concepts his company has to offer.

At Classic, John Deere unveiled the Foose 4020. JD's Creative Team Lead David Jones tells Andy all about it.

Dave and Sue Roehm from Highland County made to the trip to Anaheim to accept a very prestigious Soy Challenge Award.

University of Illinois Soybean Specialist Vince Davis talked to Andy about some of his thoughts on getting soybean production to the levels that it is capable of.

Dr. Rick Chamblee is BASF's Technical Manager and he discussed "The Science Behind The Soybean" at this year's Classic.

The leadership programs in agriculture are becomming more and more important. Leesburg, Ohio farmer Jeff Roehm shared his involvement with such programs.

National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen compares Commodity Classic to a family reunion, in more ways than one.

Bucyrus farmer Steve Reinhard is on the Board of The Ohio Soybean Council. He and Lindsay talked about the secret to his success in the industry.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed scheme to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act is - economically harmful, legally suspect and environmentally indefensible. That’s the view of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Therefore, AFBF is urging House members to support a bipartisan resolution to disapprove EPA’s greenhouse gas proposal.

House Joint Resolution 76, introduced by Representatives Ike Skelton, Jo Ann Emerson, and House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson would nullify EPA’s proposal, which is built around the agency’s finding in December 2009 that greenhouse gases indirectly threaten human health and therefore could be regulated under the Clean Air Act. According to Farm Bureau, this resolution would not weaken any environmental protections, but would simply provide Congress the appropriate opportunity to debate and legislate in this area.

Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman says - U.S. farmers and ranchers will be harmed by higher energy and fertilizer costs if EPA is allowed to move forward with its proposal to regulate GHGs. Further, - it appears likely that for the first time in history, even medium- and small-sized farming operations might have to comply - with expensive permitting requirements. Stallman says - such policy decisions should be made by elected officials, not by a regulatory agency.

Word out of Russia indicates it will gradually lift its import bans on shipments of pork from U.S. plants. This announcement follows an agreement by Washington to observe Russian food safety rules.

Moscow had taken a hard line with the United States on food safety. It accused U.S. exporters of flouting Russian rules. Some critics say the bans could be politically motivated. Meanwhile, negotiations to resume U.S. poultry shipments are ongoing.

Russia ranks among the United States' top five markets for pork, beef and poultry. In 2008, the United States shipped more than 1.3-billion dollars worth of these products to Russia.

Corn, Soybean and Wheat Growers take over Anaheim, California this week as they attend Commodity Classic. This annual event features cutting-edge information, a one-of-a-kind trade show and more. The ABN's Lindsay Hill and Andy Vance join members of  commodity groups on the National and State levels at this premier event. ABN's coverage of Commodity Classic is brought to you in part by Leist Mercantile, John Deere, Ohio Corn Growers Association and Ohio Soybean Council.

The March Supply and Demand Report will be a topic of discussion at the event and Leist Mercantile's Market Analyst Doug Tenney talked with Gary Jackson about what to expect from that report.

The Crop Insurance Deadlist is fast approaching and Gary talked to Keith Sommers from Leist Mercantile about the risk management aspect his business.

The Bayer Ag Issues Forum took place on Wednesday in Anaheim.  This event gives producers from across the Country to listen to some of the experts in the grain industry.

Informa Economics' Jim Wiesemeyer was one of the keynote speakers at the event, and he talked to Andy Vance about some of the issues he is following in Washington.

Chris Langholz is President of Cargill Ag Horizon and he gave Andy Cargill's perspective on the challenges facing American agriculture.

Dr. JB Penn also spoke at The Bayer Ag Issues Forum. He took a look at the economic standpoint of feeding a growing population over the next 30 years.

Corn Growers are well represented at this year's Commodity Classic. Andy Vance caught up with Ohio Corn Grower Association President John Davis.

National Corn Growers Association Board Member Mark Schweibert will be retiring later this year and he talked to Andy about what he has helped accomplish over his many years.

On the Soybean Association side, Ohio had many dignitaries in California including ASA President Rob Joslin who shares with Andy what he looks to get out of this year's Commodity Classic.

Warren County farmer Joe Steiner is the Tresurer of The American Soybean Association discusses his priorities and agenda this week at Classic.

Ohio Soybean Association President Jeff Wuebker talks about why he made the trip to Anaheim this year.

Mark Wachtman is President of The Ohio Wheat Growers Association. Mark believes Commodity Classic is a great opportunity for growers of all types.

It’s been almost three weeks since China placed tariffs of up to 105.4 percent on U.S. chicken imports.  As a result, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council reports that market has dried up.  Companies have less than three weeks to appeal China’s decision. USAPEEC spokesman Toby Moore told Meatingplace - it makes it not feasible to ship there. We're out of the market, period.

U.S. companies exported 649.2-million dollars worth of chicken products to China last year, making China the second-largest importer of U.S. chicken behind Russia. About half of the exports are chicken paws, which have little value in the United States but can fetch 60 cents to 80 cents a pound in China. The remainder consists of wing tips, mid-joints and leg quarters.

China imposed the duties after its Ministry of Commerce conducted an unfair trade practices investigation last fall and concluded the country's local producers had been hurt by U.S. products sold at unfairly low prices. Three U.S. companies received individualized import duties, with Tyson Foods at 43.1 percent, Keystone Foods at 44 percent and Pilgrim's Pride at 80.5 percent.

We are hearing that Senator Lindsey Graham has declared – cap-and-trade is dead. Graham and Senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman are engaged in a radical behind-the-scenes overhaul of climate legislation. The trio plan to introduce new legislation next month that would apply different carbon controls to individual sectors of the economy instead of setting a national target.

It is being said, the lawmakers are looking at cutting the nation's greenhouse gas output by targeting, in separate ways, three major sources of emissions: electric utilities, transportation and industry. Power plants would face an overall cap on emissions that would become more stringent over time; motor fuel may be subject to a carbon tax whose proceeds could help electrify the U.S. transportation sector; and industrial facilities would be exempted from a cap on emissions for several years before it is phased in.

The legislation would also expand domestic oil and gas drilling offshore and would provide federal assistance for constructing nuclear power plants and carbon sequestration and storage projects at coal-fired utilities.

Last week, Ada hosted The Conservation and Tillage Conference at Ohio Nothern University. This year's two-day event featured 66 presentations, over 10 hours of Nutrient Management, 5 hours of Soil and Water and the new addition of Certified Livestock Manager Training.

The ABN's Gary Jackson was on hand for both days covering all of the topics on conservation and tillage. You can follow his reports, sponsored by OSU Extension, on your local ABN Radio Affiliate and here on Ohio's Hompage for Agriculture.

Day 1 -

Roger Bender is from OSU Extension in Shelby County and he talks about the growth of this event.

Ernie Shea explains The 25 x 25 Initiative and his role in the effort.

The Ohio Co-Chair of 25 x 25 is Bill Richards.

The Ohio State University's Dr. Bobby Moser discusses the importance of agriculture in Ohio's economic developement.

Matt Roberts is the Grain Specialist at OSU Extention. He visited with Gary about what to expect in 2010 from a corn and beans stand point.

Day 2 -

Matt Darr shares information about a State-wide high tech GPS System.

Nutrient Management was the message delivered by Guy Swanson.

Sweet Sorghum is a newer product being used to produce ethanol. Danny Belmer told Gary all about that process.

Dr. Randall Reeder from OSU's Ag Engineering College talks about this year's successful Conservation and Tillage Conference.

University of Illinios' Vince Davis gave his take on increasing yields of soybeans.

Gary visits with Mark Laux from Ohio State. His topic of discussion was weed control in soybeans.

A full-page ad from the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) appears in today’s New York Times, highlighting the failure of the Humane Society of the United States to devote a significant amount of money to supporting America’s underfunded pet shelters. The ad explains that HSUS shares only 1 dollar out of every 200 dollars it collects with local, hands-on pet shelters. The ad encourages readers to find out more by visiting HumaneWatch.org, CCF’s new watchdog website.

“HSUS’s cable TV fundraising ads are full of images of dogs and cats in dire need of help,” said CCF Director of Research David Martosko. “HSUS donors should hold the organization to a much higher standard. Instead of spending millions on executive pensions, a bloated legal staff, and PETA-style propaganda campaigns, HSUS’s leaders should put their money where their mouth is.”

The ad reads:

Last week CCF launched www.HumaneWatch.org, an online watchdog project dedicated to analyzing HSUS’s activities and keeping the group honest. It includes a blog, an interactive document library, and a growing body of information about HSUS-related organizations and staff.

The Ohio Farm Bureau's "Ag Day at the Capitol" took place on Tuesday in Columbus. Every year this event brings together approximately 400 farmers, legislators and others to focus on key policy and political issues.  Governor Ted Strickland and Gubenatorial Candidate John Kasich were part of the event, they focussed their attention on the recently announced plan by animal rights activists to overturn the results of last year’s Issue 2 measure, which created the Livestock Care Standards Board.

Gary Jackson was there for Tuesday's Midday broadcasts and welcomed many distinguished guests.

Ohio Director of Agriculture Robert Boggs talks about the issues effecting the recently passes Issue 2.

OFBF's Larry Gearhardt discusses the higher CAUV tax.

There are plenty of Ag-related issues at the Federal Level as well and Gary covered those issues with Farm Bureau's Adam Sharp.

The President of The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Brent Porteus discussed the success of Issue 2 and the fight that is still ahead.

Gubenatorial candidate John Kasich talks about what he can bring to the table as Ohio's next Governor.

The 2010 ABN Hawaii AgVenture Tour kicked off last week as The ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill are in Hawaii for a nearly two week excursion with ABN listeners. As we tell them of the snow and cold temperatures here in Ohio, they are filling us in on the beautiful scenery and interesting Ag-related events they are taking part in. You can follow all of their explorations by becoming a fan of The ABN on Facebook! We will have updates here on Ohio's Homepage for Agriculture as well, so keep checking back!

Andy Vance checks in from Lyon Arboretum on the campus of The University of Hawaii.

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation was one of the stops on the tour.

Andy felt right at home on Kahua Ranch.

Lindsay Hill caught up with the folks at Kona Joe's Coffee Plantation.

Andy Vance had a chance at one of the lunch stops to visit with Thomas Kafsack of Surfing Goat Dairy on the Island of Maui.

Also in Maui, Mae Nakahata shared the story of Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar with Lindsay.

One of the highlights for Andy Vance in Maui was a stop at the Monsanto Research and Seed Facility. Paul Kaylor joined Andy there.

Even Hawaii has a strong Farm Bureau presence! Warren Watanabe is the Executive Director of the Maui County Farm Bureau. He sat down with Andy to discuss topics important to their agriculture industries.

The Ohio Senate has passed what is being called the most comprehensive state biopreferred program in the nation. Governor Ted Strickland is expected to sign the bill. Upon becoming law, the bill would establish a bio-based product purchasing program requiring state entities along with colleges and universities to give purchasing preference to bio-based products as long as the products are comparable in price, performance and availability. The bill does not apply to the purchase of motor vehicle fuel, heating oil or electricity.

The bill does adopt product standards and approved product lists established by the Federal government as part of the Federal BioPreferred purchasing program.

Now that USDA is scrapping the National Animal Identification System, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture will devote part of its annual meeting March 15-17 in Kansas City, Missouri, to helping develop a new identification system. The NIAA Animal Identification and Information Systems Committee will convene a panel of animal agriculture representatives to discuss what this new approach will mean to their sector of the industry and to offer input to state and tribal decisions.

Under the new USDA plan, states and tribal nations will set their own programs and standards. Those groups will confer at a two-day forum in Kansas City March 18-19 to discuss ways to achieve the flexible, coordinated approach to animal disease traceability USDA envisions.

NIAA board chairman Leonard Bull, says - NIAA has been very involved in convening such panels and conferences over the past two decades in order to assist in developing consensus across animal agriculture on animal identification issues. This is yet another opportunity for NIAA to provide the needed forum for animal agriculture to proactively work toward a positive solution to a very difficult and contentious issue.

Changes have been proposed that will improve producer access to crop insurance. USDA's Risk Management Agency has released a second draft of a proposed new Standard Reinsurance Agreement, which establishes the terms, roles, and responsibilities for both USDA and insurance companies that participate in the Federal Crop Insurance Program. The new draft includes a series of significant changes, including many discussed during negotiations between the RMA and the participating crop insurance companies.

Due to significant increases in commodity prices in recent years, annual insurance industry payments more than doubled from 1.8-billion dollars in 2006 to an estimated 3.8 billion in 2009. At the same time, the number of policies decreased. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the proposal represents a significant step toward an agreement that will give us a stronger Federal crop insurance program that helps producers manage risk, reduces volatility for crop insurance companies and serve farmers in every region of the country.

RMA Administrator William Murphy says - as with the first draft of the SRA, the second draft provides companies with relatively stable Administrative and Operating subsidies per policy for seven major commodities and will facilitate insurance company planning. 

There’s no denying that the gargantuan Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is now the animal rights industry’s richest and most powerful player. HSUS is exercising its prohibition-minded influence in every corner of America, over everything from the pets in our homes to the eggs on our plates. HSUS pursues a PETA-like agenda with a budget and seriousness that PETA itself has never been able to match.

Ohio provides a timely example. Last November, Ohio voters voted overwhelmingly (with 63% “yes” votes) to amend the State Constitution by creating a Livestock Care Standards Board. All issues of “animal care and well-being” in the Buckeye State are now entrusted to this Board. But that presents a problem for HSUS, which would rather abolish livestock farming than see it responsibly regulated.

Hence the launch of HumaneWatch.org, and you are cordially invited to lend a hand as it grows. HumaneWatch will be a blog, a document library, a rogues’ gallery, a historical resource, and more. Our Director of Research will be sharing what we know, and inviting you to do the same. No topic will be off-limits, and your comments will be welcome.

The ABN's Gary Jackson caught up with the Director of Research for The Center of Consumer Freedom, David Martosko about Humane Watch.

The future of farming is yours to see at the 45th National Farm Machinery Show, as the nation’s largest indoor farm show returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center starting today (Thursday). Start the year with row after row of quality products and services, hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological advancements, and a variety of free seminars.

ABN's Lindsay Hill will be reporting LIVE for ABN's Midday broadcasts today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday)! Coverage is brought to you by KBuildings and John Deere.

 Lindsay talked with Doug Hemm from KBuildings about the advantages of a KBuilding.

Doug Hemm covers the many different options of a KBuilding.

John Deere Product Manager Dave Wendt gives an overview of the 23 Row 2510H Anhydrous Applicator.

Agomar DeSosa is John Deere's Product Specialist and he and Lindsay discuss JD's Row Sense Technology.

Elgin Service Center's Dan Ellerbrock discussed grain storage systems and advice for storing the 2009 crop.

Pork Congress got underway at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Columbus Wednesday. This was an opportunity for farmers to get together and discuss some of the challenges they face on their farm and in their industry as a whole. Challenges are a plenty for The Pork Industry as they face troubling markets, animal rights activists and more.

 ABN's Andy Vance talked about having the best people possible out representinve the Pork Industry with Keynote Speaker Dr. Larry Firkins from The University of Illinois.

Center for Food and Animal Issues' Dave White discusses the ongoing issues with anti-ag organizations like HSUS.

NPPC's VP of Industry Relations shares his concerns with The CBS Evening News coverage of the Pork Industry this week.

 Dr. Sarah Probst Miller visited with Andy about the importance of pig care not only to the Consumer, but to the Producer as well.

OPPC past President Tony Bornhorst was honored with The ABN/OPPC Pork Excellence Award and talk to Andy about that honor.

Agriculture Livestock Economist Ron Plain told Andy what he expects for the hog markets for 2010 - Part 1.

Agriculture Livestock Economist Ron Plain told Andy what he expects for the hog markets for 2010 - Part 2.

Monday the ABN's Gary Jackson was in Grapevine, Texas where he covered The National Biodiesel Conference. Our broadcasts are a service of The Ohio Soybean Council. As you may expect, there was plenty of talk about the newly formed BCAP Rule, RFS decisions and Tax Credits. Gary covers those issues and more with his guests.

Gary and Joe Jobe, CEO of The National Biodiesel Board, talked about the pros and cons to RFS 2.

Keynote Speaker Don Reynolds, an economist that predicted exactly what happened to the U.S. Economy last year, addresses his thoughts for 2010 and beyond.

Ohio Soybean Council's Tom Fantana discusses continually fine tuning policies to benefit the producer.

John Buck is with The Ohio Soybean Association, he was in Grapevine to discuss the Best Friends Forever program.

Ohio Soybean Council representative Terry McClure sits on The National Biodiesel Board and he talks with Gary about the big changes in the industry from last year to today.

Andrew Conley is the  Program Manager for Clean Fuels Ohio.

USDA announced this morning that it will scrap the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and instead will opt to develop "a new, flexible framework for animal disease traceability in the United States, and undertake several other actions to further strengthen [its] disease prevention and response capabilities."

After listening sessions in 15 cities in the U.S., USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said USDA will "revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard."

One of USDA’s first steps will be to convene a forum with animal health leaders for states and Tribal Nations to initiate a dialogue about the possible ways of achieving the flexible, coordinated approach to animal disease traceability that is envisioned. Additionally, USDA will be revamping the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health to address specific issues, such as confidentiality and liability.

Although USDA has a robust system in place to protect U.S. agriculture, USDA said in a release that "with today’s announcement, the Department will also be taking additional actions to further strengthen protections against the entry and spread of disease. These steps will include actions to lessen the risk from disease introduction, initiating and updating analyses on how animal diseases travel into the country, improving response capabilities, and focusing on greater collaboration and analyses with States and industry on potential disease risk overall."

Ohioans for Humane Farms - a group comprised of animal rights organizations and political lobbying groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Farm Sanctuary, and the Ohio League of Humane Voters has submitted a petition to the Ohio Secretary of State to place an initiative on the November ballot.

This measure would seek to direct the work of the newly enacted Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board by setting certain standards relative to livestock in place.  In the press release issued today by HSUS, they specifically cited intent to target Ohio's pork and veal industries with the elimination of certain confinement practices, and would threaten Ohio's thriving poultry industry with the elimination of certain cage production practices.

ABN Radio's Lindsay Hill has more details

Lindsay visits with Joe Cornely of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

You can listen to Lindsay's full interview with Joe here

Gary Jackson covered the story with OFBF's Mike Bumgarner

Ohio Farm Bureau's David White visits with Lindsay Hill about this development