Unless the Iowa Legislature takes action this session, retailers’ incentive to make biodiesel available at the pumps will end.  This Biodiesel Blended Fuel Credit prompts many retailers to offer the product, so members of the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) met last Wednesday at the Statehouse to ask state leaders for their continued support.

I had the privilege of joining them at the Statehouse as they communicated the following points:

• Based on 2010 numbers, Iowa biodiesel generated an estimated $14 million in tax revenue and 1,100 full-time equivalent jobs in all sectors of the state economy.
• Iowa has 15 biodiesel plants capable of producing 325 million gallons of biodiesel.  Several of the state’s plants are experiencing an increase in sales this year, primarily due to federal energy policies that have created a strong market for biodiesel.
• Other states like Minnesota and Illinois are positioned to capture a majority of the nation’s biodiesel market because they have requirements, tax exemptions and producer credits that make their state’s biodiesel industries extremely competitive.

“If we want Iowa to be the renewable energy capital of the world, the key is to create local markets here at home to help our plants keep running,” said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.  “We appreciate Governor Branstad’s supportive words and look forward to working with him on legislation.”

In addition to renewing the biodiesel fuel credit, the IBB is asking state legislators and the Governor to support an increase in the minimum content of biodiesel.  Biodiesel sold in Iowa can contain as little as 2% blend, so the IBB would like to raise this floor.

Last year’s crop was the third largest ever recorded, however, University of Illinois Ag Economist Darrel Good says it isn’t large enough to meet demand.   The Corn Balance Sheet shows supplies will be so low by the time we harvest the 2011 crop that it will feel like our nation has run out of corn.

There are 10 million more acres available over last year’s total number used, and Good says their allocation will be vital.  A four-way battle for acreage wages between corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton.  Hay prices also are strong by historical standards and may restrain farmer temptations to plant some hay land to row crops.

The battle for U.S. crop acreage this spring is likely to be more intense than anticipated just two or three months ago, says Dr. Robert Wisner, Professor Emeritus, Iowa State University.  As a result, there is plenty of room for the markets to move – and to move quickly.

Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar, “Will the rain ever stop?” Wednesday at noon. The webinar is open to all who are interested in participating, and will be lead by Christopher J. Anderson, assistant director of the Climate Science Program at Iowa State University. He will discuss increasing Iowa rainfall amounts and the implications this precipitation has on the agriculture industry.

A clear trend in the U.S. is the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall in Northeastern and Central States. A recent Wallaces Farmer article stated the long-term impact these weather trends have on the farming community is crucial. Farm management will have to adapt. The agriculture industry will be required to respond with improved genetics, a change in planting and harvest schedules, and more, to help defend seeds against growing precipitation.

To participate in the webinar, visit http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/. To view upcoming topics and speakers for the year, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf.

Just when you think that ethanol opponents have returned to their corner, they go another round in the food v. fuel debate.

“They keep repeating the same complaints without any thought to whether they have been disproven,” writes Bart Schott, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in a Feb. 9^th post.  “We and our allies in American agriculture and the ethanol industry have spilled a lot of digital ink trying to set the record straight.”

As an ally for American agriculture, we’ll spill a little more digital ink today explaining why ethanol has a minimal impact on the corn supply and on food prices.

There are two reasons why Schott says we needn’t be concerned about ethanol’s impact on the corn supply and food prices:

1. We’re growing more corn on each acre.  In 2010, U.S. growers reached an average yield of 152.8 bushels per acre (bu/A). In 2000, it was 136.9 bu/A.  In 1990, the average yield was 118.5 bu/A.

2. Corn demand for ethanol production is stabilizing as we’re reaching the limit of how much ethanol can be utilized.  The U.S. ethanol production represents only 3 percent of the increasing global grain supply, according to the Renewable Fuels Association points.  Therefore, it can have little, if any, impact on global food prices.

“Rising food prices” has been making the headlines worldwide since the New Year began, but we have to remember that there are many factors contributing to increased food prices.  Corrupt foreign regimes, currency fluctuation, land price and availability and even the weather factor into food costs.

For more factors, read Schott’s blog post in its entirety at  http://ncga.com/our-view-ethanol-there-they-go-again-2-9-11

Like many people who have chosen a career in agriculture, my decision was shaped largely by my 4-H experiences.  That’s why I whole-heartedly agreed to share my story as part of the campaign, “My 4-H. My Commitment.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAP_uFXiEJY[/youtube]

The rich experiences I gained through my 11 years as an active 4-H member also made me a life-long supporter of the organization.  I recently finished my third year as a 4-H Foundation Trustee and am happy to remain involved with some of the organization’s marketing and fund-raising efforts including the upcoming My 4-H.  My Commitment. 4-H Gala.

You’re invited to join me for a night in West Des Moines on Feb. 19.  It would be helpful if registrations were made in advance, but you can register at the door.  There are so many great auction items.  Even if you can’t attend in person, you can bid online.

Tomorrow morning, from 9-11 a.m., female corn and soybean producers will be at the West Glen Hy-Vee speaking with shoppers about farming, food production and the products they’re picking up in the store.

It’s part of the Common Ground program – a partnership between the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn, National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board. The program is based on the idea that those involved in food production need to make farming and food more personal. It’s connecting farmers and consumers to help shoppers understand real families are raising their food, and that they share common values and expectations, instilling more trust in farming and food.

A big thank you to those involved in the program who are helping connect consumers with the real story behind food production.

The West Glen Hy-Vee is located at 1725 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines Iowa.

Click here to learn more about Common Ground.

There are few things that get my adrenaline going like a good ol’ auction!  As a young 4-Her, I gave my parents a few gray hairs by raising my hand – again and again.  I remember my mom saying, “Do you know for sure that you have enough money in your checking account to cover that ewe?”

Fast forward about 30 years and I still love a good auction … especially one with Coach® purses and week-long vacations to tropical climates!  Today’s technology allows a person to participate in this auction in one of three ways: (1) in person; (2) by sending your bid with someone; or (3) online.  Plus, it all goes to a good cause because proceeds benefit the Iowa 4-H Foundation.  (Side Note:  My husband just loves it when I flash him a smile and say, “It’s going to a great cause, Honey.” LOL.)

The list of auction items is being updated continuously, so be sure to bid early and often.  Bidders will be contacted via e-mail when they’ve been outbid. Online bidding ends at 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. All of the auction items are listed at http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/news/events/Gala/galauctionindex.htm.

The inaugural 4-H Gala was held last February in Des Moines, and it was a wonderful first-time event.  But honestly, I believe this year’s gala is going to be even better!

I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s 2^nd annual gala and auction.  Tickets are still available if you’d like to attend in person.  For more information, visit http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/gala/.

Those who know me, know how much I love to plan a party!  Since Bailey our Black Lab will turn one on February 8, it seems like a perfectly good reason to celebrate.

Honestly, I’m hoping that making a home-made canine cake will inspire my two kids to spend some “quality time” in the kitchen.  (At this point, I’ll use any reason to get them interested in food prep!)

I’ve been told that dog cake recipes are relatively simple, which makes them especially kid-friendly.  They usually don’t involve too many ingredients or complicated steps.  Batches are small, so baking times are minimal.  What’s most appealing to me is that it doesn’t matter what the finished product looks like – a dog will eat it any way.  Best of all, Bailey won’t care that I have yet to perfect my piping skills!

What’s your favorite way to spoil your pet on his or her birthday?  Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with me for a dog cake?

Iowa farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry are invited to participate in a series of free, online training webinars sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. The seminars are helping farmers learn how to best use social media to engage in conversations with consumers about modern agriculture practices, represent corn grower interests and counter misinformation being spread by some regarding agriculture practices.

“Consumers are turning to social media to learn about modern agriculture,” says Jay Lynch, an Iowa Corn Growers Association director and a farmer from Humboldt. “Not all of the information about agriculture that is being presented by the media or online to the public today is correct. However, by using the social media we in the Iowa agriculture industry can counter this misinformation by telling the real story behind how we raise the food that consumers eat.”

The next webinar will take place February 17 at 10:30 a.m., where leaders of the discussion will walk listeners through setting up social media profiles on various sites, and how to begin building a following – social media essentials to help the ag industry speak with consumers.

For a full list of social media trainings, visit http://www.ncga.com/socialmedia.

See Agovcates in Action

Troy and Stacy Hadrick are perhaps the strongest example of what farmers using social media can do to influence change. The Hadricks are ranchers from South Dakota who turned a media nightmare into a grassroots campaign to tell America’s agricultural story.

Troy and Stacy will share their story with farmers in Iowa in the month of February, when the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) Young Farmers Committee present “Advocates for Agriculture: Lead Out Loud.” The presentations will take place Monday, Feb. 7, at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the FFA Enrichment Center DMACC Campus in Ankeny and on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Siebens Forum Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.

All sessions are free and will begin at 6:00 with a meal, followed by the program. Register a week in advance by contacting your county Farm Bureau office or by contacting ISA’s Katie Holtz at kholtz@iasoybeans.com or 515-669-7660.

Source: Iowa Soybean Association’s E-Gold Standard E-Newsletter Jan. 27 issue.

I continue to be amazed by the technology that is at our fingertips today – sharing video with family members by phone or video-conferencing meetings from miles apart. I’m amazed with the tools that have allowed agvocates in rural America to connect with consumers on a daily basis, using mobile Twitter while they care for their livestock or combine their crops.

And some of these tools, well, they’re also just plain fun! Yesterday I decided to test the capabilities of one such new technological device, the Vulkano, during a four-hour flight to an American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) board meeting. The Vulkano allows you to watch your home TV from anywhere in the world as long as you have Internet service.

The Vulkano device is hooked to your cable or satellite box, which then connects to the Internet through a wireless or wired hookup. The neat thing about it is that it gives you a remote control on your computer, so you can change the channels just as you would if you were sitting in front of the television.

So, on my flight, I simply opened my computer and tuned into our home television while I was 38,000 feet in the air and hundreds of miles away from home. Talk about impressive!

There was a downside, however. I couldn’t get the remote to work on my laptop. Since our kids had been watching Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” that was the only channel I could watch.  Although that particular show wouldn’t have been my first choice, the whole concept of watching my home TV still amazed me.

I’m amazed at what technology and gadgets the Vulkano allow us to do both in business and in our personal lives. Do you have a story of a cool new gadget you’ve tried out you would like to share?