Oh The Places You’ll Go!

By Andrea Gurney, USGC International Intern, Panama City, Panama.

Dirt roads, corn fields, and pastures full of cows will always be home to me; but, that does not mean a small town girl can’t travel the world.

week #8 in Panama

Today marks the beginning of my eighth week here in Panama; which means my time is now limited.  Fortunately, this last month presented me with numerous learning/growing opportunities, both professionally and personally.

During the month of June, we (the Panama U.S. Grains Council Team) and the Mexico USGC Team traveled to El Valle de Anton (a town approximately two hours from Panama City in the province of C oclé) for a database training. Not only did I have the opportunity to participate in the training; however, I was also able to interact with the Mexico team and learn about their promotional efforts within their region to increase the imports of U.S. Grains. One of their current projects is known as the “Southern Mexico Project.” Cattle are predominately located in Southern Mexico; as a result, the USGC is working diligently to promote the buying of U.S. DDGS in this area. However, one of the challenges is the small size of the producers, which constrains their buying capacity. The average size of a cattle operation in Mexico is only 50-100 head. While discussing this promotional effort with the Mexico team, what I appreciated most was their passion and eagerness to make a global difference. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the week with such a remarkable team in a beautiful location in Panama.

Mexico & Panama USGC Team in El Valle

In El Valle we  were able to take a break from our training and enjoy the scenic outdoors. We took ATV’s up the mountains and into the rainforest. During this excursion we swam under a waterfall and had the opportunity to visit an organic farm.

Following our tip to El Valle I accompanied Marri Carrow (Western Hemisphere Regional Director) to Peru for a two-day Sorghum and DDG’s promotional conference that was in partnership with USDA’s Lima FAS (Foreign Agricultural Service). I was not only able to attend, but also assist with the conference. The first conference took place in Lima, Peru while the second conference was located in Trujillo, Peru. The purpose of the conference in Lima was to target buyers and nutritionists in the area. However, in Trujillo the conference was primarily focused on providing information regarding the nutrition of Sorghum and DDGS. Overall, the trip served as an opportunity to further understand the operations and potential of local producers.

Lactea Dairy Farm Owner Ing. Ivan Mesia Lizaraso

Throughout the course of the trip I was able to travel with, and learn from a variety of speakers. They included: Carlos Lopez Coello, a Consultant from Mexico; Phillip Smith with Tyson Foods; Alvaro Garcia from South Dakota State University; Tom Russell from The Russell Marine Group; Wayne Cleveland from the Texas Grain Sorghum Association; and Mike Shawver with Commodity & Ingredient Hedging (CIH). Traveling with and learning from this group was quite the experience! Together we visited the largest dairy operation in Peru, known as Lactea. They have approximately over 5,000 head of dairy cows. The primary breed utilized is Holstein; however, they also raise and milk fleckviehs (this is a dual purpose breed that originated in Europe). Aside from their dairy operation, Lactea is considering starting a feedlot as well; their intentions are to primarily feed angus bulls. Getting to visit and interact with this Peruvian producer was quite the experience, and an opportunity I will appreciate for a lifetime.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Aside from interacting with Peruvian producers at our conference I was able to take even more advantage of my time spent in Peru.  I explored the city of Lima and enjoyed the delicious Peruvian food. In addition, as a group we visited the ruins of Chan Chan outside of Trujillo. Chan Chan is the largest Pre-Colombian city in South America. After our conferences I took a leap of faith and extend ed my stay in Peru for the weekend. I booked a flight to Cusco, Peru and began my first journey truly traveling alone. Upon my arrival to Cusco I caught the first bus to Ollantaytambo, which happened to be a two-hour ride. From there I took a two-hour train ride (first time on a train might I add) to Aguas Calientes. Finally, from Aguas Calientes I took a thirty-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. For those not familiar with Machu Picchu, it is the ruins of an Inca Empire located in the Andes Mountains. Words cannot begin to describe the majesty of this historical place. I was baffled by the breathtaking view and the remarkable architecture. There is a reason that Machu Picchu is on the “New 7 Wonders of the World” list.

Downtown Cusco, Peru Holding 

Pablo Picasso the Llama!

After spending some time exploring the ruins I made the four-and-a-half-hour trek back down to Cusco. That night I stayed in a hostel, which was an experience in itself! The next day I was able to take part in the traditional Cusco festivities. During the month of June there are parades and dances for a number of  days in celebration of the Winter Solstice. On June 24^th, the city celebrates Inta Raymi to honor the sun god. Although I was not there on the 24^th, I did get to experience a couple days leading up to the big celebration!

Overall, the trip was well worth it. If I am being honest, I was at first nervous and scared traveling alone; however, it was an experience I will never forget. I met people from all over the world: Portugal, Puerto Rico, the U.S. I even met a girl my age who happened to live only two and a half hours away from my hometown in Wyoming. To say the world is small is an understatement. If you are presented with the opportunity to travel, I highly recommend you do. I promise you will learn more about yourself and the world than you would have ever imagined. Although I enjoyed my stay in Peru, I of course had to return to Panama.

Panama Canal Expansion Inauguration Ceremony

One of my main duties in the office is assisting with day to day USGC activities. This includes assisting with the logistics of our programs. i.e. organizing trips for our trade teams to attend programs in various countries. In addition, I am currently working on creating an Importer/Exporter Manual. In recent years the USGC has wit nessed significant gaps in corn prices between central Michigan and Ontario. In an effort to create more buyer/seller relations on both sides of the border, we are creating this manual for U.S. corn suppliers out of Michigan and Canadian importers/end-users.

Aside from traveling to Peru and spending my days in the office, I continue to immerse myself in the Panamanian culture. On June 26 I had the opportunity to meet with USGC President/CEO Thomas Sleight, and Chairman Alan Tiemann. They had traveled to Panama for the Canal Expansion Ceremony. Along with them, I joined thousands of Panamanians as we welcomed the first neopanamax cargo ship through the new Pana ma Canal Cocoli Locks. The inauguration ceremony included speeches from Panamanian President, Juan Carlos Varela and Panama Canal Administrator/CEO, Jorge L. Quijano. The sense of pride displayed on every Panamanian for their country was admirable, and I felt more than blessed to be a part of this special day with them. June 26, 2016 was the day that has now forever changed global trade. It was the day where thousands of Panamanians and I had the opportunity to become a part of history.

Panama USGC Team Meets with CEO Thomas Sleight and Chairman Alan Tiemann

It’s evident that my time here in Panama has been far from uninteresting. Unfortunately, I am nearing the end of my internship. With less than two and half weeks to go I am still working diligently to take full advantage of the time that remains. The 4^th of July weekend I received a visit from my mother and her good friend. Together we ventured to the beautiful islands of San Blas in the Caribbean. The day was s pent visiting a variety of islands, snorkeling, and learning about the culture and customs of the local indigenous people. The white sand and clear blue water of the Caribbean will never cease to amaze me.

It’s hard to fathom that I have lived in a foreign country for almost eight weeks now. While it was intimidating at fi rst, it has served as a remarkable growing and learning experience. My view and appreciation of the agricultural industry has enhanced, as well as my respect for other cultures. More often than not we put too much emphasis on the media and allow it to increase our fears of traveling on our own. However, we must not let fear keep us from experiencing the world. As Dr. Seuss once said, 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

Corn silking at 29% - well ahead of last year's 17%

For the week ending July 10, 2016, rainfall at midweek brought an inch or more of moisture to most of the eastern half of the State, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation was lighter in western areas and missed much of the southwest. The midweek storms were accompanied by high winds, with lodging and greensnap reported in a number of eastern counties. Temperatures averaged near normal. There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 5 percent very short, 25 short, 68 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 4 percent very short, 18 short, 76 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 poor, 16 fair, 63 good, and 17 excellent. Corn silking was 29 percent, ahead of 17 last year and the five-year average of 22.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE

Why do you choose E85?

Throughout the months of June and July, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board, Green Plains and Kum & Go teamed up on Thursdays to offer E85 for just $0.85 a gallon for all flex fuel vehicle (FFV) drivers at select locations in the Omaha Metro. But these big savings weren't the only reason FFV drivers were excited about fueling up with American Ethanol-blended fuel. We asked drivers "Why do you choose E85?" and here’s what they had to say:

“I always fill up with E85 because it saves me money, and I have a friend who works in the industry (Novozymes).”

-Bryan Rowe, Papillion

“If it’s available I choose E85, because I am a stay-at-home mom of six children. I drive a big van (Chevy Express 3500) and it’s the most economical way for me to fill up.”

-Angela Estrada, Omaha

“I’ve been running my car and my wife’s car strictly on E85 for the past six years. When we’re traveling, I plan our vacation routes accordingly to fill up with E85. I even converted by lawn mower to run on E85 and it’s going five years strong. My dad and brother both farm, and it’s important to keep our money local. Ethanol keeps my engine clean so it lasts longer.”

-Brad Bolton, Omaha

“I drive a flex fuel Dodge Durango and I choose E85 because of the price and it’s better for our air. It’s a way to save money and take care of the earth. I have teen drivers and they would like to see more choice at the pump.”

-Sharon Carlos, Omaha

“I’m frugal, so I choose E85 because it’s the best price. Even if I lose a little mileage it’s still a better choice.”

-Angel Loza, Omaha (pictured with his son, Angel Jr.)

“I’ve been strictly using E85 since I purchased my flex fuel vehicle July 13, 2012. I choose it because it’s better for the environment, great price, I get good gas mileage and my vehicle performs great. I make an effort to find E85 stations when I’m traveling.”

-Mary Hochanadel, Omaha

“We’ve been buying flex fuel vehicles since they came out. I finally talked my son into purchasing one last week, and he loves it. We choose E85 for the price and it’s cleaner burning. We don’t see that much difference in our mileage.”

-John & Theresa Farmer, Omaha

“I choose ethanol because it burns cleaner. I am conscious of helping our environment – I don’t waste water, I don’t use Styrofoam. I love that ethanol helps leave a decent world for our loved ones.”

-Catherine Gordon, Bellevue

“I fill up with E85 because it’s cheaper and environmentally friendly. I’ve filled up with E85 since I started driving two years ago.”

-Gage Larsen, Gretna

Panama Canal Expansion

The long-awaited Panama Canal expansion opened on June 26, 2016 with a ceremonial ship passing through the waterway. The U.S. grains industry, including the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), has eagerly anticipated the completion of the Canal expansion project since it was announced nearly a decade ago.

"The Canal is a vital trade route for all grains and other agricultural commodities that are shipped from the U.S. Corn Belt to Asia," said USGC Chairman and Nebraska farmer Alan Tiemann, who attended the ceremony. "In fact, with the completion of this project, it is estimated that the cost to transport grain between those two points will drop."

This project was the largest expansion for the Canal in nearly a century. The multibillion dollar plan constructed a new set of locks that allowed for the passage of wider, longer and heavier loaded ships.

"The Canal's expansion and resulting decreases in shipping costs and time will improve competitiveness of U.S. grains in growing markets," Tiemann said. "This will help U.S. farmers gain access to new markets and continue to expand sales with buyers in our established markets who want more efficient shipments of grain."

While the exact impact of the Canal's expansion on the global grain trade remains uncertain, the Canal's ability to handle Capesize vessels will create greater opportunities for exports.

For more about the grand opening of the Panama Canal, watch Alan's Tiemann's interview below with Market Journal.

For more information on the expansion project, visit the Panama Canal Authority's website here.

The Journey: Young Stages of Corn

Ever wonder what it takes to grow corn in Nebraska? In our new video series titled “The Journey”, Nebraska Corn Board's intern, Morgan Schilling, will follow Nebraska Corn throughout the 2016 growing season explaining everything from planting, growth stages of corn, soil nutrients, irrigation, harvest and more!  We hope this series provides some useful insight to the steps Nebraska farmers take to raise their corn crop every year.

Just joining us? Start at the beginning!
Episode 1:Series Introduction 
Episode 2: Planting Process of Corn

Episode 3: Young Stages of Corn

The third episode of The Journey covers the importance of soil nutrients to a growing corn plant as well as discussing what a grower needs to look out for at the corn plants current stage (V11-VT).

During this episode, I took a trip out to a cornfield located just south of Friend, Nebraska, which is farmed by Nebraska Corn Board director, David Bruntz. I had the chance to ask David a few questions about his corn crop and how he makes it grow to its full potential.

First, we discussed the importance of nutrients to a corn plant.  David said that he has his field’s soil sampled about once every three years.  He then takes the results from the soil test report and utilizes them to choose what nutrients to apply and how much of them to apply.

“In the fall we apply about 180 lbs of anhydrous ammonia and then in the spring when we’re planting we put on some nitrogen with the planter. When the corn gets about a foot tall we put more nitrogen on at that time with either a liquid product or a dry encapsulated product,” said Bruntz.

David and I then visited about threats and things he looks out for in his corn crop this time of year.  At the time of the interview, David’s corn was in the V11-V13 stage.

“We watch out for any funguses that are moving into the area and we’re just pre-tassel right now so we’re watching for if we need to apply any fungicide. Most of our new hybrids are resistant to a lot of corn borer, rootworm and the beetles and things like that. A lot of that resistance you buy with the genetics,” stated Bruntz.

The corn growing process is much more in depth than just planting the seed and harvesting the crop. There are many things that go into producing a profitable crop, such as soil nutrient supplementation. Growers also need to watch out for any threats to their crop that may come up such as funguses or pests that have the potential to hurt the corn plant.

Watch the full episode below...

Nebraska Corn Board Welcomes Bentzinger on Staff

The Nebraska Corn Board is pleased to announce that Nikki Bentzinger has joined its team as the staff assistant on June 20.

In this role, Bentzinger will work on behalf of Nebraska corn farmers and industry to help plan, organize and coordinate the Corn Board’s presence at the Nebraska State Fair, Husker Harvest Days, River City Rodeo, ethanol promotions and many other events across the state. She will work alongside the other members of the Corn Board staff as well as outside vendors and contractors to ensure project deadlines are met and contracts are fulfilled. Bentzinger will also design and coordinate the production of various online and written promotional materials.

“We are happy to welcome Nikki to the Nebraska Corn team,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, Nebraska Corn Board’s executive director. “With her many years of experience at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, in addition to her diverse agriculture background, she has an extensive understanding of the industry and will be a great asset to the team.”

Bentzinger grew up near Odell, Nebraska, where she had an active role in helping her grandparents with their livestock operation. She earned her associates degree from Lincoln School of Commerce in 2003. She began her career as a Loan Processer at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank. In 2007, Bentzinger decided to make a move to the agricultural industry and took on a role with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the Animal Health division. Bentzinger and her husband Corey have two young boys and currently live on the family farm near Hickman, Nebraska where they grow corn and soybeans.

“Agriculture has always been a big part of my life, and I am excited to continue my career in the industry by joining the Nebraska Corn staff,” said Bentzinger. “I look forward to working closely with the staff and board members to serve on behalf of Nebraska’s 23,000 corn farmers.” 

Corn Silking Above Average

Photo Courtesy of Heartland FFA

 For the week ending July 3, 2016, widespread rainfall and cooler temperatures were experienced, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Moisture accumulations of an inch or more were common with smaller amounts in some southern counties. Temperatures averaged two to four degrees below normal in central and eastern areas but near normal across the Panhandle. There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 5 percent very short, 28 short, 65 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 19 short, 77 adequate, and 2 surplus. 

Field Crops Report: Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 17 fair, 64 good, and 16 excellent. Corn silking was 10 percent, ahead of 4 last year, and near the five-year average of 8. 

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE

From Classroom to Capital

By Maddy Breeling, USGC summer intern in Washington DC

Living in the U.S. capital, and working within an area that is so vital to my home state, Nebraska, at the same time has been an amazing experience.  Within my internship I have been able to combine my understanding of living within an agricultural state, the things I have learned while attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and my more current experiences of living in Peru, a growing market for U.S. products as well as an agricultural state itself. 

While pursing my Global Studies degree at UNL, I have had the opportunity to study a variety of topics including international business and trade, public policy, and culture. Here, at the U.S. Grains Council, all of these areas come into play on a much larger scale. I have been able to see how truly globally connected agriculture is, and how vital exports are to our economy. This, in turn, has opened my eyes to the many issues facing this industry, and how important the work of agricultural establishments is in attempting to overcome them.

Throughout my time so far I have had the opportunity to observe almost all areas and aspects of the USGC and have learned so much already. The most interesting thing I have experienced is the work that goes into the development and maintenance of international markets for U.S. products, like corn. From researching the current industries located within that country, to the tariffs and non-tariffs barriers, to the people’s perceptions of GMOs and American crops, and everything in between, creating a new market takes a lot of time and effort to be familiar with all the necessary aspects. This is something I am very excited to work within and look forward to learning more about.

In addition to this, my main and final project for my internship revolves around the perceptions of trade by farmers, and international communication efforts for biotechnology. I will be researching both of these areas to discover how the members of the USGC feel about trade, and how to best target issues that arise, as well as how other organizations have begun the process of promoting and educating other countries and populations about GMOs and their benefits. This will create a platform for the USGC to move forward in their understanding of how their producers think about current agreements, such as TPP, and how their consumers feel about the products.

As I walk past the Capitol on my way to work each morning, I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to work here in D.C., surrounded by the movers and shakers of our nation, on issues that are so close to my state, and myself. I am so excited to be a member of the USGC’s team, and look forward to the upcoming weeks and the experience that will come with it. 

The Journey: Planting Process of Corn

Ever wonder what it takes to grow corn in Nebraska? In our new video series titled “The Journey”, Nebraska Corn Board's intern, Morgan Schilling, will follow Nebraska Corn throughout the 2016 growing season explaining everything from planting, growth stages of corn, soil nutrients, irrigation, harvest and more!  We hope this series provides some useful insight to the steps Nebraska farmers take to raise their corn crop every year.

Just joining us? Start at the beginning!
Episode 1:Series Introduction 

Episode 2: Planting Process of Corn

The second episode of 'The Journey' covered how a planting machine works and also what goes into corn hybrid selection.

The planter which is demonstrated in the video is John Deere's ExactEmerge planter.  This planter is one of their newer models and has the capability to plant corn at speeds of up to 10mph.

First, the seed is transferred from a bulk tank at the front of the planter into the individual seed box for each row via a plastic tube. The seed then travels through a seed disk which singulates the seed. While traveling in the seed disk, each individual seed will eventually get pushed out of the disk by a paddle. The seed is pushed out into a brush belt, which runs the length of the seed cartridge. While traveling down the seed cartridge by the brush belt, the seed passes a seed sensor which monitors population, singulation and seed spacing. After passing the sensor, the seed is then carried the remainder of the way down the seed cartridge by the brush belt, and eventually lays into the furrow in the soil which is made by the opening disks that are located in front of the cartridge. After the seed is placed in the furrow, two closing disks close the topsoil over the seed and the seed is then successfully planted into the ground.

During the off-season of farming, growers are often times deciding which type of corn seed they want to plant.  There are many different types of corn seed which can be planted.  These different types of seed are referred to as hybrids.

Hybrid selection can be based off of several things.  One of these things is the field's previous history.  If the field has had problems with certain pests, diseases or weeds in the past, a hybrid can be selected to prevent these things from happening again. Often times these hybrids will make the plant deter insects and disease, or can make the plant immune to certain types of chemicals so the field can be sprayed to kill the pests or weeds without harming the corn plant.

Rainfall and irrigation amounts are also often times taken into consideration when selecting a corn hybrid. There are certain hybrids that can handle heat and dry conditions better. These hybrids possess different physical characteristics such as less droopy leaves in order to attract less sunlight and retain more moisture.  These hybrids also will usually have a shorter growing season than that of an irrigated corn crop.

There are even corn hybrids which are planted primarily for the use of ethanol. These plants produce a grain which contains a certain enzyme which is needed in the production of ethanol. By already possessing these enzymes, there is no need for any additional adding of products in the distillation process which decreases production time and cost.

As you can see, there are many things that go into the planting process of our Nebraska corn. It's not as easy as hooking up the planter and filling it with corn seed, there is a lot of thought process and thorough calculating in order to produce a maximum yielding crop.

Watch the full episode below...

Hitting the ground running!

By Colton Flower, NCGA intern, Washington, DC.

Greetings!

Fields of corn have been replaced by the
Capital Building on my daily commute this summer.

I’m Colton Flower and this summer I am fortunate enough to be interning with the National Corn Growers Association in their Washington D.C office. As the policy and membership intern, I assist the Directors of Public Policy in a variety of ways from farm bill research to farm visits and everything in between. Over the past few weeks I have been able to see the legislative process first hand and experience life in D.C.

Everyday on my commute to and from the office I walk right past the steps of the Capital Building. This is a view I remember first taking in seven years ago on an 8^th grade class trip. Back then I never would have imagined I’d be working on public policy just a few blocks away from that building. Growing up in the panhandle of Nebraska and raising club cattle the issues being debated on the Hill, were probably the last thing on my mind, but I have always loved advocating for agriculture and was really involved in FFA. The idea of working in public policy didn’t cross my mind until I had the opportunity to attend Corn Congress last year as a part of the Nebraska CornBoard’s leadership program. This really opened my eyes to all that takes place here in the Capital and how much of an impact the work here can have on so many people all across the country. I am very grateful for this internship opportunity and to have been selected for it by the Nebraska Corn Board, who is creating so many amazing opportunities for students like me.

As I mentioned earlier, I grew up in the southern part of the panhandle, Scottsbluff. This spring, I finished my third year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I am majoring in agricultural education- leadership with minors in animal science and agribusiness entrepreneurship. It has been great to work on projects and learn about legislation that I hear so much about in various classes. I really hit the ground running, in my first week alone, I was compiling crop yield information and reading through the farm bill and the next day visiting Chip Bowling’s farm to discuss the various regulations farmers are facing with Georgetown Law students.  It has been a great start and I look forward to what the remaining weeks bring.