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past news FDA TO SAMPLE GRAIN, GRAIN PRODUCTS FOR VOMITOXIN Nebraska Grain & Feed Tentatively Planning a “Managing Mycotoxins” Workshop for May, 2010 The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has learned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is scheduled to finalize a plan as early as March 26 under which it will sample grain and grain products – starting as early as the week of March 29 – for the presence of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin). Meanwhile, in order to prepare our members for possible grain quality issues involving mycotoxins, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) is tentatively planning to conduct a “Managing Mycotoxins” workshop for sometime in May, 2010. Please watch for future details. Read More>> IMPORTANT OSHA, NDL INFORMATION & COMPLIANCE LINKS Follow-Up Information from Last Weeks Safety Workshop! NGF Engulfment and Confined Space Rescue Training Session in North Platte, June 10, 2010 Important! Attached are several important links to OSHA or Nebraska Department of Labor (NDL) websites concerning health and safety procedures and regulations. Many of these procedures and requirements were discussed at last week's NGF Elevator and Grain Processor 2010 Safety Day. Read More>> NGFA, STATE AFFILIATES CHALLENGE OSHA INTERPRETATION ON SWEEP AUGERS As we reported in February, a recent OSHA “Letter of Interpretation” contends that the physical operation of unguarded sweep augers inside grain bins is prohibited. The letter was in response to questions posed by an insurance agent who asked if a sweep auger can be operated in a bin with an employee present and, if not, what method or procedure OSHA would find acceptable for removing grain from grain bins. NGF and other state affiliate Associations have joined with the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) in challenging the flawed interpretation. Read more>> OSHA CITES KANSAS PROCESSING PLANT FOR FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Endres Processing LLC of Kansas City for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act following an inspection alleging fire and explosion hazards from combustible dust. Proposed penalties total $137,250. The company is engaged in recycling inedible food products by milling them into feed for pigs and chickens. Read more >> NGF COMMENTS ON DRAFT REVENUE DEPT. RULING ON REVISED ENERGY SALES TAX REFUND Association Supports Limited Expansion, Disappointed Draft Did Not Go Farther The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) this week responded to the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s (NDR) draft revenue ruling outlining the approach the department intends to use determining when the energy used at these facilities, including drying grain will be recognized for a commercial grain elevator to claim a 100% sales tax exemption on energy. NGF supported a revision to the current NDR methods of review. Read more >> NDEQ RETAINS CURRENT HAUL ROAD DUST STANDARDS NGF Objected to Proposed New Regulations, Cheers Retention of Current Standards Last fall, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) alerted members that the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) was considering adopting new modeling methods that could require the inclusion of fugitive dust emissions from truck traffic on haul roads. NGF reported that the new proposed regulations could cost the grain elevator and processor industry hundreds of thousands of dollars as well new paperwork requirements. Read more >> NEW NGF WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED Please visit the Workshop page on our website for several important upcoming workshops and events you and your employees should be interested in and registration forms. Also, watch for details on these and other popular grain and feed workshops in the near future. Some of the yet to be scheduled workshops include the Comprehensive Two-Day Workshop On Basic Hedging And Merchandising, several half day Merchandising Short Courses conducted by our cooperating merchandising companies, a workshop on Managing Mycotoxins and a Grain Quality Workshop focusing on proper commercial and on farm storage techniques. WHERE (GRAIN) QUALITY IS JOB 1 By Diana Klemme, V.P. Grain Service Corporation Ford introduced this advertising slogan in the 1980’s to restore consumers’ faith in Ford’s products. Those words and commercials didn’t turn Ford around immediately, in part because Toyota and Honda continued to beat all US carmakers on quality. Now Toyota is under fire on the quality issue for their massive recall and suspension of sales to remedy a potential accelerator problem. Toyota may recover, and Ford’s reputation for quality has fared well in recent years. But this is a vivid reminder of how quickly problems can tarnish a firm’s reputation as a dependable supplier. Read more >> OSHA ISSUES NEW POLICY ON SWEEP AUGERS INSIDE GRAIN BINS National Association Update! The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Dec. 24 signed a “letter of interpretation” that creates a new policy for operating sweep augers inside grain bins. The letter was in response to questions posed by an insurance representative, who had asked: 1) if a sweep auger can be operated in a bin with an employee present; and 2) if not, what method or procedure OSHA would find acceptable for removing grain from flat-bottom grain bins. Read more >> NDR RESPONDS TO NGF ON ENERGY SALES TAX REFUND FOR GRAIN ELEVATORS Last month the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) contacted the Nebraska Department of revenue (NDR) about the state program which allows manufacturers to claim an energy sales tax exemption or refund if the manufacturer can document that the electricity or fuel consumed was directly used for the processing, manufacturing or refining process of tangible personal property. Many members are aware that if you can document to the Nebraska Department of Revenue (NDR) that at least 50% of the energy consumed in your facility adds value to your product, you can claim a 100% sales tax refund on your energy consumption. This would include the energy used to dry grain. Read more >> NGF CONTACTS SOS OVER ERRORS TO LIEN SEARCH DATA BASE The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) recently contacted the Nebraska Secretary of State’s (SOS) office bringing to their attention complaints received from several NGF member firms that have been experiencing past and persistent mistakes in the lien search database which they subscribe to and receive from the SOS on a quarterly basis. Specifically, these grain firms are receiving complaints when they post the supposed lien holders names on the checks paid to customers, and those company lien holders are no longer in business. In one instance, a member firm has reported that there were seven banks which have either changed names and/or ownership in his area since 2000 but are still being listed under their previous names. There were also instances where “lien holders” identified under the lien search database have been out of business for as long as seven years. Read More >> NEW RULE TO REQUIRE FOOD AND FEED FACILITIES TO REPORT SERIOUS ADULTERATION INCIDENTS Grain elevators and feed mills registered with FDA under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002, are now required to report within 24 hours after the facility makes a determination that use of, or exposure to, an adulterated food or feed product that has left its control, would present a “reasonable probability” of causing serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. It applies to all facilities registered with FDA under the Bioterrorism Act that receive, store, handle, manufacture and distribute grain and oilseeds, milled and processed grain and oilseed products, animal feed and feed ingredients, pet food and a wide range of other FDA-regulated ag commodities, products and foods. Read More >> GET ACTIVE IN NGF – BECOME A MEMBER OF A COMMITTEE! On behalf of the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your membership investment and support. We are continually faced with industry issues and challenges and to properly address these concerns, the staff and Board of Directors relies on the input and guidance of its members. Read More >> NGF SUBMITS COMMENTS TO NDEQ OPPOSING CHANGES TO FUGITIVE DUST MODELING Members Urged To Submit Comments! August 31 was the final day grain elevators, grain processors and ethanol plants had to submit comments to the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) opposing the adoption of new modeling methods that could require the inclusion of fugitive dust emissions from truck traffic from haul roads. The following is the official NGF response to NDEQ. Read More >> NGF 34th SUMMER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS THANK OUR SPONSORS The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association’s (NGF) 34th Summer Meeting and Golf Classic held on August 7, 2009 at Quarry Oaks golf club “was a great success because of our members who attended and the generous support of our sponsors who attended the one-day event,” according to Ryan Pellet, Summer Meeting Co-Chair. Read More >> 34th ALL NGF FOUR-PERSON BEST BALL GOLF CLASSIC WINNERS ANNOUNCED Over 112 golfers played at the All NGF Four-Person Best Ball Golf Classic at the beautiful and challenging Quarry Oaks Golf Course! The tournament was divided into four flights, with a first place in the first flight, first place on the second flight, and first place in the third and fourth flights. Read More >> NATIONAL GRAIN & FEED ORGANIZATIONS URGE EPA TO MODIFY CHROMIUM, MANGANESE PROPOSED CONTROLS The NGFA and AFIA issued a joint statement on Aug. 26 to the EPA in response to the agency’s proposed rule that would establish a national emission standard requiring most feed manufacturers that use chromium compounds or manganese compounds to comply with specified management practices and use specified equipment controls. Read More >> NGF URGES MEMBERS TO OPPOSE CHANGES TO NDEQ FUGITIVE DUST MODELING The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is considering adopting new modeling methods that could require the inclusion of fugitive dust emissions from truck traffic from haul roads which, if implemented, could cost the grain elevator industry dollars and new paperwork requirements. Currently, elevators, ethanol facilities and other effected industries are allowed to use “best management practices” to control fugitive dust or particulate matter (PM) on their haul roads. NDEQ will be accepting written comments on the proposed changes through August 31, 2009. Read More >> PSC HEARS NO SUPPORT FOR GRAIN INDEMNIFICATION FUND, LEGISLATIVE STUDY NEXT STEP The Nebraska Public Service commission (PSC) held their previously announced workshop on the practicality of establishing a grain indemnification fund, before more than 40 participants representing grain elevators and dealers, farm organizations, ethanol facilities and cattle and banking interests. Every organization either spoke against the establishment of such indemnification fund or announced that they were still formulating policy for future legislative interim study hearings this fall. Read More >> NGF REQUESTS MEETING ON NDEQ CLEAN AIR ACTIONS EPA Definition of Temporary Storage at Issue The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) have requested an informal meeting with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) on their interpretation of proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), Subpart DD of the Clean Air Act. Currently, the NSPS rules requiring stricter air permitting and emission standards apply to any commercial grain elevator built after 1978 with a permanent storage capacity exceeding 2.5 million bushels, or increased their permanent storage capacity beyond the 2.5 million bushels. However, the grain handling industry has since 2006 disputed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) inclusion of recently constructed temporary storage capacity as permanent storage, affecting potentially dozens of elevators that could now exceed the 2.5 million bushel permanent storage capacity threshold, subjecting them to new costly air permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act. Read More >>
PSC PROPOSES JULY 15 WORKSHOP ON GRAIN INDEMNIFICATION FUND In a surprising move, the Nebraska public Service Commission (PSC) announced a July 15 commission workshop to propose the establishment of a multimillion dollar farmer funded grain insurance program as further protection of parties to grain transactions. The insurance fund, which would have to be enacted by the state legislature, would be separate from but supplement the current state grain warehouse and dealers act which requires licensing and bonding in case of failure. Read More >> 2009 AREA MEETINGS WRAP UP The 2009 NGF area meetings are history! We want to thank our area meeting hosts who coordinated these events, and all the Association members who attended the golf and dinner meetings. Over 80 members attended the three area meetings along with another 70 members who attended the grain grading sessions held in conjunction with three of the area meetings. A prolonged spring planting season negatively impacted attendance at some of the meetings, and the Association is hoping to reschedule the postponed Ogallala meeting sometime in July. Please take the time to thank our hosts of this year's area meetings. Tim Jimenez and Kyle Jones, Ogallala. Steve Costello, Gothenburg. David and Glenn Prinz, and Tim Gubbels, Beemer, and Jim Mendlik and Ryan Pellet, Elkhorn. If you're interested in attending a rescheduled Ogallala area meeting or you would like to host one of next year’s spring area meetings please call the office at 402 - 476 - 6174. PSC APPROVES INCREASE FOR STATE GRAIN HANDLING CHARGES NGF, NCC SUPPORTED UPWARD ADJUSTMENT The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the maximum handling charges warehouses can charge has been increased from $.25 to $.33 per bushel. The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) and the Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) appeared together and strongly supported an increase to the maximum grain handling charges from the current ceiling of .$.25 per bushel to $.40 cents per bushel. Read More >> FARMER-OWNED STORAGE FACILITIES … NGFA Wants New Grain Storage Built At Commercial Sites The 2008 farm bill contains a provision that establishes a subsidized loan guarantee program to help farmers build or update storage and handling facilities for agricultural commodities. The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is concerned that a wave of construction of on-farm storage facilities could disrupt or economically harm the commercial storage sector which NGFA represents. Read More >>
NGF COMPLETES COMMODITY CONTAINER SHIPPING STUDY SOYBEAN & WHEAT CHECK OFF DOLLARS FUND PROJECT The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) recently completed a study on the feasibility of originating more commodity container shipping at various Nebraska locations. While NGF administered the study, Jay O'Neil of O'Neil Transportation Consulting conducted much of the research and interviews and the Nebraska Wheat and Soybean Boards were primary sponsors and financially contributed check off funds for the completion of the project. Copies of the 18 page report are available to NGF members at no cost. MAY 26 – 27, 2009 In our continuing efforts to offer affordable and quality workshop opportunities for our members and their employees, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) is proud to join Advanced Bioenergy LLC of Fairmont, Nebraska and Roadway Worker Training Inc. Rail Support Services (RWT) in announcing a comprehensive two-day hands-on workshop for introduction to rail safety concepts and industrial Locomotive operator training on May 26 and 27th. Read More>> NGF, GSC TEAM UP ON MERCHANDISING WORKSHOP! NGF URGES RESTRAINT ON NDEQ CLEAN AIR ACTIONS GRAIN GRADING SESSIONS TO BE OFFERED AT SPRING 2009 NGF AREA MEETINGS Once again, the 2009 Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) Area Meetings are being planned for this May and June. Again this year, NGF will work with our state grain inspection agencies and FGIS to offer grain grading sessions at certain locations before golf and depending on the area interest! Read more » NGF SUPPORTS, ENCOURAGES FUND RAISING EFFORTS FOR HEARTLAND HEROES HONOR FLIGHTS 2009 LEGISLATURE CHOOSES NEW LEADERSHIP The 101st Nebraska unicameral legislature convened on January 7, 2009. The legislature ushered in a new generation of committee chairs as term limits brought a batch of 15 new lawmakers to Lincoln. Direct Shipping is changing our industry and if you are not changing with it you may be losing bushels as well as dollars. This workshop is designed to cover the fundamentals of direct shipping. It will cover some of the historical background that has lead to the current climate with direct shipping as well as where all the bushels are going, what the FSA and PSC want you to do in regards to direct shipping, what the elevator or processing plants role is in direct shipping and basis trading, etc. It will also cover new strategies elevators, feed mills and grain processors can utilize to capture more bushels right off the farm! This workshop is a must if you want to maximize your direct ship potential. The January 21 workshop will be held at the NGF basement conference room in Lincoln, and the January 22 workshop will be held at the Country Inn and Suites in Kearney Nebraska. Read More>> What does the new ACRE Program component of the Farm Bill mean for you and your farm? Brad Lubben, Assistant Professor and Extension Public Policy Specialist in the Department of Ag economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will help you answer that question. Lubben is involved in teaching, research and extension activities, focusing on agricultural and public policy issues ranging from federal farm programs and trade policies to conservation programs and the environment. He has been traveling the state leading discussions on the new Farm Bill, specifically relating to the ACRE Program. Read More >> OFFICIAL NOTICE FOR NGF 112th ANNUAL MEETING DIRECTORS PROPOSE BYLAW AMENDMENT TO REDUCE BOARD, ADOPT FINANCIAL REVIEW The Nebraska Grain & Feed Association (NGF) is pleased to officially announce the 112th Annual Meeting on December 16, at the Kearney Holiday Inn. The NGF Annual Meeting will take place on the Trade Show floor at approximately 2:00 PM. Read More >> FREE PASSES FOR NGF & GEAPS MEMBERS AT ANNUAL TRADE SHOW If you are an NGF or Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) member who just wants to attend the December 16th NGF Trade Show, we will issue you a one-day FREE pass! Read More >> NGF TRADE SHOW SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE INCLUDES ONE 30 MINUTE TRADE SHOW PRESENTATION! It's not too late to show your support for the Nebraska Grain and feed Association (NGF) or its vendors at the Association’s 112th annual meeting and Trade Show. This year’s support from our sponsors is very important. Read more >> NGF DEVELOPS NEW CONTRACT FOR DIRECT DELIVERY & DEFERRED PAYMENT FOR DIRECT DELIVER GRAIN Over the past couple of months, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) has received several calls from grain dealers who were concerned about offering producers the appropriate commodity contracts for direct delivery transactions. Other dealers were informed during recent Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) audits that they were using incorrect deferred payment contracts for direct delivery transactions. More and more in today's changing marketplace, elevators and grain dealers are shipping commodities direct from the farm to feed lots and ethanol plants, and the contracts governing these transactions are important tools to protect themselves. Read More >> Over the last couple of weeks, The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) has kept members apprised of the entities Ox Plow Farms and New Fashion Farms distributing notices to buyers in Iowa, Nebraska and perhaps elsewhere that they do not intend to deliver soybeans against existing contracts. The notice includes a reference to NGFA Grain Trade Rule 28, Failure to Perform. The Nebraska State Patrol has opened a preliminary investigation on Ox Plow Farms and New Fashion Farms. Here are a few ways to protect your against possible grain schemes. Read More >> NGF FUMIGATION CERTIFICATION/RECERTIFICATION WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, HOLIDAY INN, KEARNEY Study Material for Fumigation, Structural/Health Related Pest Control Available The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF), in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Carl Reed and Poppe Enterprises are proud to present our annual Fumigation Certification Workshop! Study material for those needing to test-out on the Fumigation and/or Structural/Health Related Pest Control is available by contacting NGF. Read More >> NGFA – “NO COMPENSATION FOR HEDGING LOSSES” The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) this week delivered a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer in response to remarks attributed to him on Oct. 20 in Iowa concerning the use of federal funds to compensate firms that may have sustained is hedging losses in commodity markets. Read More >> NE. STATE PATROL OPENS PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPICIOUS FAILURE TO PERFORM NOTICES NOTICES SPREAD TO SOUTH DAKOTA, ILLINOIS The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) was notified this week that the Nebraska State Patrol is opening a preliminary investigation on the entities Ox Plow Farms and New Fashion Farms, which have been distributing notices to buyers in Iowa, Nebraska and perhaps elsewhere that they do not intend to deliver soybeans against existing contracts. The notice includes a reference to NGFA Grain Trade Rule 28, Failure to Perform. Ox Plow Farms lists its return address as the UPS store in Sioux City, IA. New Fashion Farms lists their return address as a UPS store in Omaha, NE. Read More >> WATCH FOR ELECTRONIC NGF LEGISLATIVE SURVEYS Inan effort to represent the best interests of our membership before the 2009 legislature, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) Legislative committee has developed a series of surveys intended to gather input and opinions from members on a number of issues. The results of these surveys will not obligate NGF to take positions on these issues, but assist the leadership in contemplating further action. Read More >> SUSPICIOUS CONTRACT NOTICES SENT TO IOWA, NEBRASKA GRAIN FIRMS We want to make the Association membership aware of a developing situation in Iowa that may impact the membership. The Iowa Institute of Cooperatives has shared the following information with their members: HEADS UP: We understand that many Iowa cooperatives have contracted 08 soybeans from an entity called Ox Plow Farms and have been notified by that entity that they will not have beans to deliver. Ox Plow Farms by letter or telephone is requesting settlement of the contracts in accordance with rule 28 of the National Feed and Grain Association. Read More >> COMMODITY GROUPS URGE USDA TO STEP UP TO AG EQUITY CRUNCH With rural businesses and producers dealing with an increasing liquidity crisis, most of the nation's major commodity groups and some agribusinesses are calling on Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer to help stave off future compounding of the situation by another strong run-up in commodity prices. Read More >> NGF DIRECTORS PROPOSE BYLAW CHANGE TO REDUCE BOARD, ADOPT FINANCIAL REVIEW PSC CONDUCTS WORKSHOP ON GRAIN INSURANCE FUND NGF SEEKING COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) president Jan Mosby has announced that several committee assignments are currently vacant, and the Association is seeking interested volunteers to fill these slots. “We have four regular standing committees, as well as the newly formed Bio Fuels committee,” said Mosby. “These committees have offered the Board with guidance and input on important issues, however it has been difficult to maintain an active dialogue over the past few years and we need to revitalize our committees.” Read More > NGF 33rd SUMMER MEETING RAP-UP THANK OUR SPONSORS – LIST INCLUDED The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association’s (NGF) 33rd Summer Meeting and golf Classic on August 8, 2008 at the Quarry Oaks golf club set a record attendance for the one day meeting and golf tournament, according to Darin Hanson, Summer Meeting Co-Chair. "Our members really appreciate the one-day format, location and the Friday schedule,” said Hanson. “We have been fortunate to count on the support of our members, and some of the leading companies and suppliers of and for the grain industry in the country, and we can’t thank them enough.” Read More >> 2008 NEBRASKA GRAIN & FEED ASSOCIATION HARVEST SAFETY DAY Sept. 11, 2008-NGF Office Conference Room 1233 Lincoln Mall, Lincoln, NE With fall harvest in mind, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) is pleased to join with the Omaha OSHA office, the Nebraska State Fire Marshall and Holmes-Murphy Insurance Company to present the 2008 NGF Harvest Safety Day, on September 11, 2008 at the NGF Conference Room, 1233 Lincoln Mall, Lincoln, NE Read More >> GRAIN CONTRACTS, HIGH PRICES, FLOODS AND FAILURE TO DELIVER AGRICULTURAL LAW AND TAXATION BRIEFS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND CONSUMER ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Abstract: This article addresses important issues arising when a farmer’s crop is lost to floodwaters or when market prices rise much higher than the contract prices negotiated when grain prices were lower. Is a grain contract binding if it was never signed by the farmer? Does the inability of a farmer to harvest a crop because of flood provide an excuse for the farmer not to deliver grain as required by contract? What if a farmer harvests a crop but prefers to sell it at a higher price than the contract price negotiated before a rise in grain prices? What damages might be assessed against a farmer who fails to deliver grain as required by contract? Is a farmer still liable for breach of contract damages if the farmer files bankruptcy? This article is part of a law-related educational program for Illinois family farmers made possible by a gift from the Illinois Bar Foundation. The assistance of the Agricultural Law Section Council of the Illinois State Bar Association in reviewing the article also is appreciated. Read More >> NGF URGES MORE CONSIDERATION FOR EARLY RELEASE OF CRP
NGF TO PUBLISH QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER, WEEKLY ELECTRONIC UPDATES TO CONTINUE The June, 2008 edition of NEBRASKA GRAIN & FEED will be the last monthly Association newsletter you will receive by mail. Instead, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) will publish and mail a quarterly newsletter begaining the next fiscal year which starts July, 2008. Weekly electronic updates of NEBRASKA GRAIN AND FEED ASSOCIATION NEWS will continue, as well as a new monthly electronic report on major NGF activities, workshops, major news items from the state and National level and calendar of events. Read More >> MARK THE DATE - 8/8/8! NGF 33rd SUMMER MEETINGRegistrations Filling Fast! Sponsorships AvailableThe Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) have announced that registrations for the 33rd Annual Summer meeting are going fast! NGF is proud that current GOP US Senate candidate Mike Johanns will join democratic party US Senate candidate Scott Kleeb to address the Dealers Program. Diane Klemme, vice president of Grain Service Corp., and Randy Gordon, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations for the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) will also address the Dealers Program. The August 8, registration at Quarry Oaks opens at 8:30 AM, with the Dealers Program following from 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM. Read More >> EASTERN NEBRASKA GRAIN’S MOSBY SELECTED AS 2008-2009 NGF PRESIDENT Jan Mosby, general manager of the Eastern Nebraska Grain terminal in Lincoln has been selected as the 2008 – 2009 President of the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association. Mosby succeeds Andy Kuhn with Countryside Cooperative in Firth as the Associations new President. Mosby also nominated and the board approved NGF director Mike Rost with the Peavey Company in Kearney as Vice President. Kuhn will remain on the executive committee as past president. The Association’s fiscal year and Mosby’s term begin July, 2008. Read More >> NDA REMINDS PRODUCERS TO BE MINDFUL OF FUNGICIDE LABELING The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding producers to be mindful when applying fungicides to crops. The reminder comes after the Kansas Department of Agriculture recently released some wheat from an embargo after tests confirmed that fungicide residues set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration were within tolerance. At question were late applications of fungicides many of which require a 45-day waiting period between application and harvest. Read More >> NGF LAUNCHES 2008 –2009 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE This month, the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) has kicked-off the 2008 – 2009 membership drive. What a year this has been! Record commodity prices, volatile grain futures markets, the expansion of bio fuels production, booming export sales and soaring transportation and energy costs has kept NGF staff busy working with many of you to meet these challenges head on. There are many reasons to renew your membership and here are just a few. Read More >> NGF JOINS 130 ORGANIZATIONS IN USDA LETTER URGING PENALTY-FREE EARLY OUTS OF CRP LAND NOW! The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) joined over 130 other non profit trade associations and private and cooperatively owned agribusinesses to urge the USDA to allow penalty free release of certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). While USDA’s decision to open CRP to haying and grazing was a positive step, the Agricultural Alliance for Growth and Competitiveness (AAGC) letter stated that it will not adequately alleviate the direct pressure on the livestock industry or the increased feed cost pressures on other segments of agriculture and food industries. Read More >> GRAIN GRADING COURSE FOR WHEAT (CORN, & SOYBEANS IF ENOUGH DEMAND) Aurora, June 19, 2008, Sponsored by Nebraska Grain and Feed Association & Aurora Cooperative and in Cooperation with USDA - FGIS Wheat harvest is right round the corner, so don’t miss an opportunity to get yourself or your employees ready for wheat grading! The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) along with the Aurora Cooperative are organizing an in-house wheat grading refresher course. However if there is enough interest, corn and soybeans will be included. Read More >> NGFA ENCOURAGES RESPONSE TO CME GROUP SURVEY ON STORAGE VALUES NE. PSC APPROVED STATE STORAGE INCREASE IN MAY The NGFA is encouraging members to return by the June 11 deadline an important new survey issued by the CME Group that is designed to assist the exchange in establishing accurate storage values for CBOT wheat, corn and soybean futures contracts. The NGFA agreed to assist the CME Group by distributing the survey to its Active members (grain, feed and grain processing companies) that rely on CBOT contracts for risk management and price discovery. The survey follows through on one of the NGFA’s core recommendations made to the CME Group and during an April 22 Agricultural Futures Roundtable conducted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that focused on futures market performance and whether convergence still was occurring between futures and cash prices during the delivery period. Read More>> CFTC WITHDRAWS PROPOSALS ON INCREASING SPECULATIVE LIMITS ON AG FUTURES AGENCY TAKES ACTIONS ON MULTIPLE FRONTS TO ADDRESS AG FUTURES MARKET PERFORMANCE ISSUES… The Commodity Futures Trading Commission on June 3 announced it was withdrawing its previous proposal that would have increased speculative position limits on agricultural futures markets and created a risk-management exemption on the size of speculative positions that could be held or controlled by index and pension fund traders in agricultural futures or options contracts. The decision was taken as part of a series of actions announced by the agency designed to address agricultural futures market performance issues. Read More >> PSC APPROVES HIGHER STORAGE RATES The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has decided to increase the Schedule A grain storage rates state licensed elevators can charge depositors, but left the current 25 cent handling charge unchanged. The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) joined the Nebraska Cooperative Council (NCC) and other agribusiness organizations at the May 7 hearing and strongly supported an increase of storage and handling rates. Read more >> NGF ANNOUNCES 2008 – 2009 DIRECTOR ELECTION RESULTS The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) is proud to present the winners of the 2008 – 2009 Board of Directors elections. The winners are Tina Domeier, Bruning Grain and Feed, Bruning, Gail Ortegren, CPI, Hastings and Ryan Pellet, JD Heiskell and Company, Omaha. This years vote was unusually close, and all ballots received by NGF are open for review by any member. The three will begin their three-year terms on July 1, 2008. Read more >> SPRING AREA MEETINGS & GRAIN GRADING COMBINED! Bridgeport will kick-off our 2008 season of Area Meetings on May 14, at the Jail House and Courthouse Golf Course! A grain grading session on corn and wheat has been added! Prices vary at each location! Read more >> Reduction to Save Feed industry $320,000 The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), through adopted regulations reduced the current 10 cent per ton feed tax paid by elevators, feed mills and ethanol plants, by 4 cents, lowering the tax to 6 cents per ton. Read more >> NGFA RECOMMENDS ACTIONS TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE OF GRAIN, OILSEED FUTURES MARKETS WASHINGTON – In the aftermath of the April 22 public meeting conducted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today issued a series of recommendations that it urged be implemented in an effort to enhance the performance of grain and oilseed futures contracts important to commercial hedgers. Read more >> NGF SUPPORTS INCREASE OF WAREHOUSE STORAGE & HANDLING RATES The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a 2:00 PM hearing May 7, 2008 to take comments on proposals to adjust Schedule A & E handling and storage rates. The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) will join other organizations and support an increase to the Schedule A & E handling and storage rates state licensed elevators can charge. Read more >> NGF ANNOUNCES 2008 – 09 DIRECTOR CANDIDATES The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) is proud to present the 2008 – 2009 slate of candidates for Board of Directors. The candidates include Tina Domeier, Bruning Grain and Feed, Bruning; Keith Erickson, Farmers & Ranchers Coop, Ainsworth; Gail Ortegren, CPI, Hastings; Ryan Pellet, JD Heiskell and Company, Omaha; Robert Racek, Cargill, Albion, and; Bruce Tinkham, Agrex, Superior. Read more >> NGF Supports Regs to Reduce Feed Tax by Three Cents NGF Supports Increase for Warehouse Storage & Handling Rates Record commodity prices, a volatile grain market, the expansion of bio fuels production, and soaring transportation and energy costs has prompted the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NGF) to support an increase of the Schedule A & E handling and storage rates state licensed elevators can charge. Nebraska's current maximum for in and out charges is 25 cents per bushel, and the storage rate for soybeans stands at about 4 cents per bushel per month while corn and most other grains are at 3.5 cents per bushel per month. Read more » NDA Hearing to Reduce Feed Tax The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) regulations reducing the current 10 cent per ton feed tax paid by elevators, feed mills and ethanol plants is on track for a May 1, 2008 hearing. If adopted, fees collected to fund the state feed inspection program will be reduced by 3 cents. Reducing the fee to 7 cents per ton would save Nebraska grain elevators, feed mills and ethanol plants producing feed and distillers grains over $240,000 per year. Read more »
NEBRASKA GRAIN FIRM OUT OF BUSINESS AMID VOLATILE MARKETS NGF LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE - ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AVAILABLE! FARM BILL COMPROMISE STALLS LEGISLATIVE ACTION WINDING DOWN COMMITTEE PROPOSES DIVERTING FEED TAX SURPLUS TO NOXIOUS WEED PROGRAM SPRING AREA MEETINGS AND GRAIN GRADING COMBINED! NGFA RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CONDUCTS CONFERENCE CALLS WITH LENDERS, HEDGE FUNDS ON CURRENT FUTURES MARKET SITUATION NGF OPPOSES SHIFT OF FEED TAX TO NOXIOUS WEED PROGRAM NGFA, STATE G&F AFFILIATES SUPPORT FARM BILL CRP REFORM NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE BACK TO BUSINESS NGFA URGES CFTC TO DELAY, STUDY IMPACTS OF PROPOSED INCREASE IN SPECULATIVE POSITION LIMITS IN AG FUTURES GEAPS 79TH ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW COMING TO OMAHA! 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NGF SUPPORTS LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION TO STUDY EXTENDING TRUCK LENGTHS NGF JOINS 30 AG GROUPS EXPRESSING CRP CONCERNS ON BIOMASS |
  
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