TODAY ON AGDAY
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
FARM BILL DEADLINE:
Good morning I’m Clinton Griffiths. As the deadline draws near, time is running out to pass the 2012 Farm Bill and that's our top story on AgDay. The other options include a one year 3 year or 6 year extension of the current bill. Meanwhile, livestock and corn growers are still at odds over what the final outcome should be. AgDay National Reporter Tyne Morgan talked to both sides about what they want to see included, or taken out.
REPORT HOURS:
In other news from Washington, USDA has decided to shift the time when several of the major grain reports will be released. Starting at the first of the year, "NASS" will begin issuing the reports at noon eastern time instead of the current 8:30. USDA decided to look at the release time after several of the grain exchanges switched to 21 hour trading days. Livestock reports will remain at their 3 o'clock slot.
SOYBEAN CHINA CONCERNS:
Some AG groups are worried a trade spat over auto parts with China could lead to problems for soybean growers. This week the White House announced plans to file a trade dispute with the World Trade Organization. The Obama administration alleges China has been unfairly subsidizing automobile and auto parts exports.
BEEF TODAY:
In news from our partners at Beef Today - if your double-crop soybeans don't reach maturity before the first hard freeze, some farmers might consider the crop as a forage option. A forage expert from Purdue University says this could be an option for farmers in the upper Midwest who struggled with the drought this summer. Fields that germinated late are not likely to mature in a timely manner and if baled could supplement livestock feed resources.
SOIL TESTING:
Meanwhile beef producers may want to consider a soil test to look for residual fertilizer on hay and pastureland. Dr. Mark McFarland from Texas A&M says with the drought conditions, there may be a substantial amount of fertilizer remaining in the soil. He says a soil test will help determine how much needs to be applied this year and could save you money.
NEBRASKA DEATH:
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