NORTHEY COMMENTS ON IOWA CROPS AND WEATHER REPORT

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.  The report is released weekly from April through October.

“Parts of the state, especially Northwest Iowa, are dealing with excess water resulting in pockets of damage from recent severe weather,” Northey said.  “Overall, a large majority of our corn and soybeans crops continue in good to excellent condition.”

The weekly report is also available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov or on USDA’s site at www.nass.usda.gov/ia.  The report summary follows here:

CROP REPORT

Frequent precipitation halted fieldwork in Iowa during the week ending June 22, 2014, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures were above normal for the week, while severe storms brought high winds and hail to the State. Statewide there were only 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork.

Recent precipitation raised soil moisture levels. Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Northwest Iowa was the wettest with over 40 percent of the topsoil in surplus condition.

Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. With almost all of Iowa’s soybean acreage emerged, soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. There were isolated reports of soybeans blooming across Iowa. Seventy-one percent of the oat crop has headed, 8 percentage points above last year but 4 percentage points behind the five-year average. A few farmers reported seeing oats starting to turn color. Oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 12 percent excellent.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 84 percent complete, well ahead of last year’s 66 percent and 8 percentage points above average. Hay condition was rated 0 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Pasture condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Stress on livestock increased this week because of the heat and flooding.

IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY

By Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

It was a warm and very wet week across Iowa. The most widespread rain came on Monday (16th) into Tuesday (17th) morning when nearly all of the northern one-half of the state received more than two inches of rain. Greatest rain totals with this first event were reported at Peterson (Clay County) with 5.14 inches and Lester (Lyon County) with 4.87 inches. Another event brought rain to the northern one-third of Iowa on Wednesday (18th) morning with a few locations receiving over two inches. Yet another complex of thunderstorms moved across extreme northeast Iowa on Wednesday night bringing 4.52 inches of rain to Dubuque. Rain fell statewide on Thursday (19th) with greatest amounts, locally exceeding three inches, falling across the east one-half of the state. The rain focus shifted to western Iowa over the weekend with heavy rain Friday (20th) night across the southwest where 4.27 inches of rain fell just south of Council Bluffs. Finally, a few far western areas received an inch or two of rain on Saturday (21st) night. Only a few small areas across south central and southeast Iowa recorded below normal rainfall for the week. Weekly rain totals varied from 0.17 inches at Centerville to 8.08 inches at Hampton. The statewide average precipitation was 3.66 inches or three times the weekly normal of 1.17 inches. This was the greatest weekly average since early June 2008. Meanwhile temperatures were above normal throughout the week. Temperature extremes varied from Monday (16th) morning lows of 51 degrees at Swea City and Tripoli to a Friday (20th) afternoon high of 94 degrees at Sidney. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged 3.3 degrees above normal.

Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council Hired Shane Dagoberg as Communication/Program Associate

The Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council (MWRPC) is pleased to announce a new staff member to the MN Wheat team. Shane Dagoberg has been hired as a Communication and Program Associate to assist the Wheat Council staff in facilitating and communicating with wheat growers throughout Minnesota and the region. Shane’s role will be to work with a team to develop and implement an interactive communications plan that engages growers in the process of building an on-farm research network. He will also help organize and deliver information to wheat growers on check-off funded research and marketing projects, as well as Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers’ policy and educational programs.

“All of us here at MN Wheat welcome Shane and look forward to working with him”, says David Torgerson, Executive Director of MWRPC and Minnesota Wheat Growers Association, (MAWG).  “This up-coming year will be a very exciting opportunity for us to develop and implement the On-Farm Research network and Shane will be a welcome asset to our team.”

Shane is a graduate with a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN. He also farms near Alvarado, MN. Prior to coming to work for the Minnesota Wheat Council, Shane worked the past seven and a half years for EAPC Architects Engineers of Grand Forks. Shane’s experience with project management and working with people along with his practical understanding of wheat production will serve him well in his new role with the Minnesota Wheat Council and Minnesota Wheat Growers, says Torgerson.

Manage the challenge of feeding in a forage deficit area

Utilize technology to achieve feeding success.

Shoreview, Minn. [June 23, 2014] – Forage availability difficulties have both dairy producers and nutritionists looking for options. Unlike in years past, higher grain diets may be the next best option economically these days, however feeding these diets can be challenging.

“Feeding a higher grain diet isn’t new by any means,” says Dr. Margaret Winsryg, technical support specialist with Calibrate^® Technologies, based in Idaho. “Approximately, 10 years ago the dairy industry fed a higher concentrate than forage diet but this is a trend the industry went away from, until recently.”

Winsryg says that challenges surrounding water are one of the many issues behind the shortage of forages and the shift towards feeding a higher grain diet.

During what may be a difficult feeding atmosphere, knowledge and understanding of the effects high grain diets have on animal health and production will allow dairy producers and nutritionists to maintain an edge. Starch content, variability and digestibility are tops on the list.

Dairy producers and nutritionists who find themselves in forage deficit areas, and plan to feed a higher grain diet should keep an eye on the following areas, says Winsryg.

1.     Starch content variability of the ingredients used in high grain rations, as well as the digestibility of those ingredients.

2.     Forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd) variation.

3.     If you are feeding a high grain ration you could possibly be walking a fine line between efficiencies, milk production and animal health.

4.     If starch variability in those feed ingredients goes down or up enough to change how the diet was balanced, and/or the digestibility also changes milk yield can be reduced, milk components could decrease, animals could go off feed, money could be wasted on unnecessary feed expenses, existing feedstuffs may not be utilized as efficiently as possible or all of the above.

5.     If your forage quality increases, causing the feed to move faster through the rumen, total feed efficiencies can go down with the increased dry matter intake (DMI). This is something to keep a close eye on, says Winsryg. If the forage quality decreases considerably, DMI could be lowered and cows may not reach maximum milk production.

To mitigate any issues that may arise when feeding a higher grain diet, Winsryg suggests nutritionists and dairy producers use precise laboratory tests like Calibrate^® Technologies, to measure rumen degradable starch and fiber digestibility.

Utilizing proprietary measurements called GPN^™ and FPN^™, Calibrate^® Technologies evaluates ruminal starch digestibility and NDFd. GPN^™ measures how digestible and available starch will be to the rumen microbes. FPN^™ measurements indicate how digestible the fiber will be and as a result how much rumen fill there will be.

“Knowledge gained from rumen degradable starch testing and NDFd testing can help you optimize your rations,” says Winsryg, “regardless of the feeding climate you find yourself in this year.”

For more information call: (800) 635-5701, email: info@calibratetechnologies.com or go to: www.calibratetechnologies.com.

Land O’Lakes® Electrolyte System reformulated for maximum performance

Address the effects of calf scours and dehydration during the summer heat.

Shoreview, Minn. [June 24, 2014] – Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products introduces a reformulated Land O'Lakes^® Electrolyte System.

“It is essential that oral electrolyte solutions contain an alkalinizing agent to address acidosis caused by the acid-base imbalance that occurs during scours. Products containing bicarbonate have been used effectively for this purpose for many years. Research by Dr. Geof Smith at North Carolina State University demonstrates that electrolyte products containing acetate as the alkalinizing agent have advantages over bicarbonate[1],” says Dr. Tom Earleywine, technical services director for Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products. “As a result of this key research, we are pleased to announce the Land O’Lakes^® Electrolyte System Add Pack treatment is now one of the only U.S. electrolyte products formulated with acetate as the alkalinizing agent.”

Dr. Geof Smith, professor of ruminant medicine at North Carolina State University explains, “Our research shows that abomasal pH rise is not observed when using acetate-based oral electrolyte solutions. Maintaining a low abomasal pH addresses the risk of bacteria reaching the small intestine that may lead to infection or clinical disease.”

Acetate benefits include: producing energy when metabolized, stimulating the sodium and water absorption in the calf intestine and inhibiting the growth of Salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria.

The Land O’Lakes^® Electrolyte System is designed to address the effects of scours, electrolyte loss, nutrition and dehydration. It is a two part, cost-effective program structured to address the effect of scours and dehydration before it starts and after it has taken hold of the calf.

The Electrolyte System Base is designed to address the effects of scours early. It can be fed pre-shipping, prior to a long haul, on arrival of animals as part of an operation’s receiving protocols, during hot or humid weather (as a dilute solution) and at the first signs of scours (scour score 2), with no visible signs of dehydration.

The Electrolyte System Add Pack treatment can be used in conjunction with the Base at the first visible signs of dehydration and when more severe effects of scours is prevalent (scour score of 2+ to 3).

“The use of electrolytes is vital year-round, but critical during summer heat and stress. The quality of commercial oral electrolyte solutions can vary greatly. When choosing an electrolyte product, remember that it must satisfy the calf’s need for sodium and potassium to replace what is lost, as well as provide agents that promote sodium and water absorption from the intestine,” says Dr. Earleywine.

For more information on or on how to incorporate the Land O’Lakes^® Electrolyte System into your herd, visit www.lolmilkreplacer.com or call 800-618-6455.

Since 1951, when Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Company developed the first calf milk replacer, the company has been committed to creating the best milk replacers from the best technologies and quality ingredients. Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Company is a division of Land O'Lakes, Inc. a national farmer-owned food and agricultural organization.

MDA warns residents of toxic weed found in eastern Minnesota

Residents should look for Grecian foxglove and report it to the MDA

          ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is asking for the public’s help to find and eliminate Grecian foxglove (Digitalis lanata), a highly toxic plant that is known to be growing in parts of Washington, Dakota, and Wabasha counties.

Grecian foxglove is not native to North America, having come from central and southern Europe. The weed is poisonous, and both fresh and dried plant parts are toxic. The greatest concern is the potentially lethal threat of human and livestock poisoning. The leafy portions of Grecian foxglove could be mistaken for lettuce or other leafy greens, and the plant has even been found growing in a homeowner’s vegetable garden.

The weed is a perennial plant and will come back year after year if it isn’t treated. It’s known to be growing in roadsides, residential yards, grasslands, and forest margins along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Residents in those areas are encouraged to look for the weed and report any sighting to the MDA.

What does Grecian foxglove look like? 

·         In its first year, the weed seedling looks like a green rosette with no flowers.

·         Mature plants are two to five feet tall with creamy white, tubular flowers with purplish lines.

·         Leaves are simple, alternate, oblong-shaped, and about six inches long with a pointed tip.What sets Grecian foxglove apart from common or garden foxglove is both the flowering stems and undersides of the Grecian foxglove leaves have woolly hairs.

What to do if you see Grecian foxglove:

·         Note the exact location.

·         If possible, take digital photos of the whole plant, rosettes, flowers and seed stalks that can be emailed for identification.

·         Contact the MDA by email at arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us or voicemail at 888-545-6684.

The MDA has teamed up with local and state partners to rid Minnesota of this toxic weed. Currently known infestations, and those reported to the MDA throughout the summer, will be treated by Conservation Corps Minnesota in the fall.

This work is funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources. 

CONTACT:  Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications                            

651-201-6185 / allen.sommerfeld@state.mn.us

    

Minnesota revs up renewable fuels with higher biodiesel blend

           Minnesota revs up renewable fuels with higher biodiesel blend

10 percent blend begins July 1

          ST. PAUL, Minn. – Diesel drivers will see a new fuel at the pump on the first of July as Minnesota rolls out the nation’s first required 10 percent biodiesel blend. Known as B10, this higher blend will be sold at filling stations during Minnesota’s summer months. In September, the biodiesel falls back to the current and cold capable B5 blend. In 2015, B10 will be available between April and September, annually.

Minnesota’s biodiesel is made primarily from homegrown soybeans, which are one of the state’s leading cash crops. The Minnesota biodiesel industry annually contributes more than $900 million to the economy. Minnesota was the first state to require the use of biodiesel in 2005; currently three plants are in full production.  The plants, located in Glenville, Brewster and Isanti, produce a combined 63 million gallons of biodiesel annually.

“Minnesotans have done a lot of hard work along the way to the statewide implementation of B10 and I’m proud to say the launch is finally arriving in July of this year,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “We have a strong supply ready to fuel a cleaner, higher blend as we continue working toward our future goals of homegrown, renewable energy.”

The MDA is working with the American Lung Association in Minnesota as they launch a statewide series of traveling workshops, B Ready for B10.  The free workshops, sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, are touring the state and run through the July 1 implementation date until July 22.  To view upcoming dates and RSVP for a workshop, please visit: http://www.cleanairchoice.org/events/event.cfm?EventID=724.

The National Biodiesel Board estimates the use of B10 during summer months and B5 in the winter will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,342,000,000 lbs. annually.

Gold’n Plump Farms penalized for operating equipment without a permit

Brainerd, Minn. ― Gold’n Plump Farms recently installed and operated a new boiler and pelletizing equipment, but did so without first having the proper permit in hand. After discovering this violation, company officials shut down the equipment and notified the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The company and the MPCA have negotiated a stipulated penalty of $10,000, for installing and operating the equipment without a permit.

Gold’n Plump Farms produces poultry feed pellets used to feed chickens throughout central Minnesota. According to MPCA documents, the company applied for an air emissions permit in January, and again in April, but both times the MPCA notified them that the applications were incomplete and could not be processed. The company began running the equipment in May but shut it down shortly after realizing they were in violation and notified the MPCA of the situation.

In addition to paying the $10,000 penalty, Gold’n Plump farms must submit the proper permit application.

When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it is a first time or repeat violation, and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities.  It also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.  For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, refer to the agency Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us.

Broadcast version

Gold’n Plump Farms has been penalized for operating a new boiler and related equipment without first obtaining the proper permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. According to the M-P-C-A, the company submitted incomplete permit applications in January and April, but began operating the new equipment in May. The M-P-C-A notified the company of the incomplete applications both times.

As a result, the company will pay a 10-thousand dollar penalty and needs to submit the proper permit application. Gold’n Plump Farms produces poultry feed pellets used to feed chickens throughout central Minnesota.

A complete list of penalties issued by the MPCA is available on their Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us.

USDA Announces New Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

USDA Announces New Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Department Implementing New Farm Bill Programs, Unveiling New Centralized Online Resource to Support Next Generation of Farmers

DAVIS, Calif., June 23, 2014 - U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced the implementation of new Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled www.usda.gov/newfarmers, a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed. "New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture," said Deputy Secretary Harden. "The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising, so we must help new farmers get started if America is going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong agriculture economy. The new policies announced today will help give beginning farmers the financial security they need to succeed. Our new online tool will provide one-stop shopping for beginning farmers to learn more about accessing USDA services that can help their operations thrive." USDA's New Farmers website has in depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to increase access to land and capital; build new market opportunities; participate in conservation opportunities; select and use the right risk management tools; and access USDA education, and technical support programs. These issues have been identified as top priorities by new farmers. The website will also feature instructive case studies about beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start or expand their business operations. Today's policy announcements in support of beginning farmers and ranchers include: Waiving service fees for new and beginning farmers or ranchers to enroll in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the 2014 crop year. NAP provides risk management tools to farmers who grow crops for which there is no crop insurance product. Under this waiver, announced via an official notice (PDF, 171KB) to Farm Service Agency offices, farmers and ranchers whom already enrolled in NAP for the 2014 crop year are eligible for a service fee refund. Eliminating payment reductions under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for new and beginning farmers which will allow routine, prescribed, and emergency grazing outside the primary nesting season on enrolled land consistent with approved conservation plans. Previously, farmers and ranchers grazing on CRP land were subject to a reduction in CRP payments of up to 25 percent. Waiving these reductions for new and beginning farmers will provide extra financial support during times of emergency like drought and other natural disasters. Increasing payment rates to beginning farmers and ranchers under Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) (PDF, 288KB). Under this provision, beginning and farmers can claim up 90 percent of losses for lost livestock, such as bees, under ELAP. This is a fifty percent increase over previously available payment amounts to new and beginning farmers. In the near future, USDA will also announce additional crop insurance program changes for beginning farmers and ranchers – including discounted premiums, waiver of administrative fees, and other benefits. These policy announcements are made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill. The Deputy Secretary made these announcements at the inaugural meeting of the reconvened Beginning Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee held at the University of California Davis, California. This Advisory Committee, composed of 20 members, including Extension agents, lenders, farmers, ranchers and academics will meet through 2015 to learn, discuss, and formulate recommendations to USDA on how to support new and beginning farmers. A fact sheet outlining significant USDA efforts to support beginning farmers and ranchers, and other Department-wide accomplishments, are available on www.usda.gov/results.

INSIGHT™ PERFORMANCE CENTER COMPLETES FIRST PERFORMANCE TEST

INSIGHT™ PERFORMANCE CENTER COMPLETES FIRST PERFORMANCE TEST

COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA - DNA™ Genetics recently completed its first performance test on 200 boars at the newly built InSight™ Performance Center. The $4 million state-of-the-art facility collects feed intake data, which is used to help select traits that improve a pig's growth rate throughout its life.

"We are committed to keeping North American swine operations profitable," says Tom Rathje, Ph.D., MBA, chief technical officer at DNA Genetics. "The InSight Performance Center allows us to measure and select key traits that provide pork producers with the best genetics for greater gains and improved performance."

The InSight Performance Center collects feed intake data on boars from three nucleus breeds: Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace. This means that DNA Genetics is able to gather real-world information from more than 7,500 boars each year. There are three other testing sites located in Nebraska and South Dakota. Once boars are tested, they are selected for either customer shipments or reproduction at DNA Genetics nucleus farms to drive future genetic improvement.

Throughout the 12-week testing period, advanced technologies record performance indicators that are valued by packers and producers. Live ultrasound measures backfat and loin depth. The FIRE™ feeding systems record feed intake and provide data on feed efficiency.

"These important data points are tracked and used to increase the accuracy needed to make industry-leading genetic progress," says Rathje. "North American producers are able to use these tested traits to their advantage on their own operations."

Thanks to a bio-secure observatory conference room, the public can observe boars going on and off test.  The viewing area is open to groups and individuals who want to further understand the swine genetics industry and how the animals are cared for and housed. DNA Genetics is transparent in how they conduct their business and believes they have a responsibility to educate the public on how pork is raised.

Learn more about DNA Genetics and the new InSight Performance Center at DNASwineGenetics.com/swine-genetics-insight-performance-center.html.

About DNA Genetics

DNA Genetics, based out of Columbus, Neb., is focused on producing the finest genetics for North American pork producers. For more information on DNA Genetics, visit www.DNASwineGenetics.com.

MSGA Officers Elected

MSGA Officers Elected

MANKATO, MN – June 23, 2014- The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) board of directors has re-elected Redwood County farmer George Goblish of Vesta to lead the organization as its president. Goblish will serve his second one-year term as president.

Paul Freeman of Starbuck was elected vice president, Cole Trebesch of Springfield was tabbed to be the new treasurer, and Theresia Gillie of Hallock was elected secretary. 

“I’m honored to be chosen to serve another term and appreciate the continuity that I believe it will build for the organization,” Goblish says. “We were successful in defending B10 legislation this past year as well as working on other issues for farmers including water quality issues, GMO labeling and tax issues to name a few. Going forward we’ll continue to be vigilant for issues that impact Minnesota soybean farmers.

“I’m also pleased that we have a diverse board representing Minnesota farmers from the entire state so that the perspectives of producers from all regions can be taken into account.”

The MSGA works on behalf of it’s over 4,000 members to ensure that Minnesota farmers have a voice on issues affecting their ability to operate. The officers were elected at the MSGA meeting in Mankato on June 19.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

MSGA is a non-profit, farmer-controlled membership organization established in 1962. Its goal is to assure profitable soybean farming by influencing favorable ag legislation, monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.

State agency accepting proposals for water cleanup grants

St. Paul-- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals for projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams. This type of pollution comes from several indirect sources, such as stormwater runoff from cropland and developed areas. Funding for selected projects will be provided by Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 (Section 319) grants.

Proposals must address nonpoint source development, education or applied research projects (DER) projects, or implementation projects for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies or Watershed Protection and Restoration Strategies (WRAPS). The MPCA anticipates about $2.5 million will be available this year.

There is a maximum limit of $300,000 per project funding request. Projects must be funded with at least a 45-percent local cash or in-kind match. Grant funds are limited and MPCA urges proposers to request only those funds needed to complete a project by Aug. 31, 2018. For TMDL/ WRAPS implementation projects, eligible proposers must have a TMDL Implementation Plan or WRAPS approved by the MPCA by June 30, 2014.

The complete Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal form, and other information is available on the state SWIFT e-supplier portal. It is listed as Event Number 2000002803 on the right side of the page. Prospective responders must have a SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account set up to apply. Please note that it can take up to four days to receive your vendor ID from SWIFT. If you need assistance registering in the Supplier Portal so you can bid on this solicitation, you may contact the Minnesota Department of Administration, Materials Management Division at 651-201-8100, option 1. Then follow the prompts to connect you to the correct contact person.　

Proposals must be electronically received through the state SWIFT Supplier Portal no later than 2 p.m. Friday, July 11. Submissions received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration. Successful proposers will be notified around Aug. 1 and will then be required to submit a detailed work plan, budget and timeline/Gantt chart.

The date and all other information in this notice are subject to change and updates will only be found in the SWIFT Vendor ID and Supplier Portal Account.

Questions may be e-mailed to Contracts.pca@state.mn.us, Attention: Julianne LaClair.

Broadcast version

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is now taking application for funding from the Clean Water Act Section 319 program. This funding is for projects that help control pollution from indirect sources such as runoff from cropland and developed areas. The application deadline is July 11.

The MPCA expects to award $2.5 million in grants this year.

Details are available by going to the M-P-C-A website at  www.pca.state.mn.us and searching for “section 319.”

#

The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.

St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864 

I-90 and all State Highways in Rock & Nobles County are open

I-90 and all State Highways in Rock & Nobles County are open

MANKATO, Minn. – (10 a.m.) All state highways and Interstate 90 in Rock and Nobles County that were impacted by flooding are open to traffic at this time, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Overnight several state highways and Interstate 90 in southwest Minnesota were closed due to flooding, some roadways opened and closed multiple times.

Impacted state highways included I-90, Highway 75, Highway 23 and Highway 91. 

With additional rainfall predicted, motorists are asked to drive with caution in the recently flooded areas.

When a road is closed it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. In addition, if travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

Check www.511mn.org before traveling for information on road conditions, closures and detour routes. For additional updates, ‘like’ MnDOT atwww.facebook.com/mndot, follow @mndotscentral on Twitter.

Twelve Inch Five Watt LED Strip Light Released by Larson Electronics

Twelve Inch Five Watt LED Strip Light Released by Larson Electronics

With over 40 years as a leader in the industrial and commercial lighting industry Larson Electronics continues its commitment to providing high-grade lighting equipment to specialty markets with the release of a five inch LED strip light. These LED light strips are available in an optional white, red, white and red, or white and blue color configuration.

The LEDST-12 LED strip light from Larson Electronics is designed as an extremely efficient and versatile lighting solution for boat walkways, cabin areas, stairs, vehicles, and intrinsically safe areas where ignition protection is required. This high intensity LED strip light is fully potted and housed within a weatherproof, stainless steel fixture that features a very thin profile for easy and unobtrusive mounting in tight and limited space areas. These units are fully sealed, weatherproof and IP67 compliant and constructed with stainless steel housings for durability and corrosion resistance. Measuring approximately 12” long and ¾” wide, these compact units are ideal for installing along rails, under cabinets, along stairs and wherever a powerful and compact light is needed. The 320 lumen output combined with low 5 watt power consumption makes these units ideal for replacing older and less efficient fluorescent lights. These LED strip lights can be mounted on a smooth, flat surface or a tubular, curved surface and is capable of illuminating approximately 30 square feet at a distance of 8 feet. This light is powered by a 12 volt power source and consists of a simple two wire installation.   

“The LEDST-12 LED strip light provides easy wiring with only one red wire to supply the power and one black wire for grounding,” said Rob Bresnahan with Larsonelectronics.com. “The light also provides versatile mounting as it can be mounted to a flat, curved or tubular surface.”

Larson Electronics carries an extensive line of LED light towers, portable power distributions, explosion proof lights for hazardous locations, portable work lights and industrial grade LED area lights. You can view Larson Electronics’ entire line of lighting by visiting them on the web at larsonelectronics.com. You can also call 1-800-369-6671 to learn more or call 1-214-616-6180 for international inquiries. 

Genera Energy COO to Speak at Fuel Ethanol Workshop

Genera Energy COO to Speak at Fuel Ethanol Workshop

Keith Brazzell to present topic “Beyond Harvest: Industrial-Scale Biomass Supply Chain Solutions”

VONORE, Tenn. June 5, 2014 – Genera Energy Inc., a recognized innovator in sustainable biomass feedstock supply advancements and supply chain improvements, announced that chief operating officer Keith Brazzell will be a speaker at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop June 9-12 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Known as a renewable product industry leader, Brazzell will discuss Genera Energy’s innovative biomass feedstock supply chain solutions.

The Fuel Ethanol Workshop is the largest and longest-running ethanol conference in the world. Now in its 30^th year, the conference provides cutting-edge content presentations and networking forums to more than 2,000 attendees in the worldwide ethanol industry. Sponsored by Ethanol Producer Magazine, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop draws industry professionals, including plant managers, executives, and board members, from every U.S. state and more than 30 countries. Its presentations focus on commercial-scale ethanol production, from quality control, to yield maximization, fiscal management, and regulatory compliance – and includes the unveiling of new technology and research findings. The workshop covers cellulosic ethanol, but is especially committed to optimizing existing grain ethanol operations.

On Wednesday, June 11, Brazzell will present the topic “Beyond Harvest: Biomass Supply Chain Solutions.” Brazzell’s presentation centers around Genera Energy’s development of front-to-back, integrated supply chain solutions to benefit the entire biobased industry, and will provide an overview of Genera’s recent harvest results and best management practices in biomass supply solutions.

“Being a part of the Fuel Ethanol Workshop is exciting, and I am looking forward to speaking to this group of key industry players and sharing how Genera has made some recent advancements in maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” said Brazzell. “Our recent harvest has helped us streamline best practices for feedstock logistics from production to harvest and beyond. I look forward to showing ethanol industry experts how effective management of information, equipment, and labor can make the production of biomass crops more efficient, with higher quality and less risk.”

To learn more about the Fuel Ethanol Workshop, visitwww.fuelethanolworkshop.com. To learn more about Genera Energy, visitwww.generaenergy.com.

About Genera Energy, Inc.

Genera Energy Inc. supplies biomass feedstocks for the advanced biofuels, biopower, and biochemical industries, offering customized biomass supply solutions ranging from full service energy crop production and turnkey supply chains to managing biomass supply as a service. Genera’s proprietary Supply ASSURE™ feedstock management system and its BIN-SPEC™ material handling and milling system offer Genera’s customers maximum feedstock reliability and quality while minimizing variability and cost. Based in Vonore, Tenn., Genera operates the country’s largest and most comprehensive industrial biomass management and processing facility. Focus on innovation and sustainability in delivering industrial biomass supply systems has earned Genera the World’s Biofuels Market’s prestigious 2013 Sustainable Feedstock Innovation Award. For more information, visit http://www.generaenergy.com.

About Fuel Ethanol Workshop

From its inception 30 years ago, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) has one mission: to deliver timely presentations with cutting-edge content and a strong focus on commercial-scale ethanol production – from quality control and yield maximization to regulatory compliance and fiscal management. The FEW is also the ethanol industry’s premier forum for unveiling new technologies and research findings. The program extensively covers cellulosic ethanol while remaining committed to optimizing existing grain ethanol operations. BBI International has owned and operated the FEW since 1995, growing it to more than 2,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors from every U.S. state and more than 30 countries. The event draws hundreds of top-level plant managers, executives, and board members. For more information, visitwww.fuelethanolworkshop.com.

MCGA Encourages Corn Farmers to Plan Ahead for Propane Needs

MCGA Encourages Corn Farmers to Plan Ahead for Propane Needs

SHAKOPEE, Minnesota (June 11, 2014) – Even though harvest season is months away, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is encouraging farmers to plan ahead for their propane needs.

Last winter, farmers and homeowners were hit hard by a propane shortage caused by several factors, including sub-zero temperatures, record propane exports and the closing of the Cochin pipeline. MCGA staff have been meeting with industry representatives and state agencies who are working on strategies to try and prevent a similar shortage this winter.

“It’s absolutely essential that farmers plan ahead for their propane needs,” said MCGA President Ryan Buck. “There’s a good chance that the days of having propane delivered as you need it during harvest – something farmers had been used to before last year – are over for the foreseeable future.”

Corn farmers use propane to operate grain dryers that dry the harvested kernels. If the corn crop comes in wet, it must be dried for storage to prevent rot. If a farmer doesn’t have access to propane to run the dryer, harvesting is slowed or stops altogether.

“Farmers need to be ready for another shortage and plan accordingly, especially if we’re hit with another wet fall and colder-than-normal winter,” Buck said. “As best you can, address your anticipated propane needs for the fall harvest right now. I know that’s difficult since we have no idea how wet this year’s crop will be, but we need to be thinking about it.”

Farmers needed more propane than usual for drying last year because the corn crop was wetter than normal, something that happens about once every five years. But reasons for the shortage extended well beyond a wet corn crop.

The Cochin pipeline had supplied 36 percent of Minnesota’s propane, but was out of service for several weeks last winter and now carries oil from Canada’s tar sands instead of propane.

Because of this, rail demand for propane delivery has also spiked dramatically. Some estimates have the number of rail cars necessary to meet Minnesota’s propane needs rising from 200 to 4,200 per year after the re-routing of the Cochin pipeline. Bad winter weather significantly slows down rail service.

Additionally, more propane is being exported to other countries than ever before. According to the Energy Information Administration, propane exports rose to 410,000 barrels per day in November, the highest ever, and remained high throughout the winter months.

“We’ve had wet corn years in the past, but we’ve never seen a propane shortage like what we experienced last winter,” Buck said.   

MCGA also submitted a letter asking the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to temporarily vary its rules and allow several proposed large propane storage units to be built to help increase storage capacity and better meet demand from farmers, homeowners and businesses heading into the winter. Currently, the permit approval process for building a storage tank can take up to a year.

MCGA has almost 7,000 members and represents the interests of Minnesota’s 25,000 corn farmers. Stay up to date on propane and other important corn farming issues at www.mncorn.org, www.MinnesotaCornerstone.com or by following@MNCorn on Twitter. 

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Adam Czech

Public Relations Manager

Office: (952) 460-3610

Cell: (320) 309-1160

Minnesota Corn Growers Association

Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council

www.mncorn.org