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Up-to-the-Minute News on Issues and Activities
February 27 Sign-Up Deadline
Countdown:  2 Days!
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Farm Bill Sign-Up Deadline is Friday
WASHINGTON, DC -- Farm Bill base acreage and yield update deadlines are still due this Friday although the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has made assurances that just being in the official registry will preclude any penalties.

Because this is a new system for everyone, producers as well as the FSA, the paperwork has been overwhelming in some districts. Producers who have not already completed the sign-up process should contact their local FSA office immediately to secure their sign-up status.

"At a meeting today with USA Rice and the FSA, it was clear the agency recognized the challenges around the imminent sign-up," said USA Rice Federation Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely. "They are prepared to help producers complete the process but producers must get in touch with FSA by Friday to be in compliance."

Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

Secretary Vilsack Talks Ag Trade and Conservation at USA Rice Conference 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack
WASHINGTON, DC --  Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack took to the stage at USA Rice Federation's Government Affairs Conference yesterday to praise and congratulate the whole ag sector for five consecutive years of growth, and the rice industry in particular for their commitment to conservation.

"Thank you for your great understanding of conservation values," he said while discussing the groundbreaking Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Vilsack went on to talk extensively about trade issues, including the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

"We know market access is important to you and understand the critical importance of a country like Japan," he said.  "But the [TPP] has to be a good deal."

Vilsack shared his concern that if the TPP deal is not successful, China will attempt to step into the void with an all-Asia trade pact that could greatly change the dynamic of the region and global rice trade.

Vilsack took questions from the audience about the new definition of actively engaged, the Conservation Stewardship Partnership program, and other issues.

"We were thrilled the Secretary took time to speak to us and share his thoughts on our priority issues," said Betsy Ward, USA Rice's President & CEO.  "It was encouraging to hear we are on the same page on issues like expanding market access and opportunities in Cuba and Iraq, and with supporting Trade Promotion Authority."

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458
NRCS Extends Deadline for CSP Sign-Ups
Jeff Durand (l) and NRCS Chief Jason Weller talk conservation 
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a renewal option through Tuesday, March 31, 2015 for eligible growers with expiring Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts.  These producers must be willing to adopt additional conservation activities aimed at helping them achieve higher levels of conservation on their farms, forests and ranches.

USDA will also extend the deadline for general sign-up CSP applications until Friday, March 13, 2015 providing farmers two additional weeks to apply for this funding round of $100 million.

"CSP producers are established conservation leaders who work hard at enhancing natural resources on private lands," NRCS Chief Jason Weller said.  "This contract renewal period will provide greater opportunities for these conservation stewards to voluntarily do even more to improve water, air and soil quality and enhance wildlife habitat on their operations.  By extending the deadline for general sign-up applications, we are ensuring that landowners will be able to take advantage of a program that will enroll up to 7.7 million acres this year."

"We're appreciative that the deadline has been extended," said Ben Mosely, USA Rice Federation vice president of government affairs.  "Growers are staring down a lot of deadlines right now for various farm programs, this extra breathing room will help."

Weller said growers can learn more about CSP contract renewals by visiting their local NRCS office or the Conservation Stewardship Program webpage.

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458
CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices 
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan-gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop, which became effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET).  Prices are unchanged from the previous announcement.

 
World Price
MLG/LDP Rate
 
Milled Value ($/cwt)
Rough ($/cwt)
Rough ($/cwt)
Long-Grain
15.61
10.11
0.00
Medium-/Short-Grain
15.22
10.25
0.00
Brokens
9.42   
----
----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and the corresponding loan rates:

 
U.S. Milling Yields
Whole/Broken
(lbs/cwt)
Loan Rate
($/cwt)
Long-Grain
57.21/12.55
6.64
Medium-/Short-Grain
61.89/8.83
6.51
 
The next program announcement is scheduled for March 4. 
CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 25

Month
Price
Net Change
March 2015$10.495
+ $0.050
May 2015$10.770
+ $0.060
July 2015$11.010
+ $0.050
September 2015$11.085
+ $0.090
November 2015$11.260
+ $0.100
January 2016
$11.350
+ $0.100
March 2016
$11.350
+ $0.100


In the News 

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Walmart's ecommerce site is now labeling 3,000 products, made by more than 100 companies, with a badge that reads "Made by a Sustainability Leader." For the first time, a major retailer is giving prominent shelf space - albeit virtual - to companies operating in a better way.

 

McCaskill Said She Would Support Ending Cuba Embargo Southeast Missourian

Bootheel rice and cotton farmers who met with Nixon this month expressed concern about the way money could change hands differently in future United States-Cuba trade, echoing comments made by some members of Congress who oppose developing new relationships or opening trade because they worry other nations trading with Cuba may not have received all the money due for goods, and they don't want the United States to face the same challenge.

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