Reluctance to Expand Hog Numbers Good Decision

The state’s hog producers were reluctant to expand herds earlier this year, and it may be for the good; that means there’s less herd reduction needed in the face of high feed prices. USDA’s Outlook Board Chair Gerry Bange:

“Given the higher feed prices we do expect to see some reduced production in 2013 because of that. So we have taken that estimate down by 735 million pounds to 25.92 billion pounds, a 1.2% reduction from 2012.”
 

North Carolina is the second largest pork production state in the country behind Iowa.
 

Virginia Working to EBT at Farmers’ Markets
 

The Virginia and federal governments are making it possible for the state's farmers' markets to accept food stamps.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture says the state will receive $92,000 in federal funds to place electronic benefit transfer machines in farmers' markets. Adding an EBT machine on site will allow eligible customers to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program vouchers for fresh produce, eggs and other health items.
 

New University Studies Show Little Impact of RFS Waiver

Purdue University economists conclude in a new study that an EPA waiver of the ethanol requirement for gasoline – sought by livestock producers and four governors – won’t guarantee lower corn prices. Purdue researchers argue in their study the impact of an EPA partial waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard on corn prices all depends on what refiners do. And that depends on many factors – including the price of oil – use of blending credits from prior years – so-called rins – and an easing of the drought. Purdue Economics Professor Wally Tyner…

“If refiners and blenders do not have or choose not to use ethanol blending flexibility, a waiver has very limited impact. But to the extent there is flexibility, either the use of prior rins or a waiver could reduce the corn price.”

US Military Ordered to Take “Second Helping”
 

As the nation's ranches and farms endure one of the most severe droughts in decades, the Obama administration has ordered the Pentagon to look into purchasing a "second helping" of all things meat.
 

Economists and political analysts aren't optimistic that the administration's plan will bring much relief to the livestock industry, though it may help Obama politically.
 

The Defense Department is reviewing its purchases of beef, pork and lamb to see if room can be made to buy more now and freeze them for later.
 

The military already buys approximately 94 million pounds of beef, 64 million pounds of pork, and 500,000 pounds of lamb each year. That food is eaten by troops around the world.
 

The Farm Is Home for Agribusiness Woman
 

Kelly Edens Archambault left the farm for big city life, but always knew the farm is where she’d come back to. She now manages the business end of her family farm in Hoke County, as well as being involved in their crop insurance business, and spearheading a housing development on the family’s original farm in Cumberland County. Archambault feels strongly that once exposed to farming life, it never leaves you:

“The one thing I do feel like is when you are born and raised around agriculture you do have a love and it always comes back. So even if you have left the farm, and even if you don’t ever go back, there is probably a part of you that can promote ag wherever you are at because it is a part of you always.”
 

To hear more of our Women in Agriculture series, including photographs, click here.