Hot Dogs Recalled

July 17, 2017 Leave a comment


Marathon Enterprises Inc., a Bronx, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,196,084 pounds of hot dog products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically bone fragments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The beef and pork hot dog and sausage items were produced on various dates between March 17, 2017 and July 4, 2017. A number of products are subject to recall.

For a full list of products please click here (or see attachement).

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 8864” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail and institutional locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered through FSIS’ Consumer Compliant Monitoring System (CCMS) on July 10, 2017. Complaints stated that extraneous material, specifically pieces of bone, were found within the product.

There has been one reported minor oral injury associated with consumption of this product. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact John Terminello, Consumer Relations, at 1-800-SABRETT Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm. Media with questions about the recall can contact Boyd Adelman, President, at 1-800-SABRETT Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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USDA Recommendations on Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

June 7, 2017 Leave a comment


Recent research by USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that only 24 percent of the public use a food thermometer when cooking hamburgers. If you don’t verify your burger’s internal temperature, pathogens may still be present. When eaten, those hamburgers can make your guests and your family sick.

 

In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people suffer from foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

 

So how do you avoid becoming a part of those statistics? Follow USDA’s four easy steps to food safety this summer.

Clean: Make sure to always wash your hands and surfaces with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before cooking and after handling raw meat or poultry. If cooking outside or away from a kitchen, pack clean cloths and moist towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands.

Separate: When taking food off of the grill, use clean utensils and platters. Don’t put cooked food on the same platter that held raw meat or poultry.

Cook: Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat and poultry. Place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food.

 

  • Hamburgers, sausages and other ground meats should reach 160°F (71°C).
  • All poultry should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Whole cuts of pork, lamb, veal, and of beef should be cooked to 145°F (63°C) as measured by a food thermometer placed in the thickest part of the meat, and allowed to rest for three minutes before eating. A “rest time” is the amount of time the product remains at the final temperature, after it has been removed from a grill, oven, or other heat source. During the three minutes after meat is removed from the heat source, its temperature remains constant or continues to rise, which destroys pathogens.
  • Fish should be cooked to 145°F (63°C).
  • Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside, and by using a food thermometer you can be sure items have reached a safe minimum internal temperature needed to destroy any harmful bacteria that may be present.

 

Chill: Place leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate or freeze immediately. Discard food that has been sitting out longer than two hours.

 

Need more food safety information? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (1-888-674-6854) Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, or email or chat at AskKaren.gov.

 

Also, USDA hotline recently extended its hours of operation Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time/7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. The hotline is a toll-free telephone, chat and email service staffed by food safety experts who help prevent foodborne illness by answering consumer questions about the safe storage, handling and preparation of meat, poultry and egg products. The Meat and Poultry Hotline can now be accessed by calling 1-888-674-6854, or by visiting Ask Karen to chat or email.

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President’s 2018 Budget Undercuts Rural Communities

May 24, 2017 Leave a comment


Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associate Anna Johnson said today that President Trump’s 2018 budget does not support rural America and its communities. The budget was released in its final form this morning.

“The president’s budget demonstrates President Trump’s lack of understanding and prioritization of the struggles of rural communities,” she said. “Although President Trump won the presidency with broad support from rural voters, his budget proposes to zero out several programs that address the challenges of rural communities. Proposed cuts include reducing or eliminating support for rural small businesses and entrepreneurs and compromising anti-poverty programs that lead to healthy families.”

“Economic opportunity is a central struggle in rural communities: 85 percent of counties with persistent poverty are in rural areas and rural communities still have not recovered the jobs they lost during the recession,” she continued. “Nearly one in four nonelderly rural residents are covered by Medicaid, a figure that grew nearly six percent with Medicaid expansion. Programs like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) also serve as a lifeline for those living with limited incomes in rural areas, where an estimated 15 percent of households receive SNAP assistance. These critical assistance programs are both slated for decimating cuts under the proposed budget.”

Johnson stated the budget retains deep cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) discretionary spending included in the budget blueprint, including eliminating activities of the government agency that builds rural economic opportunity: the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

“The Rural Business-Cooperative Service administers several programs – including one that provides low-interest loans to rural entrepreneurs – all zeroed out in this budget proposal,” she said. “Today’s final budget goes a step further by eliminating additional mandatory spending, including support for the Rural Economic Development Program.”

Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue proposed a reorganization of USDA that would eliminate the Undersecretary for Rural Development.

“He has described it as an ‘elevation’ of this function, but this promise rings hollow given the level of proposed funding cuts to rural development programs,” Johnson said.

The president’s 2018 budget also proposes cuts that would reduce farmers’ and ranchers’ abilities to expand conservation practices.

“Although many farmers and ranchers would like to enroll in conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, they face regular bottlenecks when local conservation offices are understaffed or overburdened,” Johnson said. “The president’s proposal to reduce funding for conservation programs and for local conservation staff would increase the backlog of conservation program delivery.”

Johnson continues:

“President Trump came to the presidency with the stated goal of ‘draining the swamp’ and cutting federal spending. Instead, the new administration’s first budget proposal would drain support for rural America. We fear that these actions represent a lack of understanding of rural voters’ struggles. We urge President Trump, Secretary Perdue, and their teams to cease these actions that undercut rural Americans and rural communities.”

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Market Report

July 12, 2016 Leave a comment


Dow +127.62
S&P +11.97
Nasdaq +45.02

The S&P 500 touched an intraday record this morning, topping levels last seen more than a year ago in a reflection of investors’ bets that the U.S. economy remains a pocket of solidity in a troubled world.

The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% to 2141.02 early this am, exceeding its intraday record of 2134.72 hit in May 2015. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 106 points, or 0.59% to 18252. The gains left the S&P 500 on pace to close at a record, with the Dow Industrials within 1 percentage point of the blue chip index’s record close of 18312.39.

A better-than-expected jobs report Friday was the latest boost to S&P 500, which has gained more than 16% since falling to a yearly low in February. Stocks have been bolstered by signs of strength in the U.S. economy, a recovery in oil prices and the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance toward raising interest rates.

Some investors and analysts said the rally highlights the appeal of U.S. equities at a time when the global economy faces an uncertain future in the wake of the U.K. vote to leave the European Union. At the same time, central banks are continuing extraordinary efforts to promote growth and inflation that have helped send government bond yields to historic lows.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/european-stocks-buoyed-by-rally-in-japan-1468223360

 

Grain Markets 7/11/16 @ 11:55am

Sept Corn -8’2@3.46’6
Dec Corn -8’2@3.54’2
Aug Beans+0’2@10.83’4
Nov Beans+2’0@10.59’6

With corn losing almost $1 from the highs we are now under the spring insurance level of $3.86.  Fundamentally the crop looks good and another trend line production year or above year will increase carryout.  I fear the bears and the possibility of corn dropping below $3.25, though I am not ruling out the markets ability to re-trace back to $4.00 it will surely take the help from some hot and dry weather to get us there.

 

Demand seems to be strong, many anticipate USDA bumping export demand.  With a good crop we would also see ending stock move higher and possibly a reduction in corn used for feed.  There is talk of wheat competing with corn for feed usage.

 

Opportunities –

  • Reserved for clients

 

Beans:

With USDA predicting and average of 46.7 Bpa.  A swing in either direction can really change bean pricing.  Based on fixed demand, a yield of 48 bpa would potentially give us a 441 mln bu carry out, while 44 bpa take us down to 109 mln bu carryout.  You can see the significant difference here.

 

Chinas demand for beans remains strong, however if China continues to have financial issues and is forced to devalue currency, could ultimately give them less buying power.  Just keep in mind China is about 60% of the worlds export soybean demand.  Chinas financial situation is certainly worth paying attention to.

 

Concern of a LATE La Nina still remain for beans.  Thoughts that weather concerns surfacing in August adds to uncertainty.  The next 30 days keep a close eye on weather as it is likely to cause a roller coaster of market volatility.

 

Weather:

Weather has certainly been the dominating factor in market movement.  More wide spread rainfall and cooler forecasted temps have removed a lot of weather risk premium from the markets.  Though we are running out of time, there is still an opportunity for weather risk to once again become a factor.  The next 5 days offer rains throughout the Corn Belt, the eastern Corn Belt (needing rain) looks to have good rain in the forecast.

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

Greg Mockenhaupt

 

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Market Report

March 30, 2016 Leave a comment


Dow +19.66

S&P +1.11

Nasdaq -6.72

U.S. stocks were calm Monday ahead of a flurry of data and end-of-month portfolio positioning expected this week.  Investors will receive readings on manufacturing production and consumer sentiment, and the highly anticipated March jobs report is set for Friday morning. The data will be closely monitored following a week of renewed talk about the timing of the next Federal Reserve interest rate increase. Traders attributed Monday’s light trading activity in part to other stock markets around the world remaining closed.  Many global markets, including the U.S. stock market, were closed for Good Friday, and many major exchanges in Europe, including those in London and Frankfurt, and some in Asia, including Hong Kong and Australia, remained closed Monday.

Grain Markets at Close:

Corn +0’4@3.70’4

Beans -1’4@9.09’0

 

Quick update for you this Monday as we have a USDA report later this week.

 

Markets continue to hold their gains and I expect them to do so until Thursday when the scheduled USDA report is released.  Then we will see what the USDA had for us.  Be sure to have “above the market” orders in place, just in case of a volatile market.

 

New Crop beans rallied to $9.26 over night filling every one that placed an order at $9.25.  I just want to stress the importance of making a small new crop sale if you have not already.  YES, it may go higher, or it MAY NOT!  On the other hand, no one wants to be sitting there at $8.50 saying I sure wish I would have sold.  Instead lets reward the rally, especially since fundamentals are not supportive at this time.  If you have a sale, be happy, and hope this rally continues!

 

-The outside markets see the Euro +70 ticks, crude oil +41 cts, gold -$2, and Dow Jones futures +21 pts.

-In economic reports, US Feb Personal Income +0.2% vs expectations of +0.1%, US Feb Personal Spending +0.1% vs expectations +0.1%

-Hotter/drier  conditions and limited precipitation for the US southwest Plains over the next 10 days.  Warmer /drier conditions are forecasted for the Midwest.

-Malaysian palm oil rallied 35 ringitts overnight as analysts Dorab Mistry estimated Malaysian palm production will be down 2.0 million MT due to the El Nino.

-Friday, the USDA announced daily sales of soybeans sold to unknown destination, of which  214,000 MT  were for the 2015/16 marketing year and 90,000 MT for the 2016/17 marketing year.

 

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USDA Report

August 14, 2015 Leave a comment


USDA raised its average corn yield forecast to 168.8 bushels per acre from its previous projection of 166.8 bushels.  The average soybean yield increased 46.9 bushels from USDA’s previous of 46 bushels.  No changes seen in corn acres planted/harvested, however there was a reduction in beans planted acres of -800,000 and harvested of -900,000.

Corn ending stocks for 2015-16 came in at 1.7 BB, up 114 million bushels from last month’s estimate.  Soybean ending stocks for 2015-16, at 470 mb, were up 45 mb from last month.  USDA estimated ending stocks for 2014-15 at 240 mb

 

Market reaction was incredibly negative, New crop beans nearly hitting limit down, all in just a few minutes.

 

Currently the markets are (12:12pm)

Dec Corn -21 @ $3.66 ½

Nov Beans -62 ½ @ $9.09

image002image003image004image005

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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USDA Report

July 13, 2015 Leave a comment


image001

image002

*Yield was left unchanged, but will be updated in the August S&D report

**Acres were pulled from the June 30th Planted Acreage report

 

CORN

The friendly June 30th Stocks report allowed the USDA to raise old crop feed demand 50 mbu this month. Combined with increases in ethanol (+25 mbu) and exports (+25 mbu), improved demand shrunk the 14/15 carryout by 97 mbu. The new crop balance sheet saw the USDA leave yield estimates unchanged, noting that updates would be available in their August 12th report. Acreage numbers were pulled from the June 30th acreage report, so the reduction in harvested acres allowed production estimates to decline 100 mbu for new crop corn. New crop demand projections saw feed (-25 mbu) and exports (-25 mbu) reduced, while ethanol added 25 mbu. The net effect was a reduction to the new crop carryout of 172 mbu – the market was looking for a little bit more. Our Take: The market is trading its own yield ideas right now, so the USDA leaving their number unchanged had little impact to the trade. It will be difficult to get an accurate feel on the national yield until we see the USDA’s thoughts on August 12th. Until then, crop ratings and the weather forecast through pollination will dictate whether we go higher or lower. The funds are supporting the market right now, which continues to push corn higher.

 

SOYBEANS

The old crop soybean balance sheet saw demand continue to work higher with crush and exports each adding 15 mbu on Friday. The June 30th stocks report confirmed a tighter soybean situation that some suspected, which resulted in a 44 mbu increase to residual demand. This essentially means that the USDA overestimated the size of last year’s crop and they are accounting for it here. The result was a 75 mbu reduction to the old crop carryout. New crop saw acreage ideas come straight across from the acreage report in June, while yield was left untouched and will await August revisions. The higher acres from June bumped production higher (+35 mbu), but a smaller carry-in and an increase to crush demand (+10 mbu) led to a net reduction in the carryout by 50 mbu. However, at 425 mbu, the estimate was higher than pre-report thoughts. Our Take: The soybean market has acreage and yield questions right now, even after the updated acreage numbers in June. Until the USDA updates their thoughts on both of these categories, the market should stay supported. There seem to be too many question marks with soybeans right now to push them aggressively lower. 

 

At the close of trading today:

CORN:   +6’0                       $4.34’4

SOYBEANS: +4’0               $10.30’2

WHEAT: -8’0                       $5.71’2

 

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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What’s Value Added Mean Anyway

July 1, 2015 Leave a comment


By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

Whether enabling dairy farmers to expand their line of product offerings or helping farm families start businesses for unique products or providing capital for the creation of farm-identity preserved regional supply chains, USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program has been helping thousands of farmers and ranchers around the country expand their customer base and income by creating new or developing existing value-added businesses.
 
These grants assist farmers and ranchers in starting or expanding ventures that increase the value of raw farm and ranch products and market unique and high-quality food  products, including local, natural, and organic foods.
 
Developing entrepreneurial farm and ranch ventures is one the best strategies for creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities in rural and small town America. Moreover, the VAPG program helps foster entrepreneurship, keep wealth in rural communities, enhance farm and ranch profitability, revive rural mainstreets and create opportunities for young families to return to rural America.
 
Application deadlines are rapidly approaching, however. USDA has $30 million in funding nationally through this competitive grant program. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 7th and electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due July 2nd.
 
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has put together a farmer’s’ guide to the program. You can find that at the following web address: http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2015-VAPG-Application-Guide-NSAC-May-2015.pdf. And USDA awards these grants on at least an annual basis, so, it never hurts to start looking at the program now for next year’s funding round.

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Quarterly Grain Stocks Report

June 30, 2015 Leave a comment


The USDA released their Quarterly Grain Stocks report Tuesday morning. This report measures grain in all positions as of June 1st. It is used to benchmark feed demand and gauge whether or not any adjustments are needed to the size of last harvest’s crop. Below is a summary of the estimates:

image002

 

CORN

Corn in all positions totaled 4.45 bbu, up 595 mbu from the year prior (+15%). Of that total, 2.28 bbu were contained on farm (51.3% of total) which is up 22% from the year prior. Off farm stocks totaled 2.17 bbu, up 9% from last year. Disappearance for the March-May period came in at 3.30 mbu, up from 3.16 mbu a year ago (+4.4%). Editor’s Note: Though disappearance was higher year over year, the extent of the gains is likely not enough to justify the USDA’s current corn for feed estimate. However, many thought the number would be larger than what was actually reported, so the news is being digested as bullish.

 

SOYBEANS

Soybeans in all positions as of June 1 totaled 625 mbu vs 405 mbu the year prior (+54.3%). Of the total 246 mbu remained on farm (39.4% of total) which was up 126% from a year earlier! Off farm stocks were up 28% from last year at 379 mbu. Disappearance for the March – May quarter was 701 mbu, an increase of 19% from a year ago. Editor’s Note: Soybean stocks were tighter than expected, which implies that last year’s crop size was certainly overstated. The news is no doubt friendly, and should produce an old crop carryout under 300 mbu (it was projected at 400 mbu+ last harvest!!!!).

 

WHEAT

Wheat in all positions was listed at 753 mbu, above trade stiamtes of 718 mbu. The total was 28% higher than a year ago with 155 mbu of the total contained on farm (+60% y/y). Off farm stocks were up 21% vs last year at 597 mbu. Disappearance for the final quarter of the wheat marketing year was 388 mbu, down 17 percent from last year’s pace. Editor’s Note: Of the three commodities, wheat received the most neutral to bearish information. Positive price action is likely a reflection of strength in corn.

 

 

The Planted Acreage report is survey based and is conducted during the first 2 weeks of June. It shows planted acres for principal crops across the US and is a close estimate to what final acreage should be. However, the USDA has the ability to re-survey these acres if they feel the results may have changed between the survey time period and now. Below is a summary of the numbers.

image003

 

 

CORN

Corn acreage came in at 88.9 mln acres vs expectations of 89.3. Acres are the lowest since 2010, down 2% from last year. Editor’s Note: The acreage numbers didn’t contribute as much to the bullishness as the Stocks report did. Many expect the USDA to resurvey acres due to the wet weather out east. So today’s numbers likely weren’t going to mean much to the trade anyway. If the USDA decides to resurvey, the results will be available in the August S&D report.

 

SOYBEANS

Soybean planted acres were listed at 85.1 mln, up 2% from a year ago and an all-time record for soybeans. Record acres were noted in MN and WI out of the Midwest. Editor’s Note: As with corn, the key numbers today were contained in the Stocks report. Market direction from here will be focused on developing crop condition and getting a handle on just how many acres were lost due to flooding.

 

WHEAT

All wheat planted acreage was listed at 56.1 mln acres, down slightly from last year (-1%) but up from the March intentions number of 55.4 mln. Wheat followed the other commodities higher, but received the least amount of bullish information from the acreage numbers.

 

The markets have responded favorably to the numbers:

As of 12:53 PM

Sept Corn +25 @ $4.16

Aug Beans +45 @ $10.39

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

ProEdge Risk Management Consultant

P: (402) 685-5613 | C: (402) 380-9855 | Greg.Mockenhaupt@cvacoop.com

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

www.cvacoop.com

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Women Caring for the Land Workshop

April 19, 2015 Leave a comment


Lyons, NE – Women who own or manage farm or ranch land in Cedar and surrounding counties in Northeast Nebraska are invited to participate in a  Women Caring for the Land discussion about soil health, farm conservation options, and available resources. The free program will take place on Monday, May 4 at St. James Marketplace, 89039 570th Ave, St. James, NE.

 

“Women landowners now own or co-own approximately half of Midwest and Great Plains farm and ranch land, and often want to do more to conserve their land and resources. However, many are unsure exactly how to reach their conservation goals and what resources are available to help them. Women Caring for the Land can help,” said Virginia Meyer, with the Center for Rural Affairs.

 

According to Meyer, Women Caring for the Land offers a peer-to-peer, informal discussion format to allow women landowners to talk about their individual land stewardship goals, facilitated by women conservation experts who can share resources available such as USDA conservation programs, state loans, and other tools.

 

The meeting will begin with registration, coffee and resource sharing at 8:30 a.m.  A free lunch will be provided, and during an afternoon field tour participants will travel to a nearby location to observe soil characteristics and conservation practices. The tests will measure for soil structure and stability and infiltration.

 

Meyer suggests participants wear appropriate clothing and footwear/attire as walking a short distance will be required for the field tour.  The group will return to the Marketplace for dessert and wrap-up, with the meeting ending by 3 p.m.

 

Maintaining healthy soil is the key to productivity and environmental health for farmland. Women landowners who attend this meeting will learn to assess and improve the health of their soils through cover crops, no-till and strip-till, and other conservation practices.

 

Meyer also pointed out that all interested women are welcome to these discussions, including owners, operators and inheritors of farmland, regardless of their degree of knowledge regarding conservation.

 

Event Location Details:

Monday, May 4, 2015

8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

St. James Marketplace

89039 570th Ave, St. James, NE.

 

To ensure enough food is provided, interested participants should  RSVP by May 1 to Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs – (402) 687-2100 or virginiam@cfra.org. For more information about this program, visit www.womencaringfortheland.org or call 641-430-2540.

 

This session of Women Caring for the Land is sponsored by the Center for Rural Affairs in partnership with the Women, Food and Agriculture Network, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The series is funded by a grant from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant Program.

 

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