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Michigan Organic Listserv July 24, 2012 Offered to you by Center For Regional Food Systems Vicki Morrone ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) There is no intention to support any product or commercial enterprise in this newsletter by MSU or Morrone News in Ag U.S. Drought 2012: Farm and Food Impacts Source: http://www.ers.usda.gov/newsroom/us-drought-2012-farm-and-food-impacts.aspx#farms The most severe and extensive drought in at least 25 years is seriously affecting U.S. agriculture, with impacts on the crop and livestock sectors and with the potential to increase food prices at the retail level. Below is current information on potential impacts of the drought on key commodities and food prices. We will update the material periodically as information becomes available. Food Prices and Consumers Farms Crop Sectors Livestock Sectors Food Prices and Consumers With the ongoing drought expected to destroy or damage a portion of the field corn crop in Iowa and other states, an increase in the farm price of corn has already occurred and additional increases will depend on the extent of the drought. This will in turn, affect the price of other crops, such as soybeans, and other inputs in the food supply such as animal feed. Any effect on retail prices would depend on the severity of the drought and would begin to appear on supermarket shelves in the Fall. We do not yet have specific estimates of how the drought will affect food prices. This will be estimated once we know the severity of the drought and, in turn, how much of the corn crop is destroyed. We will likely see impacts within two months for beef, pork, poultry and dairy (especially fluid milk). The full effects of the increase in corn prices for packaged and processed foods (cereal, corn flour, etc.) will likely take 10-12 months to move through to retail food prices. The drought has the potential to increase retail prices for beef, pork, poultry, and dairy products first and foremost - later this year and into 2013. But in the short term, drought conditions may lead to herd culling in response to higher feed costs, and short term increases in meat supply. This could decrease prices for some meat products in the short-term. That trend would reverse after time after product supplies shrink. Historically, if the farm price of corn increases 50 percent, then retail food prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases by 0.5 to 1 percent. More generally, as an overall commodity price index increases, about 14 to 15 percent of that increase is passed on to retail prices for products that use that commodity as an ingredient. Sweet corn, eaten by humans, is distinct from field corn (used for feed) and is not being heavily affected by adverse weather at this point. The July 25 update to ERS's food CPI forecasts<http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook.aspx> will include forecasts for 2013 and will incorporate the information available on drought impacts at the time of writing. Farms Half-way through the 2012 crop year almost 40 percent of agricultural land is experiencing severe or greater drought, which makes the 2012 drought more extensive than any drought since the 1950's. ERS's next farm income forecast, to be released August 28, will reflect the drought's impacts. Highlights The drought has rapidly increased in severity over the past month. 62 percent of farms are located in areas experiencing drought. Based on the 2010 value of production, about 2/3 of all crops and 2/3 of all livestock are produced in areas that are experiencing at least moderate drought. 44 percent of cattle production, and almost 40 percent of corn and soybean production, are in areas experiencing at least severe drought. More than 80 percent of the acres of major field crops planted in the United States are covered by Federal crop insurance, which can help to mitigate yield or revenue losses for covered farms. Details As of mid-July 2012, 62 percent of farms in the U.S. were experiencing drought. About 29 percent of farms were in countieswhere most of the land is under moderate drought; 24 percent of farms were experiencing severe drought; and 9 percent were experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. A striking aspect of the 2012 drought is how the drought rapidly increased in severity in early July, during a critical time of crop development for corn and other commodities. The table shows the progression, over the month from mid-June to mid-July, of severe or greaterdrought within the agricultural sector. Over the month from mid-June to mid-July, the share of farms under severe or greater drought increased from 16 percent of all farms to 33 percent. Total cropland under severe or greater drought increased from 17 percent to 39 percent, while total value of crops exposedincreased from 16 to 31 percent. Farm Sector Exposure to Drought, Summer 2012 Percentage experiencing severe or greater drought Percentage of: June 19 July 17 Farms 16 33 Acres of Cropland 17 39 Value of Crops 16 31 Value of Cattle 16 44 Values are percentage of national total. Source: ERS calculations based on 2010 data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) and county-level U.S. Drought Monitor<http://www.drought.unl.edu/> data reflecting drought status as of July 17, 2012. Exposure to drought varies by commodity. Figure 1 shows the distribution of drought severity for major crops, in value terms. 42-44 percent of the value of corn and soybean production is in areas with moderate drought, while almost 30 percent of the value of production is in areas currently experiencing severe drought. Figure 1: Share of National Value of Crop Production by Drought Severity [cid:5BA58EA9-FD8A-4628-AFE5-2209BFB3C698] Source: 2010 ARMS<http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/arms-farm-financial-and-crop-production-practices.aspx>; U.S. Drought Monitor<http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/monitor.html> (July 17, 2012 drought status). Figure 2 shows the distribution of drought severity by livestock type, in value terms. About a third of all livestock produced (by value) is in areas with minimal drought, another third in areas with moderate drought, and the final third is in areas with severe or worse drought. Dairy farms are the least likely to be in areas affected by drought, while only 20 percent of cattle production (value) is in an areas with minimal drought. Likewise, 35 percent of cattle are produced in areas with moderate drought, and 44 percent are produced in areas with at least severe drought. Figure 2: Share of National Value of Livestock Production by Drought Severity [cid:95B9945E-6B17-4D94-BF5F-94539B74AA37] Source: 2010 ARMS<http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/arms-farm-financial-and-crop-production-practices.aspx>; U.S. Drought Monitor<http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/monitor.html> (July 17, 2012 drought status). Subject: MI Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development Seeking Public Input on Agricultural Management Practices Contact: Heather Throne, 517-373-1085 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> MI Dept. of Agriculture & RuralDevelopment Seeking Public Input on Agricultural Management Practices Deadline to provide comment is August 22, 2012. The GAAMPs Public Input Meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, in the Forum Conference Room at the State of Michigan Library and History Center located at 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48915. The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development and theMichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced a public input meeting and review period has been scheduled for August 22, 2012 in order to gather comments on the 2013 drafts of the state's Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). Public comment will be taken on all of the following GAAMPs. There are proposed changes in the GAAMPs for: Manure Management and Utilization, Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Production Facilities, the Care of Farm Animals, Irrigation Water Use, and Farm Markets. The GAAMPs regarding Nutrient Utilization, Cranberry Production, and Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control have no proposed changes for 2013. Written comments may be submitted to MDARD's Environmental Stewardship Division, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909 and postmarked no later than August 22, 2012, or sent via e-mail to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]><mailto:[log in to unmask]> by 5 p.m. on August 22, 2012. MDARD will forward all comments received by the due date to the respective GAAMPs Task Force Chairpersons for consideration prior to final review and adoption. The Michigan Right to Farm Act provides nuisance protection for farms and farm operations. In order to have this protection, the farm or farm operation must conform to GAAMPs, which are set by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development. These GAAMPs are reviewed annually by scientific committees of various experts, and revised and updated as necessary. Public comment is accepted and considered before final versions of the GAAMPs are approved. For a copy of any of these GAAMPs, including the proposed revisions,please visit www.michigan.gov/gaamps<http://www.michigan.gov/gaamps>, or contact MDARD's Environmental Stewardship Division at (517) 373-9797, or toll free at (877) 632-1783. Production News Botrytis blight is causing problems in Michigan potatoes<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016T2Re3ndzXOx97_Q48LAf1gi8rPHm4Um76PvehJ1JqGG5zclK3TuCJGe6NuAomiM3mgVdmYx-PpLJQrxHtPvWzEC0Y1zvxylMg_zexGc3gdVujOq_3dZqtgax4FhySb2_uIV9tG3yVdhErQx3pg7R5CisdmM7JeoUfFR4nAlIfTuHTRwg5GjwXI7NIRM_3JZf98m7v9p-C0=> July 20, 2012 | WillieKirk | Excessive humidity and other stress factors are causing Botrytisblight in Michigan potatoes this season. Learn the epidemiology of this disease, as well as control methods and fungicide options. Potato late blight risk monitoring website updated July 2012<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0016T2Re3ndzXNBb4N8SomrFxG0BcdmU9x8nYhQSXCXa8xskel-F0KI65FYr_-1fUqe_Kh2yx-xgFaba8TeJKqWG2DwpWjDN52wVIwU8wxb0S_r7WyK3WQsaeReHcPuqq6sQSqWxXgsD9fNNfhyuGajZUPSaDaM-6J7ek-prcsDd7sSgevMrDfqU2PNxVcNDqq4UxygOUWl1Dw=> July 20, 2012 | WillieKirk | New updates to MSU's potato late blight risk monitoring website include a new disease severity values accumulation model and three new Enviro-weather stations. Regional reports on Michigan fruit - July 17, 2012<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bIMy-DIRGgE7o8iAr5kaKG1QgsPp19z7BvSybuMbqOuDyeYr-q-vdwUeAzykjvQp86JmsjRGV1Ccn9fWKctGOVolWZI3oOXivaW3M-HZGe9fBRAvuIh4FuacintYabrzKiGWRZzweslfK4fLxkNbtYGv-9L0Wyt_X03thzHv7HUy1ka5CFmM-wEw> MSU Extension educators' pest and fruit updates for Michigan. Impact of heat, drought and related problems on Michigan's blueberry and raspberry harvest<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bIMEQT2WNQmS_gT40mrw0vi9xU2zS0TITneN3qakjU0dK7sIC6R20L4khcUOOnxAMyyvzg-tSfhKirW_CmG2hrw3Z2abJGQtXLczeTSVhw_-zQ8P1rP48lHHeXo8sjo0oa47eeBm9kcqggcphLbJ3v-NlYl2TQ0xg_CQzEDBKLGjB_ZrKke5Cmgi9uAaB6F1n5La9goL4zk3bRFcjzn-8ZhhqnxO9bpZOxn2Ews7XpWGMg==> Carlos Garcνa-Salazar | Hot and dry weather conditions occurring in Michigan during the 2012 season are not conducive for a "normal" small fruit harvest. Blueberry Insect Scouting Report for July 8-14, 2012<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bINUhQrFEo1hRcjCktqBzY-b9UcOPhAaZlkwlCM1eASkz-SIFU232MHxpkIcL_JxZy6G9TVVLWIHxw4i1N07EVLNzzGluY3A1DnXRvL2Rk_62ZOfAQND_R2aLGkuIRjp-UIIh9N_47Zmg_uaZ15DVdleSlp8VtRIfjoBXm1_7Rj67OTO3b0JxYz8> Keith Mason | Growers arekeeping ahead of spotted wing Drosophila, but it is not over yet. What to do with drought-stressed blueberries<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bIOYhBZix6AmYIWSjJLOeNP9OxJUrQp40kZHgDz5chMrv4zfxZJO-uFsNSny8iHyLjtr8KDBKseThIh_Ef8RI0IRmxg6ysXXxP9nwoq8_UJ-f_vitM-CQMsjNd_XQ5ed8Sa1LTS0t4Vhf7-yyuYBvB5YrAyaW4SI8xLZwe92h8d8mw==> Mark Longstroth | Should growers cut back blueberries that appear to be dying from drought? Maintaining irrigation on Michigan blueberries<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bIMHMeaQoO-fFr2mfK4ObK-LP85DXoAqYTK_9vS0r5e0vQnFD3JTgPL21OcDqopCA26HEphMHFHTP6gJ1K0gWTTOJBGMpmiPqbt7QYRG7gOvaH6KEIU2R3o9Tlw0g0pkNWDK65NMba3rSb7CCQoozxKH50qSh8y_WzJUFysomGv0sQ==> Mark Longstroth | Strategies for irrigating under hot, dry conditions and limited water supplies. Post-harvest cherry leaf spot applications<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bIPrGp5pkEVN43GD16tbxnDEptEpHucc6blMkEmgUp_54XaPeExIpC-zMmi2kqJamN-YYnVX9wn1CmYh76n1VUjXNmeVqu_8hnAvao16-KVwvu5bhivfaxyHQwiaTAoJtlFU_bqqNPDlpD4CbQmYiMyMLmHPHHmiHggbbWBz6_I4tA==> Nikki Rothwell | Growers need to monitor weather conditions to determine if they will need more than one cherry leaf spot post-harvest sprays. Food hubs offer hope and help to agriculture producers<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LX-UMEy5bINq6NoW1a46AGJeB28s15medVZjrz8xp1fI-lJvAv5ZnCV1o1g9wgXm_x4OoUgxr4kbSTbabS_Uzn2LMvDAuppxBYqOz5FDVjMhUjJ_PqFs3kcJjRM1r6a_tYi03t2ePMFjFKDHbH6_kdJFQXIkouUDXJ3FXYDnBZqsZTep07vSlFY8WGRjSN4Z> Mark Thomas | Building anintegrated agriculture production and distribution system that understands and meets the needs for local food is essential for all to prosper. Educational Events Pest Management for Organic Production Systems II Thursday 7/26 from 1-2 pm. Est Sponsored by E-Organic (national organic production and certification WEB and E offerings produced by scientists and farmers throughout the US) 1. Click this link to join the Webinar: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/622645922/106094235 2. Choose one of the following audio options: TO USE YOUR COMPUTER'S AUDIO: When the Webinar begins, you will be connected to audio using your computer's microphone and speakers (VoIP). A headset is recommended. ***Four Seasons Produce Co-op Food Safety Mock Audit**** Monday, July 30 Learn about on-farm food safety while growing produce in fields and in hoophouses year-round to become food safety certified to market, as a group, to hospital and university customers. This farm tour and mock audit with Michigan State University Extension Educator, Phil Tocco, will help participants know what to expect when looking at third-party food safety certification. See the attached flyer or visit www.miffs.org/events.asp<http://www.miffs.org/events.asp>. When? Monday, July 30 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m Where? J&T Todosciuk Farms & Greenhouses, LLC 5611 Preston Rd Howell Michigan 48855 Hosts: Jim and Tina Todosciuk Register online now<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFVUdHRPNTRxeXQ3MlU4UzZyVjU5a0E6MQ> or contact the MIFFS office at 517-432-0712 by Sunday, July 29 if youd like to attend. This workshop is hosted by Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) and is funded by a grant through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Partners include the Food Systems Economic Partnership (FSEP) and Four Seasons Produce Cooperative. Growing Gourmet Mushrooms Logs Saturday, August 3 Mycologist/Microbial Ecologist Chris Wright will be presenting a 3 hour, hands-on workshop on The workshop will be held in the basement of St. Benedict's Church Hall at 47 Candler St. in Highland Park, MI. There will be free parking available in a lot at the corner of John R and Candler St. across from the church. This workshop will provide hands-on instruction on how to inoculate and cultivate mushrooms on logs. Chris will first present an hour-long lecture on mushroom cultivation, then each participant will inoculate their own log with the mushroom of their choice, and will bring the log home with them at the completion of the workshop. All materials and complete instruction (with handouts) on how to produce gourmet mushrooms on logs are included in the price of tuition ($60 per participant). Anyone who is considering to integrate mushroom cultivation into their farm or cropping system is strongly encouraged to attend. Chris has been growing mushrooms and presenting workshops on mushroom cultivation for over 25 years, and is ready to share his experience with you. The cost of the workshop is $60. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. You can register at distributedpower.us. Feel free to pass this email and flyer along to anyone who may be interested, and to contact Alan Sedghi ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>) if you have any questions! Vicki Morrone Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University Organic Farming Specialist 480 Wilson Rd. Room 303 East Lansing, MI 48824 Www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu 517-353-3542/517-282-3557 (cell) FAX 517-353-3834 If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html