ASFMRA News

2012 Professional Farm Manager of the Year Award

By Brent Rockers - We need your help in nominating your peers for the 2012 Professional Farm Manager of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Syngenta, AgProfessional magazine and ASFMRA. The Professional Farm Manager of the Year Award recognizes professional farm managers whose dedication and commitment to agriculture have benefited their clients, the American consumer and our most precious commodity – the land.

To be eligible, a professional farm manager or farm management team must have at least five years farm management experience and hold membership in ASFMRA. Please submit your nominations online at www.farmmanageroftheyear.com by June 8. The award will be presented during the ASFMRA Annual Convention, which will be held Oct. 29¬-Nov. 2 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Brent Rockers
Syngenta
515-480-9125
Brent.Rockers@Syngenta.com

Time to Sort Through your Mental Rolodex

Take advantage of the opportunity to nominate a fellow member and/or co-worker for the 2012 ASFMRA Membership Awards. All ASFMRA members are invited to submit names of individuals who are standouts in the profession. This is your Society and no one knows better than you who deserves special recognition for what they bring to both the organization and to the profession. Who are the leaders? Who stands out as the go-to person? Which of your fellow members are outstanding in their community, their profession, and their chapter?

Graying of US farmers not so bleak after all

Richard Cornett, Director of Communciations, Western Plant Health Assocation - We have to ask ourselves the question: As our older food providers begin retiring, who’s going to fill the vacuum in feeding an exploding world population?

Produce farmers want seat at farm bill table

Western Growers - Farmers who produce the nation’s healthy fresh produce want a seat at the table for the major federal food and farm legislation — the farm bill. That’s the message Western Growers Chairman Mike Jarrard took to Congress. As president & COO of Mann Packing in Salinas, Calif., — a producer of fresh cut vegetables—he knows firsthand the food his industry produces goes hand-in-hand with a healthier eating lifestyle. That’s an important message for Congress to hear.

ASFMRA Joins Letter Urging Senate Farm Bill Consideration

By Stephen Frerichs - The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers joined over 100 national organizations calling on the Senate to consider the Senate Agriculture Committee passed farm bill as soon as possible.

House Bill would Prohibit Expansion of Clean Water Guidance

By Stephen Frerichs - The House Energy and Water appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2013 would prohibit funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop or implement new guidance to expand the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Lucas (R-OK) issued the following statement:

“The new authorities granted in this guidance would allow the EPA and the Corps of Engineers the authority to regulate almost any body of water in the U.S.,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “That means farm ponds, stock tanks, and seasonal runoff ditches could conceivably be included under new regulations. The economic impact on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities would be devastating. This legislation allows us to restore and protect our natural resources by working together and balancing state and federal authority.”

Commodity prices spark Arizona farmland values

Cary Blake - Western Farm Press - One of the best examples of the economic recovery underway in Arizona agriculture since the onset of the Great Recession is increasing farmland values in Pinal County, located in the state’s south central area.

Supply: The Flip Side of Today’s Strong Land Market

From LandOwner News - LandOwner readers are well aware of the exceptional demand that’s driving land prices. But University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ag Economist Bruce Johnson reminds us supply (or rather the lack of supply) has been a prime contributor to the runup in land values as well. And he emphasizes an increase in supply could have a major impact on land values.

Impact of High Voltage Transmission Lines on Property Values

From mtstandard.com - James Chalmers, known for his analysis of the impact of high voltage transmission lines on property values, presented the results of his recently completed research on this issue on Tuesday, April 17 in the Montana Tech Student Union Building.

The research presentation discussed his study of sales of properties located along the 500kV transmission lines in Montana.

After the Chalmers presentation, three Montana real estate professionals responded to help the public interpret these findings and the opportunities or constraints that they pose to understanding the possible impacts of other high voltage transmission lines:

• Sarah Bauer, broker, Big Sky Brokers, LLC, Boulder and Helena
• Kevin Pearce, ARA/broker-owner, New Frontier Ranches, Twin Bridges
• Katie Ward, broker, Katie Ward and Asso-ciates, Sheridan and Missoula

Senate Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill

By Stephen Frerichs - By a vote of 16 to 5 (counting proxies), the Senate Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill out of Committee that reduces spending by at least $23 billion over 10 years. The bill contains significant changes to the commodity, conservation and crop insurance programs. Senators Cochran (R-MS), Chambliss (R-GA), McConnell (R-KY), Boozman (R-AR) and Gillibrand (D-NY) voted against the bill. The four Southern State Republicans oppose the changes to the commodity title, while Senator Gillibrand does not support the cuts to the nutrition programs or the new dairy program.

Only in Indianapolis…

Anything Indianapolis does is done in an effort to raise the game from a national perspective—and one of their goals for many years has been to create a city especially designed to make conventions like ours productive and fun. Meetings and Conventions summed it up like this: “If there were a competition among cities for the title Overachiever of the Decade, the winner would be Indianapolis.” Mark your calendar now for the 2012 ASFMRA Annual Meeting – AgroNomics, Vision 2013…October 29 – November 2.

California agriculture moving toward sustainable future

From Western Farm Press - California agricultural leaders are making progress on a broad front to address major challenges to the industry’s sustainability, guided by goals established by the State Board of Food and Agriculture. And they are doing so by collaborating with environmentalists and representatives of other groups with an interest in the food system. These are the conclusions of a new progress report by American Farmland Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization that has been facilitating California Agricultural Vision.

The possible future of beef production?

California member James Rickert (son of James & Mary Rickert) talks about having a real connection with the food you eat. The Rickerts produce organic beef in Shasta County, northern California. James was a speaker at a TedX meeting in California earlier this year.

House Agriculture Committee to Hold Field Hearing in Kansas

By Stephen Frerichs - The House Agriculture Committee will hold a field hearing in Dodge City, Kansas at the Magouirk Conference Center starting at 9 am on April 20, 2012. This will be the final field hearing leading up to the farm bill. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to hold additional hearings in Washington, D.C. prior to marking up its version of the farm bill.

GAO – Limit Crop Insurance Subsidies Would Have Saved $1 Billion in 2011

By Stephen Frerichs - At the request of Senator Coburn (R-OK) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined the impact of limiting federal crop insurance subsidies to $40,000 per entity. The GAO found that if such a limit had been applied in 2011, it would have affected up to 3.9 percent of all participating farmers, who accounted for about one-third of all premium subsidies and were primarily associated with large farms. GAO estimated the savings at $1 billion dollars in 2011 by assuming farmers would not have changed their crop insurance purchases with the $40,000 limit, but instead paid more premiums for the same level of coverage.

Internet power boosts Western tree nut sales

One million websites mention the crop 'pistachio.' - Cary Blake - Western Farm Press

Child labor laws stoking backlash

David Bennett, Delta Farm Press - Proposed U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rules governing child labor on farms continue to stoke a firestorm of criticism. Backlash has come from rural communities, agriculture advocacy groups, state and federal lawmakers.

U.S. agriculture’s robust profile is enticing foreign financiers

From Kiplinger Agriculutre Letter - Holland-based Rabobank, long a U.S. ag lender, has created separate U.S. affiliates, such as a farm supplies network, to capture market share. National Australia Bank is expanding in some central states since it bought S.D.-based Great Western Bank.

More on Agricultural Finance: Though few U.S. farmers need to borrow… given that so many of them have swollen bank accounts that let them pay cash for land and equipment…
Ag lenders will vie hard for farmers’ business. Most farmers are seen as solid credit risks.
Farmers’ equity will top $2.2 trillion this year, bringing their ownership share of farm assets to 90%. Copyright 2012. The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. More details in April 6, 2012 The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter.

Official Notification

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL TO BE VOTED ON BY THE ASFMRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Notice to the ASFMRA Membership: Board of Directors Approval is needed for the following items for the Policy and Procedure Manual (#1 through #6). All of these amendments will be voted on at the Board of Directors/Membership Meeting during the 83rd ASFMRA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Senators call for specialty crop investment in farm bill

SCFBA - The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance applauded a letter signed by 32 senators calling for a 2012 Farm Bill that will build on previous specialty crop investments. In the letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), the senators said the specialty crop programs established in the 2008 Farm Bill generated significant benefits for consumers, producers and farm communities.

CRP Deadline - April 6

By Stephen Frerichs - Landowners who want the opportunity to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up 43 must do so by Friday, April 6, 2012. Landowners who want to offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up may enroll at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office where their farm records are maintained.

House Passes Budget - Includes Cuts to Agriculture

By Stephen Frerichs - Last week the House passed a budget by a party line vote (228 to 191 with 10 Republicans voting against the measure). From agriculture's perspective, the budget is similar to last year's House budget. It "suggests" $181 Billion in cuts to programs under the House Agriculture's jurisdiction including cutting the crop insurance farmer premium subsidy (saving $15.5 Billion) along with significant cuts to commodity, conservation and nutrition programs. All of these cuts are non-binding and non-starters as was demonstrated last year.

Illinois Farmland Values/Rents Continue Upward Spiral

(Bloomington, IL, March 22, 2012) The prices being paid for farmland across Illinois continue their upward spiral with the tops being in the $10,000 to $13,000 per acre range across the state. This is according to the 2012 Farmland Values and Lease Trends Report released today by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers at its annual Land Values Conference held here.

Recognition of Long-Standing Members

We are recognizing long-standing members of the Society on an annual basis according to their anniversary month. The anniversaries are recognized in increments of five years. You may recognize your fellow peers in the list of Long Standing Members and we encourage you to extend your congratulations to them. Please note this list is for the time frame from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

California wine blankets America as shipments explode

Wine Institute - U.S. is world’s largest wine market - Sales of California wine within the U.S. in 2011 grew to a record 211.9 million cases, up 5.6 percent in volume compared to the previous year. The estimated retail value of these shipments was $19.9 billion, according to wine industry consultant Jon Fredrikson of Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates in Woodside. Global 2011 California wine sales to all markets in the U.S. and worldwide also increased 5.6 percent to 256.6 million cases.

Membership Directory – Wrong Name on Label

Did you receive a copy of the 2012 Membership Directory with someone else’s name on the label? The Membership Directory was mailed late last week, since then we have learned that a sorting problem occurred with the mailing list. All members will still receive a copy of the directory at the address we have on record. When you receive your copy, it will most likely come with another member’s name on the back cover. We ask that you please disregard the incorrect name and hang on to the copy you received. If you don’t receive a copy, or need another copy of the Membership Directory, please contact Jeremy Lewis at 303-6392-1218 or by email at jlewis@asfmra.org.

USDA Warns of Fraudulent Letters

By Stephen Frerichs - USDA officials learned Friday afternoon, March 16th, 2012, that fraudulent letters are being sent by FAX to individuals and businesses in at least four states. The letters purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek personal information. These letters are false and in no case should a recipient respond with personal and financial information. The fraudulent letters bear USDA’s logo and seal and are signed by an individual identified as “Frank Rutenberg” using a title of “Senior Procurement Officer”. Letters have been received by FAX in Alabama, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but may have also been sent to other states. Recipients should should not supply the requested information. USDA is investigating this matter through the Office of the Inspector General.

If you suspect you have received such a letter or have questions please contact USDA at: procurement.policy@dm.usda.gov or call 202-720-9448.

Welcome New and Reinstated Members

Thank you for being a part of the ASFMRA! Help the ASFMRA welcome our new and reinstated members. The ASFMRA appreciates every member for choosing the Society as the association you desire to affiliate with. The ASFMRA continues to make every effort to offer member services which will be of benefit to you professionally and personally.

We are recognizing new and reinstating members of the Society on a monthly basis. You may recognize your fellow peers in the following list and we encourage you to welcome them into the membership of the ASFMRA.

Record $14,100 Per Acre Paid for Central Illinois Cropland

From LandOwner Newsletter - Central Illinois saw the price of quality farmland move to a new plateau February 21 when 159.8 acres of McLean County cropland sold for a record $14,100 per acre.

The land is located six miles west of Bloomington along Illinois 9 and featured 157 billable acres. It had 77.5 farm program corn base acres with a direct yield of 121 bu. per acre and 76.3 soybean base acres with a farm program direct yield of 37 bu. per acre. It sported a Productivity Index of 139.3 (147 maximum) and maintained high fertility levels.

USDA Announces New CRP Initiative

By Stephen Frerichs - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week the opportunity for producers to enroll a total of 1 million acres of land in a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) initiative to preserve grasslands and wetlands acres.

CFTC to complete majority of Dodd-Frank rules by summer

By Sarah Gonzalez © Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2012- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Gary Gensler told the House Agriculture Committee that he expects Dodd-Frank rule-writing to be completed by this summer; however, he noted it’s possible that a handful won’t be finished until later this year.

The House Agriculture Committee held a public hearing today to review the 2012 agenda of the CFTC as the agency continues to investigate the collapse of MF Global and finalize rules of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Drought concerns rise in California and desert Southwest

Lack of moisture is increasing the chances of little or no runoff in many parts of the Southwest this Spring and Summer.

Richland County Ohio farmers see tax bills skyrocket

MANSFIELD -- More than 170 farmers offered an emphatic affirmative when Larry Gearhardt asked them a rhetorical question Monday. "Did you all get a surprise when you opened your tax bills?"
Gearhardt, former director of local affairs for the Ohio Farm Bureau, then explained how Current Agricultural Use Values are calculated, and thus, the reason for farmers' higher property tax bills due March 21.

California agriculture set for another good year in 2012

Harry Cline
2012 may not be a home run like 2011, but Vernon Crowder, vice president and agricultural economist for Rabobank in Fresno, Calif., says it will be another good one.

New RPRA Website

Appraisal review is a growing area for Appraisers. There has never been a better time to join the RPRA ranks! ASFMRA has been the leader in appraisal review education for 20 years. In 1991, ASFMRA established the first appraisal review education program and professional designation in the United States. The Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA) remains one of only two professional designations in appraisal review available in the US. Nearly three times as many appraisers hold the RPRA designation than any other review designation. The RPRA is widely recognized, particularly in government agencies, as the premiere review designation. No organization in North America has trained more review appraisers than ASFMRA.

California propels US wine to booming export year

Wine Institute via Western Farm Press
Quality and value of California wines have propelled the U.S. wine industry to another record export year. U.S. wine exports, 90 percent from California, reached a new record of $1.39 billion in winery revenues in 2011.

FCC bars LightSquared from Turning on Its Network

By Stephen Frerichs - Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revoked a waiver that would have allowed LightSquared to turn on its network and issued a public proposal that would bar LightSquared from launching its service "indefinitely." You can find the Federal Register notice requesting comments by March 1, 2012 on its proposal to prohibit LightSquared from launching its service here:

Farm Service Agency Employees Want to Sell Crop Insurance Again

By Stephen Frerichs - The National Association of FSA County Office Employees (NASCOE) wants back into the crop insurance business. NASCOE has commissioned a report that purports savings will occur if the government delivers crop insurance and NASCOE has started a lobbying campaign with Congress in an attempt to achieve that goal.

Welcome New and Reinstated Members

Thank you for being a part of the ASFMRA! Help the ASFMRA welcome our new and reinstated members. The ASFMRA appreciates every member for choosing the Society as the association you desire to affiliate with. The ASFMRA continues to make every effort to offer member services which will be of benefit to you professionally and personally.

GMO crops get big backer in Bill Gates

By Logan Hawkes, Southwest Farm Press
Self-made billionaire, software magnate and philanthropist Bill Gates may not know everything about agriculture, but when it comes to addressing the problem of world hunger, he understands the meaning of making sound investments in the future.

Global AgInvesting 2012

Global AgInvesting (SM) 2012 New York promises investors the opportunity to evaluate the global agriculture investing landscape and meet the managers with investable product that are helping to shape the burgeoning space. The two-day conference will include panel discussions on responsible investment, illiquid vs. liquid ag investment styles, palm oil production investments and worldwide farmland conditions that will provide a broad base of understanding of the ag sector.

Attractive but unbalanced dairy growth creating challenges

Rabobank - Solid market growth, supply constraints and a structural shift in the costs of producing milk may sustain high milk and dairy commodity prices over the medium term. But this won't translate to increased profits for all.

US grape coalition brings value to global market

Western Farm Press - Pledging its ongoing commitment to developing research solutions for U.S. grapes and related grape products for global consumers, the National Grape & Wine Initiative announced its new leadership team for 2012.

USDA CRP General Sign-up

By Stephen Frerichs - Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) Michael Scuse announced last week that the USDA will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. About 30 million acres are enrolled in CRP; and contracts on an estimated 6.5 million acres will expire on Sept. 30, 2012. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP’s other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, signup basis.

SD Senate Endorses Measure to Raise Cap On Increases in Taxable Value of Farmland

By Mark Wolski, BNA Tax
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The South Dakota Senate Feb. 1 voted 30-5 to raise the cap on increases in the taxable value of farmland in the state.

The vote came just days after the House overwhelmingly approved the same measure. H.B. 1003, sponsored by Rep. Paul H. Dennert (R), will now be forwarded to Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

Once Daugaard receives the bill, he will have five days to either sign or veto the measure.

David Wiest, deputy secretary of the South Dakota Department of Revenue, earlier told Bloomberg BNA that the 2009 South Dakota Legislature approved a bill that changed the way the state calculated taxable values for farmland, moving from a market-based system to one based on the income produced by the land.

The legislation included language that limited increases and decreases in farmland value to 10 percent per year. Wiest said the language was included so that farmers in the state did not have to face drastic changes in the value of their land. The language provided that the 10 percent cap would only remain in effect through 2017.

New Valuation System Raised Commodity Prices
He said the state faced an unexpected problem with the valuation change. Once the change took effect, commodity prices increased significantly, he said. As such, he said, valuations are also increasing. Because of the law’s cap on increases, however, taxable valuations are not keeping pace with the increases, he said. He said H.B. 1003 was proposed because commodity prices are strong enough that when caps expire in 2018, farmers and ranchers could be facing significant valuation shock.

Mega Investor Jim Rogers Rates Agriculture No. 1

From LandOwner Newsletter: Want to invest like the mega fund managers? According to one of the world’s most accomplished investors, you already are — if you own farmland.

The top place to invest for the next decade-plus is ag commodities, says billionaire investor Jim Rogers. Rogers first made his mark with the famous Quantum Fund, which he cofounded with George Soros in 1973. According to reports, the Quantum Fund gained 4,200% during its first decade of operation.
Login to Member Benefits to download the entire issue: http://portal.asfmra.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=27&Time=960233195&MenuKey=123
Your Login is your first and last name with NO spaces. Your password is your member ID number. Please call or email Jeremy at 303-692-1218 or jlewis@asfmra.org if you need assistance logging in.

Stand Out Even Among the Land Experts

Advertise your business in the ONLY directory dedicated to the Most Trusted Land Experts of ASFMRA. The 2012 Membership Directory will be released in March of 2012. Be sure that your name and business stand out by reserving your advertisement space now. Visit the ASFMRA website to see all the different ad size and price options. Deadline to advertise is Feb 15th – don’t miss out! Contact Cheryl at ccooley@asfmra.org or visit http://www.asfmra.org/directory-land-experts/ for more information.

Re-packaged Management Ed Offered in California

On January 11th the California Chapter of ASFMRA and ASFMRA National partnered to offer selected modules from our Ag Land Management program to management personnel from farm and ranching operations in California. The course targeted people involved in farm management who worked for a specific operation as opposed to a manager who oversee operations for multiple landowners. The event was an outstanding success! Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Chapter, attendance was great with turnout of Thirty-five people. This program was the brainchild two members of the California Chapter, Dan Whisenhunt, MBA and Nat DiBuduo, AFM, who recognized a need and worked exhaustively with the Chapter and Leonard Meador AAC and Mike Krause, AFM, of the ASFMRA Education Committee to make it a reality! Based on this success, another offering is already in the planning stages. Stay tuned for more on this story….

Grass roots leadership must come from agriculture

By George Baird, AFM - Ag Professional Magazine - Despite what our so-called “leaders” try to persuade us they are doing to address leadership, it seemingly does nothing more than add to the unrest. From Washington to Wall Street, from federal projects to state governments and from city governments to school boards, the effects are being felt.

Feds Doom LightSquared’s LTE 4G network

By Coleen Scherer - Ag Professional - Nine federal agencies decided that none of LightSquared’s proposals for its LTE 4G broadband network would overcome significant interference with GPS (Global Positioning System) devices. The National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Executive Committee (PNT ExComm) announced Friday that the nine federal agencies that make up the body made the decision unanimously.

USDA Announces Streamlining Initiative

By Stephen Frerichs - Last week Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack announced a sweeping initiative to close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country, as well as seven foreign offices. Along with other administrative streamlining, USDA expects to save close to $150 million annually once all of the recommendations are implemented. As part of the initiative, the Farm Service Agency will consolidate 131 county offices in 32 States.

Check Your Listing for the 2012 Membership Directory

The ASFMRA 2012 Membership Directory information will soon be pulled, printed, and published. Make sure your listing is correct.

Simply go the ASFMRA Web site (www.asfmra.org), log in (your Username is your first and last name, altogether, no spaces and your Password is your member number), and choose Update Profile. Information listed there will include: your main contact information, phone/e-mail information, your membership information, disciplines, your qualifications, degrees you have earned, other designations you hold, your mailing address, and your alternate address.

Your listing in the ASFMRA 2012 Membership Directory will come from this information. Remember: Your directory listing consists of your name, membership classification, mailing address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail address, Web site, and any additional designations you have listed that you hold.

Please review this information and make any necessary changes to ensure your listing in the Membership Directory is correct. You may also contact Jeremy Lewis at 303.692.1218 or jlewis@asfmra.org with your changes.

As China Goes, So Go Commodities

By Todd Young, Sword Commodities - You want to know where the global commodities markets are heading in the coming years? Then it’s probably best that you remember a single word: China.

As the biggest & one of the fastest-growing of the world’s developing economies, China has become a voracious consumer of industrial & agricultural commodities. Its shifting needs are now the most important driver in the prices of many of those goods. Producers often base massive capital investments largely on their expectations for Chinese demand for their products. Investors often make similar calculations before buying or selling commodities contracts or related securities

That’s why no single factor is likely to have a more far-reaching impact on commodities markets over the next few years than how Chinese demand changes as the country’s economy evolves. “That’s the big question,” says Richard Adkerson, chief executive of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

So what’s the answer? Here are 3 possible economic scenarios & what each would mean for global commodities markets.

Re-packaged Management Ed Offered in California

On January 11th the California Chapter of ASFMRA and ASFMRA National partnered to offer selected modules from our Ag Land Management program to management personnel from farm and ranching operations in California. The course targeted people involved in farm management who worked for a specific operation as opposed to a manager who oversee operations for multiple landowners. The event was an outstanding success! Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Chapter, attendance was great with turnout of Thirty-five people. This program was the brainchild two members of the California Chapter, Dan Whisenhunt, MBA and Nat DiBuduo, AFM, who recognized a need and worked exhaustively with the Chapter and Leonard Meador AAC and Mike Krause, AFM, of the ASFMRA Education Committee to make it a reality! Based on this success, another offering is already in the planning stages. Stay tuned for more on this story….

Grass roots leadership must come from agriculture

By George Baird, AFM - Ag Professional Magazine - Despite what our so-called “leaders” try to persuade us they are doing to address leadership, it seemingly does nothing more than add to the unrest. From Washington to Wall Street, from federal projects to state governments and from city governments to school boards, the effects are being felt.

Feds Doom LightSquared’s LTE 4G network

By Coleen Scherer - Ag Professional - Nine federal agencies decided that none of LightSquared’s proposals for its LTE 4G broadband network would overcome significant interference with GPS (Global Positioning System) devices. The National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Executive Committee (PNT ExComm) announced Friday that the nine federal agencies that make up the body made the decision unanimously.

USDA Announces Streamlining Initiative

By Stephen Frerichs - Last week Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack announced a sweeping initiative to close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country, as well as seven foreign offices. Along with other administrative streamlining, USDA expects to save close to $150 million annually once all of the recommendations are implemented. As part of the initiative, the Farm Service Agency will consolidate 131 county offices in 32 States.

Check Your Listing for the 2012 Membership Directory

The ASFMRA 2012 Membership Directory information will soon be pulled, printed, and published. Make sure your listing is correct.

Simply go the ASFMRA Web site (www.asfmra.org), log in (your Username is your first and last name, altogether, no spaces and your Password is your member number), and choose Update Profile. Information listed there will include: your main contact information, phone/e-mail information, your membership information, disciplines, your qualifications, degrees you have earned, other designations you hold, your mailing address, and your alternate address.

Your listing in the ASFMRA 2012 Membership Directory will come from this information. Remember: Your directory listing consists of your name, membership classification, mailing address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail address, Web site, and any additional designations you have listed that you hold.

Please review this information and make any necessary changes to ensure your listing in the Membership Directory is correct. You may also contact Jeremy Lewis at 303.692.1218 or jlewis@asfmra.org with your changes.

As China Goes, So Go Commodities

By Todd Young, Sword Commodities - You want to know where the global commodities markets are heading in the coming years? Then it’s probably best that you remember a single word: China.

As the biggest & one of the fastest-growing of the world’s developing economies, China has become a voracious consumer of industrial & agricultural commodities. Its shifting needs are now the most important driver in the prices of many of those goods. Producers often base massive capital investments largely on their expectations for Chinese demand for their products. Investors often make similar calculations before buying or selling commodities contracts or related securities

That’s why no single factor is likely to have a more far-reaching impact on commodities markets over the next few years than how Chinese demand changes as the country’s economy evolves. “That’s the big question,” says Richard Adkerson, chief executive of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

So what’s the answer? Here are 3 possible economic scenarios & what each would mean for global commodities markets.

LightSquared Petitions FCC

By Stephen Frerichs - LightSquared has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to confirm LightSquared’s right to use the spectrum licensed to the company by the federal government. In addition, the company asked the FCC to confirm that commercial GPS manufacturers have no right to interference protection from LightSquared’s network since they are not licensed users of that spectrum.

California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Violates Commerce Clause

By Stephen Frerichs - Recently, a California federal district court judge ruled that California’s low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) violates the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. The ruling was made in response to a suit filed in December 2009 that asserted the California LCFS sought to regulate farming and ethanol production practices in other states.

Land Prices: What Is Driving This Vehicle Anyway?

From Farmgate Blog: Very few Cornbelt farmers are unaware that 74 acres of northwestern Iowa farmland reached the $20,000 per acre mark this past week, with one farmer purchasing the land from an out of state owner. It was the second occasion in a short period of time that Sioux County, IA farmland established a new record for land values. But what is driving those values?

Ray Brownfield, AFM, ARA on "This Week in Agribusiness"

ASFMRA member, Ray Brownfield, AFM, ARA was interviewed on Orion & Max (WGN Radio 720) on "This Week in Agribusiness" on December 17, 2011. Brownfield talks about land values.

U.S. and Foreign Land Investment

By Richard Keller, editor, Ag Professional Magazine, December 2011
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers added considerable meat to its annual meeting program under the title of “AgroNomics—Vision 2012,” which was touted as combining the ASFMRA annual meeting with “a U.S. ag investment conference.”

Agriculture Moving from Surplus to Shortage

Southwest Farm Press, Ron Smith - We now add one million people to the globe every five days. Farmers have to provide food and fiber for that growing population. For decades U.S. farmers produced in times of surplus and typically sold for relatively low prices. That situation seems to be changing, says Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. Staples, speaking at the Texas Plant Protection Association annual conference Monday said U.S. and world agriculture may be heading into a time of shortage

Farm Kids

From The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter - Facing a backlash from farmers already struggling with labor shortages… The Labor Dept. will ease pending rules pertaining to some kids under 16 who work on farms. The agency caught an earful from farm advocates who feel that the rules erode farm families’ statutory exemption from workplace safety rules. The law leaves the safety of kids in farm families up to the parents. So farm parents want to make sure that coming federal requirements for kids to work only on tractors that are equipped with roll bars and seat belts continue to exclude their children. Also, the rules’ stricter limits on the ability of ag vocational trainers to teach youth to operate machines safely will be revisited. These regs may not be finalized until ’13.

Tech Tips from Technology Discussions in Phoenix

By Fred Jaynes, ARA, In case you missed out on the technology discussions at AgroNomics, Annual Meeting in Phoenix here are some of the links to great websites, apps and tools that came out of the discussions. There are probably one or two or more that you can put to work for you right now.

GoToMyPC enables fast, easy and secure remote access to a Mac or PC from any web browser.

Market “Feel” — Plenty of Demand; Plenty of Supply

From LandOwner Newsletter: Subscribers sometimes ask what our “feel” is for the market. We’re getting that question more frequently now that sale bills are filling multiple pages in farm publications.

Our answer: We are seeing a return to a more normal functioning market — one with plenty of demand and cash underneath. The “fire” we saw early in the year when seemingly shocking new high prices were being set at auctions every day seems to have eased. Buyers are accepting the higher prices. But there’s also recognition other properties are available or may come available, so the pent-up pressure to buy is eased.

New IRS Audit Guide Addresses Conservation Easements

From IRS - The Internal Revenue Service released a new guide Nov. 22 that gives taxpayers a blueprint for how IRS examiners will view charitable contributions of property that is permanently restricted as to use and development, according to Bureau of National Affairs’ Daily Tax Report.

The Conservation Easement Audit Techniques Guide covers the statutory requirements for charitable contributions of parks, wetlands and historic land or structures as they pertain to which organizations will qualify for the deductions, according to BNA’s Daily Tax Report.

Farm Bill Outlook

By Stephen Frerichs - Normally, going into the last year of a Farm Bill (2012 for the 2008 bill), the House and Senate Agriculture Committees would have held a series of field and Washington, DC based hearings leading up to Committee mark-ups. That process was superseded by the effort between the four principals: Agriculture Committee Chairs Stabenow D-MI, and Lucas R-OK and ranking members Roberts R-KS and Peterson D-MN, to craft a bill to be included in the possible Super Committee bill. An agreement was reached, a bill was drafted; but it has yet to be made public as the Super Committee failed to act. So, what to do with that work product –

Welcome New and Reinstated Members

Thank you for being a part of the ASFMRA! Help the ASFMRA welcome our new and reinstated members. The ASFMRA appreciates every member for choosing the Society as the association you desire to affiliate with. The ASFMRA continues to make every effort to offer member services which will be of benefit to you professionally and personally.

We are recognizing new and reinstating members of the Society on a monthly basis. You may recognize your fellow peers in the following list and we encourage you to welcome them into the membership of the ASFMRA.

Third quarter farmland values at record high

From Agri-pulse - WASHIGNTON, Nov. 16- Midwestern farmland values rose more than 25 percent in the third quarter of FY 2011, according to Federal Reserve Bank surveys.

Tenth District farmland values surged to a record high in the third quarter, with stronger gains in the northern Plains, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s quarterly Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions

Chicago Fed finds Iowa farmland values up 31% in last year

From Dave DeWitte / SourceMedia Group News - As a Chicago Fed conference on agriculture land values got under way today, new data released by the Fed reinforced how much there is to talk about.

The year over year increase in cropland values in the third quarter of 2011 was a stunning 31 percent in Iowa and 25 percent in the Chicago Fed’s region as a whole, according to the quarterly Agricultural Newsletter released by the Chicago Fed this morning.

Super Committee Fails – What’s Next?

By Stephen Frerichs - Members of the Super Committee failed to reach an agreement on how to reduce our budget deficit by $1.2 trillion over ten years. The joint leaders of the committee, Senator Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Hensarling (R-TX) issued a statement yesterday: “After months of hard work and intense deliberations, we have come to the conclusion today that it will not be possible to make any bipartisan agreement available to the public before the committee’s deadline.”

ASFMRA & Appraisal Institute Call for Transparency on Home Buyers' Forms

From Market Watch - The Appraisal Institute, in a joint letter with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, asked the CFPB to separate appraisal fees from administration and processing fees on the settlement forms that consumers receive when purchasing ...

Bierschwale Elected Vice Chair of TAF Board of Trustees, Seely Honored for Years of Service on AQB

At their recent meeting, Paul Bierschwale, ARA, was elected as Vice Chair of the Appraisal Foundation Board of Trustees. The Appraisal Foundation is governed by the Board of Trustees, and oversees the activities of the Foundation Boards and Advisory Councils.

Scott Seely, ARA, was honored for his eight years of service on the Appraisal Qualifications Board, including serving as Vice Chair. The AQB establishes the minimum education, experience and examination requirements for real property appraisers to obtain a state certification. In addition, the AQB performs a number of ancillary duties related to real property and personal property appraiser qualifications.

Congratulations to these members!

Highlights from AgroNomics - Vision 2012

The committee meetings, education offerings, and chapter officers’ workshop wrapped up early on Tuesday afternoon so everyone would be free to attend the annual Membership Meeting, Officer Installation, and the Board of Directors Meeting. This year’s Board meeting saw a great increase in attendance over the past several years. The 2011-2012 Executive Council was presented and installed. Your new ASFMRA Executive Council is:

Ed Kiefer: 2011 Professional Farm Manager of the Year

From Ag Professional - Ed Kiefer grew up on a 660-acre grain and livestock farm in southeast Iowa. He knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in agriculture.

Conservation Easement as an Option

From Ag Professional - Conservation easements are proven to be a wise way for some landowners to preserve private property from development by placing restrictions on land use for perpetuity. The conservation easement wording sounds as though any land put into such an easement cannot be used for crop production, but that is not completely true.

Farm Credit Renews Support for America's Heartland

From PRWEB - America's Heartland (www.AmericasHeartland.org) announced today that Farm Credit (www.FarmCredit.com) has committed to renew its underwriting support for season eight of the award-winning national television series celebrating American agriculture. This is Farm Credit's second season to underwrite the program viewed on more than 240 public television stations as well as the RFD-TV cable and satellite channel.

American Farm Bureau Federation Opposes Shallow Loss Programs

By Stephen Frerichs - Stating that government agricultural support programs traditionally were intended to provide a safety-net to help farmers deal with “large systemic risk issues” rather than “smaller fluctuations in income” that can result from “average weather and market events,” the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) sent a farm program proposal to Congress that is an alternative to earlier shallow-loss proposals offered by the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association.

Farm Bill and Select Committee Update

By Stephen Frerichs - On October 14, 2011 Agriculture Committee Chairmen Lucas (R-OK) and Stabenow (D-MI) and ranking members Peterson (D-MN) and Roberts (R-KS) sent a letter to the Select Committee, also known as the Super Committee offering $23 billion in cuts over 10 years to programs under their jurisdiction. The letter also promised to provide a complete legislative package by November 1, 2011. That package has not yet been finalized. Rumor has it that the four principals are close to finalizing the next farm bill, but legislative language and final numbers are not yet completed. The goal is to send a package to the Super Committee this week.

The Super Committee has until November 23 to report its package of cuts. It is unclear whether the Super Committee will accept what the Agriculture Committee submits, reject it or amend it. Obviously the expectation by many is the Super Committee will accept the bipartisan, bicameral product from the Agriculture Committees. It is likely to be the only bipartisan, bicameral product received by the Super Committee.

DTN/Progressive Farmer Article on AgroNomics, Vision 20112

Read the DTN/Progressive Farmers Article by Marcia Zarley Taylor on ASFMRA's AgroNomics, Vision 2012 Conference.

AgroNomics & 82nd Annual Meeting Highlights

See the photos, presentations and handouts from the AgroNomics - Vision 2012 conference and trade show. Download speaker presentations, visit our sponsors and exhibitors.

Exclusive Offer for Members

Through special arrangement with Pro Farmer, ASFMRA members may receive their just-published 2011 Annual Land Report at the low Pro Farmer members-only rate. The 22-page report, available in electronic format only, normally carries a retail price of $99. But ASMRA members may purchase it at the $29 Pro Farmer members-only rate by using the special promo code ASFMRA. Just go to the link below to purchase and download the report or call 800-772-0023 to request the report via email. Be sure to mention the ASFMRA promo code. Here are some of the articles and data in this 22 page report:

When Will Farmland Values Collapse?
Quality Cropland Still Commands Strong Premium
Survey Finds 13% Six-Month Gain in Iowa Land Values
14% Surge Seen in Illinois Land Values First Half 2011
Western Bankers Report Decline in Crop, Ranch Values
Farmers Still Main Buyers in Illinois Farmland Market
Missouri Cropland Values Rise 12%
Highlights from USDA’s Annual Land Survey
Plus Reports on Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Indiana, Texas

Photos from AgroNomics in Phoenix

The exciting AgroNomics - Vision 2012, the 82nd Annual Meeing is taking place in Phoenix right now.

Northwest Iowa Posts Another Record — $16,750/Acre!

From LandOwner News: The northwest Iowa farmland market posted another one for the record books Oct. 4. That’s when 120 acres in Sioux County sold for $16,750 an acre. The 160-acre farm involved is located just northwest of Hull, north of Sioux Center.

Deficit Reduction Plan for Agriculture

By Stephen Frerichs - House and Senate Agriculture leaders (Chairwoman Stabenow (D-MI), Chairman Lucas (R-OK), Ranking members Roberts (R-KS) and Peterson (D-MN)) have reached an agreement and sent a letter to the “Super committee” suggesting Agriculture’s contribution to deficit reduction be no more than $23 billion over ten years. Read the letter.

Experience the Niagara Falls

Look at what’s new for the Education Foundation Auction –Three days, two nights Niagara Falls Trip has been donated by Richard and Conni Edmunds. Experience the American Falls, Canadian Falls and Niagara on the Lake. There are wine tours, agriculture tours, shopping, casinos, and more! Get ready for your chance to win one of four ½ gallon jugs of Maple Syrup donated by Richard and Conni Edmunds.

Grant gives California clearer picture of water supply

Western Farm Press, Sara Yang, UC Berkeley - California will soon get a clearer picture of its water supply thanks to a $2 million National Science Foundation grant announced Oct. 3.

Bylaws & Policy & Procedure Manual Proposed Changes & Proposed Dues Increase

As a reminder, notification of proposed changes to the ASFMRA Bylaws and Policy and Procedure Manual as well as proposed dues increase was published in the ASFMRA Legislative News sent out on September 20, 2011. These proposed changes will be presented to the Board of Directors and voted on in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

ASFMRA, AI Team Up on FHA Appraisals and REO Disposition

By Bill Garber - ASFMRA and the Appraisal Institute collectively responded to two separate comment request from the Federal Housing Administration and the Federal Housing Finance Agency the week of September 12. The two associations urged FHA to implement an agency specific education requirement for acceptance on the FHA Appraiser Roster. The suggestion comes in response to a comment request from FHA seeking to codify in regulation a policy established by Congress requiring state certification for acceptance on the FHA Appraiser Roster.

Successful 2011 Leadership Institute

Last week 14 farm managers and 9 appraisers wrapped up another successful Leadership Institute. LI participants met with their members of Congress, heard from House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff and House Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) about the outlook for the next farm bill and the implications of the "Super Committee's" work on the farm bill. It is clear that the "Super Committee" will greatly impact the outcome of the next Farm Bill; but also very clear that no one yet knows how.

ASFMRA to Vote on Dues Increase

The ASFMRA Board of Directors will be voting on an increase in dues effective September 2012 at the October 2011 Annual Meeting in Phoenix.

Register by September 30 for Annual Meeting and Save…

The ASFMRA Annual Meeting and Agro-Nomics Vision 2012 Conference is just around the corner. The early registration deadline is September 30 – an important date to remember to take advantage of substantial cost savings. Whether you have never been to an annual meeting, have attended a few of them over the years, or you are a ‘regular’, the conference at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix October 24-28 is definitely one for the record books.

Get the September 2011 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report

Get the September 2011 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report - published by the USDA

California May Mandate GMO Labeling

AgProfessional Weekly - The anti-biotechnology Label GMOs, which previously announced its campaign to raise awareness for labeling genetically modified foods with a RightToKnow March in October, has gone beyond starting a public relations stunt. The organization has launched a campaign in California to require mandatory labeling of GMOs in food in the state by 2012. The initiative would require that any food product sold in California be labeled if it contained any “genetically modified organism.”

Corn Growers Outline Farm Bill Priorities

By Stephen Frerichs - At the Farm Progress Show in Illinois last week, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) outlined its farm bill priorities. NCGA's highest policy objective for the next farm bill is development of an effective, affordable crop insurance program. To improve existing programs, NCGA advocates that the Risk Management Agency implement recommendations of an independent review team that would result in premiums better reflecting the losses that have been experienced over the past decade.

Welcome New Members

Thank you for being a part of the ASFMRA! Help the ASFMRA welcome our new members. The ASFMRA appreciates every member for choosing the Society as the association you desire to affiliate with. The ASFMRA continues to make every effort to offer member services which will be of benefit to you professionally and personally.

Investing in Rural America

By Jeff Berg, ARA - As America’s leading professional organization for farm management, rural appraisal and agricultural consulting, ASFMRA’s goal is to be the best. We are excited this year to offer a new and expanded direction to our annual meeting that reinforces our professionalism and our position of leadership in the industry.

Rickert Family Prather Ranch in Northern California

From Farm Journal Legacy Project - Don't let the idyllic setting fool you. At Prather Ranch, the Rickert family has created an extraordinarily progressive operation. Spread over 44,000 lush acres in five Northern California counties, the ranch produces feed for its closed herd, and includes a Grandin method abattoir, top quality beef and biomedical products.

DOT Announces No Intention of Regulating Farmers

By Stephen Frerichs - The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced last week that it has no intention to propose new regulations governing the transport of agricultural products. The agency also released guidance designed to make sure states clearly understand the common sense exemptions that allow farmers, their employees, and their families to accomplish their day-to-day work and transport their products to market.

Kirk Weih, AFM on Agri-Pulse Open Mic

Kirk Weih, AFM, an accredited farm manager and licensed real estate broker in Iowa who serves as president of the ASFMRA, talks about the market forces impacting farmland - including the role of federal ethanol policy, who is buying at today's sky-high prices and how steep the correction will be when it occurs. Weih says his business has never been better, and he notes that a number of his ASFMRA colleagues are finding profitable opportunities overseas, too.

Much in Store at Annual Meeting for Spouses And Guests!

While conference attendees are busy in program sessions, networking breaks and conversation with colleagues, there is an entire separate agenda available for spouses and guests. Beginning on Wednesday, October 26th, an informal Meet & Greet is planned from 9 to 10 a.m. This new gathering is an opportunity for spouses and guests of meeting attendees to get acquainted over a morning beverage and bite to eat. Two separate tour options will follow, offering a choice for shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square or a trip to the wonderful Desert Botanical Garden.

USDA reports Iowa cropland value up 23.9% in 2011

From Business 380 Magazine, The value of Iowa cropland skyrocketed by a nation-leading 23.9 percent in 2011, according to a USDA report released this week.

Don't Miss Out on Leadership Institute - Registration Deadline Extended

Don't miss out on this opportunity to increase your professional skill level and learn more about policy, federal regulations and the legislative process in DC. Members who have attended this event say that it is one of the most valuable and worthwhile experiences they have ever had. Managers and consultants tour Chesapeake Farms, a diverse property that features a managed deer hunting program, wildlife habitat, and conservation easements.

Another Chance to Comment on FSA/RMA Reporting

By Stephen Frerichs - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) published another "Request for Information" in the Federal Register. This is another opportunity to provide comments to USDA regarding how it can improve acreage reporting and common information systems. Comments are due by September 19, 2011.

ASFMRA Annual Meeting - Registration Now Open!

AgroNomics, Vision 2012 and the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) come together October 24 – 28 at the Point Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Arizona promising a one of a kind event. The conference will offer interaction opportunities for investors and fund managers together with the land management, property valuation, consulting and rural property experts of the ASFMRA. The AgroNomics Trade Show will showcase exhibitors from across the country promoting unique products and services amidst a continuous networking venue for conference attendees. From the informal opening reception to engaging speaker sessions and an educational Power Networking Lunch, there will be ongoing opportunities for interaction. Register early for what promises to be an outstanding new conference bringing agribusiness and investment professionals together under one roof.

Please Comment on GPS Availability

By Stephen Frerichs - Please take a moment to file comments with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) about the LightSquared proposal that we have reported about to you over the past several months. Below is a link and talking points. Please personalize your comments. The Coalition to Save Our GPS will also be filing comments. Please Submit your Comments to the FCC by July 30.

Conservation Group Wants to Tie Conservation Compliance to Crop Insurance

By Stephen Frerichs - One of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations—the Izaak Walton League—wants crop insurance to be subject to Conservation Compliance rules in the next farm bill. Brad Redlin is the agricultural program director of the Izaak Walton League.

GPS Coalition responds to LightSquared Solution

The battle over interference with GPS is heating up with dueling press releases. LightSquared issued a press release on June 20 claiming it has a proposed solution to avoid most GPS interference.

Pioneer Ag Tour Set for Phoenix – Register Early as Space is Limited!

Once again, ASFMRA thanks our corporate partners at Pioneer for their very generous contribution to the Phoenix annual meeting – the Pioneer Ag Tour. This year’s tour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique aspects of Arizona agriculture.

An early start to the day will require tour participants to be in the lobby of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs at 7 a.m. Coffee and rolls will be provided as you get checked in and begin boarding buses. The first stop of the day is Shamrock Farms. Learn the meaning of the company tagline ‘Real. Fresh. Ideas’ as you tour one of the largest family-owned and operated dairies in the US. Founded in 1922, Shamrock Farms is home to more than 10,000 cows and a full line of wholesome dairy products. As an organization, they are committed to being environmental stewards, continually examining ways to the further companywide sustainable practices and community support.

The remainder of the tour will be spent at the impressive University of Arizona Maricopa Agriculture Center. As Arizona’s Agricultural Experiment Station, the center’s goal is to develop, deliver and service the best integrated agricultural technologies for all problems faced by Arizona consumers and producers. Research at the center focuses on cotton, small grains, alfalfa and new specialty crops, with an 80 acre Irrigation Laboratory on site dedicated to irrigation research. Following a catered lunch, Joseph Hiller from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Arizona will discuss Arizona Tribal Agriculture Systems. Howard Wuertz, Sundance Farms, Owner and Operator of Arizona Drip Systems Inc., will round out the day explaining the water saving and yield boosting sub surface drip irrigation systems that are now being used around the world.

Attendees are sure to come away from the 2011 Pioneer Ag Tour both enlightened and impressed with the diversity of agriculture and agricultural practices that are found in the Grand Canyon State. Please keep in mind that there is no charge for this tour but pre-registration is required as seating is limited. Register for the conference early to ensure you have a seat on the tour!

Jeff Berg, ARA Reports from London

By Jeff Berg, ARA. As ASFMRA President Elect, I attended an International Agricultural Investment Conference in London this week looking for opportunities for ASFMRA members. I talked with US and European investors this week who want and need YOUR expertise. What they know about agriculture is mainly on an Excel spreadsheet. Investors want the stability of farmland investments in their portfolios in an otherwise highly volatile investment environment.

Here's the bottom line--investors realize that they need the 'boots on the ground' expertise that you possess. Lots of investors told me that they would already have money in farmland, but the details of owning and operating farms are outside of expertise--they NEED to hire your expertise.
As farm managers, rural appraisers and consultants, we have skill sets that are in high demand--investors are looking for YOU!

Most of us are farm kids--we are mostly clueless regarding the economic value of our experience and education. One of the major challenges faced by investors is finding knowledgeable and competent management (including appraisal, consulting and farm management) for agricultural assets--everyone was talking about it this week. This talent is needed not only in the US, but internationally. We are sitting on a gold mine and we don't even realize our potential. The world is a whole lot bigger than the small geographic area in which you're working. If this fascinates you, you need to develop the specific skills necessary to meet the standards for working with investors--it's not like working with Gramma.

Interested in capitalizing on this opportunity? Here's how--attend the Financial Reporting (FR) Seminar at SEW in July. The FR seminar will give you the awareness level of your responsibilities in working with the investment community.

If you work with pension funds, institutional investors, corporations or large private investors, you may already be performing Financial Reporting and not even realize your responsibility--or liability!! Not to mention the economic value of your expertise! If you are a person that wants to take your skills to the next level--and get paid for it--join me at the Financial Reporting seminar at SEW. Become competent. Take the first step into the new world of opportunity that I have encountered in London this week. Register now for Fair Value Reporting at Summer Ed Week in Omaha.

2011 Journal of the ASFMRA Published

The 2011 Journal of the ASFMRA has been published on the ASFMRA website.

Senate Votes to End Ethanol Subsidies

By Stephen Frerichs - Last week while debating the Economic Development Revitalization Act, the Senate voted overwhelmingly (73 to 27) to end the Volume Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and the ethanol tariff by the end of June 2011.

AgroNomics / 82nd Annual Meeting Registration Now Open!

Register today for AgroNomics, Vision 2012 - the 82nd Annual Meeting of ASFMRA. An outstanding line up of speakers, a growing trade show, and new networking opportunities will be waiting for you in Phoenix, AZ on October 24-28.

Now It’s $13,500/Acre In Central Illinois

From LandOwner Newsletter: The Illinois farmland market rings up another record — $13,500 per acre. It came June 3, just eight days after setting a record of $12,900 per acre. Both sales were in Champaign County. These aren’t the eye-blinker $13,950 an acre rung up in northwest Iowa last fall. But, wow, they are close. And there are more than one.

IRS Finalizes Appraiser Debarment Process

The Internal Revenue Service released final rules May 31 outlining the process under which an appraiser could be disqualified from presenting evidence or testimony before the IRS or Department of Treasury.

GPS Interference Concerns

On January 26, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an Order and Authorization giving LightSquared conditional approval to build out a ground-based wireless network.

Fun Things to do in Omaha during Summer Ed Week

Omaha was founded in 1854 and was incorporated as a city in 1897. Omaha was named after an American Indian tribe and means “those going against the wind or current.” It is the 40th largest city in the United States.

Future Farm World 2011

Future Farm World 2011 held in London 22-23 June will bring together farming businesses, suppliers, regulators and many more to talk about the new technology and innovative farming models that are helping to evolve the current farming model. Make sure you don't miss out on this event and register today

Commodity Selloff Triggers Worries

The commodities bubble peaked last week and was quickly punctured. That left some wondering if their long-term inflation concerns were misplaced. If so, that could prove negative for cropland values. From LandOwner Newsletter.

Young Member Scholarship for Phoenix – Recipients Named

Three scholarships were offered to assist a young member and/or family with financial assistance in order to participate in the 82nd ASFMRA Annual Meeting, October 24-28, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.

IRS Releases Timber Valuation Audit Guide

On May 16, the Internal Revenue Services released to the public an audit guide to provide guidance on conducting income tax examinations with a Timber Casualty Loss.

Maryland Governor Signs AMC Registration and Commission “Special Fund” Bill Into Law

Maryland became the 26th state to enact a comprehensive appraisal management company law when Governor Martin O’Malley signed SB 658/HB 1181 into law on May 10.

British Land Values/ Trends Remain Strong

From the Westchester Group Investment
“We expect the interest in farmland to continue,
especially as the need to feed a growing population is now high on the political agenda” from Savills' 39th annual Agricultural Land
Market Survey.

Summer Education Week Registration is Open!

We're in Omaha, Nebraska this year with the strongest program we've ever offered! The week of July 10-15, 2011 has lots of education for everyone.

Can the Run-up in Farmland Values Continue?

©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Yes, very likely. So far...no signal of a pause. Responding to Creighton University's April survey, bankers in 10 Midwestern and Western states gave strong odds on land prices climbing till year-end.

Halfway Point Reached in Enactment of State AMC Laws

From the Appraisal Institute - Montana became the 25th state to enact a comprehensive law regarding appraisal management companies when Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed House Bill 188 into law April 22. HB 188 will require AMCs operating in Montana to register with, and be overseen by, the Board of Real Estate Appraisers. The law takes effect Oct. 1.

Regulatory Review - USDA Seeks Input on Acreage Reports

By Stephen Frerichs - On April 20, 2011 USDA published in the Federal Register a Request for Information (RFI), basically asking for public input on how USDA can streamline some of its regulatory burdens. One of the items it is specifically requesting comments on impacts commodity and crop insurance programs.

Soaring Farmland Prices: Potential Bubble or a Good Investment?

From Delta Farm Press
While land prices in the Mid-South haven’t attained the stratospheric levels of those in Iowa and California, they have nonetheless seen good appreciation, says George Baird, owner/operator of Baird & Brunson Land Management Group LLC, Collierville, Tenn. “In the past 12 months, farmland prices in our region have continued to climb,” he says, “with increases being reported between 6 percent to 15 percent.

Poultry Operations In for a Good Year

Poultry operations are in for a good year…poised for an upswing in both sales and profits.
Americans are eating more chicken again, after consumption fell off in the recession. They’ll each eat about 1.5 lbs. more this year than last. ©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

Upcoming Investment Programs

In addition to the first offering of AgroNomics, Vision 2012 conference, ASFMRA has joined forces to cross promote two other investment conferences. For more information on the SoyaTech Global AgInvesting Conference visit www.globalaginvesting.com. To learn more about the Terrapinn Future Farm World Conference visit: https://secure.terrapinn.com/V5/rCalc.aspx?E=4210&C=1069QNNT

Investment Opportunities

This coming October, ASFMRA will be rolling out their new AgroNomics, Vision 2012 conference in Phoenix. AgroNomics, Vision 2012 - A US Ag Investment Conference is the only conference providing networking and interaction for land investors & fund managers together with the land management, property valuation, agricultural consulting, and rural land & property sales experts.

Appraisers Unhappy Over Loopholes in “Customary and Reasonable” Fees

By Bill Garber
Long-awaited appraisal reform regulations took effect April 1 as part of the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, but not all appraisers are happy, Inman News reported April 12.

FY 2011 Budget Deal Impacts to Agriculture

By Stephen Frerichs
Overall, the final Continuing Resolution (CR) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 includes a total of $1.049 trillion in funding, a nearly $40 billion reduction from FY 2010 levels. The CR funds agricultural programs at $20 billion, which is $3 billion below the FY 2010 enacted level. So agriculture contributed about 7.5% of the overall reduction

The Appraisal Profession is at a Critical Juncture

By Jeff Berg, ARA
The appraisal profession is at a critical juncture. The number of people in the profession recently declined by about 10,000 as a result of the US housing industry crash and the global economic crisis. Most of the losses were in the residential sector. At the same time agriculture is booming and there is strong demand for rural appraisers with a high degree of expertise.

Bright Outlook for This Year

As planting season goes into full swing...The outlook for this year is bright.It features favorable planting condition and rainfall forecasts for most parts of the country. And a hungry marketplace eager to eat up much of what American farmers expect to produce.That spells robust profit potential for U.S. farmers. ©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

GPS Signals are Potentially Threatened by FCC Waiver

By Dennis Reyman, AFM, ARA
In January, the Federal Communications Commission granted a conditional waiver to LightSquared, a private company with ambitions to provide mobile broadband service by installing up to 40,000 land-based transmitters.

Bipartisan Senate bill would accelerate farm equipment depreciation, boost ag economy

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
WASHINGTON, March 31 -Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday to permanently set a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment.

African Women Scientists Develop Food Security Solutions and Leadership Voice Through Novus

ST. CHARLES, Missouri, March 15, 2011– Novus International, Inc. announced its second year of partnership with the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program.

Farm Income this Year will Smash Records

Farm income this year will smash records, with the net nearly $100 billion, up 8% or so from ’10, and up 40% vs. the ’09 ag slump. It’ll add so much to bottom lines that farmers’ equity in their operations will climb past $2 trillion for the first time in history. ©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

Ethanol Facts from US Dept of Energy

MYTH: In terms of emissions, ethanol pollutes the same as gasoline or more.
FACT: Ethanol results in fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than gasoline
and is fully biodegradable, unlike some fuel additives.

Investment Opportunities

This coming October, ASFMRA will be rolling out their new AgroNomics, Vision 2012 conference in Phoenix. AgroNomics, Vision 2012 - A US Ag Investment Conference is the only conference providing networking and interaction for land investors & fund managers together with the land management, property valuation, agricultural consulting, and rural land & property sales experts. In addition to the AgroNomics, Vision 2012 conference, we have joined forces to cross promote the Terrapinn and SoyaTech Conferences. Visit the ASFMRA website for information on these other conferences.

Bipartisan Senate bill would accelerate farm equipment depreciation, boost ag economy

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
WASHINGTON, March 31 -Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday to permanently set a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment.

African Women Scientists Develop Food Security Solutions and Leadership Voice Through Novus

ST. CHARLES, Missouri, March 15, 2011– Novus International, Inc. announced its second year of partnership with the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program.

Ethanol Facts from US Dept of Energy

MYTH: In terms of emissions, ethanol pollutes the same as gasoline or more.
FACT: Ethanol results in fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than gasoline
and is fully biodegradable, unlike some fuel additives.

Iowa Farmland Values Soar 19.7% in 6 Months

By Kelli Sutterman
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The average value of an acre of good Iowa farmland jumped 19.7 percent since September, according to a new survey of Realtors who specialize in farm and land sales, management and appraisal.

House Agriculture Committee Meets to Consider Budget Letter

By Stephen Frerichs
The House Agriculture Committee met last week to consider its request to the House Budget Committee. Even though the FY 2011 appropriation bill remains unresolved, Congress must begin to consider its 2012 budget. The House letter warns against cuts to the agriculture spending baseline and mentions the SRA cuts as a contribution agriculture already has made to deficit reduction.

“Don’t Bet the Farm” – FDIC Reviews Land Values

By Stephen Frerichs
On March 10, 2011 the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) held a seminar to review rising lands values. Since 2000, U.S. farmland values have roughly doubled in nominal terms and have risen 58 percent after inflation The FDIC looked at questions such as: “Is this another asset bubble similar to residential real estate or dot-com equities before it?

Agricultural Outlook, Farmland Values Getting Attention

By Stephen Frerichs
USDA held its annual agricultural outlook forum at the end of February. Highlights from the forum include USDA’s predictions on the state of the agricultural economy, which it deemed as “strong”.

GAO Seeks Input from ASFMRA

By Jeffrey Berg, ARA
GAO (Government Accountability Office) interviewed several ASFMRA appraisers recently. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 was enacted by Congress on July 21, 2010.

DNR Soliciting for Personal Service Contract for 2011-2013 Biennium

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is soliciting for 2011 – 2013 Personal Services Contract proposals under which market value appraisals, evaluations and appraisal reviews will be conducted.

K.C. Fed Bank President Again Issues Land Values Warning - LandOwner Newsletter

Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Hoenig has been quite vocal in recent months over his concerns a bubble could be forming in farmland (LandOwner December 9, 2010).

World Hunger is Again Raising Concerns - Kiplinger Agriculture Letter

World hunger is again raising concerns. After dipping in ’10, it’s again visiting more than 13% of the bulging global family…the norm for years. The good news: The world isn’t short of food. Despite serious ’10 crop losses in Australia, Canada, Russia, Ukraine and other countries… ©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

Spigot is Wide-Open for Agribusiness Credit

While credit is loosening a bit overall…The spigot is wide-open for agribusinesses because prices for many ag commodities are high, creating strong cash flow that’s music to lenders’ ears. ©2011 Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

President's Budget Released

The President's budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 was released last week. It includes a bevy of proposals that are retreads of previous proposals. Among the agricultural proposals are:
1) Re-rate the CAT program to lower imputed premium thereby cutting underwriting gain and A&O payments;
2) Reduce the direct payment cap from $40,000 to $30,000 per individual;
3) Reduce the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) test for farm programs from $750,000 to $500,000 for farm income;
4) Reduce the AGI test for farm programs from $500,000 to $250,000 for off-farm income;
5) Reduce spending for various conservation programs provided for in the farm bill.

House Completes Debate on FY 2011 Spending

Early last Saturday morning, the House passed HR 1, the continuing resolution for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. Recall that the previous Congress did not complete FY 2011 appropriation bills but punted action to the current Congress. That punt, called a continuing resolution (CR) is set to expire on March 4, 2011. In order to keep the government from shutting down, Congress must either pass another short term CR or agree to a funding bill for FY 2011.

ASFMRA Ethics Webinars Scheduled

The ASFMRA has scheduled six Ethics Webinars. Please note that all Associate, Professional, and Accredited Members are required to take the ASFMRA Ethics every six (6) years. The ASFMRA Executive Council has asked that all members who are not current with this membership requirement complete the course no later than December 31, 2011.

Farmland: Fall 2010 Report

By Howard Halderman, AFM from Ag Professional Magazine
Farmland continues its reign as the "best of class" in terms of real estate investment alternatives in 2010!

Kiplinger Agriculture Letter - New Member Benefit

The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter comes to you from the well-known and respected publisher of timely, trusted personal finance and business forecasts. The Kiplinger Agriculture Letter is much more that a publication – it’s an agribusiness forecasting service.

Economics and Environmentalism

By Richard Keller, Ag Professional Magazine
An emphasis on world and U.S. agricultural economics and the need to counter ignorant intrusion into farming, ranching and rural businesses were the topics of major presentations at the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers' annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.