Farm and Dairy’s top 10 stories of 2015

Ag economy

The year began with a strong likelihood of tight profit margins, and as the year progressed, those margins became event tighter. Ohio saw inclement weather and reduced yields, and issues with the haymaking and wheat harvest. By the end of the year, livestock and dairy margins were tightening up, as well.

• Sept. 17, 2015. Farmland values down across corn belt, but Ohio still increasing
• Sept. 24, 2015. Farmers brace for lean times in ag economy.
• Nov. 15. Lower commodity prices temper farmland values.
• Dec. 10. Lower profitability could affect land rents and values in 2016.

Clean water

Water quality continued to be on the minds of farmers, consumers and lawmakers. New restrictions were approved for applying nutrients during winter, and farmers continued to implement voluntary practices. A wet summer led to record algae blooms and nutrient loading, and in the fall, the state was exploring a statewide water quality bond issue.

• April 2, 2015. Ohio governor signs nutrient bill with ag limitations
• July 10, 2015. Heavy rains could lead to near-record algal bloom
• September, 2015. Heavy rains and water quality on minds at Farm Science Review
• Oct. 27, 2015. Groups propose Ohio water quality bond issue
• Nov. 10. NOAA reports largest Lake Erie algal bloom on record

Bird flu

Since being detected in December 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza claimed 48.1 million birds in the U.S., with turkeys and egg laying chickens most vulnerable. The outbreak was the largest animal health emergency in the country’s history. On Nov. 18, 2015, the USDA reported the U.S. is free of HPAI, however surveillance continues to be heightened as the fall and winter bird migration continues.

• Avian influenza could return as fall migration continues
• Bird flu biosecurity: Pa. imposes interstate quarantine
• Ohio 4-H’er on poultry show ban: ‘In my heart, I still have earned first place’
• Ohio cancels all poultry shows to minimize bird flu risk
• USDA confirms bird flu in backyard flock in Indiana
• Ohio lifts ban on poultry shows, sales
• West Virginia lifts poultry show ban

Clean Water Act

The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Clean Water Rule May 27, clarifying which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act. Most farm groups oppose the rule, worried the interpretation of “waters of the United States” will be broad and intrusive, and expands the federal government’s role. States, agricultural and business industry groups have filed at least 17 lawsuits to stop the implementation.

• EPA finalizes Clean Water Rule; defines ‘waters of the United States’
• States, industry groups sue EPA, Army Corps
• Senate votes to nullify Waters of the U.S. rule

GMO salmon and the debate over labeling GMO foods

On Nov. 19, the FDA approved the first genetically modified animal cleared for human consumption, salmon. The FDA also said the engineered salmon does not require labeling because there are no material differences between the engineered and normal salmon. The debate over whether to label genetically modified foods continues to be a hot topic in the agriculture industry.

• House Bill national standard on GMO Labeling

FERC pipelines

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC has been kept busy in 2015 with pipeline proposals to cross Ohio into Michigan. The pipeline construction projects are a direct result of the shale production in Ohio and Pennsylvania. One pipeline plan is to build a 710-mile interstate pipeline known as the ET Rover. The pipelines could reach 42 inches in diameter if the project is completed. Besides ET Rover, the Nexus Pipeline is also a FERC project. It will extend 250 miles and is considered to be a large diameter pipe project which will extend into Michigan.

• Pipelines are coming — landowners encouraged to make a ‘scorecard’

• Opinions vary over pipelines, but most accept they can’t stop them

• Wayne County landowners concerned about new pipelines

Shale

Energy prices have plummeted throughout 2015, which has meant a dramatic slow down in the Utica and Marcellus shale plays. Motorists have been enjoying the cheap fill ups at the gas pump with gas prices hovering below $2. However, the low prices haven’t been good for everyone, and it has meant layoffs in the oil, gas and coal industries. The price for a barrel of oil has fallen to under $40 and natural gas prices are the lowest they have been in more than 10 years.

COOL

The country of origin labeling dispute rages on in the United States. Early in December, The World Trade Organization ruled Canada and Mexico could slap more than $1 billion in tariffs on the United States. The ruling was in retaliation for meat labeling rules the U.S.A. was considered to be violating. However, as of mid December, the U.S. Congress reached an agreement on COOL that prevents the tariffs. With Senate passage of the OMINIBUS legislation, the only remaining hurdle to bringing the U.S. into compliance on COOL and avoiding retaliation is the president’s signature.

• US may face retaliatory tariffs of $1 billion from Canada, Mexico

• More COOL legislation: Another attempt at staving off a trade war with the neighbors

CAUV changes

Farmers and farm groups argued their case for a new CAUV formula that would more accurately reflect the value of farmland and woodland. The first round of recommendations were implemented, resulting in reduced future valuations. But as the year ended, farmers and lawmakers were seeking additional reforms.

• Feb. 5, 2015. Ohio tax advisory group discusses CAUV changes
• May 13, 2015. CAUV still not perfect but Farm Bureau offers new proposal to improve
• May 29, 2015. CAUV decreases, tax bills may not
• June 30, 2015. Landowners sue Ohio over CAUV calculations
• Nov. 23, 2015. Ohio lawmakers seek additional CAUV changes

Big Ag Data

While some farmers feel a little skeptical about big ag data the reality is, “there are no real secrets in farming.” In today’s society, there is an app for just about everything and the same is becoming true for agriculture. From electronic records, to apps that identify plant diseases and drones, farmers should take advantage of technology.

• No real secrets in ag:
• Weather apps:
• Nutrient app:
• Dairy records app:
• Smartphone battles crop disease:
• Recording Body Condition Scoring (BCS) data: