Elections Canada... to shut down Internet May 2!

[TOM4CWB]

Wow... this should be fun to watch!

ONLY IN CANADA! KIND of LIKE the CWB!!!

"Facebook and Twitter on Election Day

As you know, there is an advertising blackout starting at 12:00am on Election Day, May 2nd. The blackout period ends when the polls close. The Canada Elections Act states that campaign messages on the Internet cannot be changed during this blackout period. This applies to all campaign websites. It also means that no one can post messages on Facebook or Twitter that are related to the election. This applies to all candidates, Caucus Members, campaign volunteers and employees, and must cover all times zones.

Here is the blackout period for each time zone:

Newfoundland Time: May 2 at 12:00am – May 2 at 11:30pm
Atlantic Time: May 1 at 11:30pm – May 2 at 11:00pm
Eastern Time: May 1 at 10:30pm – May 2 at 10:00pm
Central Time: May 1 at 9:30pm – May 2 at 9:00pm
Mountain Time: May 1 at 8:30pm – May 2 at 8:00pm
Pacific Time: May 1 at 7:30pm – May 2 at 7:00pm"

[TOM4CWB]

I wonder what the jail time is for breaking the law?

[TOM4CWB]

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A Weekly Update From Your Friends at the Red River Farm Network



Monday, April 18, 2011


Weekly News Highlights
Happy Monday — RRFN was in Kansas City this past week for the National Agri-Marketing Conference. There were a number of excellent speakers and it was great to connect with so many wonderful people in the sales and marketing community. In the week ahead, RRFN launches its weekly CropWatch broadcast, although, with snow on the ground, it will be difficult to find much spring field activity. RRFN will also be in Devils Lake for its monthly Coffee Shop Tour Wednesday. The rising water in the Devils Lake Basin will be discussed during the CST broadcast.

Near-Record Flooding — The worst flooding on the Red River is now between Oslo, Minnesota and Drayton, North Dakota. The crest in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks was the third-highest on record, but in terms of flow, or volume, it was second, according to the National Weather Service. The Red in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks has dropped 2.5 feet since cresting Thursday morning. The Red crested in Oslo at 38.1 feet Thursday night but is not expected to get more than a few inches below 38 feet all week. Interstate 29 remains closed between Manvel and Grafton, North Dakota.

A White April — Friday’s snow dumped six to 11 inches of heavy, wet snow on an area from Lisbon to Finley, through Grand Forks to Bemidji. Cooler temperatures this week will slow the melt, mitigating the snow’s effect on flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for western and central North Dakota for tonight through early Wednesday.

Wet Conditions Threaten Corn Acreage Expectations — Pictures of blocked Interstates and rail lines circulated among grain traders this past week. Rich Feltes, Vice President of Research, R.J. O'Brien, says it does appear planting will be delayed in the Upper Midwest. "I think that brings into question whether or not we're going to get the 1.3 million acre gain in Dakota corn acreage; that represents one-third of the four million acre gain in corn acres USDA gave us in the March intentions."

Canadian Prairies Remain Saturated — Farmers in Western Canada expect to plant at least two weeks later than normal due to saturated fields and rising rivers. The most optimistic scenario would see farmers in Saskatchewan and Alberta start planting in early May, assuming warm, dry weather in the last half of this month. Flooding is widespread in Saskatchewan, but with favorable weather farmers may be able to start planting by the second week of May, about two weeks later than normal. Eastern Saskatchewan still has plenty of snow.

A Rare Switch in the Corn-Wheat Spread — The corn-wheat spread is trading at an inverse with the spot month corn trading higher than the spot month wheat contract this past week for the first time in 15 years. Market analysts expect the inverse to stay and even widen out as long as there are weather concerns about getting the corn crop planted in a timely manner. Some traders are saying the inverse could widen by another 50 cents as the cold, wet weather forecasts for the Midwest continue.

Informa Estimates Extremely Tight Stocks Situation — Informa Economics thinks the US corn supply will remain tight through the fall of 2012, despite a potentially record crop this year. Informa senior vice president James Sullivan told Informa’s annual policy conference that corn offers higher returns than soybeans at current market prices, suggesting additional acres may be planted to corn than currently expected. Sullivan pegs corn ending stocks at 575 million bushels at the end of August, 100 million bushels below USDA’s current estimate. That’s a four percent stocks-to-use ratio. Ending stocks would climb to 871 million bushels the following year. Sullivan projects new-crop corn futures prices would average $6.30 a bushel. Informa pegs this year’s corn crop at 13.9 billion bushels, and soybeans at 3.3 billion bushels. Soybean ending stocks are put at 146 million bushels this year, and 246 million next year.

Lock in Feed Purchases — With an ever-increasing feed bill, Paragon Economics President Steve Meyer says now is not the time for livestock producers to be going hand-to-mouth for feed purchases. "With only 675 million bushels in projected carryover, any hiccup on planting could mean we could easily see $9 corn on old crop; I'd get something covered." At the least, Meyer recommends producers purchase call options to protect themselves from $8 corn.

Soybean Crush Moves Higher — For the first time in five months, the soybean crush saw a month-to-month increase in March. National Oilseed Processors Association members crushed 134.4 million bushels last month, almost 10 million more than the previous month, but 15 million less than last year. The March crush was also more than a million bushels above the average pre-report trade estimate.

Don't Give Up Too Early — Although it’s only mid-April, the wet fields and cool weather have started some discussion about the possibility that corn planting may still be occurring in late May. Pioneer Hi-Bred area agronomist Zack Fore says switching to earlier hybrids too soon, or switching away from corn, can result in significant yield and profit penalties. A Pioneer fact sheet says long-term studies by both Pioneer and universities have shown a clear yield and profit advantage for full-season corn hybrids. Even when planted later, full-season corn hybrids often outperform early maturing hybrids economically. Pioneer says current economics support corn planting after May 15th.

Coffe Shop Tour Heads to Devils Lake — RRFN's monthly Coffee Shop Tour will make a stop in Devils Lake, North Dakota Wednesday. With the rising water in the Devils Lake Basin, flooding and infrastructure issues will certainly be part of the conversation. The Coffee Shop Tour is sponsored by the North Dakota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Weather Volatility and Energy Policy-A Bad Combination — The combination of weather volatility and energy policy can be disastrous. Wells Fargo agricultural economist Michael Swanson made that point, while advocating a more moderate biofuels policy. "For a long, long time, corn was not influenced by ethanol, but now it is a direct influence," said Swanson, "We are not like the Brazilians; we have not said when you have a great crop, use more (and) when you have a bad crop, use less, we've just said blend ten percent. In a world with a lot of weather volatility, you're setting yourself up for heartache."

Ethanol Cuts Gas Price — With the gas price passing $4 a gallon in many parts of the country, National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott says ethanol plays an important role in the energy economy in two ways. Schott says research indicates ethanol lowers gas prices by as much as 40 cents a gallon. In addition, Schott says the Institute for Local Self Reliance reports that 75 cents out of each dollar spent on biofeuls recirculates through the local economy.

Vilsack Stands Up for Biofuels — Testifying at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on domestic renewable fuels, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the US ethanol industry employs 400,000 people, and Congress should not create a cliff, but rather, a glidepath. Vilsack hopes the ethanol blenders credit, and import tariff, can be phased out over time, but use those incentives to grow this industry.

Poultry Pushback Over Biofuels — The poultry industry got its chance to bash ethanol this past week at a House ag subcommittee hearing. Paul Hill, a turkey grower, and chairman of West Liberty Foods in Iowa, said increased corn prices cost the turkey industry more than $1 billion in 2007 and 2008, and the current situation is almost as bad. "We must quit pretending ethanol isn't hurting farmers, ranchers and consumers. Ethanol is dividing Rural America. The corn farmer in me likes the prices, but the turkey farmer in me sees the real danger."

CR Passes — Both the House and Senate have passed the continuing resolution for the rest of this fiscal year that includes $38 billion in budget cuts. The votes were not nearly as close as some predicted; it passed the Senate on a vote of 81 to 19, after the House voted 260 to 167 for the spending bill. House Speaker John Boehner saw no cause for celebration with 59 Republicans rebelling against the FY 2011 CR. Boehner had to enlist support from 81 Democrats to pass the CR.

2012 Budget Passes the House — The House passed a fiscal 2012 budget resolution in a mostly party-line vote Friday, 235 to 193. That sets the stage for debate and likely rejection by the Senate. All but four Republicans voted yes. The House is now on a two-week Easter recess.

More Than Its Fair Share — National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the fiscal year 2012 budget passed by the House calls for cuts to agricultural risk management tools, including crop insurance, which are likely to be at the core of the next farm safety net, and reduces direct payments. Johnson thinks the budget has some groups, such as agriculture, doing much more than their fair share.

The Right Questions Aren't Being Asked — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the US needs to talk about whether American agriculture needs to be restructured to increase production and what will happen to the roles the government plays as budgets are cut. Speaking to the North American Agricultural Journalists, Vilsack said the media is not asking the right questions about food prices and using crops for fuel. “Instead of us asking the question whether or not imposing the biofuels industry on existing agriculture does that create problems for us, shouldn’t we be asking whether or not the agriculture production system can be redesigned to be able to meet the needs?” Vilsack cited studies by two land grant universities suggesting that double-cropping could produce raw materials for both biofuels production and food. Vilsack says there also needs to be a conversation about what role the government will play as the budget is cut. The USDA leader expects a large cut in conservation, and thinks the private sector should get involved.

Herseth Sandlin Disappointed in Both Parties — Speaking at South Dakota State University, former South Dakota Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin voiced frustration with the budget process in Washington, DC. "The fight has been on discretionary spending, not the big money items that are really driving the fiscal crisis that the country faces," said Herseth Sandlin, "I've been through those battles and I was disappointed, as a citizen (and) as a constituent, in both political parties." Herseth Sandlin said moderates in both parties need to be emboldened, but said that is difficult with the "gamesmanship" that is happening in Congress.

1099 Reporting Requirement is No More — The bill repealing the 1099 reporting requirement for businesses that pay anyone over $600 for goods and services has been signed into law. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says the bill was necessary to eliminate the excessive regulation.

Jackson and Vilsack Plan Iowa Trip — EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will make a joint appearance in Iowa Tuesday. The pair will visit a livestock farm, a row-crop farm and a biodiesel plant. The trip is seen as an attempt to buffer the criticism Jackson has received from the agriculture sector.

MFU Members Travel to DC — The National Farmers Union Fly-In was held this past week in Washington, DC. Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson said there is no doubt, budget cuts are coming. As the 2012 Farm Bill debate begins, Peterson says dairy policy reform will be the first out of the chute. "Stabenow, Lucas and Peterson all said dairy has to be fixed," said Peterson, "Lucas said the dairy industry can't take another down year; out of the last ten, they've had eight bad years and two good ones." The MFU leader expects the safety net for dairy farmers to be similar to a revenue insurance program.

Milk Exempted from Spill Regs — The White House Office of Management and Budget has given its approval to plans to exempt milk from the same spill prevention rules that govern the oil industry. Since milk contains animal fats, it was originally going to be regulated the same as an oil spill. After facing criticism from farm-state lawmakers, the EPA moved to exempt milk from the spill prevention and containment regs.

High Commodity Prices Result in High Crop Insurance Premiums — US crop insurers appear set to take in a record $11 billion in premiums this year, 45 percent more than last year, amid soaring prices for row crops. The industry says with record premiums and high commodity prices comes big risk if bad weather results in crop loss claims. Keith Collins, a consultant for the US crop insurance industry and former USDA chief economist, says the bigger the premium is, the bigger the potential for losses, and the bigger the potential gains for the companies-it just depends on the weather.

Clinton Offers Hope for Korean FTA — Speaking in Seoul, South Korea, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Obama Administration remains committed to the free trade agreement with South Korea. This deal was finalized in 2007, but has not been ratified, due to concerns from the US beef and auto industries. Clinton said the deal should be ratified well before the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.

Vaccinate Now — North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian Charlie Stoltenow is reminding cattle producers that now is the time to vaccinate cattle for anthrax; before they are turned out to pasture. Stoltenow says vaccines are effective, but they take about a week to establish immunity, and they should be given every year because immunity appears to wane after about 6 months.

De-listed — The Interior Department has taken the first step in delisting the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Minnesota Senator Al Franken says this action will help reduce the threat gray wolves have on the livestock industry.

MDA Spending Bill is the First Out of the Gate — The omnibus agriculture budget bill is the first spending bill to be signed into law by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. "This appropriations bill is an example of how we can work together constructively and effectively together on a bipartisan basis," said Dayton. The $79 million bill represents a five percent spending reduction in funding for agriculture programs. "We've maintained all along that agriculture is a strong part of our economy and for Minnesota to be strong, it is key that we keep agriculture strong, also," said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Doug Magnus. This bill includes the final ethanol producer deficiency payments, increases funding for Agriculture in the Classroom and maintains funding for Minnesota Grown, livestock depredation programs and county fairs.

ND Transportation Bill Will Become Law — North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple will sign into law House Bill 1012 today. The State Department of Transportation’s 2011-2013 budget bill includes unprecedented funding for transportation services and major roadway reconstruction projects and repairs for state, county, city and township roads throughout the state.

Centers of Excellence Eliminated from ND House Bill — The North Dakota House revived the Commerce Department’s budget bill just hours after it was killed. However, stripped from the bill are $13 million in centers of excellence grants that Governor Jack Dalrymple has advocated. Critics of the centers of excellence grants say they were not intended as a permanent source of money for North Dakota colleges.

Extension Cuts — The budget axe fell on South Dakota’s Cooperative Extension Service Tuesday; Seventeen Extension educators will be losing their jobs under a restructuring plan that requires all educators to resign and re-apply for new positions. South Dakota Extension Director Barry Dunn says the cuts are driven by an $818,000 cut in state support and a $325,000 cut in federal support. The reorganization of South Dakota Extension will replace county extension educators with 65 field specialists who will work out of regional Extension Centers in Aberdeen, Faith, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown.

Protein Research — A newly discovered gene introduced into soybean plants has greatly increased the protein content. Scientists at Iowa State University have placed a gene found in Arabidopsis plants into soybeans and increased the amount of protein in the beans by 30 to 60 percent. Arabidopsis is a small, flowering plant in the mustard family. The gene is known as QQS."

Thought this would work here!

[TOM4CWB]

That wasn't what I expected!

i THOUGHT i JUST copied THE LAST ARTICLE ON SOY PROTEIN!!!

[silverback]

You do know that most people would rather listen to their newscasts from someone who looks like her than Peter Mansbridge right? Craig Oliver? Jane Taber?

You just guaranteed another 100 people to watch her show today.

[Fransisco]

Oh come on now Silver, everyone knows that Craig Oliver is the biggest sex symbol since Knowlton Nash!

[Fransisco]

[riders2010]

So are we supposed to watch adler and levant sitting their reading harper's crap while they have a ***** or what?

[Fransisco]

Wow, angus has the Libs tied with the Dippers!

[silverback]

There is this really cool feature on modern electrical appliances. It is called the power button. If you don't think you will like what this Sun TV will put on the air then do not touch this button. The other buttons on this magic box control which channel the TV is tuned to. If for any reason you would rather keep listening to peter or craig, do not touch these buttons either.

[boarderbloke]

Likely due to Iggy's Howard Dean moment, lol
The Block pumping separtism again, will only add to Harper's %, looking forward to polls later this week.

[TOM4CWB]

OR Rider...

Just spend some time reading the 'real news'... like I just posted!!!

[riders2010]

Why do you guys post to each other on here, since one of you is sitting on the other's lap why don't you just whisper in the other's ear?

[ColevilleH2S]

This is getting stupider and stupider. When will someone at Elections Canada figure out all of this BS would go away if they closed the polls at the same instant right across the country.

How about
9:30 Nfld
9:00 Atlantic
8:00 QC and Ont.
7:00 Man.
6:00 Sk. and AB.
5:00 BC and YT.

[bucket]

Hey TOM

Did you notice Paul Martin has been pulled out to help campaign. Must be trying to get a deal on those boats for services rendered.

Since the liberals like to make shit up, I might as well start a debate on the boats and who will eventually own them.

My guess is Paul Martin, via the cwb via adrian measner et all.