Farm Bill News From The Bird Community E-Bulletin

EVENTUAL FARM BILL RESOLUTION

The five-year, nearly $310-billion 2008 Farm Bill has finally been hammered out after months of extensions and negotiations in multiple open and closed meetings, chiefly among farm-state lawmakers.

The mainstream media watched the House and Senate pass the bill in early May, only to have it vetoed by President Bush, and then overridden by Congress. Most of the media’s focus was on the level of subsidies to large farmers, the perception (and reality) of “pork,” a new “permanent disaster” program, and nutrition elements. Conservation elements within the Farm Bill were given little serious attention.

That was unfortunate, since the status of the conservation features of the Farm Bill is particularly important for grassland and wetland birds and other wildlife. At the end of this process, the conservation elements for birds were mixed.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) proposed acreage will be lowered from the previous Farm Bill's 39.2 million acres to approximately 32 million acres. This loss is not a positive development for grassland bird conservation, but neither is the fact that CRP has to compete for cropland at a disadvantage in the face of remarkably high commodity prices.

Both the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and the newer Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) were renewed, but with smaller amounts than in the previous Farm Bill.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) focusing on working lands conservation received meaningful increases in funding. Both CSP and EQIP have been beneficial, but not as proficient in delivering direct benefits to birds and wildlife as some of the other Farm Bill conservation programs.

A creative new Chesapeake Bay Program targeting conservation for the Chesapeake Bay was authorized at $372 million.

There was a two-year extension to tax-deduction incentives for conservation easements on private lands.

And a small Open Fields program to help states enroll private land in programs to public access for wildlife-dependent recreation was authorized at $50 million.

The new “permanent disaster” program, costing an estimated $3.8 billion is expected to encourage farmers to plow marginal lands.

Most disappointing, however, in terms of an innovative suggestion that failed to pass unscathed, was the “Sodsaver” proposal. As we’ve described previously in the E-bulletin, Sodsaver was intended to remove taxpayer financed incentives to cultivate crops on virgin native grasslands. The provisions were originally planned to be mandatory nationwide. Changes to the bill altered the language to apply only to parts of five Prairie Pothole states (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota), and the provisions were further weakened in that they are applicable only at the option of those states' individual governors. At least an almost toothless Sodsaver is now on the books, hopefully available for strengthening in future versions of the Farm Bill.

A number of conservation organizations backed final passage of the Farm Bill, sometimes almost grudgingly, while other organizations were neutral, seemingly without a position pro or con. Among the more traditional conservation organizations, the National Wildlife Federation, which had originally supported the bill because it had increased conservation funding, urged its ultimate defeat after seeing changes to grassland and wetland protections that were made behind closed doors, and because of the implications for increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Heartwood's Green Pledge

Heartwood Inc. would like you to know that they mean green. They have released the following pledge to their customers:

"At Heartwood, when we say we’re green, we mean it. Heartwood doesn’t cut corners, and we don’t cut trees. Ever. We keep our carbon footprint small, and because all our manufacturing is done right here in America, you can be sure our paint and materials are 100% safe for wildlife. Today, global warming and deforestation have put migratory songbirds in dire peril. At Heartwood, we’re committed to creating safe sanctuaries, with our homes and with green manufacturing that helps make the whole world safer and more eco-friendly for the earth’s most precious creatures.

"Most of our competitors construct houses from western red cedar or eastern white pine, both of which must be cut and hauled from Canada thousands of miles away. But at Heartwood, our ingenious manufacturing process is “wood wise” and low carbon, utilizing short pieces of cypress and mahogany that would otherwise be discarded or used to fire kilns. Our lumber suppliers are within a 2-hour drive, providing jobs here at home while keeping our carbon footprint minimal. And as a domestic manufacturer, we keep all our shipping right here in the U.S.

"In addition to boasting a beautiful grain and coloring, cypress is naturally rot and decay-resistant, as well as naturally regenerating. When a tree is harvested, the stump automatically regenerates a new sapling; saplings also sprout from the root system of a healthy adult tree. While this helps protect cypress from over cutting, we take the extra step of purchasing only cypress that has been harvested in accordance with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) guidelines. Most importantly, we use only short pieces of lumber, 4-6’ long, which would otherwise be chipped and burned. These pieces are all kiln-dried and NHLA inspected and certified. Even the chips and sawdust we produce as waste go into garden mulch, to deteriorate naturally and add nutrients to the soil.

"Everyone appreciates the beauty and durability of mahogany furniture, but behind that beauty is an impossible standard of perfection: normal manufacturing requires that 16’ boards be completely free of defects. That means a lot of rejects, which in turn meant an opportunity for Heartwood when we were able to purchase a substantial supply of salvage stock. Today, Heartwood mahogany homes are the only mahogany birdhouses in the world, yet we didn’t cut a single tree. That’s true beauty!

"Heartwood paint is 100% acrylic latex, which is completely non-toxic, and with our manufacturing process right here at our headquarters in Mississippi, you can be sure of our consistent eco-quality. In fact, we even transform mistakes into green opportunities, using our local paint store’s stock of mis-tinted paint to create our own medium gray, the color that results naturally from mixing all colors together.

"Working with a local box factory, Heartwood is able to use box over runs made from post consumer fiber, rather than having new boxes manufactured. While this means a lawnmower advertisement may cover one side of the Heartwood box, we think our customers appreciate the savings in costs—and trees—especially since these containers are recyclable and sturdy, with double-wall corrugation and handholds for ease and durability. Inside, our homes are packed with clean and recyclable unprinted newsprint salvaged from a large daily paper.

Whether it’s materials, manufacturing or shipping, at Heartwood we’re always alert for new ways to help save our birds and the world they live in."

Dead Birds Reported In Minnesota In April

Late April was a tricky weather month in Minnesota for birds. Cold temperatures and heavy snows created harsh feeding conditions for insectivores just arriving from migration. From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

The Minnesota DNR received numerous reports of dead swallows, bluebirds, sparrows, robins and warblers. Because of the cold spring, migrating songbirds found few insects when they arrived. Then the late-April snow hit in northern Minnesota. Birds that eat insects couldn't find food, and some starved.

In Brainerd, 19 dead swallows were found in nine different nest boxes. There were 27 more swallows and two bluebirds found dead in nest boxes at Crow Wing State Park,

“Citizens can help by putting out meal worms for bluebirds and other worm-eating birds. Unfortunately, there isn't anything we can do for the swallows that rely on flying insects for their main food source,” Henderson said. “Temperatures above 60 for a period of two to three days should produce enough insects to revive birds currently in peril.“

Conrad Christiansen, retired DNR biologist, said migrating birds are always pushing the snowline.

“Birds such as woodcock return about mid March,” Christiansen said. “If we experience a heavy, late snowfall some birds will suffer.“

However, some remained skeptical, according to an article in the River Valley Outdoors:

I still remain puzzled by the report. Gaylord Perry, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Onalaska, WI, agrees the DNR may be jumping to conclusion with out looking at all the facts.

Perry agrees it may be a possibility the birds are dying from starvation, but is quick to point out that most insect-eating birds will also eat seed and fruit.

“They not only eat insects, but will eat seed as long as it’s out of the shell,” he said. “They’re also fruit eaters.”

Perry said he was skeptical about bluebirds eating seeds until one of his customer brought in a photo to prove it.

“When I asked them what they were feeding the bluebirds, the customer said our garden mix,” Perry said. “Sure, everything is out of the shell in that mix.”

Rather than starvation, could the birds found in the nest boxes have died from exposure from the cold, or from predation?

Perry says those are certainly possibilities and that’s why he remains very skeptical about the report.

Farm Bill Information

From The Birding Community E-Bulletin:

House-Senate negotiators reached a tentative agreement on the long-awaited Farm Bill on Friday, 25 April. The provisional agreement on a new five-year Farm Bill was approached after another round of spending and tax cuts, and the establishment of new customs fees to meet budget rules and to win over Republicans’ support in the Senate.

Conservation measures in the Farm Bill are deemed crucial to bird-and-wildlife protection. Native prairie, certainly one of this country’s most endangered ecosystems, is suffering a heavy loss, since incentives remain in place encouraging conversion to cropland. (e.g., more than half a million acres of native prairie were lost nationwide in 2007.) A proposed provision called Sodsaver is part of the new Farm Bill. It is aimed at discouraging this destruction by removing crop insurance eligibility and other subsidies. Even the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), long considered the centerpiece of Farm Bill conservation, is suffering as rental rates for the program are being outstripped by commodity prices (e.g., rental rates in the Prairie Pothole Region on CRP land average $31 per acre, while commodity crops are bringing in more than $150 per acre).

Details are still pending, and although refinements on some policy issues are still being made, the optimistic expectation is that Congress can complete the bill by mid-May.

We hope to have a more thorough report in the June E-bulletin.

Wild Bird Feeding Industry Update

Are you a member of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry? If not, you may not get their E-News Updates. Highlights from the current issue include updates on the sunflower and Nyjer crop:

"The sunflower planting intentions released on March 30, 2008 by the US Department of Agriculture are up by 4-5% over last year.

Since the report was issued on March 30, soybeans (which showed an 18% increase in acres in the report) have steadily increased in price.

There is a larger than normal soybean crop in Argentina, and the Argentine government has put tariffs on ag commodity exports in order to keep enough food in their country. This has caused the Chinese to buy more from the U.S. and kept prices firm on both Sunflower and Soybeans.

Corn is also going up in order to steal acres from soybeans. With the wet weather down south, farmers are having some trouble planting their corn, so corn prices are firm as well.

To sum it up, the planting intentions report is intentions only, and there are still alot of changes going on at the farm level. Growers have not made up their minds yet, and some farmers are experiencing conditions that are either too wet to plant what they intended or too dry. It is very dry in a large part of North and South Dakota, as well as many other parts of the US.

For current market reports, visit the National Sunflower Association website.

Markets of Nyjer® are calmer but still very high priced. Supplies at origins are adequate but under pressure of internal local oil crushing and speculation. Most importers and exporters see a significant decrease in USA imports in 2008 due to the current high prices."

Also, the WBFI will be having their annual conference November 12 - 15, 2008 in San Antonio, TX.

Bill Fenimore Wins ABA Award

The American Birding Association has selected Wild Bird Centers of America franchisee Bill Fenimore, owner of the Wild Bird Center of Layton, Utah, as this year's recipient of the prestigious Ludlow Griscom Award.

The American Birding Association (ABA) Ludlow Griscom Award is one of five ABA awards that recognize contributions dedicated individuals make to the cause of birds, birders and birding. The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology was awarded to Fenimore for his contributions to dramatically advance ornithological awareness throughout the state of Utah.

Fenimore is a birding advocate and proven leader who expresses his enthusiasm through involvement with numerous programs and organizations, including a leading organizer of the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, author of "Bird Sighting" a weekly Salt Lake Tribune column, vice-chair of the Utah Division of the Wildlife Resources Advisory Council, leader of birding expeditions throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, author of Backyard Birds state identification guides, just published in Spring 2008. Fenimore also serves as Trustee and Board member of such diverse organizations as the Utah Wildlife and Conservation Foundation, Ogden Nature Center and Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Trustee (appointed by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman).

Fenimore was overwhelmed when he received the call announcing his win, claiming he literally fell into his office chair. Fenimore says, "I am gratified to be considered in the same company as birding icons Roger Tory Peterson and Kenn Kaufman, previous recipients whom I greatly admire and who inspired me to create my State Backyard Bird Guide series. I feel tremendous emotion and awe to be selected for such an honor." Fenimore continues, "Birding has been the pathway for me into a life long enjoyment of the natural world. It has been a passion to share the joys of birding, especially with young children whom I hope will follow in a similar path."

George Petrides, Sr., founder and chairman of Wild Bird Centers of America, proudly nominated Fenimore for the award, citing his "boundless energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of birding which have significantly raised the visibility of birding causes and interests throughout the state of Utah and beyond." Fenimore has been a successful franchisee with the Salt Lake City area Wild Bird Center since 2001. He earned the company's national "Best Environmental Stewardship" award four years in a row, and received the company's highest honor in 2007 when he entered its "Hall of Fame," a tribute based on his experience and performance as a top-level executive and extraordinary role as a "Birding Ambassador" in his home state.

The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award is sponsored by Leupold Optics, who will present Fenimore with a plaque and pair of Leupold binoculars at the June 2008 ABA convention in Snowbird Lodge, Utah.

Fenimore joins many important contributors to American ornithology, including first award recipient, Roger Tory Peterson, who received the honor in 1980. Peterson is credited with publishing 52 volumes of the Peterson Field Guide Series as well as providing the inspiration and leading to the formation of countless birding associations and wildlife refuges.

Seed Prices

From The Prairie Star

While many commodity prices were influenced by the Prospective Plantings and Stocks reports released March 31 by the USDA, sunflower remained relatively unchanged.

The planting intentions report was termed bullish for corn, slightly bearish for wheat and soybeans, and neutral for sunflower.

The USDA's report indicated nationwide corn acreage will decrease by eight percent from 2007, while soybean plantings will jump by 18 percent and wheat acreage will see a six percent increase.

Sunflower acres in the U.S. are expected to grow by four percent from last year to 2.15 million acres - 1.85 million acres for oil varieties, up five percent; and 305,000 acres for non-oil sunflower, up fractionally from last year.

In North Dakota, acres for oil sunflower varieties is expected to grow by one percent to 410,000 acres, but non-oil plantings will shrink by 24 percent to 125,000 acres.

“Getting an increase in acres in a very competitive acreage environment is gratifying,” said Tim DeKrey, president of the National Sunflower Association.

Larry Kleingartner, executive director of the NSA, noted the soybean acreage number was larger than expected while corn was lower than expected which affected prices.

As expected, prices declined for soybeans while corn prices were stronger. Sunflower prices, as of April 3, remained unchanged from the week prior.

NuSun and linoleic sunflower prices for April delivery were still at $23.65-$23.95 for April delivery, and $24.25 for May delivery.