Tag: drought

October 30, 2007 Disaster Preparedness, Flowers & Nursery, General Ag News and Notes, Ginger Root, Orchids, Papaya, Persimmon, Vegtables, Watermelon Post a Comment

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness
How Prepared is Your Farming Operation?

Maui Extension Office
Monday, November 26, 2007
11 am ? 1:30 pm

Natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, pests, and diseases, can cause excessive economic damage to agricultural production. In addition to crop damage, disasters can also affect farm buildings, machinery, animals, irrigation, family members and employees. Disasters along with marketing difficulties can lead to serious downturns in your farm income.

How prepared are you? This workshop is designed to provide you with information on:
1) preparing your operation for a natural disaster and
2) available and affordable crop insurance programs that minimize risk associated with economic losses.
Note: Now that the “Adjusted Gross Revenue” (AGR) insurance is available for 2008, in effect all Hawaii crops can be insured to some degree ? not just bananas, coffee, papayas, macnuts & nursery.

Speakers:
? USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers and oversees farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of the agricultural industry and to help farmers adjust production to meet demand.

? USDA Risk Management Agency Western Regional Office, Davis. USDA RMA helps producers manage their business risks through effective, market-based risk management solutions.

? John Nelson from the Western Center for Risk Management Education (Washington State University) on the new Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) Insurance.

? Dr. Mike Fanning, Executive Vice President, AgriLogic, is a specialist in Agri-Terroism, crop insurance, farm policy analysis, and individual farm risk management.

? Dr. Kent Fleming, an agricultural economist with the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), is an Extension Farm Management Specialist with a focus on risk management education.

The workshop is FREE and lunch (sandwiches or bentos and drinks) will be provided. For more information, visit the website http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/agrisk/ You may also contact Kent Fleming @ 989-3416 or fleming@hawaii.edu or Jan McEwen @ 244-3242 or jmcewen@hawaii.edu

Please call the Maui Extension Office at 244-3242 by November 21, 2007 to register for this seminar.

September 13, 2007 General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW

Here is the PDF file for the Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review Report.

lvstk091307.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

————————————————————-
Contact Information:
Mark E. Hudson, Director
USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512

Office: (808) 973-9588 / (800) 804-9514
Fax: (808) 973-2909
————————————————————-

“HAWAII MONTHLY LIVESTOCK REVIEW” reports are available on our website and also PRINTED monthly. Subscriptions for PRINTED copies are free to those persons who report agricultural data to NASS (upon request) and available for $4 per year to all others.

Hawaii Monthly Livestock Review

National Agricultural Statistics Service

September 13, 2007

In Cooperation with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Hawaii Field Office ? 1428 South King Street ? Honolulu, HI 96814-2512 ? 1-(800)-804-9514 ? www.nass.usda.gov

July Egg Production Down 19 Percent From A Year Ago
Hawaii egg production totaled 7.0 million (19,444 cases) in July 2007, down 19 percent from July 2006. The average number of layers on hand during July 2007 was estimated at 369,000, up fractionally from June 2007 and down 16 percent from July 2006. The average rate of lay during July 2007 was 1,897 per 100 layers (61.2 percent rate of lay), down 3 percent from July 2006.

Total Cattle Marketings and Exports

Cattle Marketings Up 31 Percent From 2006
Total cattle marketings for July 2007 is estimated at 3,800 head, up 31 percent from July 2006. Cumulative cattle marketings for the first seven months of 2007 totaled 31,700 head, down 3 percent from the same period a year ago.

Exports up 40 percent in July compared to year ago
Exports of steers and heifers totaled 2,800 head in July 2007, up 40 percent from a year ago. Exports of steers totaled 1,400 head during July 2007, up 17 percent compared to a year ago. Total export of heifers also increased in July 2007 compared to a year ago at 1,400 head, a 75 percent increase. Cumulative exports of steers and heifers through July 2007 totaled 25,300 head, down 5 percent from the same period a year ago. Cumulative exports of steers for 2007 stands at 14,700 head, down 5 percent from 2006. Exports of heifers were also down 5 percent for the first seven months of 2007 at 10,600 head. Exports of other classes of cattle were not included.

Average live weight up 2 percent
The average live weight of steers and heifers exported from Hawaii in July 2007 was 428 pounds, up 2 percent from July 2006?s average live weight of 420 pounds.

Cattle and Hogs Commercial Slaughter

Commercial Beef Production Down 4 Percent
Hawaii commercial beef production (local slaughter) during July 2007 totaled 516,000 pounds, down 4 percent from July 2006. Cumulative beef production (local slaughter) through July 2007 totaled 3.7 million pounds, up 5 percent from a year ago. Commercial kill totaled 900 head in July, unchanged from July 2006. Average live weight per head was 1,023 pounds in July 2007, down 4 percent from the average live weight per head in July 2006. Commercial Pork Production Down 10 Percent
Hawaii commercial pork production during July 2007 totaled 291,000 pounds, down 10 percent from July 2006. Cumulative pork production for the first seven months of 2007 totaled 2.0 million pounds, down 10 percent from a year ago. Total hog kill was 1,800 head in July 2007, down 5 percent from a year ago. Average live weight per head was 211 pounds in July 2007, down 9 percent from the 232-pound average a year ago.

Milk Cows and Milk Production

July Milk Production Down 48 Percent From Year Ago
Hawaii?s dairy cows produced 2.6 million pounds of milk in July 2007, down 48 percent from a year ago. Cumulative milk production for the first seven months of 2007 totaled 24.3 million pounds, down 31 percent from the same period in 2006.

July?s Cow Herd Down 37 Percent From Year Ago
Hawaii?s cow herd, both dry and milking, numbered 2,700 head in July 2007, unchanged from June 2007 and down 37 percent from July 2006.

Milk Per Cow Decreases
Average milk per cow is estimated at 1,000 pounds for July 2007, down 14 percent from last July?s average of 1,165 pounds per cow.

Average Farm Prices

Most July Livestock Prices Above Year-ago Averages

Steers and heifers
The average dress weight farm price for steers and heifers is estimated at 99.5 cents per pound for July 2007, up half-a-cent from June and 1.5 cents per pound higher than a year ago.

Cows
The average dress weight farm price for cows is estimated at 55.0 cents per pound in July 2007, unchanged from June. Compared to a year ago, the average dress weight farm price for cows was 3.0 cents per pound higher in July 2007.

Market hogs
The average dress weight farm price for market hogs is estimated at $1.25 per pound for July 2007, 8 cents per pound higher than June 2007. Compared to a year ago, the dressed weight for market hogs was down 5.0 cents per pound this July.

Milk
The average farm price for milk was $29.90 per hundredweight during July 2007, up $2.20 from June 2007. Compared to a year ago, the July 2007 average farm price for milk was $5.00 per hundredweight higher.

Eggs
The average farm price for a dozen eggs was $1.05 in July 2007, up 1 percent from June 2007. Compared to a year ago, the average farm price for a dozen eggs was up 8 percent in July.

U.S. Livestock Roundup

NASS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.94 billion pounds in July, up 4 percent from the 3.79 billion pounds produced in July 2006.

Beef production, at 2.26 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, up 2 percent from July 2006. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from the previous year, at 1,269 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.7 million pounds, 5 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 62,600 head, up 8 percent from July 2006. The average live weight was down 36 pounds from last year, at 289 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.66 billion pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.40 million head, up 7 percent from July 2006. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 264 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.5 million pounds, was up 2 percent from July 2006. Sheep slaughter totaled 204,700 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 131 pounds, up 1 pound from July a year ago.

U.S. egg production totaled 7.57 billion during July 2007, down 1 percent from last year. Production included 6.44 billion table eggs, and 1.14 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.07 billion were broiler-type and 66 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during July 2007 averaged 339 million, down 1 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,234 eggs, down slightly from July 2006.

All layers in the U.S. on August 1, 2007 totaled 340 million, down slightly from last year. The 340 million layers consisted of 281 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 56.2 million layers producing broilertype hatching eggs, and 2.72 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2007, averaged 72.1 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from August 1, 2006.

Excerpts from Livestock Slaughter (August 24, 2007) and Chickens and Eggs (August 21, 2007) releases.

ERS – ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE

Cattle/Beef: NASS? Cattle report showed virtually all July 1, 2007 inventories down from July 1, 2006. The report indicates that cattle inventory growth has stalled, at best, or peaked, at worst, for the cattle cycle that first expanded in 2005, up from a cyclical low cattle and calf inventory of 103.6 million head on July 1, 2004 (including a low total cow inventory of 42.4 million head). The last cycle with a short expansion phase occurred during the cycle that began from a low point on January 1, 1979, peaked in 1982 after only 3 years of cattle inventory expansion, and ended at a low point in 1990 after 8 years of liquidation. As a result, beef production could be below 26 billion pounds for 2008 and 2009, which would be slightly below 2007 production, and will depend on average dressed weights and breeding heifer retention.

Hogs and Pork: Third-quarter commercial pork production is expected to be almost 5.3 billion pounds, about 3.2 percent above third quarter last year. Thirdquarter prices of live equivalent 51-52 percent lean hogs are forecast to range between $50 and $52 per hundredweight (cwt). Pork exports in the first half of 2007 were 4 percent lower than a year ago.

Dairy: Global demand for dairy products, especially nonfat dry milk, butter, and whey, will likely keep prices high this year and next despite increased domestic production in 2008.

Poultry: After falling in the first and second quarters, broiler meat production is expected to increase on a year-over-year basis in the second half of 2007. Prices for broiler products are expected to moderate as production increases. Turkey meat production continues to grow, but strong domestic demand and exports have kept stocks low and prices above those of the previous year.

Sheep and Lamb: The USDA Sheep and Goats report released on July 20, 2007 indicated a decline in inventories. On July 1, 2007, the U.S. sheep and lamb inventory totaled 7.73 million head, down slightly from 2006, but still about 1 percent above the July 1, 2004 bottom. Slight inventory reductions were seen in all of the major categories: breeding sheep, market sheep, and replacement lambs. Heavier-than-normal liquidation continues to take place in Texas and New Mexico, the region hit by severe drought in 2006. Despite these declines, the 2007 lamb crop showed year-over-year increases.

Excerpt from Livestock, Dairy, & Poultry Outlook/LDP-M- 158/August 20, 2007 Economic Research Service, USDA.

August 22, 2007 General Ag News and Notes, Vegtables Post a Comment

The Monthly Hawaii Vegetable Report

Here is the PDF file for the *Monthly* *Hawaii Vegetable* Report.

monveg082207.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/

USDA NASS Hawaii Field Office
1421 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
1-800- 804-9514

Drought-like Conditions Along Leeward Sectors

The month of July continued to experience very warm, sunny conditions. Trade winds persisted mostly at moderate levels during the month. The passing of a weak shear line between July 14 and 16 only intensified these trades. The trade winds were momentarily interrupted with the passing of Tropical Depression Cosme on July 20 and 21. These trade winds provided near to above normal rainfall totals to many windward sectors of the State. Tropical Depression Cosme, on the other hand, provided increased precipitation to the east and southeastern sectors of the Big Island. In general, leeward sectors of all islands continued dry and under drought conditions. This ongoing dry spell along leeward areas has resulted in mandatory water restrictions for agricultural or residential areas of the Waimanalo area of Oahu, upcountry of Maui, and the Hamakua and South Kohala districts of the Big Island. Although some crops have benefited from the hot, dry weather during July, many other crops have suffered; as a result, crop condition was rated only fair.

The expected vegetable acreage for harvest in August when compared with acreage harvested in July was lower for 7 crops, higher for 2 crops, and unchanged for 2 crops. An increase in acreage for harvest is expected from snap beans (+10%) and sweet corn (+61%). A decrease in the acreage for harvest is expected for Chinese cabbage (-8%), head cabbage (-28%), mustard cabbage (-11%), cucumbers (-11%), dry onions (-42%), and romaine (-22%), while the expected acreage for harvest were unchanged for head lettuce, semi-head lettuce.

July Review

Tomato Production Below Year Ago

Chinese cabbage production total 514,000 pounds during July 2007. This was 12 percent below June 2007, but 28 percent above July 2006. The increase in production from a year ago resulted from an increase in yields and acreage for harvest. Crop conditions on the island of Hawaii were mixed as heavy irrigation was necessary to offset the windy, dry, and very warm conditions. Some farmers experienced heat rot losses.

Head cabbage producers produced an estimated 945,000 pounds in July. This was 11 percent and 1 percent below the previous month and a year ago, respectively. The decrease in production was the result of fewer acres available for harvest. Crop yield was below a month earlier, but better than the previous year. When possible, heavy irrigation was necessary to offset the very warm, dry conditions and to keep the crop in fair condition. Insect infestations were becoming a problem in some fields along with the production of smaller and lighter heads.

Cucumbers growers harvested an estimated 438,000 pounds in July. This was 14 percent and 20 percent below June 2007 and July 2006, respectively. The decline in production resulted from lower yields which was the result of the moderate winds and dry conditions.

Tomato growers produced an estimated 1.3 million pounds in July. This was 13 percent and 22 percent below June 2007 and July 2006, respectively. Although the very warm, dry conditions during July helped to maintain the tomato crop in fair to good condition, the decrease in production from the previous month can be attributed to lower yields.

July 12, 2007 General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Redefining the Ranch’s Water Transfer Agreement

THE MOLOKAI DISPATCH

Wednesday 7-11-07

In the 1960?s the largest rubber-lined reservoir in the world was built on Molokai supplying Hawaiian Homestead farmers with irrigation water. The massive project tunneled through the island?s main mountain range to brining water from Molokai?s wet north side to the arid plains of Ho`olehua. The project is known as the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS).

In 1975 a water use agreement was formed between the State and developers of the Kaluakoi Hotel. The agreement, still in effect today, allows Molokai Ranch to transport well water from Central Molokai to West Molokai using the MIS.

The current agreement is under scrutiny as a new amendment has been proposed. An upcoming public meeting on Wednesday, July 18 will provide a forum for the details which allow Molokai Ranch the lease of MIS facilities.

The following is an overview of the original agreement and its proposed amendment. Also discussed are concerns of the Molokai Homesteaders and Farmers Alliance, who are advocating a return of the MIS to its intended purpose ? agricultural use.

*The Original Agreement*

In order to supply their development, Kaluakoi planners proposed to lease MIS pipelines. The State believed that by leasing MIS lines to the developers, the people of Molokai would receive profits and revenue beneficial to the island?s economy.

A contract was created that allowed Kaluakoi developers to lease a portion of the MIS for an annual rate of $45,000 during the first 10 years. After that, the amount was to be adjusted in accordance to any increases in the County?s domestic water rates.

In compliance with state regulations, Kaluakoi developers constructed two service connections: one for injecting water into the system, and one for drawing it out.

The developers were permitted to withdraw the equivalent amount of the water they injected. Overall amounts withdrawn could not exceed two million gallons per day.

While the State did agree to provide reasonable maintenance of the system, it also stated that it would not be held ?liable for any interruption, shortage of any loss or damage occasioned thereby.?

In the case of a drought or other emergency conditions, the State reserved the right to prioritize service to MIS consumers over Kaluakoi users. The State also reserved the right to terminate its agreement with Kaluakoi at any time (with a two year notice) if it was determined that ?the capacity of the system is not sufficient to meet the needs of the public for agricultural purposes.?

During the course of the contract, MIS authority was transferred from the Board of Land and Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) (July 1, 1989).

The 20-year contract expired on Dec. 31, 1995 and has since been renewed. When Molokai Ranch acquired the Kaluakoi Resort?s 4,100-acre property in 2001 it also inherited the MIS lease.

Between 1995 and 2006 the contract was extended four times.

*The Current Amendment*

In early 2007 Molokai Ranch and DOA drafted a major amendment to the existing MIS use agreement. The amendment is being discussed and reviewed by community members including: Molokai Homesteaders and Farmers Alliance (MHFA), Molokai Ranch, the MIS board and the Department of Agriculture.

Homesteaders are arguing that the amount withdrawn by MPL be lowered by nearly half. Right now there is a two million gallons per day withdrawal limit which was based on what was thought to be the capacity of the Ranch?s water sources. MHFA points out that this estimate is no longer accurate.

Homesteaders are concerned that the Ranch could use MIS pipelines to transfer water to future developments. The original agreement limited water supply to the Kaluakoi area. The proposed amendment no longer identifies specific locations. Homesteaders want to continue regulating transmitted water to Kaluakoi.

The amendment also suggests that if MIS water should become scarce, the system would have the option of purchasing water from the Ranch?s Well No. 17 supply. But homesteaders disagree. They say purchasing water from the Ranch should never be an option. ?If you need water from [the Ranch], you are mismanaging the MIS,? states a MHFA proposal.

According to the proposed amendment, the Ranch could build its own pipeline from Well No. 17 to the Mahana Pump Station on the west end bypassing MIS facilities altogether. If the Ranch fails to construct the pipeline by 2011, it is stipulated that the current agreement could be extended until 2016.

Homesteaders want the agreement terminated without renewal at the end of the contract. This would force the Ranch off the system within five years. It would allow for the MIS to return to its intended use, servicing Hawaiian homesteaders and farmers.

? 2006 THE MOLOKAI DISPATCH

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June 13, 2007 General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Drought hits Maui, worsens on Big Island

Pacific Business News (Honolulu) – 9:28 AM HAST Wednesday, June 13, 2007
by Howard Dicus

The Maui Department of Water Supply has declared a drought in Upcountry Maui, imposing mandatory water restrictions, while dry conditions are getting worse on the Big Island.

Maui officials Tuesday imposed 10 percent water restrictions on nonagricultural users in Haiku, Haliimaile, Kanaio, Keokea, Kula, Makawao, Olinda, Omaopio, Pukalani, Pulehu, Ulupalakua, and Waiohuli, but gave farmers 30 days grace.

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