China intends to purchase more U.S. soy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement on China’s Nov. 22 signing of agreements to purchase more than 5.5 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans.

In part, he said, “These sales, worth nearly $3 billion at today’s price, are great news not just for American soybean producers but for the U.S. economy overall. The U.S.-China trade relationship continues to flourish, thanks in large part to agriculture. U.S. farm exports to China have grown nearly tenfold over the past decade, from $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2000 to $15 billion in 2010.

“With each $1 billion in exports supporting 8,000 jobs, that $15 billion supports nearly 120,000 U.S. jobs. Last year, China became the second largest export market for U.S. agriculture overall and remained the largest market for U.S. soybeans, with 2010 sales of $9 billion.

“China will continue to be a key trading partner as agriculture contributes to President Obama’s goal of doubling total U.S. exports over the next 5 years.”

Mexican delegation to buy Illinois grain

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois officials hosted a Mexican trade delegation in Springfield as part of a mission to build on a long-standing trade relationship. The seven-member delegation from the state of Guanajuato signed a letter of intent Nov. 23 to buy Illinois grain in the near future.

Mexico and Latin America purchased $737 million of agricultural products from Illinois in 2009. The state last year was the seventh-largest exporter of farm products to the regions. State Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said Illinois ships 44 percent of its grain out of the country and the economy is dependent on agreements such as the one with Guanajuato.

State officials hosted a tour in October to give buyers from El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Peru a look at what Illinois has to offer.

USDA files complaint against Ind. brokerage
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against an Indiana-based cattle brokerage that the agency says left ranchers nationwide hanging for as much as $130 million.

The USDA says its Grain, Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration filed the complaint Nov. 19 against Eastern Livestock Co. and its owner, Tommy P. Gibson. The complaint alleges the company failed to pay for livestock purchases or maintain an adequate bond.

Eastern is one of the largest cattle brokerages in the United States. The USDA estimates that the company owes more than $130 million to more than 700 ranchers in 30 states. The USDA says about $81 million in checks issued on the company’s account have been returned for insufficient funds.

A phone at the company’s headquarters in New Albany rang unanswered Nov. 22.

Indiana State Fair to toast beans in 2011
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — The Indiana State Fair will make the soybean the star of next year’s fair, toasting the high-protein bean during a “Year of Soybeans.”

State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye says the fair has powered its tractor shuttles for years with soy biodiesel and will be able to tell the story of soybeans’ important place in Indiana agriculture at next August’s fair.

Indiana ranks fourth nationally in soybean production with an average of 244 million bushels of soybeans harvested annually – about half of which are exported to other markets. Soybeans are the main food source for Indiana-grown beef, dairy, chicken, pork and fish.

Next August’s fair will be the fifth year the fair has featured one Indiana commodity. The previously featured products were corn, trees, tomatoes and hogs.

Lobby Shoppes recalls some Ohio popcorn

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The following recall has been announced: Lobby Shoppes, Inc. 12- and 24-ounce bags of Gourmet Cheese Popcorn; 12-ounce bags of Chicago Triple Mix Popcorn; and 2.5-pound bags, 4-pound bags and 9-ounce tubs of (Delicious) Caramel Corn.

About 300 total units of the items contain undeclared milk and soy ingredients. People who have allergies to milk and soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported.

The products were distributed in grocery stores throughout Ohio and sold in the Lobby Shoppes showroom in Springfield. The recalled cheese popcorn items bear the UPC 08299 11201; the triple mix bags bear UPC 08299 11203; and the caramel corn bears the UPC 08299 11202.

All are packaged in clear plastic bags or tubs. They can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 800-422-3992.