While China recognizes the need to reduce high guaranteed producer prices for food grains, “the government has not articulated when or how it will do this,” according to a USDA official in China. Therefore, the country is again expected to produce record corn, wheat and rice crops in 2016, adding to the already bulging stocks. Pro Farmers First Thing today reports record crops will artificially suppress imports and push prices higher for meat and dairy. For the 2015-2016 marketing year, USDA expects China to produce a 225 million metric ton corn crop and a 130.1 million metric ton wheat crop. They also expect ending stocks for corn, wheat and rice to hit a combined 258 million metric tons, or roughly half of global reserves.
Author: Agriculture News
U.S. Oil Group Files Suit against EPA Biofuels Policy
The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufactures this week filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency challenging the EPA’s biofuels policy. The organization is just the latest of many challenging the EPA. AFPM represents oil companies and said the petition to the U.S. Court of Appeals targets the rulemaking around the Renewable Fuels Standard from 2014 to 2016. Agriculture groups did the same last month, kicking off the widely-expected legal review of the policy, according to Reuters. Just last week, DuPont also filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit. DuPont argues the final volumes jeopardize the company’s cellulosic ethanol investments as the company is in the process of launching commercial cellulosic ethanol production at an Iowa facility.
NCBA: CME Not Addressing Automatic Trading Concerns
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Associations says the CME Group has not addressed concerns regarding automatic trading in cattle markets. CME Group and NCBA have chartered a working group to address volatility in the cattle market. While CME Group has announced measures aimed at reducing volatility, including reduced trading hours, NCBA’s Collin Woodall says automatic trading needs to be addressed. Given the current system, he says “if the playing field is not leveled between speculators, commercial traders, and producers; then our industry loses a critical marketing tool.” NCBA has asked CME to address specific areas of concern including implementing a delay between trading actions, greater enforcement against market spoofing, monitoring and reporting of market misuse, and the release of audit trail data. Woodall added that “before any other changes are proposed, we expect CME to utilize the working group to address the actions we have already suggested.”
Vilsack Announces Warren Preston as USDA Deputy Chief Economist
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Warren Preston as USDA’s Deputy Chief Economist, effective February 21st. Preston has served as senior economist for agricultural policy in the Office of the Chief Economist since August of last year, after serving as USDA’s acting Deputy Chief Economist since last February. He joined USDA in 1992. In his role as Deputy Chief Economist for Policy Analysis, Preston advises the Chief Economist, the Secretary, and top policy officials regarding the economic implications of programs, regulations, and legislative proposals affecting the U.S. food and fiber system and rural areas.
Cuba Top Priority for USDA in Appropriations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told lawmakers Thursday establishing a USDA office in Cuba is his top funding priority. Vilsack testified before the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and during his opening statement said “I start off hoping you will take seriously our request to have a physical presence in Cuba.” Vilsack called Cuba a market American agriculture should dominate, according to the Hagstrom Report. Vilsack hinted that USDA personnel on the ground in Cuba could help answer questions regarding U.S. products, potentially boosting sales. Earlier in the week, Vilsack told the Agriculture Coalition for Cuba he is considering whether checkoff funds could be used to open the office. Vilsack noted three other priorities for the appropriations process, being agriculture research, a pathway to allow free and reduced lunch meals through the summer months and fixing the funding issue with fighting forest fires. The hearing was also marked by statements of praise for Vilsack’s performance in office.
Obituaries for August 11th
Dixie Payne Varner
1933-2015
Dixie Payne Varner, 82, Independence, Missouri formerly of Webster, Texas, and Union Star, Missouri, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, August 1, 2015.
She was born April 30, 1933 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Carl and Opal (Hewitt) Payne.
Dixie married Haldon Wayne Varner November 11, 1950 at the home of her parents in Union Star, Missouri. Their marriage was blessed with six children, 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the Union Star Christian Church, Clear Lake Bible Church and Birchwood Baptist Church. Dixie treasured every opportunity to serve and enjoyed mission trips with her church. She especially enjoyed her time spent volunteering at the Forest Avenue Womens Shelter and Hillcrest Ministries, Independence, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one brother and three sisters.
Survivors include daughters, Sunni Wilson (Ken), Sondra Hill (Doyle) and Shauna Pierce (Jeff); sons, Randall Varner (Sonya), Michael Varner (Joan) and Carrel Varner (Melanie).
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Private family service and burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dixies honor to Hillcrest Ministries, P.O. Box 408, Independence, MO 64051. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Barbara Jean Paden
1927-2015
Barbara Jean Paden 88, of Smithville, MO. passed away Monday August 10, 2015 at a Liberty, MO hospital. She was born April 30, 1927 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1944 and then attended nursing school at Missouri Methodist Medical Center in the Army-Navy Cadet Corp program. Following school she worked as a nurse aide at the Atchison Hospital, Mount Saint Scolastica Convent, and Medical Lodge in Atchison, KS. She was a Girl Scout leader, loved to read and loved serving the Lord. She was a Baptist. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Dickens Sonner, stepmother, Nola Sonner, mother, Lois Flowers Sonner, husband, Ferol Dean Paden, daughter, Valerie Smith, son, Tom Paden. Survivors include: two sons: John (Mickey) Paden of Keller, TX, Alfred (Linda) Paden of Smithville, MO, daughter, Ferolyn Paden of Smithville, MO, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter, and a brother, Bill (Mary Jane) Sonner of Kansas City, MO. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Friday at the Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Heart Association and Mid Continent Library of Smithville. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Pearl Elaine Mignery
1947-2015
Pearl Elaine Mignery 68, of Saint Joseph, Missouri met her Lord and Savior, Monday August 10, 2015. She was born January 29, 1947 in St. Joseph, MO. and was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Pierce, mother, Della Ashman, two brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by three daughters, Rhonda Mignery, Michelle Miller, and Mary Goin, as well as a son, Tommy Springs. Additional survivors include two sisters, and her beloved eight grandchildren; James Simpson, Pfc. Matthew Morgan USA, USMC, Ryan Simpson, Job Miller, Bryant Wimmer, Edward Goin, EmaLee Goin, and Hayden Mignery. Ms. Mignery will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There is a local memorial service scheduled 2:00 PM Friday, at the Diversacare Health Care on North 18th St., St. Joseph, MO. In addition, the immediate family is planning a private memorial service. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Obituaries for August 7-9
Joyce E. Combs
1937-2015
Joyce E. Combs, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, August 7, 2015.
She was born November 6, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Joyce married Gary Combs on November 6, 1957 who survives of the home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mildred (LaBouff) McCammon; and brother, Donald McCammon.
Additional survivors; daughters, Kari Pyles (Richard), Union Star, MO and Kathy Pearson (Andy), St. Joseph, MO; son, Kevin Combs (Jennifer), Mission, KS; sister, JoAnn Wion, Lees Summit, MO; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Lorraine E. (Higgins) Houghton
1926-2015
Lorraine Ella Houghton, 88, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born December 19, 1926 to George and Florence Higgins in Faith, South Dakota.
Lorraine enjoyed playing the organ, hand quilting, being outdoors and tending to her flower gardens.
She was a member of the Kildare Ladies Club and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a devout catholic and attended Mary Immaculate Catholic Church while living in Gallatin. After retirement she moved to Florida and lived her religion as a hospital volunteer and participating in multiple church activities.
Lorraine was a housewife, having raised 6 children and later worked and retired from Stride Rite Shoes.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, George; daughter, Virginia Brown; brothers, Dean and Gerald Higgins.
Survivors include children, Nancy Reys, Amazonia, MO, Carol Wilford, Denver, CO, Theresa Hathaway, Escondido, CA, Patricia Thomas, Corinth, TX, Jerome Houghton, Gallatin, Mo; 11 grandchildren, Anne, Kathy, Lisa, Charlee, Amy, Angie, Amy, Julie, Bryan, Paul, and Lauren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Doris Hillison, Seattle, WA; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery, Gallatin, MO. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to Catholic Charities. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
James Harden
1946-2015
James Harden, 69, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born January 17, 1946 to Edward and Joy Harden in Bon Air, Alabama.
James married Tamara Rose Lancaster on August 16, 1983.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include wife; daughter, Tammy Marie Wright, Tennessee;
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Whispering Pines Cremation Park, St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to Poverella Center, Inc. 1110 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT 59802. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Obituaries for August 5th
Wayne Allen Leslie
1943-2015
Wayne Allen Leslie 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday August 4, 2015 at a Saint Joseph, MO. hospital. He was born November 27, 1943 in San Diego, California son of Josephine & Ernest Leslie. He was to married Luella Leslie for 42 years prior to her passing. He graduated from Lafayette high school and attended the St. Joseph Junior College. He worked at Lowe’s department store and was a master carpenter. He enjoyed wood working and oil painting, and was a drummer in several are bands. He was a member of the Faith Valley Church of God. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Luella Leslie, father, Ernest Edward Leslie. He is survived by mother, Josephine Leslie son, Timothy (Susan) Leslie of Saint Joseph, MO, daughter, Amy (Jay) Coursen of Springfield, MO, two other sons, Rob and Ed (Tina) Bieri, grandchildren; Casey, Holly, and Kelsie, and twelve other grandchildren, seven great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm at the Faith Valley Church of God. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Wayne Leslie Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Myrna Kathleen Clark
1921-2015
Myrna Kathleen Clark, 93, Country Club, Missouri passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Tuesday, August 4, 2015.
She was born December 24, 1921 to Clarence and Bessie Wilkerson in Helena, Missouri. She graduated from Helena High School and resided in Helena most of her life. However since the Fall of 2008, she resided in Country Club, MO with her family.
Myrna married George M. Clark on August 30, 1938. Together they owned and operated Clarks DX Service from 1938-1991.
She was a member of the Helena United Methodist Church, Helena Helpful Neighbors Club, and was involved in many community activities.
Myrna enjoyed hosting family gatherings, cooking, shopping, bowling, tending her flowers, and sending cards. The Clark home was filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of good food. Everyone was always welcome.
She was always patient, kind, and generous and was a wonderful Mother who created many fond memories. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Myrna was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years; parents; three brothers, Rex, Richard, and Marion Wilkerson; two sisters, Frances Swindell and Carolyn Chandler.
Survivors include daughters, Sandra K. Grider (Gerald), Lees Summit, MO, Cheryl L. Campbell (Terry), Country Club, MO; son, Terry S. Clark (Janiece), Savannah, MO; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to service. The family suggests memorial gifts to Helena United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Obituaries for August 4th
Joseph G. Hart
1931-2015
Joseph G. Hart, 83, Faucett, Missouri passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born December 14, 1931 to Edward and Beatrice Hart in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
He enjoyed sports.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ann Cannon; brothers, Charles Hart and Vincent Bellizia.
Survivors include sister, Angela Brownell (Cowan), Faucett, MO; nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Friday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Interment Halleck Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Thursday. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Obituaries for August 3rd
Jerri Kay Eddy-Kibbe
1962-2015
Jerri Kay Eddy-Kibbe 53, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday August 1, 2015 at a Saint Joseph health care center. She was born June 30, 1962 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Carol Jo & Jerry Eddy. She was a Homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, and spending time with family. She was a Christian. Jerri was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include two sons Nathaniel and Brandon Eddy, and a daughter, Jemeca Dunfee all of St. Joseph, MO, 3 Grandchildren, two sisters; Brenda Potts and Winona Corcoran of St. Joseph, MO as well as several nieces & n nephews and other family members and her beloved dog Stitch. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Wednesday, with a memorial service will to be held at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. She has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Jerri Eddy-Kibbe Memorial Fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Elizabeth D. Loe
1916-2015
Elizabeth D. Loe, 99, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 2, 2015 at her residence.
She was born February 20, 1916 in Rayville, Missouri to William and Ira (Narramore) Dale.
Elizabeth married Dale Miller Loe June 28, 1936.
She retired after working as a secretary in the chaplains office at Heartland Hospital.
She was a member of PEO Chapter HY and enjoyed collecting Angels.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter-in-law, Mary Loe; sister, Hazel Russell; and brother, Estel Dale.
Survivors include daughter, Marilyn A Seever; son, Gary D. Loe, Sr. (Mary); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces.
Farewell Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.