Beginning in 2012, two quarters of farm labor data are published semi-annually. Additionally, the agricultural service component was discontinued in 2012. Hired worker estimates exclude agricultural service employees.

There were 575,000 workers hired directly by farm operators on the Nation’s farms and ranches during the week of January 8-14, 2012, down nearly 5 percent from a year ago. Workers hired directly by farm operators numbered 748,000 for the following quarter’s reference week of April 8-14, 2012. Because NASS did not publish estimates for the April 2011 quarter, no previous year comparison is available for April.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $11.52 per hour during the January 2012 reference week, up nearly 2 percent from a year earlier. Field workers received an average of $10.39 per hour, up more than 1 percent, while livestock workers earned $10.96 per hour compared with $10.52 a year ago. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $10.58 per hour, was up 21 cents from last year. The number of hours worked averaged 39.6 for hired workers during the reference week, up fractionally from a year ago.

Farm operators paid their hired workers an average wage of $11.41 per hour during the April 2012 reference week, down 11 cents from the January quarter. Field workers received an average of $10.50 per hour, up 11 cents from January. Livestock workers earned $10.95, down just 1 cent from January. The field and livestock worker combined wage rate, at $10.62 per hour, was up 4 cents from January. The number of hours worked averaged 39.2 for hired workers during the April reference week.

For the January reference week, the largest percentage increases in the number of hired workers from last year occurred in the Corn Belt I (Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio) region and in Florida. The increase in Corn Belt I was largely driven by strong demand for livestock workers resulting from increased cattle and hog inventories. The increase in Florida was largely driven by strong demand from fruit and vegetable producers during recovery from a prior week freeze event.

For the January reference week, the largest percentage decreases in the number of hired workers from last year occurred in the Delta (Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) Northern Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota), and Northeast I (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire) regions. The decrease in the Delta region resulted primarily from softening demand for cotton workers, ahead of a substantial decrease in cotton acreage. In the Northern Plains and Northeast I regions, record mild January temperatures reduced the need for livestock overwintering activities and associated labor requirements.

For the January reference week, hired worker wage rates were above a year ago in the majority of regions. The largest increases occurred in Hawaii, Florida, and the Lake (Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) regions. The increase in Hawaii was mainly driven by a higher proportion of supervisory and specialty labor combined with wage increases for all worker groups. The higher wages in Florida resulted from the increased demand from fruit and vegetable producers. In the Lake region, generally higher wages followed a drop in overall hired workers.

Hired Workers Down Nearly 5 Percent, Wage Rates Up Nearly 2 Percent From a Year Ago

American Farm Bureau

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2012—To encourage sun safety awareness and remind everyone to protect their skin while outdoors, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared May 25—the Friday before Memorial Day—as “Don’t Fry Day.”

Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States due to overexposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. The American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. This year alone, ACS estimates there will be more than 76,250 new cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than two million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in the U.S.

“Farmers and ranchers are fortunate to be able to spend much of their working lives outdoors,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “The downside of prolonged exposure to the sun while on the farm or ranch is that it can lead to skin damage and cancer.”
In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, outdoor workers experience twice the amount of nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) compared to those who work indoors.

Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. Because no single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, the council recommends the following: do not burn or tan; seek shade often, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing; generously apply sunscreen; use extra caution near water, snow and sand; and get Vitamin D safely.

Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, numerous moles or freckles or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer as well. To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, protection from intense UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.

The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly for changes in moles and skin growths; schedule a visit with your doctor if you notice any change.

Farmers: Protect Your Skin on ‘Don’t Fry Day’ and Every Day

Opening Statement of Chairman Frank D. Lucas – Committee on Agriculture
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Commodity Programs and Crop Insurance
May 16, 2012

“I want to thank Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Boswell for holding today’s hearing to review commodity programs and crop insurance as we prepare for the next Farm Bill.
Last June, the Committee started the farm bill process by holding 11 audit hearings – focusing our attention on the U.S. Department of Agriculture – to look for ways to improve programs for farmers, increase efficiency and reduce spending.

“We then went out to the countryside this spring to hear directly from producers in the field. Now we are in the midst of wrapping up our final hearing series in Washington before we begin writing legislation.

“Along with crop insurance, Title I programs establish the very fabric of the farm safety net. They ensure that dramatic swings in commodity prices and volatile weather don’t put farmers and ranchers out of business. Further, they ensure that we – as consumers – always have a stable food and fiber supply.

“That safety net has to exist for all regions and all crops, and it has to be written with bad times in mind. These programs should not guarantee that the good times are the best, but rather that the bad times are manageable.

“Like the many farmers we heard from during our field hearings, I know firsthand about the challenges we’re trying to mitigate with sound farm policy.

“I started my first farming operation with a wheat crop that put me in a financial squeeze. The second wheat crop performed better. It matched the historic record for the farm. The difference between those two crop seasons was rain. It rained at the right time for the second crop; it didn’t for the first.

“Remember, I’m from the Southern Plains in a community where the historic rain average is somewhere between 24 and 28 inches. It usually comes in four nights. I know personally that if Mother Nature cooperates, you make a wheat crop. If Mother Nature doesn’t, you sort out your finances.
This early experience gave me an appreciation for just how challenging agriculture can be. It gave me an appreciation for an effective safety net and crop insurance, and all the other matters this Committee considers.

“Our farmers and ranchers have to deal with the uncertainties of weather, the insecurities of markets, and many times dramatically unfair foreign competition, so it’s critical that we get policy right. With all the challenges that our producers face, farm policy can’t be one of them.
To that end, as I have said many times, farm policy has to be equitable. The Farm Bill that we craft has to recognize the diversity of agriculture in America. It has to work for all regions and all commodities.

“That’s why it is vitally important that the Commodity Title provide producers with options so they can choose the program that works best for them whether it is protecting revenue or price.
Additionally, the Agriculture Committee has heard very clearly from producers about the importance of crop insurance. I am committed to providing a strong crop insurance program for them.
Today and tomorrow, we’ll hear from economists and a variety of agricultural leaders. I thank you for sharing your valuable insight with us. The road ahead of us won’t be easy. But I’m confident that by working together, we can craft a Farm Bill that continues to support the success story that is American agriculture.”

Opening Statement of Chairman Frank D. Lucas Committee on Agriculture

Amarillo Livestock Auction Summary, Amarillo, TX – 5/14/2012

Cattle and Calves: 814 Week Ago: 1321 Year Ago: 1687

Compared to last week: A limited test of yearling steers and heifers, not enough sales for an adequate market trend however a higher undertone noted. A lower undertone noted on a light test of steer and heifer calves. Trade and demand were moderate. A much needed rain in the area over the weekend made it difficult for sellers to get cattle to the sale barn. Slaughter cows sold 2.00-3.00 lower. Slaughter bulls lightly tested. Slaughter cows consisted of 7 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls less than 1 percent, replacement cows less than 1 percent and 91 percent feeders. Feeder supply included 63 percent steers and bulls, 37 percent heifers. Near 63 percent of the run weighed over
600 lbs.

Steers: Medium and Large 1 few 372 lbs 206.00; few 441 lbs 191.50; few 531 lbs 169.00; pkg fleshy 660 lbs 158.00; 700-715 lbs 162.50-163.50; few 952 lbs 132.50.
Medium and Large 1-2 500-600 lbs 164.50-165.00; few 708 lbs 156.00; couple loads 791 lbs 148.00.
Medium and Large 2-3 740-760 lbs 137.50-140.00.

Feeder Bulls: Medium and Large 1-2 few 650-675 lbs 122.00-126.00.

Heifers: Medium and Large 1 part load 354 lbs 184.50; few 405 lbs 173.50;
450-500 lbs 163.50-168.50; few 565 lbs 158.00; 600-650 lbs 142.50-146.00, pkg fleshy 606 lbs 132.00.
Medium and Large 1-2 few 276 lbs 185.00; few 480-490 lbs 151.00-159.50; 500-
600 lbs 144.00-149.00; few 666 lbs 142.00; few 767 lbs 132.50.
Medium and Large 2-3 few 674 lbs 135.00.

Slaughter Cows:
Percent Lean Weight Avg Dressing Hi Dressing Lo Dressing
Boning 80-85 1000-1200 85.00-87.50 90.00-92.75
Lean 85-90 1000-1150 84.50-86.50 88.25 82.50-85.25
800-900 75.25-81.50

Slaughter Bulls: Yield Grade 1-2 1660-1985 lbs 105.25-108.00
Low Dressing 1300-1500 lbs 99.50-103.50

Amarillo Livestock Auction Summary

Alabama Auctions Daily Summary
Alabama livestock auctions that were held Monday May 14, 2012.

Cattle Receipts: 2,300 Last Week: 2,488 Last Year: 3,139

Compared to a week ago: Slaughter cows and bulls firm to 2.00 higher. All feeder classes sold steady to 3.00 higher. Trade moderate with good demand on feeders. Replacement cows and pairs sold steady to firm. Slaughter cows made up 12 percent of the offerings, Bulls 2 percent, replacement cows and pairs 8 percent, and feeders 78 percent. The feeder supply included 27 percent
steers,42 percent heifers, and 31 percent bulls. Near 11 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Slaughter Cows Breaker 70-80% Lean
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
20 1005-1395 1224 83.50-88.50 86.42
4 1460-1605 1511 84.00-86.00 84.48
5 1400-1525 1449 90.50-95.00 91.97 High Dressing

Slaughter Cows Boner 80-85% Lean
26 1050-1365 1193 86.00-91.00 87.86
5 935-1250 1097 94.00-99.00 95.89 High Dressing
8 1400-1410 1406 88.00-90.00 88.75

Slaughter Cows Lean 85-90% Lean
8 910-1180 1086 79.00-83.50 80.68
6 950-1150 1050 84.50-86.00 85.13 High Dressing

Slaughter Bulls Yield Grade 1-2
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
4 1275-1490 1383 103.00-104.00 103.46
5 1670-1995 1793 105.00-108.00 106.60
4 1550-1900 1724 94.00-99.50 96.65 Low Dressing

Feeder Steers Medium and Large 1
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
4 305-315 310 210.00-220.00 215.08
6 360-380 372 190.00-197.00 192.60
10 415-445 438 184.00-191.00 186.34
16 460-485 465 168.00-176.00 174.25
18 515-530 521 164.00-168.00 166.22
15 550-566 564 157.00-159.00 157.26
5 620-645 632 145.00-151.00 149.22
4 650-695 679 143.00-145.00 144.25

Feeder Steers Medium and Large 2
6 375-385 381 185.00-189.00 186.67
25 405-446 426 170.00-178.00 172.73
14 450-480 454 164.00-170.00 169.09

Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 1
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
3 300-335 315 182.00-190.00 184.94
6 350-380 367 171.00-180.00 175.91
7 400-445 421 161.00-170.00 166.47
11 450-480 473 158.00-162.00 159.09
18 507-542 519 154.00-158.00 156.76
8 550-585 564 149.00-153.00 151.01
13 600-625 608 145.00-151.00 148.21

Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 2
21 320-348 343 170.00-180.00 177.63
7 375-390 381 162.00-170.00 165.75
17 410-435 431 155.00-159.00 157.10
29 451-480 455 155.00-157.00 155.25
31 515-544 538 147.00-154.00 148.49
7 550-575 565 141.00-149.00 144.40
3 625-640 630 137.00-138.00 137.34

Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 3
4 320-335 328 155.00-163.00 159.09
6 360-395 374 145.00-155.00 149.96

Feeder Bulls Medium and Large 1
Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price
7 310-320 313 210.00-213.00 210.88
4 360-375 368 187.00-190.00 188.53
12 412-435 418 181.00-189.00 182.73
7 450-495 479 163.00-171.00 166.89
11 500-545 525 153.00-160.00 157.02
12 550-585 567 148.00-155.00 150.81
4 600-610 605 142.00-149.00 145.53
5 660-680 674 134.00-141.00 135.77
6 705-730 717 122.00-127.00 123.97

Feeder Bulls Medium and Large 2
12 310-335 314 190.00-200.00 193.26
5 365-385 371 177.00-186.00 181.23
12 408-440 422 168.00-174.00 171.19
5 475-490 483 155.00-161.00 157.37
7 522-535 526 150.00-152.00 151.42
5 565-595 585 142.00-147.00 144.58
4 615-635 625 138.00-142.00 139.97
5 675-685 681 125.00-130.00 126.80

Feeder Bulls Medium and Large 3
3 305-345 332 176.00-186.00 179.07
4 385-395 390 166.00-170.00 168.03
5 400-425 415 163.00-166.00 164.16
4 485-490 488 148.00-155.00 151.52

Open and Bred Replacement Cows
Young to middle aged Aged
Large 2 Large 3
0-3 mos 1050.00 ————-
4-6 mos ————– ————-
7-9 mos 1400.00 ————-

Medium 2 Medium 3
0-3 mos 820.00-980.00 ————-
4-6 mos 1050.00-1215.00 ————-
7-9 mos ————— ————-

Small 2 Small 3
0-3 mos 550.00-750.00 370.00-520.00
4-6 mos 750.00-850.00 ————-
7-9 mos 940.00-1100.00 ————-

Replacement Pairs
Young to middle aged cows with calves 100-300 lbs Aged
Large 2 Large 3
————— ————-

Medium 2 Medium 3
1200.00-1400.00 ————-

Small 2 Small 3
950.00-1150.00 750.00-900.00

Alabama Auctions Daily Summary May 14, 2012