Tuesday January 31 Ag News

Two More Dow AgroSciences Seed Facilities Accredited Through USDA Program

Two additional seed production sites for Dow AgroSciences Refuge Advanced® powered by SmartStax® have been certified under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Accredited Seed Conditioning Program (ASCP). The two sites, at Marshalltown, Iowa and York, Neb., achieved certification after a rigorous USDA auditing process.

In April 2011, Dow AgroSciences achieved the nation’s first ASCP certification for its REFUGE ADVANCED powered by SmartStax production facility at Grand Ridge, Ill.

“Having ASCP certification at three production sites allows us to provide customers with a premium refuge-in-the-bag product. The process gives us great confidence that REFUGE ADVANCED products meet or exceed regulatory and seed industry standards,” says Michael Joseph, lead quality manager for Seed Production at Dow AgroSciences.

To qualify for this program, Dow AgroSciences has complied with stringent USDA criteria for REFUGE ADVANCED seed blending as well as meeting the USDA’s Process Verified Program standards. Requirements include conducting trait purity checks on component seed lots, as well as maintaining standard operating procedures for the seed-blending process, including traceability, conditioning flow and product carryover procedures. The company must calibrate blending and weighing equipment and maintain records for seed blend products, making records available for USDA review. The USDA performed an audit to determine compliance with these requirements.

REFUGE ADVANCED contains a blend of 95 percent high-yielding SmartStax seeds and 5 percent high-quality non-insect-traited refuge seeds. It is a single-bag solution with no separate refuge required in the Corn Belt.1 While developing REFUGE ADVANCED® powered by SmartStax, Dow AgroSciences consulted with growers on the key attributes they were looking for in a refuge-in-the-bag product.

“This additional certification reinforces our commitment to quality, blending accuracy and uniform distribution of the refuge seed in each and every unit sold,” says Cole Hansen, Dow AgroSciences traits marketing manager. “The process required for this accreditation helps ensure we are meeting our customers’ expectations.”




Iowa Governor Pledges Statewide Committment to Child Health and Wellness through Fuel Up to Play 60 

Today, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad pledged his commitment to child health and wellness through Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school health and wellness program that encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The Governor joined Lieutenant Governor, Kim Reynolds; Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey; Director of Department of Public Health, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks; Director of Department of Education, Dr. Jason Glass; the program advisor and student body from Capitol View Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa; former Kansas City Chiefs player, Eddie Kennison; Iowa dairy farmers; and members of Midwest Dairy Council to sign the symbolic pledge.

At a celebratory school assembly at Capitol View Elementary School, the Governor praised the commitment to wellness from Iowa students and pledged his support for Fuel Up to Play 60, indicating the program is a positive next step toward helping Iowa students achieve pathways to better nutrition and fitness for life. “Fuel Up to Play 60 will play a key role in helping achieve our goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation,” Governor Branstad said. “The program sets our schoolchildren up for success by providing healthy food choices and encouraging exercise or play for at least 60 minutes every day.”

Lieutenant Governor Reynolds spoke about impact the program will have on future generations. “The children in our state are the future of Iowa. I’m thankful that Fuel Up to Play 60 teaches healthy habits that will help improve the quality of their lives in years to come.”

Launched by National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, Fuel Up to Play 60 has activated more than eight million students in 70,000 schools nationwide, including more than 436,000 students in Iowa, to be healthy, get active and make a difference. Today, more than 1,100 schools across Iowa are designated Fuel Up to Play 60 schools.

“As dairy farmers, we have always cared about legacy and the importance of passing on a better future to the next generation,” said dairy farmer Jason Brockhaus, from Ocheyedan, Iowa. “To date, the dairy community has awarded more than $129,000 in funding to Iowa schools to help jumpstart and champion school wellness efforts.”

Any school in Iowa can enroll in the free program, thus becoming eligible to apply for funds to help increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities for students. As part of Fuel Up to Play 60, schools can receive a free Quick Start Resources kit with planning tools and in-school collateral materials to help them implement healthy eating and physical fitness plans. The program, now in its second year, also encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The ultimate goal is to ensure changes made at school are sustainable and to provide children with more opportunities to be physically active and choose nutrient-rich foods.

“As a physical education teacher, I am excited and proud to have the opportunity for Capitol View Elementary to get involved with Fuel Up to Play 60. We already have been taking physical activity opportunities outside of the walls of the gym. Our teachers and students engage in daily brain breaks, which get our kids up dancing, moving, and re-focuses them for learning. Fuel Up to Play 60 is going to provide additional skills and opportunities for our student to lead healthy lives, including the importance of fueling their bodies with proper nutrition. I would like to thank Governor Branstad for recognizing the huge need for physical education and to guide our students on the path to healthier lifestyles by endorsing Fuel Up to Play 60,” says Monica Sherman, physical education teacher and Fuel Up to Play 60 program advisor at Capitol View Elementary.

To learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60, visit FuelUpToPlay60.com or MidwestDairy.com.



Iowa Stray Voltage Bill Would Restrict Farmer Claims

The Iowa Legislature concluded its third week, and legislators are handling several bills since many of those introduced in 2011 are still viable, said Iowa Cattlemen's Association Lobbyist Kellie Paschke. Nonetheless, legislative leaders have indicated that they intend to adhere to session timelines, including adjournment by or before April 17.

Last week, legislation was introduced that would significantly restrict the ability of dairy farmers to bring stray voltage claims against Iowa utilities. HSB 558 was proposed by the Rural Electric Cooperatives (RECs) and is supported by Alliant Energy and other utilities. The bill has been assigned to the House Commerce Committee, and subcommittee members include Rep. Stew Iverson, Clarion (chair), Rep. Lance Horbach, Tama, and Rep. Brian Quirk, New Hampton.

HSB 558 would require stray voltage claims by dairy farmers to be brought to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), which is given exclusive jurisdiction to handle such claims. Currently, such claims are brought in district court, with no involvement by the IUB.

The bill would make IUB's determination binding if it finds in favor of the utility. However, there is no such binding authority if the IUB sides with the farmer. Additionally, the IUB does not have jurisdiction to handle or order any damages.

Essentially, the farmer must start the process all over again at the court level. The bill provides no measure of damages for costs and legal fees. Any claims for damages must be pursued as a negligence claim, and landowners are prohibited from pursuing nuisance claims against the utility.

Subcommittee meetings on HSB 558 are scheduled to be held next week. While utilities support the legislation, many groups are registered against the bill including: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Dairy Foods Association, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Iowa Farmer's Union.



New online tool: Farmer Legal and Regulatory Guide

The Iowa Soybean Association’s Environmental Programs and Services (ISA EPS) team announces a new, free online tool for farmers wanting to know what rules and regulations impact their operation.

Organized in a question and answer format, the “Iowa Farmer’s Legal and Regulatory Guide to Environmental Issues” is intended to help farmers navigate issues to figure out what are their rights and responsibilities and where to find more information. Topics include: air quality, animal production, fertilizers, fuel storage, leasing, manure management, pesticide use, soil conservation programs, water quality and more. It also includes information about incentive programs provided in the law that farmers can benefit from.

The website can be found at www.iasoybeans.com/environment/legal/. 

Funded by the soybean checkoff and Congressional allocations through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the guide was compiled by the Drake Agricultural Law Center, under direction of Neil Hamilton, a leading authority on ag law. It fills a gap by making information available and understandable to nonlawyers, and pointing them in the direction of more information.

Hamilton cautions that the guide does not replace one’s own attorney. “We don’t know the facts of a particular situation, but the information we provide can probably tell enough for a farmer to know if they have an issue and need to contact an attorney.”

The website can be especially helpful for farmers involved in ISA’s CEMSA (Certified Environmental Management Systems for Agriculture).  ISA Technical Assistance Manager Martha Zwonitzer and other trained CEMSA staff currently work with more than 250 participants to develop custom-fit management plans to measure soil, nutrient, pest and energy management, and improve farmers’ efficiency and profitability. One section of completing the CEMSA process requires farmers to address the legal and regulatory issues they face and show they are staying abreast of environmental issues. This website can help them do that.

Whether a farmer is involved in CEMSA or not, the website offers a wealth of useful, easy-to-use information. 



January Farm Prices Received Index Increased 7 Points

The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in January, at 186 percent, based on 1990-1992=100, increased 7 points (3.9 percent) from December. The Crop Index is up 10 points (5.1 percent) but the Livestock Index decreased 1 point (0.6 percent). Producers received higher prices for cattle, broilers, soybeans, and corn and lower prices for eggs, milk, wheat, and lettuce. In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell. Increased monthly movement of corn, soybeans, cattle, and rice offset decreased marketings of milk, broilers, cotton, and cottonseed.

The preliminary All Farm Products Index is up 20 points (12 percent) from January 2011. The Food Commodities Index, at 171, increased 2 points (1.2 percent) from last month and 12 points (7.5 percent) from January 2011.

Prices Paid Index Up 2 Points
The January Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 207 percent of the 1990-1992 average. The index is up 2 points (1.0 percent) from December and 12 points (6.2 percent) above January 2011. Higher prices in January for feeder cattle, interest expenses, taxes, and land rent offset lower prices for complete feeds, LP gas, concentrates, and diesel.

Prices Received by Farmers
All crops: The January index, at 208, increased 5.1 percent from December and 10 percent above January 2011. Index increases for feed grains & hay and potatoes & dry beans more than offset index decreases for commercial vegetables, food grains, fruits & nuts, and oilseeds.

Food grains: The January index, at 225, declined 4.3 percent from the previous month but is 2.3 percent above a year ago. The January all wheat price, at $6.86 per bushel, is down 33 cents from December but 17 cents above January 2011.

Feed grains & hay: The January index, at 255, is up 0.8 percent from last month and 22 percent above a year ago. The corn price, at $5.90 per bushel, is up 4 cents from last month and 96 cents above January 2011. The all hay price, at $172 per ton, decreased $5 from December but is $60.00 higher than last January. Sorghum grain, at $10.40 per cwt, is 10 cents less than December but 91 cents above January last year.

Cotton, Upland: The January index, at 144, is down 1.4 percent from December but 6.7 percent above last year. The January price, at 87.4 cents per pound, declined 1.1 cents from the previous month but is 5.3 cents above last January.

Oilseeds: The January index, at 211, is down 0.5 percent from December but is 1.9 percent higher than January 2011. The soybean price, at $11.70 per bushel, increased 20 cents from December and is 10 cents higher than January 2011.

Livestock and products: The January index, at 156, declined 0.6 percent from last month but is 14 percent higher than January 2011. Compared with a year ago, prices for cattle, milk, broilers, hogs, calves, turkeys, and eggs increased.

Meat animals: The January index, at 161, is up 3.2 percent from last month and 15 percent higher than last year. The January hog price, at $62.40 per cwt, is $1.10 lower than December but increased $6.60 from a year ago. The January beef cattle price of $124 per cwt is up $4.00 from last month and $17.00 from January 2011.

Dairy products: The January index, at 147, is down 3.3 percent from a month ago but 15 percent higher than January last year. The January all milk price of $19.20 per cwt is down 60 cents from last month but is $2.50 higher than January 2011.

Poultry & eggs: The January index, at 152, declined 6.2 percent from December but is 7.8 percent higher than a year ago. The January market egg price, at 66.7 cents per dozen, is 43.3 cents less than December but 0.7 cents higher than January 2011. The January broiler price, at 49.0 cents per pound, is up 2.0 cents from December and 4.0 cents above a year ago. The January turkey price, at 66.0 cents per pound, is down 5.4 cents from the previous month but is up 9.6 cents from a year earlier.



Fertilizer Prices Stagnate

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of January 2012 continue to show prices sitting fairly steady. For the second straight week, no major fertilizer decreased or increased at any significant level in terms of price.  Seven of the eight major fertilizers were lower compared to the fourth week of December, however, these drops were fairly slight. DAP had an average price of $666/ton, MAP $716/ton, urea $555/ton, 10-34-0 $824/ton, anhydrous $797/ton, UAN28 $389/ton and UAN32 $435/ton.  The remaining fertilizer, potash, was slightly higher compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $660/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.70/lb.N and UAN32 $0.68/lb.N.

STILL HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO
In DTN's survey, four of the eight major fertilizers are continuing to show double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer skyrocketed in price last year but has fallen back some in recent months. It is now 29% higher compared to the fourth week of January 2011.  Potash has jumped 15%, urea 13% and UAN28 10% in the same time period.

Three fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. Anhydrous has climbed 8%, UAN32 7% and MAP 2% compared to last year.  The remaining fertilizer, DAP, is now actually lower compared to one year ago. The phosphorus fertilizer is now 1% lower.



AFBF, Plaintiffs File for Judgment in Chesapeake Bay Case

The Environmental Protection Agency's Total Maximum Daily Load regulation for the Chesapeake Bay watershed establishes new controls on land use that trespass into territory Congress legally reserved for state governments, according to the opening brief for summary judgment, filed by the American Farm Bureau Federation in the case, 'AFBF vs. EPA.' The TMDL will impact all economic activity in the watershed with potentially devastating impacts for agriculture within the watershed, according to AFBF.

"We all want a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "This lawsuit is about how we reach that common goal. Farm Bureau believes EPA's new regulation is unlawful and costly without providing the environmental benefit promised. Farmers in the watershed have clearly delivered a documented track record of continuous improvement, through conservation and sound stewardship and will continue their dedicated efforts."

The TMDL dictates how much nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment can be allowed into the Bay and its tributaries from different areas and sources. According to the brief, TMDL proposals are 'informational tools' under the Clean Water Act. But, in this action, EPA's final TMDL goes far beyond traditional and lawful scope and authority. "It imposes detailed pollutant allocations among sources throughout the Bay's vast watershed," the brief charged. "These mandatory allocations of allowable pollutant loading among farms, towns, and homeowners amount to nothing short of a federal TMDL implementation plan. This plan directly encroaches on state authority over land and water quality planning--not only in states bordering the Bay, but in states hundreds of miles away. EPA’s action is not authorized under the (Clean Water) Act." The brief also charges that the EPA's TMDL is based on flawed technical analysis and computer models that have proved to be fundamentally unworkable, and not appropriate as a basis for any regulatory program.

The Farm Bureau says a major economic study has also indicated that enforcement of the EPA's Bay plan would be expensive. In 2004, a Blue Ribbon Panel report estimated that achieving water quality standards for the Bay would cost $28 billion in total upfront capital costs, plus $2.7 billion in subsequent annual costs.

Joining AFBF as plaintiffs in the case, filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, are the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, The Fertilizer Institute, National Pork Producers Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Turkey Federation, and the National Association of Home Builders.



Biodiesel Industry Calls for Quick Action on Tax Extenders

The U.S. biodiesel industry's record growth and resulting job creation is at risk without immediate action from Congress to reinstate the industry's tax incentive, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) said in written testimony submitted Tuesday to the Senate Finance Committee.

The $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive expired on Dec. 31 for the second time in three years, despite clear evidence that the incentive is working to stimulate production and economic activity.

In her testimony, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel emphasized that when the incentive was reinstated last year after a lapse in 2010, it helped boost biodiesel production to a record volume of nearly 1.1 billion gallons in 2011. That volume - triple the production in 2010 - supported more than 39,027 jobs and $3.8 billion in GDP, according to a recent study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX, an international economics consulting firm.

"The biodiesel industry is poised to continue that momentum so long as Congress and the Administration continue supporting strong policies such as the biodiesel tax incentive," she said. "The recent expiration of the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax incentive poses a significant threat to the industry's continued growth."

Under projected expansion, with the tax incentive in place, the industry is expected to support more than 74,000 jobs by 2015 and some $7.3 billion in GDP.

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to extend the tax incentive for three years. Wednesday's hearing before the Finance Committee was titled, "Extenders and Tax Reform: Seeking Long-Term Solutions."



RFA Raises GATT, WTO Concerns over recent anti-trade tax in Brazil

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk urging him to investigate the news that the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo was imposing a 25% tax on all imported ethanol.  Port Santos in Sao Paulo is the main port of entry for U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil, which accounted for an estimated 400 million gallons in 2011.  

“Because ethanol produced in Sao Paulo is tax exempt, ethanol imported into Sao Paulo from the United States and other areas is at a substantial economic disadvantage,” wrote RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.  “We believe this action is discriminatory and may severely—and immediately—restrict the exportation of U.S. ethanol to Brazil.”

In early December, the nation of Brazil extended a temporary suspension of a 20% federal tariff on imported ethanol.  While the RFA welcomed that news, it cautioned that the decisions surrounding Brazil tariffs are neither permanent nor transparent and additional trade barriers could be constructed at any time.  The actions of the state of Sao Paulo are such an example.

“This action not only effectively reinstates the tariff on U.S. exports, but increases it by 5%,” wrote Dinneen.  “Moreover, we believe the action taken by the state of Sao Paulo is in violation of Article III:4 of the Generalized Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and possibly Article 2.1 of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.”

This year, exports of U.S. ethanol shattered previous records, reaching  more than 1 billion gallons in volume and some $2.5 billion in value. More than one-third of U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil in 2011; and, prior to this action, prospects for increased shipments to Brazil in 2012 were bright.

“These exports have helped to sustain the industry’s growth and profitability as we work to remove artificial barriers to the consumer market for ethanol in the U.S.  It is no doubt that this recent decision will result in the erection of another significant barrier to U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil.  We are hereby seeking your assistance in addressing this and other persisting trade distortions in Brazil,” wrote Dinneen.



Wheat Organizations Want an Open Border for U.S. and Canadian Farmers

Signaling a desire for more market efficiency, the boards of directors of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) each passed a resolution on Jan. 29 calling for an open border with Canada that provides reciprocal bilateral wheat trade.

Under a December 2011 law, which still faces some legal challenges, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) will lose its grain marketing monopoly Aug. 1, allowing western Canadian farmers to sell their wheat and barley in the open market.

The United States is routinely Canada's top wheat export market, but Canada's open market changes could affect the ways wheat moves into the United States. 

“We believe that in an open market, some Canadian wheat will move to U.S. country elevators near the border,” said Gordon Stoner, a Montana wheat farmer who serves as the head of the USW/NAWG Joint International Trade Policy Committee.

“Our wheat farmers are ready to accept that outcome as long as we similarly have a fair opportunity to deliver into the Canadian handling system. This resolution gives NAWG and USW the authority to work with farmers, the grain trade and government agencies here and in Canada to give U.S. farmers reciprocal access to the Canadian market. We seek an open border — in both directions.”

Stoner said some key issues must be resolved before U.S. farmers could sell their wheat to cash markets in Canada, such as Canada’s narrow wheat class variety eligibility lists that do not allow most U.S. varieties to be marketed in the country as top grade milling wheat.

“Ultimately, open trade across the border will be good for both Canadian and U.S. wheat farmers by adding efficiency and allowing Canadian and U.S. wheat handlers, users and growers to compete on the basis of quality and location,” Stoner said. "At the same time, with the CWB monopoly gone, the international market that determines our prices will become more transparent, fair and efficient."



Nothing Sweet About Flawed HFCS Research

Problems with recent reports attacking high fructose corn syrup demonstrate the need for clarity and caution on the part of research scientists, the National Corn Growers Association said Monday. Even though researchers may acknowledge specific limitations, the mainstream media does not always act so prudently as they report the news.

"Even peer-reviewed research has limitations and caveats that need to be clearly stated by the authors and reported by the news media, so consumers have a clear understanding of what the research really means," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. "When it comes to high fructose corn syrup, it's important to avoid biases based on unfounded attacks. The science is clear that, enjoyed in moderation, there is no difference between HFCS and other sugars."

Niemeyer pointed out that not only do table sugar and HFCS have a similar composition, according to the American Medical Association, but the American Dietetic Association has found that, once absorbed into the bloodstream, the two sweeteners are "indistinguishable."

One example of problematic research is a study by researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University that, according to the Corn Refiners Association, draws unfounded conclusions about cardiovascular risks associated with consuming fructose, which is found in many sweeteners. The authors failed to provide needed perspective, CRA reports.

"This study erroneously suggests that consumption of high fructose corn syrup is increasing, and many of the markers they tracked for being 'known to increase risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes' were actually measured in the study to be within normal ranges for all subject groups," said CRA President Audrae Erickson.

Further, the authors clearly acknowledge several limitations of their study. Their results relied upon the memory of adolescents about what they ate - which may not reflect actual intake.

Another example pointed out by the CRA is a study published in the journal Metabolism that attempts to evaluate certain effects of HFCS compared to sucrose. The authors of the study conceded the study had "several limitations," and were unable to draw meaningful conclusions based on their data.

"This study does not compare high fructose corn syrup to sugar made from cane and beets, and it did not use real-life diets as a model," Erickson said. "In fact, the authors noted that the sugar, or sucrose, had 'broken down' into the very same sugar compounds contained in HFCS. The study is also inconsistent with the great weight of scientific authority showing the nutritional and metabolic equivalence of HFCS and sucrose."

A leading expert on metabolism and sweeteners found significant flaws in the research methodology.

"This was not a comparison of HFCS and sucrose as the authors claim in the title and abstract, but rather a comparison of HFCS and an inconsistent product that at the end contained almost no sucrose," according to cardiologist James M. Rippe, M.D., founder and director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute and professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Central Florida. "Results of this study cannot be used to form conclusions about the similarities or differences between HFCS and sucrose."



Butter Prices Falls to 21-Month Low

Monday's spot trade was dominated by offers to sell, and dairy products were no different. The CME says butter fell 4.5 cents to $1.5050 and Grade A NDM dropped 7 cents to $1.38.  The butter price hasn't been this low since April 13, 2010.

"Churning activity across the country is strong as cream supplies are plentiful and clearing from one region to another to find processing capacity," says USDA's Dairy Market News. "Butter producers are gearing up production schedules and often, churns are running at capacity levels. With churning as active as it is, production is greatly surpassing demand, thus clearances to inventory are heavy."

Butter production in 2011 was up more than 16 percent, and end-of-year stocks were 29 percent higher than the prior year.



Pioneer Study Shows Corn Responses to Crop Rotation, Reduced Nitrogen Environments

Corn grown in rotation with soybeans requires less nitrogen fertilizer than continuous corn, while producing higher average yields per acre, according to a recent research study by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

"Our research shows that corn residue acts like a 'sponge' immobilizing the fertilizer, making it temporarily unavailable to the corn plant," says John Shanahan, Pioneer agronomy research manager. "Growers working with continuous corn need to be mindful of crop residue from the previous year and adjust (and likely increase) their nitrogen fertilizer rates accordingly."

These findings are part of a long-term, multi-location study by Pioneer that began in 2006 to examine the response of corn in limited nitrogen environments. Evaluations have been conducted yearly at Pioneer research stations in Johnston, Iowa; Champaign, Ill.; Windfall, Ind.; and York, Neb. (Note: The 2011 results were from only the Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska locations.)

"While many studies have tested corn response to nitrogen fertilizer, there has been limited information on corn hybrid performance in nitrogen-deficient environments," Shanahan says.

The nitrogen treatments in the study were standardized to five rates as a percentage of university economic optimum recommendations (from 0 to 130 percent), applied to corn in continuous production as well as corn in rotation with soybeans, and positioned on the same plots from year to year.

"As expected, corn yield increased with increasing nitrogen rates in both continuous corn and rotated corn and decreased with reduced rates," Shanahan says. "But what's interesting is that across all tested nitrogen rates, the average yield was higher for corn in rotation versus continuous corn by 33 percent or about 45 bushels per acre."

Furthermore, reducing nitrogen rates resulted in much more substantial yield decreases for continuous corn than for rotated corn. For example, rotated corn with no applied nitrogen yielded more than continuous corn with 50 percent of the normal nitrogen rate applied. In addition, reducing rates caused nitrogen stress sooner and with more yield impairment for continuous versus rotated corn.

Similar results have been observed by several university researchers and generally can be attributed to the higher residue levels for continuous corn, leading to Pioneer's recommendation that growers pay key attention to crop residue and fertilizer rates.

To provide further assistance to growers in the future, Pioneer is starting to look into the response of specific hybrids to nitrogen rates and crop rotations. This will be part of the ongoing study as researchers evaluate nitrogen use efficiency among different corn genetics.

"There is a lot of value in analyzing corn responses to crop rotation and reduced nitrogen environments," Shanahan says. "Our goal is to help growers make the best decisions, from hybrid selection to crop management, for their fields."