Tuesday March 13 Ag News

Training Champions: NCGA Advanced Leadership Program Graduates Second Class

As many growers prepare for planting, a select group channeled their energy into becoming the most effective leaders possible through the National Corn Growers Association Advanced Leadership program, sponsored by Syngenta.  The program’s second class completed the second and final phase of its training last week in Washington.  The session helped qualified and motivated candidates finely hone their leadership and lobbying skills and prepared them to lead the industry forward.

During the course, a small group of active grower leaders explored the current political climate while learning to improve their skills in many areas such as dealing with legislators and their staffs, the environmental community, regulators and state and national staff.  While there, the six participants participated in a variety of exercises, including a public speaking and presentations training program created by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and sessions on topics including domestic hunger programs, options for navigating the farm bill through Congress and the challenges of the federal budget.

In addition to in-depth consideration of the complexities of current political issues impacting farmers, participants got a glance of government in action through a visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where they met with USDA Chief of Staff Krysta Harden.  Following the tour, class members split up to shadow NCGA’s Washington staff for a look at a day in the life of a lobbyist.

“The best part of the program was meeting with fellow leaders and really digging deeply into the issues that affect us at both the state and national level,” said participant and NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. “By sharing our ideas and brainstorming with our peers, we were able to personally improve upon how we could lead our organizations into a brighter future.”

Advanced Leadership training aims to help develop top-notch state and national leadership that is empowered to share their skill set within the industry and community. It builds upon the Leadership at Its Best Program, also sponsored by Syngenta, which has helped develop corn industry leadership. Since 1986, NCGA, the state corn associations and, more importantly, the U.S. corn industry, have benefited tremendously from the original Leadership at Its Best program, which provides invaluable media, communications, association management and public policy knowledge and skills to its participants.

Attending the Advanced Leadership program this year were Bob Bowman (DeWitt, Iowa); Bill Chase (Wolsey, S.D.); Morris Heitman (Mound City, Mo.); Brandon Hunnicutt (Giltner, Neb.); Kevin Skunes (Arthur, N.D.); and Paul Taylor (Esmond, Ill.).

For the 2012-13 class, states may nominate two applicants for the Advanced Leadership program, one as a primary candidate and one to serve as an alternate. Nominees must be a member of NCGA, a graduate of Leadership at Its Best, and about to assume, or on the track to assume, a senior national or state leadership post. A selection committee empanelled by the Grower Serviced Action Team chooses the class. State associations have already received application packets for the next training, which are due to NCGA by April 15.



Aquafeed Research Shows Promise of Soy-Based Feeds

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced feed trial research results that attain a major goal for sustainable marine fish aquaculture: producing farmed marine fish with a wild fish in/farmed fish out (FIFO) ratio of less than 1:1.

The amount of fishmeal and fish oil from wild-caught sources used in farmed fish feed has been a concern for the long-term sustainability and scalability of aquaculture. Marine species, such as salmon, tuna, and yellowtail are higher up the food chain, and require diets comprised mostly of proteins and oils. These are usually in the form of fishmeal and fish oil derived from smaller fish lower on the food chain, such as anchovies and menhaden.

However, these wild fisheries cannot be scaled up to meet the feed demands of a growing global aquaculture industry. Much innovative research has taken place in the past decade to find alternative sources of proteins and oils in an effort to increase the sustainability of aquaculture and reduce pressure on wild forage fisheries.

Over the past five years, U.S. soybean farmers have sponsored a series of feed trials for farmed marine fish to test the use of soy ingredients as a replacement for fishmeal and fish oil. Recent trials conducted by Kampachi Farms in Hawaii, collaborating with the University of Nebraska, have produced farmed carnivorous fish with a FIFO ratio of 0.89:1.

"We're very excited with this research and the promise it holds for the future of aquaculture," said Michael Cremer, USSEC's technical director for global aquaculture. "Soybeans are particularly rich in nutrients that produce healthy and safe farmed fish, and unlike wild resources, can scale up to help aquaculture meet increased demand for seafood."

An eight-month feed trial in 2011 tested an experimental diet of 40% soy protein concentrate (SPC) and a 50:50 blend of fish oil and high Omega-3 soy oil against a standard commercial feed traditionally used to raise kampachi (a sashimi-grade Hawaiian yellowtail). With taurine (a non-essential amino acid) added to the SPC diet, the kampachi showed improved growth rates. Also, in controlled taste tests, consumers could not detect any difference from fish raised on a conventional diet.

"Attaining a FIFO of under 1:1 has been the holy grail of marine fish feed research for some time," said Neil Anthony Sims, president of Kampachi Farms. "We show here that we can produce premium, sashimi-grade fish with a net increase in marine proteins: that is, we produce more fish than our fish eat. This represents a significant step forward for the economics and the ecological efficiencies of marine fish culture. This research is truly the marriage of America's heartland with her blue horizons."

This year, Kampachi Farms will run trials to test refined diets with the SPC and soy oil, as well as incorporating a strain of microalgae into these experimental feeds as a natural source of taurine and EPA/DHA (the heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil). Future research will also include a market analysis of the cost effectiveness of these diets.



Iowa Corn Farmers Applaud State of Iowa’s Opposition To California Law Impacting Iowa Agriculture

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced that Iowa has joined the Amicus Brief in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals opposing California’s fuel standards law that discriminates against Iowa’s corn farmers and ethanol plants.

Gov. Branstad and AG Miller, along with other Midwestern states, argue that allowing the California Air Resources Board’s unconstitutional fuel standards to take effect would hurt our corn farmers and ethanol markets. The California law gives California-made ethanol a legal preference over Midwest ethanol, and is an illegal trade barrier between states.

The brief, which was filed by Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning and co-signed by the attorney generals of Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota, and Gov. Branstad, argues that the court should rule against the request for a stay based on the following three arguments:

California is unlikely to prevail on the merits because California’s fuel standards discriminate against ethanol produced in Midwestern states in favor of ethanol produced in California.

California’s fuel standards violate the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause because it is a improper exercise of extra-territorial regulation.

A stay of the district court’s preliminary injunction and judgments will substantially injure the economies of the Amici States and is against the public interest.

According to a 2012 Iowa Renewable Fuels Association study, the ethanol industry in Iowa accounts for nearly $6 billion of Iowa’s GDP. In 2011, the ethanol industry supported more than 82,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy and generated $3.7 billion of income for Iowa households.  The full Amicus Brief can be read here: https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Amicus-brief-opposing-motion-for-stay-FINAL-12-151311.pdf. 



Culinary students step up to the plate at IPPA Student Taste of Elegance contest

Fifteen teams of culinary students from six Iowa colleges prepared their best pork entrees in the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 2012 Student Taste of Elegance competition March 5 at Des Moines Area Community College’s Iowa Culinary Institute in Ankeny.

The event is designed to inspire innovative and exciting ways for culinary arts students to incorporate pork into their menus. The teams were required to use fresh pork muscle cuts in their entrée and each entry was judged on taste, appearance and design.

For the first time ever, a team from Iowa Central Community College’s culinary program in Fort Dodge captured first-place honors and won two $500 scholarships for the school. Team members Mackenzie Juergensen, Sonia Kepler, Randy Hisler and Emanuel Bustos each won a $100 scholarship for their winning “Salt Crusted Pork Tenderloin.”

2nd place honors went to a culinary team from the Iowa Culinary Institute at DMACC and 3rd place went to a team from Iowa State University in Ames.  Other school culinary programs competing were teams from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Scott Community College in Bettendorf, and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.

Each school received $500 to cover their expenses for participating in the competition.

The IPPA Restaurant and Foodservice Committee coordinates this event and several other Taste of Elegance competitions across the country throughout the year and committee member Nelda Christian of Ames says the contest is always a nice reflection on what the students are being taught in their culinary classes.

“The pork entrees at this year’s contest were exceptionally beautiful,” said Christian. “The judges commented that these plates could have gone up against the professional chef’s in the Iowa Taste of Elegance that we hold in January. We as a committee are thrilled that these culinary programs recognize the importance of menuing appealing pork dishes in their future restaurant establishments.”

The Student Taste of Elegance serves as a learning competition and an opportunity for culinary students to measure their progress.

The IPPA Student Taste of Elegance is an annual competition that is open to any Iowa college with a culinary arts program.



Iowa Grocery Industry Association partners with Iowa Food & Family Project

The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) is partnering with the Iowa Food & Family Project to provide consumers timely and accurate information about the quality and origins of food.

“Iowa’s farmers and grocery retailers are partners in success,” says Aaron Putze, director of communications and external relations for the Iowa Soybean Association and coordinator of the Iowa Food & Family Project. “Working together, they grow, provide and deliver an abundance of wholesome food choices at a variety of prices.”

The goal of the Iowa Food & Family Project is to unite Iowans in conversations about food and today’s farmers through personal engagement and advocacy. It involves the collaboration of more than 30 farm, retail, business and food-relief organizations. The Iowa FFP delivers on its mission by serving as Presenting Sponsor of the Iowa Games and supporter of Live Healthy Iowa. It also coordinates “Special Delivery. Homes. Help. Hope. For Haiti,” a campaign co-chaired by Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Ag Secretary Bill Northey, that’s generated more than $200,000 in food and shelter for Haitians displaced by the 2010 earthquake.

IGIA President Jerry Fleagle says the mission and purpose of the Iowa FFP has strategic relevance for the IGIA. “We’re dedicated to providing and delivering wholesome food for everyone and assisting our members in serving their customers,” Fleagle says. “By partnering with the Iowa FFP, we can more effectively coordinate activities that frequently connect consumers to the information they value and want about their food.”

Putze says the Iowa FFP and IGIA will work together to tailor communications and ag engagement programs to meet the individual needs of IGIA members and their employees and customers. The organizations will collaborate on activities including the IGIA annual meeting in July and Iowa State Fair in August.

“The Iowa FFP/IGIA partnership provides Iowa’s farmers and food retailers a unique opportunity to share information with people interested in healthy food and the integrity of the farmers and retailers who provide it,” Putze says.

The Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) is a state trade association that represents the food industry including chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, wholesalers, brokers, manufacturers and distributors.



USDA Should Reconsider Office Closures
Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell

Since the initial announcement of the Farm Service Agency office closures, I've been consulting with and questioning USDA officials on their consolidation plan. While I understand cuts have to be made, I believe these closures would unfairly impact producers in southern Iowa. These farms have a history of diversity, which the land they work on calls for. The variety of crops and livestock raised in southern Iowa requires local offices to be familiar with a wide variety of programs. For both production and compliance, our farmers deserve reliable access to experts at local FSA offices.

I am greatly concerned that the criteria used to determine these closures are flawed. I believe that any decision to close these offices must include an assessment of county workload to ensure that the needs of our producers are met and our conservation goals are maintained. Equally important, the USDA needs to consider the impact closures will have on local economies. Iowans know that closing shop in rural America is a lose-lose decision. It is a negative for rural economic development and is not worth the economic pain that these communities will suffer as a result. A proper assessment should be conducted to determine the workload volume of each county and region before any final decisions are made.

The Secretary of Agriculture has said repeatedly that he wants and will work for rural development. This is not the way to accomplish that. I talked with Secretary Vilsack at length last week and he seems determined to go ahead with the closures. I strongly recommend and urge all concerned citizens in the counties affected to write, e-mail and call the Secretary and explain that you are concerned with the negative implications of these closures.

Before any final decision is reached, Secretary Vilsack should personally visit these communities, explained his proposed actions and listen to concerned citizens."



NMPF Board of Directors Backs Resolution Urging Passage of Farm Bill in 2012

The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Board of Directors supported a resolution today urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill in 2012, one that contains an improved safety net for farmers in the form of the Dairy Security Act.

The resolution, passed unanimously Tuesday by the NMPF Board at its spring meeting, made it clear that the organization does not support any approach in Congress that would extend current farm programs by another year, and delay the creation of a better dairy program.

“Kicking the can down the road into 2013, where the farm bill is concerned, is neither good politics, nor good policy,” said Randy Mooney, Chairman of NMPF and a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO. “The tough choices about budget priorities won’t be any easier next year. But more to the point, dairy farmers need a better program than what we have right now. A farm bill extension in 2012 doesn’t do us any good.”

Mooney said he was encouraged that leaders in both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have recently expressed hope that each chamber can complete work on a bill prior to the summer.

NMPF has worked since 2009 to formulate a comprehensive economic safety net that is based on margins, rather than just the farm level price of milk. After developing its own proposal, Foundation for the Future, NMPF worked with Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Mike Simpson (R-ID) to encapsulate those concepts into H.R. 3062, the Dairy Security Act.

“At some point, we have to hold Congress accountable for providing a stable safety net going forward,” Mooney said. “We’ve seen prices drop significantly in the first quarter of 2012, and margins are again compressed, even as farmers are struggling to recover from the severe losses in 2009.”

The full text of the NMPF Farm Bill resolution reads:
WHEREAS, the NMPF Board of Directors recognizes that lower milk prices and higher feed costs are likely to result in significantly reduced operating margins for dairy producers across the country in 2012, and
WHEREAS, the NMPF Board of Directors also recognizes the ineffectiveness of current federal programs designed to help protect the livelihood of dairy producers, as witnessed during the catastrophic margins of 2009, it is:
RESOLVED, that the United States Congress be urged to pass a new Farm Bill as soon as possible that includes the provisions of the Dairy Security Act, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the NMPF Board of Directors does not support an extension of the current Farm Bill and urges Congress to enact the Dairy Security Act if a Farm Bill is not enacted in 2012.



Stallman: Odds Against 2012 Farm Bill
AFBF President Says Delay Puts Farm Bill at Risk of Deeper Cuts

The odds are against Congress completing a new five-year farm bill this year and that could spell deeper cuts in agriculture subsidies than most farmers are prepared for, Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said Tuesday.

The current 2008 farm bill -- a blueprint for agriculture policy -- expires this year and time is quickly running out for lawmakers, most of whom are also running for re-election, to write a new one.

"It's going to be very difficult to get a farm bill done this year," Stallman told a gathering of reporters.

If Congress fails to write a farm bill, Stallman said, the Senate and House will have to fall back to a short-term extension into 2013, pushing a full-scale enactment of new policy into a year that will likely face even steeper budget cuts than are expected this year.

Farmers are expecting Congress to do away with subsidies like the controversial direct payments program in a new farm bill, but they are also expecting they will get other, less controversial, subsidies as a substitute. If an extension is necessary, Stallman said, direct payments won't likely be part of the package and farmers will essentially lose that money in 2013.

Congress approved a $284 billion farm bill in 2008, including about $5 billion per year in direct payments that delivered cash to farmers. The money is paid out to those who own land tied to the program, regardless of whether or not the land is being farmed.



Urea Prices Soar

Retail urea fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of March 2012 spiked sharply higher in the last month. This marks the second week in a row a fertilizer has shown higher prices after nearly two months of extremely steady prices.

Urea jumped 9% compared to a month earlier and had an average price of $601 per ton in DTN's latest survey.

The remaining seven fertilizers were lower compared to a month ago; however, these declines were again fairly small. DAP had an average price of $646/ton, MAP $697/ton, potash $655/ton, 10-34-0 $807/ton, anhydrous $769/ton, UAN28 $377/ton and UAN32 $421/ton.

The sub-$700/ton price for MAP was the first time it fell below $700/ton since the second week of April 2011.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.67/lb.N and UAN32 $0.66/lb.N.

Three of the eight major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is urea. The nitrogen fertilizer is 23% higher compared to last year while the starter fertilizer is now 13% higher compared to the first week of March 2011.  Potash has also increased 10% from a year ago.

Three fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. Anhydrous has now climbed 4% higher while both UAN28 and UAN32 are now up 3% from last year.

Two fertilizers are now actually lower compared to one year ago. DAP is now 5% lower while MAP has decreased 1% in price.



Dillon Finishes Strong in Debut of the American Ethanol No. 3 Chevy

This weekend marked major milestones for both NASCAR driver Austin Dillon and the American Ethanol partnership as the 21-year-old sensation made his first Nationwide Series start at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway while sporting an American Ethanol paint out on his No. 3 Chevrolet Impala.  Born a racer, son of former driver and RCR general manager Mike Dillon and grandson of Richard Childress, Dillon shone a spotlight on his developing talent and his dedication to clean-burning, domestically produced ethanol.

"This was a big weekend for ethanol in NASCAR, with Austin Dillon racing his No. 3 American Ethanol car to another strong finish. With three races down in the Nationwide season, he is already exceeding our expectations," said Martin Barbre, chairman of the National Corn Growers Association NASCAR Advisory Committee. "He ranks second in driver points in his rookie season and is proving to be a great spokesperson for the performance, economic and environmental benefits of Sunoco Green E15."

Dillon came in seventh place, after running as high as third, the third strong showing of his rookie season. Following the race, he partnered with fellow ethanol supporter Kenny Wallace to give ride-alongs on the Vegas track to lucky fans interested in feeling the speed ethanol powers.



Report Finds Corn Yield Growth Slowing

Key shifts in U.S. corn production are decelerating yield growth, according to a new report released today by researchers at the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group. The report, titled “Can Corn Keep Up?” finds that yields are likely to grow at a much slower rate than historical and trendline analysis would suggest and anticipate 2012 growth will be below current USDA estimates.

The Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group’s “Can Corn Keep Up?” report notes that increased corn acres on less productive land, and reduced crop rotation make it unlikely that U.S. corn yield will increase significantly enough to move world grain stocks out of historically low levels. The report also notes only a 50 percent probability that U.S. corn production will keep up with worldwide demand.

“We’ve known for some time that corn yield increases will not be able to keep up with the surging global consumption,” notes Sterling Liddell, Global Strategist with the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory team.  “In the next three to five years, there is very little room for error as ethanol, exporters and livestock feeders all compete for the available supply.”

The report delves into factors such as the recent and dramatic expansion of planted geographies, decreases in crop rotation, increased density of plant populations and the slowing growth of technological advancements that had been fueling the growth in yields year over year.

“To this point, technology has played an important role in advancing the yield curve,” says Liddell. “However, at this point, we don’t see game-changing technology on the immediate horizon that would enable producers to make faster strides toward replenishing world grain stocks.”



Sales of Small Tractors Were Up During February

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers' reports that the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for February 2012 were up seven percent compared to the same month last year.  Two-wheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were down 2% from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 15%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 14% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 12% for the month.  Meanwhile, combine sales were down 54-percent for the month, totaling 311 units.

For the year 2012, a total of 18,600 tractors were sold, which compares to 17,780 sold through February 2011.



RFA, AEC react to vote on Stabenow amendment

Today, the Senate failed to pass the Stabenow amendment extending key biofuel tax incentives, such as the Cellulosic Biofuels Producer Tax Credit (PTC) the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biofuel Plant Property, and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit available to blender pumps and other ethanol fueling infrastructure. The final vote was 49-49.

In response, Advanced Ethanol Council Executive Director Brooke Coleman issued the following statement:
“Unfortunately the Senate missed an opportunity to put to bed the pressing need to extend expiring tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels and other sources of domestically produced clean energy. We appreciate Senator Stabenow’s effort to advance this piece of must-pass cellulosic biofuels policy, and we look forward to getting these provisions extended as soon as possible. The underlying reality is the lack of policy certainty is driving clean energy investment overseas and putting the United States behind the eight ball when it comes to clean energy development. Echoing the 49 U.S. Senators who voted for the Stabenow amendment today, we cannot afford to miss any more opportunities to get this done.”

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen reiterated Coleman’s sentiment:
“Every member of Congress agrees that America needs to reduce its reliance on imported oil and create jobs here at home.  These tax incentives would help accomplish both of those goals.  New biofuel technologies promise to bring increased economic opportunity to scores of communities all across the nation, create tens of thousands of jobs, and increase America’s supply of domestically-produced renewable alternatives to imported oil.  Likewise, increasing volumes of renewable fuels like ethanol have the potential to further reduce America’s foreign oil tab if investments in infrastructure offering higher level blends are encouraged.  In the face of record gas prices for this time of year and the very real possibility for $5 gas, I urge Congress to move swiftly to pass extensions of these tax incentives and accelerate America’s break with foreign oil.”

Biodiesel Industry Disappointed in Senate Energy Votes
The National Biodiesel Board expressed disappointment Tuesday after the Senate voted down two amendments that would have extended the biodiesel tax incentive through the end of the year.

"This is another missed opportunity for Congress to do something to boost the economy. We're talking about thousands of jobs across the country that are affected by this, and the very real possibility that biodiesel plants will go out of business," said Anne Steckel, NBB's vice president of federal affairs. "It's also a missed opportunity for Congress to do something about these oil price spikes by diversifying our fuel supplies and reducing our exposure to the global petroleum markets."

"We thank Sen. Stabenow and Sen. Roberts for including biodiesel in their amendments, and we urge Congress to break this partisan gridlock and find a way to enact policies like the biodiesel tax credit that have strong bipartisan support."

Congress allowed the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax incentive to expire on Dec. 31, despite the fact that the incentive helped the biodiesel industry achieve record production last year of nearly 1.1 billion gallons, supporting more than 39,000 jobs.



Senate Highway Bill Moves Forward with Agricultural Exemptions

Although the Highway Bill (S.1813) has been a victim of partisan politics, according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reached an agreement on the consideration of a series of amendments to the Highway Bill. Two of those amendments, which passed today, are of particular importance for farm and ranch families. Specifically, an amendment brought forth by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) will exempt drivers of farm vehicles from having to acquire a commercial driver’s license. Another amendment, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), will waive hours of service restrictions during harvest seasons.

“Farmers and ranchers are not professional truck drivers and shouldn’t be treated as such. Hauling livestock to market two times a year is hardly the same as hauling goods across the country on a daily basis. Subjecting family farmers and ranchers to costly and requirements is an unnecessary burden we cannot afford,” said Bacus. “NCBA and its members were pleased to see the U.S. Senate approve two commonsense amendments that differentiate agriculture from commercial transportation.”

The amendment brought up by Sen. Klobuchar is similar to H.R. 3265, sponsored by Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), which waives certain driving restrictions during planting and harvest seasons for producers who are transporting agricultural goods. Bacus said the amendment would allow farmers and ranchers to transport goods during harvest seasons when necessary instead of being subject to certain time requirements. The Farmers’ Freedom Act of 2011, H.R. 2414, sponsored by Congressman James Lankford (R-Okla.) is similar to the amendment sponsored by Sen. Merkley. This legislation exempts certain farm vehicles, including the individual operating the vehicle, from certain federal requirement such as commercial driver’s licenses.

According to the U.S. House of Representatives, it is not moving forward with its version of the Highway Bill. Instead, the House will take up the two-year Senate bill, sponsored by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and James Inhofe (R-Okla.), which was debated in the Senate today. Once the Senate concludes consideration of the amendments, the bipartisan legislation will be brought up for consideration this week. The bill will then move to the House for consideration.



U.S. EPA Approves Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme Insect Protection by DuPont

DuPont announced today that it has received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme insect protection for corn.  Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme adds to DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred’s lineup of single-bag solutions to deliver insect control and simplified refuge management for growers.

"Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme is the right product for growers who need enhanced above- and below-ground insect control and simplified refuge management on their acres,” said Paul E. Schickler, Pioneer president.  "Growers need proven technology to defend their crop against insect damage, while receiving overall agronomic performance.  Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme joins a very successful lineup of other simplified refuge Pioneer® brand products.”

Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme products integrate 95 percent of a trusted, high-yielding Pioneer® brand corn hybrid containing Herculex® XTRA insect protection.  This is combined with YieldGard® Corn Borer insect protection and the Agrisure® RW trait and 5 percent of a similar non-Bt hybrid with herbicide tolerance to serve as the integrated refuge.  All Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme products offer built-in herbicide tolerance.

Pioneer will introduce Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme products across multiple hybrid platforms for the 2013 growing season.  This year Pioneer will place Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme products in IMPACT™ (Intensively Managed Product Advancement, Characterization and Training) plots across the United States and Canada.  This innovative program offers customers and Pioneer sales professionals the opportunity to view and select the best products to fit their unique growing environments.  Pioneer IMPACT™ plots are planted in local customers’ acres and are a key data source to support product commercialization.

Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme insect protection products were approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in November 2011.

Pioneer offers several integrated refuge solutions for the U.S. Corn Belt; separate refuge is required in EPA-designated cotton growing areas.  The complete line of simplified refuge products consists of:
-    Optimum® AcreMax® 1 insect protection – the industry’s first integrated corn rootworm refuge solution which allows growers the ability to plant the required corn borer refuge up to a half mile away.
-    Optimum® AcreMax® RW rootworm protection – the industry’s first integrated single-bag refuge solution for corn rootworm, with no additional refuge required in cotton counties.
-    Optimum® AcreMax® insect protection – the industry’s first U.S. approval of a single-bag integrated refuge product targeting above-ground insects.
-    Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra insect protection – single-bag integrated refuge product targeting above- and below-ground insects.
-    Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme insect protection – single-bag integrated refuge product featuring multiple modes of action for above- and below-ground insect control.