Tuesday April 10 Ag News

Nebraska Corn Board Presents Awards

The Nebraska Corn Board presented their annual awards to five Nebraskans during its Cooperator and Awards Dinner in Lincoln recently.   The agricultural awards are the Nebraska Corn Board’s way of paying tribute to an outstanding representative in the grain elevator, livestock, and ethanol industries, as well as awarding an individual in the media, and overall ag achievement each year. It is important to the Nebraska Corn Board to recognize those who help promote, develop and defend not only the corn industry, but agriculture in general.

“It is undeniable that these individuals have had a profound impact on the corn industry, their own community and the state in general,” said Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board, of the award recipients. “Nebraska’s strength in agriculture is built on the strength of people who have the vision to grow their own businesses.  Each of these individuals have added value to Nebraska’s corn, or helped communicate the importance of corn producers and what they grow.”

The Livestock Industry Appreciation Award was given to Harry Knobbe of West Point, Neb. This award honored Knobbe for his recognition of the value of corn and corn co-products, the corn checkoff investment towards livestock programs, and consumer education of the importance of the livestock industry to the state.

The Livestock Industry Appreciation Award honors a producer who recognizes the value of corn and corn co-products, the corn checkoff investment towards livestock programs, and consumer education of the importance of the livestock industry to the state.

Whether it’s growing crops, adding value to their livestock or helping ‘Plow Cancer Under’ by hosting the 2011 Cattlemen’s Ball, Harry Knobbe is well deserving to receive the Livestock Appreciation Award.

Residing in Eastern Nebraska, Harry and his wife, Doris, have farmed over 50 years near West Point. Harry is the youngest of the third generation of their family farm. He is also the owner/operator of the Harry Knobbe Feed Yard, Knobbe Livestock and Knobbe Commodities.

It truly is a family affair on the Knobbe Farm with their son, Scott, being very involved with the family farm. Besides Harry’s involvement in numerous ag organizations, stewardship of the land, faith and local community involvement are also very important to Harry and his family.

Just like Nebraska corn farmers are Sustaining Innovation by growing more with less, the Nebraska Corn Board recognizes Harry Knobbe for the innovative ways he produces food and takes care of the land and precious resources. 

Other Awards Presented
The Elevator Industry Appreciation Award was given to Bruning Grain and Feed with Darreld and Tina Domeier being present to accept the award. Bruning Grain and Feed is an independent elevator owned by local farmers and stockholders and located in Southeast Nebraska. They were chosen for their quality of service to customers, as well as for their support of Nebraska agriculture.

Given annually for over 15 years, the Elevator Industry Appreciation Award recognizes an elevator manager or employee that recognizes and appreciates the mission of the Nebraska corn checkoff program, shows proven leadership in explaining the benefits of the checkoff and its investments and supports Nebraska agriculture.

This year’s recipient of the 2012 Nebraska Elevator Industry Appreciation Award is Bruning Grain and Feed. Incorporated in 1949, Bruning Grain and Feed is an independent elevator located in Southeast Nebraska, a corporation owned by local farmers and stockholders. Their full line of grain products and services include the addition in May 1995 of a soybean processing facility. In November 2001, they added a commodity blending facility to meet customer demand for custom feed mixing.

Bruning Grain and Feed has a total storage of 4 million bushels and handles dry fertilizer as well as anhydrous ammonia. They strive to provide high quality products and superior service to their customers through the US and Mexico. As they originate grain and value add on-site, they are able to be very competitive and convenient.

The award was accepted by Darreld and Tina Domeier. Darreld is the Vice President and General Manager, and Tina is the assistant manager of Bruning Grain and Feed. Darreld has been with the company over 45 years. Darreld is an individual who works very closely with his clients to help make the best marketing decisions they can, as well as looking for long-term sustainability for their company, the local community and for all of agriculture.

The Ethanol Industry Appreciation Award was given to Loran Schmit, Executive Director of the Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers for his commitment and support of Nebraska agriculture through his work developing the ethanol industry in the state.

The Ethanol Industry Appreciation Award is to recognize a producer or person in the industry who has worked hard to develop ethanol markets and expand demand for ethanol in the state while appreciating the value of the corn checkoff and its involvement in ethanol market development.

This year’s recipient has a long history and career of developing the ethanol industry in the state of Nebraska.  The Nebraska Corn Board recognized Loran Schmit for his commitment, support, and dedication to the ethanol industry in Nebraska.

Loran is currently the Executive Director of the Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers and lobbies and consults on behalf of the Nebraska ethanol industry, specifically ANEEP.

Loran is a former member of the Nebraska Legislature and began his career in politics at an early age.  In 1968, Loran was elected to his first four-year term for the Nebraska Unicameral.  During his time in office, Loran introduced many bills including LB776 which established the Gasohol Committee, better known today as the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

Loran is known as the Father of the Gasohol Movement and laid the groundwork for the development of the Nebraska ethanol industry.

The Ag Achievement Award annually honors someone who has supported and expanded Nebraska agriculture, not just this year, but for many years. This award was given to Keith Heuermann of Phillips, Neb., for his vision, commitment and deep understanding of the value of agriculture and the corn checkoff to the state of Nebraska.

The Ag Achievement Award was first presented in 1991 with the purpose of recognizing outstanding, unselfish, and sacrificial efforts which further the corn industry.  This year the Nebraska Corn Board honored Keith Heuermann, Phillips, Neb., with this prestigious award.

Keith produced the most popular do-it-yourself snack food in this country. He didn't plan on his life taking this direction, but when he prepared to retire from his career designing feed corn for cattle, he started a little hobby.

Keith graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1956 and established Prairie Valley Hybrid. The first crop of hybrid seed was harvested on two acres. The progressive and expanded business was owned and operated by Keith and Eugene Heuermann until 1967. The business was incorporated in 1960 and they grew seed corn for the central corn belt and several European countries. The firm had 300 dealers and six full time employees, which greatly increased at the peak of their season of 1967.

Back in the 1940’s Prairie Valley Seed corn sold for $6.90 a bushel. Prairie Valley was one of first if not the first, to introduce single cross hybrids with the production of their hybrid 325 in 1957. The company was sold in 1979 to Stauffer Chemical Company and is now owned by Syngenta Seeds, Inc.

Heuermann worked 11 years for Stauffer Chemical Co. until he “retired” in 1990. While working for Stauffer, Heuermann began experimenting with popcorn production on his own in 1982 and in 1992, BKH Popcorn Inc. distributed its first popcorn product.

In 1997, the QVC Channel held a state-by-state search for new products. When the "Quest for America" came to Nebraska, Heuermann competed with 280 manufacturers, and the mild-mannered retiree walked away with his microwave popcorn chosen as one of 20 "best new products."

The Nebraska Corn Board is certainly not the first to notice Keith’s achievements. The Nebraska Crop Improvement Association named Heuermann Premier Seed Grower in 1968. He was recognized as Nebraska Entrepreneur of the year and named to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce. In April of 2006, he was honored as the 118th person named to the Nebraska Hall of Agriculture during the Nebraska Hall of Ag Achievement annual banquet.

To all consumers of popcorn, Keith’s achievements are just a better bag of popcorn, but to Nebraska and the 26,000 corn producers, Keith’s quest for a better kernel, a higher yielding ear and a more hardy field of corn is an achievement in itself.



‘Fabricating It’: Opponents Wrong On Antibiotics Use

A study conducted by Kansas State University shows that opponents of antibiotics use in livestock production wildly overestimate the amount given to food animals.

Using data from a 2006 U.S. Department of Agriculture swine survey and a 2009 survey of swine veterinarians, KSU found that annually about 1.6 million pounds of antibiotics are used in pork production for growth promotion/nutritional efficiency and disease prevention. A 2001 report, “Hogging It,” from the Union of Concerned Scientists claimed that 10.3 million pounds a year are used.

“The UCS report should have been titled ‘Fabricating It,’” said NPPC President R.C. Hunt, a pork producer from Wilson, N.C. “Pork producers do not overuse antibiotics. We work with veterinarians to carefully consider if antibiotics are necessary and which ones to use.”

The KSU study, which was published in the March issue of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, found that 2.8 million pounds of antibiotics were used for growth promotion/nutritional efficiency, disease prevention and disease treatment. That amount is 368 percent less than the amount asserted by UCS for just growth promotion/nutritional efficiency and disease prevention.

The study also belies the claim made by opponents of modern livestock production and some members of Congress – and repeated by much of the media – that 80 percent of all antibiotics sold are used to promote growth in livestock. (That figure always has been at best a guess because there is no reliable data on human uses of antibiotics.)

Several groups and lawmakers have pushed a theory that antibiotics use in food animals is leading to treatment failures in people who develop antibiotic-resistant illnesses. They support legislation to ban the use in livestock of antibiotics that prevent or control diseases and of ones that improve nutritional efficiency. (Numerous peer-reviewed risk assessments have shown a “negligible” risk to human health of antibiotics use in livestock production.)

“Pork producers use antibiotics carefully and judiciously to protect public health and the health of their animals and to produce safe food,” Hunt said. “To denigrate America’s hog farmers by deliberately peddling misinformation about how they care for their animals is despicable.”

To read an abstract of the KSU study, click here...  http://www.nppc.org/wp-content/uploads/Swine-in-feed-use-estimates.pdf.  



Pork Profit Outlook Gets Trimmed

With the breeding herd only 0.6 percent larger than a year ago, sow numbers stable, and the market herd reportedly 2 percent larger, the nation's pork producers are largely holding back on expansion even though the industry returned to profitability in the spring of 2011.

According to Purdue University Extension economist Chris Hurt, large financial losses in 2008 and 2009 and uncertainty associated with higher feed prices due to crop damage in South America may be some of the reasons for the reduced profit outlook for 2012.

"The current outlook is for profits of just $4 per head for 2012," Hurt said. "This compares with estimated profits of $14 per head last year. An early look toward 2013 suggests modest continued expansion of pork production with somewhat lower hog prices. Feed costs are expected to moderate to the down side with estimated total costs dropping to around $60 per live hundredweight compared with $63 in 2012.

"One thing is sure," Hurt said. "The U.S. pork industry's costs structure has changed significantly from around $40 during the $2.00-a-bushel corn era to closer to $60 per live hundredweight now."

Hurt said that cash hog prices and lean hog futures were negatively impacted by the media attention and consumer reactions surrounding lean finely textured beef.

"With that issue receiving less attention, hog prices should be set for a spring rally in the next six weeks," he said. "Over the past five years, for example, live hog prices have rallied an average of $11 per hundredweight into mid-May. A similar increase this year is expected and should take prices that are currently in the low $60s to the low $70s over coming weeks."

According to Hurt, prices are expected to average in the higher $60s for both the second and third quarters this year and then drop seasonally to near $60 in the last quarter of 2012 and first quarter of 2013. Prices for the spring and summer of 2013 are currently expected to be in the mid-$60s.

"Pork supplies in 2012 are expected to rise by about 2 percent, but demand is expected to absorb these modest increases," Hurt said. "Exports will remain an important component of that demand as USDA analysts expect export shipments to remain at record high levels. Domestic demand should remain strong due to population increases near 1 percent and to some consumers selecting pork as an alternative to high priced beef.

"Beef availability will drop to just 55 pounds per person this year compared with 65 pounds five years ago. Consumer beef prices are expected to rise nearly 7 percent this year from last year to $5.15 per pound as an average across cuts. Pork prices, on the other hand, will rise modestly and be priced about $3.45 per pound and draw some attention away from beef purchases," Hurt said.

Hurt explained that the greater increase in market hogs versus the breeding herd is the result of continued increases in the number of pigs per litter. Producers also indicate they will modestly reduce the number of sows farrowing in coming months. Farrowing intentions are down about 1 percent for the spring quarter and down 2 percent for the summer quarter. If intentions materialize, pork supplies will only increase by about 1 percent in the fall of 2012 and early 2013.

May 2012 corn futures have increased by about $0.60 cents per bushel, and May soybean meal futures have increased by nearly $100 per ton.

"Together these have increased feed costs by about $6 per live hundredweight with each contributing roughly $3 to higher costs," Hurt said. "Pork producers are aware that 2012 U.S. crops have a high production potential but also realize that an unfavorable growing season would threaten that potential."



Urea and UAN Rally

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of April 2012 show multiple fertilizers on the rise, following up on urea's price leap over the past several weeks. For the first time this spring, the majority of fertilizers were higher in price compared to a month earlier.

Once again urea led the way higher. The nitrogen fertilizer's national average price gained 14% compared to the first week of March and averaged $686/ton.  The $686/ton average price for urea also marks the highest price for the fertilizer since DTN has been tracking retailer fertilizer prices. The data begins the first week of November 2008.

Also higher were the UAN solutions. UAN32 was 10% higher compared to a month ago and had an average price of $455/ton while UAN28 has climbed 8% and had an average price of $399/ton.  Both MAP and potash were also slightly higher during this period. MAP had an average price of $699/ton and potash's average price was $660/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were lower compared to a month ago but really not by any significant amount. DAP had an average price of $638/ton, 10-34-0 $787/ton and anhydrous $761/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.75/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.71/lb.N and UAN32 $0.71/lb.N.

Three of the eight major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Urea is 41% higher compared to a year ago while potash is now 11% higher and UAN32 is 10% more expensive.  Three more fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. UAN28 is now 8% more expensive, 10-34-0 has is up 4% and anhydrous is 3% higher from last year.  Two fertilizers are now actually lower compared to one year ago. DAP is now 6% lower while MAP has decreased 1% in price.



Shifting Economics Helps DDGS Gain a Foothold in Once Anti-ethanol Market

In a country largely dependent on oil exports, the ethanol industry is often maligned and a large target of contention and discomfort in Saudi Arabia. However, as Venezuela overtook Saudi Arabia to become the owner of the largest share of the world's known oil reserves in 2011, Saudis are now focusing on the need to diversify their economy, with agriculture garnering significant interest as a new revenue stream.

Already home to the largest dairy integrations in the world, the country once opposed to ethanol now cooperates with the U.S. ethanol industry to satisfy feed demand with ethanol coproduct distiller's dried grains.

The U.S. Grains Council, which has operated in Saudi Arabia for decades, recently undertook a unique challenge as it launched efforts to expand market access for U.S. DDGS, which are derived from the prohibited alcohol production industry.   While initial efforts were met with trepidation, the Council persevered, successfully gaining placement for distiller's dried grains with solubles on the much desirable "feed ingredient subsidy list." Inclusion on this list entails financial support for importers to aid them in bringing foreign feed ingredients to the market in order to reduce water consumption. Encompassing everything from soybean meal to fava beans, values are determined by energy content and protein levels.

To gain placement on the list, the Council addressed the myriad obstacles through an aggressive marketing campaign focused on stimulating demand and improving market access. Now, the Council plans to leverage that success, introducing programming to educate traders and nutritionists about the tremendous benefits of DDGS.  Already successful with 16,000 tons of U.S. DDGS entering the Saudi market already, the Council anticipates the demand potential will continue to grow along as increased emphasis is placed upon the importance of the agricultural sector.



Sorghum Checkoff Names New Crop Improvement Program Director

The Sorghum Checkoff welcomes Justin Weinheimer as the organization’s Crop Improvement Program Director.  “We are excited to have Justin as part of the Sorghum Checkoff team,” said USCP board chairman Bill Kubecka. “He has a great deal of experience working with farmers and the industry, and has a true passion for agriculture. I know he will be a valuable asset to our organization.”

Weinheimer has previous experience working with producers, industry and academia to determine ways to sustain and enhance agricultural production. He is the former assistant director of the Alliance for Water Conservation Center, which has been evaluating water issues surrounding the management of the Ogallala Aquifer and its impacts on the regional economy. In that position, Weinheimer often referenced sorghum’s value to producers and economic impact.

Weinheimer holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University and has served as an advisor to the Texas Water Council for the past several years. He is a native of Stonewall, Texas, and is currently residing in Lubbock, Texas, where he will be based in his role as the USCP Crop Improvement Program Director.



World Food Prices Remain Unchanged in March

World food prices in March remained virtually unchanged from their February levels, according to the latest FAO Food Price Index, published last week. The Index averaged 216 points in March, compared to 215 in February.

According to FAO, among the various commodity groups, only oils prices showed strength, whereas dairy prices fell.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 227 points in March, up 1 point from February. Maize prices registered some gain, supported by low inventories and a strong soybean market, but wheat changed little as supplies remained ample. After several months of declines, prices of rice recovered somewhat in March, underpinned by large purchases by China and Nigeria.

The FAO Oils/Fats Price index rose in March to 245 points, up 6 points or 2.5 per cent from February, as markets reacted to the prospect of growing tightness in the 2011/12. Weak growth in world palm oil production and limited global soy oil export availabilities combined with declining rapeseed production contributed to the rise in oils prices.

The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 178 points in March, up marginally from the previous month, sustained by a slight rise of bovine meat price but still reaching an all time high. Prices of pig meat and sheep meat changed little, while they weakened in the case of poultry amid slowing import demand and generally ample export availabilities. On average, meat prices in the first quarter were 3.5 per cent higher than last year.



Blue Bunny Helps NASCAR Driver's Campaign

A NASCAR driver will be sporting the Blue Bunny logo on his racing helmet in a campaign to raise money for charities. Jimmie Johnson, who drives the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will be showcasing the helmet this summer as part of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation's Helmet of Hope campaign.

Johnson, a five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, recently kicked off this year's Helmet of Hope campaign by announcing Blue Bunny as the 2012 title sponsor.

Wells Enterprises, the maker of Blue Bunny ice cream and frozen novelties, is headquartered in Le Mars.

Through the Helmet of Hope program, fans and media members across the nation can nominate their favorite charity to receive a $10,000 grant and the charity's logo on Johnson's Helmet of Hope race helmet.

Johnson will wear the helmet, featuring 13 chosen charities along with the Blue Bunny logo, in the June 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

The connection between Johnson and the Le Mars ice cream maker dates back several years.

"The funny thing is Mike Wells and Jimmie Johnson share a love of ice cream," said Mary Barr, a Jimmie Johnson Foundation spokeswoman.

A few years ago, Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells, happened to read a Sports Illustrated magazine article about Johnson in which he spoke of his love for ice cream, Barr said.

"Mike reached out to Johnson's office and the relationship started there, primarily as a supporter for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation," said Liz Croston, a spokeswoman for Wells Enterprises.

Mike Wells said Blue Bunny is honored to be title sponsor for the Helmet of Hope program this year.

"The opportunity this program provides in assisting awarded organizations aligns with our company fundamentals and beliefs," he said in a press release. "We are committed to being a good corporate citizen in those communities in which we live and work by contributing our time, talent and resources."

As title sponsor, Blue Bunny representatives chose the first charity to be featured on the Helmet of Hope and receive a $10,000 grant: United Way of Siouxland.

United Way of Siouxland will dedicate the dollars to The Imagination Library. This literacy program provides free books to area children from birth to age five, according to a United Way of Siouxland press release.

Twelve other Helmet of Hope charities will be drawn from those nominated by fans and media. People can nominate a charity until 5 p.m. ET on May 7 at www.helmetofhope.org.



Vilsack announces BioPreferred Final Rule

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the addition of 13 biobased product categories which are eligible for Federal procurement preference. Now more than 1,500 additional biobased products will be offered for preferred purchasing consideration by all Federal government agencies and contractors. The final rule was published in the April 4 Federal Register.

In February, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum to create jobs through increased procurement of biobased products by the federal government and to encourage greater Federal support of the BioPreferred program.

"There are now more than 10,000 products qualifying for preferred procurement under USDA's BioPreferred program" said Vilsack. "Including previously designated items, these 13 additional biobased product categories will help feed the President's initiative by offering even more products with federal procurement preference."

Today's final rule designates the following biobased products for preferred Federal procurement:
    air fresheners and deodorizers
    asphalt and tar removers
    asphalt restorers
    blast media
    candles and wax melts
    electronic components cleaners
    floor coverings (non-carpet)
    foot care products
    furniture cleaners and protectors
    inks
    packaging and insulating materials
    pneumatic equipment lubricants
    wood and concrete stains

Biobased products are composed wholly or significantly of biological ingredients in new or emerging markets– renewable plant, animal, marine or forestry materials. A BioPreferred designated item is one that meets or exceeds USDA-established minimum biobased content requirements.



Cargill reports third-quarter fiscal 2012 earnings

Cargill today reported $766 million in earnings from continuing operations in the fiscal 2012 third quarter ended Feb. 29, 2012, essentially even with $763 million earned in the same period a year ago. In the first nine months, earnings from continuing operations were $1.1 billion, compared with $2.29 billion in the year-ago period. Both the prior year figures exclude earnings from Cargill’s former majority investment in The Mosaic Company.

Consolidated revenues in the 2012 third quarter were $31.9 billion, a 5 percent increase from $30.5 billion a year ago. Nine-month revenues totaled $99.8 billion, up 18 percent from $84.7 billion in the prior period.

“Cargill’s earnings strengthened in the third quarter, totaling more than twice that earned in the first six months of the fiscal year,” said Greg Page, Cargill chairman and chief executive officer. “Although it continues to be an unsettled year for the global economy, we did a better job navigating the uncertainty. It reinforces our focus on creating value for our customers, improving our work processes and keeping our costs in check.”

Cargill’s food ingredients and applications segment was the largest contributor to the company’s third quarter, with earnings up significantly from the year-ago period. Within the segment, the food ingredient businesses posted a record third quarter on a combined basis. Earnings among the segment’s global group of meat businesses were improved from the second quarter, but meat results overall were still well below last year’s record level due to the cyclical downturn in North American beef.

The agriculture services segment generated solid earnings in the third quarter, though not on par with last year. Within the segment, Cargill’s global animal nutrition operations posted an improved performance, which was offset in part by decreased income in North American farm services. The reduction was largely attributable to changes in this year’s global grain flows, which shifted more U.S. grain handling volume than is typical into the company’s first half.

The origination and processing segment staged a sharp rebound in the third quarter from the preceding quarter’s low. The grain and oilseed trading and processing businesses put their combined insight to good advantage in analyzing and managing the ongoing instability and risk in the global economic and geopolitical environment. The segment established favorable trading positions in most parts of the business, even though the slowdown in U.S. grain exports, the buildup in global oilseed processing capacity and geopolitical tensions made for challenging market conditions.

Third-quarter earnings in the risk management and financial segment were slightly below the year-ago level, with much stronger results among the segment’s energy businesses.

An exceptionally mild winter across North America negatively impacted demand for deicing salt products, which held results in Cargill’s industrial segment below last year’s record third quarter.

Cargill continues to invest in facilities that strengthen its ability to be a reliable supplier and innovative partner to customers globally. In Brazil’s southern state of Paraná, the company broke ground on a corn wet milling plant in Castro. The corn wet mill, Cargill’s second in Brazil, will produce a variety of sweetener and starch products for food and beverage applications, industrial products such as paper coatings, and co-products used in pet foods and animal feeds. Its first mill, in Uberlândia, was expanded by 70 percent in 2010.

Cargill is constructing a corn sweetener plant in China’s Henan Province, which will be its third in China. The plant will serve nearby global and regional beverage makers.

As announced during the quarter, Cargill is modernizing its soybean crush plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; enlarging the Tacoma, Wash.-based TEMCO grain export terminal joint venture with cooperative and partner CHS; and returning to dual ownership the Louisiana Sugar Refinery joint venture with cooperative and partner Sugar Growers and Refiners. Cargill also completed the sale of its global flavors business to Kerry Group.



EPA Denies NRDC Petition on 2,4-D – Confirms safety of tolerances

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its denial of the 2008 petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) seeking to cancel 2,4-D herbicide registrations and revoke all the tolerances for use.

“The impact of this decision should not be understated,” said Jim Gray, executive director of the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D Research Data. “EPA’s comprehensive review of one of the most extensive scientific data bases of a pesticide confirmed the Agency’s previous finding that the 2,4-D tolerances are acceptable.”

In its most recent decision, the EPA stated: “After considering public comment received on the petition and all the available studies, including a state-of-the-science one-generation reproduction study, EPA is denying the request to revoke all tolerances and the request to cancel all registrations.”

“This has been one of the most widely used and successful herbicides in history and growers along with other users around the U.S. and the world can continue to use it with confidence”, added Gray. “EPA’s most recent decision is consistent with findings of other authorities such as the World Health Organization, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the European Commission.”

The US EPA conducted a thorough evaluation of all of the available information, including GLP studies, peer-reviewed studies, as well as the anecdotal information submitted by the pressure groups. This determination follows the 2005 Re-registration Eligibility Decision which encompassed 17 years of scientific evaluation.

EPA Statements in Rejecting the NRDC Petition
·        “The one-gen study provides an in-depth examination of 2,4-D’s potential for endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic, and immunotoxic effects. This study and EPA’s comprehensive review confirmed EPA’s previous finding that the 2,4-D tolerances are safe.”
·        “Based on studies addressing endocrine effects on wildlife species and the adequacy of personal protective equipment for workers, the Agency concluded that the science behind our current ecological and worker risk assessments for 2,4-D is sound and there is no basis to change the registrations.”

About 2,4-D and the Research Task Force
2,4-D, one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S. and worldwide, is applied to crops such as wheat, corn, rice, soybeans, potatoes, sugar cane, pome fruits, stone fruits and nuts. It controls invasive species in pastures, aquatic areas and federally protected areas and broadleaf weeds in turf grass. An economic evaluation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (NAPIAP Report 1-PA-96) concluded that the loss of 2,4-D would cost the U.S. economy $1.7 billion annually in higher food production and weed control expenses. 2,4-D is a critical tool in the integrated management of herbicide resistant weeds in crops.

The 2,4-D Task Force is made up of those companies owning the technical registrations on the active ingredient in 2,4-D herbicides. They are Dow AgroSciences (USA), Nufarm, Ltd. (Australia) and Agro-Gor Corporation (USA & Argentina).

The Task Force does not conduct the research required by EPA and other pesticide regulators; it simply funds the scientific research needed to meet all agency requirements. All research funded by the Task Force is conducted under stringent Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements.

EPA’s decision and other resources pertaining to 2,4-D may be found at:  http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2012/2-4d-petition.html. 



BASF submits application for registration of new Engenia herbicide

Farmers are one step closer to an innovative solution that will help manage tough weeds, maintain advances in conservation tillage practices and enhance productivity. BASF Crop Protection today announced the submission to regulatory agencies in the United States of the registration application for Engenia™ herbicide, a technologically advanced dicamba formulation.

Farmers will be able to use Engenia, in combination with other herbicides and agronomic practices, in an effective, weed control system enabled by dicamba-tolerant crops currently in development.

“Farmers fighting against herbicide resistance have an important new tool in Engenia which, field research shows, will offer excellent weed control and crop safety, as well as low-volatility characteristics for improved on-target application,” said Paul Rea, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF.

Engenia will deliver broad-spectrum burndown of more than 100 annual broadleaf weeds, including tough, glyphosate-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, marestail, velvetleaf, morningglory and giant ragweed. In fact, field research demonstrates that Engenia is more effective than 2,4-D on many problem weeds, such as velvetleaf, marestail, giant ragweed and morningglory.

A registration decision by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Engenia is anticipated in a parallel time frame with commercialization of a dicamba-tolerant soybean system.

Commercialization of the dicamba-tolerant system for soybeans is expected in the U.S. mid-decade, with cotton, corn and canola to follow.

“Farmers have only a few post-applied herbicide options in soybeans,” Rea said. “Engenia offers an additional site of action for post-emergence control, and can also be used preemergence in dicamba-tolerant soybeans, giving farmers maximum application flexibility to target key weeds.”

As the industry’s leading dicamba innovator, BASF utilized its technical expertise to develop Engenia, which offers improvements in performance and physical characteristics of dicamba that further minimize potential volatility. As with any post-emergence herbicide, proper application techniques are critical for managing spray drift and maximizing on-target performance.

BASF is committed to herbicide best practices for sustainable use of its products, including stewardship programs that encourage proper application and integrated weed resistance management practices. BASF will provide ongoing education to support these best practices and on-target application, including the On Target Application Academy, which provides information to growers who self-apply herbicides to help them get the most out of every application.

“With innovative solutions, technical support and educational tools, BASF is a grower’s No. 1 partner for managing weed resistance by providing more corn and soybean herbicide sites of action than any other crop protection company,” Rea said. “The registration application for Engenia, as well as the recently launched OpTill® PRO herbicide and Armezon™ herbicide, demonstrates our commitment to provide growers with new chemistries to maximize their yield potential and proactively manage resistant weeds.”



MONSANTO DEBUTS GROUND BREAKERS PROGRAM TO GIVE FARMERS FIRST-HAND LOOK AT UPCOMING PIPELINE PRODUCTS

            Beginning this spring, farmers will have an opportunity to participate in Monsanto’s new, on-farm trial program being introduced as Ground Breakers℠.  The new program will give farmers first-hand experience with pipeline products under commercial-scale planting conditions.

            “Ground Breakers allows farmers to obtain a better understanding of product benefits and an opportunity to give us feedback on the product,” said Matt Kirkpatrick, Monsanto Corn Traits Marketing Manager. “A farmer will now have a chance to see how products will perform on their own farm in large-scale trials in addition to plot trials prior to commercial introduction.”

            This season, Monsanto will be piloting the Ground Breakers program with its new drought-tolerant corn system, Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids. Approximately 250 growers throughout the Western Great Plains region will have the opportunity to plant DroughtGard Hybrids on their farm. These hybrids are part of a comprehensive drought-tolerant system to mitigate yield loss caused by drought stress.

            Farmers are looking forward to participating in the new program. “It will be nice to see how DroughtGard Hybrids perform in my own environment because I will be able to see how it works in my region and compare it to the current hybrids that I’m planting,” said Chris Nelsen, a South Dakota farmer from Mission Hill participating in Ground Breakers. “It shows Monsanto is making the effort to prove that they have a good, consistent product that will work across many different environments.”

            As Monsanto works to bring new technologies to farmers, the company will evaluate which products may have a good fit for the new Ground Breakers program. “Farmers have asked to see products prior to commercialization,” said Kirkpatrick, “and Ground Breakers is a flexible program that allows us to give farmers a preview. The program will also generate data and farmer feedback to help us make commercial decisions."

            Pending key regulatory approvals, Monsanto plans to evaluate a Ground Breakers program for the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System for soybeans. This system is designed to provide farmers with more consistent, flexible control of weeds, especially tough-to-manage and glyphosate-resistant weeds, to help maximize crop yield potential.