Tuesday June 26 Ag News

“Emergency” Heat Stress days for Nebraska Cattle

Much of Nebraska’s cattle will be in “Emergency” heat stress category Tuesday through Thursday according to USDA’s cattle heat stress maps, which are calculated at the U-S Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center.  UNL Extension Veterinarian Dee Griffin says that air flow and water are the keys to minimizing death loss.  Move cattle out of pens that have air flow obstructions, divide pens of cattle and place part of the cattle in empty pens to increase their access to water, and avoid water restriction by leasing or purchasing water tanks/tubs.  Griffin says cattle need 20 gallons of water and about half must be available in the middle of the afternoon.  Black or dark red colored cattle are at greatest risk, and all naturally fed cattle are at a higher risk than conventional finished cattle.  Management options for heat stress can be found in two Nebguides,  Feedlot Cattle number-G-14-09 (G-fourteen-oh-nine) and Dairy Cattle number-G-15-82 (G-fifteen-eighty-two).  The Heat Stress maps can be viewed on line at www.marc.usda.gov. 



Iowa Cattle producers encouraged to watch cattle closely as high heat predicted for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

The heat situation for cattle will be in the ‘danger’ and ‘emergency’ areas for three days this week, according to the USDA’s Meat Animal Research Center. The estimates of heat stress are based on four specific weather factors: temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation.

“It’s clear that we will have temperatures near 100 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,” says Matt Deppe, the CEO for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. This will clearly put all cattle at risk. Compared to other animals, cattle rely on respiration more than sweating to cool down. Wind and cool nights can help, but when temperatures are this high, producers must also consider other ways to keep their livestock comfortable,” he said.

ICA is encouraging cattle producers to take advice from Iowa State University’s Extension Beef Veterinarian, Dr. Grant Dewell.  Dr. Dewell recommends these protective measures:
·    Clean fresh water – consumption of water can double during heat events. Cattle need at least 2 gal./100 lbs/day during heat events. Additionally, make sure there is adequate room for cattle to drink and that supply lines can provide water fast enough.
·    Shift to feeding a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon and consider lowering the energy content by 5%.
·    Provide shade if possible. UV radiation is many times the critical factor for livestock losses due to heat stress.
·    If necessary begin sprinkling cattle with water if signs of heat stress are evident.

Deppe says producers who start using fans or providing water sprinklers on their cattle should be prepared to use that process until more moderate temperatures return.

Cattle producers can monitor the forecasted heat stress index  and find tips for cooling cattle at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=21306 . More information on preventing heat stress in cattle is available at http://vetmed.iastate.edu/, and type “heat stress cattle” in the search box on the upper right.



Twospotted Spider Mites Early in Soybeans
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

Twospotted spider mites are occasional pests of soybeans in Nebraska, typically during hot, dry periods in mid to late summer. However, it has been an uncommonly warm spring, and reports of spider mite problems in parts of Nebraska and Iowa have been reported.

Mites injure soybean by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking the juices. Feeding often begins on the lower part of the plant, moving to the top as the plant condition deteriorates. The first evidence of mite feeding is usually seen on the top of the leaf, appearing as yellow or whitish spotting in areas where the mites are feeding on the lower leaf surface. Many other things can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to check leaves to make sure that mites are actually causing the damage. Leaf discoloration caused by mite feeding can be easily identified by checking the undersurface of leaves for mites, eggs, and webbing.

Twospotted spider mites produce webbing, and a network of fine, silken webs will likely be associated with mite colonies. A magnifying glass or 10X hand lens is helpful in examining plants for mites. As mite infestations develop, leaves may be severely damaged and the food-manufacturing ability of the plant is progressively reduced. Damage includes leaf spotting or stippling, leaf drop, accelerated senescence and pod shattering, as well as yield loss. Leaves may have a sand-blasted appearance and under severe infestation, may die. Early and severe mite injury left untreated can completely eliminate yields. More commonly, mite injury during the late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages will reduce soybean yields 40-60 percent. Spider mites can cause yield reductions as long as green pods are present.

Mites do not cause major economic damage every year. Several factors, such as weather and natural enemies, strongly influence spider mite numbers. Dry, hot weather favors mite reproduction and survival, especially if accompanied by drought stress. When the weather in June, July, and August is especially hot and dry, mites can reach damaging numbers in most soybean-growing areas of Nebraska. Major mite infestations are more likely to occur in central and western counties that normally experience less rainfall. Sandy soil types may also contribute to spider mite problems because crops grown on these soils are more likely to experience drought stress even when irrigated.

No research has been conducted that would allow calculation of economic injury levels or thresholds for twospotted spider mites on soybeans. Iowa State University Extension specialists have suggested that control may be warranted when infested plants have live mites and substantial spotting or leaf yellowing, but before there is browning and leaf drop.  For effective control, spider mites must come into contact with the miticide.



Upcoming Deadline to Report Crops to FSA

Deadlines to report 2012 crop acreage to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are nearing, according to Dan Steinkruger, Nebraska State Executive Director.  Reporting acreage is critical to maintaining eligibility for multiple program benefits, including the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP), the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE), and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  Acreage reporting also establishes a record of cropping history for possible future program application.

June 30 is the final date to report small grains, including wheat, oats and rye.  All other crops must be reported by July 15, 2012.   This includes CRP acres.   Late-filed reports may be subject to the assessment of fees, and must be verified by field visit, or other acceptable documentation.   It’s important to accurately report the number of acres, crop type, intended use, irrigation practice, producer shares and planting date, as later revisions to this information may be restricted.  Prevented planted acres should be reported within 15 days of the final planting date, and failed acres should be reported before disposition of the crop.

Producers are also advised that for 2013 and future years, November 15, 2012 will be the new deadline to report all fall-seeded small grains, forage crops (including pasture and rangeland), and apiculture.

Contact your local FSA county office for more information, or to make an appointment to certify 2012 acreage.



Companies Partner on Iso-Butanol

Gevo Inc. announced Monday progress under collaboration with BioFuel Energy Corp. to explore high-volume production of iso-butanol made from starch-based feedstocks.

The BioFuel Energy Corp.'s experience with its two 110-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant would allow Gevo to deliver iso-butanol at a scale refinery customers are likely to demand, according to Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo.

"We have the potential to be at the forefront of the advanced biofuel market," Gruber said.

"Our philosophy has always been to actively explore emerging biofuel technologies, particularly those with the potential to transform our industry," said Scott Pearce, CEO of BioFuel Energy.

Although Gevo and BioFuel Energy signed a development agreement earlier this year, the companies only recently completed their preliminary evaluation of technical feasibility, Gevo said. The companies plan to develop large-scale production of iso-butanol at an existing or future BioFuel plant. Specific objectives include a more rigorous assessment of technical feasibility and the development of timelines for engineering, regulatory approvals, financing and construction.

The two companies are also exploring the potential for seeking advanced biofuel status with the Environmental Protection Agency for biomass-based iso-butanol.

Gevo, based in Englewood, Colo., is converting existing starch-based ethanol plants into biorefineries to make renewable building block products for the chemical and fuel industries.

BioFuel Energy, headquartered in Denver, Colo., operates two 110 MMGY ethanol production facilities in Fairmont, Minn., and Wood River, Neb.



USDA Rural Development Awards Funding to Fourteen Nebraska Recipients to Assist With Energy Needs

Fourteen Nebraska recipients have been selected to receive $195,700 in loans and grants.  Funds will be used to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements that will promote energy conservation.

“These energy dollars will help make needed energy conservation improvements and install new renewable energy systems,” said Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul, USDA Rural Development.  “Through these projects, energy consumption will be reduced, thereby making more dollars available to be kept within rural Nebraska there by assisting the state’s rural economy.”

The funding was made available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  This program provides opportunities for farmers and rural small business owners to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements, as well explore the feasibility of implementing renewable energy projects.  Additional information on the Rural Energy for America Program may be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/Energy_energy_home.htm.

Detailed below by county are the energy projects selected from the Nebraska State Office allocation of funding. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant and loan agreements.

Antelope:
Moser, Raymond –Norfolk- $2,906 grant- Diesel irrigation engine to electric motor conversion.
Rader, Lynn –Royal- $10,828 grant- Diesel irrigation engine to electric motor conversion.
Thiele, John –Clearwater- $4,371 grant- Diesel irrigation engine to electric motor conversion.

Buffalo:
Richter, James D. –Kearney- $4,629 grant- Natural gas irrigation engine to electric motor conversion.

Deuel:
Dhaliwal Ventures –Big Springs- $11,533 grant-  Upgrade lighting in a truck and travel terminal.

Frontier:
Eustis Ten, LLC –Eustis- $17,129 grant- Upgrade heating and cooling, lighting and insulation in an existing grocery store.

Furnas:
Wagner’s Supermarket –Arapahoe- $25,136 grant- Replace existing freezers and coolers in a grocery store.

Gosper:
Sjomeling Enterprises, LLC dba The Red Barn –Elwood- $4,286 grant- Replace inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a gas station convenience store.

Holt:
Ramold, Hubert –Atkinson- $2,759 grant- Convert diesel irrigation engine to an electric motor.

Knox:
Cunningham, David –Wausa- $19,655 grant- Replace existing grain dryer with a more efficient grain dryer.

Lincoln:
Hellmuth Enterprises, LLC –Hershey- $20,000 grant and $54,700 guaranteed loan- Replace 92 feet of outdated coolers with energy efficiency coolers in a grocery store.

Perkins:
Struckman, Thomas –Brule- $9,098 grant- Convert diesel irrigation engine to an electric motor conversion.

Platte:
Hemmer, Adam –Tarnov- $4,560 grant- Convert diesel irrigation engine to an electric motor.

Thayer:
Cumberlands Style Shoppe, Inc.–Geneva- $4,110 grant- Heating, lighting, door and insulation improvements.



Iowa Corn Checkoff Elections Are July 10

Corn growers in Crop Reporting Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 will vote July 10 at their county extension offices for representatives to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB).    Elected directors will serve a three-year term representing corn growers from their respective crop reporting districts.

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the last year is eligible to vote in the election.  Producers unable to visit an extension office on July 10, may vote by absentee ballot.  Absentee ballots are available until June 27 by contacting the ICPB office at 515-225-9242.  All absentee ballots must be postmarked by July 10.

Candidates for each district include:

Crop District #1
·         Kent Harms – George, Lyon County
·         Gary Small – Rembrandt, Buena Vista County

Crop District #2
·         Deb Keller – Clarion, Wright County
·         Chris Weydert – Algona, Kossuth County

Crop District #4
·         Larry Klever – Audubon, Audubon County
·         David Leiting – Carroll, Carroll County

Crop District #5
·         Jon Brockman – Melbourne,  Marshall County
·         Kevin Rempp – Montezuma, Poweshiek County

Crop District #7
-    Doug Holliday – Greenfield, Adair County
-    Trevor Whipple – Northboro, Fremont County

Crop District #8
-    Ray Cook – Seymour,  Wayne County
-    Don Hunerdosse – Milo, Warren County

Biographies for all of the candidates and a list of counties in each crop reporting district are available at www.iowacorn.org/icpbdirectorelections.



Fertilizer Prices Move Lower Again

Retail fertilizer prices continue to shift lower according to locations tracked by DTN. Seven of the eight major fertilizers were lower in price for the third week of June 2012 compared to the third week of May.  10-34-0 and urea led the way to the low side. The starter fertilizer was 8% lower compared to a month earlier with an average price of $717/ton. Urea dropped 6% to an average of $726/ton.  Five other fertilizers were slightly lower. MAP had an average price of $680/ton, potash $653/ton, anhydrous $768/ton, UAN28 $425/ton and UAN32 $477/ton.

DAP, with an average price of $636/ton, was up slightly for the month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.79/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.75/lb.N.

Only one of the eight major fertilizers, urea, shows double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. The nitrogen fertilizer is now 32% higher compared to last year.  Four fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. Both potash and UAN32 are 7% higher while UAN28 and anhydrous are now 3% more expensive.  10-34-0 is now 13% lower, DAP is 7% less expensive and MAP has decreased 3% in price compared to the June 2011.



CWT Assists with 2.6 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 4 requests for export assistance from DFA and Darigold to sell a total of 1,100 metric tons (2.646 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese and 100 metric tons (220,462 pounds) of butter to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered July through December 2012.

In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 64.1 million pounds and butter and AMF totaling 45.2 million pounds to 32 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.577 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 75,100 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



Global Ethanol Production to Reach 85.2 Billion Litres in 2012

Today the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) in cooperation with F.O. Licht released its Global Annual Ethanol Production Forecast. The GRFA forecasts fuel ethanol production to hit 85.2 billion litres in 2012.

Despite the slowing Chinese economy and negative economic growth in many western countries, the GRFA predicts a 1% growth in ethanol output in 2012, up from the 84.5 billion litres produced in 2011. Global annual production has now surpassed 536 million barrels of ethanol per year according to the GRFA.

“While the world’s financial health continues to preoccupy policy makers and governments, the global ethanol industry continues to be a bright spot in the world economy. It continues to grow, supporting nearly 1.4 million jobs and contributing $277.3 billion to the global economy in 2010,” said Global Renewable Fuels Alliance spokesperson, Bliss Baker.

“The GRFA’s 2012 production forecast sees global ethanol production continuing to displace the need for hundreds of millions of barrels of imported crude oil, further reducing our crippling reliance on foreign oil,” said Baker. “Policy makers and governments must recognize the significant contribution biofuels are making to the global economy while reducing the world’s foreign oil consumption,” added Mr. Baker.

The United States and Brazil continue to be the largest producers of ethanol with production continuing at a steady pace in 2012.

Although production levels in Africa remain relatively low, this region will see the largest increase in production for 2012 which is expected to grow by 36%.

“Many African economies are net importers of crude oil making them extremely vulnerable to the swings in crude oil prices. Domestic biofuel production will help ease this crippling reliance on oil,” said GRFA spokesperson, Bliss Baker. “It is encouraging to see some African countries seizing their biofuels opportunity because it will encourage investment in agricultural, create much needed local employment and help reduce their reliance on foreign oil,” added Baker.

In the European region, production continues to grow at a robust pace. In 2011, Europe saw its production  grow by 4% over 2010.  This year, Europe’s production increase will more than double last year’s growth rate. Europe is expected to produce 4.9 billion litres of ethanol, which is an 11% increase over 2011.



CME Moves on with Grain Pricing Changes, Despite Court Challenge

CME Group Inc. (CME) forged ahead Monday with a new process for calculating closing prices for its benchmark grain markets, while a last-minute legal challenge by floor traders contesting the changes confronted hurdles.

A U.S. district court judge will hear arguments Tuesday from CME and traders regarding the matter after lawyers for CME on Monday requested that the issue be handled in federal rather than state court, putting off any decision on postponing the changes.

The futures exchange group on Monday afternoon implemented the changes that are the focus of the protests, which are designed to reflect electronic trading activity in the closing price of CME's benchmark contracts on corn, soybeans and wheat.

The move, in the works since late 2011, involves using volume-weighted prices from both open-outcry trading in CME's Chicago pits as well as business on the company's electronic trading platform Globex.

"We believe the new settlement methodology accurately captures contract value across both the open-outcry and electronic trading venues during the settlement period and is fully consistent with our functions as a designated contract market and a derivatives clearing organization," said a spokesman for CME in a statement Monday, who confirmed that the new methodology was used to formulate Monday's settlement prices.

A group of traders on Friday filed a lawsuit in Illinois's Cook County Circuit Court seeking to block the move, which arrives as CME has broadened trading hours for its agricultural markets in response to competition from rival electronic markets. CME declined comment on the litigation.

A group of 24 traders and brokers that do business on CME's Chicago floor sought a court order that would block the planned changes, alongside monetary damages. The group charged that incorporating electronic trading activity into the grain markets' closing prices, followed by farmers, food companies and financial firms around the world, would harm the standing of the floor traders that have long fulfilled the function on their own.

The move also violates the brokers' contractual rights as members of CME's exchange, according to George Sang, the attorney representing the group. He said that CME did not secure the necessary support for making the shift.

CME's request for the matter to go before a federal judge delayed the process, Sang said Monday. He said the jurisdiction of the matter would be argued Tuesday morning.

Brokers who helped organize the legal challenge were absent from CME's floor on Monday, according to traders.

When CME first detailed the planned changes in December, floor traders complained, arguing that settling contract prices on the basis of pit business was one of the major factors keeping floor traders active in those markets, while their numbers have shrunk in pits dealing financial futures. Proponents of electronic trade said the move made sense, given that much more business is now traded via screens than the physical floor, and closing prices should reflect the migration.

CME is also under pressure to maintain its standing as the dominant global market for trading agricultural products as IntercontinentalExchange Inc. (ICE), an electronic market operator that has challenged CME's supremacy in energy markets, has rolled out its own grain contracts. CME last month moved to broaden its hours for electronic trading in grain products to match ICE's offering.

"The pit is the tail of the dog now," said Tim Hannigan, a senior grain analyst and broker for PFGBest. "As more and more people become comfortable with electronic execution of the trade, that's where they're going to go."



Grange Applauds Farm Bill Movement

The National Grange, America's oldest advocacy organization for agriculture, is optimistic about the progress on the 2012 Farm Bill after the Senate version passed 64-35 Thursday.

The bill, officially known as the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, includes savings of $23.6 billion from current Farm Bill spending levels, including $4.5 billion from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, mainly food stamps. Nutrition savings come primarily from program changes itself and includes provisions such as restrictions on lottery winners receiving food assistance.

"We are happy to see that our nation's farmers and ranchers were not the only ones the U.S. Senate felt should tighten their belts in these tough economic times," National Grange President Ed Luttrell said, noting nutrition assistance funds constituted more than three quarters of all USDA budget authority and spending in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Luttrell said the Senate's Farm Bill also creates a better safety net for dairy farmers in the form of the Dairy Production Margin Protection Program.

"We hope the Dairy Production Margin Protection Program is included in the House version of the 2012 Farm Bill so that dairy farmers are better able to sustain their operations," Luttrell said.

"The National Grange is happy to see progress in assuring that American agriculture receives the lifeline programs it requires, and lauds the Senate's bipartisan approach to this bill," Luttrell said. "We hope the House now focuses on the issue and takes seriously the needs of the farmers and ranchers who rely heavily on programs made available by the Farm Bill to provide Americans with abundant, safe, fresh, healthy and domestically produced food, fiber and biofuel products."



Tom Sleight Selected as USGC President and CEO

The U.S. Grains Council today announced the selection of Thomas N. Sleight as president and CEO to replace the retiring Thomas C. Dorr. Sleight initially joined the Council in 1983 and has served in multiple capacities both in Washington, D.C., headquarters and overseas. After leaving for stints with other agricultural organizations, he returned to the Council in November 2010 as vice president of operations and membership. Sleight’s cumulative service with the Council spans 18 years and includes successful assignments in program operations in the Washington, D.C., office, international program direction in the field, communications, membership and administrative functions.

While he is retiring from day-to-day executive duties, Dorr will continue on a part-time basis with the Council as a consultant focusing on a number of long-range initiatives begun during his tenure. “Tom Dorr has made a tremendous contribution to the Council, especially in reorienting us to emerging markets and new opportunities,” said Wendell Shauman, USGC’s Chairman. “Tom’s leadership has been responsible for the adoption of a new strategic plan, the beginning of a global realignment of the Council’s assets, and very productive engagements at a policy level with China and other countries around the world.”

Dorr joined the Council in December 2009 after serving as Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development in the Bush Administration. Dorr’s tenure as president and CEO was highlighted by a major expansion of the Council’s role beyond its traditional capacity building and trade servicing missions. Recognizing that the most significant impediments to expanded exports of U.S. feed grains are today rooted in policy barriers, the Council reached out to partners around the world at a policy level to engage on issues including international acceptance of new crop production technologies, enhancing food security through trade, and expanded export of value added products and corn co-products. To support these efforts, the Council also developed and implemented a new long-term strategic plan and a strategic communications and branding initiative.

“I am very proud of what the Council has achieved in the last several years,” said Dorr. “The growth of the global middle class is driving and will continue to drive food demand, and both U.S. producers and our competitors around the world are ramping up to meet the challenge. The Council’s Board of Directors deserve great credit for recognizing the need to change. I cannot say enough about the readiness of our staff to step up to the new challenges.”

“The Council is expanding its reach and focusing on new priorities and strategic direction set by the Board of Directors,” said Sleight. “We have made great progress in recent years and I look forward to continuing to create value for U.S. producers and agribusinesses.”




US Gas Prices Cheapest Since January

The price of gasoline has dropped to a five-month low, giving drivers some relief ahead of the July 4 holiday.

The national average fell to around $3.40 per gallon on Tuesday. South Carolina, at $2.987, has the distinction of being the first state with an average below $3 since February 2011. Even in states that impose high gas taxes, such as New York and California, pump prices are averaging less that $4.

Americans are now spending roughly $200 million per day less on gas than in early April, when gas peaked at $3.94 per gallon. And analysts are expecting further declines. One economist on Tuesday forecast the national average will soon fall to $3.10 per gallon.

Still, saving a few dollars on gas only does so much for consumer psychology in the current economic climate. The Conference Board's reading of consumer confidence fell in June for the fourth month in a row. It said worries about the unemployment rate, low home values, a shaky stock market and a struggling European economy could hamper consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of U.S. economic activity.

Cheaper gas hasn't encouraged people to drive more either. They're buying about 3.5 percent less gasoline than they did last year, even though a gallon is now 18 cents cheaper.



Case IH Signs Supply Agreement with Great Plains for twin row planters

Case IH, a global leader in agricultural equipment, and Great Plains Division of Great Plains Manufacturing Inc., an innovator in planting, seeding and tillage technology, jointly announced the creation of a supply agreement today. Under the agreement, Great Plains will supply Case IH with twin row planters to be sold through Case IH dealerships under the Case IH brand beginning in 2013.

"This agreement allows Case IH to expand our offering while continuing to support and expand our existing Early Riser® planter lineup, which is recognized throughout the industry for delivering better stands, more uniform emergence and accurate populations,” says Bill Preller, Senior Director, Case IH Specialty Business. “Case IH is pleased to partner with Great Plains, a leader in twin row technology.”

With this agreement, Case IH dealers will have the opportunity to expand their current planter offering to serve a new market projected to expand in the coming years.

Twin row cropping is growing in popularity in some regions of the United States.

Producers seeking to increase plant population in row crops without changing their overall system to narrow rows are looking at twin row. The concept involves staggering seed in two rows, seven or eight inches apart on 30-inch centers. Therefore, a corn head set for 30-inch rows can harvest twin rows at the same time. And the technology is not just for corn – soybeans, cotton, milo and sunflowers are among the row crops for which twin row technology can be utilized.   

“Great Plains has been at the forefront in design and manufacturing of twin row planters,” says Linda Salem, Chief Operating Officer, Great Plains Manufacturing. “Through this agreement, Case IH will be able to make a strong entry in the fast growing market. We see our relationship with Case IH as a good opportunity to partner with a leader, leverage our investment in twin row technology and expand our distribution.”

“This is an important development for us, and we are confident that our companies’ complementary strengths will make this a long-term success, allowing both of us to better meet producers’ needs,” Salem adds. “Great Plains will continue to offer its complete line of innovative and proven Yield Pro planting solutions to Great Plains dealers.”

“This partnership will allow Case IH to better serve customers considering this technology,” adds Preller. “In combination with the strong service and support offered by Case IH dealers and the Case IH field team, the new Case IH Twin Row planters will help complete our lineup.”



A Few Farm Calendar Items....

Dodge County Cattlemen Appreciation Night Beef BBQ
The Dodge County Cattlemen Annual Appreciation Night Beef BBQ will be held at the City Park in Hooper Nebraska July 10th with a social starting at 6:30pm and the BBQ to follow.  Any questions should be directed to Clarence Hartmann (402) 654- 2370.


Pierce County Burger Bash
Pierce County Fair is holding a Burger Bash cooking contest on July 21 in Pierce Nebraska at the Pierce County Fair Pavilion.  For more information and contest rules go to piercecountyfair.org or contact Bonita Lederer (402) 450-0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org.  Event sponsored by Pierce Antelope Cattlemen and Pierce Lockers.


Tuesday August 7th
Central Valley Ag Open House in Wakefield.  More info as we get closer. 


Central Plains Beef Industry Days
Central Plains Beef Industry Day will be on August 16, 2012 at the Howells Ballroom in Howells, Nebraska. The program will include Temple Grandin, CSU; Hugh Whaley, United States Farmers and Ranchers Alliance; JBS; US Meat Export Federation; and Nebraska Cattlemen Legislative Luncheon. For more information call 888.200.2037.


Central Valley Ag Answer Plot Days
Tuesday August 28th in Plainview
Wednesday August 29th in Albion
Thursday August 30th in Oakland