Thursday December 13 Ag News

Annual Fremont Corn Expo Helps Producers Compete in Industry

The 2013 Fremont Corn Expo will cover every aspect of production from the business to weather.

The event, at Christensen Field in Fremont on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., again will offer growers and agribusiness professionals an opportunity to learn about remaining competitive in the corn industry.

There is no registration fee for the event, which is provided compliments of local agri-business supporters. Preregistration is not required for attendance. The expo includes breakfast and lunch as well as a chance to view exhibits on industry issues.

The featured speaker is Alan Brugler, grain marketing analyst and president of Brugler Marketing and Management. Brugler has more than 35 years of experience in grain marketing and started Brugler Marketing after serving as an analyst at Data Transmission Network for 10 years.

He will discuss a number of USDA reports to be released on Jan. 11 and how producers should react to them, as well as the outlook for corn prices in 2013. He also will share some corn marketing and risk management techniques that he has developed over the years.

Other topics include Where Will the Water Come From? Nebraska Groundwater Resources, Dana Divine, survey hydrogeologist, UNL; short and long range weather forecast, Al Dutcher, state climatologist, UNL; Farming During the Drought, featuring a panel of growers and agri-business representatives; business and industry update; and How Cornstalks Can Bring Value Back to Nebraska, Galen Erickson, feedlot nutrition specialist, and Charles Wortmann, nutrient management specialist, UNL.

The expo also will offer nitrogen applicator training from the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District Producers following the presentations.

For more information contact UNL Extension Educators Keith Glewen at 402-624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu or Aaron Nygren at 402-352-3821or anygren2@unl.edu.

The Fremont Corn Expo is sponsored by UNL Extension, Colfax-Dodge County Corn Growers, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Fremont Area Chamber Agricultural Business Council, Dodge County Farm Bureau, Fremont National Bank and area agribusinesses.



Nebraska Corn Growers Association announces Golden Ear Award winner, new officers

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association presented Keith Olsen, past president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, with its 2012 Golden Ear Award at the Nebraska Ag Classic in Grand Island this week.  The Golden Ear Award is presented annually by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association to recognize and appreciate an individual’s contribution to agriculture.  “Keith Olsen has had an incredibly positive impact on agriculture and Nebraska during his years of service. The Golden Ear Award is our way of honoring him and his efforts,” said Carl Sousek, a farmer from Prague and president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “His dedication, especially to young people through FFA, 4-H and other activities, is a model for us all of us.”

Olsen was born in Imperial, Neb., in 1944 to Anders and Jeanette Olsen and was raised on the family farm near Venango. Now in its fourth generation, the Olsen farm is located in Perkins County, about 20 miles southwest of Grant. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he earned a degree in Agriculture Economics in 1967, after which he began farming with his father. He married his wife Doris in 1969.  Today, the Olsen land is a no-till, dryland farm raising certified seed wheat, wheat, dry peas and corn.

In addition to farming, Olsen has served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors and was elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors in 2004. He was elected first vice president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau board in 1997, and was elected president in 2002, a position he held until retiring in December 2011.

Association Officers
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association board of directors also elected new officers for 2013 following the organization’s annual meeting on Dec. 12.  Joel Grams of Minden was elected the association’s new president. He previously served as vice president and is a member of the Kearney-Franklin Corn Growers Association.  Larry Mussack of Decatur was elected vice president. He is a member of the Burt-Washington Corn Growers Association.  Chuck Emanual of North Bend was elected treasurer of the organization. He is a member of the Colfax-Dodge Corn Growers Association.  Rick Gruber of Benedict was re-elected as secretary. He will oversee the association’s records and is a member of the York County Corn Growers Association.  Carl Sousek will move from president to chairman of the organization.  Two at-large directors were also elected at the annual meeting. They include Curtis Rohrich of Wood River and Rick Gruber of Benedict.



Feeding Cows for Cold Weather
Steve Tonn, UNL Extension Educator, Washington County

The cold blast we had last week makes us think there is more cold weather ahead.  When feeding cows we need to consider the effect of weather conditions when feeding our cows.  Dr. Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist, offers these tips for feeding cows in cold weather.  The major effect of cold on nutrient requirement of cows is increased need for energy. To determine magnitude of cold, lower critical temperature for beef cows must first be estimated.  For cows with a dry winter hair coat the lower critical temperature is considered to be 32 degrees F.  In general, researchers have used the rule of thumb that cows' energy requirements increase 1% for each degree the wind chill is below the 32 degree lower critical temperature. Therefore the calculation example for a cow with a winter dry hair coat would be:
-  Step 1: Cow's lower critical temperature is 32 degrees F.
-  Step 2: Expected wind-chill from weather reports (let’s use 4 degrees wind chill in this example)
-  Step 3: Calculate the magnitude of the cold: 32 degrees - 4 degrees = 28 degrees
-  Step 4: Energy adjustment is 1% for each degree magnitude of cold or 28%.
-  Step 5: Feed cows 128% of daily energy amount. (if cow was to receive 16 pounds of high quality grass/legume hay; then feed 20.5 pounds of hay during the cold weather event).

Research has indicated that energy requirement for maintenance of beef cows with a wet hair coat is much greater. Cows that are exposed to falling precipitation and have the wet hair coats are considered to have reached the lower critical temperature at 59 degrees F. In addition, the requirements change twice as much for each degree change in wind-chill factor. In other words, the energy requirement actually increases 2% for each degree below 59 degrees F. To calculate the magnitude of the cold when the cow is wet would be the difference between 59 degrees minus 4 degrees = 55 degrees. True energy requirements to maintain a wet cow in this weather would be 2% X 55 degrees or 110 % increase in energy (which would mean that over twice the normal energy intake is needed.)

This amount of energy change is virtually impossible to accomplish with feedstuffs available on ranches. In addition this amount of energy change in the diet of cows accustomed to a high roughage diet must be made very gradually to avoid severe digestive disorders. Therefore, the more common-sense approach is a smaller increase in energy requirements during wet cold weather and extending the increase into more pleasant weather to help regain energy lost during the storm.

Cows that were consuming 16 pounds of grass hay per day and 5 pounds of 20% range cubes could be increased to 20 pounds of grass hay offered per day plus 6 to 7 pounds of range cubes during the severe weather event. This is not a doubling of the energy intake but by extending this amount for a day or two after the storm may help overcome some of the energy loss during the storm and done in a manner that does not cause digestive disorders. 

The fact that it is not feasible to feed a wet, very cold cow enough to maintain her current body condition, underscores the need for cows to be in “good” body condition at the start of winter.



Iowa Soybean Association leaders elected to national posts

Tree Iowa soybean farmers have been elected to leadership positions at the United Soybean Board (USB) and American Soybean Association (ASA).

Jim Stillman of Emmetsburg was elected USB chair and will work with other volunteer farmer-directors from across the country to implement the organization’s strategic objectives outlined in the checkoff’s Long-Range Strategic Plan.  Stillman has been a checkoff farmer-leader since 2005, most recently serving as vice chair. USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers.

Ray Gaessar of Corning was elected by the ASA board of directors as First Vice President. He’s past president of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and has served on many of its executive committees. He’s also served on the State of Iowa Ag Products Advisory Committee and his local co-op board. The Gaessars were selected as 2012 Iowa Master Farmers by Wallaces Farmers.  Gaesser’s post as First Vice President places him in line to be ASA’s President in 2014.

ISA President Mark Jackson was named to the ASA Executive Committee as one of four vice presidents. Jackson grows corn and soybeans and operates a wean-to-finish swine facility near Rose Hill. He’s past president of Mahaska County Farm Bureau and the Mahaska County Natural Resource Conservation Services.



Rabobank Beef Quarterly Q4: Global Beef Prices to Reach Record Levels in 2013

The final quarter of 2012 has seen the global beef market characterized by slightly larger supply, driven mainly by the natural recovery of herds in Brazil, Argentina and Australia.  This, combined with a relatively lethargic world economy, has weighed on prices across the globe.

Among the most important cattle exporting countries, prices only went up in local currencies in the U.S. and New Zealand.  These increases may not be high enough to offset the recent spike in costs, with the placements of cattle on feed in the U.S. being cut.

In November, the Rabobank Global Cattle Price Index dropped 2 percent from Q3 levels.  This was mainly driven by the decline realized in Brazil, Australia, Argentina and Canada, which more than offset the rise seen in the U.S. and New Zealand.  The strengthening of the greenback against many currencies, combined with weaker demand across many important countries, has also contributed to the downtrend in global cattle prices denominated in U.S. dollars.  In a year-over-year comparison, the Index is beginning December down 11 percent from where it began in November.

Commenting on the outlook for 2013, Rabobank analyst Guilherme Melo said,  “We expect to see global supply hovering around 2012 levels, with minor ups and downs being determined by the extent to which the increase in Southern Hemisphere will outpace the reduction in Europe and the US.  On the demand side of the equation, the broader picture points to another year of relatively weak consumption on the back of the still sluggish economy, as world GDP is expected to grow only slightly in 2013.  The scenario is worse where production is set to decrease, such as North America and Europe, which poses additional pressure for beef companies located in these regions to pass rising cattle prices on to consumers.  In addition, since these countries rely on grains to feed their animals, they are likely to see a reduction in their competitiveness in the international market.”

“Conversely, companies located in South America, particularly in Brazil, should benefit from herd recovery and the acceleration of the economy, which offer processors an opportunity to increase/sustain their margins,” added Melo. “Nonetheless, headwinds for the South American industry will probably blow from the Middle East and North Africa, where companies are likely to face a tougher environment for expanding exports in 2013.  This reflects the uncertainties resulting from political and economic changes after the Arab spring and ongoing internal conflicts, which are contributing to weakening activity.”

A bullish factor for the industry is the strong need for supply discipline in the poultry and pork sectors.  Rabobank thinks production cuts are likely to come about, driven by negative margins in the wake of severe feed cost increases.  To the extent that this increases poultry and pork prices, it may also benefit the beef industry as the gap between beef and these two meats prices narrows and possibly shifts demand towards beef.



USDA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, enter into Agreement to Improve Drought Weather Forecasting

USDA and other federal agencies continue to work to address the long term effects of last summer’s historic drought.

In the wake of a series of regional drought conferences with farmers, ranchers, business owners and other stakeholders, USDA is entering into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Commerce, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to improve sharing of data and expertise, monitoring networks, and drought forecasting efforts.  The MOU is a direct outcome of the regional conferences.

In recent months, USDA has partnered with local governments, colleges, state and federal partners to conduct a series of regional drought workshops.  Hundreds of producers met with government officials to discuss needs, and programs available to them. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off the first meeting in Nebraska, and additional meetings were held in Colorado, Arkansas, and Ohio.

Earlier today, the Secretary addressed the National Drought Forum here in Washington, where he announced that USDA’s measures to open conservation lands to emergency haying and grazing during the drought provided as much as $200 million in forage to producers facing feed shortages.

The Secretary also announced a pilot program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas and Colorado to remove sediment from ponds to restore their water holding to previous capacities and he announced that NRCS has made available over $16 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to farmers and ranchers for water conservation and wildlife habitat.

The Secretary also said that over the period of the recently expired Farm Bill, conservation systems installed with support from NRCS programs reduced water withdrawn from the Ogallala Aquifer by at least 860,000 acre feet.  This is more than enough water to cover the area of Washington D.C. nearly 20 feet deep and is equivalent to the domestic water use of approximately 9.6 million individuals for a year. These reduced water withdrawals have also resulted in a related energy savings of the equivalent of at least 18 million gallons of diesel fuel.



USDA Action during Drought Opened 2.8 Million Acres to Haying and Grazing, Brought Nearly $200 Million in Forage for Producers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's measures to open conservation land to emergency haying and grazing during the 2012 drought freed up a record 2.8 million acres and provided as much as $200 million in forage for producers facing critical feed shortages. Vilsack made the announcement during the national drought forum in Washington, D.C. co-sponsored by numerous federal agencies, governors' associations and academic partners.

"The Obama Administration remains committed to doing everything it can to help farmers, ranchers, businesses, and local and county governments meet drought-related challenges," said Vilsack. "Now we know that the actions taken by USDA and other federal agencies at the height of the drought provided much-needed flexibility during a difficult time. We also know that drought recovery is a long-term proposition, and we will continue to partner with producers to see it through."

At the height of the 2012 drought, the Secretary announced expanded use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for haying and grazing including a two-month extension for emergency grazing on CRP acres without incurring an additional CRP rental payment reduction. By providing this flexibility, USDA freed up forage and feed to benefit all livestock producers during a critical period, on top of additional USDA actions, including lowering the interest rate for emergency loans and working with crop insurance companies to provide flexibility to farmers.

USDA's Farm Service Agency reported to the Secretary today that roughly 2.8 million acres under 57,000 CRP contracts utilized the emergency haying and grazing option, compared to just over 1 million acres in 2011. In 2005, producers utilized roughly 1.7 million CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing, the previous record. USDA estimates of the gross value of forage provided in 2012 run from $140 million to $200 million.

The Secretary also announced today a new pilot program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas and Colorado to remove sediments from ponds to help provide more water for livestock or for irrigation. Part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the pilot provides an additional conservation option for producers who face drought-related issues on their agricultural operations. Also, for the current fiscal year, NRCS has made available over $16 million through the EQIP program to farmers and ranchers for water conservation, practices, and wildlife habitat that have been affected by the drought. Those funds are in addition to the over $27 million provided to farmers ranchers in 22 states for drought mitigation during fiscal year 2012.

Additionally, Secretary Vilsack noted that over the period of the recently expired Farm Bill, conservation systems installed with support from NRCS programs reduced water withdrawn from the Ogallala Aquifer by at least 860,000 acre feet. This is more than enough water to cover the area of Washington D.C. nearly 20 feet deep and is equivalent to the domestic water use of approximately 9.6 million individuals for a year (based on USGS estimated use of 80 gallons per person per day). The quantity represents about 1.1 percent of the total groundwater irrigation withdrawals from the aquifer over the same period. At the agricultural sales level from the 2007 Census of Agriculture, an extension of aquifer life of 1.1 percent would transfer into sales "today" of about $82 million. These reduced water withdrawals have also resulted in a related energy savings of the equivalent of at least 18 million gallons of diesel fuel.

The NRCS Ogallala Aquifer Initiative supported over one-quarter of these reduced withdrawals, approximately 238,000 acre feet, and achieved these reductions in the most sensitive areas of States in the Ogallala region. Funding through the initiative is targeted to areas where there has been a significant (over 25 foot) decline in the level of the aquifer or where there is a significant vulnerability for contamination of the aquifer through groundwater recharge.



American Farmers and Ranchers Reach 50M-Acre Mark in Voluntary USDA Conservation Program

In just four years, America's top conservationists have enrolled 50 million acres in USDA's Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), a program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners take conservation to the next level. CSP is aimed at producers who are already established conservation stewards, helping them to deliver multiple conservation benefits on working lands, including improved water and soil quality and enhanced wildlife habitat.

"Farmers and ranchers throughout the country are making USDA's voluntary Conservation Stewardship Program a major force for conservation," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "The protection of natural resources through conservation programs such as CSP create outdoor and wildlife recreation opportunities that provide crucial jobs and bolster economic growth in rural American communities."

The land enrolled in CSP totals more than 78,000 square miles, an area larger than Pennsylvania and South Carolina combined, making the program one of the largest voluntary conservation programs for private lands offered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Nearly 12.2 million acres, or 18,750 square miles, were added to the program's rolls this year.

Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP. NRCS local offices accept CSP applications year round and evaluate applications during announced ranking periods.



Lucas Appoints GOP Members to House Ag Committee

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas recently announced the new Republican Members who will be serving on the committee during the 113th Congress. Lucas, who was recently selected to serve his second term as the chairman, said Reps. Dan Benishek (R-MI) and Jeff Denham (R-CA), along with incoming freshman Chris Collins (R-NY), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Ted Yoho (R-FL) will serve on the panel.

Ten previous members of the committee will not be returning, including Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) who was removed by Speaker Boehner. The remaining nine lost primaries, retired, or are moving to different committees.

While Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) has yet to announce his selections, four minority members of the committee lost in their elections or primaries including Reps. Joe Baca (D-CA), Leonard Boswell (D-IA), Larry Kissell (D-NC), and Tim Holden (D-PA). Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) resigned from his seat in the House earlier this year.



NOPA November Soy Crush Seen Climbing Near Record High

Soybean-crush rates for November are expected to climb to 157.4 million bushels, as domestic processing surged amid robust demand for soy products, according to a survey of industry analysts.  The National Oilseed Processors Association, in its monthly soybean-crush report, is projected to say the crush jumped from a strong October crush pace of 153.5 million bushels.  The association's report--which includes only data from members--is scheduled to be released Friday at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT).

The increase in the pace of crushing will push processing just shy of the record crush for November at 160.3 million bushels set in 2009, analysts said.

Stellar domestic and export demand for soymeal and soyoil coupled with the best processing margins in two-years kept crushers running "full bore" near 100% of capacity, said Dan Basse, president of advisory and research firm AgResource Company in Chicago.  Analysts' opinions on the November crush ranged from 147.5 million bushels to 164.0 million bushels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture acknowledged the swift crushing pace in a closely watched supply and demand report Tuesday. USDA raised its estimates for annual crush rates by 10 million bushels to 1.570 billion bushels, citing strong foreign demand for soybean products.  "Soyoil export sales were exceptionally strong in November at just over 700 million pounds to several markets including China, Mexico, and undeclared destinations," USDA said in the report.

Meanwhile, analysts expect an increase in soyoil stocks in November to 2.244 billion pounds, from 2.188 billion pounds in October. Estimates ranged from as low as 2.175 billion pounds to as high as 2.300 billion pounds.  Soyoil stocks are seen rising, reflective of a faster crush pace in November.



Loans Help Deliver Vet Services to Underserved Areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than 40 awards to help veterinarians repay a portion of their veterinary school loans in return for serving areas of the United States lacking sufficient veterinary resources. The awards, totaling more than $4.6 million, were made by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and will benefit 30 states.

"Many veterinarians are facing insurmountable student loan debt, and they choose to work in urban locations that offer higher pay. This is causing a critical shortage of veterinarians in rural America," said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. "This assistance will help veterinarians return to rural America where they can provide needed services to our farmers and ranchers and continue to keep our food supply safe for all Americans."

Veterinarians are critical to America's food safety and food security, and to the health and well-being of both animals and humans. Major studies indicate significant and growing shortages of food supply veterinarians and veterinarians serving in certain other high-priority specialty areas. A leading cause for this shortage is the heavy cost of four years of professional veterinary medical training, which can average more than $150,000, according to the latest American Veterinary Medical Association survey of graduating veterinary students.

Recipients are required to commit to three years of veterinary service in a designated veterinary shortage area. Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans received for attendance at an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent. Loan repayments made by the VMLRP are taxable income to participants. Also included in the award is a federal tax payment equal to 39 percent of the loan payment made directly to the award recipient's IRS tax account to offset the increase in income tax liability.

In fiscal year 2012, NIFA received 139 applications, of which 47 received awards, a success rate of 33.8 percent.

Participants are required to serve in one of three types of shortage situations. Type 1 shortage areas are private practices dedicated to food animal medicine at least 80 percent of the award recipient's time. Type 2 shortages are private practices in rural areas dedicated to food animal medicine up to 30 percent of the time. Type 3 shortage areas are dedicated to public practice up to 49 percent of the time.

The National Institutes of Health Division of Loan Repayment provided their expertise in service to NIFA during the applicant review process by reviewing loan documents submitted by the applicants.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.



China, South Africa Ban Brazil Beef

China and South Africa have banned imports of beef from Brazil after the confirmation of a case of mad-cow disease in the country, Brazil's health ministry said Thursday afternoon.

Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture said earlier this month that tests on a 13-year-old cow that died in the Brazilian state of Parana in 2010 showed it carried the "causing agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy." The animal didn't develop the disease and didn't die because of it, according to the Brazilian ministry.

The decisions follow the move by Japan, which on Saturday became the first country to ban Brazilian beef imports.

China imported 10,100 tons of beef in the first 10 months of the year, about 1% of Brazil's total overseas sales of 1 million tons sold in the same period, according to the Brazilian government. South Africa bought 293 tons of Brazilian beef.

Russia is the largest buyer of Brazilian beef, at 230,000 tons in the first 10 months of the year, according to the ministry. Hong Kong is second, having purchased 177,000 tons in the same period, while Egypt is third, at 116,000 tons.



GrainCorp Rejects ADM Bid

GrainCorp Ltd. Thursday rejected U.S. agricultural giant Archer Daniels Midland Co.'s (ADM) revised A$2.8 billion (US$2.95 billion) bid, saying the offer still "materially undervalues the company."

ADM raised its offer for the Australian grain exporter by 3.8% to A$12.20 a share earlier this month, valuing GrainCorp at around A$2.8 billion. That was up from its original October offer of A$11.75, and represents a 40% premium to the closing price of GrainCorp shares the day before the initial offer was unveiled.

Shareholders would also get to keep the dividend of A$0.35 announced Nov. 15 under the new proposal, which ADM said means that the latest bid was equivalent to a higher offer of A$12.55 a share.

GrainCorp, which last month reported record profit in fiscal 2012 and announced an investment program designed to raise earnings by A$110 million by the end of fiscal 2016, said that even the revised offer wasn't in shareholders' interests.

"The increase in the proposed price has not changed the Board's view that ADM's proposal materially undervalues GrainCorp," the company said in a statement. "GrainCorp's board will be constructive in any dealings in relation to proposals that have the potential to be in the best interests of shareholders."

ADM said its new proposal offered "more certainty, greater value and immediate realization of potential future value for GrainCorp shareholders than GrainCorp's stand-alone plan.

"We intend to consider all our options with respect to GrainCorp and our 19.9% shareholding," the U.S. company said in a statement.



Gleaner® Becomes Major Sponsor of “Harvesting the High Plains” Film Documentary
Gleaner, a brand of AGCO, will help bring the story of Dust Bowl recovery to audiences across the country as a major sponsor of “Harvesting the High Plains,” a film documentary. The documentary details the story of two men who began farming in 1933 in Dust Bowl–stricken western Kansas. Using never-before-attempted crop production practices, they overcame what were thought to be impossible challenges to reclaim the Plains. In 1947, they harvested one of the largest wheat crops ever raised by a single farming operation of that era.

Produced by Inspirit Creative in cooperation with Wichita Public Telecommunications, the film debuted during November at select theaters in Kansas and Nebraska. Gleaner’s sponsorship of the film documentary is a natural fit, according to Kevin Bien, Gleaner brand marketing manager with AGCO in Duluth, Ga.

“Gleaner combine harvesters were born in Nickerson, Kansas, and the innovation in these early harvesting machines is very much a part of the story told through ‘Harvesting the High Plains’,” says Bien. “This story will resonate with farmers and their families across the nation; and though the time may be different, the challenges remain today. It is a great story of farmers’ perseverance and overcoming insurmountable odds to raise a successful crop.”

Narrated by Mike Rowe, creator and host of the Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs,” and directed by Colby, Kan., native Jay Kriss, “Harvesting the High Plains” brings to life the story of two men who lived in western Kansas during the 1930s. The story is told through the letters between the men that describe in detail each challenge, failure and triumph of their farming ventures — over 10,000 pieces of correspondence in all. By working with methods such as summer fallow and other dryland wheat farming techniques, the men restored the land and reclaimed the High Plains, helping to make the region the breadbasket of the world.

Gleaner was one brand that brought mechanization to the farm, helping forge change in the agriculture of that day. “The Gleaner name was very prominent throughout our research of this time, and we were thrilled to include a restored Gleaner model 'A' in part of the film,” says Kriss. “If you can imagine, at one point during the 1947 harvest, GK Farms had more than 130 custom-operated combines cutting on one given day.”

“Harvesting the High Plains” is currently airing on regional public television stations in the High Plains, and will air nationally on public television in early 2013. For dates and times the film documentary airs, check online at harvestingthehighplains.com.