Thursday May 23 Ag News

NC: Now's Not The Right Time To Pursue A State Checkoff

The Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Committee has received a report from the NC State Beef Checkoff Task Force recommending to not pursue a state based program this year. The Executive Committee met in Lincoln on May 20th to discuss many issues including the task force report.

The task force was chaired by Thedford rancher Dave Hamilton. “We received a great deal of input in both the meeting and survey processes. The task force evaluated all of the input and considered current weather and market conditions. While there was a good deal of positive input to move forward, we just don’t feel like the time is right considering the drought and adversity that cattlemen are currently feeling. We appreciate all who took the time to come to a meeting or mail input.” Dave commented.

The Task Force will present a full report to the NC Marketing and Commerce Committee in mid-June, where NC membership will discuss and consider the issue.

“The Task Force has done great work in assembling producer input and suggestions for a state program. We commend them for concentration on this important topic,” said Dale Spencer, Nebraska Cattlemen president.

“We sincerely appreciate all the input,” Dave added, “and we will keep discussing the importance of increasing the checkoff at some point in the future.”



Climate Prediction Center Predicts Above-Normal June Temps

            It's 1967. Elvis gets married, Disney releases "The Jungle Book," and Julia Roberts is born. It's also the last time Nebraska had both snow and temperatures over 100 degrees within two weeks during the month of May before this year.

            "Although it's extremely rare, it has happened in the past," said Al Dutcher, state climatologist in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

            The Climate Prediction Center released new data last week with predictions for Nebraska's summer weather.

            It looks like the cooler-than-normal temperatures of April and May are behind us.

            Above normal temperatures are predicted for June in the 30-day forecast. The highest probability of above normal temperatures falls across the areas west and south of a line from Chadron to Holdrege.

            That same area has the highest risk for below normal precipitation.

            For the summer prediction, which includes June, July and August, the highest probability for above normal temperatures is south and west of a line from Valentine to Hebron. 

            Below normal precipitation is predicted for the western two-thirds of the state, with the highest probability being in the southeastern Panhandle, the southwestern Sandhills and the southwestern corner of the state.

            The cooler spring temperatures have impacted corn farmers, Dutcher said.                                

            "Farmers are 10-15 days behind planting corn," Dutcher said. "Under normal temperatures, this crop would be projected to come into pollination during the statistical peak of the summer heat, the second and third week in July."

            Crops exposed to higher temperatures have a risk of lower yields.

            "That's when we can really take a big bite out of our crop," Dutcher said.

            But there has been some benefit to the cooler spring temperatures.

            "The benefit of these cold and wet conditions has been a significant increase in soil moisture conditions across eastern Nebraska," Dutcher said. "They have contributed to a limited recovery but are sufficient to alleviate concerns."

            Dutcher said that it is unclear whether this summer will be a stormy one.

            "So far this season we have had a very weak storm season," Dutcher said.

            This in part was due to snow pack across Canada and the Northern Plains, Dutcher said.

            Now that the snow pack has melted, there is a higher chance of stormy weather.



Senate Farm Bill Floor Consideration Starts, Will Continue After Recess

The Senate began its floor work on a 2013 Farm Bill this week, with three days of floor debate and votes on amendments interspersed with debate on topics including the federal budget and immigration. On the floor Thursday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he, Senate Agriculture leaders and other Senators were working to determine how quickly the bill will need to move through the floor and how to manage the more than 200 amendments that have reportedly been filed. The Senate is scheduled to be out of session Friday and all next week for Memorial Day, returning on Monday, June 3. Reid has indicated the chamber intends to move to immigration legislation soon after returning from recess, meaning votes for final passage of the farm bill could come as early as June 3 or 4.  On Monday, the White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) supporting the Senate version of the farm bill, which is largely a formality but also a positive indication for the bill’s success this year.



Johanns Offers, Cosponsors Amendments to Improve Farm Bill

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) has offered and cosponsored several amendments aimed at improving the farm bill, which passed the Senate Agriculture Committee last week.

“This farm bill is not the bill I would have written, but, in addition to the troubling aspects of the bill, there are several provisions that I believe are a good step for American ag policy,” Johanns said. “The amendments I’m offering and cosponsoring address the areas I have the most concern with in an attempt to make farm policy more fair, more market oriented and find additional savings for ranchers, farmers and taxpayers.”

Below is a brief summary of the amendments Johanns introduced:

·         Treat Rice and Peanuts the Same as Other Commodity Crops
Eliminates the high minimum prices that only apply to rice and peanut producers. Every other commodity has rolling average price protection that moves with the markets to avoid long-term market distortions. Rice and peanuts have a special carve-out that makes frequent subsidy payments much more likely.  This amendment simply ensures fairness by using the same payment formula for all crops.   

·         Study Impacts of Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) Program
Requires the Chief Economist to issue annual reports on the impact and interaction of ARC with other farm programs, including crop insurance and the new supplemental coverage option.

·         Prevent Double Regulation of Pesticide Applications
Eliminates a duplicative requirement by clarifying that people using pesticides already regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) will not also be required to obtain a duplicative permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Identical legislation passed the House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 292 to 130 and also passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with strong bipartisan support last year.

·         Prohibit Use of Taxpayer Dollars to Pay Foreign Farmers
Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from using the farm bill as a piggy bank to avoid World Trade Organization compliance.  For the past several years, the U.S. has made $147 million in annual payments to Brazilian cotton farmers so the United States can delay changing market-distorting cotton programs. When the U.S. wins a WTO decision against another country, we expect them to comply.  The U.S. should do the same.

·         Limit Categorical Eligibility
Closes a loophole in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prevents states from automatically enrolling individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for the program. This amendment would not touch benefits available to individuals who qualify and truly need this important program.

Below are some of the amendments Johanns has cosponsored:
·         Prohibit EPA from releasing data on livestock producers.
·         Limit federal payments to high-income farmers.
·         Repeal market-distorting target prices and put reference prices for rice and peanuts back in the Ag Risk Coverage program with other commodity crops, similar to the bipartisan farm bill last year.
·         Eliminate the double payment available only to peanut farmers. Farmers have an annual limit on amount of payments, but if the same farmer grows peanuts, they can receive double the payment amount.
·         Help beginning and veteran farmers.

Johanns also cosponsored an amendment offered by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) repealing duplicative paperwork requirements placed on imported seed.



NCGA Voices Opposition to Coburn-McCain Amendment to Cut MAP Funding

As part of ongoing debate over the 2013 farm bill in the Senate, Senators Coburn (R-Okla.) and McCain (R-Ariz.) filed Amendment #1007. This amendment would reduce funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program by $40 million dollars annually and place additional restrictions on use of program funds. The National Corn Growers Association, along with a broad coalition of allies, strongly opposes this amendment.

Earlier this month, NCGA joined a broad group of more than 140 organizations in sending a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Cochran in support of MAP. Stressing the importance of long-term export market development partnerships in the face of growing foreign competition, the letter urged that MAP, along with USDA's Foreign Market Development Program, receive the same level of funding authorized in the previous farm bill.

Since 2006, MAP has been funded at the level of $200 million annually. Reducing funding for MAP would seriously undermine U.S. agriculture's ability to compete in this highly competitive international marketplace. By creating a partnership between non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, small businesses and USDA, MAP provides a cost-effective program to help maintain and expand U.S. agricultural exports, protect and create American jobs, and strengthen farm income.

A recent study by IHS Global Insight commissioned by USDA showed that for every dollar spent by government and industry above the 2002 baseline on market development between 2002 and 2009, U.S. food and agricultural exports increased by $35, a 35 to 1 return on investment.



Senate Adopts Crop Insurance AGI Amendment, Rejects Biotech Labeling Amendment

Senators continued to work on farm bill amendments Thursday, considering several important to wheat growers. The Senate adopted on a 59 to 33 vote an amendment that would take a 15 percentage point reduction on the crop insurance premium discount for farmers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $750,000. This amendment was strongly opposed by NAWG and other agricultural organizations. Another amendment to eliminate crop insurance premium support for tobacco producers failed on a 44 to 52 vote. The Senate also rejected 71 to 27 an amendment that would have required mandatory labeling of foods with biotech-derived ingredients, which the National Association of Wheat Growers and most farm organizations oppose. The Senate rejected amendments to repeal the sugar program and make changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and accepted several non-controversial amendments. NAWG will continue to send out updates to state associations about relevant amendments and strongly urges all wheat growers to be prepared to call Congressional offices as the floor debate continues.



NCGA Applauds Senate Farm Bill Action

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson released the following statement in response to the Senate's progress toward a farm bill today:

"We greatly appreciate the work by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and the Committee to put forth a well-crafted farm bill, and we thank the U.S Senate for the time given to debate and for floor votes today. The National Corn Growers Association is pleased to see progress is being made and a priority is being placed upon passage of this vital legislation.

"We are disappointed with the passage of the Durbin-Coburn Amendment that would significantly reduce premium support for crop insurance participants through an Adjusted Gross Income means test.  As the Senate moves forward, we reinforce our opposition to proposed amendments which would cut crop insurance programs and damage the farm safety net that supports our nation's family farmers when facing adversity.

"Now, we reiterate our call to continue moving this bill along in a swift and thoughtful manner upon the Senate's return. We look forward to continued work with members and staff on this important piece of legislation and urge Congress to pass a farm bill as soon as possible this year."



House Planning to Take Up Farm Bill in Mid-June

The House is reportedly planning to begin its floor work on a 2013 Farm Bill in mid-June. No official timetable has been released by Agriculture Committee leadership though members of House Leadership have indicated a desire to take up the bill this summer. Farm policy is currently operating under a one-year extension, which expires on Sept. 30. If both the Senate and House approve their bills in June, legislators should be on a good track to conference and finish the bill before that deadline. 



Final Loan Availability Date for 2012 Crop Commodities

“The final loan availability deadline date is Friday, May 31 for 2012 crop commodities” said Farm Service Agency State Director Dan Steinkruger.  The predominate crops this deadline applies to in Nebraska are corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and sunflower seed that were harvested in 2012.  Steinkruger explained, “These marketing assistance loans provide producers interim financing to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.”  Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Centers for additional details about commodity loans.  In addition, program details can be found by accessing the Nebraska Farm Service Agency website for a Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan Program fact sheet at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne. 



USDA Issues Final Rule to Amend Labeling Provisions Under Country of Origin Labeling

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule to modify the labeling provisions for muscle cut commodities covered under the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program.

“USDA remains confident that these changes will improve the overall operation of the program and also bring the mandatory COOL requirements into compliance with U.S. international trade obligations,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The final rule modifies the labeling provisions for muscle cut covered commodities to require the origin designations to include information about where each of the production steps (i.e., born, raised, slaughtered) occurred and removes the allowance for commingling of muscle cuts.

In June 2012, the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) affirmed an earlier WTO Panel decision finding that the United States’ COOL requirements for certain meat commodities discriminated against Canadian and Mexican livestock imports and thus were inconsistent with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. The United States has until May 23, 2013, to come into compliance with the WTO ruling in COOL.

Notice of the final rule will be published in the May 24, 2013 Federal Register. The final rule will go into effect on May 23, 2013, the day it goes on display in the Federal Register. AMS will conduct an industry education and outreach program concerning the requirements of the rule, similar to the outreach program that was conducted following the 2008 Interim Final Rule and the 2009 Final Rule.

Under COOL, retailers must provide their customers with information about the origin of various food products, including fruits, vegetables, fish and shellfish and meats. Mandatory COOL requirements help consumers make informed purchasing decisions about the food they buy. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is responsible for the implementation, administration and enforcement of the COOL regulations.

The final COOL regulations became effective March 16, 2009. Since then, AMS has devoted significant resources to education and outreach. Over these last four years, AMS has closely reviewed industry compliance with COOL. In 2012, USDA and its state cooperators conducted more than 3,800 compliance reviews of retailers. These reviews established an estimated 98 percent compliance rate for commodities under COOL. To learn more about COOL visit www.ams.usda.gov/COOL.



NCBA Statement on USDA Issuing a Final Rule on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling

The following is a statement from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Scott George, a Cody, Wyo. dairy and cattle producer, regarding today’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule regarding the Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling Rule (MCOOL).

“We are deeply disappointed with this short-sighted action by the USDA. Our largest trading partners have already said that these provisions will not bring the United States into compliance with our WTO obligations and will result in increased discrimination against imported products and in turn retaliatory tariffs or other authorized trade sanctions. As we said in comments submitted to USDA, ‘any retaliation against U.S. beef would be devastating for our producers.’ While trying to make an untenable mandate fit with our international trade obligations, USDA chose to set up U.S. cattle producers for financial losses. Moreover, this rule will place a greater record-keeping burden on producers, feeders and processors through the born, raised and harvested label.”

“As cattlemen and women, we do not oppose voluntary labeling as a marketing tool to distinguish product and add value. However, USDA is not the entity that we want marketing beef, and on its face, a label that says ‘harvested’ is unappealing to both consumers and cattle producers.”



Red Meat Production Up From Last Year
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.09 billion pounds in April, up 6 percent from the 3.86 billion pounds produced in April 2012.

Beef production, at 2.13 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.73 million head, up 6 percent from April 2012. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,295 pounds.

Veal production totaled 9.1 million pounds, 8 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 58,600 head, up 4 percent from April 2012. The average live weight was down 29 pounds from last year, at 266 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.94 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.36 million head, up 6 percent from April 2012. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 277 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up 4 percent from April 2012. Sheep slaughter totaled 191,700 head, 6 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 2 pounds from April a year ago.

January to April 2013 commercial red meat production was 16.1 billion pounds, up slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 6 percent, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.

State Red Meat Production, April 2012 (million pounds, % of April 2012)
Nebraska .....:            597.4            109%     
Iowa ............:            563.6            106%      
Kansas ........:            443.2             109%      



EPA Releases April Biodiesel Figures

The EPA said Thursday that 110 million gallons of biodiesel were produced in April.  Biodiesel, an EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel that has exceeded targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for two consecutive years, is reported under the Biomass-based Diesel category under the RFS.  The numbers show a total of more than 118 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel for April, but that total also includes production of renewable diesel. The biodiesel portion of the total was 110 million gallons - roughly the same production as in March and putting year-to-date biodiesel production through the end of April at almost 369 million gallons.

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel that's produced on a commercial scale across the U.S. It is produced in nearly every state in the country and is used in existing diesel engines without modification. In 2012 the biodiesel industry produced more than 1 billion gallons, supporting some 50,000 jobs across the country.



Attention Memorial Day Drivers: Ethanol Lowering Gas Prices

As millions of Americans take to the roads for a long holiday weekend, the Renewable Fuels Association reminds drivers that ethanol is not only a clean, green renewable fuel, it is helping Americans save money at the gas pump.

National gas prices are steadily rising. According to GasBuddy.com, the national average is $3.68. Bob Dinneen, the President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, commented, “It is getting painful yet again to stand at the pump and watch the dollars fly by. Thankfully, ethanol exists to help lower prices, stretch the gasoline supply, and provide both engine and environmental benefits. On a larger scale, the ethanol industry is a high octane economic engine that is supporting more than 365,000 jobs across America, revitalizing challenged rural communities, and reducing the American dollars sent overseas to buy petroleum from often hostile dictators in oil-rich countries.”

While it is not uncommon to see higher gas prices along the coasts of the United States, it is an oddity that highest prices in the nation lately have been in the state of Minnesota. According to recent local media reports, the statewide average is $4.26 per gallon.

According to 2012 updated research conducted by economics professors at the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State University for the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), domestically-produced ethanol reduced wholesale gasoline prices by an average of $1.09 per gallon in 2011. That is an additional 20-cent savings over the $0.89 these same economists recorded in 2010.

It is expected that drivers in Iowa may also soon be hit with increased costs. Once again, ethanol, this time in the form of E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) that is widely available in the Corn Belt, is delivering significant savings to owners of flex-fuel vehicles. Dinneen commented, “I suspect owners of flex-fuel vehicles will enjoy their summer driving vacations a bit more than other drivers. The savings that flex-fuel drivers will enjoy is significant.”



Report Finds Farming is Still Very Dangerous Occupation

A recent report from the AFL-CIO found that occupational fatalities in 2011 in the agriculture sector were the third highest among all sectors in the nation.  The "Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect" found that 12 percent of workplace deaths, 566 fatalities, occurred in the area of agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, citing a rate of 24.9 out of 100,000 workers dying on the job.

The transportation and construction sectors tied for the largest share of total deaths at 16 percent each. Overall, 4,693 workers were killed on the job, for an average of 13 per day.

The labor group says that hundreds of thousands who work in the agriculture industry lack full protection under the Occupational Safety Hazard Act.



Strategie Grains Trims View on 2013-14 EU Wheat, Corn Harvests

Strategie Grains on Thursday trimmed its estimate of the European Union's 2013-14 soft wheat harvest by 0.2 million metric tons, to 129.8 million tons, mainly due to lower acreage in Germany and France.

It said, "several elements of concern have appeared since last month on account of low temperatures in west EU countries, high temperatures in the southeast EU and lack of rain in the north EU."

Strategie Grains also trimmed its estimate of the 27-member bloc's 2013-14 corn production by 0.1 million tons to 64.5 million tons, with acreage estimates in Germany and France being masked by increases in Greece, Poland and Bulgaria.

"The resumption of winter cereal growth has taken place in good conditions," with corn plantings completed within the ideal window in most countries, "although delays were experienced in southwest France and northern Italy," it said.

Strategie Grains also provided production estimates for the EU plus Croatia, as the Balkans country is due to become the bloc's 28th member in July. It forecasts soft wheat production for the EU 28 at 130.9 million tons, down from 131.1 million tons last month, and corn output of 66.4 million tons, down from 66.5 million tons last month.



Iowa Ranks in Top 10 among States for Skin Cancer; Residents Urged to Take Protective Actions as Part of ‘Don’t Fry Day’

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), joined by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is recognizing the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day”, to encourage Iowans to take a few simple steps to protect their health and prevent skin cancer throughout the summer.

According to the CDC, Iowa is included among the states with the highest melanoma death rates. Other states with the highest number of cases include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and West Virginia. Americans are encouraged to learn more about skin cancer in their states at www2.epa.gov/sunwise/skin-cancer-facts-your-state.

“While we’re making progress toward restoring the Earth’s ozone layer, Americans need to take steps now for extra protection from harmful UV rays and skin cancer,” said Janet McCabe, deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Americans can stay safe under the sun and enjoy the outdoors by taking simple steps such as using sunscreen and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.”

“If current trends continue, one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime, and many of these skin cancers could be prevented by reducing UV exposure from the sun and indoor tanning devices,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Of particular concern is the increase we are seeing in rates of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. In the United States, melanoma is one of the most common cancers among people ages 15 to 29 years.”

“Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. Everyone can get sunburned and suffer harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation from time spent outdoors,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “Consumers can protect themselves by choosing a sunscreen that is right for them, wearing protective clothing and limiting time in the sun.”

To make it easier for people to choose products that effectively reduce the health risks of UV overexposure, the FDA has issued new labeling rules for sunscreen products. These include:
-    Sunscreens proven to protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can be labeled “Broad Spectrum.”  Both UVB and UVA radiation contribute to the sun’s damaging effects.
-    Sunscreen products that meet the criteria for being called “Broad Spectrum” and have a Sunscreen Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher may state that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging-  when used as directed with other sun protection measures.
-    Any product that is not “Broad Spectrum,” or has an SPF below 15, must have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
-    New water resistance claims on the front label must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

In addition to using Broad Spectrum sunscreen, here are some tips to help enjoy the outdoors safely this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer:
-    Seek shade, not sun: Seek the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest; avoid sunburns, intentional tanning, and use of tanning beds; use extra caution near reflective surfaces like water and sand.
-    Wear protective clothing: Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Check the UV Index: EPA and the National Weather Service offer the UV Index--an hourly forecast of UV radiation that allows Americans to plan outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Download EPA's free UV Index app at www.epa.gov/enviro/mobile/.

Nations across the globe have made steady progress toward restoring the Earth’s protective ozone layer through the groundbreaking environmental treaty called the Montreal Protocol. Signed by 197 countries, including the U.S. government, the Protocol is successfully working to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Scientists predict that the ozone layer will recover later this century.



ONLINE INSECT FORECAST TOOL HELPS FARMERS IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN CORN

As farmers across the Corn Belt continue to battle above- and below-ground insect pests year after year, a comprehensive integrated pest management approach is key to maximizing yield potential, especially in corn-on-corn environments.

“Integrated pest management is about taking a comprehensive look at how you are managing yield-robbing pests in your field.  Measuring insect pressure helps growers think forward, making more informed pest management decisions for the following year about their seed choice and agronomic practices,” says Monsanto Corn Insect Traits Manager Luke Samuel.

The Insect Forecast Tool can help farmers understand their current pest pressure and make more accurate predictions for the following year. Farmers can log on to www.insectforecast.com to learn when corn rootworm larvae are hatching, and to track the migration and moth flights of two damaging above-ground insects, corn earworm and western bean cutworm, throughout the growing season. With online and mobile access, this tool is useful to better understand when potential root damage may occur and to help farmers with their scouting efforts.

Samuel says the tool is both simple and effective, “Scouting and understanding pest pressure is critical to maximizing yield potential. Using the Insect Forecast tool is a convenient way for farmers to understand the insect pressure in their areas and help know when to scout their fields.”  Samuel adds that scouting this year, can help maximize yield potential in next year’s crop, “Each field experiences different insect pressure, and to get more corn per acre, farmers need to have a solid understand of the level of pressure and type of pests they are dealing with in order to choose the best corn traits to address those challenges.”

Farmers in the Corn Belt can sign up at www.insectforecast.com to receive email alerts from May through September to learn when these insects pose a risk in their area. In 2012, more than 5,000 farmers visited the Insect Forecast site to identify when damage may occur to their corn crop and to make vital decisions for the following year.

Developed by climatologist and meteorologist Mike Sandstrom, the Insect Forecast tool analyzes moth trapping data and weather patterns to issue one, two and three-to-five day forecasts for corn earworm and western bean cutworm. The corn rootworm hatch is updated weekly and is based on soil temperature and Growing Degree Days across the Corn Belt. The Insect Forecast tool is being sponsored for the fourth year by Monsanto and offered to farmers by its Genuity® brand.

The Genuity® family of corn traits available to farmers in the Corn-Growing Area includes Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete® corn blend with multiple modes of action for protecting against above- and below-ground insects, including full-season corn rootworm control for corn-on-corn acres and other areas of high corn rootworm pressure; Genuity® VT Double PRO® RIB Complete® corn blend with dual modes of action for above-ground insect control, including maximum corn earworm protection; and Genuity® VT Triple PRO® RIB Complete® corn blend with dual modes of action for above-ground insects and a single mode of action for below-ground insect protection in areas that experience light to moderate corn rootworm pressure. All of these products offer the simplicity and convenience of a single bag option for refuge management in the Corn-Growing Area.

For more information on Genuity corn traits, farmers can contact their seed representative or visit www.genuity.com.



DuPont Pioneer Experts Provide Tips for Early-Season Scouting

Regular scouting and field evaluation is a wise practice this coming growing season, according to DuPont Pioneer researchers and agronomists. Mild winter temperatures may have aided the survival of overwintering pests and diseases which could impact crop yields if not discovered and controlled.

“Every year is a balancing act between good growth and vitality and early-season insects and pathogens,” says Scott Heuchlin, DuPont Pioneer research scientist, field pathology. “For growers who were able to start the season with a warm seedbed, good soil tilth and sunshine during emergence, the balance is shifted in favor of the plant. The biggest challenge will be for seeds that were planted into less-than-ideal seedbeds, creating stress for plants and making them vulnerable to pests and diseases.”
Pests to Scout For

“Growers should scout for the typical early- and mid-season pests this year,” says Paula Davis, DuPont Pioneer senior manager for insect and disease traits. “For corn, growers should be looking for black cutworm and corn rootworm. In soybean crops, bean leaf beetle, soybean aphids and brown marmorated stinkbugs may be a problem.”

Black cutworm – Spring storms prior to tillage and planting provided favorable conditions for this pest. Corn plants are most vulnerable up to the V4 stage and susceptible up to the V6 stage. The following practices are recommended for management: monitor flight reports, scout fields and incorporate tillage. Consider a rescue treatment if plants are small, cutworms are active and economic thresholds are exceeded. Broadcast pesticide or bait application may be used as a rescue treatment. DuPont™ Asana® XL provides long-lasting control of labeled corn pests, including destructive cutworm.

Corn rootworm – Cool spring conditions throughout the Corn Belt have delayed expected timing of rootworm hatch. To protect corn from rootworm damage, DuPont Pioneer experts encourage multiple management strategies. During the growing season, focus on routine scouting and evaluation of trait performance. Check fields for larval corn rootworm injury to determine pressure and product efficacy. Scouting for adult corn rootworms, especially in corn-on-corn production and fields with suspected resistance, is also recommended. Estimating adult populations will help determine potential larvae density and can help inform management decisions for next season.

Overall, the most effective management strategy is to incorporate a crop rotation that alternates corn with other crops. If continuing with corn, consider a dual mode of action in corn rootworm resistant traits, especially if you’ve used the same one for several years. Optimum® AcreMax® Xtreme technology provides two unique modes of action for above-ground insect control, and two individual modes of action for below-ground insect control. Soil insecticide treatments are also an option to help control larvae.

Bean leaf beetle – Soybean plants are especially vulnerable up to the two-leaf stage. There is also potential for later generations of the bean leaf beetle to come in and feed directly on the pods. To manage populations, you should scout and monitor fields early. Insecticide seed treatments are generally effective in reducing damage from overwintering pests. However, you may need to spray to combat later-season threats.

Soybean aphids – While reports of soybean aphids last year were uncommon and limited to Northern states, aphid populations can rebound significantly after low years. Natural predators, such as lady beetles and insidious flower bugs, may help to suppress populations. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the pest, scouting fields from late June through August. DuPont™ Asana® XL* has proven to be a great value for soybean aphid control. Apply when populations reach threshold levels to help maximize yield. The economic threshold to justify insecticides is 250 aphids per plant. Insecticides should be applied before the R5 plant stage and populations reach 1,000 aphids per plant.

Brown marmorated stinkbugs (BMSB) – Pests continue to expand across the country, including every state east of the Mississippi and several western states. Locations near forested urban areas are at higher risk. Since the distasteful bugs have few natural enemies in North America, close scouting is essential, particularly around the field borders where bugs tend to feed. DuPont™ Lannate® brands are available for use on selected grain crops in areas with potential for losses due to BMSB. For a complete list of states and crops included in the 2(ee) recommendations and other information, visit lannate.dupont.com.

Diseases to Monitor
If planting was rushed and seeds were planted into cold, wet soils, there is a risk for seed rot and damping off. The best protection for the seed is fungicidal seed treatments. The Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment (PPST) includes a unique combination of fungicide, insecticide and other options to help you avoid early-season challenges. Given the late start to planting this year, seed treatments will protect seed as soil temperatures warm up quickly and allow plants to get out of the ground.

Scouting fields regularly will help to identify planting issues, such as seedlings that have not emerged or lower-than-expected population counts. Efficacy of seed treatments becomes a challenge if the seed fails to germinate due to cool, wet conditions, or saturated soils dilute the treatment. By the two-leaf stage, you should be able to determine whether there are seedling emergence issues.