Wednesday October 15 Ag News

Six Land-grant Universities Launch Animal Ag Industry Climate Change Website

The $346 billion U.S. animal agriculture industry is already paying the price for an unstable climate with more frequent and extreme weather events that are devastating to individual producers and influence costs throughout the entire industry, a University of Nebraska Lincoln animal environmental engineer says.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Agriculture in a Changing Climate project has launched a website at www.animalagricultureandclimatechange.org to help.

"Climate change costs this industry money; we need to understand and plan to reduce those costs," said Rick Stowell, a UNL Extension animal environmental engineer and the lead project investigator for the project. 

The website offers free, science-based educational resources and online training. Materials target all those working in animal agriculture that need to have a better understanding of the issues and consequences of climate change on the animal agriculture industry.  It will be available through July 2016.

New data released in September indicate that atmospheric concentrations have risen faster than expected in 2013, Stowell said.

"Even small changes in climate affect us. Over the next 30 years, agriculture will have to feed an additional 2 billion people as well

as adapt to a changing climate. We have to become more resilient and better prepared," he said.

Other universities involved include: Cornell University, University of Georgia, University of Minnesota, Texas A&M University, and

Washington State University.

The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture Program provide funding.



Local FFA Chapters Challenged to Raise $250,000 in the I Believe in the Future of Ag Campaign

October marks the beginning of the annual I Believe in the Future of Ag fundraising campaign. This campaign helps local FFA chapters

raise money for innovative projects in their classrooms, leadership programming, community service projects and field trips to advance

agriculture education in their schools.

The Nebraska FFA Foundation, along with twenty corporate sponsors, will provide extra incentives to participating FFA chapters. This

year, $24,000 in matching funds will be distributed to chapters proportionate to the percentage of dollars raised.

"In 2050, today's students will be feeding the world and they're learning that in their agricultural education classes today," says

Stacey Agnew, Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director. "I'd like to challenge everyone in Nebraska to donate something to their

local agricultural education program and FFA chapter. Whether it's $10 or $500, it'll make a difference."

The campaign runs through February 28, 2015. Contact your local FFA chapter to learn more.



Midwest Corn Bean Expo planned for November 19 and 20, 2014 in Lincoln

Dave Dickerson, 32 year veteran of Double D Crop Consultants of York, NE, is putting on the Midwest Corn Bean Expo at the Lancaster

Event Center, Lincoln, NE, November 19 and 20, 2014, 9:00-5:00 pm each day. This event is a practical tune-up for Midwest corn and

bean farmers.

Dickerson feels that an average 1,000 acre farmer could easily learn how to economically increase corn production by 20 bushels/acre

and increase bean production by 10 bushels/acre; adding $60,000 to the operation next year.  Full details about this event are

available at the Expo’s website: midwestcornbeanexpo.com.

Six top notch speakers are on the agenda:
1. Dr. Ronnie Green, Vice-Chancellor of UNL – “The Future of Midwest Agriculture”
2. Three different speakers sharing their practical ideas – “How I raised 300 bu corn”
3. Gary Zoubek, Extension Educator – “Summary of 12 years of on-farm research”
4. John Novak, Monsanto Bio-Agri-Alliance – “Bio-stimulants, Root promoters, Foliar feeding, Next generation corn and bean production ideas”
5. Two farmers sharing useful ideas – “How I raised 90 bu beans”
6. Three speakers – “Outlook and Making Good Marketing Decisions”

In addition, Dickerson added there will be 50 hand-selected, top-notch exhibitors covering all aspects of modern corn and bean

production. They will be available for a total of seven hours for your education.

Through the generosity of Central Valley Ag Coop, York, NE, all FFA students will have their $5.00 entry fee covered. Vocations, networking and new ideas will be featured.

Present at the Expo to answer your questions will be:
     1. Nebraska Corn Growers
     2. Nebraska Corn Board
     3. Nebraska Soybean Producers
     4. Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association
     5. Nebraska Department of Agriculture – New markets, exports
     6. UNL Extension Departments:
          a. Agronomy
          b. Animal Science
          c. Entomology
          d. Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communications

Dickerson, along with his son Bruce, designed this Expo to bring together knowledgeable people with proven practices and the latest

technology available to help the Midwest corn/bean farmers to economically improve next year’s corn and bean crops.

“Grab a car load of your associates, attend the two-day Expo, compare notes and go home rejuvenated and full of practical ideas to

improve your operation.”

For maps, motels go to lancastereventcenter.com. Lunch is available onsite. Entry fee is $10/day for adults.



Ethanol Fuels Student Creativity

Students across Nebraska are heading outdoors with video cameras in hand for a chance to win $1,000 during Nebraska Ethanol Board’s

Field to Fuel video contest.

The inaugural contest, which is open to high school students, focuses on informing the public about renewable biofuels. Students are

challenged to research, film and edit a two-minute video for a chance to win $1,000, $600 or $400. Cash prizes will be awarded to the

top three videos, which also will be featured at the Ethanol 2015: Emerging Issues Forum in Omaha during mid-April.

“We hope to get youth interested in renewable fuels while having fun,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “The

contest is a creative, interactive way for students to learn more about ethanol production and benefits.”

According to Sneller, domestically produced ethanol fuel is a low-cost alternative to gasoline. As the most effective alternative to

gasoline, ethanol accounts for more than 10 percent by volume of U.S. motor fuel consumption.

“These students are just starting to make choices about the fuel they use,” Sneller said. “We hope to stimulate their interests, while

they help us inform the public at the same time.”

The contest is open to students currently attending a Nebraska high school (grades 9-12 in a public, private or home school setting).

Immediate family members of contest sponsors are not eligible to compete. Eligible videos must be received and/or postmarked no later

than Jan. 31, 2015.

For more information about the Field to Fuel video contest and a full list of rules, visit http://ne-ethanol.org/?page=vid-contest.



Syngenta celebrates investment in Nebraska economy with $63 million expansion at its Phillips, Nebraska, seed production facility

Syngenta today held a grand re-opening for its newly-expanded Phillips, Nebraska, seed corn production facility. The $63 million

expansion represents a significant investment in the local economy and builds on Nebraska’s reputation as a leader in seed corn

production. Syngenta employees were joined at today’s ribbon cutting event by government officials and civic and agricultural leaders,

including: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman; Congressman Adrian Smith; State Senator Annette Dubas; and Assistant Director of

Agriculture Bobbie Kriz-Wickham.

The facility employs roughly 375 full-time and seasonal employees, an increase of approximately 50 percent due to the expansion.

Syngenta also contracts seed production with 50 area growers.

According to Governor Heineman, private investments in Nebraska agriculture are critical to the state’s economic development.

“Today we are celebrating a significant project which will mean a great deal to the community of Phillips and our state,” Governor

Heineman said. “With the new plant capacity afforded by this expansion, this plant will be able to address the demand for seed on both

the local and national levels. Nebraska is one of the strongest states economically, thanks to towns like Phillips and companies like

Syngenta.”

Congressman Smith commented on the importance of the expanded facility to Central Nebraska.

“This expansion is a great investment in our economy and the Third District," said Congressman Smith.  “I appreciate Syngenta’s

contributions to Nebraska agriculture, and to helping meet the food demands of a growing world.

Consistent with The Good Growth Plan announced by Syngenta last year, the expanded Phillips facility is designed to meet the long-term

demand for commercial corn in the U.S. and help farmers grow more from less.

"Every day, our planet wakes with more mouths to feed, more lost farmland and less water – impacting every continent," said Ponsi

Trivisvavet, President, Syngenta Seeds, Inc. and Syngenta Region Director-North America. "This expansion demonstrates our commitment

to helping farmers grow more food using fewer resources, while protecting nature and improving life in our rural communities.

“The work of our team here is helping us earn a reputation for innovation and stewardship, ensuring that Syngenta will be known for

products that help us meet The Good Growth Plan goals to: make crops more efficient; help people stay safe; and look after every

worker,” Trivisvavet said.

The Phillips expansion includes: acquisition of approximately 42 acres of land; a new green corn receiving facility; additional

single-pass reversing dryer capacity; a significant increase in bulk seed storage; a new conditioning tower; and more warehouse space.

These site enhancements will enable Syngenta to meet the anticipated long-term demand for commercial corn in North America. And, in

addition to these new, broader capabilities, Syngenta has laid the groundwork for expanded future capacity at Phillips, as well.

According to Syngenta site manager Bill Hunter III, the Phillips location has a long history of serving the seed industry, dating back

to 1943 when Prairie Valley Hybrids was first established. “We are proud to be expanding in Phillips, growing with Nebraska and

building on the legacy of those who came before us,” Hunter said. “We appreciate the community support we have received for this

project and we look forward to working with area farmer-growers to meet the long-term demand for innovative seed products.”



Next Heuermann Lecture to Focus on Importance of Ag Communications

Given agriculture's growing complexity and the importance of feeding an increasing global population, clear communication about the

science of food production is critical. "What Does Agricultural Communication Mean in the 21st Century?" will be the subject of the

next Heuermann Lecture Nov. 6, as agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson leads a panel discussion.

The free lecture, sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be at 3:30

p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive.

Samuelson presents 18 agricultural reports daily on WGN Radio in Chicago, and is syndicated with National Farm Report and Samuelson

Sez commentary programs. He also co-hosts "This Week in Agri-Business" with Max Armstrong. Samuelson's commitment to agriculture has

been recognized by organizations including American Farm Bureau Federation, the state of Illinois, University of Illinois, National

Radio Broadcaster Hall of Fame and others. 

Samuelson will be joined by panelists Barb Glenn, National Association of State Directors of Agriculture; Marcy Tessmann, Charleston-

Orwig; Kevin Murphy, Food Chain Communications; and Ronnie Green, Harlan vice chancellor of IANR and University of Nebraska vice

president for agriculture and natural resources.

Glenn is an animal scientist with decades of experience as a policy researcher and advocate for agriculture. She recently became chief

executive officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Previously, Glenn served as senior vice president

of Science and Regulatory Affairs for CropLife America, where she was responsible for developing policies and regulations to support

agriculture through crop protection.

Tessmann is president of Charleston-Orwig, an integrated marketing business, and is involved with strategic planning, branding and

communication initiatives. Having farmed for more than 15 years on the family's diversified operation, she has first-hand knowledge of

agriculture markets which helps her create a unique strategic approach.

Murphy is owner and founder of Food-Chain Communication, a marketing organization devoted to helping food-chain stakeholders

communicate more effectively.   Murphy began Food-Chain Communications after 14 years at Vance Publishing Corporation where his

responsibilities included interacting with people throughout the food-production chain, from production agriculture to grocery

retailing and foodservice.

Before coming to UNL, Green was senior director of animal genetics global technical services for Pfizer Animal Health. Additionally,

he was national program leader in food animal production at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service after

serving as vice president of cattle operations and assistant vice president and director of genetic operations for Future Beef

Operations.

Heuermann Lectures are free and open to the public. Lectures focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and

renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing

food and renewable energy occurs. They are made possible by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university

supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.  A 3 p.m.

reception in the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center banquet hall precedes the lecture.

Lectures are streamed live online at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu, and aired live on UNL campus and state cable channel 4.

Lectures are archived after the event and are broadcast on NET2 World at a later date.



IA Cover Crop Planting Deadline Extended to Nov. 1

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said that farmers participating in the state cost share programs that are intending to

plant cover crops have until November 1, 2014 to get the cover crops planted and still qualify for assistance.

This extension is only available for winter-hardy, small grains that are likely to establish yet this fall, specifically winter rye,

winter triticale and winter wheat. Other species such as, oats, radishes, turnips and legumes are not likely to provide the desired

growth to be effective this late in the season. There are an estimated 108,000 acres of cover crops supported by state cost share

programs.

"Everything has been behind this year due to delayed planting, cool temperatures and the wet fall, so some farmers have been unable to

get cover crops planted as timely as they had anticipated," Northey said. "Based on the research available in Iowa, November 1st is

still a reasonable date to get certain species of cover crops seeded. It may be necessary for farmers to work with their seed vendor

to alter the mix they had planned to use."

The recommended cutoff date for seeding cover crops in Iowa previously was October 15th. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land

Stewardship in consultation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have decided the date could be extended.

Guidance from Iowa State University confirmed cover crops planted after this date still have the potential to provide substantial

reduction in nutrient losses and soil erosion, so the Department extended the deadline until the November 1st.

Farmers who had been approved for cost share assistance and are still unable to get cover crops seeded should contact their local Soil

and Water Conservation District office.



IFGC Conference Focuses on Forages

The 2014 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Conference will be Nov. 25 at the Des Moines Airport Holiday Inn. The event begins with

registration at 8 a.m., followed by the IFGC annual meeting at 9 a.m., and is open to anyone interested in forage and grassland

issues.

This annual event includes general and breakout sessions, and specific times for visiting with exhibitors, ending at 3 p.m. Iowa State

University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Joe Sellers said IFGC members and non-members alike will benefit from

attending this annual event.

“The keynote speaker is Peter Ballerstedt, forage production manager at Barenbrug USA,” Sellers said. “He’s written numerous articles

and publications, including a blog focused on human nutrition, health and diet. His presentation is titled, ‘Forages Make Meat, Meat

Is Medicine.’”

The rest of the agenda topics and speakers:
    9:15-10 a.m. - “Benefits of Forage and Grassland with Water Quality” Bruce Trautman, Iowa DNR
    10:30-11:30 a.m. Breakout session 1
        “Double Grazing with Sheep and Cattle” Harry Cope, Truxton, Missouri
        “Cover Crop Mixes, Benefits and Advantages” Joe Graber, Kalona, Iowa
    1-1:45 p.m.  Breakout session 2
        “Cover Crops -- Use in Forage and Livestock Systems” Panel: Joe Graber; Harry Cope; David Otte, Green Valley Seeds
        “Establishment and Management of Perennial Pastures” Brian Lang, Iowa State University
    2-2:45 p.m. Breakout session 3
        “Fertility and Fertilization - Getting the most out of your forage crops” Mark Carlton, Iowa State University
        “Improvements in Forages,” Peter Ballerstedt

“Convention preregistration is $40 per person, which includes sessions and lunch when registered prior to the event, with on-site

registration increasing to $50 per person,” Sellers said. “The dues year from IFGC membership runs from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31. Producer and

public fee is $35, and industry fee is $90, and this is payable on the registration form as well.”

The registration form is available on the IBC website, http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/events/IFGCconfreg2014.pdf.

For more information, contact Sellers by phone at 641-774-2016 or by email at sellers@iastate.edu.



Iowa State Receives $1 Million from ExxonMobile for Biofuels Research

ExxonMobil Corp. is investing $1 million over two years to establish an advanced biofuels research program at Iowa State University.

The Des Moines Register reports that the ExxonMobil biofuels initiative will will initially focus on two research projects connected

to "fast pyrolysis"of biomass. It's a process of rapidly heating biomass such as corn stalks, switchgrass or wood chips without oxygen

to produce liquid bio-oil that can then be upgraded into transportation fuels, ISU said in a statement.

ISU researchers have been studying fast pyrolysis for more than 15 years and have recently upgraded a fast pyrolysis pilot plant at

the university's BioCentury Research Farm.

"ExxonMobil's decision to support biofuels studies at Iowa State makes an important statement about the expertise of our researchers

and students," said ISU President Steven Leath. "Our work at Iowa State is creating great advances in biofuels technologies. This

research partnership will help us to do even more to meet the world's energy challenges by putting science and technology to work."

ExxonMobil's said the need for energy will continue to grow as economies expand, living standards rise and the world's population

grows by more than 25 percent through 2040. Global demand for energy is projected to rise by about 35 percent from 2010 to 2040.

Robert C. Brown, director of director of Iowa State's Bioeconomy Institute, said the projects are important to enhancing the

fundamental understanding of technology options that have the potential to contribute to advanced biofuels, and they're important to

Iowa State students.



Five Nations Beef Alliance Meeting Concludes with Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership

The Five Nations Beef Alliance* concluded a successful meeting and tour in south Texas last week, capped by the unanimous endorsement

of a public statement calling for all Trans-Pacific Partnership nations to support ‘gold standard outcomes’ for beef that do not

sacrifice important reforms for political expediency.

The annual meeting, hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, unites beef industry leaders from the United States, Canada,

Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. This year, members of the group toured several Texas beef value chain operations, including

McFaddin Enterprises Ltd., a fifth-generation ranch operated by NCBA President Bob McCan; King Ranch; Graham Land & Cattle, a 30,000

head feedlot; and Capitol Land & Livestock, one of the largest livestock dealers in the United States. The group also visited HEB, an

important retail partner which offers a wide variety of beef cuts to consumers.

“The opportunity to bring producer leaders from across the world to Texas and showcase the beef industry in the United States was an

honor for me and my family,” said McCan. “During the course of the week, we formed working relationships that cross political

boundaries and it’s those relationships that will benefit our producers in the United States as we work together to find common ground

in the future.”
McCan pointed to the endorsement of the TPP statement as a sign that FNBA is already fulfilling the ambitious goals set out for the

group.

“The statement we issued this week, calling for ‘gold standard’ outcomes for beef, is an indication of the strength of these

relationships,” he said. “Science-based trade standards are something that benefit the global beef industry and if we can agree to

place that ambition above political expediency, cattlemen and women in each of the five nations will be better served.”

The statement also reaffirms FNBA’s prior statements on TPP and urges international negotiators to quickly reach agreeable terms that

will help further beef trade and a fair and level playing field for producers in member nations.

“The message we are sending to TPP negotiators who are meeting in Australia is that beef producers in the five nations stand united in

seeking better trade treatment of the high-quality beef they produce,” said NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts, who served as chair of the FNBA

meeting. “To that end, the member nations also agreed to increase efforts to keep the Codex Alimentarius, World Organization for

Animal Health and other international scientific groups as objective bodies free from political influence.”

The business meeting also highlighted other areas of common interest, including beef sustainability, animal health and welfare and

young leader development.

“Participating in international events like FNBA provide a clear picture of how diverse beef production is around the globe. As beef

producers, we each face different challenges, but we also share a great deal,” said McCan. “Issues like beef sustainability and

mentoring the next generation of leaders are concerns around the globe. By coming together through FNBA, we can work on solutions that

benefit producers in each of our countries.”

FNBA members also admitted two additional associations as “observers” of Five Nations Beef Alliance for the following year. From

Paraguay, the Asociación Rural de Paraguay and from Brazil, Associação dos Criadores de Mato Grosso were both unanimously approved for

one year, the first step in admission to the group. Member nations also expressed interest in garnering additional members from other

beef producer associations in the future.

*Five Nations Beef Alliance is comprised of the Cattle Council of Australia, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Confederación Nacional

de Organizaciones Ganaderas, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Together, FNBA members represent

producers from countries that account for one-third of global beef production and approximately half of global beef exports.



Rabobank REPORT:  GLOBAL PORK INDUSTRY Q4 2014 - Heated Markets Cooling Down

Rabobank has published a new report on the global pork industry, saying that heated international markets are slowly cooling down.

In the report, the bank’s Food & Agribusiness Research team says that, although the peak of the 2014 porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus

(PEDv) outbreak is past, the global pork industry faces another challenge from the Russian import ban affecting EU, U.S., and Canadian

markets, which is resulting in a rapidly changing trade landscape.

Rabobank says that beneficiaries of the ban include Brazil, which has seen a 30% per kilogram price surge, while the EU has seen

prices drop by 9% with no sign of recovery.  Even taking into account the positive impact of declining feed costs on margins, it will

be a disappointing year for the EU pork industry, says Rabobank.

"As Russian markets will not open again until July next year, the wildcard next year will be the possible return of PEDv this winter,

cutting back available hogs for slaughter in 2015," says analyst Albert Vernooij.

Regional Outlooks:
    China: In China, subdued supply and rebounding demand will support market recovery and import growth towards the seasonal high in

Q1 2015. In addition, with feed costs likely to decline next year, Chinese hog farmers are expected to finally make money.
    U.S.: PEDv induced surging pork prices where further supported by consumers trading down due to higher beef prices, thereby

driving one of the highest margin periods in the industry's history. Producers are looking to increase production in 2015. Risk factor

may be the return of PEDv this winter.
    EU: The EU pork industry has experienced a very disappointing Q3, deteriorating from July with the extension of the Russian ban to

competing exporters in the U.S. and Canada in combination with pressured consumption. Both consumption levels and export levels will

remain under pressure for the remainder of the year.
    Brazil: Q3 saw new record pork prices, with exports to Russia seeing 18% volume uplift representing almost 50% of Brazil's pork

export value. This might pose a significant risk in the future should the situation normalise. A positive Q4 outlook is expected.
    Canada: Hog prices fell dramatically in Q3, driven by rising competition for other markets as exports were directed away from

Russia - a situation which will likely continue until the ban is lifted. The dark horse for 2015 will be the possible impact of PEDv,

despite largely dodging the virus so far.
    Japan: The pork market in Japan is doing well with consumption stabilising despite surging imports and higher retail price which

resulted from the depreciation of the Yen against the US dollar and high priced competing proteins. Resulting high stock will pressure

imports in the remainder of 2015.
    Mexico: Mexico experienced the biggest PEDv impact this summer with year over year slaughter numbers down 11.1%, slightly higher

than anticipated. Margins will set a record high in 2014 due to declining feed costs and higher hog prices.
    South Korea: Higher than expected supply, due to smaller than anticipated levels of PEDv, has resulted in a relatively large hog

and wholesale price drop. Prices will remain firm going into 2015.



NCGA Applauds EPA Deregulation of Enlist Duo Herbicide

The National Corn Growers Association applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's approval of Dow AgroSciences 2,4-D

herbicide, a part of the ENLIST system. This approval, which follows USDA's September approval of corn and soybean varieties designed

to tolerate this herbicide, will provide farmers with a valuable tool to combat instances of weed resistance.

"The battle for approval of all components of this important technology has taken both determination and patience," said NCGA Trade

Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair John Linder, a farmer from Edison, Ohio. "This final step should place a necessary, new

tool in the hands of corn and soybean farmers in immediate need of new systems to combat growing weed pressures throughout the Corn

and Cotton Belts."

The decision, which posted to the regulatory docket today, states that the decision reflected "a large body of science and an

understanding of the risk of pesticides." Noting that the herbicide met standards necessary to protect public health, the EPA further

noted that it used "highly conservative" assumptions in its risk evaluation.

Additionally, this decision has placed unprecedented stewardship and monitoring activities around its use. It is clear the EPA has

gone above and beyond to ensure the safe use of this product.



ASA Welcomes EPA Registration of Enlist Duo Herbicide

The farmer members of the American Soybean Association (ASA) welcome today’s decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to

register Dow’s Enlist Duo herbicide for use with Enlist Duo soybeans. The new low-volatility Enlist Duo herbicide will be utilized

with Enlist soybeans, when commercialized, to control resistant and difficult to manage weeds. ASA also called upon foreign markets

where U.S. soybeans are exported to quickly review and approve these new biotech events so that they can be commercialized here in the

United States without jeopardizing export markets and U.S. farmers can realize their benefit.

“Today’s registration of Enlist Duo herbicide means that America’s soybean farmers are a step closer to having access to another

integral mode of action with which they can fight yield-robbing weeds,” said ASA President and Iowa farmer Ray Gaesser. “We now look

to our key export partners to approve this trait so that we can realize the full market potential of this product, without fear of

jeopardizing our trading relationships with partially approved traits.”

Because of the importance of export markets to U.S. soybean farmers, ASA has had long-standing policy requiring technology providers

to seek and obtain approvals in key U.S. soy export markets that have import approval processes before new biotech soybean traits are

openly commercialized. ASA works closely with technology companies, other members of the U.S. soy family and value chain, and the U.S.

Government to facilitate timely, science-based reviews of new biotech soybean traits both domestically and abroad.



USDA Announces Measures to Help Farmers Diversify Weed Control Efforts

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several steps that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking to address

the increase of herbicide resistant weeds in U.S. agricultural systems.

"Weed control in major crops is almost entirely accomplished with herbicides today," said Vilsack. "USDA, working in collaboration

with the Environmental Protection Agency, must continue to identify ways to encourage producers to adopt diverse tactics for weed

management in addition to herbicide control. The actions we are taking today are part of this effort."

Today USDA is announcing several of the steps it is taking to help farmers manage their herbicide resistant weed problems in a more

holistic and sustainable way:
-    USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer financial assistance under its Environmental Quality Incentives

Program (EQIP) for herbicide resistant weed control practices that utilize Integrated Pest Management plans and practices.
-    Later this year NRCS will be soliciting proposals under the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program for innovative

conservation systems that address herbicide resistant weeds.
-    USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will actively promote use of best management practices (BMPs) in design

protocols for regulated authorized releases of genetically engineered (GE) crops and will include recommendations for BMPs with the

authorization of field trials of HR crops.
-    USDA is partnering with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and is providing funds to develop education and outreach

materials for various stakeholders on managing herbicide–resistant weeds. The Secretary has directed Dr. Sheryl Kunickis, Director of

the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, as the point person leading this effort with the USDA.

The issue of herbicide resistant weeds has become one of increasing importance for agriculture. When herbicides are repeatedly used to

control weeds, the weeds that survive herbicide treatment can multiply and spread.

With EPA's announcement today on the registration of new uses for herbicide mixtures containing the herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate

(in the Enlist® formulation) in conjunction with new genetically engineered crop varieties, farmers are being offered one more new

tool to better manage emerging populations of herbicide-resistant weeds in corn and soybeans crops. In its decision for 2,4-D use on

genetically modified corn and soybean, EPA has outlined new requirements for registrants as part of a product stewardship program.

The USDA Office of Pest Management Policy worked with EPA to address the issue of herbicide resistance through appropriate label

language that will require registrants to develop a stewardship program for the herbicide, develop training and education on proper

use of the product that includes diversifying weed management, investigate and report nonperformance, and develop and implement a

remediation plan for suspected herbicide resistant weeds.

EPA intends to require the same stewardship plans for all new applications for product registration on genetically modified crops with

the goal being to encourage effective resistance management while maintaining needed flexibility for growers.

USDA recognizes that the problem of herbicide resistant weed control will not be solved solely through the application of new

herbicides. USDA has worked with the Weed Science Society of America for a number of years on identifying best management practices

for farmers and on addressing impediments to adoption of those practices.

USDA will continue to work to ensure that growers have the diverse tools they need to address the management of herbicide resistant

weeds.



Support for Dairy Sustainability Efforts Broadens

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy®, established under the leadership of dairy farmers, announced today that McDonald’s Corporation

has joined the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards program as a new silver-level sponsor in support of U.S. dairy farmers and the

industry’s sustainability efforts. Tetra Pak, Inc. also has committed to a second year of sponsorship.

With two new award categories and an expanded judging panel, the 2015 awards program reflects the fact that organizations, from farm

to table, are increasingly working together toward a sustainable food system.

The awards, which launched four years ago, recognize outstanding dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for socially responsible,

economically viable and environmentally sound practices. These practices, large and small, are steps that add up to promote the health

and well-being of consumers, communities, cows, employees, the planet and business. Nominations are open through Nov. 7, 2014.

“Dairy sustainability is about more than just a carbon footprint. It is about our positive contributions to alleviate hunger, ensure

the vitality of our communities, protect natural resources and more,” said Barbara O’Brien, president of the Innovation Center. “We

are inspired by the powerhouse of thought leaders who also are committed to solving the country’s food, energy and water challenges,

and are joining our effort.”

For 2015, gold-level sponsors are: the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, DeLaval, DVO, Inc., Elanco Animal Health, InSinkErator,

Tetra Pak, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, World Wildlife Fund and Zoetis. Silver-level sponsors are: the Academy of Nutrition

and Dietetics, ChemTreat, DSM Nutritional Products, HDR, Inc., McDonald’s, Organic Solution Management and Syngenta.

“There are many integrated solutions and new partnerships emerging across the country,” O’Brien said. “No single approach will be able

to solve these complex challenges, and we are pleased to provide a program that celebrates success stories and helps bridge the gap

from farm to table.”



World's First Instant Fluorescent Sensor to Detect Milk Fat

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore has pioneered the world's first fluorescent sensor - called Milk

Orange - that rapidly identifies the presence of fat in milk. When the light purplish sensor is mixed with a milk sample, it transmits

fluorescent signals of orange hues instantly under light when fat is detected, with brighter shades when the concentration of fat in

the milk sample increases.

This novel sensor, developed by a research team led by Professor Chang Young-Tae of the Department of Chemistry at the NUS Faculty of

Science, is being applied to the development of a device for rapid on-site measurement of milk fat, which is especially useful in

areas such as dairy farms in developing countries. This device could also help enhance the current milk quality control process,

particularly in resource-limited regions.

The findings of this study were first published in the journal Chemical Communications in July.

More than six billion people around the world consume milk regularly, making milk a major agricultural product in many countries. It

is also a multi-billion dollar industry. As fat content is associated with the levels of protein and vitamins in milk, it is directly

correlated with the nutritional and marketing value of milk.

For many small scale dairy farmers who sell their cows' milk to large organizations that produce dairy products, there is a need for

an accurate and rapid device which is handy yet inexpensive, to detect the level of fat present in the milk. Such a device helps the

farmers segregate and price the milk for sale, as well as to enhance the milk quality control process.

Fluorescent dyes have been widely used as sensors for analytical purposes because of their high sensitivity, fast response time and

technical simplicity.



Scholarships for College Ag Students Available

The National Corn Growers Association and BASF Corporation will again award five $1,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate

students pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field during the 2015-16 school year.

"NCGA understands that to remain successful as an industry we must focus on education and keeping our best and brightest interested in

ag," said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team. "This program is an important component of NCGA's commitment to

fostering youth in agriculture and to the future of our rural communities.  It is an investment in not only their future but also our

own."

Applicants for the NCGA William C. Berg Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program must be entering at least their second

undergraduate year or any year of graduate study, and they or a parent or legal guardian must be an NCGA member. Scholarship

applications must be postmarked on or before December 12, 2014.

Scholarship recipients will be selected in early 2015. Recipients and a parent or guardian will enjoy travel and lodging to attend the

2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. to be recognized at the NCGA Banquet and have the opportunity to learn more about modern

agriculture.

This is the eighth year for the partnership between BASF and NCGA.



New Holland Agriculture Smashes the Current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for Most Wheat Harvested within Eight Hours with the CR10.90 Elevation Combine

New Holland Agriculture has reclaimed the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title, harvesting an impressive 797.656 tonnes  (29,308.84 bushels)

of wheat in eight hours with the world’s most powerful combine: the 653 hp CR10.90 Elevation.

“We are extremely proud to have recaptured the Guinness World Records title for harvesting almost 800 tonnes (30,000 bushels) of wheat

in eight hours, shattering the previous record by more than 120 tonnes (4,409 bushels),” stated Hedley Cooper, Head of Harvesting

Product Management. “This record demonstrates the unsurpassed capacity and productivity of the CR10.90 Elevation, especially as the

current record of 675.84 tonnes (24,832.87 bushels) was broken after just six hours and 36 minutes!”

Record-breaking performance
The record was set on August 15, 2014 at H.R. Bourn and Sons Farm in Grange de Lings, near Wragby, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The

field was sown with Santiago wheat in the autumn of 2013 before it was chosen in May 2014 for the record-breaking attempt, which meant

that it represented real-world growing conditions.

The record-breaking day’s harvesting, which started at 11:17 a.m., was characterized by changing weather conditions, with the ambient

temperature ranging from 64-70°F and light showers occurring from 5:30 p.m. onwards. The CR10.90’s average throughput was 99.7

tonnes/hour (3,663 bushels/hour)  and peaked at 135 tonnes/hour (4,960 bushels/hour) in a crop yielding an average of 9.95 tonnes/ha

(148.1 bushels/acre) and an average moisture content of 16.2%. The record was achieved using a mere 1.12 liters of fuel per tonne of

grain harvested (124.6 bushels/gallon) with the straw chopper engaged throughout the day.

The entire day’s activities were overseen and verified by Mr. Pravin Patel, the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Record Adjudicator,

who was assisted by Alan Robson, Chaplain for Agriculture of Lincolnshire as the second independent witness.

The record-breaking CR10.90 Elevation. Packed with advanced harvesting technology
The record-breaking CR10.90 Elevation is equipped with New Holland’s unique Twin Rotor® technology featuring Twin Pitch High

Performance rotors combined with the Dynamic Feed Roll™ system (DFR), which proved indispensable in breaking the record especially as

the weather conditions deteriorated in the late afternoon.

Powered by the award-winning Cursor 16 engine, which develops some 653 hp, the CR10.90 Elevation is also compliant with the Tier 4B

emissions regulations, using advanced ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR technology to meet them.  Traction, in the changeable conditions, was

guaranteed thanks to the unique SmartTrax™ rubber track system with Terraglide™ suspension.

The extra-long 10-meter (34-foot) unloading auger and super-fast 142 liters/minute (4 bushels/minute) unloading speed made quick work

of the constantly filling grain tank. The CR10.90 was also equipped with IntelliSteer™ fully integrated auto-guidance, which ensures

accuracy of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8-inches) optimizing the effectiveness of the 13.7 meter (45-foot) 840CD draper header during every pass,

the whole day long.

The Guinness World Records title has further reinforced the CR10.90 Elevation combine as New Holland’s flagship harvesting product,

and cemented its position as the world’s leading combine harvester,” stated Carlo Lambro, Brand President of New Holland Agriculture.

“The recordbreaking combine, built in our Centre of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium, is the world’s first Class 10 rotary

combine and exemplifies the excellence of Twin Rotor® technology, developed by New Holland 40 years ago. We are offering our customers

the best possible solutions and continually improving our Brand’s performance and results in the combine business.”

Key record statistics
Total time harvested - 8 hours
Amount of wheat harvested - 797.656 tonnes  (29,308.84 bushels)
Average tonnes (pounds) per hour - 99.7 tonnes/hour (3,663 bushels/hour)
Peak capacity - 135 tonnes/hour (4,960 bushels/hour)
Area harvested - 80.2 hectares (198 acres)
Fuel used / tonne grain - 1.12 liters
Bushels harvested /gallon of fuel - 124.6 bushels             
Average moisture - 16.2%
Average yield - 9.95 tonnes/ha  (148.1 bushels/acre)



FARMING SIMULATOR 15: "A Day on the Farm" video!

Farming Simulator 15 invites you to spend a day on the farm with them in a new gameplay trailer, appropriately called "A Day on the Farm."

From harvesters to tractors, from fields to chickens, from cows to bales of hay, our guided tour which will give you an idea of the

numerous daily activities awaiting you in the new generation of Farming Simulator, arriving in just two weeks time!

Sticking to the recipe that has so far proved such a smash hit (over 2 million units sold on PC and consoles with the previous 2013

version), the Farming Simulator franchise will be entering a whole new era in October! A new graphics and physics engine, new visual

effects, a new interface, new gameplay mechanics, new vehicles and, of course, a new and vast game environment. Farming Simulator 15

combines all the right ingredients to offer the richest and most detailed farming experience ever, coming to PC on October 30! Console

players may rest assured that they have not been forgotten: the game will also release on PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox One® and

Xbox 360® early 2015.

Farming Simulator 15 will be available on PC in stores and for download on October 30. The game will also be available on

PlayStation®4, PlayStation®3, Xbox One® and Xbox 360® early 2015.