Friday February 27 Ag News

USDA Provides One-Time Extension of Deadline to Update Base Acres or Yield History for ARC/PLC Programs

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that a one-time extension will be provided to producers for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres has been extended one additional month, from Feb. 27, 2015 until March 31, 2015. The final day for farm owners and producers to choose ARC or PLC coverage also remains March 31, 2015.

"This is an important decision for producers, because these programs provide financial protection against unexpected changes in the marketplace. Producers are working to make the best decision they can. And we're working to ensure that they've got the time, the information, and the opportunities to have those final conversations, review their data, and to visit the Farm Service Agency to make those decisions," said Vilsack.

If no changes are made to yield history or base acres by March 31, 2015, the farm's current yield and base will be used. A program choice of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made by March 31, 2015, or there will be no 2014 payments for the farm and the farm will default to PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year.

"These are complex decisions, which is why we launched a strong education and outreach campaign back in September. Now we're providing a one-time extension of an additional month so that every producer is fully prepared to enroll in this program," said Vilsack.

Nationwide, more than 2.9 million educational postcards, in English and Spanish, have been sent to producers, and over 4,100 training sessions have been conducted on the new safety-net programs. The online tools, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc, allow producers to explore projections on how ARC or PLC coverage will affect their operation under possible future scenarios.

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity.



Statement by NeFB Regarding Farm Bill Sign-Up Extension
Steve Nelson, President, NE Farm Bureau

"We greatly appreciate Secretary Vilsack's decision to provide more time for farmers to make decisions related to updating yield history and reallocation of base acres as relates to the 2014 Farm Bill."

"The extension in these areas until March 31, 2015 is a welcomed change. By bringing sign-up for these provisions in line with decisions that must be made related to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) farmers have a clear picture of sign-up expectations, eliminating speculation of any further extensions."



Bipartisan Group of Former Agriculture Secretaries Urges Congress to Pass Trade Promotion Authority

A bipartisan group of former U.S. Agriculture Secretaries, representing all past Administrations from those of President Jimmy Carter to President George W. Bush, today issued the following open letter urging Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority. The former secretaries note that boosting trade and exports is highly beneficial to America's agriculture economy and that Trade Promotion Authority—which has been given to all previous presidents since Gerald Ford (with similar authority granted to all presidents since Franklin Delano Roosevelt)—is critical for successfully negotiating new trade partnerships that boost exports and create jobs. Congress could begin consideration of legislation to grant President Obama Trade Promotion Authority as early as next week.

The letter from the former secretaries follows:

As former U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture, we know firsthand the importance of trade to America's farm and ranch families. Access to export markets is vital for increasing sales and supporting farm income at home. Recognizing the importance of exports, we worked hard to open foreign markets, including negotiating new or expanded trade agreements with other countries. Trade agreements lead to expanded agricultural exports by promoting economic growth, removing trade barriers and import duties and developing mutually beneficial trade rules.

Key to our ability to negotiate and implement market-opening agreements has been enactment of trade negotiating authority. This authority, now called Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), ensures that the U.S. has the credibility to conclude the best deal possible at the negotiating table. TPA also ensures common negotiating objectives between the President and the Congress, and a continuous consultation process prior to final Congressional approval or disapproval of a trade agreement.

Every President since Gerald Ford has received TPA. Thanks to opportunities created by trade agreements, U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2014 soared to a new record of $152.5 billion propelling farm income also to new highs. Trade helps farmers, their suppliers, distributors and customers. Exports support rural economies and the U.S. economy as a whole through agricultural processing, ancillary services and a host of related businesses. This was true when each of us served as US Secretary of Agriculture, and it is true now.

We are excited about new opportunities for U.S. agriculture in foreign markets. Opening markets helps farm families and their communities prosper. Other governments also recognize this and are actively forging their own trade agreements. If the United States stands still, other countries will quickly move ahead of us.

For us, the choice is clear: we encourage Congress to enact Trade Promotion Authority and support trade agreements that help U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers thrive.

Signed,
Secretary Ed Schafer (2008–2009)
Secretary Mike Johanns (2005–2007)
Secretary Ann Veneman (2001–2005)
Secretary Dan Glickman (1995–2001)
Secretary Mike Espy (1993–1994)
Secretary Clayton K. Yeutter (1989–1991)
Secretary John R. Block (1981–1986)
Secretary Robert Bergland (1977–1981)



USGC Statement on Vilsack Trade Comments

A statement from U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight following remarks by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack at the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix:

“We appreciate the Secretary’s call today at Commodity Classic for renewed engagement in trade policy by U.S. farmers and completion of game-changing agreements currently being negotiated, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

“In the past 20 years, much of the growth in trade we have seen in coarse grains and co-products has come directly from the access granted by free trade agreements. NAFTA, CAFTA-DR and agreements with Korea, Panama, Peru and Colombia have lowered tariffs, kept us competitive in the global marketplace and spurred new innovation by our trading partners that has, in turn, created new demand for our products.

"Free trade measures are in effect with 14 of our top 30 U.S. corn customers from the last marketing year. We have also established favorable trade agreements with top importing countries of U.S. sorghum and barley.

"We are confident that the next generation of trade agreements will have even more dramatic impact as the global economy becomes more integrated and more countries realize the potential for vigorous trade to improve their economies, levels of food security and qualities of life.”



Standing Up for the 2014 Farm Bill
National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association,
National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers

“On behalf of our farmer members, we are united in our support for the comprehensive farm bill passed by Congress just over one year ago. We are keenly aware of the cuts just made to mandatory spending across many titles and strongly oppose any changes or cuts to farm bill programs, many of which are just now being implemented.

“Commodity Classic attendees are anxious about the 32 percent drop in farm income projected for this year, compared to 2014. On a wide range of issues, from the farm safety net to the Renewable Fuel Standard to biotech approvals, certainty is what America’s farmers need most from their elected officials at this time, and we worked hard to improve farm programs in the 2014 farm bill to reduce the burden on taxpayers while ensuring farmers get support when they need it the most.

“Our family farmers work hard each season to provide a safe and abundant supply of food, feed, fuel and fiber for the world. The best way for Congress to support our work is to not stand in the way of a law that works and has great promise for rural America.”



BLM Seeks Bids for New Off-Range Pastures to Care for Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking proposals for new off-range pasture facilities that can provide a free-roaming environment for wild horses removed from Western public lands.
Proposals will be accepted from the following states through April 22, 2015: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

One or more off-range pasture contracts will be awarded and each must accommodate a minimum of 100 wild horses.  The contractor must provide humane care for a one-year period, with a renewal option under BLM contract for a four-year or nine-year period. 

Applicants who have never conducted business with the government must first obtain a Duns and Bradstreet number at www.dnb.com before registering at www.sam.gov/  to do business with the Federal Government.  There is no fee involved.

To obtain the solicitation: (1) go to www.fedconnect.net ; (2) click on “Search Public Opportunities”; (3) under Search Criteria, select “Reference Number”; (4) put in the solicitation number “L15PS00182”; and (5) click Search” and the solicitation information will appear. The solicitation form describes what to submit and where to send it. 

For assistance, visit www.blm.gov or contact Eric Pagal at (202)-591-5079/epagal@blm.gov or Ken Lund at (202) 912-7034/klund@blm.gov. They can assist with general questions and/or coordinate a meeting for you with a local BLM contracting officer and small business specialist.

Under the authority of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, as amended, the BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros while working to ensure that population levels are in balance with other public rangeland resources and uses.  The current free-roaming population of BLM-managed wild horses and burros is estimated to be 49,209, as of March 1, 2014, which exceeds by more than 22,500 the number determined by the BLM to be the appropriate management level. The BLM is also using population growth-suppression (PGS) measures, and is supporting research to improve existing and develop new PGS tools. 

For general questions about the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, please contact 866-468-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov.



NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nominations are due by June 15, 2015 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

“The Iowa Water Quality Initiative is growing due to farmers’ engagement in the plan,” Branstad said. “The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in their land stewardship.”

“Iowa’s farmers are leading the way in environmental stewardship through collaborative, science-based practices,” said Reynolds. “The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award allows the state to recognize the famers who feed the world and continue to drive Iowa’s economy.”

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

“Iowa is leading the way in using voluntary, science-based practices to protect our soil and improve water quality.  This would not be possible without the thousands of farmers who have collectively invested millions in conservation practices on their farms.  This award is an opportunity to highlight those farmers that are leading the way and going above and beyond to adopt conservation practices on their farm,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

Since creation of the award in 2012, 219 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony



USDA Reports IA Corn Price Up Six Cents on the Month, Soybeans Gain 20 Cents

The average price received by farmers for corn in Iowa was $3.85 per bushel according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Agricultural Prices report. This is up $0.06 from the December full month price, but $0.58 lower than January 2014.

The January 2015 average price received by farmers for soybeans, at $10.20 per bushel, was $0.20 more than the December full month price, but $2.60 lower than the January 2014 price.

The January average oat price per bushel was $3.76, unchanged from December, but $0.29 below January 2014.

All hay prices in Iowa averaged $138.00 per ton in January, $33.00 per ton less than January 2014. Alfalfa hay prices fell $39.00 per ton from one year ago, to $156.00 and other hay prices were $23.00 per ton lower than last year, at $107.00.

The January average price was $17.40 per cwt for milk, down $3.50 from December, and $6.50 per cwt below one year ago.



January Farm Prices Received Index Down 2 Points

The January Prices Received Index (Agricultural Production), at 99, based on 2011=100, decreased 2 points (2.0 percent) from December. At 83, the January Crop Production Index is unchanged. At 123, the Livestock Production Index decreased 4 points (3.2 percent). Producers received lower prices for milk, hogs and calves and higher prices for lettuce, broilers and broccoli. In addition to prices, the indexes are impacted by the five-year average monthly mix of commodities producers market. Increased monthly movement of soybeans, cattle, and lettuce offset the decreased broiler, cotton, and egg marketings.

The Prices Received Index is down 1 point (1.0 percent) from January 2014. The Food Commodities Index, at 110, decreased 5 points (4.3 percent) from the previous month and 1 point (0.9 percent) from January 2014.

All crops:
The January index, at 83, is unchanged from December but is 8.8 percent below January 2014. Index increases for oilseeds & grains and vegetable & melon production offset the index decrease for other crop production.

Food grains: At 89, the index for January is 3.5 percent higher than the previous month but is 9.2 percent below a year earlier. The January price for all wheat, at $6.14 per bushel, is up 3 cents from December but is 51 cents below January 2014.

Feed grains: The January index, at 64, is unchanged from last month but is 14 percent below a year ago. The corn price, at $3.81 per bushel, is up 3 cents from last month but is down 61 cents from January 2014. At $7.40 per cwt, sorghum grain is 7 cents above December but 12 cents below January a year earlier.

Oilseeds: At 82, the index for January is unchanged from December but is 20 percent lower than January 2014. The soybean price, at $10.30 per bushel, is unchanged from December but is $2.60 below January a year earlier.

Livestock and products:
The index for January, at 123, is 3.1 percent below the previous month but is up 6.0 percent from January a year earlier. Compared with a year ago, prices are lower for milk and hogs. Prices are higher for cattle, market eggs, calves, broilers, and turkeys.

Meat animals: At 131, the January index is down 2.2 percent from the previous month but is 15 percent higher than a year earlier. At $57.40 per cwt, the January hog price is down $6.90 from December and $3.80 lower than a year earlier. The January beef cattle price of $164 per cwt is unchanged from the previous month but is $26.00 higher than January 2014.

Dairy products: The index for January, at 88, is down 13 percent from the previous month and 25 percent lower than January a year earlier. The January all milk price of $17.60 per cwt is down $2.80 from December and $5.90 lower from January 2014.

January Prices Paid Index Down 2 Points
The January Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW), at 109 percent (2011=100), is down 2 points (1.8 percent) from December but is 1 point (0.9 percent) above January 2014. Lower prices in January for feeder cattle, concentrates, diesel, and herbicides more than offset higher prices for other services, complete feeds, share rents, and taxes.



National Pork Industry Forum to Be Held March 5-7

Delegates from across the United States will gather in San Antonio, March 5-7 for the annual National Pork Industry Forum.

The 15 producers who serve as members of the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff staff leadership will hear directly from the forum delegates appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Each year the Pork Act Delegates confer, vote on resolutions and advisements and provide valuable direction on the important issues facing pork producers and the industry.

The theme for the annual pork forum – People. Pigs. Planet . – is in reference to the recently adopted Pork Checkoff 2020 Strategic Plan. The new strategic plan is focused on anticipating and managing the changing world facing U.S. pork producers now and in the future.

“As an industry, we have a defined commitment to “elevate U.S. pork as the global protein of choice by continuously and collaboratively working to do what’s right for people, pigs and the planet,” said Dale Norton, president of the National Pork Board and a producer from Bronson, Mich. “It has never been more critical that we work together as producers, processors and foodservice and retail leaders to make a collective difference to pork’s consumers.”

In advance of the annual meeting, members of the National Pork Board also will convene their March board meeting. The agenda for that meeting will include updates on 2015 plans to enhance pork demand, increase market opportunities, improve pork production practices and invest in research priorities.

Included on the 2015 Pork Forum agenda will be opportunities for pork producers to become trained in the pork industry’s Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) certification process, as well as learn more about pork industry programs.

The full agenda is available at www.porkindustryforum.com. As the event draws near, the website will be updated with current information and links to the Pork Forum manual and videos of candidates nominated for industry positions.



Did You Know...  Beef Audio Shorts

... The beef checkoff recently conducted a Content Search Analysis Research Study to uncover the content needs of consumers actively seeking information about beef and competitive proteins online? This study identified how consumers are searching for this information on the web through tools such as Google and Bing Search. Data shows that cooking method searches online have increased year-over-year, specifically slow cooker, with more than 2,000,000 monthly searches. While a majority of “slow cooker” searches happen in the fall and winter, the search volume remains substantial throughout the rest of the year. To capitalize on this consumer search activity, the "Beef. It's What's For Dinner" website created a recipe collection that is focused solely on Slow Cooking beef recipes, and the checkoff utilizes digital advertising to ensure that consumers are aware of these delicious and nutritious recipe options. For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

... Millennial consumers oftentimes both watch TV and, at the same time, are on Twitter, sharing their thoughts about the shows through online social media with friends, family and followers?  The “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” Twitter handle, @Beef, takes advantage of this “second screen” movement by tweeting alongside popular food television shows. By using special TeleContext technology, the beef checkoff has engaged consumers like never before. Be sure to follow @Beef to see each and every delicious tweet! For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

...The checkoff’s “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” brand inspires consumers to cuddle up with comfort foods for winter on social media? Throughout the winter months, the checkoff shared comfort food ideas to warm the winter blues. The Facebook posts helped consumers, including older Millennial parents, find ideas and inspiration on how beef can be included in delicious and convenient comfort foods that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The checkoff will continue to reach consumers by sharing recipes and tips, to the over 881,000 fans on the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” Facebook page and the nearly 13,000 @Beef Twitter followers.

For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.



National Pork Board Statement Regarding the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015

The National Pork Board reminds Americans that meat, including pork, is a nutrient-dense food that is not overconsumed on average in America. More than 60 percent of the U.S. population is consuming the Protein Food Group at or below recommended intake levels.1 Scientific evidence shows that eating lean, high-quality protein like pork can help people lose or maintain weight by contributing to feeling full and by preserving lean muscle.2,3,4,5,6 Americans can enjoy six cuts of pork that have less fat than a skinless chicken thigh.7 In fact, the popular pork tenderloin has the same amount of fat as a skinless chicken breast. Ideally Americans will seek information from their health professional or registered dietitian to choose lean cuts of meat such as pork. A lean meat for labeling purposes is defined as a meat with less than 10 grams of total fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat.

Meats, including pork, offer a greater percentage of high “nutrient density value” compared to all other protein sources, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.8 A 3-ounce serving of lean pork provides about the same amount of protein as 1.5 cups of black beans, but with 21% fewer calories.7 Research demonstrates that pork can increase dietary variety without adversely affecting total fat or saturated fat intake.9

On the important subject of sustainability, pork production’s carbon footprint is a small fraction (0.35%) of total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.10 Compared with 50 years ago, farmers are now using less land (78 percent) and water (41 percent) per pound of pork produced.



Projected Revenue Insurance Prices

The month of February is important for corn growers in the key Corn Belt states who purchase revenue-based crop insurance policies. It's when the projected prices for those policies are set.

According to DTN, the running average as of 02/27/14: $4.15 per bushel for corn and $9.73 per bushel for soybeans and $5.85 per bushel for wheat.



NFU: Eliminating Corn Ethanol Mandate Would be a Set Back

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson said that the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act would cripple rural America's economy and be an enormous step backwards for America's goal of energy independence by a decade or more.

"The elimination of corn-based ethanol as an option to fulfill the Renewable Fuel Standard will reverse the enormous economic prosperity we've seen in rural America since the passage of the RFS and will severely hamstring this nation's goal of energy independence," said Johnson.

Johnson pointed out that corn-based ethanol has been used to fulfill the lion's share of the RFS because it is among the most efficient renewable transportation fuels to produce. It has not only helped reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil but also generates a very valuable by-product that has proven invaluable as animal feed.

"Not only will this bill hurt family farmers and ranchers and the rural economies they support, but it will also increase carbon emissions and petroleum use, neither of which is good for the nation or the environment," said Johnson.

Some of the nation's largest food companies and meat processors have argued that the rise in corn prices since passage of the RFS has forced them to raise food prices for consumers.



Soy Checkoff Positions U.S. Soy Industry as Global Leader

When farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) wrote the organization’s current long-range strategic plan, they included their vision that U.S. soybeans will be the leader of the global oilseed industry. This summer, USB will join the American Soybean Association and the U.S. Soybean Export Council in leading the global oilseed industry during the 18th International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD), to be held here in the United States for the first time since 2006.

“This event brings together oilseed industries from all over the world – Asia, Australia, Europe and South and North America,” says Bob Haselwood, soybean farmer from Berryton, Kansas, and USB chairman. “It really highlights that we all have the same goals, and it helps us to find ways to work together to achieve these goals. We’re looking forward to hosting our oilseed colleagues and leading the way to a successful IOPD 2015.”

In addition to hosting the IOPD event, a gathering of representatives of both North and South American soybean farmers will come together as part of the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA). ISGA, which represents 90 percent of the world’s soybean production, works to advance issues important to soybean farmers in North and South America, such as approval of biotech events.

“ISGA is all about showing a united front,” says Jared Hagert, soybean farmer from Emerado, North Dakota, and USB vice chairman. “USB has been involved in several ISGA missions to meet with governments of major soy-importing countries, such as China, and talk about the importance of science-based approval systems for biotech varieties. There is not a stronger signal we could send than standing together with farmers from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay with a common view on an issue.”

Exact dates and locations will be announced in the coming months.



Brazil Trucker Protest Enters 10th Day

As Brazilian truckers blocked highways for a 10th day, the prospect that the protests will impose massive losses on the soy sector, and agribusiness in general, becomes more real.

There is little sign of the protest movement waning. As of 9:30 a.m. local time (6:30 a.m. CST), blockades were detaining trucks at 111 points across all the main agricultural regions, topping the 97 points registered at the same time Thursday, said the highway police.

The blockades are really starting to slow the soy harvest in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil's biggest producing area, as farms see stocks of diesel to fuel machinery run dry.

On Thursday morning, Mato Grosso Agricultural Economy Institute (IMEA) estimated 20% of the Mato Grosso's soybean farmers had already run out of diesel.

Compounding farmer problems, protestors are sometimes blocking beans traveling from the farm to the elevators. With little on-farm storage, farmers are worried that they will have nowhere to put beans, if they continue harvesting.



ROUNDUP READY 2 XTEND™ SOYBEANS TO DELIVER ENHANCED WEED CONTROL, AGRONOMIC PACKAGES ACROSS ALL MATURITY GROUPS

Monsanto is advancing toward commercializing Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans, and this year the company will expand its training and education efforts to reach a broader number of growers and geographies.  The USDA deregulated Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans in January, and Monsanto anticipates the new technology will be available to growers in 2016 pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“This will potentially be the largest biotech launch in Monsanto’s history,” said Miriam Paris, Xtend system launch manager. “Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will provide farmers another tool for weed management, and we are excited to bring farmers an expansive number of varieties with superior germplasm and enhanced agronomic packages. Our breeders have been working diligently through the last decade to develop a robust series of products to fit farmers’ needs.”

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will be available in potentially more than 60 varieties across eight maturity groups, which is more than six times the varieties offered in the launch year of Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybeans. In addition, farmers can look forward to improved resistance packages against nematodes and phythophthora root rot with these varieties.

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans will be available in Asgrow® brand, Channel® brand, Monsanto Regional brands and licensee brands. Asgrow brand will lead with the largest number of varieties spanning eight maturity groups.  Longer term, the company believes this technology to be a fit on the majority of the 200 million acres in North America and South America.

Expanded Training and Education Efforts in 2015
In 2015, there will be more in-field training available to growers and retailers, which will include Roundup Ready Learning Xperience sites and the Ground Breakers® program. These Ground Breakers farmers will have first-hand experience with these new products. To learn more about their experiences, visit XtendFollowAField.com. In addition, Monsanto will host in-field education events at dozens of locations including field days and learning centers. These sites help engage and educate growers, seed dealers, retailers and applicators about effective and sustainable weed management.