Tuesday March 24 Ag News

Nebraska Cattlemen Urges Legislature to Oppose HSUS Efforts to Derail Ag Industry Measures
Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) today voiced concern regarding efforts by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to derail public policy initiatives focused on growing livestock agriculture in Nebraska. In a recent email alert, HSUS advised supporters to reach out to Nebraska lawmakers asking for their opposition on agriculture-related measures including NC priority bill LB 106 and LB 175. Neither of the legislative measures relate to animal care.

“Nebraska Cattlemen works every day to ensure opportunities for our ag industry are cultivated and maintained for generations to come,” said NC President Dave McCracken of Friend. “HSUS works every day in opposition of those opportunities. These measures are good for beef producers and good for Nebraska. We vehemently oppose any attempt by HSUS to inject its radical agenda into our legislative process and urge our legislative members to do the same.”

LB 106, introduced by Senator Dan Watermeier, adopts the Livestock Operation Siting and Expansion Act. The Act balances local control, livestock development and economic opportunities for livestock producers and county board members working through approval for new or expanding livestock operations at the county level.

LB 175, introduced by Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala, establishes a grant program to assist designated Livestock Friendly counties with efforts to grow the local livestock industry.

Nebraska Cattlemen continues to support the passage of both bills.



PREPARE NOW TO BEAT THE DROUGHT
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               It’s been a fairly dry winter and who knows how much moisture lies ahead.  Today I’ll suggest some ways you can limit the forage problems drought can cause.

               Drought is likely to be a problem again this summer, at least somewhere.  Because hay can be costly  and pastures short, we need to consider ways to minimize damages if we receive less than average rainfall.  Fortunately, early spring is a time you can take action that can minimize some of drought’s problems.

               For starters, prepare a strategy for using any remaining hay.  One of the better options is to feed hay a bit longer this spring before turning cows out to permanent pasture.  I know this action is exactly opposite of my usual recommendation to graze more and feed less hay. But, allowing pastures to accumulate a bit more growth before grazing begins will provide more total grazable forage if drought prevents much regrowth later on.  Leftover hay also can be used later during the grazing season to give pastures more time to recover between grazings.

               Another strategy is planting annual forages for pasture or hay.  Oats planted now or summer annual grasses like sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, and pearl millet are excellent choices.  Wait until soils are good and warm before planting these summer grasses, though.  Late May or early June usually is best.  So reserve some ground now for these drought-insurance grasses, before you plant everything to corn, beans, and other crops.  And don’t forget about possibly planting these grasses or even some fall cover crop forages into wheat stubble as a double crop after harvest.

               If the rains don’t come, planning and acting now to reduce potential forage losses from drought will pay big dividends.



Farm Bureau Member to Senate Ag Committee: Water Rule Goes Too Far

A proposal to massively expand the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) powers under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) should focus on finding common sense solutions to clean water, not give the federal government blanket authority for regulating all waters everywhere, according to testimony offered by Morrill County Farm Bureau President Jeff Metz before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, March 24.

“Let me be very clear – everyone wants clean water,” said Metz. “However, this proposed rule isn’t about clean water. This rule is clearly focused on expanding the role of federal regulatory agencies into the daily lives of people around the country.”

Metz, a farmer and rancher from Angora, Nebraska, was invited to testify at a hearing before the full U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee chaired by U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). The focal point of the hearing was to gather stakeholder input on the impacts of the EPA and Corps proposed “Waters of the U.S.” Rule.

“I have seasonal draws, valleys and canyons as well as ponds and other natural depressions on my land that will at times fill or flow with water during precipitation events. Many rarely, if ever, have flow that reaches a flowing stream,” said Metz. “This rule could require that I obtain a federal permit in order to plow, apply crop protection products, graze cattle or even build a fence in or around these areas.”

Metz noted that adding another layer of red tape to agriculture would do little to protect the environment, but cost him time and money, and in a worst case scenario, prevent him from using his own land.

“The federal government is under no obligation to even give me a permit,” said Metz. “This rule would create uncertainty and expand liability exposure for Nebraska farmers, despite the fact we have a state agency that has been responsible for protecting these waters for nearly 40 years.”

The agencies are expected to release a final version of the “Waters” rule later this year.



NeFU President Re-elected NFU Treasurer and 21 Nebraskans Attend National Farmers Union 113th Anniversary Convention in Wichita, Kansas 
Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen was re-elected National Farmers Union (NFU) Treasurer by the NFU Board of Directors at the 113th Annual National Farmers Union Convention held March 14-17 in Wichita, Kansas at the Hyatt Regency hotel.

21 NeFU members attended the NFU Convention.  NeFU President John Hansen said:  “It was a great facility, excellent speakers and program, and was well attended.  It is always a positive when Farmers Union members participate in their grassroots driven organization.”

The NFU Convention delegates from Nebraska were:  Dennis Buse, West Point; Graham Christensen, Lyons; Ben Gotschall, Raymond: Carol Schooley, Grand Island; and NeFU President John Hansen.

Other members attending were Stan & Judy Brown, Ron Meyer, Jeremiah Picard, and Mark Kavan, Lincoln; Martin & Linda Kleinschmit, Hartington; Mike & Roberta Sarchett, Minatare; Vern Jantzen, Plymouth; Gus Von Roenn, Omaha; John & Mardelle Goeller, Pilger; Terry Kirby, Central City; Jeff Downing, Elkhorn, and Tracy Zink of Indianola who participated in the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute.

NFU convention highlights included a keynote address from United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and Dr. Temple Grandin, whose movie was shown Sunday afternoon.

In addition to updating NFU’s policy, the delegates adopted 6 Special Orders of Business:
·         Family Farming and Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL)
·         Family Farming and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
·         Family Farming and Transparency in Livestock Markets
·         Family Farming and Cotton in the 2014 Farm Bill
·         Family Farming and Trade Policy
·         Family Farming and Animal Disease Protection and Research.

Full text of the adopted policy manual will be available soon at www.nfu.org. 

The 2016 National Farmers Union Convention will be held at the Radisson Blu hotel in Minneapolis, MN March 5-8, 2016.  The Radisson Blu is directly attached to the Mall of America. 



8th Annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference Announced

The eighth annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference and Exhibition is planned for November 4-5 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Hilton Omaha.

“We are excited to bring this convention to the City of Omaha for the first time,” said Adam Herink, Conference Co-Chair. “The renewable energy industry continues to grow, innovate and create new opportunities and applications for all producers and users of electricity. This year’s wind and solar conference will continue to share those ideas with the industry and the general public.”

“We anticipate over 400 attendees to take part in this eighth annual Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference as it will include top quality, nationally known and respected industry experts and speakers with timely presentations related to Nebraska’s growing opportunities in both the wind and solar industries,” said Dan McGuire, Conference Co-Chair. “I urge potential exhibitors to sign up early to make sure they are included.”

“This annual conference is considered by many to be one of the best in the United States,” said John Hansen, Conference Co-Chair. “Since 2008, farmers and ranchers, state agencies, public power utilities, developers and higher education professionals have come together to share the latest information and ideas to help advance the wind and solar industry of Nebraska.  We keep the costs of participation down so it is affordable to all the interested stakeholders.”

Registration information is available at the conference website http://nebraskawindandsolarconference.com/ , and rooms will be $122 per night, which includes free parking. Those not staying at the hotel will receive a reduced daily parking rate of $5.

For hotel reservations, contact Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass Street, Omaha, NE  at (402) 998-3400 or http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/nebraska/hilton-omaha-OMACVHH/index.html.

To view last year’s presentations, go to http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2014conference/2014conference.htm.



ASTM Releases Specifications for B20 Use in Heating Oil

The door has opened for building-and-homeowners who want to use higher blends of cleaner burning biodiesel in their heating oil.

ASTM International, an organization which sets industry consensus standards for fuels, today released new performance specifications for blends of 6-to-20 percent biodiesel with traditional heating oil. The existing No. 1 and No. 2 grades in ASTM D396 already cover 5 percent biodiesel or less.

The blend is branded Bioheat® fuel.

“The oilheat industry is reinventing itself as a 21st century fuel by moving to higher blends of low carbon biodiesel and ultra low sulfur levels across the board,” said John Huber, president of the National Oilheat Research Alliance.

The new B6-B20 grade is a blend of all the parameters contained in the existing No. 1 and No. 2 oilheat grades, but adds parameters for stability and allows a slightly higher distillation temperature for the blends. The changes are the same as those for B6-B20 in on-and-off-road diesel fuel passed by ASTM in 2008.

“The data set behind these changes is one of the most extensive I’ve seen in more than 20 years at ASTM,” said Steve Howell of M4 Consulting, an ASTM Fellow who chairs the ASTM Biodiesel Task Force. “Having an official standard for higher biodiesel blends in heating oil will help foster consumer confidence, and give blenders and distributors a needed tool to incorporate more low carbon, ultra-low sulfur biodiesel into heating oil.”

Biodiesel is also renewable, biodegradable, nontoxic, and has a much higher flash point than traditional heating oil. This makes it a safer to handle, more environmentally friendly fuel.

With this accomplishment, Howell said work will now begin on the next level of research needed to secure official specifications for even higher blends of biodiesel in heating oil. This will likely extend to the use of pure biodiesel (B100), a stated goal of the oilheat industry.

“Brookhaven National Laboratory surveys of customers already using biodiesel blends not only showed similar or better experience than with traditional fuel oil, they also showed many already use B20 or higher blends with great success,” Howell said.

Traditional petroleum-based heating oil companies that have made the switch to Bioheat fuel agree.

“The technical data with this ballot for the new B6-B20 grade verified what we have known for years — that B20 made with high quality biodiesel works well,” said Seth Obetz, president of Pennsylvania-based Bioheat distributor Worley and Obetz. “We have marketed high quality B20 for 14 years and our customers see fewer problems with B20 than with conventional heating oil.”

The official vote to change the standard took place at the December 2014 ASTM meeting. At that meeting, wholesale fuel provider Amerigreen reported that it has more than 100,000 B20 customers. The company said that number is growing in part because Bioheat fuel customers see less maintenance than with conventional fuel oil.

The newly updated ASTM D396−15a “Standard Specification for Fuel Oils” can be downloaded at ASTM.org soon.



Farmers and Ranchers Embrace Drones in Agriculture

Farm Bureau member Jeff VanderWerff explained the value and risks of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in agriculture in his testimony before a Senate subcommittee today. The Michigan farmer and agronomist discussed how farmers and ranchers are leading the way in exploring commercial use for this technology.

America’s farmers and ranchers embrace technology that allows their farming businesses to be more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. VanderWerff sees these benefits firsthand on his farm where he where uses precision technology. “I rely on data to produce the accurate information critical to my day-to-day business decisions. These decisions affect my yield, environmental impact and ultimately the economic viability of my farm,” he said.

According to VanderWerff, UAS would provide a valuable tool for farmers and ranchers to manage their fields and respond to threats quickly before they turn catastrophic. “Currently, I spend about 12 hours a week walking the nearly 3,000 acres of land we farm. This may be effective, but it is not efficient,” he said. UAS can also help farmers reduce their environmental impact. “With the imagery from unmanned aircraft, I can spot-treat sections of my fields as opposed to watering and spraying the entire field,” VanderWerff said.

Precision technology does not come without potential risks, however. Farmers and ranchers must be sure their data is secure and cannot be used unfairly against them by any third party, including the government. “The use of unmanned aircraft will be an important addition to a farmer’s management toolbox, but it is critical that the data remain under the ownership and control of the farmer,” VanderWerff said.



Telling the Story of Energy Through Online Educational Resources

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has launched new, free energy-based educational resources online for middle- and high-school educators and volunteers.

http://www.agfoundation.org/resources/energy-resources

Educators will discover the power of energy education and the unique connections to agricultural literacy with two units of curriculum. Each unit provides five comprehensive lesson plans and supporting resources. All lessons are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards.

The middle-school unit introduces students to energy generation, energy input in food production and distribution, and careers in energy while providing students an opportunity to evaluate a fictional agricultural operation’s energy use. Students use the process of making applesauce throughout the unit to contextualize learning.

The high-school unit introduces energy flow and challenges students to identify energy inputs for agricultural products. Students evaluate renewable energy sources, conduct a biodiesel lab and research farms using renewable energy.

The middle-school unit and eLearning experience are special projects of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, made possible by the generous support of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. The high-school unit was funded by the Agriculture Department’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to foster an appreciation for agriculture, reinforce STEM skills and abilities and create an awareness of agriculture-related careers.



Nutrition Scientist, Registered Dietitian Urges Secretaries to Reconsider Flawed Recommendations
 
The Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture hosted a meeting for public comments on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report released in February. The recommendations in the report, made by government-appointed nutrition scientists, fail to fully recognize the nutritional benefits of lean beef and conclude by advising Americans to eat less meat.

Nutrition Scientist and Registered Dietitian with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Shalene McNeill, said the Advisory Committee’s recommendation to exclude lean meat from a healthy dietary pattern is a historic move that ignores decades of nutrition science and all previous editions of the Dietary Guidelines. While the Committee defends the report saying lean beef is mentioned in a footnote, the recommendations are contradictory. 

“Despite being charged with examining new evidence, the Committee based its conclusions on outdated, weak evidence from stereotypical dietary patterns,” said McNeill. “Advising people to cut back on their red meat intake has had harmful consequences.  As red meat intake has declined, we are consuming more empty calories and obesity rates have steadily increased. History has shown us that sweeping recommendations often get lost in translation and exacerbate obesity and nutrient shortfalls.”

While the recommendations in the report are influential in the development of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Secretaries Burwell and Vilsack have the responsibility to review all the scientific evidence in tandem with the recommendations before developing the guidelines. The public comment period for the report is open now until May 8, 2015.

“It’s time to take a step back and look at the real world application of these recommendations,” said McNeill. “Americans have already moderated their red meat servings, and science reinforces that current consumption is within amounts needed to promote good health, protecting the population from a shortfall of nutrients and providing a satisfying form of nutrition. Rather than cutting back, Americans need to be encouraged to eat lean meat with more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.”

Significant scientific evidence supports lean red meat, like nutrient-rich beef, as part of a healthy diet. NCBA encourages the Secretaries to finish the scientific review of red meat’s role in a healthy diet and re-instate the 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommendation on lean meat.



USDA Implements 2014 Farm Bill Provision to Limit Payments to Non-Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a proposed rule to limit farm payments to non-farmers, consistent with requirements Congress mandated in the 2014 Farm Bill. The proposed rule limits farm payments to individuals who may be designated as farm managers but are not actively engaged in farm management. In the Farm Bill, Congress gave USDA the authority to address this loophole for joint ventures and general partnerships, while exempting family farm operations from being impacted by the new rule USDA ultimately implements.

"We want to make sure that farm program payments are going to the farmers and farm families that they are intended to help. So we've taken the steps to do that, to the extent that the Farm Bill allows," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The Farm Bill gave USDA the authority to limit farm program payments to individuals who are not actively engaged in the management of the farming operation on non-family farms. This helps close a loophole that has been taken advantage of by some larger joint ventures and general partnerships."

The current definition of "actively engaged" for managers, established in 1987, is broad, allowing individuals with little to no contributions to critical farm management decisions to receive safety-net payments if they are classified as farm managers, and for some operations there were an unlimited number of managers that could receive payments.

The proposed rule seeks to close this loophole to the extent possible within the guidelines required by the 2014 Farm Bill. Under the proposed rule, non-family joint ventures and general partnerships must document that their managers are making significant contributions to the farming operation, defined as 500 hours of substantial management work per year, or 25 percent of the critical management time necessary for the success of the farming operation. Many operations will be limited to only one manager who can receive a safety-net payment. Operators that can demonstrate they are large and complex could be allowed payments for up to three managers only if they can show all three are actively and substantially engaged in farm operations. The changes specified in the rule would apply to payment eligibility for 2016 and subsequent crop years for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs, loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains realized via the Marketing Assistance Loan program.

As mandated by Congress, family farms will not be impacted. There will also be no change to existing rules for contributions to land, capital, equipment, or labor. Only non-family farm general partnerships or joint ventures comprised of more than one member will be impacted by this proposed rule.

Stakeholders interested in commenting on the proposed definition and changes are encouraged to provide written comments at www.regulations.gov by May 26, 2015. The proposed rule is available at http://go.usa.gov/3C6Kk.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Hold Steady

Retail fertilizer prices continue to move in the narrow range that has been seen in recent weeks and months, according to prices tracked by DTN for the third week of March 2015.

Half of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, but none of the four was up significantly. While 10-34-0 was 6% higher in recent weeks, the starter fertilizer declined some the third week of March. 10-34-0 had an average price of $614 per ton.

The remaining fertilizers with slighter higher prices were DAP with an average price of $570/ton, MAP $597/ton and UAN28 $332/ton.

The other half of the fertilizers slipped lower compared to a month ago, but again none were down significantly. Potash averaged $490/ton, urea $470/ton, anhydrous $705/ton and UAN32 $368/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.51/lb.N, anhydrous $0.42/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

Two of the eight major fertilizers monitored by DTN are now double digits higher in price compared to March 2014, all while commodity prices are significantly lower from a year ago. 10-34-0 is 19% higher while anhydrous is 12% more expensive compared to year earlier.

Potash is 3% higher while MAP is 2% more and DAP is 1% more expensive compared to a year earlier.

Three nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. UAN28 is down 5% while UAN32 is now 6% less expensive and urea is 13% less expensive from a year previous.



United States Chickens & Eggs
United States egg production totaled 7.62 billion during February 2015, up 1 percent from last year. Production included 6.61 billion table eggs, and 1.01 billion hatching eggs, of which 928 million were broiler-type and 80 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during February 2015 averaged 362 million, up 1 percent from last year. February egg production per 100 layers was 2,104 eggs, unchanged from February 2014.

All layers in the United States on March 1, 2015 totaled 362 million, up 1 percent from last year. The 362 million layers consisted of 305 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 53.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.56 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on March 1, 2015, averaged 75.3 eggs per 100 layers, unchanged from March 1, 2014.

Egg-type chicks hatched during February 2015 totaled 42.8 million, up 6 percent from February 2014. Eggs inincubators totaled 44.5 million on March 1, 2015, up 14 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 309 thousand during February 2015, up 27 percent from February 2014.

Broiler-type chicks hatched during February 2015 totaled 711 million, up 3 percent from February 2014. Eggs in incubators totaled 647 million on March 1, 2015, up 3 percent from a year ago.

Leading breeders placed 7.92 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocksduring February 2015, up 9 percent from February 2014.

Iowa Egg production during February 2015 was 1.28 billion eggs, down 11 percent from last month, but up 4 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs release from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The total number of layers on hand during February was 59.6 million, down slightly from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for the month of February were 2,147, down 11 percent from January, but up 3 percent from 2,086 of February last year.



NCGA Denounces IARC Glyphosate Reclassification, Urges Reconsideration

The National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling issued the following statement in response to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's recent movement to reclassify glyphosate:

"The movement to reclassify glyphosate as a class 2A probable carcinogen ignores the findings of more than four decades of credible scientific research. In doing so, this decision creates unnecessary fear and confusion over the proven safety record of this important agricultural tool.

"It is irresponsible to reclassify glyphosate in such a capricious manner as this decision both creates panic and has the potential to impact access to one of farmers' main methods of combatting weeds. While glyphosate is one of the most studied, trusted crop protection products available today, it is under political attack currently, and it is possible this impacted IARC's decision.

"We urge IARC to release the scientific evidence upon which they claim to have based this decision as well as to reconsider the overwhelming scientific studies supporting the product's safety."

IARC, which coordinates and conducts both epidemiological and laboratory research into the causes of human cancer, makes its conclusion on a limited data review during a meeting that lasts only one week. This stands in stark contrast to the regulatory review process for products such as glyphosate which take a comprehensive look at all available data over an extended period of time.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the regulatory body with authority over glyphosate approval in the United States, has extensively reviewed this product and continues to reassess the data on a regular basis. Following this more thorough process, EPA assigns glyphosate to the lowest category E, indicating glyphosate does not pose a cancer risk to humans.

Notably, although IARC is part of the World Health Organization, it appears that the WHO does not always endorse IARC's decisions. Thus, it would be presumptive to conclude that the WHO would do so in this situation.



MONSANTO ANNOUNCES FINAL CALL FOR 2015 “FARM MOM OF THE YEAR” NOMINATIONS

For those who have been waiting to enter their favorite farm mom into the 2015 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year competition, now is the time! Nominations will be accepted for one more week – through March 31 – and Monsanto Company wants to hear your story!

“The America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program is one of the most fulfilling things we have the honor of doing all year,” says Tracy Mueller, Monsanto Corporate Brand Communications Manager. “Each year we read about the strong, caring and dedicated moms who not only help raise their crops, livestock and other agricultural goods, but who nurture their families and actively support their communities. Every story is amazing.”

Anyone can nominate their favorite farm mom, whether it’s their mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member. Just visit AmericasFarmers.com during the nomination period to review the full rules on eligibility and judging, and submit a brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. Be sure to address all four areas as a panel of judges from American Agri-Women will use that as part of the criteria they use to help Monsanto select five regional winners.

“It’s so humbling to read about all of the amazing farm moms who give so much of themselves and ask for nothing in return,” says Donnell Scott, Vice President of Education for American Agri-Women. “It truly is just a part of who they are, and they don’t expect, or want, a lot of credit or attention for what they do. It’s their selflessness that makes our job to judge the nominations extremely difficult, but also so rewarding.”

The five regional winners will be announced at the end of April, and each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the winners will then be posted to AmericasFarmers.com, where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. Announced just prior to Mother’s Day, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her regional prize, for a total of $10,000.

For more information on the program or for complete eligibility requirements and official contest rules visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.



Pioneer Hybrid Maize Study Shows Strong Yield Advantages to Help Farmers Weather Drought

DuPont Pioneer today announced the Journal of Crop Science has published results of a multi-year study conducted to evaluate maize (corn) hybrids under drought-stress, or water-limited, conditions. Findings scientifically demonstrate the efficacy of Pioneer® brand Optimum® AQUAmax® maize hybrid seeds, which help farmers achieve more stable yields under drought-stress conditions and high-yield potential in favorable growing conditions.

“Through these and related research efforts, we are making real progress in understanding what contributes to drought tolerance,” said Mark Cooper, research director, trait characterization and development at DuPont Pioneer, and one of the study’s authors. “This will help DuPont Pioneer continue to deliver strong maize hybrids to growers around the world.”

The international community faces the challenge of growing food sustainably, which involves meeting the demands of a growing population in the midst of adverse environmental changes. Globally, water is the most limiting factor to agricultural and food productivity, causing annual crop losses of $13 billion due to drought. Since 1980, major droughts and heat waves within the United States alone have resulted in costs exceeding $100 billion, easily becoming one of the most costly weather-related disasters on the continent during that time (Lott and Ross, 2000). In 2012, a severe drought contributed to historically high grain prices in the United States (Boyer et al., 2013).

Key Findings from the Study
The multi-year study included comprehensive managed-environment research experiments, on-farm industry evaluation experiments and planting density studies. More than 10,700 U.S. farms provided extensive data comparing 78 of the Optimum® AQUAmax® hybrids to a sample of 4,200 industry-leading hybrids used by growers throughout the Corn Belt.

    In the on-farm experiments, the Optimum® AQUAmax® hybrids were, on average, 6.5 percent higher yielding under water-limited conditions and 1.9 percent higher yielding under favorable growing conditions.
    Under water-limited conditions, the Optimum® AQUAmax® hybrids yielded better in higher plant population situations (i.e., more plants per acre) when compared to the other hybrids. The yield advantage of Optimum® AQUAmax® hybrids compared to other hybrids became greater as plant populations increased.

“Through the integrated use of advanced breeding technologies, the study provides a deeper understanding of the under-lying physiology of corn plants and responses to drought, and the opportunities for further sustainable improvements in the agricultural productivity of the U.S. Corn Belt,” said Carlos Loeffler, senior research scientist at DuPont Pioneer.

Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Productivity for Farmers
Maize is vulnerable to drought conditions especially at critical stages of development. Pioneer sought to help growers overcome this challenge by developing Optimum® AQUAmax® maize hybrids that resulted in better grain yield under drought and favorable conditions, particularly in the U.S. Corn Belt. 

“Pioneer researchers conducted this comprehensive study as a part of our continued commitment to maintain or improve yield potential, minimize risk to growers when moisture is limited, and help meet global food and feed needs in a sustainable system,” said Loeffler.

“Providing public access to the results of this research effort allows us to learn and collaborate with other scientists, with the ultimate goal of using inputs more efficiently and improving food security,” said Loeffler.