Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer
Some producers with the newer style, front-fold planters with a central seed hopper have been noticing problems with uniform seeding depth across the width of the planter. Some of these planters even have the new automatic downpressure control systems that are supposed to ensure the planter has enough downpressure on each row unit to properly place the seed at the set seeding depth. While the center section of the planter seems to be performing as set, producers are noticing progressively shallower seeding depths as they go out to the ends of the planter. This is especially a problem on planters ordered without markers where the producers are using RTK and autosteer to plant their fields.
While these large planters weigh a lot, especially fully loaded, it all comes down to a problem with the weight distribution across the width of the planter. Many of these front-fold planters have more than enough weight on the center section of the planter with the central seed hopper and often large fertilizer tanks on the hitch, but lack the needed weight on the wings. The downpressure system (even the manual adjust springs or airbag systems) may claim 400 or more pounds per row available downpressure, however, they may not be providing that on outside rows unless weights have been added to the ends of the planter.
The toolbar design allows the wings to float so that the planter can follow the ground contours across the width of the planter. As such, the weight on the center section isn't available for transferring to the row units on the wings (except for a few models from Kinze that have a toolbar weight transfer system or for some after-market weight transfer systems, but even they may need additional weight).
Producers should check downpressure and seeding depth when the planters are empty as that's the least amount of weight they will have in the field (see Preseason Field Check of Planting Equipment in the April 17 CropWatch). They also need to check all rows across the width of the planter as the weight isn't uniformly distributed across the toolbar. Downpressure systems on the row units on the wings near the pivot points of the toolbar will be able to transfer some of the center section weight to the row unit. However, several hundred pounds of weight usually has to be added to the outside ends of the wings on these large front-fold planters, especially on those without markers, to have sufficient weight for the downpressure systems to work properly on the outside row units.
The problem of non-uniform weight distribution also can occur on mounted planters with folding wings and on many stack-fold planters as these planters also flex across the width of the planter. Many of the newer versions of these planters have a central seed hopper that provides plenty of weight on the center section but they lack weight on the wings. Again, this problem is even worse on planters not equipped with markers. Weight usually needs to be added to the ends of these planters as well to achieve proper downpressure across the width of the planter to ensure proper planting depth.
Pender Workshop for Women Farmland Owners/Managers June 10
Women who own or manage farm or ranch land in Thurston and surrounding counties in Northeast Nebraska are invited to participate in a Women Caring for the Land discussion about soil health, farm conservation options, and available resources. The free program will take place on Wednesday, June 10 at the Pender Fire Hall, 314 Maple St., Pender, NE.
“Women landowners now own or co-own approximately half of Midwest and Great Plains farm and ranch land, and often want to do more to conserve their land and resources. However, many are unsure exactly how to reach their conservation goals and what resources are available to help them. Women Caring for the Land can help,” said Virginia Meyer, with the Center for Rural Affairs.
According to Meyer, Women Caring for the Land offers a peer-to-peer, informal discussion format to allow women landowners to talk about their individual land stewardship goals, facilitated by women conservation experts who can share resources available such as USDA conservation programs, state loans, and other tools.
The meeting will begin with registration, coffee and resource sharing at 8:30 a.m. A free lunch will be provided, and during an afternoon field tour participants will travel to a nearby location to observe soil characteristics and conservation practices. The tests will measure for soil structure and stability and infiltration.
Meyer suggests participants wear appropriate clothing and footwear/attire as walking a short distance will be required for the field tour. The group will return to the Fire Hall for dessert and wrap-up, with the meeting ending by 3 p.m.
Maintaining healthy soil is the key to productivity and environmental health for farmland. Women landowners who attend this meeting will learn to assess and improve the health of their soils through cover crops, no-till and strip-till, and other conservation practices.
Meyer also pointed out that all interested women are welcome to these discussions, including owners, operators and inheritors of farmland, regardless of their degree of knowledge regarding conservation.
Event Location Details:
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Pender Fire Hall
314 Maple St.
Pender, NE
To ensure enough food is provided, interested participants should RSVP by Monday, June 8 to Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs – (402) 687-2100 or virginiam@cfra.org. For more information about this program, visit www.womencaringfortheland.org or call 641-430-2540.
Grain Marketing workshop Being Offered
Grain commodity prices have been a great flux the past year making it difficult to market grain so a profit is made. Nebraska Extension is offering a day-long grain commodity marketing workshop on Thursday May 28th from 9 am – 3 pm. The workshop is being held at the Nebraska Room at the Blarney Stone (432 E Douglas St, O’Neill) with lunch provided. Through the workshop we will discuss:
· What is hedging?
· What is forward contracting?
· How do you forward contract grain?
· How do you determine the optimal price?
· Update on market update
· What are various marking plans?
· Decide NOW app – a new app developed by Nebraska Extension with funding from the Nebraska Soybean Board
There is opportunity to run through various scenarios that affect marketing every day. Also the workshop is designed for participation and questions throughout the day. You will be introduced to a new app “Decide NOW” a one-of-a-kind app designed to help aid in marketing decisions.
Pre-registration is encouraged for meal count. To pre-register please contact the Holt County Extension Office at 402-336-2760 by Wednesday May 27th at noon. There is a small fee of $10 to participate in the workshop which is covering the cost of the meal. Additional questions also contact the Holt County Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or e-mail Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu
GRAZING WET PASTURES
Bruce Anderson, UNL Exension Forage Specialist
Wet, muddy pastures require special grazing techniques. To minimize damage there are a couple of options.
Many times when the spring grazing season begins, pastures are soft and wet. Grazing can quickly get these pastures muddy and damaged by hoof traffic.
Special grazing techniques are needed to limit damage in soft, muddy pastures. One way is to use a sacrifice pasture where you graze all your cattle together in one small area until the ground gets solid again, feeding hay if needed. This protects most of your pasture acres from trampling losses. But it can virtually destroy pasture in the area grazed and need reseeding. It may be a small price to pay, though, to protect the rest of your acres.
The worst thing you can do is graze a pasture for several days until it’s all torn up and then move to a new area. Trampling that occurs repeatedly over several days greatly weakens plants; doing this across a wide area can reduce production for months, even years.
In contrast, pastures muddied up by grazing only briefly usually recover quickly. Maybe not as fast as when the ground is solid, but fast enough to minimize yield or stand loss.
You can take advantage of this rapid recovery by moving animals frequently, at least once a day, to a new area. If this involves walking animals long distances, it might be better to subdivide pastures with temporary electric fences so you don’t increase trampling during the moving process. Fencing supplies you use around corn stalks during winter should work well for this temporary use. Once the ground firms up you can return to your normal grazing rotation.
Don’t let mud ruin your pastures. Temporary grazing adjustments can save grass now and for the future.
Iowa State Students Part of National Social Media Campaign
Two Iowa State University undergraduate students have spent the past 10 months actively participating in the National Pork Board's social media campaign, #RealPigFarming. Their efforts help connect consumers with farmers who share their story of pork production on the blog "PorkCares."
Lexi Marek, junior in public service and administration in agriculture, and Katlyn Kahler, junior in animal science, were selected through an application process to be members of National Pork Board's Student Social Forces Team. Their high levels of activity in both the pork industry and on social media channels weighed heavily in their favor through the application process.
"I have always had a passion for agriculture and an interest in social media," Marek said. "As soon as I started my activity on social media, I found myself advocating for agriculture through my Twitter account, personal blog, and Instagram account."
Both students said being involved in this campaign has helped them understand the diversity in today's pork industry. For example, Kahler shares her stories of stories of showing pigs in her blog "The Bridge on the Hill", and said she enjoys helping people learn about different aspects of the pork industry.
"My show pigs help create food for consumers, too, though not thought of as food producing animals," Kahler said. "Through my blog, my goal is to help change people's perception of the pork industry and help them understand all aspects of it."
Claire Masker, public relations manager for the National Pork Board, helps coordinate the #RealPigFarming campaign, and understands the value that students bring to the advocacy efforts.
"College students are an important part of the industry, as they are our future leaders of it. It makes sense to include them in the #RealPigFarming campaign," Masker said.
Kahler said her experiences at Iowa State have helped her develop her strategic message about the pork industry as well as understand the need for more advocacy efforts.
"My experiences in my animal science classes and my on- campus activities have really helped me understand different aspects of the industry and what we as an industry needs to do in order to better inform the public," Kahler said. "That is why I became part of this program."
Both students said they plan to work in the pork industry after graduating from Iowa State. Marek said she especially enjoyed her experiences with the #RealPigFarming campaign, and knows the value of these social media skills she has learned and put into practice.
"I want to work in social media and the pork industry after graduating, so being involved in this campaign is a perfect opportunity to gain experience," Marek said.
PORK Academy Features Full Slate of Producer Seminars at WPX
The Pork Checkoff’s Producer Opportunity for Revenue and Knowledge (PORK) Academy sessions will again be part of the World Pork Expo, Wednesday, June 3 through Thursday, June 4, 2015. The annual sessions are designed to educate pig farmers on the latest trends in pork production. The PORK Academy is held each year during World Pork Expo on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. “PORK Academy offers an outstanding lineup of leading experts who will address issues facing producers today,” said James Coates, chair of the Checkoff’s Producer and State Services Committee and a pork producer from Franklin, Kentucky. “These sessions will provide attendees with information to help operate their farms more effectively and to stay current on industry trends and challenges.” 2015 PORK Academy seminars will be held at Varied Industries Bldg. Room C and will cover:
WEDNESDAY- JUNE 3, 2015
Varied Industries Bldg. Room C
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
FDA Antibiotics Guidance
Jennifer Koeman, National Pork Board
Harry Snelson, American Association Swine Veterinarians
This session will provide an overview of regulatory changes on antibiotic use in food animals and what it will mean on the farm.
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Secure Pork Supply
Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University
The secure pork supply plan is being developed to help maintain business continuity in the event of trade limiting foreign animal disease of swine. Recently the producer components of the plan were piloted in Iowa. This session will provide an overview of the pilot project and the experiences of the production system that participated.
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Common Industry Audit
Sherrie Webb, National Pork Board
As packers have begun implementing on-farm audit programs for their suppliers, the National Pork Board has facilitated the development of the Common Swine Industry Audit to reduce burdens on producers and build audit process clarification across the industry. Sherrie will highlight progress of the standard industry audit and help producers be prepared for when they are called.
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)
Paul Thomas, AMVC
This session will provide the most up-to-date research information on the management and control of PEDV within the U.S., including information and biosecurity interventions for transportation.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
U.S. Pork Exports – Situation & Outlook
Dermot Hayes, Iowa State University
Becca Nepple, National Pork Board
Plan to learn about U.S. pork export markets, gain insight into world economics and the growing opportunity for global trade.
THURSDAY- JUNE 4, 2015
Varied Industries Bldg. Room C
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Sow Lifetime Productivity
Chris Hostetler, National Pork Board
The number of quality pigs a sow produces from the time she becomes breeding eligible until she leaves the herd is more comprehensive than simply measuring pigs per sow per year. It more fully represents the overall efficiency with which she produces pigs and has a greater impact on profitability of the entire enterprise. Nutrition, genetic selection, environment, animal welfare and health are just a few of the bigger factors that affect productivity. Research is being conducted that to provide pork producers with management tools to improve sow lifetime productivity.
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Planning for an emergency mass-depopulation of swine in response to a foreign animal disease outbreak
Mark Rice, North Carolina State University
In the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States, a method for rapid on-farm swine mass-depopulation must meet American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) requirements. This session will share planning tools and basic planning concepts for an on-farm system that meets AVMA recommendations.
11:15 p.m. – Noon
The Swine Health Information Center – A New Defense for the Industry
Paul Sundberg, National Pork Board
The experience of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) has offered many lessons. We have learned the logistics of today’s pork production is so large that the likelihood of being able to protect against the entry of another disease is, at best, extremely small. International travel has dramatically increased, and pork producers import a wide variety of inputs onto their farms. This session will share how we can prepare for future production diseases and how the Swine Health Information Center can help with coordinated federal, state and industry responses.
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Mitigating Impact of Seasonal Loss of Productivity
Tim Safranski, University of Missouri
This session will provide information on the impacts of seasonality of swine, including recent research that has measured the impact of in utero heat stress on subsequent growth, composition and reproductive efficiency. More research is being conducted to define the in utero effect.
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Pork Quality
David Newman, North Dakota State University
Dustin Boler, University of Illinois
Consistent, high-quality pork will increase positive eating experiences for consumers. David will discuss the results of the updated retail quality study along with the direction of improving pork quality. Dustin will present on Checkoff funded research correlating the quality from different primals of the pork carcass.
For more information about Pork Checkoff-sponsored events and activities at World Pork Expo, call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675. For information about other World Pork Expo activities, visit www.worldpork.org.
NPPC Urges Congress To Fix Meat Labeling Law Now
Trade retaliation is imminent unless Congress repeals a U.S. meat labeling law, said the National Pork Producers Council, following today’s World Trade Organization decision upholding an earlier ruling that the statute violates U.S. international trade obligations.
The WTO rejected an appeal by the United States of the international trade body’s October 2014 ruling that the U.S. Country-Of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law discriminates against Canadian cattle and pigs and Mexican cattle. COOL requires meat to be labeled with the country where the animal from which it was derived was born, raised and harvested. Canada and Mexico send livestock to the United States to be fed out and processed. The WTO decision paves the way for those countries to place tariffs on U.S. imports.
“Unless Congress acts now, Canada and Mexico will put tariffs on dozens of U.S. products,” said NPPC President Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “That’s a death sentence for U.S. jobs and exports.
“I know tariffs would be financially devastating for the U.S. pork industry, and I’m sure they’ll have a negative impact on a host of other agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.”
Canada and Mexico are expected to quickly request authorization from the WTO to retaliate against U.S. products. The level of retaliation will be equivalent to the economic harm incurred by the countries from COOL; Canada and Mexico are expected to claim billions of dollars in damages. The WTO likely will authorize retaliation sometime this summer.
NPPC opposed COOL when it was being debated by Congress as part of the 2002 Farm Bill, warning that, among other things, the law was not compatible with WTO rules.
“The United States economy can’t afford to have its products restricted, through tariffs, to its No. 1 and 2 export markets,” Prestage said. “Congress needs to address this now. If it doesn’t, the lost jobs and the damage to our economy will be on lawmakers’ heads.”
STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR GREG IBACH FOLLOWING TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) ON THE UNITED STATES’
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING (COOL) LAW
“Today’s
WTO ruling opens the door for Canada and Mexico to place retaliatory
tariffs on goods imported from the United States. As two of Nebraska’s
largest markets, such
action will negatively impact our agriculture sector, especially meats
and feed products.
“Canada
indicates some 23 commodities currently exported from our state could
be targeted. Beef and pork exports, valued at roughly $200 million, are
among the potential
top impacts.
“Expeditious,
corrective action is needed regarding the Country of Origin Labeling
law as any delay could prove to be extremely costly to the United States
and specifically
to Nebraska.”
WTO Rules Against U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Requirements
Today, the World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body ruled against the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling rule for meats, upholding the compliance panel’s report. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Chugwater, Wyoming cattleman, Philip Ellis said the next step is retaliation.
“We have long said that COOL is not just burdensome and costly to cattle producers, it is generally ignored by consumers and violates our international trade obligations,” said Ellis. “Now that the WTO has ruled for a fourth time that this rule discriminates against Canadian and Mexican livestock, the next step is retaliation by Canada and Mexico. Retaliation will irreparably harm our economy and our relationships with our top trading partners and send a signal to the world that the U.S. doesn't play by the rules. It is long past time that Congress repeal this broken regulation.”
The NCBA calls on Congress to fix this broken rule and supports legislation to repeal COOL before retaliation is awarded. Canada has released detailed proposed targets for retaliatory tariffs by state here... http://www.can-am.gc.ca/washington/events-evenements/2015/COOL-Labeling.aspx?lang=eng.
Statement by American Farm Bureau Federation Regarding WTO Panel Ruling on COOL
Bob Stallman, President
“The World Trade Organization dispute panel has ruled that U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations for meats are not in compliance with previous WTO decisions. That means we need further effort to craft an acceptable COOL program.
“Farm Bureau will carefully review the decision and then determine recommended actions. We will work with Congress, USDA and USTR to reach the goal of an effective COOL program that conforms to international trade rules.”
AFBF supports a country-of-origin labeling program that adheres to appropriate parameters and meets WTO requirements.
Biodiesel is Getting Us Where We Need to Go
America's advanced biofuel, biodiesel, is an alternative energy success story. It's powering vehicles from coast to coast and replacing more than 1 billion gallons of petroleum every year. And to celebrate biodiesel’s benefits that touch cities and towns, fields and farms, water and air, a new advertising campaign demonstrates how it is fueling America as a low-carbon, renewable energy source.
"Biodiesel shows that forward-looking energy initiatives work to promote new ideas and innovation that deliver results," said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. "We have a lot to be proud of and want to showcase to leaders in Washington and around the nation the environmental, economic, and energy benefits biodiesel brings right to their communities."
The National Biodiesel Board unveiled the advertising campaign today. The 30 second commercial will air on national television networks, as well as on select local broadcast outlets and cable news programs throughout the summer.
The digital campaign includes banner advertising and a 15 second version of the television commercial presented as a pre-roll to programming on news platforms and as openers to videos on YouTube. Radio and print focused on target areas will round out the comprehensive campaign, anchored by a re-launched website (www.americasadvancedbiofuel.com) that provides videos featuring how biodiesel is making a difference in from coast to coast.
Produced by Northern Virginia-based PCI, a leading provider of creative communications services for Fortune 500 corporations, national associations, and federal agencies, the campaign recognizes biodiesel's role as an important transportation fuel - an advanced biofuel impacting people in every walk of life, throughout the country.
The television ads focus on biodiesel in motion, fueling various vehicles in a wide range of settings across the nation. The online and radio ads echo the theme of biodiesel at work today from coast-to-coast. The print ads showcase several personal success stories with biodiesel. In addition to offering basic biodiesel information, the microsite dives in to feature unique stories in video form from biodiesel users, suppliers and distributors. It lets them tell their unique biodiesel story and shows biodiesel is an effective, renewable alternative.
Though the ad campaign is solely focused on providing information about biodiesel, it complements NBB’s extensive efforts to support biodiesel growth through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). After years of delays, the EPA has announced it will propose new RFS volumes by June 1.
Funding for the campaign is provided by the United Soybean Board, State Soybean Checkoff Boards, U.S. Canola Association, and the National Biodiesel Board.
New 'Farm to Cart' Game Introduced
“Farm to Cart,” a new game for preschool and early elementary teachers, families, farmers and ranchers hosting agricultural literacy events, was recently launched by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The game is intended to help learners make the connection that food comes from farms before it reaches the grocery store and ultimately our homes.
Through the game, young learners discover how to describe the general process for the production of an agricultural product and how farmers use land to grow crops. Players will race to be the first player to harvest items from the farm and place them in their grocery carts. To win, a player must have three items that grow on trees, three animal products from the land and three items from the soil.
This game is offered as a free, PDF download on www.agfoundation.org. You will need to provide your own scissors, tape/glue and die.
Survey Shows Consumers' Opinions on Higher Prices of Organic Products
Just over half of U.S. consumers don't understand the purpose of the USDA organic label or the regulations behind it, according to a new report from Mintel. The report on organic food and beverage shoppers in the U.S. found 51% believe labeling something as organic is an excuse to charge more. In addition, 38% say the term organic is a marketing term with no real value or definition.
"Considering the typically higher cost of organic foods and beverages, consumers are increasingly hard pressed to justify the added expense," Billy Roberts, senior food and drink analyst at Mintel, said in a press release. "As such, sales have hit something of a plateau, where they likely will remain until consumers have a clear reason to turn to organics. This could come in the form of a growing number of lower-cost organic options, bringing a new degree of competition to the category."
Super Market News reports that certain demographics have other misperceptions about the organic label. Mintel found that less than 40% of Gen Xers trust that organic-labeled products are actually organic, while only 40% of Millennials know that organic products are highly regulated.
The report also found that younger consumers are much more likely to purchase and consume organic products. Sixty percent of Millennials bought an organic food or drink in the last three months for themselves and others.
CWT Assists with 1 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 6 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers, and Tillamook County Creamery Association, who have contracts to sell 692,252 pounds (314 metric tons) of Cheddar, and Gouda cheese, and 330,693 pounds (150 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and South America. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from May through November 2015.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 30.922 million pounds of cheese, 26.482 million pounds of butter, and 19.321 million pounds of whole milk powder to twenty eight countries on five continents. The amounts of Cheese, Butter and Whole Milk Powder in these sales contracts represent the equivalent of 1.022 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
The amounts of cheese and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
USDA to Expand Investment in Water Conservation, Resilience across Drought-Stricken States
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest approximately $21 million in additional Farm Bill dollars to help farmers and ranchers apply science-based solutions to mitigate the short and long term effects of drought. These investments will focus financial and technical assistance in the most severely drought-stricken areas in eight states to help crop and livestock producers apply conservation practices that increase irrigation efficiency, improve soil health and productivity, and ensure reliable water sources for livestock operations.
"Since the historic drought of 2012, dry conditions have persisted in many parts of the country, particularly in the West," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "Every day, NRCS conservationists work side-by-side with agricultural producers and help them conserve water and increase resilience in their operations. Today's investment will provide additional resources in drought-stricken areas to help farmers and ranchers implement solutions to mitigate the impacts of sustained drought."
Today's announcement expands on the substantial efforts already underway to help producers conserve water, improve soil health and build long term agricultural resilience into their operations. Already this year, NRCS state offices have targeted significant portions of their fiscal year Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) allocations to address water conservation, soil health, and resilience. In California, for example, more than $27 million of fiscal year 2015 EQIP funding is directed towards beneficial drought management practices.
With today's announcement, NRCS will provide an additional $21 million in technical and financial assistance through EQIP to target areas that are experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought conditions as of the May 5, 2015 U.S. Drought Monitor, which includes parts of California, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The EQIP funding will allow NRCS to help producers apply selected conservation practices to better deal with the effects of drought in their operations, including prescribed grazing, livestock watering facilities, cover crops, nutrient management, irrigation systems, and other water conservation practices. On average, farmers and ranchers contribute half the cost of implementing conservation practices.
Between 2012 and 2014, NRCS invested more than $1.5 billion in financial and technical assistance to help producers implement conservation practices that improve water use efficiency and build long term health of working crop, pasture, and range lands. These practices include building soil health by using cover crops and no-till, which allow the soil to hold water longer and buffer roots from higher temperatures; improving the efficiency of irrigation systems; and implementing prescribed grazing to relieve pressure on stressed vegetation.
NRCS is also leveraging partner investments through the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to put further resources toward projects that foster water conservation and resilience. In the first round of RCPP funding last year, NRCS committed more than $84 million in 35 projects that address water conservation and soil health. These funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our partners, resulting in a total investment of nearly $190 million in water conservation and resilience across the country. In May, Vilsack announced a second round of RCPP funding availability that will make up to $235 million available for targeted conservation, highlighting drought and water conservation as a resource concern for potential projects.
Syngenta statement on Agrisure Viptera® damage award claim
A plaintiff’s lawyer has issued a public statement claiming that damages have been awarded in the Agrisure Viptera® corn lawsuits against Syngenta. That statement is false. No court has made any such determination. Syngenta acted appropriately in this matter, believes the lawsuits are baseless and will continue to defend against them. American farmers deserve to have access to U.S.-approved technologies like Agrisure Viptera that can help increase their crop yields and productivity.
Syngenta believes everyone who is interested deserves a place to go for information about Agrisure Viptera and the Agrisure Viptera China lawsuits so they can draw their own conclusions about these important issues. We encourage those interested to visit www.VipteraChinaFacts.com as an information resource, as we believe the facts show we launched Agrisure Viptera appropriately.
No comments:
Post a Comment