Thursday August 27 Ag News

WOTUS Rule—Preliminary Injunction Hearing

Today, Judge Erickson, in the District Court for the Southeastern Division of the District of North Dakota, issued an order enjoining the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule.

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson stated, “Today’s order enjoining the EPA from implementing the new WOTUS rule is an important first step for Nebraska and other states that have challenged the federal government’s ‘exceptionally expansive’ view of the EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act.

 “I applaud the work of Attorney General Peterson in protecting the citizens of Nebraska through this lawsuit against the EPA,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “Judge Erickson is exactly right when he said in his opinion, ‘The risk of irreparable harm to the states is both imminent and likely.’”

The Court’s ruling was largely based on the view that Nebraska, and the other plaintiff states, are likely to succeed in challenging the rule because it appears to be a violation of the EPA’s rulemaking authority. Today’s ruling supports the state’s position that the EPA has exceeded its authority in promulgating the Waters of the U.S.



Sen. Davis Encourages Ranchers to Testify at Hearing on Brand Committee in Grand Island

The Nebraska Legislature's Agriculture Committee will hold a public hearing to review the fee structure of the Nebraska Brand Committee on Friday, September 4th at 11:00am at the Grand Island City Council Chambers, 100 East First Street. The Committee will be taking testimony from interested parties about modifying fees charged by the Nebraska Brand Committee for brand inspection, transfer fees, grazing permits, and whether registered feedlots should be assessed fees in a different manner than non-registered feedlots, salebarns, and private ranch sales.

Senator Al Davis of Hyannis strongly encourages those interested parties to attend the hearing.

“It is important that ranchers share their vision for the future of the Brand Committee fee structure, since significant changes could result in dramatically different rates for the various sectors,” Senator Davis said. “I encourage you to attend, give testimony, and then take in the state fair.   Your voices need to be heard.”




Current National Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A significant upper-level trough over the central part of the contiguous U.S., accompanied by a slowly moving cold front, brought up to several inches of rain across the eastern and southern states during the past week. The cold front reached the Eastern Seaboard and continued out over the western Atlantic, while the southern portion of this front stalled across the deep South. Later in the week, another upper-level trough moved out of central Canada across the northern High Plains of the United States, before heading east and bringing additional rainfall to the eastern contiguous U.S. In the Southwest, light to moderate precipitation (generally less than 1.5 inches) was observed in association with the summer monsoon. In the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, the USDA Forest Service reported approximately 40 large wildfires in progress as of August 26th, as warm and very dry weather persisted.

Northern and Central Plains
Abnormal dryness (D0) in eastern Montana was expanded south-southwestward due to the ongoing lack of precipitation. No changes were rendered to the depiction in Kansas, as rains that did fall during the week missed the residual D0 area in the northwest part of the state.

Upper Great Lakes region and Midwest
Heavy rains (generally 2-4 inches) during the past week helped to offset deterioration across the northern portion of the Red River Valley of the North Watershed near the Minnesota/North Dakota border, as well as across the Arrowhead region of northeastern Minnesota. The western and northern flanks of the abnormal dryness (D0) in the Arrowhead region were trimmed away accordingly. Along the border between Iowa and Wisconsin, the only alteration made to the depiction was the upgrade from moderate drought (D1) to abnormal dryness (D0) from Dubuque County in Iowa, based on receiving adequate rainfall in the past 7-days. The current North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) top 1-meter soil moisture anomaly (ensemble mean) ranges between 1-3 inches in this region.



Colorado, Kansas & Nebraska Water Agreement Further Helps Water Users

Today, the states of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska have reached an agreement that will ensure more certainty to the basin’s water users in both Nebraska and Kansas. The agreement, in the form of a Resolution approved by the Republican River Compact Administration (RRCA), was achieved through collaborative negotiations that began in April 2015 and will provide timely notice and access to water for the 2016 irrigation season.

The agreement provides additional flexibility for Nebraska to achieve its Compact obligations while ensuring that the interests of Kansas are protected. The additional flexibility will allow the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to provide a portion of the forecasted compliance water early in 2016 and provide any additional shortfall later in 2016 and through April 1, 2017. This also provides some improved operational predictability for Nebraska water users in that water users will not be subjected to closing notices related to the 2016 irrigation season.

The 2016 agreement builds upon the agreement reached for the 2015 irrigation season with further beneficial developments for water users. This agreement provides more advanced notice to irrigators in the basin of compliance activities that will likely occur in 2016, allowing for an advanced planning period producers desire for their efficiently run operations.

The States’ agreement is contingent upon the Nebraska and the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation Districts, working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, – reaching agreement on modifications of certain contract provisions contained in their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) also adopted last year. Thus, ensuring the availability of the water pumped from Nebraska augmentation projects for RRCA compliance.

Current RRCA Chairman, Gordon W. “Jeff” Fassett, Director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, said, “Today’s agreement is good news for Nebraska water users and represents the continuation of the cooperative and positive collaboration we’ve fostered between our states as we work to find mutually agreeable solutions that best serve our citizens. Additionally, we are hopeful that this positive momentum will continue to move us closer to the goal of securing a long-term agreement. With significantly more planning time, Nebraska’s water users will have greater certainty in their water supply and make the best decisions for their operations.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with Nebraska and Colorado as we continue to develop balanced and fair water solutions benefiting all of the basin’s water users that reflects good water management,” said Kansas Commissioner David Barfield. “This fourth in our series of recent agreements with Nebraska allows Kansas to make effective use of its water supply in 2016 and allows the states additional time and experience with Nebraska’s compliance activities as we continue to move toward long-term agreement.”

Colorado Commissioner Dick Wolfe said, “This agreement exemplifies the success that can be achieved through collaboration and cooperation of the RRCA and the water users in the basin.”

The RRCA is comprised of one member each from the States of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. The purpose of the RRCA is to administer the Republican River Compact. This Compact allocates the waters of the Republican River among the three states. The next RRCA annual meeting is scheduled for August of 2016 and will be hosted by the State of Colorado in a location of their choice.



CENTURY AND HERITAGE FARMS RECOGNIZED DURING IOWA STATE FAIR

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey recognized Century and Heritage Farm families during a ceremony at the State Fair again this year.  To qualify, a family must have owned at least 40 acres for 100 years or more in the case of Century Farms and 150 years or more for a Heritage Farm.

This year 366 Century Farms and 101 Heritage Farms were recognized.

“Being able to recognize these farm families is one of my favorite days of the year.  This award is a tremendous celebration of the families who have cared for the land and raised the crops and livestock that helped build our state and feed the world.  To own a farm for 100 or 150 years is a testament to the values of land stewardship, hard work, patience, dedication and perseverance that are found in Iowa’s farm families,” Northey said.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has partnered with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation since 1976 to recognize families that have owned and worked a farm for 100 years or more.  Including this year’s recipients, more than 18,600 farms from across the state have been recognized.

The Heritage Farm program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program and now 837 farms have been recognized.

The 2015 Century and Heritage Farms Program ceremony was held at the Iowa State Fair in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on Thursday, August 20.  Joe Heinrich, Vice President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Northey recognized all award recipients.

“The program acknowledges the deep roots of Iowa agriculture and the special bond that exists between Iowa families and the land they farm,” Northey said.  “The Iowa State Fair is a celebration of Iowa and Iowa agriculture, so it’s a great place to recognize the Century Farm and Heritage Farm recipients.”



NCGA, DuPont Launch Third Year of New Leaders Program

The National Corn Growers Association and DuPont are pleased to announce the third year of the NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program.  The program is designed for corn growers who are newly active or considering involvement in agriculture leadership, and seek to build their communications skills so they can better serve their peers.

“American agriculture needs farmers who are strong spokespersons for our way of life,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Maryland. “We thank DuPont for its generous support, and we’re proud of the men and women who have participated in the first two years of this program. Now, we’re actively looking for more couples and individuals to get involved in this exciting program.”

Ideal participants will be farming couples or individuals from NCGA’s affiliated states, such as those considering a board position. Those interested must be at least 21 years of age, active in corn farming, NCGA members and not currently serving as an officer on their state affiliate board.

“We are proud to sponsor the NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program,” said Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, regional business director - US & Canada.   “These participants will gain skills that will help them advocate on behalf of their farm and their industry at the local, state and national level.  They also will build friendships that will last a lifetime.”

“The program has encouraged me to be more involved to make a difference,” said Michael Howlett, a 2015 participant from New York. “It was well worth the time and energy, and I will be more involved from this point forward, due to the New Leaders Program.”

One couple or up to two single persons per NCGA-affiliated state will be chosen to participate in this hands-on communications and leadership training. The program will be implemented with two plenary sessions. The first will be in Iowa in February 2016 and the second in Washington in July 2016.

Applications are due Friday, Oct. 30, and will be reviewed by the NCGA and forwarded to the appropriate state affiliate association for approval. Participants accepted for the program will be notified in November. All program-related travel and lodging expenses will be covered, per NCGA policy and procedures. For more information and/or to register, visit www.ncga.com/nlp.



Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade
FY 2016 Exports Forecast Down $1.0 Billion from 2015 to $138.5 Billion; Imports at a Record $122.5 Billion

Fiscal 2016 agricultural exports are projected at $138.5 billion, down $1.0 billion from the revised $139.5 billion forecast for fiscal 2015. This decline is primarily due to oilseeds and products, which are down $4.4 billion as a result of lower expected soybean and soybean meal prices and reduced export volumes. Grain and feed exports are forecast to be up $1.1 billion from fiscal 2015, largely due to higher expected wheat shipments. Cotton exports are forecast down $400 million due to a smaller U.S. crop. Exports of livestock, poultry, and dairy products are up $600 million as higher export volumes for a number of livestock products more than offset a decline in prices. Horticultural exports are forecast up $2.0 billion to a record $36.5 billion with higher export values for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, as well as tree nuts. Agricultural exports to China are forecast down $2.0 billion from fiscal 2015, primarily due to lower soybean values. Canada is expected to return as the largest U.S. export market for the first time since 2010.

U.S. agricultural imports in 2016 are forecast at a record $122.5 billion, $7.0 billion higher than fiscal 2015. Increases in import values are expected for most products in 2016, with the largest gains in horticultural, and sugar and tropical products. The U.S. agricultural trade surplus is expected to fall by $8.0 billion in fiscal 2016 to $16.0 billion. This would be the smallest surplus since 2007.

For fiscal 2015, the forecast of $139.5 billion for exports is down $1.0 billion from last quarter’s forecast. Imports are down $1.5 to $115.5 billion.

Read the full report here.... http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/1893531/ag-trade-file.pdf. 



Vilsack on Updated Forecast for U.S. Agricultural Exports

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's fourth quarter Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade.

"The strong pace of American agricultural exports continues. Fiscal years 2015 and 2016 exports are forecast to be the third- and fourth-highest on record, respectively. Bulk export volumes are expected to rise in fiscal year 2016 and reach near record levels, and horticultural and livestock product exports are also expected to be higher.

"Today's forecast provides a snapshot of a rural America that continues to remain stable in the face of the worst animal disease outbreak in our nation's history and while the western U.S. remains gripped by drought. Thanks to the resilience of our farmers and ranchers, fiscal years 2009 to 2015 represent the strongest seven years in history for U.S. agricultural trade, with U.S. agricultural product exports totaling more than $911 billion.

"We expect that new trade agreements, made possible thanks to Trade Promotion Authority, will allow American farmers and ranchers to better reach the 95 percent of consumers who live outside of our borders and drive the continued strength of American agricultural exports. USDA will continue to fight to get the best trade deals for farmers and ranchers that open new markets and new customers to them. Expanded trade strengthens the agricultural economy, supports more than one million good paying American jobs, and helps to preserve the rural way of life."



USGC:  Where is U.S. Corn Going?

This week’s U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Chart of Note illustrates the top 10 U.S. corn markets as of Aug. 20 for the 2014/2015 marketing year.

The USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report for August projected U.S. corn exports for the year at 47 million metric tons (1.85 billion bushels) - 13 percent of U.S. corn production. Representing 85 percent of sales, these markets are important to supporting demand and, ultimately, the prices farmers receive for their harvests.

Of the top 10 importers, three are located in Asia, five in Latin America and two in Middle East/North Africa. In addition, of these top 10 markets, five (or half) have free trade agreements (FTAs) in place with the United States.

Japan is once again on track to be the largest importer of U.S. corn having already imported 12 million tons (472.4 million bushels). Mexico is following close behind having imported 10.9 million tons (429.1 million bushels) so far this year. Colombia rounds out the top three with purchases of 4.5 million tons (177 million bushels) this marketing year.

Through educational seminars and trainings, trade teams and missions and more, the Council has helped open the doors of countries around the world to trade and have helped markets remain open to U.S. products.

“Our top 10 markets are winding down this marketing year, having purchased more than 40 million tons (1.5 million bushels),” said USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann, who farms in Nebraska. “With 10 days left in this marketing year, this chart highlights the places the Council has to continue to work to build demand for U.S. corn as well as defend U.S. market share.”



Soybean Cyst Nematodes Overcomes Common Management Tool

A common tool used to manage a destructive soybean pest is losing its effectiveness, warned a Kansas State University nematologist.

Scientists at a recent meeting of Midwestern plant nematologists reported that they had observed a steady decrease in effectiveness of PI 88788 resistance against the soybean cyst nematode.

"This is becoming a serious concern for Kansas soybean producers," said Tim Todd, research nematologist in K-State's Department of Plant Pathology.

PI 88788 is a common source of genetic resistance to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) that was introduced into many soybean varieties to counter the pest. The nematodes cost U.S. soybean producers more than $1 billion each year in lost yields, according to some estimates, Todd said. Every major soybean growing county in Kansas is infested this year.

The availability of alternative sources of resistance are currently limited. "Kansas soybean farmers desperately need additional sources of resistance against this widespread pest," Todd said.

Todd was one of a group of nematologists from eight Midwestern states and Ontario that discussed the development at a July 7-9 meeting of the North Central Committee on Practical Management of Nematodes on Corn, Soybeans and Other Crops of Regional Importance in Chaska, Minnesota. The committee reviews and coordinates ongoing research on managing nematode parasites of crops, with special emphasis on corn and soybeans.

The scientists concluded that a coordinated approach using multiple management options, such as alternating soybeans with non-host crops, planting SCN-resistant soybean varieties and using nematode-protectant seed treatments, provide the greatest likelihood of sustained success for producing soybeans profitably in SCN-infested fields.

They also planned coordinated research projects for upcoming years, including work on nematode-resistant varieties, non-host crops, seed treatments, new nematode detection methods and soil health.



Soy Growers to EPA: Don’t Place More Barriers to Efficient Farming

The American Soybean Association (ASA) submitted comments on two federal actions on pollinator health issues, given the potential ramifications for soybean farmers. The actions announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–one dealing with an approach from the White House to stem the decline of Monarch butterfly populations, and the other with mandatory label restrictions on foliar pesticides in an effort to mitigate harm to honeybees during contract pollination–have the potential, if managed incorrectly, to place another barrier between farmers and the tools they need to farm more efficiently. While soybean operations do not utilize contract pollinators, ASA recognizes that the issue of pollinator health is a huge one for our industry, and is committed to working with our partners at EPA and USDA toward a solution.



USDA Expands Farm Safety Net, Offers Greater Flexibility for Beginning, Organic and Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance will be available in every county in the nation in 2016. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also making changes to the policy to help farmers and ranchers with diversified crops including beginning, organic, and fruit and vegetable growers, better access Whole-Farm Revenue Protection.

"Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance allows producers who have previously had limited access to a risk management safety net, to insure all of the commodities on their farm at once instead of one commodity at a time," said Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. "That gives them the option of embracing more crop diversity on their farm and helps support the production of a wider variety of foods."

USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) introduced the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection pilot program for a majority of counties in the 2015 insurance year. Starting with the 2016 insurance year, the new program will be available in all counties in the United States, a first for the federal crop insurance program.

USDA also provided additional flexibility to producers by making the following changes, including:

    Beginning Farmers and Ranchers – RMA makes it easier for more beginning farmers and ranchers to participate in the program by reducing the required records from five to three historical years, plus farming records from the past year. Additionally, any beginning farmer and rancher may qualify by using the former farm operator's federal farm tax records if the beginning farmer or rancher assumes at least 90 percent of the farm operation

    Livestock Producers – RMA removed the previous cap that limited participants to those who received 35 percent or less of their income from livestock production. Producers will now be able to insure up to $1 million worth of animals and animal products.

    Expanding Operations – RMA increased the cap on historical revenue for expanding operations to 35 percent from its previous 10 percent to better allow growing farms the opportunity to cover their growth in the insurance guarantee.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection includes a wide range of available coverage levels, provides coverage for replanting annual commodities, includes provisions that increase coverage for expanding operations, and allows the inclusion of market readiness costs in the coverage. The policy is tailored for most farms, including farms with specialty or organic commodities (both crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identity preserved, specialty, or direct markets. The policy covers farms or ranches with up to $8.5 million in insured revenue.

For more information, including product availability, visit the RMA Whole-Farm Web page. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.



TPP Update: Talks Continue; No Predictions on Outcome

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiators are continuing quiet bilateral discussions, with the Canadian elections scheduled for Oct. 19 and the intensifying U.S. presidential race adding new pressure to an already challenging calendar.

“In 2014, the U.S. had Congressional elections and Japan had parliamentary elections. That gave the two largest economies involved in the talks a year to act before a new election cycle again complicated the talks,” said Floyd Gaibler, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) director of trade policy and biotechnology.

“But barring a last-minute deal in the near future, the opportunity is going to be missed even with trade promotion authority legislation passed here at home.”

Despite the most recent impasse in reaching a deal, talks continue. In addition to the ongoing discussions among negotiators, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman took advantage of this week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur to meet senior representatives of several TPP participants, including Australia, Brunei, Malaysia and New Zealand. The White House also announced that President Barack Obama had again discussed the TPP negotiations with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week by telephone.

“It is important to see the high-level commitment continue, but we continue to be concerned about the time available to actually get a deal done,” Gaibler said.

“Under TPA, there are statutory requirements for extensive Congressional and public comment after a tentative deal is reached. Even if a deal were signed tomorrow, there is no longer time to get it passed this year. And in a presidential election year, all bets are off.”

A high-quality agreement reducing tariffs and expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products is a longstanding objective of the Council. The Council also anticipates that a high-standard agreement will reduce non-tariff trade barriers related to sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, including biotechnology.



Sunflower Launches New Era in Tillage

Sunflower®, the leading tillage line from AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), has introduced the new SF6830 high-speed rotary finisher and SF6610 vertical tillage tool, as well as the SF4630-09 to Sunflower's line of SF4600 Series of disk rippers. The revolutionary SF6830 high-speed rotary finisher and the SF4630-09 disk ripper combine multiple tasks into one-pass systems, while the SF6610 rounds out Sunflower's Vertical Tillage offering providing a vertical tillage tool to fit every size farm.

SF6830 Sunflower's Latest High-Speed Rotary Finisher
"Sunflower is launching a new era in tillage with the SF6800 Series, a tillage tool specifically designed to utilize a new concept in seedbed preparation," says Larry Kuster, AGCO senior product marketing specialist.

The SF6830 Series provides operators the high-speed, high-residue flow capabilities unattainable with traditional shank-equipped finishers and cultivators. The heavy-duty optimum design of the SF6830 Series is completely void of sweeps, combining four types of rolling-ground engaging tools into a three-step process.

"The SF6830 Series utilizes a gang of 20-inch, low-concavity blades set at an 8-degree angle to provide just the right amount of lateral soil movement to level soil and anchor residue," continues Mr. Kuster.

Placed behind those blades, the SF6830 Series has sealed, service-free disc gang reels that turn at twice the speed of the disc blades. This allows the gang reels to aggressively break up clots and root crowns, while limiting excess lateral movement of the soil, preventing the soil ridging normally associated with single-gang tillage tools. Wavy coulter blades are positioned in a gang behind the blades and reels to continue sizing crop residue and to fracture the soil to provide avenues for root development.

The final element of the SF6830 Series is two intermeshed gangs of Sunflower’s exclusive Rotary Spider Tines. These tines are designed to ensure that the soil is leveled and that crop residue is equally mixed across the entire width of the tool. The Rotary Spider Tines sculpt the seedbed floor flat, as they lift the soil and blend it with crop residue.

Because all of the ground-engaging tools utilized in the SF6830 are of the rolling type, the possibility of the unit plugging-up is virtually eliminated. The SF6830 Series is a low-maintenance, high-speed rotary finisher.

New 6610 Vertical Tillage Tool
The Sunflower 6610 vertical tillage tool provides operators the same features and high level of performance of the larger Sunflower vertical tillage tools but in a smaller package. The SF6610 is available in two operating widths - 11 and 14 feet. These new, smaller, single-section tools join the nine larger models of the SF6600 Series for a total of 11 sizes in "true cutting widths" from 10 feet, 7 inches, to 48 feet, 7 inches.

The SF6610 is equipped with tandem axles, large tires and a strong frame, accommodating the heavy finishing attachments used in vertical tillage. Equipped with Sunflower Saber Blades™, and the proven overlapping/staggered gang design. The SF6610 produces an excellent seedbed avoiding the ridged and valleyed seedbed profile produced by other tools.

The SF6610 is capable of cutting through the toughest residue and penetrating the hardest soils to fulfill any operator's needs. The SF6610 can be used multi-seasonally, from opening a cold, damp field in the spring to performing residue management duties in the fall.

Like the other models in the SF6600 Series, the SF6610 is a highly capable, long-lasting, low-maintenance vertical tillage tool. The standard walking tandem axles come with triple-sealed bolt-in spindles that cannot be damaged by over-greasing, offset C-Flex™ bearing standards and a maintenance-free lift system with ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic bearings. The reduction in daily maintenance results in more time in the field.

Sunflower 4630-09 Disk Ripper
The SF4630-09 is designed to combine three important post-harvest tillage tasks in one pass, capable of crop residue management, eradication of soil compaction and seedbed preparation. The SF4630-09 is a narrow-transport, folding frame, nine-shank disc ripper equipped with walking tandem axles between large 385/65R by 22.50 tires. The SF4630-09 frame is constructed of high-strength, 4-inch by 8-inch by 3/8-inch steel tubing and is engineered and manufactured to withstand the high stress of aggressive deep combination tillage.

The SF4600 Series is available in models ranging from seven to 13 shanks, with three models in folding configurations.

Everything about the SF4630-09 disk ripper is designed to maximize the crop residue decomposition process. The large, individually mounted 28-inch diameter disc blades are spaced 7.5 inches apart in two rows. Operators can choose between the extremely aggressive 28-inch Saber Blade or a conventional 28-inch smooth-edge blade; both styles operate at working depths ranging from 0 to 8 inches. The tandem gang design is extraordinary at sizing and incorporating crop material into smaller, faster-decaying pieces, and the C-Spring individual blade mounting produces optimal material flow and rock protection.

SF4630-09 gang depth is fingertip-controlled from the cab and adjusted independently of the ripper shanks, achieving the perfect balance between two components.

The heavy point load and true auto-reset designed service free parabolic shanks of the SF4600 Series maintain the correct point position even at maximum depth.

The SF4360-09 is available with four optional finishing attachments, each tailored to a different soil type and crop residue. Operators can choose between the heavy-duty coil tine harrow, the two-bar heavy-duty coil tine harrow and reel, the five-spike tooth drag harrow, and the two-bar heavy-duty coil tine harrow and hydraulic controlled reel, giving operators the ability to choose a finishing attachment best suited to the final condition of their soil.

For more information, visit your Sunflower dealer or www.sunflowermfg.com.