Tuesday November 10 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT
Based on November 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2015 corn crop is forecast at a record high 1.68 billion bushels, up 4 percent from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 9.00 million acres, up 1 percent from a year ago. Average yield is forecast at a record high 187 bushels per acre, up 8 bushels from last year.

Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at a record high 291 million bushels, 1 percent above last year. Area for harvest, at 5.20 million acres, is down 2 percent from 2014. Record yield is forecast at 56 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from a year ago.

Sorghum production of 25.4 million bushels is up 94 percent from a year ago. Area for grain harvest of 240,000 acres is up 50 percent from last year. Record yield is forecast at 106 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from last year.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.35 million tons, up 1 percent from 2014. Area for harvest, at 47,000 acres, is up 2 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 28.7 tons per acre, down from the 29.1 tons of a year ago.

Potato acres of 16,000 were planted in 2015, down 6 percent with harvested set at 15,800 acres, down 7 percent. Production is forecast at 6.64 million hundredweight, down 16 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 420 hundredweight per acre, down 50 hundredweight from 2014.



IOWA CROP PRODUCTION ESTIMATE

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.49 billion bushels, 5 percent above the 2014 production and 3 percent above the October forecast, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Production report. If realized, the production will set a new record high, breaking the previous record set in 2009 production by 87.5 million bushels. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 189 bushels per acre, an increase of 11 bushels per acre from last year and up 6 bushels from the October 1 forecast. If realized, the yield will also set a new record high, exceeding the previous record of 181 set in 2004 and tied in 2009. Corn planted and harvested for grain acreage is estimated at 13.6 million and 13.2 million acres, respectively.

Forecasted production is up from 2014 in 6 Iowa districts, while yields are expected to rise in 7 districts. Northeast and Northwest Iowa are anticipated to be tied for the highest yield in the state, with 196 bushels per acre. All three northern Iowa districts and all three central districts are anticipated to have higher yields and production than last year, while South Central and Southeast Iowa are expected to have lower yields and production than last year. The largest increase in yield is expected in Northeast Iowa, where yield is anticipated to increase 15 percent from 2014. The largest decrease in yield is expected in Southeast Iowa, where yield is expected to drop 11 percent from 2014.

Soybean production is forecast at 550 million bushels, up 10 percent from 2014. If realized, this highest soybean production on record, 5 percent above the 525 million bushels produced in 2005. The November 1 forecast yield is 56 bushels per acre, 5.0 bushels above 2014, and up 3.0 bushels from the October 1 forecast. If realized, the yield will also set a new record high, exceeding the previous record of 52.5 set in 2005. Iowa farmers planted 9.90 million acres of soybeans and plan to harvest 9.82 million acres.

Yields are forecasted to be up from 2014 in 7 Iowa districts. Northwest Iowa is expected to have the highest yield in the state, with a yield of 61.5 bushels per acre. All three northern Iowa districts are anticipated to have higher yields and production than last year, while Southwest Iowa is expected to have a lower yield and production than last year. The largest increase in yield is expected in North Central Iowa, where yields are forecasted to average 10.4 bushels per acre more than 2014. The largest decrease in yield is expected in Southwest Iowa, where yields are expected to decline 3.7 bushels per acre from 2014.



Iowa farmers smash soybean production record

A record state and national soybean crop will likely open doors to new marketing opportunities, according to Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) leaders.

Iowa’s soybean harvest, projected at nearly 550 million bushels, is nearly complete. According to today’s U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Crop Production Report, this year’s crop will eclipse the previous record set in 2005 by almost 25 million bushels. Soybean yields statewide are estimated at 56 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last month.

The report pegged national soybean production at an all-time high of nearly 4 billion bushels, about 94 million bushels higher than last month’s projections. The average yield nationwide is estimated at 48.3 bushels per acre, up nearly 1.1 bushels from last month mainly on gains in the Midwest.

“We have a large crop and stocks are up, but strong domestic demand from U.S. livestock producers, increased demand for biodiesel and higher exports are going to help us work our way out of this situation,” said Kirk Leeds, ISA CEO. “Last year 59 percent of soybean production went overseas and we are committed to continuing to build and strengthen relationships in other countries.”

Demand for U.S. soybeans is strong. Production is stronger due to nearly ideal growing conditions in much of the upper Midwest.

U.S. soybean ending stocks for the 2015/16 marketing year are estimated at 465 million bushels, according to today’s USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report. Up 40 million bushels from last month.

Domestic crush for the current marketing year was raised 10 million bushels to nearly 1.9 billion bushels on higher meal exports, the WASDE Report said. Whole bean exports are estimated at more than 1.7 billion bushels, up 40 million from October’s report.

Since much of the nation’s soybean crop is in the bin or off to market, commodity analyst and broker Al Kluis expects little to no change when final production numbers are released in January.

Kluis, who owns Kluis Commodities in Minnesota and also farms, anticipates domestic soybean usage and exports will climb resulting in lower than forecasted ending stocks. And likely higher prices in the future. He recommends farmers be patient.

“There will likely be weather problems in South America and it’s unlikely the U.S. will experience another near-perfect growing season and another record crop,” Kluis said. “Basically, hold on to your beans.”

The USDA season-average soybean price is projected at $8.15 to $9.65 per bushel, down 25 cents on both ends of the range.

Kluis said the USDA price estimates is usually pretty accurate. He expects prices will be in the upper end of the spectrum by the end of the current marketing year.

ISA President Wayne Fredericks, who farms near Osage, said whole beans and soy products are more price competitive than ever, which will likely spur sales and product development.

“New demand is never built during market highs,” he said. “Doors to opportunities may open in markets where prices previously kept us from gaining a foothold. Now is the time to grow necessary future demand because price can work to our advantage.”



Abundant Crop Leads to Lower Estimated Price Paid U.S. Corn Farmers

With the national average yield projection for corn raised to 169.3 bushels per acre, the estimated price paid to farmers decreased by 15 cents this month according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture report released today. The new yield projection coupled with decreased demand estimates for ethanol and exports are expected to drive prices lower. If achieved, the 2015 national average yield would be the second highest on record.

"With the corn harvest nearly complete, we see clearly the incredible abundance American farmers can produce, but we also realize that this excellence does not always bring an equivalent economic reward" said National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre, a farmer from Carmi, Ill. "While we have sustainably produced a crop that can feed and fuel our growing world, market forces are negatively impacting the price which we will be paid. It is of the utmost importance that, during times such as these, we rededicate ourselves to NCGA's ongoing efforts to stimulate demand for our growing crop."

Overall production was raised by 99 million bushels to 13.6 billion reflecting the higher yield estimates. The increase in yields came, in large part, from a six-bushel-per-acre yield increase in Iowa, where harvest progress increased by 56 percentage points since the previous report. Dramatic increases in average yield were also seen in northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Corn usage in the ethanol sector was lowered by 75 million bushels, with some of the reduction offset by a 25-million-bushel increase in expected feed and residual use. Decreased export forecasts, which were lowered by 50 million bushels, reflect strong competition from Brazilian corn exporters who currently hold a price advantage.

With ending stocks projections raised by 19 million bushels, the 2015/16 season-average corn price received by farmers is projected 15 cents lower on both ends to $3.35 to $3.95 per bushel.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Strengthens Advocacy Efforts, Announces Staff Changes

The Nebraska Farm Bureau has announced a recent reorganization and staffing change within the organization’s Governmental Relations Department (GRD). The GRD’s primary responsibility is to advocate for Nebraska farm and ranch families by coordinating and implementing member developed agricultural policy.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau exists to be a voice for farm and ranch families and to advocate on their behalf. The challenges facing farmers and ranchers today are great and the changes within the GRD will only expand our ability to serve our members and further position Nebraska Farm Bureau as a leader in agriculture advocacy,” said Rob Robertson, Nebraska Farm Bureau chief administrator.

The staffing changes include both the creation of a new position within the GRD and the hiring of a new vice-president to lead the Department.

Effective Dec. 1, Jay Rempe will move from vice-president of GRD to the newly-created position of senior director of research, policy analysis and education.

“Whether it’s quantifying the fiscal impact of a regulatory proposal, or providing in-depth examination of key issues affecting our members, today’s advocacy landscape demands a higher level of insight and analysis. For that reason we have made a commitment to expand our focus in this area and there is no one better than Jay Rempe to lead Nebraska Farm Bureau in elevating Farm Bureau presence in this arena. Jay’s background in agriculture economics, years of experience in advocating at the state capitol, and firm grasp of issues, particularly state water policy expertise, immediately puts Farm Bureau on a higher tier in this area,” said Robertson.

Coinciding with the change in Rempe’s responsibilities, is the hiring of Bruce Rieker to serve as vice president of governmental relations for Nebraska Farm Bureau. In this role, Rieker will lead the advocacy work of Nebraska Farm Bureau and manage the GRD department, including holding the role of lead lobbyist at the State Capitol.

Previous to joining Farm Bureau, Rieker served as vice president of advocacy for the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) where he has been employed for the past 9 years.  Prior to that, he was the chief of staff, campaign manager and political consultant for Congressman Tom Osborne from 2000 to 2006.  He also served as deputy chief of staff for Congressman Bill Barrett and served as campaign manager for Congressman Bill Barrett and for Merlyn Carlson for Congress from 1989-1990. Rieker also has a degree in law and comes from a farm near Eustis, Nebraska where he continues to have interest in his family’s farming operation.

“We are excited to have someone of Bruce’s caliber lead our advocacy efforts. Bruce brings considerable energy, enthusiasm, political experience and agricultural policy background to the GRD leadership position. With over sixteen years of service in the rural Third Congressional District, Bruce gained and maintains a great deal of knowledge in both public policy and politics. He has tremendous leadership skills that are backed by a passion for agriculture,” said Robertson.

“Given the issues facing agriculture, the importance of being “the trusted voice for Nebraska farm and ranch families” has never been as high or as clear as it is today.  Nebraska Farm Bureau’s core competency is advocacy, and I am confident that these changes will help move us towards the goal of being the best advocacy organization in Nebraska,” said Robertson.  



NEBRASKA POWER FARMING SHOW TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE HEART OF FARM COUNTRY

No need to travel to Louisville, Kentucky to see a large indoor farm show when the next biggest indoor show is right in your backyard in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The 9th Annual Nebraska Power Farming Show, presented by Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect, is stuffed with ag-related products and services, and utilizes all of the buildings at the Lancaster Event Center. The Event Center consists of five linked buildings providing 9.2 acres (400,000 sq. ft.) of indoor displays.

“The demand for booth space was tremendous once again. Currently, there are over 80 companies on the waiting list,” says Tom Junge, show director. “We try to utilize the space the best we can to accommodate the number of companies that want to attend.” This year, the show will have 2284 booths and feature more than 60 new exhibitors. “For many of these new companies, this is their only appearance in Nebraska.”

Due to limited space, show management focuses on having only ag-related displays and seeks out top quali­ty exhibitors. “This year we wanted to look at the latest electronics/precision ag technology and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” says Junge. The show will have 4 companies displaying either copter or airplane type UAVs. Attendees will also find many new electronics and apps designed to add convenience and provide more infor­mation to producers.

Throughout the show, 360 Yield Center will demonstrate the production of its 360 CHAINROLL prototype using a 3D printer. “Many of the innovations in ag equipment come from farmers,” states Junge. “3D printers will allow them to more easily bring their concept to life.”

In addition, the show emphasizes equipment displays. “Farmers and ranchers don’t want to come to a show to look at literature. They want to kick tires,” states Junge.

The timing of the Nebraska Power Farming Show is what makes it so popular. Farmers and ranchers come from across the region to take advantage of enticing year-end buying specials. Just as they come to buy, the exhibiting companies are looking to sell. Junge says, “It creates a real exciting atmosphere for both sides.”

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Admission and parking are FREE. Nebraska Farm Bureau members are encouraged to stop by the Nebraska Farm Bureau booth (#2524) on Wednesday for a FREE Farm Bureau cup (with FREE refills) and t-shirt (while supplies last).

The show is produced by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association in conjunction with local Nebraska and Iowa farm equipment dealers. This year the show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsors – Farm Credit Services of America & AgDirect; Platinum Sponsor – Bayer CropScience; and Gold Sponsors – Nebraska Farm Bureau and Stine Seed.



Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers Announces New Executive Director

The Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers (ANEEP) today announced Mark Palmer will become its new executive director beginning January 1, 2016. Palmer comes to Nebraska from the Washington, D.C. office of Senator Dick Durbin (Ill.). In addition to his work as a senior policy advisor to Sen. Durbin, Palmer has worked to promote biofuels for the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, and as the Director of Office of External Affairs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We are very excited to have someone like Mark who combines Midwestern roots with deep policy knowledge set to lead ANEEP,” stated ANEEP President Ted Free. “Representing the second largest ethanol producing state, ANEEP is poised to expand and grow its voice in state, regional and national discussions on the future of renewable fuels. We are confident that Mark is the right person to lead ANEEP through this period.”

Palmer added, “I am looking forward to working with ANEEP’s board to grow the association and its activities. Ethanol is important to Nebraska and Nebraska is important to the ethanol industry.  I hope to build on the solid work of ANEEP to promote the production and use of ethanol in Nebraska and around the country.”

ANEEP, founded in 2008, previously announced a reorganization whereby its staff and management would be brought in-house. From its founding through the end of 2015, the management and operations of ANEEP have been outsourced to Schmit Industries and current executive director Loran Schmit.

“ANEEP will always be indebted to Loran Schmit for everything he’s done to promote ethanol over many decades,” stated Free. “Loran provided a steady hand of leadership for ANEEP from day one, and his work for ethanol goes back much further – to the very beginning. We enthusiastically thank Loran for his work on behalf of ANEEP, and we know he’ll continue to play a vital role in promoting ethanol in Nebraska.”



USDA Announces $34 Million in Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Develop New Products, Expand Business Lines - Five Nebraska Businesses Receive Funds Totaling Nearly $315,000

Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Vernita F. Dore today highlighted the importance of rural entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and announced that USDA is investing nearly $34 million to help 258 businesses nationwide. Five Nebraska businesses are receiving a total of nearly $315,000.  The funding comes from USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant program.

“This funding will enable farmers and ranchers to develop new products, improve the bottom line for their operations and help create a robust local and regional food system,” Dore said. “Value-Added Producer Grants provide capital to enable ag producers to grow their business through diversification. USDA’s support is especially important for beginning farmers and smaller farm operations.”

The five Nebraska recipients are:
Cedar County:
Burbach’s Countryside Dairy, LLC will utilize $240,000 to enter into the commercial marketplace with a new product by expanding their value-added product line to include yogurt.  The 36 month project will commercialize production and sales of this entirely new product, which is expected to reach a customer base of over 17,000.

Hall County:
CornCoctions, LLC is receiving $15,000 to develop a business and marketing plan in order to determine the feasibility of producing value-added products from corn plant material.  The business and marketing plan will focus on the ability to use corn leaves to produce a dry tea, liquid beverage, food additive and/or other food products.

Knox County:
Sweet Corn Products, LLC will utilize $5,637 to develop a feasibility study to assess the viability of manufacturing and marketing wildlife attractant blocks that utilizes dry mature sweet corn as the primary ingredient.

Saline County:
Lone Tree Foods, LLC received $4,000 to develop an efficient online ordering system, which will improve access to local foods by increasing their sales capacity.  They will also implement a Farm-to-Faith program that will connect faith communities with farm fresh local foods.

Saunders County:
Darby Springs Farm, LLC owned and operated by Crystal and William Powers, will use $49,999 to create and expand their farmstead ice cream and milk caramel topping.  These products are made from local grass fed milk, eggs, and other fresh local fruits, nuts, and herbs that are produced or grown on the Darby Springs Farm.

Value-Added Producer Grants can be used to develop new agricultural products or additional markets for existing ones. Military veterans, socially-disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers, operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches, and farmer and rancher cooperatives are given priority when applying for these grants.

View VAPG recipients announced today.  Funding of each award announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement. 

Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,115 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $154 million. Approximately 18 percent of the grants and 14 percent of total funding has been awarded to beginning farmers and ranchers. During 2015, more than one-third of Value-Added awards went to farmers and ranchers developing products for the local foods sector.

Value-Added Producer Grants are a key element of USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department’s work on local and regional food systems. These are major contributors to rural economic development. Congress increased funding for the Value-Added program when it passed the 2014 Farm Bill. That measure builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past seven years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Rural Development helped 84 agricultural producers carry out local foods projects in 2014 through almost $8.9 million in Value-Added Producer Grant awards.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has produced historic investment in rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have strengthened America’s small towns and cities and helped improve the nation’s economy.



Fertilizer Prices Deflate Again

As has been the case in recent months, fertilizer prices continue to shift slightly lower, according to retailers contacted by DTN in the first week of November 2015.

All eight major fertilizers were lower in price compared to a month earlier but none were down any significant amount. DAP averaged $546/ton, MAP $560/ton, potash $430/ton, urea $405/ton, 10-34-0 $583/ton, anhydrous $633/ton, UAN28 $291/ton and UAN32 $332/ton.

One interesting price to note is that of UAN28. The nitrogen fertilizer's price fell below $300/ton for the first time since September 2010. The average retail price back then was $296/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.39/lb.N, UAN28 $0.52/lb.N and UAN32 $0.52/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer moving lower in recent months, only one fertilizer is now higher compared to a year earlier. 10-34-0 is 4% higher compared to last year.

The remaining seven nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. Both DAP and MAP are now 6% less expensive while potash, anhydrous, UAN28 and UAN32 are all 10% lower. Urea is 19% less expensive from a year previous.



Wheat Growers Act to Revitalize U.S. Wheat Industry

Today, the leaders of the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) and National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced a joint effort to develop a comprehensive business plan to revitalize the U.S. wheat industry. The National Wheat Action Plan will be a collaborative effort developed with strategic input from key stakeholders across the industry. This effort will serve as a catalyst to increase public and private research, and improve wheat productivity and farmer profitability.

“The wheat industry is not keeping pace with other crops. As a wheat grower-leader, I want to see the industry flourish not decline. Reinvigorating the wheat industry will come from increased productivity and profitability,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash. “This strategic plan will provide us with the insight and analysis we need to move the U.S. wheat industry forward in a stronger direction.”

The wheat industry is facing decreased profitability in comparison to other crops, a lack of significant productivity gains, increased global competition and negative consumer sentiment regarding the healthfulness of wheat-based products.

“Wheat has a lot of potential. We want to make sure that potential is fully achieved. We recognize that current efforts are insufficient to generate the turnaround the U.S. wheat industry needs, and we need to change that,” said NWF Chairman Dusty Tallman, wheat grower from Brandon, Colo.

The plan includes research to analyze producer attitudes, best practices and views of the future of the wheat industry, stakeholder input from across the industry and a review of existing funding models both in wheat and other commodities. Following the information gathering, NAWG and NWF will develop a comprehensive business plan that identifies the best revenue generation model for wheat, outlines the steps needed to develop that model and identifies specific uses for national funds and a process for application, distribution, reporting and accounting.

The effort has already attracted significant support from industry partners including: CropLife America, Monsanto, Syngenta and WinField.

“Our nation’s wheat growers have worked tirelessly for generations, making sure that Americans are able to enjoy food products made with wheat,” stated Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America. “Bread, bagels, cereal and pasta: These are all staples of a healthy diet, and the crop protection industry will continue to support wheat growers in producing these nutritious foods.”

“Monsanto is investing in wheat research and commercialization to bring value to our customers today and into the future," said Dr. Jeff Koscelny, Wheat Commercial and WestBred brand lead. “But truly raising the bar on wheat productivity and profitability will require innovative technology transfer techniques and a collaborative approach from everyone in the industry. With both of these at the heart of this initiative, we’re proud to be a part of it.”

“Syngenta is pleased to support the U.S. wheat industry as it develops the new National Wheat Action Plan. This is a true partnership where farmers and industry can have an open dialogue to develop the platform driving wheat’s profitability,” said Ryan Findlay, Syngenta North America industry relations lead. “Syngenta is committed to providing farmers with industry-leading genetics, crop protection and innovative solutions such as hybrid wheat to transform how crops are grown.”

“Participating in this collaborative effort that addresses both productivity and profitability for an important segment of American farming is a natural for us,” said Mike Vande Logt, chief operating officer of WinField U.S. “Developing solutions that help farmers succeed in the field and the marketplace is at the core of who we are and how we operate. We look forward to the solutions we can develop working together.”



CONAB Raises Brazil Soy View

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry raised its 2015-16 soybean crop view by approximately 1 million metric tons to 101.2 mmt to 102.8 mmt Tuesday.

More optimistic forecasts for yields in southern Brazil prompted the hike, said CONAB, the ministry's crop supply agency that compiles the survey.

The agency pegs crop growth at 5.1% to 6.8% this season, based on a 2.1% to 3.8% increase in planted area.

The ministry is normally quite conservative in its forecasts, but the latest numbers puts it at the top end of the range of estimates for the current crop.

In Parana, the No. 2 soy state in the south, the outlook is for continuity in the abundant rains that have fallen on the crop so far, which 'considerably favors' the soybean crop, said a CONAB report.

Meanwhile, in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state, excessive rain has delayed the start of planting, but the generally wet summer weather outlook remains positive for crop prospects.

As a result, CONAB raised its average yield outlook for the south from 45.5 to 46.3 bushels per acre.

In the top-producing center-west region, soybean production is seen rising 5.1% to 6.2%, reaching 46.2 mmt to 46.7 mmt.



Brazilian Truckers Continue Strike on Tuesday
Alastair Stewart, DTN South America Correspondent

Brazilian truckers blockaded highways for a second day Tuesday in an initiative that is proving more political than anything else.

Highways were blocked at 21 points as part of protests in nine states as of noon local time Tuesday, said federal highway police, with the main focus in the agricultural states of the south.

The stoppage is a repeat of actions in February, March and April, which slowed the delivery of grains and meats to port.

The blockades are a lot less numerous and effective than during the February/March protests. Deliveries of corn to port have yet to slow significantly but Brazil's pork and poultry exporters are concerned. That's because they are on a tight schedule, explained Francisco Turra, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA). With winter coming, a number of customers in Russia and Eastern Europe are demanding that consignments be shipped before Nov. 20 before ice closes ports.

The current protest, coordinated by the independent National Transport Command, is not supported by the main truckers' unions.

The strike leaders have a long list of demands, including lower diesel prices, minimum freight rates, fixed salary scales and subsidized credit. But the federal government says they have not been presented with demands and say the movement is motivated more by politics than economics.

Certainly, there is an overtly political element to the strike with demands that President Dilma Rousseff be ousted appearing in nearly all press photos of roadblocks. Indeed, on Monday, strike leaders said they weren't interested in negotiating and wanted a change of government, although they subsequently softened and will hold talks with government representatives in Brasilia on Tuesday evening.



EPA Establishes Tolerances for Herbicides to Facilitate Use on Sorghum with the DuPont™ Inzen™ Herbicide-Tolerance Trait for Grass Weed Control

DuPont Crop Protection (DuPont) has obtained the establishment of tolerances by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will facilitate the use of herbicides containing nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron on sorghum varieties containing the DuPont™ Inzen™ herbicide-tolerance sorghum trait. Pending EPA approval of product registrations, sorghum growers will soon be able to apply proven herbicides containing active ingredients that will deliver postemergence control of yield-limiting grasses.

“Nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron will provide excellent control of annual grasses that deplete grain sorghum yields by as much as 20 percent,” said James Hay, regional director, North America DuPont Crop Protection. “Being able to grow sorghum without worrying about grass weed competition will be a real advantage for growers planting in arid regions.”

Field trials on sorghum varieties containing the non-GMO Inzen™ herbicide-tolerance trait show these active ingredients provide effective control of crabgrass, barnyardgrass, signalgrass and panicum and other grass weeds. Nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron should not be used on sorghum that does not contain the Inzen™ herbicide-tolerance sorghum trait, since severe crop injury will occur.

“Growers will soon have the opportunity to achieve a better crop, yield and profit,” said Hay. “With the stewardship training that will be provided, growers can help ensure that this technology is available to support sorghum yield for many years to come.”

These herbicides also will offer outstanding crop rotation and recropping flexibility. They can be tank-mixed with other herbicides, insecticides and fungicides registered for use on sorghum. And they will provide an alternate mode of action that will aid in reducing glyphosate resistance and will control labeled grasses that are glyphosate-resistant.

Seed companies Advanta US and DuPont Pioneer are engaged in commercializing the Inzen™ herbicide-tolerance sorghum trait.

This is the latest advancement from DuPont Crop Protection, which received the Agrow Best R&D Pipeline Award in 2013 and 2014.