Wednesday November 11 Ag News

REDUCE HAY FEEDING LOSSES
Bruce Anderson, Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist

               Hay is expensive and many long hours go into harvesting, storing, and feeding it.  Don’t waste up to a third of it by using poor feeding practices.

               Believe it or not, cattle trample, over consume, foul, and use for bedding 25 to 45 percent of your hay when it is fed with no restrictions.  No matter how expensive or cheap your hay might be, extra control in feeding can pay off big time.

               For starters, never provide more than one day’s supply at a time.  Research has shown that when cows are fed a four-day supply, they will overeat and waste 20 to 30 percent more hay than when they are fed one day at a time.  This adds up to $25 to $50 more per cow over a four month feeding period.  Best of all is to feed only what the livestock will clean up in one meal so nothing is left over to be wasted.  Be sure to provide sufficient space, though, for all animals to eat at once so boss cows don’t stop timid cows from getting their fair share.

               Another thing you can do is restrict access to the hay.  Use bale racks or rings to keep animals off the hay.  Especially useful are racks with barriers around the bottom that prevent livestock from pulling hay loose with their feet and dragging it out to be stepped on. If you unroll bales or grind and feed on the ground, position an electric fence alongside or above the hay to keep cows from trampling or bedding down on the hay.

               As always, feed a balanced ration that provides sufficient energy and protein, but not too much.  Animals that eat more protein than they need will simply excrete it as extra nitrogen in their urine.  This is just as wasteful as directly trampling it into the ground.

               Hay is expensive.  Save money by feeding it wisely.



SDSU Animal Science Honors Levis

An alumnus whose contributions to swine reproduction have impacted the pork industry throughout the world was recently honored by the South Dakota State University Animal Science Department. Don Levis, who received his Ph.D. from SDSU in 1976 while working with Dr. Lowell Slyter and Dr. Rick Wahlstrom, was awarded the department's Distinguished Alumni Award during an awards banquet in Brookings.

"Dr. Don Levis' impact on pig production has been one of international importance," says Joseph Cassady, SDSU Animal Science Department Head. "Pig producers throughout the world utilize the 'Levis System' that Don developed for managing breeding programs."

Levis has been a leader in developing swine breeding systems and helping pave the way for successful adoption of artificial insemination within the swine industry. His career has included professorships at North Carolina State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he held responsibilities in research, teaching and extension. Levis also led research programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb., and was the first Director of the Ohio Pork Industry Center.

Based out of Lincoln, Neb., Levis is one of the most highly respected swine reproductive physiologists in the world today and continues to travel world-wide assisting production companies with swine reproductive management issues. Levis has consulted with more than 1,230 individual swine operations in the United States and 15 foreign countries.He is a frequent presenter at boar management conferences where he provides practical advice and sound management recommendations based on a thorough knowledge of the recent and applicable scientific information.

"Adoption of artificial insemination by pig producers throughout the world has reduced the costs of production and increased the rate of genetic improvement," Cassady adds. "Over 90 percent of all pigs produced in the United States today are the result of artificial insemination, and Don played a key role in making that possible."

Levis has received numerous awards, including Honorary Fellow and Distinguished Extension Specialist from the American Society of Animal Science, along with numerous Extension awards from the National Pork Board and the University of Nebraska, among others.

"One of the things that's so special about Don is that he truly cares about the people he works with. They are more like family than clients to Don," says Dr. Bob Thaler, SDSU Extension Swine Specialist. "Don was a great mentor in my development as an extension swine specialist, and he was ready to help any way he could."

National Hog Farmer magazine named Levis one of top 50 people influencing the United States swine industry in the last 50 years, and also named him a 2007 Master of the Pork Industry.

"Dr. Levis is widely respected for his ability to turn the latest research into practical application," Cassady says. "The SDSU Animal Science Department is very proud to call him one of our own."



2015-16 Farmers & Ranchers College Starts Dec. 15

The Nebraska Extension Farmers and Ranchers College will offer three programs this winter for crop and livestock producers. All programs are free, but reservations are required one week in advance of the program to provide for a meal count.

2015-16 Farmers & Ranchers College Schedule:

December 15 — 1 p.m. Bruning, Bruning Opera House. “Positioning Your Business for Success," featuring David Kohl, professor emeritus, Virginia Tech University.

January 20 — 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Clay Center, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. “Partners In Progress – Beef Seminar.” Registration at 9:30 a.m.
       
March 14 — 5:30 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. meal, followed by program, McCool Junction, Stone Creek. "Overcoming Challenges with Succession Planning for Families" with Ron Hanson, Neal E. Harlan professor of agribusiness, Department of Agricultural Economics.



New NASS analysis shows Iowa farmers continue to lead nation in corn, hogs, and egg prodcution

While the final harvest yields of the 2015 growing season are yet to be tallied, a new book released by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and compiled by the Iowa office of the National Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS), shows that Iowa farmers continued to lead the nation in corn production in 2014, accounting for more than 14 percent of the corn crop.

The data, based on surveys and questionnaires completed by Iowa farmers from across the state, also show that Iowa’s 2014 soybean harvest was the second largest in the nation, accounting for nearly 12 percent of the nation’s soybean production.  Additionally, Iowa moved into second place nationally in production of red meat.

“The 2014 ag statistics highlight just how much above average production was in 2014, especially in the southeastern part of the state,” said Dave Miller, IFBF director of research and commodity services.  “Many counties in that part of the state recorded all-time record yields in both corn and soybeans.”  Additionally, Miller noted the latest statistics show Iowa farmers have grown their livestock market share significantly in the last five years, specifically in cattle and hog receipts.

The 121-page book includes information regarding crops, livestock, farm economics, and county-specific data to help guide farmers’ planning and decision making for future years.  

“The story behind the data is that Iowa farmers are providing consumers with abundant, wholesome, and diverse food choices while continuing to be efficient, producing more food using fewer resources which benefits the environment,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president. “This kind of productivity is not possible without innovating and being good stewards of the land. The 2015 Ag Stats book provides a great snapshot of the productivity of Iowa farmers growing and raising the food, fuel and fiber we all depend on.”

The book costs $11 and can be ordered from the Marketing and Communications Division, Iowa Farm Bureau, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.  Checks should be made payable to the Iowa Farm Bureau.



Grants Available to Help Teach Agriculture

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is making mini-grants available to support the integration of agriculture into classroom instruction or after school programs with an academic focus.

The Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants, made possible through support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, are designed to help Iowa teachers initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy in students. Teachers can apply for $200 grants that can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips, and other projects. Up to 170 grants will be awarded to teachers throughout Iowa.

One of last year's grant recipients, Lisa Johnson of Grant Wood Elementary in Cedar Rapids said, "Students learned so much about being scientists. Their writing improved greatly throughout the year because they were so invested in the process." She said, "Hopefully their interest in the life cycle of plants will continue to grow and be nurtured."

Preschool through 12th grade teachers, librarians, and afterschool program coordinators at Iowa schools are eligible to apply. Grants must relate to 21st century skills or language arts and integrate agriculture into the learning.

"Agriculture in the Classroom and agriculture literacy has been an area of emphasis for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation for many years," said IFBF Director of Community Resources Barb Lykins. "We see this as a value to teachers allowing them to connect what they are doing to Iowa's number one industry."

The deadline for application is January 10, 2016 and the proposed project must take place between Jan. 15 and June 1, 2016. To apply online or for more information visit www.iowaagliteracy.org.



ASA Backs Trans-Pacific Partnership, Will Press Congress to Approve

The American Soybean Association (ASA) endorses the recently released Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and calls on Congress to take up and approve the agreement as quickly as possible.

"The TPP is a good deal for soybean farmers and our livestock customers. We back it and we will push Congress to do the same," said ASA President Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas. "We know that this will further expand our access to valuable markets in Asia and Latin America, but specifically, there are several key sections of the agreement that will move our trade significantly forward. The sanitary and phytosanitary provisions contained in the TPP will help eliminate many of the non-scientific barriers to market entry that hang us up in particular markets, and the biotechnology provisions in the agreement will help to ensure that from export partner to export partner, science is the common framework on which our soybean technology is regulated."

The TPP, if approved, will eliminate tariffs on soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal in each of the 12 TPP nations within a set timeframe. In Japan, tariffs on soybean oil will be eliminated within six years. In Vietnam, tariffs will be eliminated in 11 years per the agreement, and in Peru the TPP eliminates tariffs my 2018. Immediately, the agreement lifts tariffs for soybeans, meal and oil in New Zealand, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as on soybean meal in Japan.

"The U.S. and our 11 partner nations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership represent 500 million potential customers and more than 40 percent of the global economy. What's more important, though, is that these partner nations represent many of the most promising established and emerging markets for U.S. soy and meat," said ASA First Vice President and Delaware farmer Richard Wilkins. "The TPP helps grow the markets in these economies, and as they grow, their demand for American products grows as well. Most importantly for soybean farmers, their demand for meat protein grows. That drives production here in the States, which creates demand for our soybean meal as livestock feed."

Cowan and Wilkins also praised the administration for its work in bringing the TPP to its current state.

"A huge amount of credit goes to Ambassador Froman, Ambassador Vetter and the entire team at USTR," said Cowan. "They brought our needs and concerns to the table, along with our nation's massive range of other industries, and crafted a deal that will help grow our economy, both on the farm and in the city."

"A significant thank you goes to Secretary Vilsack, Deputy Secretary Harden, Under Secretary Scuse, and Administrator Karsting at USDA for the work they've put in to ensure that this deal was struck in such a way that is workable and practical for American farmers," Wilkins added.

The spotlight now shifts to Congress, where the agreement faces a stiff political headwind, an issue that Cowan says is significant but not insurmountable.

"We've seen climates like this before, complete with political polarization and the added stress of an election year, but even in those times, we've still managed to put together a coalition of industries and congressional allies to move beneficial packages through," Cowan said. "Trade Promotion Authority was no easy lift, but we found Democrats and Republicans alike that saw the distinct promise of trade for our businesses. That sensible, middle-ground coalition will be key to approving TPP as well, and we call on Congress to take up this effort and approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership as quickly as possible."



For America’s Pork Producers, TPP ‘Biggest Commercial Opportunity Ever’

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is the “biggest commercial opportunity ever for U.S. pork producers,” said National Pork Producers Council President-elect John Weber at a press conference today on the recently concluded free trade deal.

“America’s pork producers strongly and unequivocally support the TPP, and we urge Congress to quickly pass it,” said Weber, a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “The TPP will benefit American consumers, workers, businesses, farmers and ranchers, and we’re confident it will provide enormous new market opportunities for high-quality U.S. pork products.”

Weber joined representatives from the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Grains Council in expressing support for the Asia-Pacific regional trade agreement, which includes the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam and accounts for nearly 40 percent of global GDP. Also participating in the press conference was Phil Karsting, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

“While no agreement is perfect,” Weber said, “the TPP is overwhelmingly beneficial to the United States, and members of Congress need to keep that in mind.

“They also should consider that our competitors are negotiating trade deals in the Asia-Pacific region that do not include the United States, so the U.S. pork industry is extremely concerned about losing market share in the fastest-growing region in the world if TPP is delayed or not implemented.”

Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes estimates the TPP will exponentially increase U.S. pork exports and help create more than 10,000 U.S. jobs tied to those exports.

Weber pointed out that the United States and the 11 other TPP nations have made it clear that the TPP is a living agreement and that, at some point, other nations, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, will become part of the deal.

“Pork producers across the country will do whatever it takes to get TPP passed by Congress and implemented. That’s a promise,” concluded Weber.



National Pork Board Defines Antibiotic Research and Education Priorities

The National Pork Board today announced the seven members of its blue ribbon panel on antibiotics, an outcome of the Pork Checkoff’s stewardship plan first defined in June. The new, third-party panel includes experts with specific experience and knowledge in antibiotic practices or consumer marketing, but who are independent of National Pork Board practices.

The panel’s call to action is to objectively review the status of antibiotic use in the pork industry and advise National Pork Board efforts in prioritizing research and producer education programs. Also, this independent panel will identify opportunities for improvement in current antibiotic practices and offer guidance in how to improve antibiotic stewardship in the pork industry. The panel members are:
-    Mike Apley, D.V.M. and Ph.D., food animal production medicine, Kansas State University
-    Bonnie Buntain, D.V.M. and coordinator, veterinary medical & surgical program, U of Arizona
-    Mike Chaddock, D.V.M. and associate dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan St. Univ.
-    Chris Cochran, senior manager, food sustainability, Walmart
-    Jim McCollum, protein purchasing manager, Independent Purchasing Cooperative, Inc.
-    Justin Ransom, senior director, quality systems U.S., McDonald’s
-    Steve Solomon, M.D., public health consultant and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s office of antimicrobial resistance

“The critical role antibiotics play in pig farming is one of the most misunderstood facets of food production today,” said Chris Hodges, National Pork Board chief executive officer. “We thank these leaders for their assistance and appreciate their range of expertise. From rigorous scientific study to foodservice and retail management, these experts will help us continue to build consumer trust and confidence in meat production.”

Toward that end, the National Pork Board has hosted meetings with its food chain partners, sharing the innovation of current production practices and efforts to responsibly use antibiotics. Since the U.S. pork industry introduced its new antibiotic stewardship plan in June, meetings have been held with animal health companies, packers and processors, and retail and foodservice leadership.

“We are advancing in antibiotic stewardship, but antibiotics remain a vital part of our ability to address animal welfare and food safety issues,” said Michael Apley, a veterinarian and professor in clinical sciences at Kansas State University. “We can raise some animals without antibiotics, but not all.”

“The science is complicated, but we do know how to improve the use of antibiotics in both human and animal medicine,” said Steven Solomon, M.D., a public health consultant and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s office of antimicrobial resistance. “We need to better translate complex information about antibiotic use for the benefit of the food consumer and the medical community.”

The National Pork Board has defined a three-point plan of action focused on five research priorities, shaping educational outreach to pig farmers and broadly sharing information with the retail and foodservice industries and pork consumers.

    Research – Investing $750,000 in new research projects that span five distinct priorities intended to provide data for animal and public health outcomes (pig health/welfare, human health/safety, environmental impact and pork quality).

    Education – Updating the Pork Quality Assurance® Plus (PQA Plus®) farmer certification program in 2016 and investing up to $400,000 in education and awareness programs to ensure pig farmers understand and adopt new Food and Drug Administration rules for the use of medically important antibiotics (to treat human illness) in feed and water.

    Communications – Gathering industry leaders for meetings on responsible antibiotic use and sharing the U.S. pork industry’s story of continuous improvement with producers and consumer media through outreach, byline articles and advertisements.

“All of these efforts are focused on sharing our story of innovation and excellence in pork production. The bottom line is simple: safe food comes from healthy animals,” said Derrick Sleezer, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Cherokee, Iowa. “Our farmers are experts in animal care and sustainable farming. And that expertise is needed to maintain our track record of responsible antibiotic use. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of people, pigs and the planet.”



FDA Requests Comments on 'Natural' on Food Labels

Because of the changing landscape of food ingredients and production, and in direct response to consumers who have requested that the FDA explore the use of the term "natural," the agency is asking the public to provide information and comments on the use of this term in the labeling of human food products.

The FDA is taking this action in part because it received three Citizen Petitions asking that the agency define the term "natural" for use in food labeling and one Citizen Petition asking that the agency prohibit the term "natural" on food labels. We also note that some Federal courts, as a result of litigation between private parties, have requested administrative determinations from the FDA regarding whether food products containing ingredients produced using genetic engineering or foods containing high fructose corn syrup may be labeled as "natural."

Although the FDA has not engaged in rulemaking to establish a formal definition for the term "natural," we do have a longstanding policy concerning the use of "natural" in human food labeling. The FDA has considered the term "natural" to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food.

However, this policy was not intended to address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides, nor did it explicitly address food processing or manufacturing methods, such as thermal technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation. The FDA also did not consider whether the term "natural" should describe any nutritional or other health benefit.

To submit comments to the docket by mail, use the following address. Be sure to include docket number FDA-2014-N-1207on each page of your written comments to: Division of Dockets Management, HFA-305. Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.



Pork Checkoff Inspires Consumers to Celebrate “Porksgiving” This Holiday Season

This holiday season, the Pork Checkoff is inspiring people across the country to say thank you to those who have given to others all year long by celebrating “Porksgiving,” a season for giving back with pork.

“There’s no better way to show someone your appreciation than with a home-cooked meal, and there’s no better meal than one made with pork,” said Randy Brown, chair of the Pork Checkoff Domestic Marketing Committee and a pig farmer from Nevada, Ohio. “We want to inspire everyone to celebrate those who selflessly give back to others with flavor-filled pork meals.”

This Porksgiving, the Checkoff is inviting consumers to visit PorkBeinspired.com/Porksgiving for inspiration and ideas on how to give back with juicy, tender pork. The site offers consumers stories that highlight how pork fans coast-to-coast are showing their gratitude with the gift of pork. Visitors also will be able to see how pig farmers give back throughout the year, such as the many pounds of porkdonated to food banks, support given to the military and funds raised for those in need. The site includes featured recipes and is being updated daily with new acts of Porksgiving.

As part of the Checkoff’s multicultural outreach, the Porksgiving campaign includes a targeted effort to inspire Latinos. A partnership with Doreen Colondres, Hispanic celebrity chef and cookbook author, includes a series of videos featuring Latin-inspired pork recipes on PorkTeInspira.com/InspirateADar. The Spanish-language site also features a collection of pork-inspired “Inspirate a Dar” digital greeting cards, allowing consumers the opportunity to give back to those in need every time they personalize and share a card on social media.

“All the creative possibilities with pork make it the perfect ingredient in dishes this holiday season,” Brown said. “Our goal is to continue to inspire pork-passionate cooks and expand long-term pork demand.”

To add to the celebrations, consumers can wrap their gifts in bacon-designed wrapping paper. The wrapping paper can be purchased for Porksgiving and the holiday season at www.PorkBeinspired.com/Porksgiving.



"The Protein Equation"
(From the Beef Checkoff)

Through the first half of the 20th century, preventing nutritional deficiencies was the focus of nutrition guidance from public-health groups and government agencies. But that changed about 40 years ago, when public-health policy shifted from what was not in the diet that should be, to what was in the diet that should not be. With more choices in the food supply, it became important to avoid the overfed/undernourished paradox.

In the 1977 Dietary Goals for the United States, Americans were encouraged to increase their carbohydrate consumption and decrease their fat consumption to improve their health. The Dietary Goals failed to emphasize recommendations for protein consumption. The results? Americans adjusted their diets to follow this dietary advice – and got fatter.

“Although the benefits of protein have never been in question, protein seemed to be an afterthought in many nutrition discussions,” says Janna Stubbs, co-chair of the checkoff’s nutrition and health committee and producer from Alpine, Texas. “A growing body of evidence over the last two decades demonstrates that more focus on protein research is needed and that increasing intake, in many instances, may be beneficial to human health. Much of this evidence has been made possible through nutrition research funded by our Beef Checkoff Program.”

For some time now, research has shown that consuming protein in balanced amounts at each meal is beneficial to improving overall health. Some of the more remarkable benefits of distributing protein throughout the day include feeling satisfied after a meal or snack that features protein, which helps reduce caloric consumption from snacking later in the day. Additionally, meals with high-quality protein help build muscle and support strong, lean bodies. Thus, the creation of the checkoff’s 30-Day Protein Challenge, a step-by-step way to get the optimal amount of protein throughout the day.

The Protein Equation in Action – A Case Study
Nutrition researchers use updated beef-nutrient data to design menus for research studies, like a recent controlled-feeding study led by Dr. Heather Leidy. That study demonstrates that the daily consumption of a higher-protein breakfast (two eggs and 1.5 ounces of lean beef) is superior to a common protein breakfast (milk and cereal) or skipping breakfast altogether, in its ability to improve satiety or the feeling of fullness after eating and, thus, reduce caloric intake from snacking by overweight or obese teenage girls.

So as protein science continues to grow and consumer interest in protein skyrockets, your beef checkoff is translating this evidence into practical, easy-to-use advice for consumers and health professionals.

Learn more about your beef checkoff’s investment in human-nutrition research at BeefResearch.org and MyBeefCheckoff.com.



Small Tractor Sales Up Last Month, Combines Down

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," tractor sales in the U.S. through October 2015, were up 6% compared to last year. Combine sales were down 20% for the month.

For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 23% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 1%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 30%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 23%.

Through October, a total of 20,508 tractors were sold which compares to 19,516 sold thru October 2014.

For the ten months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 8% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 0.3%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 24%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 42%.

Sales of combines for the first ten months totaled 4,489, a decrease of 35% over the same period in 2014.



DuPont Pioneer Products and Services Yield Impressive Results in 2015

DuPont Pioneer announced 2015 North American harvest results today – highlighting another year of helping growers reach peak yields and maximize their productivity using Pioneer® brand products and services.

“In today’s complex environment, growers often rely on a team of professionals to help support their operation, and we are proud to be a part of their team,” said Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, regional director – U.S. and Canada. “Despite some challenging growing conditions this year, Pioneer® brand products, EncircaSM services, Pioneer® GrowingPoint® agronomy and Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment (PPST) offerings helped many DuPont Pioneer customers harvest some of their best yields yet.”

Newest Corn Hybrid Classes Lead Performance   
In a year of softening corn prices and variable weather across North America, growers were able to minimize risks and protect their bottom line with high-yielding Pioneer® brand corn products. The newest – and highest performing – Pioneer® brand corn hybrids will comprise more than half of the 2016 line-up available to growers.

“Excitement is growing as our Pioneer field teams have been busy weighing grain and recording Yield Heroes across the country,” Reno said. “Our strong breeding programs have continued to provide genetic improvements for yield stability across many environments.”

Growers saw a good return with the addition of Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment (PPST) 250 plus DuPont™ Lumivia™ insecticide seed treatment, which is exclusively available on Pioneer® brand corn hybrids to enhance protection and performance of Pioneer product platforms. Lumivia™ insecticide seed treatment provides increased protection from early-season insect pests, and on-farm trials showed the addition of Lumivia™ insecticide seed treatment to PPST 250 increased corn yield by an average of 2.5 bushels an acre. Lumivia™ insecticide seed treatment will be available on most new corn platforms for 2016.

Pioneer® brand Qrome™ products demonstrated strong performance in IMPACT™ research trials in 2015. Qrome products will offer pyramided insect protection and strong agronomics across a wide range of hybrid corn platforms to provide improved yields for growers.Strong Soybean Performance and Technology Options

Strong Soybean Performance and Technology Options
Pioneer® brand soybean varieties also showed strong performance in 2015. In on-farm trials, the top 40 Pioneer® brand soybean varieties, representing 50 percent of Pioneer North American soybean sales volume, out-yielded the competition.

“New products like Pioneer® variety P28T08R, P31T11R and P47T36R are turning heads and filling grain bins,” said Reno.

Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybeans also helped boost bottom lines with competitive yields and processor-paid premiums on every bushel grown. Demand for Plenish® high oleic soybeans has nearly doubled every year since its introduction due to a significantly enhanced oil profile versus commodity soybean oil.

A majority of farmers growing Pioneer® brand soybeans in 2015 chose to protect their seed investment with the Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment offering. The proprietary offering helps boost yields by getting soybeans off to a strong start. Pioneer trials from across United States in 2015 demonstrated the complete Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment offering boosted yields 5 percent versus untreated soybeans 80 percent of the time.

In 2016, pending regulatory approval, Pioneer also will offer Pioneer® brand soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology, an important advancement to combat weed resistance.

Services and Agronomy Resources Extend Value  
Pioneer expanded on its Encirca℠ services offerings this year with the launch of additional input management services including Encirca℠ Yield Stand Service and Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service. The services help growers manage precision planting and soil nutrients like phosphorus, potassium and lime, while building on the success of the Encirca℠ Yield Nitrogen Management Service launched in 2014.

Encirca℠ services were sold on more than 1 million acres this year and positive trial results are driving strong orders for 2016. Many growers have cited the value of having a local Encirca℠ certified services agent who can work with them to tailor Encirca℠ services to their operation.

“Pioneer is committed to grower success from start to finish,” said Reno. “We have created a team of more than 250 Encirca℠ certified services agents who are building on our legacy of expertise in research and agronomy with new capabilities in weather, soil mapping and data analytics to provide powerful input management solutions for growers to maximize yields and lower costs. We are producing the best possible seed products and integrating them with the best services and expertise in the field.”     

To help support this, Pioneer® GrowingPoint® agronomy services plant thousands of on-farm trials across the Corn Belt covering everything from seed selection and pest management to soil fertility and tillage practices. Results from the trials lead to important insights about how growers can improve their own yields.