Tuesday December 1 Ag News

New Nebraska Extension Swine Specialist to Visit West Point

    Area Pork Producers are invited to an informational session to meet the new Nebraska Extension Swine Specialist Dr Benny Mote. The session will be held Thursday evening, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cuming County Courthouse Meeting Room in West Point, NE.

    Dr Mote joined Nebraska Extension on September 1st and has a good background in genetics. He is looking to meet swine producers across the state to hear from them before he sets his research focus. The meeting will begin with an introduction to Dr Mote followed by a question-answer session, so producers are encouraged to attend.

    For more information contact Nebraska Extension Office in Cuming County at 402-372-6006.



REDUCE HAY FEEDING LOSSES
Larry Howard, NE Extension, Cuming County

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.



LENRD Board votes to require flow meters on irrigation wells

At their November meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to require flow meters on all irrigation wells.  After many months of discussion, they voted 8 to 7 to amend the district's groundwater management plan to require the meters across the 15-county district.

General manager Mike Sousek said, "This is the first step in the process.  We need to know how much water is being pumped.  The meters will help us determine that."  He continued, "This tough decision highlights that your local leaders are discussing and addressing water challenges and preparing for the future.  The long term goal of the LENRD is to protect and maintain the longevity of the aquifer."

The State of Nebraska operates under the correlative rights doctrine - meaning each landowner is entitled to an equal and reasonable share as long as the water is being withdrawn for beneficial uses by its citizens.  The LENRD board has been tasked with protecting current users and developing more uses for groundwater, the economic engine supporting northeast Nebraska.

Sousek said, "This idea of an unlimited water supply has been deflated in recent years.  The board is making management decisions that protect all users, not just irrigation, and this includes domestic and livestock needs."

Sousek said that now that flow meters have been approved, there is a lot of work to be done.

“The next step is to start working on rules and regulations,” Sousek said.  A public hearing will be held in January.  Through this process, the board will continue to work out the details of the plan to address when the flow meters will be required, the type of flow meters that will be approved, and who will be able to install the flow meters.



Soybean Growers Encouraged to Apply for See for Yourself Program

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is seeking applications for its eleventh annual See for Yourself program. The program is designed to give farmers the opportunity to see how their checkoff dollars are being invested to expand markets for U.S. soybeans and value-added products at home and abroad.

NSB Executive Director, Victor Bohuslavsky, says the program is a valuable opportunity for soybean growers. “We believe it’s good to get a first-hand look at how checkoff funds build demand and increase profitability for Nebraska farmers,” said Bohuslavsky.

This year’s checkoff-sponsored activities include learning opportunities in Mexico, February 7–12, and the Pacific Northwest, March 28–31. The program also includes state and national events with organizations that are critical to the growth of soybean markets. Most food and travel expenses for participants are covered.

More on Mexico:
• Participants will travel to Mérida to learn more about soy processing, and meet with key end users on livestock, poultry and aquaculture operations.
• The group will then travel to Mexico City to learn more about value-added U.S. meat imports into Mexico.
• The deadline to apply for this event is December 11, 2015.

More on the Pacific Northwest:
• The group will travel with a representative from AGP, who will lead a tour of their facility in Grays Harbor. The group will then tour a large biodiesel producer in Aberdeen and learn more about domestic aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest.
• The deadline to apply for this event is February 12, 2016.

Soybean growers can call the Nebraska Soybean Board office at 402-441-3240 or visit nebraskasoybeans.org to learn more about how to apply for See for Yourself opportunities.



Beef, bees are featured topics of Dec. 8 Omaha Science Café

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educators, Natalia Bjorklund and Lindsay Chichester, Ph.D., will share their passions of bees and beef, as they dispel myths, provide fun facts, and leave listeners with a better understanding of the role of the Nebraska Extension office at the next Omaha Science Café at 7 p.m., Dec. 8 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.

Bjorklund is a horticulture extension educator for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln serving Dodge County and the surrounding area. Her areas of focus include pollinators, pollinator friendly plants, landscape ornamentals, and vegetables. She is a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree studying native bees.

Dr. Chichester is a UNL extension educator in Saunders County focusing on livestock, agriculture, food systems and 4-H. She acquired her doctoral degree in systems agriculture from West Texas A&M University.

Dr. Chichester writes a blog where she engages with consumers about how their food is raised and grown.

Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.

Pizza will be provided for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.



Dinner and Live Auction Raises Funds for Statewide Agriculture Education Programs, Scholarships, and Leadership Development

A Kansas City Royals T-shirt signed by 2015 World Series champion Alex Gordon, a Husker football signed by legends Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier and Eric Crouch and dinner with Governor Pete Ricketts are among the great holiday gift items available at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s Dinner and Live Auction on Mon., Dec. 7 at 6:00p.m. at the Embassy Suites in LaVista.

The cost of the dinner is $65 and a portion of the ticket cost is a tax-deductible gift.

“We invite anyone who would like to enjoy a great dinner and do some shopping this holiday season. Proceeds from the event will support Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, consumer education, scholarships and awards, and leadership development programs. Agriculture is the source of our food, fuel, and fiber, and is a driving force in the Nebraska economy. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture – and our dinner and live auction – exist to advance Nebraska agriculture and all that it means to our great state,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

To register, contact Sami Lauf at samil@nefb.org or 402-421-4747.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.



Crop Advantage Series Provides Agronomic Research and Cost Control Strategies

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Crop Advantage Series to producers at 14 locations across Iowa during January 2016. Each year, ISU Exension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists present the lastest crop production research and information for the upcoming growing season to producers, agronomists and industry leaders.

This year’s Crop Advantage Series will focus on the importance of risk management programs and controlling costs.

“It's important to discuss these topics as we go into our second year of prices averaging below Iowa State’s estimated production costs,” said Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist. “Profits will be harder to come by and many producers will need to pay more attention to the financial side of their farm business.”

Each location features a full agenda of workshops that attendees can choose from to develop a personalized agenda. ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists will present program topics focusing on county needs and production issues.

“We recognize that every farm situation is unique, so there's isn't one key piece of information,” said Hart. “We are providing a menu of strategies that producers can choose from as they look to control costs, maintain or enhance productivity and search for profitability.”

In addition to discussing the economic returns of crop production, extension field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues. Topics will include: crop market outlook, farm bill decisions, corn disease update, corn rootworm management, nitrogen recommendations, managing soybean Sudden Death Syndrome, herbicide and weed control and others.

“The Crop Advantage Series is a great format, as it is a chance to hear the latest agronomic research, while also exploring the economic returns to crop production,” said Hart.

Over 2,000 producers annually participate in the regional Crop Advantage Series meetings. All meetings are approved for Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education credits, and every location offers the opportunity for private pesticide applicators to receive continuing education credits.

“Response from producers has been very positive, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance for the series over the years. In addition to receiving the latest research information from the university, the meetings have been a valuable way for producers to provide input back to Iowa State researchers and specialists on what their needs are," said Joel DeJong, extension field agronomist in northwest Iowa. "It works both ways."

2016 Crop Advantage Series registration, locations and dates
Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available at http://www.cropadvantage.org/ or from a local ISU Extension office.

January 5 – Sheldon
January 6 – Okoboji
January 8 – Burlington
January 12 – Storm Lake
January 13 – Ames
January 14 – Honey Creek
January 15 – Mason City
January 19 – Atlantic
January 20 – Fort Dodge
January 21 – Waterloo
January 22 – Iowa City
January 26 – LeMars
January 28 – Carroll
January 29 – Moline, Il.

For more information including times and program content, contact the extension field agronomist hosts or visit www.cropadvantage.org. To have additional questions answered, contact ANR Program Services at (515) 294-6429, anr@iastate.edu. Crop Advantage Series is presented by ISU Extension and Outreach with support from the Iowa Soybean Association and from the North Central SARE Program–Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.



FARMLAND Lesson Plans Available

FARMLAND lesson plans are now available. The curriculum is intended for high school educators and students but anyone can access the content at www.discoveringfarmland.com. Created in conjunction with Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, Discovering FARMLAND offers interactive resources that allow teachers and students to experience the industry through the eyes of six young farmers and ranchers, all while learning about food production's connection to science, economics, technology and sustainability. Farmland was produced by Moll’s Allentown Productions, with generous support from the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.



'Food Science Fun' Connects Students to Science

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has launched a new resource on its My American Farm educational site aimed at connecting students to the science of food and food production.

"Food Science Fun" is a new guide that contains 10 activities related to food science. The guide is designed to equip volunteers and professional educators with powerful tools for facilitating a food science day camp, or activities at a fair, other special event or in the classroom.

The resources contained in the guide were pilot-tested at several science day camps in California and Indianapolis. Nearly 3,000 students were reached during the testing period.

The "Food Science Fun" guide can be downloaded for free on the Fairs and Events Hands on Activities page on My American Farm.

The My American Farm educational resource is a special project of the Foundation. The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of title sponsor DuPont Pioneer. To take advantage of the free My American Farm resources, games and activities, visit www.MyAmericanFarm.org.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production Highlights

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 495.8 million bushels in October 2015. Total corn consumption was up 4 percent from September 2015 and up 4 percent from October 2014. October usage included 91.5 percent for alcohol and 8.5 percent for other purposes. Corn for beverage alcohol totaled 2.60 million bushels, down 25 percent from September and down 38 percent from October 2014. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 444.1 million bushels, was up 4 percent from September and up 4 percent from October 2014. Corn consumed in October 2015 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.8 percent and 10.2 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.95 million tons during October 2015, up 2 percent from September 2015 and up 5 percent from October 2014. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.23 million tons in October 2015, up 5 percent from September 2015 but down 8 percent from October 2014.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 326.1 thousand tons during October 2015, up 4 percent from September 2015 and up 2 percent from October 2014. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 297.0 thousand tons in October 2015, up 4 percent from September 2015 but down 7 percent from October 2014.



USDA Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

 Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.10 million tons in October 2015, compared to 4.04 million tons in September 2015 and 4.34 million tons in August 2015. Crude oil produced was 1.96 billion pounds up 28 percent from September 2015 and up 21 percent from August 2015. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.58 billion pounds during October increased 13 percent from September and increased 12 percent from August.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 97.1 thousand tons in October 2015, compared to 184.6 thousand tons in September 2015 and 145.3 thousand tons in August 2015. Canola crude oil produced was 80.2 million pounds down 48 percent from September 2015 and down 32 percent from August 2015. Canola once refined oil production at 81.4 million pounds during October was down 38 percent from September and down 36 percent from August. Cottonseeds crushed for crude oil was 123.1 thousand tons in October 2015, compared to 116.5 thousand tons in September 2015 and 97.7 thousand tons in August 2015. Cottonseed crude oil produced was 37.7 million pounds, up 5 percent from September 2015 and up 29 percent from August 2015. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 48.6 million pounds during October was up 3 percent from September and up 11 percent from August.

Edible tallow production was 83.5 million pounds during October 2015, down 3 percent from September 2015 but up 46 percent from August 2015. Inedible tallow production was 275 million pounds during October 2015, up 2 percent from September 2015 and up 3 percent from August 2015. Technical tallow production was 82.8 million pounds during October 2015, down 2 percent from September 2015 and down 17 percent from August 2015. Choice white grease production at 114.2 million pounds during October decreased 3 percent from September but increased 7 percent from August.



Some Fertilizers Near 7-Year Lows

Fertilizer prices continued to drift lower the fourth week of November 2015, according to retailers tracked by DTN. Some fertilizer retail prices are at or are closing in on historic lows.

All of the eight major fertilizers slipped lower compared to a month earlier, but none were down significantly. DAP has an average price of $543 per ton, MAP $556/ton, potash $422/ton, urea $397/ton, 10-34-0 $580/ton, anhydrous $624/ton, UAN28 $286/ton and UAN32 $325/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.43/lb.N, anhydrous $0.38/lb.N, UAN28 $0.51/lb.N and UAN32 $0.51/lb.N.

While fertilizers and other inputs have been slow to adjust to the crash in commodity prices since 2012, some are breaking new ground: Weekly DTN surveys of national average retail fertilizer prices since November 2008 show lows for most fertilizers were seen in either 2009 or 2010, with three lows set in November 2009 alone.

However, there were a couple exceptions. One would be potash, which is at the lowest price in more than seven years. Last week's price of $422 per ton is now DTN's all-time low for potash. Before this recent move, the lowest price in our dataset occurred in August 2010 with an average of $467 per ton.

Another fertilizer nearing a DTN all-time low would be urea. The nitrogen fertilizer, with an average last week of $397 per ton, dropped below $400 per ton for the first time since June 2009 when the average price was at $390 per ton. The all-time low for urea is $375 per ton in October 2009.

The remaining six fertilizers all have current retail prices which will have to move considerably to reach record lows.

DAP, with an average price of $543/ton now, has a seven-year low of $362/ton reached during the second week of November 2009. MAP, with an average price of $556/ton now, reached its low of $386/ton the first week of November 2009.

10-34-0, with an average price of $580/ton currently, is nowhere near its low of $381/ton seen the fourth week of December 2009. Anhydrous, with a current price of $624/ton, has a low of $410/ton seen on the first week of November 2009.

UAN28, with the current price of $286/ton, has a low price of $199/ton from third week of August 2009. UAN32, currently at $325/ton, has a low of $231/ton seen the first week of September 2009.

With retail fertilizer moving lower in recent months, only one fertilizer is now higher compared to a year earlier. 10-34-0 is 3% higher than last year.

The remaining seven nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. DAP is now 6% lower, MAP is 7% less expensive and UAN28 is 11% lower. Anhydrous, potash and UAN32 are all 12% less expensive while urea is 19% less expensive from a year earlier.



USDA Begins 49th Enrollment Period for the Conservation Reserve Program

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, Dec. 1, 2015, and ends on Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.

As of September 2015, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more than 170,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times. For an interactive tour of CRP success stories from across the U.S., visit www.fsa.usda.gov/CRPis30, or follow on Twitter at #CRPis30.

"Over the past 30 years, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts have made CRP one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country," said Vilsack. "Today, CRP continues to make major environmental improvements to water and air quality. This is another longstanding example of how agricultural production can work hand in hand with efforts to improve the environment and increase wildlife habitat."

Participants in CRP establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as "covers") to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. At times when commodity prices are low, enrolling sensitive lands in CRP can be especially attractive to farmers and ranchers, as it softens the economic hardship for landowners at the same time that it provides ecological benefits. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish native plant species on marginal agricultural lands for the primary purpose of preventing soil erosion and improving water quality and related benefits of reducing loss of wildlife habitat.

Contracts on 1.64 million acres of CRP are set to expire on Sept. 30, 2016. Producers with expiring contracts or producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP.

Since it was established on Dec. 23, 1985, CRP has:
-    Prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks;
-    Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively;
-    Sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road.

Since 1996, CRP has created nearly 2.7 million acres of restored wetlands.



NMPF, IDFA Applaud Inclusion of Milk Hauling Amendment to Transportation Bill

The National Milk Producers Federation and International Dairy Foods Association praise Congress for its decision today to include in a conference report a dairy-specific amendment that would benefit producers, processors and consumers.

The organizations now urge Congress to pass the report so that it can reach President Obama’s desk by the Dec. 4 deadline.

The bipartisan amendment, sponsored by Reps. Richard Hanna of New York and Elizabeth Esty of Connecticut and championed by House Transportation Committee Conferee Rep. Reid Ribble of Wisconsin, gives states the option to issue permits allowing milk haulers to increase their truck weights beyond Interstate Highway System limits. This would allow milk trucks in some states to carry more product without being forced to offload portions of it at other state borders.

The amendment was supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both the Senate and House.

“If passed, fewer vehicles would be needed to transport milk, cutting transportation costs and easing the burden on farmers, consumers and commuters,” said IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton.  

“This amendment recognizes the specific challenges in transporting milk,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “It’s great to see bipartisan support for something so critical to our dairy producers.”

The bipartisan agreement comes as part of a massive push by Congress to deal with several pieces of legislation before they adjourn for the year.



NFU Applauds Inclusion of Crop Insurance Fix in Highway Bill

The following statement was made by National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson in response to the inclusion of language in the Highway Bill Conference Report that will save crop insurance from devastating cuts contained in the recent budget agreement:

“Family farmers and lawmakers understand the value of crop insurance, and today’s actions to save crop insurance from devastating changes will enable this valuable risk management tool to continue to serve as the centerpiece of the farm risk management system. The restoration of full funding of this valuable risk management tool will ensure that crop insurance will remain viable and that family farmers will continue to produce a stable food, feed, fiber and fuel supply.

“We are grateful to House leaders for their efforts to make crop insurance whole and to avoid such cuts to other agriculture programs.”   



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for December 2015

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for December 2015. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for December is 0.375 percent, up from 0.250 percent in November.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during December is 1.375 percent, up from 1.250 percent in November.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for December are as follows, 2.000 percent with seven-year loan terms, up from 1.750 percent in November; 2.250 percent with 10-year loan terms, up  from 2.125 percent in November and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, up from 2.250 percent in November.



Building Immunity to PEDv Is Critical

Pork producers know lower temperatures can mean a heightened risk for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv). Fortunately, the industry is now more knowledgeable, more prepared and better equipped to help minimize the spread of PEDv this winter. 

Despite increased preparedness, variation in immunity remains within the U.S. pig herd. Some farms have exposed replacement gilts to PEDv to help build immunity, while others have introduced naïve gilts and sows into their farms. Given this challenge, Matt Ackerman, DVM, Swine Veterinary Services, recommends producers start collecting oral fluid samples from gilts for testing prior to introducing them into the sow herd. This action will help prevent producers from inadvertently introducing the virus to a farm.

“Diagnostic labs have developed tests to quickly confirm what we are facing with PEDv,” Dr. Ackerman said. “Previous exposure to PEDv does not ensure your animals have immunity.”

Ackerman was among the first veterinarians in the U.S. to diagnose PEDv in 2013, and he was one of the first to experience a rebreak with a client in 2014. Noting the rebreak took twice as long to eliminate, he encourages producers and veterinarians to be prepared and consider effective ways to manage immunity, such as oral live viral exposure and vaccination.

Oral live viral exposure
“If a farm is exposed, efforts need to focus on homogenizing that sow and gilt population with oral live virus exposure. The process of administering oral live viral exposure to acclimating gilts should continue for as long as virus shedding is occurring in the farrowing house, Dr. Ackerman recommends.

Then, producers need to look at a vaccination program to make sure they can stabilize that virus and knock down the amount of shedding that is going on at the sow farm,” he said.

Vaccination
To boost immunity, vaccination is recommended for gilts after oral live virus exposure and for sows and gilts prior to farrowing. When vaccinating, be sure to follow all label directions for proper use, dosing, handling and timing to ensure all animals are vaccinated consistently.

“By not vaccinating, there’s a concern for continued shedding or various levels of immunity in the sow population,” Dr. Ackerman said. “We need to boost immunity to reduce the amount of maternal antibody differences in piglets to help maximize protection in the farrowing house, which is most vulnerable.”

After vaccination, it’s crucial for piglets to get adequate colostrum.

“The sow can have adequate immunity, but if she doesn’t pass it on in colostrum, you aren’t going to get the effect you need for added immunity,” said Rick Swalla, senior veterinarian, Pork Technical Services, Zoetis.

Vaccination is a tool to work in conjunction with good biosecurity and sanitation. In addition to building immunity, work with your farm veterinarian to design and update biosecurity practices and audit existing protocols.

“Your farm veterinarian is going to do the best job of creating comprehensive protocols that will work best for your farm,” Dr. Swalla said. “That’s key — this is part of many tools to help prevent PEDv as well as expedite the process of restoring farms’ health.”



Bayer Encourages Next Generation of Farmers to Apply for Young Farmer Sustainability Award

Bayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that demonstrate leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply. Applications may be accessed and completed online at http://bayercropscience.us/YFSA2016. All applications must be received by January 15, 2016.

Award applicants will be judged by a panel of industry experts on the following criteria: their entrepreneurial initiative and adoption of new approaches to farming (50%), their environmental and other on-farm sustainability efforts (30%), and their economic stability and sustainability (20%). The winning entrant will receive a 360 SOILSCAN™ portable soil testing system, an all-expense paid trip to the 2016 Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic in New Orleans, and credit towards a Farm Journal learning event.

“The next generation of farmers has a tough task ahead of them. They must meet the challenge of supporting a growing population through technology and innovation, and they must do it in a sustainable manner,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. “The Young Farmer Sustainability Award recognizes the next generation of growers who are applying the latest and greatest innovations on their farms to ensure that their business, their community and the environment will prosper.”

The next Young Sustainable Farmer will be selected in late January 2016, and the winner will be announced at the annual Bayer Ag Issues Forum, March 1 – 2 in New Orleans, just prior to the 2016 Commodity Classic. 2016 will mark the sixth year of the Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Last year’s winner was Andrew Fansler, CEO of Fansler Farms in Shelbyville, Indiana. Learn more about Fansler and previous winners by watching their profile videos here.

Bayer CropScience Twitter Page:
http://twitter.com/bayer4cropsus
http://twitter.com/bayerbeecare

Bayer CropScience Blog:
http://connect.bayercropscience.us

Bayer CropScience is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer CropScience representative, or visit Bayer CropScience online at www.bayercropscience.us.



Syngenta video explores the rooting power benefits of Vibrance® brand seed treatments across crops

Syngenta recently released a new video, “Dig Deeper: Getting down to the roots with Vibrance® seed treatment fungicide,” which takes viewers underground for an in-depth look at the rooting power benefits of Vibrance in corn, soybeans and wheat. The video combines animated illustrations and live footage.

Available on the Vibrance product page on the Syngenta U.S. web site, this video features the U.S. Seedcare technical product team: Bruce Battles, Seedcare Technology Manager, and Technical Product Leads Scott Martin, David Belles and Dale Ireland.

The video demonstrates the damage caused by Rhizoctonia and the importance of protecting young seedlings from this yield-robbing disease. Vibrance brand seed treatments shield the developing plant from Rhizoctonia infection and help increase plant stand and vigor during the critical early stages of growth when yield potential is determined.

Shorter, crop-specific videos for corn, soybeans and wheat are housed on Syngenta U.S. YouTube page.

Syngenta offers Vibrance across multiple crops and in combination with other leading seed treatments to help ensure growers achieve maximum return on investment. In addition to corn, wheat, soybeans and several other crops, Vibrance recently received registration for use on sugarbeets and cotton for the 2016 growing season.