Wednesday September 14 Ag News

Governor, ag groups point to reducing the tax burden, expanded trade, and regulatory relief as key for growth
Today at Husker Harvest Days, Governor Pete Ricketts and ag leaders representing major associations gathered to discuss growth strategies for Nebraska’s ag producers in light of the impact of low commodity prices on Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.

“Ag commodity prices are down, and it’s having an impact on our farm families and our state,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state’s economy.  Whether you ranch near Harrison or work for a food processer in Omaha, agriculture is a major driver of job creation and our economy statewide.  That is why it is so important to focus on how we can grow agriculture.  If we grow agriculture, we can grow Nebraska.”

During the news conference, the Governor and ag leaders identified providing property tax relief, expanding trade opportunities, and cutting red tape as key priorities for growing agriculture in the coming years.  The Governor urged Nebraskans to actively engage local governments in budget building to support fiscal restraint and local property tax relief.  He also mentioned his administration continues to study additional opportunities for tax reform.

“Today, we’re dealing with significantly lower prices for virtually every commodity we produce in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.  “This means that incomes are down, and farmers are spending less – not just on equipment and machinery, but all facets of their operations, including main street purchases.  While the ag economy has slowed, we can improve our economic outlook by encouraging fiscal restraint in state and local government, supporting property tax relief, growing trade, and cutting red tape.”

In addition to tax relief, the Governor and ag associations highlighted the importance of expanding trade relationships and their continued support for the ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) by Congress.

"Trade is vitally important for thriving markets, and Nebraska families and producers will benefit greatly with the passage of TPP,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Barb Cooksley.  “America needs this agreement now.  Every day without TPP, we lose over $400,000 in beef sales to Japan.  TPP will position our country on an equal playing field with world competitors."

At the news conference, the Governor and ag associations discussed the impact of some of the onerous regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and called upon Nebraskans to join them in pushing back on the federal government’s overreach.

“Regulations on agriculture have become increasingly burdensome,” said Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Larry Mussack.  “Whether they directly affect our industry or those that supply inputs, the results are the same in that agriculture pays.  In June of this year, the EPA released a proposed rule that would significantly lower the level of concern for atrazine.  Although not supported by science, this proposal would essentially lead to a de facto ban on atrazine use across the Corn Belt.  We are strongly encouraging farmers to submit comments to EPA during the open comment period that ends October 5th.  Farmers can go to www.fightepa.com to submit their comments.”

Leaders representing other major agricultural associations also joined the Governor at the news conference including Ken Boswell of the Nebraska Soybean Association, Dwaine Junck of the Nebraska State Dairy Association, Russ Vering of the Nebraska Pork Producers, and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach.



Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Announce 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

In front of a large crowd filled with show-goers, water and soil conservation supporters, farmers, ranchers, landowners, the media and more, the 2016 Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees have been announced!

The names of the inductees were announced Wednesday, September 14th outside the natural resources building on the southeast side of the show grounds at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island. They will be inducted at the Natural Resources Districts Annual Conference September 26th and 27th. Media is invited to attend.

Individuals who have made significant contributions through Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts resulting in improvements to the state’s natural resources are selected for this coveted honor once a year.

The candidates are elected into the Hall of Fame by vote of current NRD Managers and NARD Board of Directors. There are three Hall of Fame categories. They include: Natural Resources Districts Board member, Natural Resources Districts Employee and Natural Resources Districts Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes individuals outside the NRD system who have shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s on-going conservation effort.

The Hall of Fame inductees are:
James Irwin – Hall of Fame Natural Resources Districts Board members
Glenn Johnson – Hall of Fame Natural Resources Districts Employee
Dayle Williamson – Hall of Fame Natural Resources Districts Supporter

“My goodness that is a very special honor and I'm grateful to have been chosen from the nominees,” said inductee of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Hall of Fame Natural Resources Districts Board member. “I know there are many that are more worthy across the state in our network of Natural Resources Districts.”

Hall of Fame inductee, James Irwin, was nominated for the NRD Board member category by the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District. He's been an elected Director of the UNWNRD for almost five decades from 1972-2013. His service through water policy formation, water conservation and soil health is evident throughout the decades. In the 1960s, Irwin was instrumental in the formation of the Box Butte County Irrigation Association. Irwin has helped educate landowners about the nature of water use and water ownership in Nebraska and supports the chemigation program. Irwin was not afraid to vote in favor of unpopular policy where ground water declines needed to be addressed even though the actions impacted his neighbors as well as himself. He’s also developed the Irwin No-Till Demonstration site on the North edge of Alliance to help local producers and partners adapt to more progressive agricultural practices.

Hall of Fame inductee, Glenn Johnson, was co-nominated for the Hall of Fame NRD Staff category by Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. Johnson grew up on a no-till farm near Wakefield, Nebraska. When Lower Platte South NRD opened in 1972, he was one of three employees. Johnson retired this year as LPSNRD General Manager after 44 years of service. Johnson’s accomplishments include the Weeping Water and Stevens Creek watershed projects, use of conservation easements, the Antelope Valley Project, rural hike and bike trails and the voluntary Integrated Management Plan. He’s credited with lead roles in forging the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance, the Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership, the Joint Antelope Valley Authority and the NRD/City of Lincoln Stormwater partnership. Johnson also showed great support for the formation of a three-NRD project to combat phragmites on the lower Platte River and for a joint integrated management plan between seven NRDs. He will always be passionate about protecting our natural resources.

"Reflecting on my 44 years at Lower Platte South NRD, I am proud to be identified with Nebraska's unique natural resources districts and to be honored for my role in their growth to maturity and success," said inductee of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Hall of Fame Natural Resources District Employee, Glenn Johnson.

Hall of Fame inductee, Dayle E. Williamson, was nominated for the Hall of Fame category, Individual Outside the NRD System by Little Blue Natural Resources District. Williamson was born and raised on a family farm near Ohiowa, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the Nebraska National Guard for 30 years. As a leader of the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, he worked diligently with the State legislature to form Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts. Williamson was Director for the Commission until 2000 when he retired. He continued to assist in forming the Department of Natural Resources. In total, Williamson served Nebraska’s natural resources agencies for 42 years. He was a great friend and advocate for the NRD system, working closely with the districts in their project and program development and touting their value wherever he went. In 2001, he was appointed by U.S. Senator Ben Nelson as the Nebraska Agricultural Representative, working diligently on agriculture and military issues, a position he retained until 2013.

“I was surprised and honored,” said Dayle Williamson, inductee of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Hall of Fame Natural Resources Districts Supporter. “This award means a great deal because I was so heavily involved in the implementation of the NRDs. Certainly the NRD organization was the right way to go all those years back. I’ve been thinking about the NRDs a lot this last year. Especially with the development of the NRD Oral History Project (www.nrdstories.org) as well.”

All three Hall of Fame inductees will be presented their awards at the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Annual Conference banquet on Monday, September 26th, 2016 at 6 PM. Media is invited to attend.



McCornick begins new role as executive director of the Water for Food Global Institute

Peter G. McCornick, an internationally known expert in water, food and environmental research and practice, began work as the executive director of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska on Aug. 25.

McCornick most recently served as deputy director general for research at the International Water Management Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka, one of the world's foremost institutions dedicated to improving the management of water and land resources to ensure food security and reduce poverty. At Nebraska, he succeeds Roberto Lenton, who became WFI's founding executive director in 2012 and is returning to his faculty role in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

On his third day on the job, McCornick led WFI's delegation at World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the most important international conferences focusing on global water issues. McCornick introduced two sessions organized by WFI that were selected for the conference in a highly competitive juried process: "Telling Your Story to Make an Impact," and "Role Playing How Water Markets Improve Food Security and the Environment." Upon returning to the WFI office at Nebraska Innovation Campus, McCornick has begun meeting with advisory teams, faculty, staff and students from across the university who contribute to the work of the Water for Food Global Institute. He is participating in Husker Harvest Days with UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green and recently began planning for the 2017 Water for Food Global Conference, which will be April 10-12 in Lincoln.

"I greatly appreciate the warm and enthusiastic welcome we have received and I'm thrilled to be on board at the University of Nebraska. The past few weeks have confirmed to me that there's truly something special happening here with regard to water and food security," McCornick said. "We have talented and energetic faculty and tremendous partners across the state and beyond. I look forward to building on the early momentum of the Water for Food Global Institute to advance our impact on the health, security and well-being of people around the world."

NU President Hank Bounds said, "There is perhaps no more urgent challenge facing the world today than sustainably feeding the growing global population. The University of Nebraska, through our Water for Food Global Institute, is uniquely positioned to lead the way in developing solutions. We are fortunate to have Peter's expertise and global reputation in this position. His deep knowledge of water and agricultural development in global contexts and his strong leadership skills will accelerate the impact the institute is making toward ensuring water and food security in Nebraska and around the world."

NUconnections event
Faculty, staff, students, media and the public are invited to meet McCornick and the executive directors of the other three University of Nebraska institutes at "NUConnections," a public event on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center in Lincoln.

Susan Fritz, executive vice president and provost, dean of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska, will moderate a panel discussion with NU institute executive directors:
- Robert C. Hinson, National Strategic Research Institute
- Peter G. McCornick, Water for Food Global Institute
- Samuel J. Meisels, Buffett Early Childhood Institute
- Charles P. Schroeder, Rural Futures Institute

Fritz will provide an overview on the development of NU's four interdisciplinary, system-wide institutes, their important roles and her vision for their futures. Breakfast and a coffee bar from The Mill Coffee & Tea will be provided. There is no charge, though registration is requested online by Sept. 29.



National Farmers Union and Farm Aid Partner to Ask Congress for Immediate Assistance for Financially-Strained Farm Sector

Bolstered by National Farmers Union (NFU) and Farm Aid, 275 family farmers are uniting this week at the U.S. Capitol to ask for emergency assistance and increased funding to address the harsh economic realities brought on by historically low prices and too high production costs.

Both organizations caution that America’s farmers and ranchers can’t afford to wait until after the November elections for relief. They are asking Congress for emergency assistance for the hardest hit farmers and ranchers; increased funding for USDA farm loan programs; and resources to provide short-term remedies for low commodity prices, to be included in the upcoming Congressional spending package for FY2017.

“Low commodity prices and high input costs have been relentless, and 2014 Farm Bill safety net programs have failed to deliver the relief needed for farmers and ranchers to recover. Many of the families who produce food for America are in danger of losing everything. The time for Congress to act is now,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

In addition to meeting with Congressional offices, farmers also will meet with White House officials and U.S. Department of Agriculture leadership to discuss the dire situation in farm country and ask for support for farm programs at the NFU Fall Legislative Fly-In.

Net farm income for 2016 is forecasted to be 42 percent lower than it was in 2013, yet farm production expenditures were reported 4 percent higher last year compared to the same time period. Farm Aid and NFU say if meaningful relief isn’t available, this scenario, combined with the rising inability to access affordable credit, could put many farmers and ranchers out of business.

“Every week, we hear from family farmers facing these challenges on their farms. This is becoming the new normal for many farmers and ranchers across the country,” said Carolyn Mugar, Farm Aid’s Executive Director. “Farmers certainly need emergency assistance, but we have to move beyond that to a more permanent, sustainable solution.”

NFU and Farm Aid urged Congress to begin work on the next Farm Bill to provide a stronger safety net that protects family farmers and ranchers through long-term financial downturns.

The week of advocacy in Washington culminates in the annual Farm Aid concert, which takes place in Bristow, VA, on Saturday, September 17, and celebrates the crucial role of family farmers in the United States. On Thursday, September 15, Farm Aid will premier its documentary film, Homeplace Under Fire, (with link https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/farm-advocate-link/) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by a discussion with key USDA officials. On Friday, Farm Aid hosts an informal gathering to connect farmers, farm advocates and activists from across the country, to share issue and campaign updates and build community.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $50 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Farm Aid 2016 takes place Saturday, Sept. 17, in Bristow, Va. More information about the annual music and food festival is available at www.farmaid.org/concert.



Iowa Farm Bureau offers to pay for the defense of farmers, rural Iowans in the Des Moines Water

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) have offered to underwrite the legal costs for the defense of the drainage districts targeted in the Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) lawsuit so the northwest Iowa drainage districts, farmers and rural citizens can focus on defending the lawsuit without the impossible task of covering the cost of a multi-million-dollar lawsuit.

The offer was extended to the supervisors in Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac counties last week, since the supervisors act as trustees for the 10 drainage districts being targeted by DMWW’s lawsuit.

“Protecting farmers is really core to our mission at Farm Bureau,” IFBF President Craig Hill says.  “With one in five jobs directly tied to agriculture, rural Iowa has much at stake. If DMWW prevails in its lawsuit, it has the potential to adversely impact every Iowa farmer and farmers throughout the United States. We believe it’s essential for the future of Iowa agriculture and our rural communities for us to do what it takes to ensure the lawsuit is appropriately defended with adequate resources.”

A few months ago supervisors in the targeted counties ended their relationship with the Agricultural Legal Defense fund, which left drainage districts without sufficient resources to defend against the urban lawsuit. Drainage districts do not have ratepayers or general taxing authority with which to raise funds for these types of expenses.  To date, litigation costs for both sides combined have exceeded $2 million in the lawsuit.

The DMWW’s suit has garnered national attention, since it seeks to effectively change the Clean Water Act, forcing regulations and potential penalties on farmers; such action would put roadblocks on farmers’ efforts to continue trying new, innovative conservation practices to improve water quality.  

“Iowa farmers are taking on the challenge of improving water quality.  But, they also know this challenge is bigger than just farmers,” Hill says.  “It’s why we support the collaborative, research-based Iowa Water Quality Initiative so that farmers can adopt proven methods that work best for their farms.  The lawsuit only serves to delay that progress.”

The trial for the lawsuit is currently scheduled to be held in June of 2017.



Iowa Soybean Association backs public plan to fund state conservation efforts

Saying good intentions alone aren’t enough to generate adequate resources for statewide conservation work, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) reiterated its support for funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

The farmer-led ISA renewed its call for a solutions-based approach to water quality funding during a news conference launching Iowa’s Water & Land Legacy Coalition Sept. 12 in downtown Des Moines.

Representatives of agriculture, conservation, recreation and business backing the coalition, including the ISA, urged legislators to increase the state sales tax by at least three-eighths of 1 cent to fund the trust.

The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreational Trust Fund has remained unfunded since its formation in 2010 when it garnered 63 percent of the general election vote.

“Iowa soybean farmers are proud to stand in support of the long-term, dedicated funding that will enhance soil conservation, improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat and expand outdoor recreation,” said ISA CEO Kirk Leeds.

“While I’m proud of ISA’s leadership on improving environmental performance, we know there’s much more work to be done and at a quicker pace,” he added. “We must deploy more people into watersheds to work hand-in-hand with farmers and partners to install practices, collect data, analyze results and adjust and improve as we learn.”

Leeds said Iowans’ overwhelming support of the fund “is reflective of the interest and understanding they have in what it takes to significantly and positively impact the quality of our natural resources today and for future generations.”

A similar funding mechanism exists in Missouri and Minnesota.

Iowa soybean farmers have demonstrated their commitment to making real progress in soil and water conservation, says ISA President Rolland Schnell. This work will be emboldened by approval of an increase in the state’s sales tax.

The farmer from Newton said ISA has lent its support to other pragmatic solutions to benefit greater adoption of conservation practices while investing time and resources in watersheds to improve nutrient management.

“Farmers and landowners have and will continue to make investments that improve conservation, including cover crops, saturated buffers and bioreactors,” Schnell said. “But funding that would be stimulated by the trust fund, estimated at more than $180 million annually, would spur much-needed economies of scale.”

The time is now, he added, to make agricultural systems more resilient by maintaining agriculture’s productivity year-in and year-out despite extreme weather events.

“Using cover crops and no tillage and strip tillage helps our soil be less erosive,” Schnell said. “Many farmers have experienced erosive events due to heavy rainfalls that often occur when our soils are most vulnerable. Less tillage and increased use of cover crops is an effective one-two approach.”

Just like their urban neighbors, Schnell said farmers are mindful about the importance and quality of the state’s natural resources that soon will be inherited by the next generation.

“Taking care of our environmental resources now ensures that our farms and Iowa will be strong in the future,” he said. “This is fundamental to stewardship and it’s a shared investment. That’s why Iowans supported establishing the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreational Trust Fund. It’s now time to make good on this funding priority this legislative session.”



New data reaffirms carbon benefits of biodiesel

Biomass-based fuels present a tremendous opportunity to transition toward a more sustainable mix of renewable energy. This was a key theme of an alternative fuels workshop hosted today by the U.S. Department of Energy in Macon, Georgia. The workshop examined the sustainability of feedstocks like soybean oil, which can be used to make biodiesel or alternative jet fuel.

Wally Tyner, a professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, presented his research team’s latest findings today regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of producing biodiesel from soybeans.[1]  Those findings confirm that soybean oil offers very good carbon reduction when used to displace fossil fuel. Tyner is supported by the James and Louis Ackerman endowment.

“While these results are preliminary,” Tyner said, “our most recent analysis suggests that induced land use change emissions could be as much as 70 percent lower than those adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as recently as last year.”

Tyner and the experts at Purdue are using the latest version of the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to build upon the previous work done for CARB. Significant change results from updating the underlying data from 2004 to 2011. A lot changed in agriculture and biofuels between 2004 and 2011, Tyner said. Biofuel policies expanded greatly during that period. The other major factor reflects increased total outputs per farm area through yield improvements and practices such as double cropping.

“We now have much more data,” Tyner said. “We are better equipped to quantify potential land use change by observing what has actually happened in the real world, and calibrating our models to make better predictions on that basis.”

“Consensus is rarely achieved when it comes to the theory of indirect land use change, but one thing is clear,” said Don Scott, National Biodiesel Board director of sustainability. “As the accuracy and reliability of modeling improves, we observe a steady decline in the estimates of predicted land use change. This reaffirms that biodiesel reduces GHG emissions by at least 50 percent and suggests that the real benefit is greater than 80 percent.”

Biodiesel has long been championed by USDA and the Department of Energy for reducing carbon emissions by nearly 80 percent compared to petroleum[i]. The USEPA and CARB have gone beyond traditional lifecycle analysis to quantify the potential expansion of agriculture that might be induced by major biofuel policies.

Both regulatory agencies have conducted economic modeling to quantify this indirect effect. While each confirms that biodiesel reduces emissions by at least 50 percent even after adding potential indirect emissions[ii], interest remains in studying these effects with more certainty, Scott said.

“Today’s announcement adds confidence in the GHG benefits of biodiesel, while improving our understanding of how agriculture can respond to growing demand,” he said.



Beef Cattle Institute launches pregnancy analytics mobile app

The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University is making it easier for producers and veterinarians to manage pregnancy diagnosis information with a new mobile app called Pregnancy Analytics.

Designed to serve as an instant data collection and analysis tool, the app will facilitate the transformation of data into actionable information for individual herds.

Not only will the app allow cattlemen to input records chute-side with ease, but it will evaluate the success of the breeding program at the time that a herd is palpated and provide a benchmark for comparison against other herds in the region.

The app will accept the following information:
• Pasture ID/herd name.
• Breed — up to three breeds, or other cow description.
• Cow ID.
• Age.
• Body condition score.
• Number of days bred.

From this, projected calving dates are generated and graphs are created to display the distribution of the producer's future calving season.

"The Pregnancy Analytics app offers easier data entry than using a pen and paper while providing the immediate data assessment and visualization of a chute-side computer," said Robert Larson, the Roger E. and M. Elizabeth Coleman chair in food animal production medicine at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Additionally, the data and report can be emailed to the client or stored on the device, and the data can be converted to a spreadsheet for further appraisal."

According to Brad White, interim director of the Beef Cattle Institute, or BCI, and professor of production medicine, this is the first of several interactive decision-making tools that will be designed for industry use.

"Veterinarians can use this app to convert pregnancy-check data to actionable information for their clients," he said. "This is the first of several apps that BCI will be releasing to enhance decision-making by veterinarians and their beef clients."

The Pregnancy Analytics app is available for download for Apple or Android markets. More information can be found at beefcattleinstitute.org, or contact 785-564-7459 for assistance.

Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute utilizes collaborative multidisciplinary expertise to promote successful beef production through the discovery and delivery of actionable information and innovative decision support tools. The institute's activities also are part of the university's leadership in global food systems.



Fertilizer Prices Plunging

Retail fertilizer prices continue to decline for the fifth consecutive week, according to national average prices tracked by DTN for the first week of September. Once again, all eight major fertilizers were lower compared a month earlier with all but one marking considerable prices drops.

One thing that is new this week is multiple fertilizers with double-digit price declines. 10-34-0 is 13% lower compared to month earlier while UAN32 is 11% less expensive and UAN28 is 10% lower. 10-34-0 averaged $478 per ton, UAN32 $274/ton and UAN28 $228/ton.

Just missing a double-digit price decline was anhydrous, which was down 9% compared to the previous month. Urea slid 7%, potash was 6% less expensive and MAP was down 5%. Anhydrous had an average price of $502/ton, urea $325/ton, potash $325/ton and MAP $464/ton.

One fertilizer, DAP, was only just slightly lower in price compared to a month ago. The phosphorus fertilizer averaged $446/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.35/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.41/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Another farmer who hasn't locked in any fertilizer yet is Scott Wallis. The Princeton, Indiana, farmer said he noticed lower prices. He spreads his own fertilizer, so he buys his fertilizer direct. Those prices are 25% to 30% lower than last year for potash and about 20% less DAP, he said.

According to DTN surveys, retail fertilizers are significantly lower compared to a year earlier. All fertilizers are now double digits lower.

Both MAP and 10-34-0 are now down 20% and both DAP and UAN32 are 21% lower. Anhydrous is now 23% lower, UAN28 is 24% less expensive, urea is down 25% and potash is 31% lower compared to a year ago.



NAWG Continues to Push for Market Access to Cuba

Today, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) submitted testimony to the House Committee on Agriculture leadership, Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Peterson, in regards to the House Committee on Agriculture hearing on American Agriculture Trade with Cuba. The hearing was held to provide interested parties the opportunity to expand on their opinions regarding opening the Cuban market for American farmers, ranchers and businesses. NAWG also signed on to testimony submitted by the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, a coalition consisting of a range of agricultural commodity and farm member organizations, of which NAWG is a member.

As a member of the USAAC, NAWG supports the elimination of trade barriers with Cuba, because Cuba represents a large market for American wheat exports, and current financing restrictions complicate trade channels between the U.S. and Cuba. The current financing restrictions require Cuban buyers of U.S. agricultural products to pay cash in advance or finance the transaction through third-country banking institutions.

“These restrictions put U.S. wheat farmers at a global disadvantage as other foreign competitors usurp market shares, offering more favorable credit terms,” said NAWG President Gordon Stoner. “It is important that NAWG continues to work with Congress to fight for American wheat growers’ right to fair market access.”

NAWG’s comments on this issue emphasize that these financing restrictions should be one focus of discussions revolving around the economic value of Cuba as a trading partner and barriers that remain. It is crucial that Congress acts to reject any language that would reverse or hinder the U.S. wheat industry’s ability to compete with other countries currently utilizing Cuba as a trading partner.



Texas Tech University System Forms College of Veterinary Medicine Steering Committee

The committee, composed of veterinarians, agriculture and community leaders and members of academia, will guide the system’s veterinary school initiative.

When first announcing plans to develop a College of Veterinary Medicine, the Texas Tech University System vowed to work with partners and colleagues outside of the institution. Building an innovative and transformative model for veterinary medicine from the ground up involves a collaborative approach, and a project this size cannot happen without the support of veterinarians and community and industry leaders.

Honoring this promise, the Texas Tech University System has created a steering committee for its proposed College of Veterinary Medicine, which will be housed at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center campus in Amarillo.

The steering committee, which met in Lubbock for the first time in early September, will work with Chancellor Robert Duncan, Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center President Tedd Mitchell to guide the direction of Texas Tech’s veterinary school. Through their collaboration, members of the steering committee will provide critical insight, shape the veterinary school’s development and help address the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and small communities.

“Collaboration is essential to the success of our unique model for veterinary medicine at Texas Tech, and we are fortunate to have an outstanding group of distinguished leaders from the community, industry, academia and veterinary profession,” Duncan said. “I appreciate their commitment to this important initiative and look forward to their help with our vision of transforming veterinary education and providing innovative solutions for the critical needs of this region, our state and the agriculture industry.”

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized in a report released in July the need for an innovative, non-traditional veterinary school in Texas that could address the critical shortage of large animal and rural veterinarians and the implications this shortage will have on the food supply.

Texas Tech’s model for a veterinary school is unlike any other in the United States, serving the needs of the agriculture industry and veterinary medicine students. It increases accessibility and affordability while not duplicating the state’s existing veterinary medicine efforts. Texas Tech’s model also offers a cost-effective option that reduces student debt and focuses on rural community practice.

“The shortage of veterinarians in Texas, especially in rural areas, has been a problem for many years, and to ensure the safety of our food supply and the continued prosperity of our state, we must do what’s best for the industry, our fellow Texans and our future,” said former Texas House of Representatives Speaker Pete Laney, a member of the steering committee. “As an agriculture state, the nation and our world depend on Texas for food and fiber, and Texas Tech’s proposal for a new, innovative veterinary school is a much-needed solution to a severe challenge. It is a cost-efficient, trailblazing model, and it deserves the positive endorsement of our legislature.”

Texas Tech’s proposed veterinary school will utilize established strengths at two of its universities, Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

The proposed college will enrich the practice of veterinary medicine by producing practice-ready veterinarians who serve and enhance the vibrancy of the rural communities important throughout Texas while substantially reducing the cost of education at the same time. 



Challenger Introduces Tough, Sophisticated MT400E Mid-Range Tractors

Challenger®, a global brand of AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), launched the MT400E Series tractors at Husker Harvest Days 2016. Five new models in this series feature Challenger toughness and the most robust offering of features available in mid-range tractors from Challenger. With max engine horsepower ratings from 120 to 160 and the choice of three transmission options, including the TechStar™ (CVT), they are ideal for all-around use on livestock and row crop operations. Models include the MT455E (120 hp), MT465E (130 hp), MT475E (140 hp), MT485E (150 hp) and MT495E (160 hp).

“Customers who have previewed these tractors have been impressed with the range of operator conveniences available from tractors with this level of power, stability and lift capacity. With features such as our optional industry-exclusive multi-function joystick and three transmission options, many customers are finding the MT400E Series offers the right combination for their operations,” says Eric Zimmerman, AGCO tactical marketing manager.

Improved operator efficiency with multi-function joystick
“These are big mid-range tractors ideal for someone who wants to run a large round baler or a mower conditioner, or pull mid-size planters and tillage equipment. When equipped with the CVT transmission and the multi-function joystick, MT400E Series tractors also are extremely efficient and well-suited for material handling for livestock and hay operations. The ergonomically designed, easy-to-use joystick controls all loader functions as well as directional and speed changes,” he explained.

The MT400E Series tractors boast a base weight of 15,432 lbs. and maximum loader lift capacity of 5,032 lbs. at the pivot pin. An optional, factory-installed live 3rd function enables up to three loader functions simultaneously to make loader work even easier.

“Dairy producers are constantly unloading and loading feed, hay or other material,” he continues. “With the multi-function joystick, loader work is much easier and more efficient because an operator can control the loader as well as move the tractor backward and forward with one hand.”

Row-crop operators also will appreciate having all controls at their fingertips, from easy configuration and set up of headland management to flow control valves for the hydraulic system on the pillar panel and console. The tractors also are well-suited for roadside mowing and municipal use.

Tier 4 Final power with no diesel particulate filter
The Challenger MT400E Series tractors are powered with a 4.9L AGCO Power™ 4-cylinder diesel engine meeting EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – meaning no diesel particulate filter, no regeneration requirements and no exhaust gas recirculation system. The engines breathe intercooled intake air provided by a new turbocharger equipped with an electronic wastegate, and are fed by a 29,000 psi fuel injection system. The engine service interval is 600 hours.

A new Vistronic engine-cooling fan automatically adjusts air flow through the radiator depending upon operating conditions, a feature that also improves engine brake efficiency by 15% over previous models.

To enable the MT400E Series to stay in the field working longer, engineers have included a 54-gallon fuel tank and a 7.9-gallon secondary Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank.

Technology in three transmission options ensures proper power to the ground at all times
Three transmission choices ensure the tractor is equipped to match the job at hand as well as the operator’s preferences. To efficiently deliver power to the ground and obtain the most productivity from every gallon of diesel fuel, AGCO engineers have equipped the MT400E Series with Engine Power management (EPM). This advanced electronic engine and transmission management system adjusts to provide more fuel when operating conditions require it, delivering the extra power needed for optimum performance in the field and on the road.

Each of the three transmission choices for the MT400E Series includes EPM. They include:
    The TechStar CVT, a true continuously variable transmission with no clutch packs, capable of road speeds up to 31 mph.
    The AutoPower VI, 24F/24R Semi-Powershift with 4 ranges and 6 Powershifts per range and road speeds up to 31 mph.
    The standard AutoPower IV, 16F/16R Semi-Powershift with 4 ranges and 4 Powershifts per range with a max road speed up to 25 mph.

“The Power Management system operates automatically without operator involvement,” Zimmerman says.

Improved ride and traction available through dampened suspension
The MT400E Series uses a proven front axle with QuadLink suspension, fully adjustable from the cab. The linkage has 4.5 inches of travel and is controlled by a single hydraulic cylinder and accumulator mounted in the axle housing.

Cab suspension for the MT400E Series tractors includes regular mechanical suspension or an optional active mechanical system which allows dampening forces to be increased from the cab, on-the-go, up to 15% in the field and 30% on the road.

High visibility cab adds to operator comfort and efficiency
Ergonomically-designed cab controls keep operator efficiency high with a multi-function joystick for tractor operation. Also, well-designed pillar controls and a 50% larger, brightly-lighted, multi-colored digital Setup and Information Screen (SIS) and analog center dash control display help the operator monitor system functions and manage the hydraulic system.

Another benefit of the MT400E Series is improved visibility, made possible due to the compact emission control system allowing AGCO engineers to use a slimmer, offset exhaust stack tucked neatly behind the cab pillar.

In addition, the MT400E Series offers optional Fast Steering, allowing the operator to adjust the steering ratio for more or fewer turns of the steering wheel so loading and headland turns are faster and easier.

Outside, all models have 540/1000 PTOs. With the TechStar CVT transmission, up to four PTO options are available including Economy operation selections along with a choice of open or closed center hydraulics.

For more information about the new Challenger MT400E Series tractors, contact your local Challenger dealer or visit www.challenger-ag.us.



Hesston by Massey Ferguson® Introduces Triple Window Attachment

Hesston by Massey Ferguson®, the industry-leading hay equipment brand from AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), introduced an all-new triple windrow attachment (TWA) for WR9800 self-propelled windrowers during Husker Harvest Days 2016. Designed specifically to enhance forage harvesting efficiency, the TWA allows operators to place freshly cut forage in the windrow configuration best suited to the capacity and capability of the operator’s forage harvester or baler. This capability eliminates raking or merging windrows together, reducing trips through the field, lowering fuel and equipment costs and reducing labor needs.

“The new triple windrow attachment is designed to match the preferences and needs of most producers and commercial forage harvesters,” says Shaun Allred, tactical marketing manager for hay and forage products at AGCO. “Whether windrowing heavy first-cutting alfalfa, light grass hay or thick, heavy forage crops, the TWA attachment installed on a WR9800 Series windrower will produce uniform and consistent single, double or triple windrows.

“Harvesters who have tested the TWA, really appreciate the consistency of the windrows and how smoothly and steadily crop flows into their chopper or baler,” Allred explains. “They also appreciate having the ability to chop three combined, 16-foot windrows in one pass. This keeps the chopper running at full capacity to optimize productivity and their investment in a high-capacity forage harvester.”

Even greater precision and efficiency can be achieved when the TWA is used in combination with the Auto-Guide guidance system in WR9800 windrowers. In exacting passes through a field, operators can easily place two windrows side by side to promote faster drying or lay three windrows, one on top of the other, for full-capacity feeding into a chopper. Auto-Guide guidance helps prevent overlap and strips of uncut crop.

Design features enhance performance, ease of use
The TWA is easy to operate and configure to the crop conditions and the needs of the harvester. A new design allows quick, easy operator adjustment of the discharge angle control at the end of the deck, putting the windrow exactly where the operator wants it. A new belt tensioning system features simple, one-bolt adjustment.

The TWA can be raised and lowered independently of the header position, and the draper belt automatically stops moving once the TWA deck reaches the raised position. Finally, belt speed and deck raise and lower are programmable functions in the FNR (forward and reverse) handle of the WR9800 Series which has nine user-configured, programmable control buttons and two standard buttons, putting all machine, header and TWA functions in one location. The deck lock also is controlled from the FNR handle.

Thoughtful location of the 48-inch-wide draper deck under the tractor allows a longer 128-inch deck for better crop placement options and greater ability to accommodate heavy crop.

For more information about Hesston hay equipment, including the new triple windrow attachment for WR9800 Series self-propelled windrowers, or to find a dealer near you, visit masseyferguson.us.