Tuesday October 25 Ag News

Lt. Governor Foley Announces Colfax County as Newest Nebraska Livestock Friendly County

Today, Lt. Governor Mike Foley announced that Colfax County has become the newest county in Nebraska to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).  Colfax County is the 41st designated Livestock Friendly County in Nebraska.  The LFC designation ceremony was held at the Colfax County Courthouse in Schuyler, Nebraska.

“Having a Livestock Friendly County designation for Colfax County makes good sense as agriculture and livestock continue to have a tremendous impact on the local economy here,” said Lt. Governor Foley.  “Out of Colfax County’s nearly $337 million dollars in agriculture receipts in 2012, $222 million dollars came from livestock sales.  By requesting and receiving the state’s designation, Colfax County is saying that it is open for agri-business and all the benefits that come with responsible livestock production.”

Created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature, the LFC program is designed to recognize counties in the state that support the expansion of the livestock industry.  In 2014, livestock receipts in the state comprised over half of the $24 billion of Nebraska’s total on-farm receipts.  The LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

“We are pleased to welcome Colfax County as the 41st Livestock Friendly County in Nebraska,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach.  “The LFC program is built on local support.  It shows that a county can actively support growth and development in the livestock industry and turn it into more economic activity and job opportunities for the whole county.”

Counties wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation.  Then a completed application must be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.  Local producers or groups can encourage county officials to apply.

Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available on NDA’s website at www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.



MICHAEL BOEHM NAMED UNIVERSITY'S IANR CHIEF

      Michael Boehm has been named the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Nebraska vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

      "We are tremendously excited to have Dr. Boehm join us at Nebraska's land-grant university," Chancellor Ronnie Green said. "His vision, passion and experience will be instrumental in leading IANR to even greater accomplishments and service to Nebraskans and the world. Mike's background in research and teaching, his national leadership in plant pathology, and his leadership of system-wide initiatives at Ohio State make him extremely well qualified for this integral role. His energetic, inclusive and thoughtful approach is a fantastic fit for our culture, and we look forward to Mike taking IANR's recognized momentum to even higher levels of international leadership."

      Boehm is currently professor of plant pathology and vice provost for academic and strategic planning at The Ohio State University. He has been responsible for strategic planning for Ohio State’s 15 colleges and six campuses; K-12 and community college partnerships; the University Libraries System, College of Public Affairs and Office of Institutional Research and Planning; dean reappointment and academic unit reviews; integrated capital planning; and classroom readiness. He oversees Ohio State's Discovery Themes initiative, a 10-year program to produce solutions to the challenges of the 21st century, and serves as co-lead for the Humanities and the Arts Discovery Theme.

      Boehm, 51, is an authority on the integrated management of turfgrass diseases and focuses on the biology, ecology and management of fungal diseases. He also works on the integrated management of Fusarium head blight of wheat with a focus on the development of biological control strategies for this economically important and challenging disease. He is widely published, holds five U.S. and 15 international patents related to his work on the biocontrol of Fusarium head blight, and has secured significant external funding in support of his personal research. In 2013, Boehm was president of the American Phytopathological Society, the leading scientific organization for plant pathology in the world.

      "The University of Nebraska is well-known for its leading work and contributions in ag and natural resources and human sciences, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to build on that work," Boehm said. "The people of Nebraska and the university are deeply committed to advancement in agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources, and there's an inherent understanding that what happens in Nebraska influences lives around the world. I'm eager to become part of that dynamic and honored to have the chance to work with IANR's amazing faculty, staff and students, as well as with external partners and renowned thought leaders in ag and natural resources."

      Boehm will provide leadership for all agricultural and natural resource affairs at the university. In the dual role of IANR vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and NU vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Boehm has leadership of the campuses for all agricultural, natural resources and related affairs in the University of Nebraska system. As vice president, Boehm will oversee the executive directors of the Rural Futures Institute and the Daugherty Global Water for Food Institute and the dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. The vice chancellor is the chief administrative officer for IANR, which includes the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the Agricultural Research Division, Nebraska Extension, and the IANR research and extension components of the College of Education and Human Sciences. The vice chancellor is responsible for an enterprise with more than 1,600 full-time employees including a tenure-track faculty of 330, nearly 40,000 acres of land and a budget with annual expenditures of over $215 million.

      "Mike is a great addition to our university community," NU President Hank Bounds said. “The area of ag and natural resources has always been vital for our state and the work done here is of growing importance globally. Having Mike in this leadership role will further our contributions, elevating and accelerating research and collaboration needed to make a bigger impact on some of the world's most pressing challenges."

      The appointment is pending Board of Regents approval. Boehm will join the university Jan. 1 and assume responsibilities from Ron Yoder, who was appointed IANR's interim vice chancellor shortly after Green vacated the position to become chancellor in May of this year.

    "I want to particularly thank Ron Yoder for his excellent leadership of IANR during this transition," Green said. "As IANR's associate vice chancellor since 2011, Ron has provided exceptional and strategic leadership directly overseeing the unprecedented expansion of IANR's faculty by nearly 30 percent. I also want to thank the search committee of 29 individuals led by co-chairs Tiffany Heng-Moss and Mike Johanns for their outstanding service in this successful and timely search, as well as all candidates and finalists for this role. It's a testament to our international reputation in agriculture and natural resources that the university attracted such high-caliber candidates."



USDA Invests Nearly $962,000 to Support 40 Nebraska Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects

USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul announces the awarding of nearly $962,000 in grants for 40 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are supported through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

"Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects supports rural and local energy sources.  Energy creates jobs, reduces greenhouse gas pollution and aligns us for a more secure energy future,” said Moul.

The projected energy savings from the announced projects is equivalent to the amount required to power 345 homes.  Siouxland Ethanol, LLC will produce enough energy to fuel 6,775 vehicles.  Funding for the projects is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

The recipients, and their counties, include:

Antelope    
-Sharon Wilkinson - $6,150 - Diesel to electric motor conversion
-Elsie Coy - $14,455 - Propane to electric irrigation conversion
-Schindler Grain & Livestock, LLC - $6,726 - Diesel to electric motor conversion

Burt   
-Gary Powell - $12,170 - Install 24.4 kW solar array
-Gregory Brummond - $9,927 - Install 10 kW solar array     

Cedar 
-Cedar View Country Club, Inc. - $4,722 - Windows and insulated siding

Cuming
-Ru_De's Mart, Inc. - $10,940 - Freezer replacement

Dakota
-Siouxland Ethanol, LLC - $500,000 - Install additional fermenter and cooling tower and upgrade existing beer masher unit

Holt   
-Rocking Diamond A Ranch, LLC - $3,115 - Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion

Knox 
-Robert Green - $3,854 - Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
-Ryan Ruzicka - $10,924 - Diesel to electric irrigation motor conversion
-The Blfd Closet, LLC - $8,268 - HVAC replacement and adding of insulation

Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydroelectric, ocean energy, hydrogen, and geothermal.

Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less (25% of total eligible project costs) are due by Oct. 31, 2016, for the first funding cycle and March 31, 2017, for the second funding cycle.  Grant requests for this round have a simplified, streamlined process and can be as low as $2,500 for renewable energy projects and $1,500 for energy efficiency projects. The next funding deadline will be March 31, 2017 for projects of any size with maximum grants limited to $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency projects (25% of total eligible project costs).

Any eligible applications not funded during the October 31, 2017 funding cycle will be reconsidered.  Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency guaranteed loans (up to 75% of total eligible project costs) are accepted at any time and compete on a monthly basis. The minimum guaranteed loan amount to a borrower is $5,000 and the maximum amount is $25 million.



NEBRASKA FARMERS UNION PAC ENDORSES REP. BRAD ASHFORD

Today, the Nebraska Farmers Union PAC announced their endorsement of Congressman Brad Ashford in his reelection campaign.

“Nebraska’s agriculture industry is the third largest in the nation based on cash receipts, and it is one of the largest sectors of the our state economy,” said John Hansen, NEBFARMPAC Secretary. “Our organization needs and appreciates the fact that Brad Ashford is our state’s only member on the House Agriculture Committee. Our state is well served by Brad Ashford, who has both an open door and an open mind as he serves Nebraska and agriculture. We need to keep Brad on the House Ag Committee, especially since work has already begun on the next Farm Bill.”

“I am honored to have the support of the Nebraska Farmers Union PAC and our agriculture community,” said Rep. Ashford. “I have enjoyed the positive relationship I have with the Nebraska Farmers Union, and I look forward to continue working with our ag community and my colleagues in Congress to pass meaningful legislation for our farmers.

Congressman Brad Ashford serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and hosts an annual summit on urban agriculture that connects farmers, nonprofits, and small business owners to discuss access to healthy produce in our communities.



Reminder: Request absentee ballot for Iowa  Beef Checkoff vote by Nov. 23

Eligible cattle producers in Iowa have less than a month to request an absentee ballot for the Iowa state beef checkoff.

The proposed checkoff would be assessed at a rate of 50 cents per head on all Iowa cattle sold. The checkoff would be mandatory, but refunds will be available.

State checkoff could be used more flexibly
The federal beef checkoff has been $1 a head for thirty years. There are few things that have stayed at the same price since the 1980s, so naturally, the power of that $1 has diminished. In the meantime, the beef industry has been faced with increasing global competition and record pork and poultry production. It is clear to many that more investment is needed.

The federal checkoff amount is not the only thing that has stayed the same. While individual programs may have changed and adapted, the way the funds can be used has not changed. Limited mainly to promotion and research related to the beef product, the federal beef checkoff’s scope is much narrower than many other commodity checkoffs and definitely more restrictive than the state checkoff would be.

The state beef checkoff would be 50 cents per head on all cattle sold in Iowa, and the funds generated would be used to address many of the unique challenges Iowa producers have. In an industry that is increasingly dominated by larger producers, Iowa is different. Here, we have a wide variety of operations in size and scope, and with that, some unique needs. The state beef checkoff could not only be used more flexibly than the federal checkoff, but it could be used to address the issues specific to Iowa cattle producers.

Whether it’s research into cattle’s role in improving water quality or research into how Iowa feeders can maintain leverage in today’s cattle market, production research needs will be one of the gaps filled by the state beef checkoff. And unlike the federal checkoff, the state checkoff funds could be used to market Iowa’s beef as different and superior to beef from other states.

State beef checkoff priorities
The priorities for the state beef checkoff were developed by our producer members, through a survey facilitated in the fall of 2015. As a grassroots organization, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association leaders feel that input from producers is vital when making major strategic decisions. And although the state beef checkoff funds would be administered by the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the same organization that administers the federal checkoff, ICA members will continue to have a voice in how the state funds are used.

As the referendum nears, we encourage cattle producers to reach out to ICA with any questions or concerns they may have about the proposed state checkoff. As is the case with all major issues, we want to hear first-hand input from our members. Visit www.iacattlemen.org or call 515-296-2266 to contact us.

How to Vote
Vote by absentee ballot: request a ballot from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by calling 515.281.5321, or by e-mail at beefvote@iowaagriculture.gov.

Absentee ballots must be requested by November 23 and postmarked by November 30.

Vote on November 30: If voting in-person is preferred, producers can also vote at their local county extension office on November 30 from 8 am to 4:30 pm.



Farmer-Mentor Roundtables Highlight Iowa Organic Conference

Registration is still available for the 16th annual Iowa Organic Conference. A joint effort between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability, the conference will be held Nov. 13-14 on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. This year’s theme is ‘Perennial Passion: Building Resilience into Organic Systems’, highlighting how organic practices have been critical for preserving pollinator habitat and reducing erosion.

Fred IutziFarmer-mentor roundtables will offer farmers who are interested in transitioning to organic or have specific organic questions an opportunity to meet individually with organic farmers and organic certification experts.

“The market for organic products in the United States reached $43 billion in 2015 and the demand for organic grains and produce continues to exceed supply,” said Kathleen Delate, professor and extension organic specialist at Iowa State. “Growers everywhere are encouraged to consider the potential for organic production.”

The conference’s keynote speaker is Fred Iutzi, president of The Land Institute. Iutzi will speak on the benefits of perennial plants for both farms and landscapes.

The conference begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, with a roundtable featuring organic farmers who will be able to answer questions about organic production. A keynote talk by Dr. Caroline Halde, assistant professor in sustainable agriculture at the Université Laval in Québec, Canada, will follow at 4 p.m. Halde will present a slide show on local food producers who use successful organic practices to meet market demand.

A reception, featuring local and organic food and drinks, will follow at 6 p.m. in the UI Memorial Union, followed by the movie “What’s on Your Plate,” which explores the benefits of local and organic food production in our food system.

The conference lunch on Monday afternoon highlights local and organic produce, meats and dairy products assembled into a gourmet meal by award-winning UI Executive Chef Barry Greenberg and his team.

Monday’s break-out sessions include transitioning into organic farming, weed management, organic livestock health, organic no-till for grain and vegetable crops, and growing small grains. The conference also includes information on soil and water quality research, crop insurance for organic producers, economic and financial assistance for organic producers, and local food system initiatives such as food hubs and Grow Johnson County.



A Record Corn Harvest Continues as Iowa Corn Farmers Host Japanese Feed Buyers

A U.S. Grains Council (USGC) trade team representing the Japanese corn processing, feed and corn trade industries as well as a hog and poultry industry journalist will travel to Iowa October 27-29 following the Export Exchange conference in Detroit. This event brings together international buyers with U.S. sellers of corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn gluten meal and corn gluten feed and includes accompanying field tours to surrounding states like Iowa.

“The goal of hosting this team will be to maintain and further the relationships the U.S. Grains Council has cultivated between U.S. suppliers and Japanese importers, grain processors and end-users,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Director Carl Jardon, a farmer from Randolph. “This mission trip will give them the opportunity to see the corn production chain first-hand, ask questions directly at farms, elevators and ethanol plants, increasing their understanding of the quality advantages of U.S. corn and DDGs.”

Their journey through Iowa will begin on Thursday in Des Moines with a tour of DuPont Pioneer’s Research and Development headquarters and laboratories. Then they will travel on Friday to Jewell to visit the Poet ethanol plant as well as the Ag Partners coop in Ellsworth. Their day will then end with a tour of ICGA Director Denny Friest’s farm in Radcliffe. On Saturday, they will visit the Green Plains ethanol production facility in Shenandoah on the way to their final stop at ICGA Director Carl Jardon’s farm in Randolph.

“U.S. corn exports are doing well right now, largely due to Brazil and Argentina’s drought,” said Jardon. “More countries like Japan are shifting to U.S. corn which is good for Iowa’s farmers. We will hopefully give them the right tools they need to purchase the high-quality U.S. corn they demand and continue to increase their confidence in the United States’ ability to provide them with a consistent product. It will be especially crucial for them to learn about the long-term purchasing strategies and utilization of U.S. distillers grains in their feed rations.”

With a population of 127 million and a thriving agricultural sector, Japan leads the way in imports of U.S. corn as well as co-products such as distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGs). Currently, the country ranks as the second largest market for U.S. corn. So far in the 2015/16 marketing year, Japan has imported more than 409 million bushels of U.S. corn, valued at more than $1.8 billion dollars. In the 2014/15 marketing year, Japan bought more than 472 million bushels U.S. corn, valuing $2.2 billion dollars. Japan is currently the tenth largest buyer of U.S. DDGS for this year, having purchased more than 295 million metric tons of the corn co-product, valued at $57.8 million dollars.



Bullish Agribusiness Opportunities Exist In Global Market

There are ample agribusiness opportunities available throughout the world, according to Christopher Nolan Sr., managing director and co-head of food, beverage and agribusiness coverage at PricewaterhouseCoopers Corporate Finance LLC, who gave the keynote address Tuesday to the more than 400 attendees of the Export Exchange 2016 conference.

Co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Export Exchange 2016 offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum, barley and other commodities. More than 200 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from more than 35 countries are in attendance at the conference.

There are a number of forces impacting agribusiness, Nolan told the Export Exchange audience in Detroit, including technology convergence, population growth, sustainability and food security, all of which the agriculture industry can address.

“Evolving technology in agriculture will continue. Resourceful farmers will continue to find ways to utilize technology to increase yield and reduce costs,” he said. Agribusiness is a global business and will continue to remain one, he added.

In his presentation, Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of RFA, gave an overview of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and its potential impact on trade.

"No matter who wins the presidential election on Nov. 8, trade is too important to our consumers, our agricultural system and our entire economy to be relegated to the kind of hyperbolic, overblown and ultimately counterproductive political rhetoric that has beset the campaigns in recent months," he said. "Despite that rhetoric, we believe free and fair trade, and trade pacts, are going to continue to play an important role in our agricultural economy."

During the first general session of the conference, attendees also heard about the state of agriculture exports.

"The U.S. is set to produce record crops of 384 million metric tons in 2016. Of that, we expect to export 55 million metric tons of corn – another record. These numbers just go to demonstrate the productivity of our industry," said Chip Councell, chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, and a farmer in Maryland.

"With feed grain prices expected to remain competitive over the near term, there is no better opportunity than now to invest in expanded livestock production. We, U.S. farmers, encourage our foreign customers to invest in the future and use this abundance of feed grains to expand their capacity for grain use – with livestock, in ethanol and beyond."

In his presentation, RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper provided an outlook of the U.S. ethanol industry co-product exports, with a focus on DDGS.

“We expect to see continued modest growth in U.S. distiller's grains and corn gluten supplies, as ethanol production continues slow expansion,” he said.

Over the last 10 years, there has been dramatic growth in exports to Asian markets, particularly to China, however DDGS exports to China have been highly volatile since 2008, he noted. But exports to other regions are steady or expanding, Including Mexico, Thailand, Turkey and several other countries, he added.

Export Exchange 2016 will continue through Wednesday afternoon with additional speakers, a robust trade show and networking opportunities.



 EPA Probes Dicamba Use

The drama over possible illegal use of dicamba continues. The Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that it executed federal search warrants at several southeastern Missouri locations as part of an investigation into alleged misuse or misapplication of dicamba onto herbicide-tolerant soybeans and cotton.

The agency said in a formal statement that the activity was part of an ongoing criminal inquiry and stems from widespread complaints of damage to sensitive crops across Missouri and several other states in the Midwest and Southeast. Special agents of the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) served the warrants during the week of October 10 in Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, New Madrid and Stoddard counties of Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture received 124 dicamba-related complaints this summer, mostly within the four counties included in the EPA probe. The complaints allege damage across more than 41,000 acres to soybeans, peaches, tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupe, rice, purple-hull peas, peanuts, cotton and alfalfa, as well as to residential gardens, trees and shrubs, according to EPA's news release.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is currently investigating 47 dicamba-related complaints. In Arkansas, 28 dicamba complaints are pending.

Seed carrying the dicamba-tolerant trait, broadly known as the Xtend cropping system, is approved for planting in the U.S. However, Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer and a number of trait licensees sold the seed for 2016 planting without an EPA-approved, dicamba-based herbicide to use with that trait. Monsanto also sold some cotton varieties containing the Xtend trait in 2015 and 2016.

The labels on older formulations of dicamba do not allow those herbicides to be used in mid-season postemergence applications in soybeans or cotton.



A NEW HOME FOR THE AMERICAN ROYAL

The American Royal Association announced Tuesday afternoon that they have reached an agreement with the State of Kansas and Unified Government to relocate to Wyandotte County, Kansas.

“The American Royal currently hosts more than 50 events annually, attracting nearly 270,000 attendees and has an economic impact of more than $60 million annually. Last year we awarded $1.4 million in scholarships and support to our youth education programs,” said Angie Stanland, chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Royal. “Our priorities in the due diligence process were to find a regional home that would allow us to fulfill our mission, accommodate our growing events and allow for future growth. We have found the ideal location to do just that.”

The American Royal Association, which began as the National Hereford Show in 1899, has evolved into a comprehensive season of events and outreach including six equestrian shows, a livestock show, youth and PRCA rodeos, agricultural education programs and the world’s largest barbecue competition – the World Series of Barbecue©.

The new complex will include arena space, exhibit space, high-quality barn/expo space, and a new agriculture education center and museum. The agricultural education center will provide a state-of-the-art learning experience, covering all facets of the food and agricultural industry. The goal is to provide a unique, interactive food and agricultural learning experience, both indoor and outdoor, to instill a higher level of trust and knowledge about modern food and agricultural practices.

“I want Kansas City to be the world leader in agriculture technology and animal genetics,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “The American Royal will serve as a focal point in helping us continue to build a vibrant animal and agriculture corridor from Wyandotte County to Manhattan, home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. This strong partnership between the state of Kansas, Unified Government and the American Royal solidifies the reputation Kansas enjoys as one of the world’s foremost producers and exporters of food and agricultural products.”

“Kansas is committed to providing opportunities to encourage additional growth and expansion of agriculture in the state and far beyond its borders" Governor Brownback continues. "A new home for the American Royal complex in Kansas enhances the overall agricultural focus in the state and elevates Kansas’ prominence in the U.S. agricultural industry.”

"I'm excited that the American Royal project, after several years of work, is beginning to come together in some very tangible ways," said Mayor Mark Holland, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas. "The new vision for the Royal that has emerged is a hub and showcase for agriculture and animal science. This new hub has the potential to be a game-changer for the Animal Health Corridor and the Midwest."

The addition of the American Royal in the region will enhance the focus on agriculture that has been supported by the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame (NAC) in nearby Bonner Springs. The NAC board expressed its support of the American Royal’s plans: “This is an exciting opportunity for the American Royal and National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame to work together to increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of the state’s leading industry.”

Agriculture is the largest industry, economic driver and employer in Kansas. It accounts for 43 percent of the state's economy and employs 12 percent of the state’s workforce. In 2014, Kansas exported more than $4.7 billion in agricultural products.  Kansas is among the nation’s leaders in the production of wheat, sorghum, cattle and beef processing. Serving as the home for the American Royal will enhance the overall agricultural focus within Kansas and elevate the state’s prominence in the U.S. agricultural industry.



AGCO Parts Rolls Out No-Interest, No-Payments Offer Via AGCO Plus+

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, is now offering an innovative financing solution on qualifying Parts and Service transactions. Now through December 31, 2016, AGCO Plus+ account holders can take advantage of the No-Interest, No-Payments for 180 days offer on any AGCO Parts and Service purchase over $1,000 USD.

Fluctuating commodity prices, along with the steep costs of seed, feed and fertilizer, can make budgeting for in-season expenses challenging. With the 180 day No-Interest, No-Payments program we can help address those challenges for our customers. Also, the 180 day No-Interest, No-Payments program can be used with the PM360 preventative maintenance program allowing our customers to get that extra edge.

“The AGCO Plus+ program is just one way that AGCO ensures that our customers get the parts and service they need, when they need them,” said Darren Parker, director of sales and marketing for AGCO Parts. “We know that farmers need flexibility, especially in today’s markets, and the launch of 180 days of No-Interest, No-Payments and the addition of the PM360 program will help our customers stay in the fields now, and get the flexibility they want to pay after the harvest.”

Launched in 2012, AGCO Plus+ was designed to provide the financial solutions, support, and flexibility to help farmers reach their goals. The program supports the superior products, service, knowledge and expertise AGCO customers have come to expect.

“We are excited to be partnering with AGCO Parts in offering these two great programs. The PM360 program combined with the 180 day no interest no payment program allows our customers to properly maintain their equipment and proactively manage their cash flow. This is a win-win situation for customers,” states Neal Generose, director of program management for AGCO Plus+.

Those who are not currently AGCO Plus+ account holders can still take advantage of this by visiting the nearest participating AGCO Parts dealer to sign up today. The nearest AGCO Parts dealer can be found utilizing the Dealer Locator available on www.agcopartsandservice.com.



Syngenta Reports Third Quarter Sales at $2.5 Billion

Group sales of $2.5 billion were down 3 percent at constant exchange rates compared with the third quarter of 2015, reports Syngenta. Reported sales were also 3 percent lower, with the dollar broadly stable against major selling currencies. For the first nine months of 2016, sales declined 3 percent at constant exchange rates to $9.6 billion. Excluding the impact from the change in sales terms in Brazil, sales at constant exchange rates were up 2 percent in the quarter and were unchanged in the first nine months.

Corn and soybean seeds increased in all regions, led by corn in Latin America and Asia. Diverse field crops sales were higher, with sunflower growth in South East Europe and a good start to the planting season in Argentina. Vegetables were up 5 percent with strong hybrid performance in Mexico and in China.

Sales in Europe, Africa and the Middle East rose by 8 percent, benefiting from robust fungicides sales and successful seedcare campaigns. Growth in seeds reflected good performances for cereals in North Europe and sunflower in South East Europe. For the first nine months, regional sales were up 3 percent, despite adverse weather conditions in the second quarter.

In North America, growth of 11 percent was driven by selective herbicides, reflecting the continuing success of Syngenta's weed management solutions. Non-selective herbicides sales were down, largely due to the deliberate reduction in solo glyphosate. Corn and soybean seeds sales were higher, as end-season closing adjustments were below last year's level.

Sales in Latin America were 21 percent lower. Excluding the change in sales terms, sales were 10 percent lower. In Brazil, volumes continued to be affected by high levels of insecticide inventories, with pest pressure remaining low and increased soybean trait adoption. In Argentina, with the improved market environment, we registered double-digit growth.

Asia Pacific recorded a 22 percent sales increase, helped by the ending of El Nino and a better monsoon in South Asia. Demand for crop protection products was strong, particularly for fungicides in ASEAN and insecticides in South Asia. Seeds sales were driven by high demand for conventional corn in South Asia and for GM hybrids in the Philippines.