Monday March 20 Ag News

Two Featured Presentations Scheduled for Nebraska Ethanol Board Meeting

Connie Lindstrom, senior biofuels analyst at Christianson CPAs and Consultants, and Jamie Rhodes, president of Trestle Energy, are the featured presenters at the Nebraska Ethanol Board meeting Wednesday, March 29.

Lindstrom will present on trends in Nebraska ethanol plant performance. Her company specializes in Biofuels Benchmarking, which allows ethanol plants to access a vast database of anonymized industry data, insights and reports.

“By observing trends, decision-makers can set priorities and improve processes,” Lindstrom said. “Benchmarking information is key to managing risks, identifying opportunities and prioritizing resource use.”

A growing set of opportunities are emerging for Nebraska ethanol plants and agricultural producers, ranging from process optimizations to plant expansions and development of innovative co-product streams. Rhodes will discuss Trestle’s approach to one set of these opportunities and share his vision for developing crop residue fuel pellets as a co-product of Nebraska ethanol.

“These fuel pellets can be used in Nebraska’s existing coal-fired power plants and industry boilers,” he said. “And because the pellets are a co-product of ethanol, their use can dramatically reduce the carbon intensity of Nebraska ethanol in West Coast markets. These projects can offer a lot of value for both ethanol plants and feedstock producers, and Nebraska’s industries are well positioned to benefit.”

The Nebraska Ethanol Board meeting will be held at the Hyatt Place Hotel (600 Q St.) in Lincoln at 8:30 a.m. March 29. Lindstrom and Rhodes will speak at approximately 9 a.m.



Gloves May Help Prevent Parkinson's Among Those in Ag
Clyde Ogg - Pesticide Safety Educator, Nebraska Extension

One key to pesticide safety is literally in the palm of your hand: wearing proper gloves.

In 2011 the Agricultural Health Study reported that study participants who used the herbicide paraquat or insecticide rotenone were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s as were people who didn’t. AHS has studied more than 89,000 farmers and their spouses since 1993 and continues to serve as a benchmark for agricultural health issues.

A 2015 AHS study update reports that wearing chemical-resistant gloves and changing clothes after using pesticides may help prevent Parkinson’s. The study showed that Parkinson’s was associated with applicators who did not wear gloves when applying paraquat or the insecticide permethrin. Parkinson’s was not associated with applicators who regularly wore gloves.

Gloves are only one part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) stipulated by the pesticide label to help pesticide handlers and applicators protect themselves.

At minimum PPE calls for gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks. How do you know what else to wear, such as goggles, respirators, and aprons?

The simple answer is: Check the label. The pesticide label is a legal document with all the details of using a particular product, including what gloves and other PPE to wear.

The Right Glove for the Job
All gloves are not the same. Chemical-resistant gloves, for example, are made of barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or Viton®.

Glove Recommendations
-    Water-resistant is not chemical-resistant. Typical household, cotton, or leather gloves should never be used for protection from pesticides.
-    Never re-use any disposable, one-time use gloves or other PPE.
-    Glove length — such as elbow-length — also may be specified on the product label.
-    Chemical-resistant gloves for use with pesticides are unlined, to prevent the lining from absorbing any pesticide and transferring it to the wearer’s skin.
-    Before removing gloves, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Then, carefully remove gloves without touching skin or the glove’s interior.
-    Pesticide product labels undergo scheduled reevaluations and can be changed at any time —even within a season — due to new research and/or regulatory requirements. That’s why it’s imperative to read the entire label every time you buy a pesticide product and always follow label directions.

Agricultural Health Study
In February 2017, the AHS also reported that farm workers who have had a high pesticide exposure event — such as a spill — are more likely to experience molecular changes to DNA that may lead to certain cancers.

Other AHS studies are ongoing with pesticides and potential memory loss and kidney disease.

The Agricultural Health Study is a prospective study of cancer and other health outcomes in a cohort of licensed pesticide applicators and their spouses from Iowa and North Carolina. The AHS began in 1993 with the goal of answering important questions about how agricultural, lifestyle, and genetic factors affect the health of farming populations. The study is a collaborative effort of investigators from the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

More than 89,000 farmers and their spouses in Iowa and North Carolina have been involved in the study since 1993.



NePPA Announces Participants in the 2017 Pork Leadership Program

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association is proud to welcome participants in the 2017 Pork Leadership Program. Participants in the 2017 Pork Leadership Program are:
  - Paul Segner operates a contract wean to finish operation as a production partner with the Maschhoffs near Friend.
  - Matthew Marquardt operates a small farrow to finish hog operation near Tekamah.
  - Justin Hankins of Omaha works for Farm Credit Services of America as a Swine Industry Credit Analyst.
  - Connor Sharp of Omaha works for Standard Nutrition Company and is responsible for overall marketing efforts, as well as regional training and business development activities for consultants.
  - Chad Moyer of Beemer works for the Nebraska Rural Radio Association as a Farm Broadcaster.
  - Brady McNeil of Columbus helps customers maximize genetic potential and provides technical support for DNA Genetics.

The 2017 Pork Leadership Program is comprised of six talented professionals. Each participant shares unique experiences that shape their perspective based on their particular career path as well as their personal involvements and interests.

Participants in the Pork Leadership Program will participate in six meetings and activities over the course of a year, where they will learn about various aspects of the pork and agriculture industries.

Participants in the Pork Leadership Program will learn more about:
·  Current and diverse pork production methods
·  Current research efforts to improve pork production as it relates to overall pig health and well-being
·  Current domestic issues and their impacts on the pork industry as it relates to economics and trade
·  Current policy and regulations being developed on the local, state, and national levels

Participants in the Pork Leadership Program will:
·  Interact with the general public and elected leaders and will serve as positive advocates for the pork industry
·  Define their personal leadership style and know how to work with different leadership styles in a group
·  Develop a working knowledge of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and other key organizations that agriculture groups can work with to broaden perspectives and build coalitions

The Pork Leadership Program was created to build awareness, interest, and involvement in the pork industry. Members will further develop their skills as leaders and will naturally emerge as the next wave of active and engaged members of committees and board members at the local, state, and national levels.



Katie Jantzen of Plymouth Graduates from NFU's Beginning Farmers Institute

Beginning farmer, Katie Jantzen of Plymouth, graduated from the sixth class of the Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) of the National Farmers Union.  On March 4th, 17 beginning farmers from across the country received certificates at the awards banquet of the National Farmers Union (NFU) preceding the national convention in San Diego, California.

The Beginning Farmer Institute brings together beginning farmers for class sessions, discussions, and farm tours.  The first session of this year's class was held in Washington, D.C. and featured a tour of an urban farm, discussions on land access, and presentations on topics such as farm liability issues and farm policy.  At the second session, held in Salinas, California, participants toured several large-scale organic vegetable and berry farms as well as local food restaurants. At the final session in San Diego, the participants heard from speakers on topics ranging from farm succession issues to farm accounting and tax considerations.

Jantzen commented, "The real value of the program for me lies in the opportunity to network with such a diverse group of other young farmers from around the country.  This year's group represented organic vegetable farmers, conventional grain farmers, livestock operations, and fruit/nut farms. I appreciated the chance to get to know other beginning farmers from around the country to discuss common challenges we face and to share resources."

“Katie is a former Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) youth camper and youth camp counselor.  The BFI is Farmers Union’s effort to identify beginning farmers and help them acquire the financial and networking skills they need to get started in farming.  If we as farmers and as farm organizations want the next generation of young farmers to get started farming, we must aggressively work and take action to give them a foothold and running start in agriculture.  We are pleased that Katie participated in our BFI program and that it was helpful to her.  We are always pleased when we see young people that want to become involved in the noble profession of producing food for others,” said John Hansen, NeFU President.   Hansen urged anyone interested in the BFI program to contact the NeFU state office or Melissa Miller at NFU at (202-554-1600.

Applications for the 2017-2018 class are currently being accepted and can be found at www.nfu.org.



 Smith Recognizes National Agriculture Week

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) spoke on the House Floor today in recognition of National Agriculture Week.  Smith’s remarks were as follows:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Agriculture Week and the farmers and ranchers who have made Nebraska’s Third District the top-producing agriculture district in the country.

One in four Nebraska jobs is tied to agriculture.  The hard work and innovative practices of our producers have made our state a leader in feeding the world.

For too long, the heavy hand of the federal government has threatened agriculture’s future.

Thankfully, we have seen important victories under the Trump administration, including the beginning of the end for the EPA’s dangerous Waters of the U.S. rule, or WOTUS.

Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are committed stewards of our natural resources and take many steps to keep our water sources clean.

President Trump ordered a reset on WOTUS, agreeing farmers and ranchers deserve better than having Washington bureaucrats controlling the water puddles and irrigation ditches on their land.

As founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, I will continue to promote policies designed to get the government out of the way and open more markets around the world for Nebraska producers.



Celebrating Agriculture
Governor Pete Ricketts

The spotlight will be on Nebraska’s number one industry this week as Nebraskans across the state celebrate National Ag Week.   I’ll be joining Nebraskans from Scottsbluff to Omaha at 11 events over three days to highlight how our state’s number one industry continues to grow Nebraska.  While commodity prices in many markets are lagging, there are many reasons to be optimistic about agriculture’s future in Nebraska.

Some may think growing agriculture only matters to our farm and ranch families, however, this $23 billion industry has a big economic impact on every part of our state.  According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, one in four jobs in Nebraska are agriculture-related.  In addition to our state’s 48,700 farms, ag-related industries employ Nebraskans who manufacture irrigation equipment in Hastings, process food in Omaha, and conduct research at the University in Lincoln among many other occupations.

Nebraska’s commodity production leads nationally in numerous categories.  In 2016, Nebraska ranked number one among all states for red meat production, cattle on feed, and Great Northern beans.  We rank second for our total number of cattle and calves, ethanol production, and pinto beans.  We are third in the nation for corn for grain production and corn exports.

These successes did not happen by accident – they happened because Nebraskans worked together to grow agriculture.  There are several successes over the past year we’ll be celebrating this week.  In 2016, six more counties received Livestock Friendly County designations, sending the message they are open to new livestock operations.  We cut red tape for ag producers with a new vehicle designation allowing them to move equipment without additional licensing.  In 2015, the Legislature and I put in place a new Livestock Siting Matrix to streamline the siting process for new projects.  Just in the last few months, Dodge County became the first county to adopt this matrix.  The county recently welcomed a new $1 billion investment from Costco, which is locating a new chicken processing plant in Fremont.  This investment alone is equivalent to approximately one percent of our state’s GDP!

Trade has been key to growing agriculture in Nebraska.  Over the past two years, we have led successful trade missions to the European Union, Japan, and China, and signed a new $400 million trade agreement with Taiwan.  This last week, I hosted my annual Governor’s Ag Conference where trade was front and center in the discussion.  Many ag producers are concerned about President Trump’s desire to renegotiate trade deals, which have helped open up markets for Nebraska’s commodities around the world.  In the opening days of the Trump Administration, I have urged the President to protect Nebraska agriculture, and to move quickly to negotiate trade deals favorable to Nebraska.

Nebraska’s ag producers have received good news from Washington recently.  Before President Trump took office, Nebraska was suing the federal government over burdensome regulations placed on our ag producers.   Shortly after President Trump was sworn in, he took swift action to roll back the Waters of the U.S., an onerous rule that threatened to hurt Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.  Rolling back this rule means Nebraska’s ag producers will retain more control over their ability to farm and ranch without interference from federal regulators.  The President has pledged to cut more red tape, and I am hopeful he will continue to do away with unnecessary regulations.

Tax reform will also help grow agriculture.  Over the last couple of years, the Legislature and I have worked to deliver meaningful property tax relief for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.  We have delivered over $400 million in direct property tax relief with an additional $40 million for our ag producers over the next two years.  I am currently working with senators to change the way we value ag land for taxation purposes.  Today, we value ag land based on market sales.  With the Agricultural Valuation Fairness Act, we would move to an income potential valuation system, which will help taxes track more closely with land values. 

Throughout National Ag Week, I will be visiting with Nebraskans about how we can work together to grow agriculture.  We must continue to grow agriculture to grow Nebraska, so the Good Life continues to provide the great opportunities the next generation is seeking.  If you have any thoughts you would like to share on the state of agriculture in Nebraska, I hope you will contact my office by emailing pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244.  We look forward to hearing from you!



ASA DuPont Young Leaders Explore Issues, Marketing During Training

The 33rd class of American Soybean Association (ASA) DuPont Young Leaders completed their training, Feb. 28 – March 3, 2017 in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.

“For more than 30 years, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program has identified new and emerging leaders for the soybean industry. The program provides training that strengthens their voices while networking opportunities create a connected and more collaborative organization,” said ASA President Ron Moore. “We’re grateful to DuPont Pioneer and DuPont for their commitment to this program and for helping secure the future of the soybean industry.”

While in San Antonio, the Young Leaders participated in leadership and marketing training, issues updates and discussion and were recognized at ASA’s annual awards banquet.

The 2017 Class of Young Leaders includes: Cade Grace (AL); Layne & Ryane Miles (AR); Brock Willard (IL); Jonathan & Derika Spaetti (IN); Alex Brownlee (IA); Casey Schlichting (IA); Brandon & Blair Geiger (KS); Brett Neibling (KS); Kyle Bugg (KY); Mike & Lindsey Gaspard (LA); Angela & Wenceslaus Provost (LA); Andrew Crawford (MI); Matthew & Jessica Swoish (MI); Trevore Brekken (MN); Chad & Monica McCollough (MO); Blake Hokamp (NE); Leslie Hamilton & Dan Stein (NY); Greg Manning & Jessica Harris (NC); Kasey Bitz (ND); Trish Levering (OH); Jean Lam (OK); Jeff & Janie Harrison (Ontario, Canada); Justin & Jessica Rivers (SC); Nick & Shelly Lorang (SD); Rob Holman (TN); Doug & Britni Singleteary (TN); Grayson Kirby & Cindy Dykes (VA); Wes & Amanda Marshall (VA) and Tony & Katie Mellenthin (WI).

“This year’s class is a remarkable group of young leaders,” said Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, business director -- U.S. & Canada. Reno spent time with the growers when they were in Johnston earlier this year and then again at Commodity Classic. “This year’s class has focused significant energy into taking on the challenges facing our industry. I’m proud of our continued commitment to this program and impressed by the leadership skills being demonstrated already by these young leaders.”



JBS to Acquire Plumrose USA Pork Company
JBS USA announced a definitive share purchase agreement with Danish Crown A/S to acquire the company's U.S.-based bacon, ham and deli meat business, Plumrose USA, for $230 million. It is anticipated that the proposed transaction would close during the second quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory review and approval, and customary closing conditions.

"Today's announcement is further demonstration of our commitment to disciplined growth through strategic acquisitions that further diversify our product portfolio, expand our branded offerings and strengthen our direct relationship with consumers," said Andre Nogueira, CEO, JBS USA Food Company.

The acquisition includes five prepared foods facilities, including one in Elkhart, Indiana, two in Council Bluffs, Iowa, one in Booneville, Mississippi, and one in Swanton, Vermont, and two distribution centers in South Bend, Indiana, and Tupelo, Mississippi, respectively. Plumrose offers an array of branded, prepared foods including bacon, hams, sliced deli meats and cooked ribs. Plumrose annual net revenues are estimated at $500 million.

The announced transaction is a clear continuation of the JBS global strategy to increase its presence in the prepared foods and branded product categories.



International Team Discovers Resistance Gene in Global Corn Threat

An Iowa State University agronomist has contributed to research identifying a corn gene that resists a virus that has caused substantial yield losses in most corn-cultivating countries.

Thomas Lubberstedt, a professor of agronomy, said the research will lead to crop varieties that can fight off sugarcane mosaic virus. The virus, in concert with maize chlorotic mottle virus, causes a condition known as maize lethal necrosis disease, which has led to total yield losses in East African fields. Maize lethal necrosis disease first appeared in Africa in 2011, most likely traveling from southeast Asia, and has become a major concern for African corn famers, Lubberstedt said.

"We hope our research can be used in countries where these viruses are present and contribute to getting these viruses under control," Lubberstedt said. "Ultimately, we want to help solve problems for farmers."

Sugarcane mosaic virus and closely related potyviruses threaten corn crops in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, though it hasn't been a major disease in the United States in recent years. The virus also infects sugarcane, sorghum and other crops.

Lubberstedt is a co-author of a study published this month in the peer-reviewed academic journal Molecular Plant detailing a possible genetic source of resistance to the virus. The study identifies a gene called Scmv1 that, when expressed at a high enough rate, helps corn plants fight off the virus.

The virus hijacks a protein in the plant related to photosynthesis that's critical for plant energy production and spreads from there, Lubberstedt said. Scmv1, the resistance gene, binds with the same photosynthesis protein and competes with the virus. If the gene is expressed at a high rate, it can stop the disease from spreading.

Lubberstedt has worked on corn trait mapping since the 1990s, but previous experiments managed to narrow down sugarcane mosaic virus resistance only to a cluster of genes. The new paper pinpoints the specific gene that governs resistance, which should make it possible to use transgenics and other methods to increase the expression of Scmv1 in plants.

The research was funded in part by the U.S. Agency of International Development. Lubberstedt worked with an international team on the project, led by long-term collaborator Mingliang Xu of China Agricultural University. The research benefited from a collaboration agreement struck by the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and China Agricultural University, Lubberstedt said.



Study Dispels Claim of Female Teen Weight Gain from Dairy

Creighton University announced today groundbreaking research results, now published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) regarding dairy consumption and weight gain in adolescent females.

The study titled "The effect of increasing dairy calcium intake of adolescent girls on changes in body fat and weight" found that increasing dairy intake in adolescent girls neither decreases nor increases gain in percent body fat or weight compared to similar girls who do not increase dairy intake.

The study was done by Joan M Lappe, PhD, Criss/Beirne professor and associate dean of research, College of nursing and professor of medicine, Osteoporosis Research Center, Creighton University.

"In adults, studies show that increasing dairy food in overweight persons may result in weight loss," said Lappe. "Ours is the first study to test this concept in adolescent girls. Our findings indicate that moderate increases in dairy do not affect weight gain in adolescent girls."

Lappe added that this is positive news, as many adolescent girls avoid dairy because they are afraid of weight gain. However, girls in the adolescent age range need calcium for maximizing their peak bone mass, and dairy foods are the best source of calcium from the diet.

Full study results can be accessed at The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition website.



February Milk Production in the United States down 1.2 Percent

Milk production in the United States during February totaled 16.7 billion pounds, down 1.2 percent from February 2016. However, production was 2.3 percent above last year after adjusting for the leap year.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,782 pounds for February, 33 pounds below February 2016.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.37 million head, 56,000 head more than February 2016, and 4,000 head more than January 2017.

Milk production in Iowa during February 2017 totaled 399 million pounds, up 1 percent from the previous February according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. However, production was up 5 percent when adjusted for the leap year. The average number of milk cows during February, at 216,000 head, was 1,000 more than last month, and 5,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,845 pounds, down 25 pounds from last February.



CWT Assists with 3.5 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 22 requests for export assistance from member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 3.523 million pounds (1,598 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheeses to customers in Asia and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from March through June 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 19.102 million pounds of American-type cheeses, and 1.375 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 12 countries on four continents. The sales are the equivalent of 207.252 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



US Infrastructure Report Card: Waterways, Dams Get Failing Grade

The nation's infrastructure received an average grade of D+ in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2017 Infrastructure Report Card released on March 9. The report is an assessment of the conditions of the nation's infrastructure across 16 categories.

Of the 16 categories graded, six are essential to the success of commodity shipments and, in particular, agriculture shipments. Those categories are bridges, which were graded C+, ports C+, railroads B, roads D-, levees D and inland waterways D.

While our roads and bridges are in dire need of repair, the poor condition of our inland waterways, specifically our aging locks and dams, remains a detriment to our infrastructure.

The U.S exports nearly one quarter of the grain it produces. When it comes time to move these crucial commodities to export grain elevators, barges account for the transporting of 61% of corn, 42% of soybeans, 40% of wheat and 26% of sorghum, according to the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA).



Rabo AgriFinance Strengthens Partnership with National FFA Organization

For the past 12 years, Rabo AgriFinance has worked with the National FFA Organization to ensure the future of agriculture and agricultural education. Through a generous donation, Rabo AgriFinance has worked with FFA to provide FFA members the opportunity to grow into leaders, build their communities and strengthen agriculture.

In 2017, Rabo AgriFinance will serve as a Five Star sponsor. They currently support supervised agricultural experience grants, scholarships, the beef production-entrepreneurship proficiency as well as the Living to Serve platform.

“We appreciate that the goals and values of Rabo Agrifinance align with FFA and that they see agricultural education and FFA as a critical part of their industry and company success,” said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation president.  “We are thankful for their increased support to become a Five Star sponsor.”

"Rabo AgriFinance understands the importance of supporting National FFA and youth in agriculture education as we were founded by farmers for farmers,” said Van Dewey, Rabo Agrifinance general manager/senior vice president west territory. “We have over 40 offices across the U.S. located in rural towns, agricultural centers and farming regions where our clients live and work and are proud to partner with such a great organization that is creating great leaders for the future. " 



With limited release of 10 new NK® Corn hybrids, Syngenta showcases advanced genetics, new naming system

Syngenta is offering an early look at its next wave of advanced genetics, releasing a limited quantity of 10 additional new NK® Corn hybrids for 2017 planting. They represent the company’s latest seed innovations and are the first to be identified by a new, more grower-friendly naming system.

The hybrids will be featured in 2017 trial plots and are available in limited commercial quantities this growing season, giving retailers and growers a sneak peek of what’s to come in 2018. The 10 hybrids join an existing portfolio including 22 other new NK Corn hybrids released for 2017 planting.

“Research and development drives innovation at Syngenta, and these new NK Corn hybrids are a direct result of those efforts – offering growers even more advanced seed choices,” said Joe Bollman, corn seed product manager at Syngenta.

Ranging from 89-day to 115-day relative maturities, the new hybrids are also equipped with Agrisure® traits to help protect genetic yield potential amid unexpected, adverse conditions. The Agrisure Artesian® trait enhances water optimization while Agrisure Duracade® and Agrisure Viptera® traits are two options for comprehensive corn insect control.

Additionally, the hybrids will be the first to feature a new naming structure designed to make NK Corn hybrids easier to identify. Using NK Corn hybrid NK0962-3022A brand as an example, this new structure is built as follows:
·         “NK” is the brand marker
·         The first two numbers reflect the last two digits of the hybrid’s relative maturity (“09” for 109-day maturity)
·         The final two numbers (in this case, “62”) are selected at random
·         A hyphen distinguishes genetics from traits
·         For hybrids that contain either the Agrisure Duracade or Agrisure Viptera traits, the name ends with four numbers (in this example, “3022”) aligned with the Agrisure traits nomenclature system to help classify stack technology
·         Hybrids that contain Artesian™ – like this one – end with the letter “A”

“It should be very easy for a grower to identify the relative maturity of an NK Corn hybrid. This was the thinking that drove our approach for a revamped NK Corn hybrid numbering system,” Bollman said.

The entire NK Corn portfolio will feature the new naming structure starting with 2018 seed sales. For additional information or to find an NK Retailer, visit www.NKCorn.com.



Brazil Meat Scandal Deepens

(AP) -- A scandal over alleged bribery by meatpackers to allow the sale of expired meat in Brazil deepened Monday as the European Union, China and Chile decided to halt some meat imports from Latin America's largest nation.

The developments represent a major blow to Brazil, one of the world's largest exporters of meat, which is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades.

The announcements came despite a flurry of meetings that Brazilian President Michel Temer held with ambassadors and numerous assurances from the government that Brazilian meats in general are safe.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, European Union spokesman Enrico Brivio said the Brazilian companies involved in alleged bribery would be temporarily barred from shipping meat to the EU.

The EU "will guarantee that any of the establishments involved in the fraud will be suspended," said Brivio, who didn't cite companies by name or say how long the ban would last.

A few hours later, Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said China had suspended the unloading of Brazilian meats in Chinese ports. Maggi played down that development, saying Chinese authorities were in the process of asking for more information.

"There is no Chinese embargo," Maggi told reporters in Brasilia. "What we have are containers there that can't leave the port to local markets."

Chile followed suit, announcing the temporary suspension of Brazilian meats, said Angel Sartori, director of that country's Agricultural and Livestock Service.

On Friday, police issued 38 arrest warrants involving the giant meatpackers JBS and BRF. Both companies have denied wrongdoing.

Investigators charge that the companies bribed health inspectors to overlook the sale of expired meats. The companies allegedly improve the appearance and smell of expired meats by using chemicals and cheaper products like water and manioc flour. Three plants have been shut down.

Temer called an emergency meeting Sunday with ambassadors of several countries. He assured them that Brazilian meats are safe and invited them to a Brazilian-style barbeque.

On Monday, Temer again sought to calm nerves, saying Brazil's meat industry should not be judged by a single investigation.

"The agro business for us in Brazil is very important and it should not be marred by a small nucleus (of bad actors), a small thing," he said, speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo.

Brazil was the world's largest producer of beef and veal in 2016 and one of the top exporters, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture. The country is also a major exporter of chicken and pork products.

On Monday, sanitation officials were out in force in several cities.

Marcia Rolim, head of Rio de Janeiro's municipal sanitary inspections, said routine investigations were being intensified in light of the investigation. Investigators collected several carts of meats for analysis. Some of the packages from at least one supermarket appeared to be rotten, with a greenish color.

Browsing meats on Monday at a supermarket, Carla Simone Macedo said she had periodically seen products that looked to be repackaged.

Antonio Fernando, another customer, said called investigation "an exaggeration."

"We have very good meats," he said, adding it was good to see more inspectors.