Friday September 1 Ag News

Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selections for Key USDA Posts

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of three individuals for key positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The president announced Gregory Ibach as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), Bill Northey as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), and Stephen Vaden as USDA’s General Counsel.

The Under Secretary for MRP oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration.  The Under Secretary for FPAC oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Risk Management Agency.

Regarding the individual selections, Perdue issued the following statements:

On Greg Ibach:
“Greg Ibach will bring the experience and vision necessary to serve as a first rate Under Secretary for MRP at USDA.  His exemplary tenure as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture places him squarely in tune with the needs of American agriculture, particularly the cattle industry.  His proven track record of leadership will make him a great asset to USDA’s customers, the hard working, taxpaying people of U.S. agriculture.”

On Bill Northey:
“Bill Northey will continue his honorable record of public service in leading FPAC.  Having served the people of Iowa for the last ten years as their Secretary of Agriculture, and as a fourth generation corn and soybean farmer, Bill has a unique understanding of issues facing farmers across the nation.  He will be an invaluable member of the team.”

On Stephen Vaden:
“Stephen Vaden has a keen legal mind, as we have already experienced through his work since he joined USDA as part of the beachhead team on day one.  He has a firm grasp of the legal issues facing American agriculture, and very importantly, understands the breadth and complexity of the regulatory burdens placed on our producers.  Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers will be well served by his counsel.”

“I look forward to the confirmations of Greg Ibach, Bill Northey, and Stephen Vaden, and urge the Senate to take up their nominations as quickly as possible,” Perdue said.  “This is especially important given the challenges USDA will face in helping Texans and Louisianans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.”



Ricketts Congratulates Ag Director Ibach on Forthcoming USDA Nomination

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts congratulated Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach on the news that President Donald J. Trump intends to nominate Ibach as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

“During his twelve years as director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Greg helped grow Nebraska by building the Nebraska brand and Nebraska’s international trade relationships,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Greg brings outstanding experience to this role.  While we will miss Greg’s day-to-day presence here in Nebraska, he will continue to be a resource for Nebraska as we partner with him in his new role as well as a tremendous asset to the USDA and President Trump’s Administration.  I urge the President to send his nomination to the U.S. Senate, and urge senators to take up his confirmation in a timely manner.”

USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs includes Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration.  Governor Ricketts noted that Ibach will bring broad experience to this new role from his work with Nebraska’s animal and plant health programs as well as the livestock disease tractability program

Ibach, a lifelong rancher and farmer, has also been active in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture since his appointment as NDA’s director in 2005 serving as chair of the marketing and international trade committee, animal and plant health committee, and, most recently, as president.



Fischer Statement on Gregory Ibach

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after learning that President Trump intends to nominate Nebraska Agriculture Director Gregory Ibach to serve as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

“Bruce and I extend our congratulations to Greg Ibach on his nomination for the Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary position at the Department of Agriculture. I have known and worked with Greg for many years. He is an agriculture expert who has extensive knowledge of the industry and its numerous contributions to Nebraska, our country, and the world. I’m pleased the president accepted my recommendation of such an impressive Nebraskan. Once he’s confirmed, I look forward to working with Greg to ensure Nebraska’s producers have the tools necessary to continue feeding the world.”



Sasse Congratulates Ibach

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

"A Nebraskan through and through, Greg has served our state well, and I have full faith that he will serve America with the same skill and hard work. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers congratulate Greg and his family on the President's decision to invite him to this new calling."



Statement Regarding Greg Ibach Nomination for USDA Under Secretary Position
Steve Nelson, President, NE Farm Bureau

“Greg Ibach has a tremendous track record of serving Nebraska agriculture. His years of service in leading the Nebraska Department of Agriculture make him an outstanding choice for the position of USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. We wish him the best as he proceeds in the nomination process.”



Nebraska Farm Bureau Tells Delegation Crop Insurance is “Most Important and Vital Piece” of Farm Bill

Protecting crop insurance should be at the top of the Nebraska Congressional delegation’s list as members go to work in shaping the 2018 Farm Bill, according to the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Nebraska Farm Bureau President, Steve Nelson outlined the importance of crop insurance in testimony provided to all five members of the delegation during a farm bill listening session hosted by Farm Bureau and other groups at the Nebraska State Fair, Sept. 1.

“Federal crop insurance has become the most important and vital piece of the farm bill,” said Nelson. “One doesn’t need to travel far to hear Nebraska farmers talk about instances where crop insurance was the only thing that stood between them and total financial disaster. Nebraska’s yearly sporadic weather patterns nearly always result in ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ when it comes to timely rains, drought, hail, or anything else mother nature throws at us each year.”

In 2016, Nebraska farmers placed more than 17.4 million acres, or 90 percent of Nebraska’s total crop production acreage, into the federal crop insurance program. That same year, Nebraska farmers paid over $217 million in premiums. While the federal government provides premium assistance, Nebraska farmers on average pay five percent more of their overall crop insurance costs than the national average.

“I know some in Washington have proposed cuts to the federal crop insurance program. We are told that little cuts here and there won’t make much of a difference to most farmers who rely on the protection offered by this program. Yet, it is important to remember that every small cut, every small restriction, and every small tweak has the potential to throw this vital program off balance,” said Nelson. “Like any insurance product, crop insurance rates are complex and are balanced with farms of many shapes, sizes, and risk levels. Placing short-sighted restrictions on one of the most successful farm programs in U.S. history to save minimal federal dollars is irresponsible, unacceptable, and totally inappropriate.”

In addition to highlighting crop insurance, Nelson pointed to several other overarching farm bill priorities including:
•               Protection of current farm bill spending;
•               Maintaining a unified farm bill containing both nutrition and farm programs;
•               Prioritizing the funding of risk management tools, including Title I commodity programs like the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs; and
•               Ensuring all farm bill programs are compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.

“We greatly appreciate the delegation’s desire to hear what farmers and ranchers are thinking on what’s needed in the farm bill. I continue to remind people that food security is national security. The ability for us to work together to develop the programs that help American farmers and ranchers stay viable in producing food, fuel, and fiber for our country and the world can’t be understated,” said Nelson.



Ag Technology Expert and Investor to Speak at NECC

A fifth generation farmer and a leading investor in farmland and agricultural technologies will be bringing his message to Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb. Clay Mitchell, Waterloo, Iowa, will be speaking to agriculture students and to the public during his Sept. 5 visit to the College.

Since 2000, Mitchell has farmed 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans near Waterloo. Mitchell Farm has been a leader in the use of automation in farming operations and has pioneered quality testing of field operations that uses satellite imagery, genomics, artificial intelligence, software, and hardware.

While at Northeast, Mitchell will be speaking on specific practices he uses to improve his operation's productivity.

"I think when people see 'cover crops, technology, soil health, etc.' the risk is that the audience is being sold a product, or that the talk is a general talk full of platitudes. I think people get the most out of my presentation if I speak in specific and technical terms on the things I'm doing on my farm and what we do on our investment farms."

In an interview with No-Till Farmer magazine, Mitchell said his operation has seen a boost in crop yields due to the use of precision technologies.

"Controlled traffic helps create soil qualities in which we see higher yields," he said.

Mitchell uses a real-time kinematic (RTK) guidance system where tractors, combines, sprayers and planters drive on exactly the same paths from one year to the next. GPS devices allow Mitchell to plant seed, apply fertilizer and spray herbicides with centimeter accuracy.

Driving the same path reduces compaction of topsoil that can reduce yield and allows Mitchell to precisely track performance row-by-row. After five-years, soil tests showed better water flow in Mitchell's no-till operation than on neighboring farms.

Mitchell also noted improvements in machinery efficiency. Not only do his GPS-guided tractors travel less ground, they also exert 40-percent less effort while driving on heavily compacted traffic lanes. That results in significant energy savings.

Mitchell also takes advantage of intercropping corn and soybeans by alternating 30-foot swaths of each crop in fields. This allows the corn to take advantage of additional sunlight to improve yields without causing too much of a drop in the soybean crop. Maps showing yield in single rows allow him to correct mistakes and refine delivery of fertilizer and chemicals.

"When everything becomes aligned, you reveal errors. Differences as high as 83 bushels can be seen between rows," he said.

Despite the occasional challenge, Mitchell said his system is paying off.

"For grain farmers, the sum of their work is contained in the fullness of their bins at the end of the year. This is really a fantastic story of energy savings and soil improvement on our farm."

Mitchell consults to the largest farm in Russia and Ukraine. He is a graduate of Harvard University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and a Master's Degree in Crop and Soil Science from Cornell University, where he was a Saltonstall Fellow.

Over his farming career, Mitchell's leadership in the industry has been built upon cooperation with manufacturers and institutions of higher learning, a willingness to host groups of domestic and international farmers, and accepting invitations to deliver keynote and plenary lectures across the world. Such activities have helped him develop a deep and invaluable network across the farmer, academic, industry, agricultural journalism, and government communities.

Mitchell is also co-founder and managing director of Fall Line Capital, a Silicon Valley-based private equity firm that buys, improves and manages farmland. Fall Line closed its first fund with $125 million of commitments in the spring of 2013.

During his Sept. 5 visit to Norfolk, Mitchell will be speaking to Northeast's Issues in Agriculture class, which is made up of approximately 100 freshmen students in the College's agriculture programs. The class was established to make students aware of what challenges and opportunities are occurring in the agriculture world and how they can address them in their careers or farming operations.

At 6:30 that evening, Mitchell will speak during a public forum in the Lifelong Learning Center on Northeast's Norfolk campus. There is no charge to attend.



Hurricane Harvey Causes Fuel Changes

Due to the fuel supply emergency caused by Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a waiver, which relaxes the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirement so E15 may be sold immediately in 38 states, including Nebraska.

As of Aug. 31, more than 20 percent of the U.S. oil refining capacity remains offline due to hurricane and flooding damage. Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) predicts a worst-case scenario price spike of 40 to 60 cents.

Under normal circumstances, reformulated gasoline and low volatility conventional gasoline (winter blends) can only be sold after Sept. 15. This short-term waiver helps ensure an adequate fuel supply throughout the country.

By blending more ethanol, the fuel supplies can go further, especially if flex-fuel-vehicle-owners fill up with E85 and drivers with a vehicle 2001 or newer choose E15, noted Jan tenBensel, Nebraska Ethanol Board vice chairman, who farms south of Cambridge, Nebraska.

“One of easiest things we can do to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery is use more ethanol,” tenBensel said. “By using our homegrown, renewable fuel, we can allow petroleum to be diverted to areas that are in a greater need, which also helps mitigate price hikes.”

E15 is a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol, just 5 percent more ethanol than the most commonly used fuel in the U.S. – E10.  E15 is often sold at a 5 to 10-cent per gallon discount to E10, and is higher octane for better vehicle performance. E85 contains up to 85 percent ethanol and should only be used in flex fuel vehicles.

“EPA’s expanded emergency waiver allows us to continue to show that ethanol is a high-octane, low cost alternative,” said Pam Miller, Renewable Fuels Nebraska executive committee chair. “RFN recently launched HuskerFuel.com, a website and brand campaign to bring awareness to Nebraska-produced biofuels and higher ethanol blends, like E15 that are available to consumers across the state.”

Due to a quirk in federal gasoline volatility regulations, E15 sales to non-flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) are usually halted from June 1 to September 15. The EPA waiver enacted because of this natural disaster means anyone with a 2001 and newer vehicle can again fill up with E15.

“With gas prices predicted to rise for the foreseeable future, purchasing higher ethanol blends is one way consumers can help free up fuel for areas impacted by the hurricane, and keep money in their own pockets,” said Dave Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, who farms near St. Edward, Nebraska. “Ethanol blends are truly better fuels that cost less.”

Nebraska drivers can find higher blends of ethanol throughout the state by visiting www.AmericanEthanolNE.org or www.HuskerFuel.com.



2017 Nebraska Cattlemen Cow Calf Tour
 "Local, National, and International Trade in the Cattle Industry"

When:  Tuesday, September 26th - Speakers will begin at 9 AM at the Wheeler Co. Fairgrounds in Bartlett, lunch will be served at 11:30, and the tour will begin promptly at 12:45.

Where:  Wagonhammer Ranches, Bartlett - Speakers for the event include representatives from the USMEF, Nebraska Cattlemen, Samson, and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Sponsors - Ericson State Bank, Homestead Bank-Albion Branch, Boone Nance Cattlemen, Town & Country Veterinary Clinic, Zoetis, and RB Angus

Everyone is welcome, bring a neighbor!

Any questions can be directed to Mackenzie Johnston at (402)350-6372



Researchers Provide Guidance for Micronutrient Management

Micronutrients are needed in very small quantities by plants, but are essential for their growth and production. A search for understanding how micronutrients can be better managed in the Midwest’s soybean fields has led to new research and a regional publication on the topic.

This research and general management guidelines are summarized in the publication “Micronutrients for Soybean Production in the North Central Region” (CROP 3135) and is available through the Iowa State University Extension Store. Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension specialist in agronomy at Iowa State University, led a team of researchers and fertility extension specialists from five universities across the Midwest who worked on the project.

“This publication is intended to be a resource for farmers and crop advisers of the North Central Region regarding micronutrient use in soybean production,” Mallarino said. “Its purpose is to provide information on micronutrient requirements by soybean, factors that influence their utilization and the value of soil and plant tissue testing.”

Mallarino oversaw about 100 recent trials in Iowa, with researchers from the University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, University of Wisconsin and Purdue University developing many other trials.

“The team effort also included reviewing research that had been conducted in other states of the region during the last few decades,” Mallarino said. “This publication wasn’t done to establish specific recommendations for each state but to give a global view of the issues useful for the entire region.”

The team’s work showed that micronutrient deficiencies have been observed in specific soil types or conditions. Course textured soils, highly eroded soil that has lost organic matter and highly calcareous soils proved to be more susceptible to deficiencies than other soils.

While in Iowa micronutrient deficiencies in soybean are uncommon except for iron in highly calcareous soils, it is still important to monitor crops to make sure they are healthy, Mallarino said. The publication discusses the use of soil and tissue testing to ensure farmers and crop advisers have a proper understanding of their value and potential problems.

“In spite of recent research, the value of soil testing and tissue testing for micronutrients involves more uncertainty than it does for other nutrients,” Mallarino said. “Farmers should make sure not to consider soil and tissue testing results blindly, but keep a watchful eye on their fields where soil deficiencies can be detected.”

The research and publication were funded through a grant from the North Central Research Program.



USGC Statement On End Of Vietnam Suspension Of U.S. DDGS

A statement from U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight on the announcement that Vietnam will lift its suspension of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) imports and ease fumigation requirements for U.S. corn and wheat imports:

“We are very pleased to hear the news from Vietnam overnight that, as of today, import permits will be issued for U.S. DDGS and new phosphine fumigation protocols will be acceptable for shipments of U.S. corn, DDGS and wheat.

“Since the suspension on imports was put in place late last year, our staff has worked closely with industry and government both here in the United States and in Vietnam to find a resolution to this issue. This intense effort was strongly supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) leadership, officials in its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

“While we never want to see a market closed to our products for any reason, this was an example of how to effectively and comprehensively tackle a scientific challenge impeding trade flows. It was also a reminder of the importance of strong trade policy. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing feed markets in the world, and the disruptions and losses this issue caused reinforce the need for agreements that ensure open access and outline resolution processes for mutual concerns.

“We enthusiastically thank everyone involved in our own government, the government in Vietnam and industries in both countries for their collaboration on this critical issue to our industry.”



NPPC OPPOSES CALIF. BALLOT INITIATIVE ON ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) this week filed to get on the 2018 California ballot an initiative to ban the sale of out-of-state pork produced through the use of gestation stalls. The HSUS proposal also seeks to ban the sale of out-of-state eggs and veal from animals raised in housing that California outlawed in 2008 through a ballot proposition.

Initiatives like this and others in states such as Massachusetts are the reason the National Pork Producers Council supports the “No Regulation Without Representation Act of 2017” (H.R. 2887), legislation introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., that would prohibit states from imposing regulatory burdens on businesses, including pork operations, not physically present in the state.

NPPC CEO Neil Dierks recently testified on H.R. 2887 before a House Judiciary subcommittee, saying: “Several states – most with little pork production – have banned gestation stalls, either through ballot initiatives or legislation. That was their prerogative, however ill-advised or uninformed their motives were. What NPPC and pork producers object to is one state adopting a law or regulation that dictates the practices of the other 49 states.”



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 509 million bushels in July 2017. Total corn consumption was up 4 percent from June 2017 but down slightly from July 2016. July 2017 usage included 91.1 percent for alcohol and 8.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.07 million bushels, up 11 percent from June 2017 and up 18 percent from July 2016. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 455 million bushels, was up 5 percent from June 2017 but down slightly from July 2016. Corn consumed in July 2017 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.7 percent and 9.34 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.92 million tons during July 2017, up 7 percent from June 2017 but down 6 percent from July 2016. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.34 million tons in July 2017, up 6 percent from June 2017 and up 9 percent from July 2016.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 328 thousand tons during July 2017, down 4 percent from June 2017 and down 3 percent from July 2016. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 272 thousand tons in July 2017, down 9 percent from June 2017 and down 18 percent from July 2016.



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

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.67 million tons (156 million bushels) in July 2017, compared to 4.45 million tons (148 million bushels) in June 2017 and 4.60 million tons (153 million bushels) in July 2016. Crude oil produced was 1.80 billion pounds up 4 percent from June 2017 and up 1 percent from July 2016. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.50 billion pounds during July 2017 increased 10 percent from June 2017 and increased 4 percent from July 2016.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 161 thousand tons in July 2017, compared to 167 thousand tons in June 2017 and 202 thousand tons in July 2016. Canola crude oil produced was 135 million pounds down 2 percent from June 2017 and down 17 percent from July 2016. Canola once refined oil production at 115 million pounds during July 2017 was down 7 percent from June 2017 and down 16 percent from July 2016. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 37.1 million pounds during July 2017 was down 20 percent from June 2017 but up 42 percent from July 2016.

Edible tallow production was 65.6 million pounds during July 2017, down 7 percent from June 2017 and down 3 percent from July 2016. Inedible tallow production was 267 million pounds during July 2017, down 10 percent from June 2017 but up slightly from July 2016. Technical tallow production was 76.0 million pounds during July 2017, down 3 percent from June 2017 and down 11 percent from July 2016. Choice white grease production at 88.5 million pounds during July 2017 decreased 25 percent from June 2017 and decreased 8 percent from July 2016.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for September 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for September 2017. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for September is 1.250 percent, unchanged from 1.250 percent in August.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during September is 2.250 percent, unchanged from 2.250 percent in August.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for September are as follows, 1.500 percent with three-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.500 percent in August; 1.750 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 1.875 percent in August; 2.125 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.125 percent in August; 2.250 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in August and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.375 percent in August.



Share Your Conservation Story and Enter to Win a Trip to the 2018 Commodity Classic in California

Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation, and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award at the next Commodity Classic, Feb. 27 – March 1, 2018, in Anaheim, California. This program showcases farm management practices of U.S. soybean producers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. If you’re using conservation practices on your farm such as cover crops, reduced tillage, or other valuable conservation practices, don’t miss your opportunity to apply for this award.

All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, conservation, environmental management and sustainability. Three regional winners and one national winner are selected.

Award Winners Receive:
• An expense paid trip for two to Commodity Classic, Feb. 27 – March 1, 2018, in Anaheim, California.
• Recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.
• A feature on your farm and conservation practices in Corn & Soybean Digest and a special online video.
• Potential opportunity to join other farmer-leaders on a trip to visit international customers of U.S. soybeans.

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the American Soybean Association, BASF, Corn & Soybean Digest, Monsanto, the United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff and Valent.

More information on past winners of the award and how to submit your application is available here... https://soygrowers.com/award-programs/conservation-legacy/.  All applications must be submitted by Sept. 8, 2017.



ABS Global Launches Sexcel™ Sexed Genetics

ABS Global Inc. (ABS), a division of Genus plc, today launches Sexcel™ Sexed Genetics, made using 21st century technology and designed to deliver more high-value pregnancies to dairy herds worldwide.

Sexcel harnesses ABS’s best genetics and is produced through a novel, proprietary technology for sexing bovine semen. This innovative technology does not subject the cells to the high pressures, electric currents and shear forces used to produce the sexed semen historically available to farmers. The result is a superior sexed genetics product that helps customers maximize their profitability in line with their individual economic and herd goals.

Data from ABS Global's Real World Data® (RWD™) database demonstrates that Sexcel achieves a 90 percent relative conception rate when compared to conventional semen and a higher relative conception rate than other sexed semen used by dairy farmers. RWD contains real results from real customers and is sourced from more than 37 million cows from herds located in key dairy markets throughout the world.

“This is an exciting moment for ABS and its customers,” said Nate Zwald, Chief Operating Officer – ABS Global. “Sexcel gives farmers a new option for achieving their desired genetic blueprint and will help them profit through genetic progress. We have a unique product, and trial results show it is a very effective sexed offering for our customers.”

Prior to today’s launch, competition was restricted in the sexed genetics processing industry. Today’s launch marks the first time sexed genetics produced from a new and differentiated technology will be available to farmers. In March 2017, the U.S. federal court held that Sexing Technologies® (ST) had willfully maintained monopoly power in the market for sexed bovine semen processing in the U.S. and granted a permanent injunction against ST. The court’s judgment validates the importance of customer technology choice for sexed genetics.   

“Our research has shown that our customers are seeking a stronger line-up of sexed genetics and Sexcel brings that to the marketplace,” said Olivier Hiers, Global Sexed Genetics Brand Manager – ABS Global. “Our ground-breaking technology helps farmers fast forward their genetic progress. It enables their elite heifers to produce the replacement animals they want, while also providing farmers a choice of sexed genetics tailored to their specific needs– including calving ease, milk production, feed efficiency, reduction in disease risk or any number of genetic traits.”

To find out more about Sexcel, go to www.abssexcel.com.