Thursday August 26 Ag News

 NPPC Applauds USDA for Pre-Emptive Designation of Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands as ASF Protection Zone

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to designate Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a “protection zone,” a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) designation that allows the United States to maintain its current animal health status should there be a detection of African swine fever (ASF) or other foreign animal disease on the island territories. The USDA will work to gain OIE acceptance of this designation to maintain U.S. pork export continuity should Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands have an animal test positive for African swine fever in the future. The United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, remain free of African swine fever, a swine-only disease with no human health implications. There is no commercial pork trade from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States mainland.

“We thank Secretary Vilsack for taking this pre-emptive step to preserve the continuity of U.S. pork exports as we continue to work together to prevent the spread of African swine fever to the United States,” said Jen Sorenson, president of the National Pork Producers Council. “We have significantly bolstered U.S. biosecurity defense against ASF since it began spreading in the Asia-Pacific region nearly three years ago and must re-double our efforts given the recent outbreak in the Dominican Republic.”

The USDA announced confirmed cases of ASF in the Dominican Republic (DR) on July 28, 2021. The cases were confirmed as part of an ongoing cooperative surveillance program between the United States and the DR. The United States imports no pork, animal feed or other pork production-related products from the DR. The USDA, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), NPPC and other industry organizations are working together to contain the first outbreak of ASF in the Western hemisphere in approximately 40 years to the DR. These measures include:
    Aid to the DR - The USDA is providing continued testing support to the DR, setting up laboratory equipment and training laboratory personnel, providing personal protective equipment, and offering ongoing assistance on response and mitigation measures. In addition, surveillance and testing aid have been offered to Haiti, as it borders the DR and is at a significant risk for contracting ASF.
    Haiti Risk Mitigation - NPPC has reached out to the U.S. Department of State to ensure appropriate ASF-prevention protocols are followed by U.S. earthquake relief workers travelling to and from Haiti (e.g. making bleach solutions available to disinfect shoes). The State Department, USDA and USAID are collaborating in this effort.
    Enhanced mitigation efforts in Puerto Rico (PR) - CBP and USDA have taken a number of steps to guard against the spread of ASF to PR, including support for the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept illegal boat traffic from the DR and Haiti to Puerto Rico. They have also prioritized depopulation of urban feral pigs in PR over the next 12-18 months and are establishing a surveillance lab in PR.
    Collaboration with Mexico and Canada - The United States is working with Mexico and Canada to bolster ASF prevention efforts across North America. For example, Mexico has tightened inspection at land and sea ports since the DR outbreak. It has also taken appropriate measures to mitigate the risk presented by migrant workers moving between Mexico and the DR. In addition, NPPC represents U.S. producers on the North American Swine Health Working Group, which was formed by the chief veterinary officers of Mexico, Canada and the United States. The focus of the group has been biosecurity of the North American continent, laboratory harmonization and developing criteria for recognition of regionalization.

NPPC noted the following measures for U.S. pork producers to take to prevent ASF:
    Use caution when hosting on-farm visitors from an ASF-positive region of the world; follow downtime recommendations from USDA’s Plum Island Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
    Review your biosecurity protocols to ensure consistent practice of appropriate safeguards.
    Fill out the Foreign Animal Disease Preparation Checklist found here and enroll in the Secure Pork Supply program.
    Visit with your feed suppliers to discuss the origin of the feed ingredients they are using in your diets.  

Vacation and other travelers to the DR should know that it is illegal to transport specialty meat products or other agriculture products from the DR to the United States.

For additional information on ASF biosecurity, please visit www.nppc.org/asf.



Grower Groups Disappointed Neonicotinoid Draft Biological Evaluation Does Not Reflect Actual Product Use

Grower organizations representing a variety of crops are disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft biological evaluation (BE) for several neonicotinoid products, including imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin. The groups representing farmers across the country say that failure to consider real-world usage data in the analysis conducted as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) could limit growers’ ability to protect their crops and livelihoods and not assure endangered species are any safer.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council and Minor Crop Farmer Alliance say ESA analyses are, by law, required to “use the best scientific and commercial data available” to ensure endangered species and their habitats will not be adversely affected by an agency’s action. The groups point out the draft BE does not use the “best available data” and cite multiple examples of assumptions made in the EPA assessment that do not align with growers’ real use of neonicotinoid products:

• The draft BE assumes U.S. soybean farmers apply imidacloprid at 0.50 pounds per acre, the annual maximum rate allowed by law. However, USDA Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data indicates that, in 2018, soybean growers applied an annual average of only 0.054 pounds per acre – less than one-ninth the draft BE’s assumed rate.

• The draft BE assumes U.S. cotton farmers apply the annual maximum of 0.125 lb/acre of thiamethoxam. However, 2010-2014 market research data used by EPA to conduct its thiamethoxam benefits review shows that cotton farmers actually use an annual average of 0.037 pounds per acre – less than one-third the draft BE’s assumed rate.

• The draft BE assumes U.S. soybean farmers make extensive foliar spray applications of neonicotinoids. However, USDA declined to release the breakdown for foliar applications compared with lower-risk seed treatments in its ARMS survey: In 2018, there were fewer than five total foliar applications of all three chemistries reported nationally, which fails to meet the threshold to allow for survey data release.

Kevin Scott, soybean farmer from South Dakota and president of the American Soybean Association, says the draft BE compares proverbial apples to oranges: “USDA survey and commercial use data are available and show how growers actually use these tools, but the draft BE instead includes application rates, numbers, types, and reapplication timing for these neonicotinoid products that are remarkably inconsistent with the actual, available data. These erroneous assumptions could have real, negative consequences for farmers and other end users if they are used for the final ESA analysis.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “We are disappointed that the Environmental Protection Agency failed to use the most accurate data in the draft biological evaluation. Farmers are judicious in their use of pesticides. EPA overstates the quantities used and therefore overestimates the impact on species. The Environmental Protection Agency should always utilize the most accurate data, especially when making decisions that could affect farmers’ access to important crop protection tools.”

Stephen Logan, a Louisiana cotton producer who serves as chairman of the National Cotton Council's Environmental Task Force, said, “EPA’s current ESA compliance process is more like a 'what-if' scenario rather than use of best science and data. It’s a legislative conflict that no longer questions whether EPA will be sued but how soon EPA will be sued. EPA’s current compliance process seems to suggest that science and data are being dismissed due to frustration over continuous lawsuits. Meanwhile, farmers—not big companies—are the ones being economically affected. We have to rely on fewer options that often are more expensive and less effective.”

EPA’s overly cautious assumptions have led to significant inflation in the number of species receiving a “likely to adversely affect” designation. This could result in greater and unnecessary restrictions for products, which will do nothing to help species and only impede use of tools farmers rely on to sustainably grow a healthy and nutritious product.

Farmers are using new technology and practices every day to better manage their fields and protect wildlife. For example, farmers regularly use neonicotinoids and other crop protection tools as seed treatments, which can reduce soil surface exposure area by more than 99% compared with surface treatments—thus reducing risks to wildlife. Growers also seek participation in conservation programs and alliances such as the BeSure! Program and the Monarch Collaborative that aim to 1. improve policy 2. spread awareness of best-use stewardship practices for protecting species health and managing responsible product use.

The grower groups will continue to review the draft BE and participate in the public comment period to encourage use of best available scientific and commercial data in the final BE.



ICA Stresses Need for Custom Cattle Feeder Assistance

Yesterday, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the lack of pandemic relief for custom cattle feeders.

The additional assistance announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in January 2021 excluded custom cattle feeders. Several custom cattle feeders in Iowa contacted the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association requesting help due to significant revenue loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to mitigate this shortfall in assistance, we worked with Iowa’s congressional delegation to send a bicameral letter to Sec. Vilsack in February 2021.

Since that time, USDA has modified and extended the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 2 more than once. Most recently, the deadline to apply for or modify an existing application was extended to October 12, 2021. However, this does not apply to custom cattle feeders.

Six months have passed since the letter was sent by our elected officials, yet no solution has been offered. While swine and poultry contract growers are eligible to receive aid, custom cattle feeders remain unassisted.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association calls on Sec. Vilsack to include custom cattle feeders as part of any upcoming assistance plans.



Latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ® shows Iowa grocery shoppers swayed by the nutrition of real meat and sustainability progress

Nearly all Iowa grocery shoppers report their households consume real meat, poultry and dairy foods regularly; they see those foods as healthy; and many are likely to eat even more after learning the unique nutritional characteristics of those foods, according to the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index®. The index also shows that virtually all Iowa grocery shoppers trust Iowa farmers, and they’re confident that farmers overall are implementing sustainable practices.

The annual survey, now in its 8th year, was conducted online by The Harris Poll in the summer of 2021. The Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index® asked 500 Iowans, ages 20 to 60 with primary or shared household grocery shopping responsibilities, about their purchasing habits and attitudes.

Iowans recognize the nutrition of real meat
The survey finds 97% of Iowa households eat meat and/or dairy at least weekly, and nearly 9 in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers consider milk (89%) and meat (88%) from animals to be healthy options when considering foods and beverages in an average diet.

“While you can get protein from plant sources, animal-based proteins are unique because they are complete proteins. They provide all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. Meat and dairy are also excellent sources of nutrients like zinc needed for growth and immunity,” says Ruth Litchfield,  professor emeritus of food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.

Those nutritional attributes, and others, appear to resonate with Iowa grocery shoppers, according to the survey. After learning the weight loss and muscle tone benefits of a high protein diet, and that dietitians’ say the “highest quality” protein comes from real meat, eggs and dairy, 70% of Iowa grocery shoppers say they are likely to eat more of those foods. Additionally, 73% say they’re likely to increase their consumption of these foods after learning that they’re natural sources of Vitamin B12 (which helps with nervous system function, brain development in children, and is rarely found in plant foods). And 72% say they’re likely to eat more meat and poultry after learning that those foods provide the majority of zinc (which helps our immune systems function properly) in Americans’ diets.    

Learning about farming’s sustainability spurs confidence
Iowa grocery shoppers give farmers high marks for their efforts to protect the environment, with 84% saying that they’re confident Iowa farmers are caring for the environment responsibly and 78% saying they’re confident that Iowa farmers are taking on the challenge of improving water quality.

And, after learning that U.S. agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions per unit of food, fiber and energy produced has declined by approximately 24% since 1990, 75% express confidence that farmers are implementing sustainable practices.

“Sustainability is more than a buzzword for farmers. It’s at the heart of what we do. Continuous improvement in protecting the land and water is what will allow our farms and local communities to thrive for generations to come, and farmers are constantly working toward that. I’m really glad to see that Iowa grocery shoppers notice and have confidence in those efforts,” says Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Iowans say farmers are trustworthy
Iowans’ positive feelings toward farmers extend beyond their environmental efforts. When asked, 94% of Iowa grocery shoppers say they trust Iowa farmers. And 88% say they’re confident that Iowa farmers are caring for their animals responsibly.

“As farmers, we’re responsible for providing Iowans and people around the world with their food, while caring for our animals and the environment. That’s an awesome responsibility, and it’s one that we take very seriously,” says Hill. “We’re honored to know that Iowans trust the work we’re doing, and we’re committed to building that trust through continuous improvement.”



Next Generation Fuels Act Provides Key Piece of the Clean Energy Solution

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the reintroduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 5089), legislation to transition gasoline and vehicles to low-carbon, higher octane fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles by taking advantage of the benefits of higher ethanol blends. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill).

“Ethanol is uniquely positioned to immediately and affordably decarbonize transportation, including through paving the way to future vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions,” said NCGA President John Linder. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was a game-changer for corn farmers, and the Next Generation Fuels Act builds on that success in advancing our commitment to providing the cleanest, most efficient and lowest cost energy solution.”

The bill would require that automakers phase in higher levels of clean, low-carbon octane by model year 2031. The higher the octane, the more efficiently the engine uses energy. As a clean octane standard, the bill requires that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer GHG emissions than unblended gasoline and sets new limits on toxic hydrocarbon aromatics. These requirements will reduce GHG and tailpipe emissions to build on the progress already made to lower emissions with cleaner renewable fuels. Through advanced engine design features that take advantage of this new fuel, automakers will be able to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

“Today’s ethanol results in nearly 50% fewer GHG emissions than gasoline, and ongoing improvements in farming practices and carbon capture technology can bring ethanol to net-zero emissions,” said Linder. “Corn growers support market-based clean fuel policies that incentivize low-carbon fuels, and the Next Generation Fuels Act would complement these policies, advancing greater decarbonization per gallon.”

Corn ethanol is an effective, low-carbon octane source, providing the greatest fuel efficiency gains at the least cost to drivers while displacing the most toxic components of gasoline. Higher octane levels and vehicles designed and warranted for these fuels would support ethanol blends up to 30%, which would decrease GHG emissions and improve air quality by replacing harmful hydrocarbon aromatics.

NCGA expressed appreciation for the members of Congress who joined Rep. Bustos as original co-sponsors of the bill, including Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Cynthia Axne (D-Iowa).

“Congresswoman Bustos has been a real champion for the benefits of low-carbon ethanol and for agriculture,” Linder said. “NCGA is thankful for the Congresswoman’s leadership in advancing renewable fuels by reintroducing this legislation. Corn growers look forward to working with her to build support for clean energy policies that take greater advantage of ethanol’s benefits.”

More information on the benefits of low-carbon, high-octane fuels and NCGA’s support for a low-carbon octane standard can be found at ncga.com/octane.



Next Generation Fuels Act Introduced in the House of Representatives

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos introduced the Next Generation Fuel Act, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through low-carbon, renewable fuels. Farmers and consumers stand to gain from the economic and environmental benefits brought about by this legislation.

National Farmers Union has long supported higher level blends of ethanol and welcomed Representative Cheri Bustos’ re-introduction of the legislation. Given the environmental and economic advantages, NFU president Rob Larew echoes previous statements, saying:

“There are many benefits to adopting low-carbon, high octane ethanol blends. Higher ethanol levels increase engine and vehicle efficiency, providing greater GHG emission reductions, as well as reducing emissions of criteria pollutants and air toxics such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. Several studies show the many benefits of high octane, low carbon fuels, such as E30.

“National Farmers Union is thankful to Representative Bustos for reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act and urges Congress to act on this important legislation to facilitate more extensive use of mid- and high-level ethanol blends.”



RFA Welcomes ‘Innovative’ Next Generation Fuels Act

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors for introducing the Next Generation Fuels Act of 2021. The bill establishes a high-octane, low-carbon fuel standard that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enable greater engine efficiency, encourage competition, and lower pump prices. In addition, the legislation addresses regulatory impediments that have slowed the commercialization of these fuels and the vehicles that consume them.

“We commend Congresswoman Bustos and the co-sponsors of the Next Generation Fuels Act for laying out an innovative roadmap to more efficient, more affordable, lower-carbon fuels,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Waiting and hoping for massive growth in battery electric vehicle sales and a greener electricity grid is not the way to address today’s energy security, air quality, and climate concerns. We need real solutions right here, right now. This legislation would ensure cleaner, greener liquid fuels are available in the near term to reduce carbon emissions, improve fuel efficiency and protect human health.”

Cooper noted that low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol will be an essential part of the strategy to reach net-zero GHG emissions by mid-century. He added that in a recent letter to President Biden, RFA’s member companies committed to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint for ethanol by 2050 or sooner.

Specifically, the Bustos bill would establish high-octane (95 and 98 RON) certification test fuels containing 20-30 percent ethanol, while requiring automobile manufacturers to design and warrant their vehicles for the use of these fuels beginning with model year 2026. The bill also includes a low-carbon requirement, specifying that the source of the octane boost must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by an average of at least 40% compared to a 2021 gasoline baseline, as measured by the Department of Energy’s GREET model. The legislation also includes a restriction on the aromatics content of gasoline, ensures parity in the regulation of gasoline volatility (Reid vapor pressure), corrects key variables used in fuel economy testing and compliance, requires an update to the EPA’s MOVES model, ensures infrastructure compatibility, and addresses many other regulations impeding the deployment of higher octane blends at the retail level.

Original co-sponsors of the bill are Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA), Rep. James Comer (R-KY), and Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL).



Growth Energy Urges Passage of Bustos, Comer Bill on High-Octane, Low-Carbon Fuels

Growth Energy today praised the introduction of legislation by U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) and Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) that would unleash access to higher-octane, lower-emission fuels for American drivers.

“The Next Generation Fuels Act represents a clear roadmap for turbo-charging our progress against climate change while offering drivers cleaner, more affordable options at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With a natural octane of 113, ethanol is the only high-performance, homegrown, renewable fuel ready to immediately loosen the hold that OPEC and its allies in Russia have over U.S. fuel prices, while slashing the use of toxic fuel additives that poison our air. We applaud Reps. Bustos and Comer for working to promote the use of high-octane, low carbon higher biofuel blends that hold enormous potential for rural America’s role in clean energy production.  
 
“This important legislation also directly addresses a recent court decision that threatens to stall the growth of higher biofuel blends like E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol. Now more than ever, it’s vital that Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration move quickly to restore certainty for the rural producers and farmers working to deliver clean, affordable, renewable energy to American drivers,” added Skor.
 
Background
Building on a previous proposal, the Next Generation Fuels Act of 2021 requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a new 95 Research Octane Number (RON) standard that would rise to 98 RON after 2031. The legislation would also limit reliance on toxic, aromatic hydrocarbons, require a 40 percent reduction in the carbon intensity of octane-boosting additives, and update fuel and infrastructure regulations to expand the availability of ethanol blends up to E40. In addition, the bill extends incentives for Flex Fuel vehicles and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make long-overdue updates to obsolete models that undercount the contributions of U.S. biofuels to clean air and a healthy climate.



USGC Highlights Benefits Of Higher Ethanol Blends In Latin America

The United States has continued to share its experience with E15 usage with other nations as they move toward higher blend options. For Latin America, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) continues to encourage increased ethanol blend levels by emphasizing environmental, octane enhancement and cost-reduction benefits.

“E15 is a viable opportunity for Latin American countries to increase ethanol use, as there are already blend mandates in nine countries,” Carlos Suarez, USGC Latin America regional ethanol consultant, said. “The Council has been working with government officials and domestic industry to maintain and deepen product penetration in the four current markets - Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Jamaica - and to develop new markets in priority countries such as Ecuador, Chile and the Dominican Republic.”

On Aug. 18, the Council’s Latin America office hosted Evolution Toward E15, a program to help inform policy makers and industry representatives across Latin America of the benefits of transitioning to higher blend levels.

Nearly 60 attendees from 14 countries - Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, the United States and Uruguay - were present for the webinar facilitated by Suarez and Juan Sebastian Diaz, also a Council Latin American regional ethanol consultant.

“The program was a great opportunity to facilitate technical information to government officials and the industry in the region about the feasibility of implementing blend policies higher than 10 percent and to showcase the U.S. industry experience with ethanol,” Diaz said. “We consider the event as an opportunity to initiate discussion and cooperate with our trade partners to adopt higher ethanol blends.”

Mike Lorenz, senior vice president for market development at Growth Energy, provided the audience with background on the E15 adoption process in the U.S., while also reviewing the necessary technical aspects and benefits of the higher blend level.

“Ninety-eight percent of the gasoline in the U.S. is E10. If we went to 100 percent or 98 percent E15, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction would be equivalent to taking almost 4 million vehicles off the road,” Lorenz said.

One Bolivian attendee - Cristobal Roda, Aguai Sugar Mill operations manager – praised the Council for the timely information presented since Bolivia is considering raising its current blend rate.

“This event was well suited for the current situation in Bolivia as they are undergoing conversations with local authorities to raise the blend from E8 to E15 in the next six months,” he said. “All the technicalities raised in the webinar are similar concerns to the ones being raised by the local authorities. The explanations we heard at the webinar will definitely shed some light to the Bolivian ethanol industry for the upcoming negotiations with the national government.”

Through programming like Evolution Toward E15, the Council remains committed to providing discussion and cooperation opportunities with Latin American trade partners as they look to adopt higher ethanol blends.

“This program will serve to trigger strategic and working engagements with interested local partners to structure and execute new programs that will create new opportunities for ethanol in the region,” Diaz said.



Massey Ferguson Matches Growers’ Ambitions with 8S Tractor

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announces a new era of farmer-focused technology and straightforward dependability with the North American availability of the Massey Ferguson® 8S tractor.

The uniquely designed 8S, available in 205 to 265 HP, will debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, and is available for order through Massey Ferguson dealerships for delivery in early 2022.

The exciting new MF 8S Series begins a new era for the storied tractor brand. Massey Ferguson began the 8S project with a blank page and built a complete farming solution based on an in-depth “Voice of the Customer” study, which included one-on-one interviews with operators around the globe.

“Massey Ferguson designed this line of tractors to be straightforward and dependable using direct input from farmers,” Darren Parker, vice president of Massey Ferguson North America, said. “With a spacious cab, less noise and vibration, and better visibility, Massey Ferguson sets up growers for a comfortable yet productive season with less downtime.”

The 8S features Massey Ferguson’s exclusive Protect-U™ design, creating a 9.4-inch gap between the engine and the cab. This unique feature protects the operator while giving tremendous front visibility and comfort.

“In addition to comfort, 8S provides operator-improved visibility and intuitive controls, so our customers can focus on the task at hand,” Parker said. “The 8S also offers peace of mind that everyone helping on the farm can operate the tractor confidently and effectively.”

Designed for comfort
The exclusive MF Protect-U engine and cab installation design provides visibility, comfort, efficiency and ultimate protection for 8S operators. The distinctive 9.4-inch space between the engine and cab reduces noise and vibration, making it one of the quietest cabs on the market.

Because the engine is separated away from the cab, it increases airflow which contributes to better engine performance through improved cooling capabilities. It also contributes to heat insulation for the cab, keeping the operator comfortable while improving engine cooling capacity and efficiency, maximizing uptime.

The spacious cab – together with the narrow hood design, an inclined windshield bending toward the front and a higher vantage point – offers ultimate visibility and comfort.

The new cab layout uses simple color coding on all controls to help operators get right to work. The new MF vDisplay™ puts all the key information operators need in an easy-to-read digital dashboard that can be personalized. The Datatronic™ 5 terminal, standard on the 8S, allows operators to quickly and easily change setups on the hydraulics, transmission and engine to make operation simpler and faster.

Made for performance
The 7.4-liter Tier 4 Final AGCO Power™ engine delivers performance and stability in the 8S Series tractors. Engine Power Management (EPM) provides a 5 percent boost to productivity and 10 percent fuel savings all at lower engine RPM, which also reduces noise. The 8S leverages the industry’s most mature SCR technology, paired with a simple, all-in-one aftertreatment system that provides for low-maintenance sustainability.

The 8S is available in two transmission options. The Dyna E-Power™, the new Dual-Clutch transmission designed by Massey Ferguson for the 8S range, provides smooth shifting and speed changes with no torque interruption and superior power transfer to the ground. The Dyna-VT™, Massey Ferguson’s proven CVT transmission, allows operators to select the exact speed and engine RPM needed for the job at hand.

Built for versatility and traction
The 8S Series is built with Massey Ferguson’s commitment to help protect the soil and preserve the land with future generations in mind.

With a minimum weight of just 8.7 tons, the 8S is lighter than others in its class. The lightweight tractors can tread lightly for top work and transport, while the strong design enables them to carry heavy loads or be ballasted up for draft operations.

The wide range of ballast and tire choices, including a large rear wheel diameter of 80.7 inches, ensures the 8S tractors can be precisely tailored to tasks, guaranteeing maximum traction and soil preservation while using a minimum amount of fuel.

With a 10-foot wheelbase length, the 8S offers improved stability with or without a heavy implement and maintains high levels of traction in the field and increased comfort in transport. The combination of the wheelbase and chassis design means less ballasting weight is needed, ensuring maximum soil preservation and reduced ground pressure during cultivation, drilling and seeding.