Tuesday August 17 Ag News

 Nebraska Pork Producers Elect New Directors

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) is pleased to announce the election of four new board members, Aaron Doerr of Creighton; Hunter Thomas of Broken Bow; Walter Traudt of Clay Center will serve as Directors and Allison Zabel of LaVista will assume the duties of First Alternate Director.

The Nebraska Board of Directors is comprised of individuals dedicated to the success of the pork industry. Directors are elected for two-year terms and can serve up to 3 consecutive terms. “I am extremely honored to welcome our new board members,” said Shana Beattie, president of the Association. “Each one of them provides our board with a unique background and perspective and we look forward to their expertise and guidance.”

Aaron Doerr is partners with his parents Gary and Liz Doerr on a 250-sow farrow to finish operation near Creighton. In 2020 Doerr served as a Pork Forum delegate for the National Pork Producers Council. Doerr stated, “I think it's important to be involved and do what's best for the future of the industry and my own farms future”.  

Hunter Thomas is a fourth-generation pig producer and Vice President of his family business, Thomas Livestock located in Broken Bow. He has worked part time within the company since 2011 and been full time since he graduated college from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an Agri-business degree and Ag-Economics minor in May of 2018. He has worked in all parts of the business, including breeding, farrowing, nursery, finish, feed mill, maintenance, and office work. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with friends and family, hunting, golfing, going to the lake. Thomas is very involved with his community, serving on several governing boards and will participate in the House of Delegates for the U.S. SHIP Program.

Walter Traudt has a  farming and hog production operation in the Clay Center area. Traudt farms 1100 acres of corn and soybeans and in 2015 added a 4000 head hog finishing barn. “I have learned a lot about the production of hogs and row crop farming over the last several years and now I would be honored to be given the opportunity to learn about the policies and programs that would help me be a better livestock producer and farmer, said Traudt”.

Allison Zabel lives with her rescue dog, Cuda. She is a Customer Service Specialist at PIC. Her 10 years in the industry started when she was a student at Iowa State University. She likes to spend her free time playing slow-pitch and in the fall at Husker or Cyclone tailgates. Allison’s favorite pork dish is smoked pork belly burnt ends.



CFTC Charges Nebraska Commodity Pool Operator and its Owner with Fraud and Regulatory Violations

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced that it has filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska against commodity pool operator (CPO) Centurion Capital Management, Inc. (Centurion), and its owner, Terry M. Svejda (Svejda) of Blair, Nebraska. The complaint alleges that Centurion and Svejda engaged in commodity pool fraud in connection with commodity futures trading, in that he fraudulently misappropriated participant funds and made false or misleading statements about how their funds would be invested in the commodity pool.

In litigation, the CFTC seeks restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans and injunctions against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations, as charged.

Case Background
The complaint alleges that beginning in at least 2012, and continuing through the present, Centurion and Svejda solicited approximately $790,000 from approximately 27 persons to invest in a commodity pool that would use pool funds to invest in exchange-traded commodity futures contracts. However, the defendants failed to invest participant funds, and misappropriated more than 80 percent of the pool’s assets.

The complaint also charges Centurion and Svejda for multiple regulatory violations. Centurion is charged with failing to register with the CFTC as a CPO, commingling pool participant funds, and failing to provide required disclosure documents. Svejda is charged with failing to register as an associated person of Centurion.

The complaint also charges Svejda with liability for all of Centurion’s misappropriations and misrepresentations as a controlling person who knowingly induced the violations or did not act in good faith. Additionally, Centurion is charged with liability for Svejda’s violations of the CEA and CFTC regulations, as such violations occurred within the scope of his employment, office, or agency with Centurion.

The CFTC acknowledges and appreciates the cooperation and assistance of the National Futures Association.

The Division of Enforcement staff members responsible for this action are Glenn Chernigoff, Michael Loconte, Aimée Latimer-Zayets, Erica Bodin and Rick Glaser.



Ag Sack Lunch Program Expands Statewide, with Virtual and In-person Options

The popular Ag Sack Lunch Program is returning for its 12th school year in 2021-2022, and expanding its offerings to include both in-person and virtual presentations designed to increase agricultural awareness among Nebraska fourth-graders and their families.
 
“Last year our program started offering virtual presentations to schools which could not travel to Lincoln for a field trip because of COVID-19,” said Karen Brokaw, Ag Lunch Program coordinator.

“Response from the virtual presentations was very positive and student engagement remained strong. Virtual presentations provide us with a great way to expand the program statewide, allowing us to reach students from schools that do not travel to Lincoln. We are excited to expand our program to reach many more fourth-graders,” she said.

The in-person program provides a free lunch and an ag-focused learning experience to fourth graders who come to Lincoln each year to tour the State Capitol Building as part of their educational curriculum. While they eat their lunches, students hear a presentation about the important role agriculture plays in Nebraska’s economy, as well as the crops and livestock species that are raised in the state. The sack lunches consist of Nebraska-produced food items to help students appreciate where their food comes from. They also receive a deck of cards containing many ag facts including the games “Crazy Soybean” and “Old Corn Maid,” to take home to play with their families and friends.

The virtual presentations include the same lively presentation on the importance of agriculture in Nebraska, connecting the food we eat every day with Nebraska farmers. Students also receive the fact-filled card games that feature Nebraska ag facts to take home and enjoy with their families.

Registrations are now being accepted for fall and spring presentations for both virtual or in-person State Capitol visits, according to Brokaw. “It is important teachers make their reservations as soon as possible to ensure availability,” she said. Reservations can be made online at www.agsacklunchprogram.com

“Over the last eleven years, the Ag Sack Lunch Program has been successful in helping our fourth graders understand where their food comes from,” says Nebraska Soybean Board Executive Director Scott Ritzman. “Participating teachers continue to tell us their students learn so much from the presentations. We are also excited to expand the program statewide this year to reach more students.”

Since the first Ag Sack Lunch program during the 2010-2011 school year, over 49,134 students have participated in the event.

The program is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Soybean Board, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Beef Council, Midwest Dairy, Nebraska Poultry Industries and Nebraska Wheat Board.



CORN SILAGE STORAGE AND PROTECTION
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator

Cover the silage pile.

The time and money spent on chopping silage for feed does not go unnoticed, but if the pile isn’t covered, the loss of feed will be noticeable. Even after the silage is packed correctly, air and water can penetrate the outer layers and severely damage the quality and quantity of silage. Additionally, molds, mycotoxins, and fungi have a prime place to grow in uncovered silage.

Many studies at Kansas State University have reported a minimum three percent loss in dry matter from the top three feet of silage in uncovered silage bunkers compared to covered. Much like the last span of a pivot irrigates a large percentage of a field, the outer portion of a silage pile makes up a large portion of the pile. Covering with plastic will give about an 8:1 return on investment for the producer.

Silage should be covered as soon as possible with plastic. The standard plastic is still the black and white sided 6mil sheeting. Some producers may also add an additional layer of oxygen barrier plastic to reduce dry matter loss and spoilage even further. Another option is to use one sheet that is thicker or made of different material and is more of an oxygen barrier than the standard plastic. Make sure the edges are sealed and the top has plenty of weight on it. Usually tires cut in half are the most common.

An 8:1 return on investment isn’t easy to find these days, but it is right here with covering silage with plastic. Covering isn’t the easiest job but returning the favor with neighbors or providing incentives will make the job a whole lot easier.  



USDA NASS TO COLLECT 2021 SMALL GRAIN PRODUCTION AND STOCKS DATA

During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will be contacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2021 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

“The small grains industry is important to Nebraska agriculture and it is crucial for everyone to have accurate data about this key sector of the economy,” said NASS’ Northern Plains Regional Director, Nicholas Streff. “We will contact more than 2,300 producers in Nebraska to accurately measure 2021 acreage, yield, and production for small grains and the quantities of grains and oilseeds stored on farm.”

“Responses to the survey will also be used in calculating county yields,” explained Streff. “USDA uses county yield information from the survey to evaluate and administer vital farm disaster mitigation. Farmers who receive this survey should use this opportunity to assure their county is accurately represented in the calculation of Nebraska county yields.”

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Survey results will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on September 30.



Iowa Corn Day at the State Fair on August 20

Iowa Corn is proud to sponsor Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 20, 2021. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt across the fairgrounds to learn from Iowa corn farmers about their family farms and how corn helps feed and fuel both Iowa and the world. There will be seven farmer cutout stations scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Scan the QR code to learn about each Iowa corn farmer and chat with farmers along the hunt. By completing all the stations and returning the card to the Iowa Corn tent, fairgoers will receive a $5 coupon to enjoy a corn-fed treat at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, Cluck’n Coop, Iowa Pork Tent, or the Turkey Tent as well as enter to win a grand prize of a Grizzly cooler, Fareway meat bundle and Iowa Corn swag.  Scavenger hunt cards will be available at the Iowa Corn tent on the Grand Concourse.  

The interactive Iowa Corn Mobile Education trailer will also be on the Grand Concourse. The 40-foot state-of-the-art mobile trailer takes visitors on a multi-media journey showing how Iowa corn farmers conserve their land while growing corn that’s used for food, feed, fuel, and the 4,000 other products made from corn.



Rep. Dusty Johnson Receives Outstanding New Member of Congress Award

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) today presented Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) with the Outstanding New Member of Congress Award. This award recognizes a member of Congress who was recently elected and has already proven to be a reliable partner for agriculture.

“It is an honor to present the Outstanding New Member of Congress Award to Congressman Johnson,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Despite spending over half of his congressional tenure battling the COVID-19 pandemic, Congressman Johnson has already made a tremendous impact on agriculture.”

Congressman Johnson has been a leader on several key issues facing farmers and ranchers, including renewable fuels, livestock marketing and ensuring agriculture can recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Congressman Johnson was the first member of the House of Representatives to request that agriculture and food processing workers be considered essential workers during the pandemic,” Duvall said. “He then led the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to develop a framework for COVID relief funds that included $25 billion for agriculture, which many prominent organizations and congressional leaders applauded.”

SDFB nominated Johnson for the award in honor of his service to rural America in Washington, D.C., since he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018.

AFBF Vice President and SDFB President Scott VanderWal said, “Congressman Johnson is a tireless and passionate advocate for agriculture and other issues in rural America. In his first two years in Congress, he has always sought out the opinions of farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and has been a leader on several key issues impacting the day-to-day life of all in agriculture. His dedication to agriculture and rural communities makes him extremely deserving of this award.”

AFBF’s Outstanding New Member of Congress Award recognizes new members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. Recipients are chosen for having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals.



Availability of Draft Environmental Documents for Petition to Deregulate Soybean Developed Using Genetic Engineering

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is inviting public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment and draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment prepared in response to a petition from BASF Corporation seeking deregulation of a soybean variety developed using genetic engineering for resistance to soybean cyst nematode, a microscopic parasitic worm, and for herbicide tolerance.

APHIS is seeking public comment on these documents for 30 days. APHIS will thoroughly review and consider all public input submitted during the comment period, and use the information as we work to complete, and then publish, final environmental documents and our regulatory determination.

These documents can be accessed now on the News page of APHIS’ Biotechnology Regulatory Services website. This notice may be viewed in Monday’s Federal Register. Beginning August 17, 2021, members of the public will be able to submit comments through September 16, 2021, at:  https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2020-0023.



CFTC Orders Tyson Foods to Pay $1.5 Million for Position Limit, Reporting, and Recordkeeping Violations

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today filed and settled charges against Tyson Foods, Inc., for exceeding the CFTC’s position limits for soybean meal futures contracts traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and for failing to comply with reporting and recordkeeping obligations regarding its cash positions in grains. The order requires Tyson to pay a $1.5 million civil monetary penalty and to cease and desist from violating the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations as charged.

Case Background
The order finds that on more than 590 dates over a five-year period between January 2016 and January 2021, Tyson held positions in CBOT soybean meal futures in excess of then-applicable federal position limits. Tyson did so without the benefit of a hedge exemption for soybean meal. On those dates, Tyson’s positions were, on average, 2,473 contracts—or 38%—over the then-applicable 6,500-contract limit, and its net long futures positions exceeded the limit by as much as 7,057 contracts.

The order also finds that, in all but two months from at least January 2016 through August 2020, Tyson filed with the CFTC incorrect Form 204 (Statements of Cash Positions in Grain) that reported non-existent fixed-price cash sales of soybean meal, overstated fixed-price cash sales of corn, and failed to report purchases and sales from Tyson’s grain elevators.

The order also finds that Tyson failed to maintain certain records of cash transactions relating to futures positions in excess of position limits, in violations of then-applicable recordkeeping requirements.

The order recognizes Tyson’s substantial cooperation with the investigation, including its self-reporting of additional violations after commencement of the investigation, and acknowledges Tyson’s representations concerning its remediation in connection with this matter. As stated in the order, the CFTC recognizes Tyson’s substantial cooperation and remediation in the form of a reduced civil monetary penalty.

The Division of Enforcement Staff responsible for this case are Ashley J. Burden, Joseph Konizeski, Kelly Beck, Janet Briner, Scott Williamson and Robert Howell.



Mercaris Points to Bullish Organic Grain Prices, Uneven Growth in Livestock

As organic small grains harvest has nearly concluded following a troublesome summer, Mercaris released its monthly organic update today which encompasses trends in grain and feed prices, livestock inventories and organic imports. The report looks at the current organic market and gives a window of what to expect as the rest of U.S. organic production quickly approaches harvest.

“Through our organic price surveys, we saw increases in organic feed corn, organic feed wheat and organic feed soybeans since Q1. However, organic feed wheat was ultimately down $0.80/bu year over year,” says Megan Thomas, economist with Mercaris. “The story on organic feed soybeans continues to evolve as they maintained their upward momentum averaging $29.65/bu to begin Q3, $3.53/bu up from Q2 and climbing to $9.06/bu year over year.”

Outside of the grain markets, Mercaris observed organic livestock growth to be basically uneven with some sectors showing much more rapid growth than others. Organic broilers for meat production declined 2% from Q1 to Q2 and organic broiler volumes for July fell below the previous year, driving Mercaris to some key observations.

“Through July 2021, organic broilers are at up only 1% above 2020 volumes,” says Thomas. “For the fifth month this year, the broiler production is on a decline and that leaves in question where total production will end up for the year.”

Thomas also notes that organic fluid milk sales have displayed slow growth, while organic egg layer inventories have expanded 11% year over year and are holding steady at 17.5 million head. Organic turkey inventories also have displayed impressive growth, ending Q2 at a 7% increase over Q1 and up 12% year over year.

This month’s report wraps with a look at organic imports which were reduced year over year in the month of July, with the exception of organic corn imports.



USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification

Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021.  

“USDA is here to help all producers, including those who grow our nation’s organic food and fiber. Many farmers have told us that cost was a barrier to their ability to get an organic certification,” said Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “By assisting with the costs, this program can help organic farmers get their certification along with the benefits that come with it.”

OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible producers include any certified producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent during the 2021 and any subsequent program year. Producers can be reimbursed for expenses made between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021 including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, travel expenses for inspectors, user fees, sales assessments and postage.

For 2021, OCCSP will reimburse 50% of a certified operation’s allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $500 for each of the following categories (or “scopes”):  
    crops  
    wild crops  
    livestock  
    processing/handling  
    State organic program fees

Organic farmers and ranchers may apply through an FSA county office or a participating state agency.  

This funding will be complemented by an additional $20 million for organic and transitioning producers through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. More information on that funding will be available in the coming weeks.

To learn more about organic certification cost share, please visit the OCCSP webpage, visit usda.gov/organic, or contact your local USDA Service Center.



Biofuel and Farm Group Intervenors File Petition for Rehearing of D.C Circuit RVP Decision

Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for rehearing with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the recent American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, et al. vs. EPA decision, in which the court vacated a 2019 regulation allowing year-round sales of a fifteen percent ethanol fuel blend (E15). The petition asks the full court to rehear the case because of significant legal errors in the three-judge panel’s decision, handed down on July 2nd.

Together, the three national organizations stated: “If allowed to stand, this court’s decision to vacate EPA’s rulemaking to allow E15 to be sold year-round will have devastating consequences for the market expansion of homegrown biofuels. Petitioning for a rehearing is a critical next step in giving biofuel producers and farmers a fair shot in the marketplace and providing American drivers with better access to cleaner fuel choices. We are hopeful that the full court takes up the petition and reverses the panel’s decision.”

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a 2019 rule by the Environmental Protection Agency that lifted outdated restrictions on the sale of E15. The case, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, et al. vs. EPA, was a challenge by oil refiners to the rulemaking that allowed the year-round sale of E15.

Background:
In June 2019, EPA issued its final rule extending the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to E15, and found that E15 is substantially similar to E10 certification fuel, allowing the fuel to be sold year-round in conventional gasoline markets. Oil refiners soon challenged the rulemaking in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in an attempt to undermine the expansion of biofuels in our nation’s fuel supply.

On August 21, 2020, Growth Energy, RFA, and NCGA filed a brief as intervenors in the oil industry’s lawsuit against EPA’s regulation allowing year-round E15. The brief provided strong support for EPA’s position that parity in RVP regulations for E10 and E15 is consistent with the provisions of the Clean Air Act and the congressional intent behind those provisions. The organizations further pointed out that extending the volatility waiver from E10 to E15 is appropriate because the volatility of the fuel actually decreases as more ethanol is added into gasoline beyond E10.

Growth Energy, NCGA, and RFA participated in oral arguments for the case on April 13, 2021.



 Ostara Expands to Missouri, Invests $25 Million and Creates 40 New Jobs

Ostara St. Louis, Ltd. will bring 40 new, high-paying jobs to the St. Louis region and make a $25 million capital investment in the establishment of a Crystal Green® fertilizer production facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The facility will be the company's largest in the U.S.

"Missouri is the global leader in agtech, and we are thrilled to welcome Ostara to the Missouri family."

The project was supported by Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Partnership, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Ameren Missouri, Spire, Bruce Oakley, Inc. and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA).

"We're excited to welcome another agtech company to Missouri, where agriculture remains our number one economic driver," Governor Mike Parson said. "Ostara's investment in St. Louis will create more career opportunities for Missourians, build on its mission to help farmers improve crop yields across North America, and protect water and soil quality around the globe."

Canadian-founded Ostara develops technologies that recover phosphorous and nitrogen from water treatment streams and produces eco-friendly fertilizer products. After a site selection search, executives selected St. Louis due to its thriving agtech industry, its world class educational institutions and its Midwestern location.

"St. Louis was a natural choice for Ostara to construct its newest and largest manufacturing facility that will produce our environmentally friendly Crystal Green® fertilizer," says Dan Parmar, Chief Executive Officer at Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies. "As we gear up production over the next year, we're partnering with the St. Louis community and Missouri businesses to continue our mission to produce a sustainable phosphorus soil health solution that will enhance crop yields while protecting water sources across the globe."

Ostara plans to work with colleges and universities, businesses, and banks to grow roots and establish a presence in the region, creating the connections needed to build additional local plants in the future.

"St. Louis is open for business," said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "St. Louis welcomes Ostara as the latest addition to our growing agtech and innovation communities and the good-paying jobs the company will bring to our region."

"Ostara's products and vision dovetail with St. Louis' strengths," said Steve Johnson, Chief Business Attraction Officer, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and President, AllianceSTL. "Agriculture, plant sciences and manufacturing have long served as foundational elements of our regional economy. Our agtech assets will provide a unique level of support for Ostara, and the company, in turn, will contribute to its growth — and the growth of our region — while increasing quality jobs in Downtown St. Louis."

"Missouri is the global leader in agtech, and we are thrilled to welcome Ostara to the Missouri family," Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, said. "Their innovation is a strategic addition to our robust agtech ecosystem, and we are delighted they will be creating 40 new jobs that will positively impact Missouri families."



Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series Now Available in North America

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, is bringing the Fendt® 300 Vario® Gen4 Series tractors to North America. Because they are built to order and may be fully equipped with the FendtONE™ operator station like the larger Fendt tractors, these compact and extremely capable workhorses are in a class of their own.

The handy, lightweight tractors will debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The Fendt 300 Gen4 Series tractors will also be featured at select events after the Farm Progress Show. They are available to order through Fendt dealerships for delivery in early 2022.

The Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 tractors are available in four models ranging from 100 to 142 ECE R120 rated engine horsepower, all featuring the quality, comfort and versatility that Fendt is known for. The 300 Gen4 Series tractors offer an outstanding weight-to-power ratio and the agility to handle a wide range of jobs in places larger tractors can’t go. With an unladen weight of just 11,045 pounds, the 314 model boasts just over 83 pounds per horsepower. Added ballast can bring the weight up to 18,739 pounds when the work at hand calls for more it.

These tractors make fast work of residential and municipal snow removal, operating both front and rear attachments. They are designed to handle the continual back and forth of loader work and easily manage tight quarters when stacking hay, cleaning livestock pens and equine facilities and working in specialty crop fields.

“AGCO is focused on providing the solutions our customers need. As we expand the Fendt offering throughout North America, we now have the 300 Gen4 Series tractor for customers who need a smaller tractor with the technology and capabilities only Fendt can deliver,” says David Soliday, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager for tractors.

Trailblazing the way for tractors
Fendt 300 Gen4 Series tractors are characterized by the same innovative design and cutting-edge technologies that North American customers already experience in larger Fendt tractors.

The 300 Vario Gen4 Series includes four models: 311 (100 HP), 312 (113 HP), 313 (123 HP) and 314 (132 HP). The Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) power boost intelligent sensor technology automatically adds 10 HP when it detects excessive auxiliary consumer demand on the 314 model up to 142 HP. This ensures that the 314 will provide maximum drawbar, hydraulic and PTO performance.

The Vario 300 Gen4 Series includes the 4.4-liter AGCO Power™ engine that works in unison with the Fendt stepless Vario continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum power, fuel efficiency and machine life.

“The main job of this versatile tractor is to quickly and reliably complete every task before the operator has to swiftly and easily switch over to the next one,” Soliday says. “The 300 Vario Gen4 tractors are equipped to handle a full range of front and rear implements. Specifically, they are designed to withstand the constant reversing and speed changes required for loader work.”

Configuring the machine to the job
Besides specialty crop and chore work, Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series tractors can also be found hard at work in municipalities mowing and raking, hauling materials around the yard or – in areas prone to snowstorms – removing snow. Since these tractors fit so many uses, they are offered in the choice of three trim packages – Power, Profi and Profi+ – and with more than 210 options, so they can be ordered to match the buyer’s needs and use.

“The base configuration – Power – is fairly simple, and while it has the big 10-inch display on the dash, it does not include the 12-inch touchscreen display on the armrest,” Soliday says. “However, these tractors can be ordered with features all the way up to those that even a 1000 Series would have for precision agriculture, guidance and ISOBUS. All those features are easily added.”

Comfortable cab, designed for productivity
Operator comfort is an important piece of Fendt’s engineering, and the Fendt 300 Vario tractors are no different. All the operator comfort features Fendt is renowned for can be found on the 300 Vario tractors. In addition to front axle suspension, the 300 Gen4 Series tractors are available with either mechanical or pneumatic cab suspension for a comfortable, quiet ride.

All tractor functions in the cab are located at the operator’s fingertips. “A multifunction joystick and control buttons are integrated into the armrest, and a 10-inch digital dashboard is built into the steering column,” Soliday says.

Select Profi+ packages also feature the full FendtONE operator station. The FendtONE cab offers producers more display areas, including a 12-inch touchscreen terminal in the armrest and the option of a second 12-inch touchscreen terminal that can be stowed halfway into the right side of the cab roof. FendtONE also brings operators more control options, including a multi-function joystick to operate hydraulics, loader and ISOBUS features; the Pushdial controller used to run the display and cabin controls; and color-coded buttons that are laid out in an arc right at the fingertips.

“The FendtONE cab allows each operator to customize the tractor to individual preferences for each chore. The buttons are all color-coded to the functions they control – for example, hydraulic buttons are blue,” Soliday says. “And, to give operators more flexibility, white buttons on the control panel and joystick can be programmed to control tractor or implement functions based on the operator’s preference.”

The perfect loading combination
Implement controls are centrally located on the armrest – either in the joystick or integrated into the armrest itself – for easy implement operation. For example, when operating the loader, the operator’s left hand controls the turn and steer functions, while the right hand operates the crossgate lever or 3L joystick for the front loader.

Fendt offers two front loader options. The Fendt Cargo front loader comes in two sizes – the standard 4X75, and the 4X75 compact, which attaches the arm almost four inches closer to the cab to increase stability. The Cargo loader offers a semi-automatic attachment lock that features either a quick-release lever or a hydraulic lock, allowing the operator to push a button in the cab during frequent tool changes to easily switch between buckets, bale grabs and more.

The Fendt CargoProfi front loader features the latest in smart technology. The loader can weigh its contents with the touch of a button, includes tilt sensors and offers top and bottom limits for lifting height and tipping angles. It also has a memory function that saves positions and makes frequently repeated jobs easier.

Warranty and customer care
The Fendt Gold Star Customer Care package comes standard with each Fendt tractor. This 36-month/3,000-hour warranty features no deductible, covers all scheduled maintenance and includes the cost of oil, filters, belts and maintenance items during the coverage period. Each new tractor also receives five years of Fendt Connect™ telematics that allows an operator or their dealer to remotely monitor important machine data. In the rare case of a breakdown, Fendt dealers will take care of the parts support, while quickly diagnosing and repairing the problem to get the tractor back in the field, or provide a loaner guarantee if it takes more than 48 hours to complete a repair.

The Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series will make its public debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31- Sept. 2, and may be seen at select Fendt dealer events this fall. For more information about the Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series tractors or to locate the dealer nearest you, visit Fendt.com/us.