Tuesday October 26 Ag News

BEEF EMISSIONS EXPERT: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BEEF HAS BEEN OVERSTATED

On Oct. 25, Frank Mitloehner, a leading researcher in the realm of livestock sustainability, asked a packed auditorium on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus to picture three coffee cups — a ceramic cup, a Styrofoam cup and an insulated reusable mug.

Coffee will stay warm in any of those cups, but to widely varying degrees. And just as different mugs trap heat differently, so do different greenhouse gasses, Mitloehner said. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere trapping heat from the sun for about 1,000 years from emission. Nitrous oxide lasts about 110 years. Methane, which cattle produce as they digest grasses and then emit through belching and manure, remains in the atmosphere for about 12 years.

“I call it ‘the fast and the furious,’” Mitloehner said. “Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas we want to reduce. But it is different. It has a different and much shorter shelf life.”

Mitloehner, a professor of animal science and air quality extension specialist at the University of California, Davis, addressed the crowd as part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Heuermann Lecture series — the first in-person lecture in the series since January 2020. During his talk, Mitloehner argued the environmental impact of livestock production has been overstated. For example, livestock emissions account for just 4% of greenhouse gasses, while fossil fuels contribute up to 80%, he said. It’s still important for the livestock industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mitloehner said, but his research, which is gaining acceptance among climate and environmental experts, shows that livestock production is not the environmental culprit it has been made out to be.

In California, for example, dairy farmers have begun storing animal waste in covered lagoons rather than open ones. The covered lagoons keep methane out of the air and trap the gas so it can be converted into renewable fuel, Mitloehner said. Since 2015, when California began providing dairy farmers with financial incentives to adopt covered lagoons and other methane-reducing practices, California has reduced its methane emissions by about 25%.

“I believe there is way more of an opportunity than a challenge,” he said.

After his talk, Mitloehner was joined by a panel of beef industry experts, who discussed some of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Panelist included Colin Woodall, CEO at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Larry Quint, research fellow at Conagra Foods; and Galen Erickson, Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science at Nebraska. Barb Cooksley, a prominent rancher from Anselmo, moderated the discussion.

The panelists discussed measures the beef industry is taking to be more sustainable, how they’re educating consumers about the actual environmental impact of animal agriculture, and Husker research that could help Nebraska livestock producers achieve carbon neutrality, among other topics.

Conagra, for example is working to reduce its carbon emissions by 2030, Quint said. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is surveying consumers to better understand how issues such as sustainability and animal welfare inform their purchasing decisions, Woodall said. And the university is engaged in research to better understand how changes in diet could impact cattle methane emissions, as well as the variance in emissions among different ways of producing beef, Erickson said.

“We have to understand emissions from diverse production systems,” he said.

All of these efforts together can help reduce methane emissions and better position the beef industry for a sustainable future, Mitloehner said.

“Sustainability is not a goal,” he said. “It’s a path. You never really get there, but you make constant progress.”



Fischer Renews Request to Meet with White House to Discuss Biofuels Agenda
        
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today joined a group of her Republican colleagues in requesting a meeting with President Biden and his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and the essential role biofuels play in America’s energy economy.

In July, the group led a similar effort to discuss this important issue with the administration, but President Biden ignored it.

“Mr. President, biofuels are a readily available energy solution that deserve full consideration—not only for helping to stem the recent increase in fuel prices, which has subsequently accelerated inflation—but to serve as a foundational source of transportation emission reductions as part of your energy and environmental agenda,” wrote the senators. “We call on your administration to utilize the full capacity of American agriculture to deliver on both fronts, and we reiterate our request to discuss these matters with you in greater detail.”

Senator Fischer’s actions to support biofuel producers:
·       Joined letter urging the Biden administration to stop delaying critical biofuels assistance

·       Introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to ensure blends higher than E10 can be sold year-round

·       Introduced the RFS Integrity Act to create transparency and predictability in EPA’s small refinery exemption process and require any exempted gallons to be accounted for in annual RVOs

·       Joined letter to USDA urging them to use the Commodity Credit Corporation/December 2020 COVID relief bill to provide assistance to the biofuels industry

·       Led bipartisan letter to EPA urging them to reject requests to waive RFS requirements and support robust RVO

·       Joined letter to President Biden urging him to reject calls to undercut RFS by reducing blending requirements and uphold his campaign promises

·       Joined letter requesting meeting with President Biden about the lack of prioritization of biofuels in the administration’s policies

The letter was also signed by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).



Now is the Time to Use the Nutrients You are Banking in Your Soils
Aaron Nygren - NE Extension Educator

With the recent increase in fertilizer prices, it is more important than ever to use the right amount of fertilizer to maximize the economic returns. Applying too little or too much fertilizer can result in substantial economic loss.

Nutrients Carry Over
Unused fertilizer typically carries over from the previous year, depending upon the previous year’s weather patterns, soil texture, rate of organic matter mineralization, crop nitrogen uptake and crop yield. Most of Nebraska was drier than normal during the 2021 growing season (Figure 1). This may have limited downward movement of nitrate nitrogen (nitrate-N) in the soil profile, resulting in less nitrate leaching loss while also potentially reducing crop nitrogen uptake and crop yield, particularly for rainfed crops.

If you were in an area of the state with drier conditions, the residual soil N may be higher than normal for rainfed crops. Therefore, it is a profitable and environmentally sound practice to credit this residual soil nitrate-N in determining fertilizer-N rates for 2022. To credit residual nitrate-N, soil sampling to a two- or three-foot depth during fall or spring will help determine the amount of residual nitrate-N.

The timing of soil sampling for making N recommendations could be important as snowmelt and precipitation during early spring may affect N losses (especially for coarse-textured soils), resulting in under application of pre-plant or in-season N. Collecting pre-plant soil nitrate-N soil samples is a good practice for determining residual soil nitrate-N to be credited in N rate decisions. For more information on soil sampling, see Guidelines for Soil Sampling, NebGuide 1740.

High Fertilizer Cost and Potential Cost Reductions
Recently, due to various global factors, fertilizer prices have rapidly increased and almost doubled compared to last year. Currently, N costs $0.58/lb to $0.95/lb compared to last year’s price of $0.30/lb to $0.38/lb (Figure 2). Corn prices have increased too, but not as much as fertilizer prices. Currently, corn is selling around $5/bushel for harvest 2022 deliver, while a year ago, harvest 2021 corn was trading around $3.8/bushel.

Commodity prices will continue to fluctuate between now and 2022 harvest. The worst place to end up is with buying high-priced fertilizer while receiving a low price for your crop — i.e., the price/cost squeeze. We strongly recommend forward contracting a portion of your crop when purchasing fertilizer. Having some expected production contracted at current price levels ties you into a stronger farm average price if prices begin to decline.

With the high fertilizer cost compared to last year, the relative cost of accurate fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests is less than the previous years. Assuming the same soil test costs and expected yield for 2021 vs. 2022 crop, UNL recommends a lower N application rate for the 2022 growing season due to the change in the fertilizer price ratio (see Table 1). With a lower fertilizer price ratio of 8:1 for 2022 corn compared to the fertilizer price ratio of 12:1 for last year, the recommended application rate is 26 lbs/acre lower, resulting in a fertilizer savings of $15-25/acre, depending on fertilizer source.

Additionally, by incorporating residual nitrate-nitrogen into the nitrogen fertilizer prescription, there is potential to substantially reduce fertilizer cost per acre. By accounting for residual nitrate-nitrogen in the N fertilizer prescription, growers can save $19-30/acre by crediting 32 lbs N/acre. Note that the UNL calculator factors in a default soil nitrate credit even if no soil test is included. Nevertheless, we recommend using soil nitrate test values for an accurate nitrogen fertilizer prescription.

Another important factor to consider when determining optimal fertilizer rates is proper crediting for other nutrient sources, such as legumes, manure and irrigation water. If fertilizer prices have doubled compared to last year, so has the value of credits from these sources. In the example above, the previous crop was corn. If the previous crop had been soybean, the standard N credit for corn following soybean on a heavy textured soil would be 45 lb/acre with potential savings of $26-43/acre, depending on fertilizer source. The cost to collect and analyze water samples for nitrate content — or manure samples for a range of nutrients — has not changed much, while the value of the nutrients these resources contain has gone up substantially.

Timing of N fertilizer application can also have a high economic impact under high fertilizer prices. Compared to fall fertilizer application, in-season fertilizer management with variable rate technology is expected to have higher economic returns. For more information about N technologies, see Precision Nitrogen Management On-farm Research Project.

Summary
With high fertilizer prices, the fertilizer investment for the 2022 crop can be intimidating. However, with current crop prices, such investments can be profitable. It is critical, though, that investments be made with the best information possible, based on careful soil testing, and after accounting for all sources of nutrients.



HALLOWEEN HAY & GDD
Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Allowing for alfalfa to winterize before dormancy is a key factor preventing winter kill across a stand.  Traditionally, my recommendation has been to time the last cutting for roughly 6 weeks before the first frost. At a minimum, plants need 3 uninterrupted weeks to complete the transfer of carbohydrates to the crown and roots that is the winterization process.  The additional 3 weeks gives us a cushion in case of an early frost.

While this general guideline has proven its worth over the years, many producers would love to have a bit more accurate method to time last cuttings.  One way to narrow the no-harvest window down is by utilizing growing degree days (GDD).  Work from the University of Wisconsin calculated winterkill risk looking at GDD at a base 41°F accumulating until a killing frost of 25°F.  The two GDD levels of importance for alfalfa stands were 500 and 200.

By providing at least 500 base 41°F GDD after harvest, research trials showed that there was sufficient time for alfalfa to winterize.  If harvest occurred with under 200 GDD left, alfalfa plants did now have sufficient time to regrow and deplete carbohydrate reserves to a level that would negatively impact winterization.

While other factors like ground cover and stress of the stand over the course of the year need to factor into the decision for a late cutting, this gives us a more accurate calendar point to shoot for if forage is needed.

As we’ve passed the 500 GDD threshold for most of the state, a tool like the High Plains RCC CLIMOD can be used to look at past years GDD and decide what the risk of getting more than 200 GDD going forward.  If chances are low and extra hay is needed, it’s probably safe to take that final cutting.



Extension workshops to cover crop inputs, cost of production

Nebraska Extension will present a series of workshops covering 2022 inputs and cost of production for crop producers Nov. 9-11 in Hastings, Beatrice and the Mead area, which includes a virtual option for producers from across the state to join.

Crops and agricultural economics extension educators will cover the forces that are driving input costs and commodity prices, discuss fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results and provide information on utilizing cost of production budgets in decision-making. Attendees are welcome to bring their latest soil tests.

The workshops will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the following locations:
    Nov. 9 in Hastings at the Community Services Building on the Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore Ave.
    Nov. 10 in Beatrice at the Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W. Scott St.
    Nov. 11 near Mead at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 County Road G., Ithaca, Nebraska (livestream option available).

The workshops are free, but space is limited at each location. Registration is required by the day prior to each workshop at https://cap.unl.edu/crop-inputs or 402-472-1742.

 

Nov. 8 symposium to focus on resources for young, beginning and small farmers

An event for young, beginning and small farmers – as well as anyone interested in learning more about getting into farming -- is scheduled to take place on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The Young, Beginning and Small Farmer Symposium will take place in the Great Plains Room of the Nebraska East Union. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required by Nov. 1. Lunch and parking will be provided.

“Farming has never been an easy industry to break into, and there are still many barriers, from the cost of land and equipment, to the huge economic risk of trying new crops or management practices that aren’t guaranteed to work,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Ultimately, we want to grow Nebraska’s already robust ecosystem of successful, innovative farmers and give the next generation of farmers the tools they need to continue our state’s agricultural legacy.”  

The event will be structured as a series of panel discussions. Audience members will hear from farmers who are getting started in both traditional and non-traditional operations. They’ll also hear about financial and risk management resources available to farmers as they grow their operations.  

Panel topics and participants are:  
    Young, Beginning and Small Farmers in Traditional Operations: Aspirations vs. Realities.  Panelists include farmers Zemua Baptisa, Beatrice; Joe Knobbe, Wisner; Lance Atwater, Adams County; Haley Miles, Ainsworth
    Young, Beginning and Small Farmers in Non-Traditional Operations: Aspirations vs. Realities. Panelists include farmers Becky Schwarz, Bertrand; Grant Jones, Imperial; Greg Fripp, Omaha
    Stretching Resources for the Farm of the Future: Existing Programs. Panelists are Brandy Balzer, Farm Credit Services of American/Frontier Farm Credit; Tom Kelly, Western Bank, Sutherland; Steve Cleveland, Homestead Bank, Chadron; Ben Herink, USDA Farm Service Agency
    Stretching Resources for the Farm of the Future: Innovative Approaches. Panelists are Gary Matteson, Farm Credit Council; Ted Hibbeler, Nebraska Extension; Larry Van Tassell, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability/Department of Agricultural Economics; Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Department of Agricultural Economics.  

All panels will be moderated by Glen Smith, chairman of the Farm Credit Administration, and Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  

The event is sponsored by The Farm Credit Administration, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information or to register, visit ianr.unl.edu.  



Funding Available from USDA to Protect Groundwater

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has funding available to assist landowners in source water protection priority areas to install conservation practices. Interested landowners have until Nov. 19, 2021, to apply.

John Wilson, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska said, “Since nearly all Nebraskans get their drinking water from groundwater, it’s important we work together to help protect this resource from contamination.”

Agricultural land located in the source water protection priority areas may be eligible to receive financial assistance.

Nebraska NRCS is now accepting applications for source water protection funding. Approved applicants can receive funding to install conservation practices used to address water quality that include:
    Nutrient management
    Irrigation water management
    Cover crops
    Conversion of flood to pivot or subsurface drip irrigation systems.

NRCS field office staff can determine if applicants are eligible for source water protection priority area financial assistance.

Applications are accepted anytime, but to be considered for funding in 2022, applications must be received by Nov. 19, 2021. Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.



Scientists Identify Proteins in Bacteria Associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease: As Possible Intervention Against the Disease

Poor health, viruses, and environmental stress can leave young calves susceptible to secondary bacterial infections that cause bovine respiratory disease (BRD). These severe infections commonly result in pneumonia, and treatments can be costly.

To identify unique proteins that can be used for future interventions against this disease in cattle, scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), took a closer look at the genetic material of multiple subtypes (strains) of three groups of bacterial species commonly implicated with BRD.

In a study recently published in Genome, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center microbiologist Emily Wynn and molecular biologist Mike Clawson examined DNA sequences from bacteria commonly found in cattle exhibiting signs of BRD. These bacteria are known as H. somni and P. multocida and M. haemolytica, which has a variable genotype (strain types). The scientists have sorted the variable genotpyes of M. haemolytica into two strain types (type 1 and 2).

It is not uncommon to find all three groups of bacteria living in the upper respiratory tract of cattle with no signs of BRD, along with communities of "good" bacteria.  When calves' immune system becomes weakened by viruses or due to stress caused by environmental factors (such as weaning, transportation, poor ventilation, etc.), these three bacteria (H. somni, P. multocida, and type 2 M. haemolytica) multiply in the upper respiratory tract and invade the lungs where they cause disease.

But this multiplication in calves with weakened immune systems does not happen as frequently with type 1 M. haemolytica. Therefore, it was important for the scientists to compare gene content across the three groups of disease-causing bacteria and identify differences between the groups and the more benign strain type 1 M. haemolytica.

Scientists focused on the differences in the proteins existing in the outer membrane of each of the bacterial groups, as these outer membrane proteins can be very important for either bacterial survival or its recognition and targeting by the host's (calf's) immune system.

"Part of our research aims to use very high precision in targeting unique proteins, or antigens, in the outer membrane of the BRD-causing bacteria. These antigens induce an immune response and can protect the animal. We anticipate these proteins can be used in future preventative measures without disrupting other 'good' microorganisms coexisting within the same environment or host." said Wynn. "One of the most exciting discoveries in this study was to find the outer membrane protein W, or OmpW, in all three harmful bacteria but not in the type 1 M. haemolytica. We look forward to investigating that further."

Wynn and Clawson found other proteins present in the outer membrane of all these groups of bacteria, giving them additional preventative targets, too.

Insights from this study open doors for the use of antibody recognition of outer membrane proteins to develop preventive strategies against bacteria that cause BRD. The scientists plan to expand their study with larger populations of BRD-associated bacteria and to use the same approach to specifically target additional disease-causing bacteria.



Sonny Perdue and Terry Gilbert Receive Top Farm Bureau Honors

The American Farm Bureau Federation will present its highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award and the Farm Bureau Founders Award, to former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Terry Gilbert, former chair of AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee, respectively, during the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 7-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture. Established in January 2017, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Founders Award for exemplary leadership, service or contributions to Farm Bureau is presented in recognition of outstanding achievements and work in the interest of Farm Bureau.

Sonny Perdue’s seven decades of service to agriculture includes serving as secretary of agriculture from 2017-2021, where he led USDA’s implementation of the 2018 farm bill. Under his leadership, the department’s notable accomplishments included launching the Market Facilitation Program to provide financial assistance to farmers during trade disputes, development of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the Farmers to Families Food Box Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the creation of ReConnect, a rural broadband initiative.

Perdue’s collaboration with leaders at other federal agencies included working to improve the H-2A program and secure farm labor during the pandemic. Additional accomplishments during his USDA career included representing U.S. agriculture during negotiation of the World Trade Organization Phase I trade agreement with China and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as well as numerous other trade pacts.

Gilbert began her Farm Bureau leadership in 1980, as a member of the Boyle County (Kentucky) Women’s Committee, later serving as secretary of her county Farm Bureau board of directors for 16 years starting in 2004. She went on to serve as a member of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Women’s Advisory Committee from 1985-2015 and chaired the KFB Women’s Committee from 1993-1995. She served on the KFB board of directors from 1993-2015 and on the KFB Insurance board from 2001-2015. On the national level, she was a member of AFBF’s Rural Health & Safety Committee from 1990-1992 and chaired AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee from 2001-2015, representing the WLC on the AFBF board of directors during that time.

Gilbert represented AFBF for three terms on the board of the Agriculture Council of America, the organization that plans National Agriculture Day activities in Washington, D.C.  She also served on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture board from 2006-2012.

Perdue was nominated by the Georgia Farm Bureau for the DSA. Gilbert was nominated by AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Committee for the Founders Award. A national Farm Bureau committee selected each of the winners.



Scoular releases first annual sustainability report

Progress against reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the total marine products sourced from sustainable processors are among the items and goals highlighted in Scoular’s first annual sustainability report.

The report, released Tuesday, outlines Scoular’s 2025 goals and commitments for addressing its most material issues and spotlights the progress from June 2020 to May 2021 on each of the company’s five sustainability pillars.   

“Scoular has a long history of creating safe, reliable and responsible supply chain solutions, and this inaugural report formalizes and communicates to our stakeholders these longtime beliefs,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass.

“As we look to our future, we are committed to working toward our sustainability goals and building prosperous partnerships and communities well-equipped to protect our planet,” added Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer Megan Belcher.

The company in December announced its five-year sustainability strategy and its five sustainability pillars. The five pillars are:
    Reducing Scoular’s carbon footprint.
    Fostering responsible product sourcing.
    Engaging in Scoular’s communities.
    Promoting diversity and inclusion.
    Upholding workplace health and safety.

Future reports will include additional details on targets, new initiatives, and detailed progress tracking.

“While we are still quantifying many of our goals, we realize the solutions required to solve the world’s most challenging issues will evolve,” said Josh Mellinger, who Scoular hired in July as its first Director of Sustainability. “Rather than waiting for certainty, we choose to act now and lead through uncertainty. More importantly, we want to reemphasize our commitment to delivering responsible supply chain solutions for all our partners.”



ADM Reports Third Quarter Earnings per Share of $0.93, $0.97 on an Adjusted Basis
    Q3 net earnings of $526 million; adjusted net earnings of $548 million
    Segment operating profit of $1.0B
    Adjusted EPS up 9% despite higher effective tax rate
    Continued momentum, on track for strong Q4

ADM (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

“Agile execution across our tightly integrated supply chain amid an environment of strong demand and robust crush margins, and continued impressive growth in Nutrition, drove our eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted operating profit growth,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano.

“Our team’s great ability to leverage the favorable operating environment, and the consistent implementation of our strategic plan, have put ADM on track for a strong fourth quarter culminating in a second consecutive year of record earnings per share. And as we look ahead, we remain optimistic in sustainable earnings growth in the medium term as we continue to execute our strategy, including the dynamic positioning of our business portfolio.”

ADM has made a series of strategic growth and portfolio announcements in recent months, including significantly enhancing its growing pet business with a 75% ownership stake in PetDine, and continuing to advance its evolution to higher-value sustainable solutions in Carbohydrate Solutions with the sale of the Peoria ethanol complex; an MoU with Gevo, Inc. for the production of sustainable aviation fuel; and an agreement with LG Chem to explore U.S.-based production of plant-based biosolutions.

Quarterly Results of Operations
Ag Services & Oilseeds delivered substantially higher results versus the third quarter of 2020.

    Ag Services executed well in a challenging environment, including a rapid return to operation after Hurricane Ida. Overall results were significantly lower versus the prior-year quarter, driven by approximately $50 million in net negative timing effects that should reverse in coming quarters; a $54 million insurance settlement recorded in the prior-year period; and lower export volumes caused by Hurricane Ida. Global Trade continued its strong performance.

    Crushing had substantially higher year-over-year results. The team executed well, delivering stronger margins in a dynamic environment that included strong demand for vegetable oil to support our existing food customers as well as increasing production of renewable diesel. Results were also driven by approximately $70 million in net positive timing effects in the quarter.

    Refined Products and Other results were significantly higher than the prior-year period, driven by positive timing effects of approximately $80 million that are expected to reverse in future quarters, along with strong execution in EMEA and NA biodiesel and strong refining premiums due to demand for renewable diesel and foodservice recovery in North America.

    Equity earnings from Wilmar were lower versus the third quarter of 2020.

Carbohydrate Solutions results were lower year over year.

    Starches and Sweeteners, including ethanol production from our wet mills, managed through dynamic market conditions, optimizing mix between sweeteners and ethanol production through the quarter. Year-over-year results were significantly lower primarily due to higher input costs.

    Vantage Corn Processors results were much higher versus the third quarter of 2020, supported by the resumption of production at our two dry mills and improved fuel ethanol margins, particularly late in the quarter.

Nutrition delivered another strong performance, with revenue growth of 17% helping drive 20% higher year-over-year operating profits.

    Human Nutrition delivered 9% higher profits. Higher volume and improved product mix, with particular strength in beverage, drove strong Flavors results in EMEA and North America, partially offset by lower results in APAC. Specialty Ingredients continued to benefit from strong demand for alternative proteins, offset by some higher costs. Health & Wellness results were higher on robust sales growth in bioactives and fiber.

    Animal Nutrition profits were nearly double the year-ago period, driven primarily by strength in amino acids as well as feed additives and ingredients, partially offset by higher costs in LATAM and slower demand recovery in APAC.

Other Business results were substantially lower than the prior-year period, driven primarily by captive insurance underwriting losses, most of which were offset by corresponding recoveries in other business segments.



Intelligent Ag Launches Recon Spraysense Vital Technology for Sprayers

Intelligent Agricultural Solutions, LLC (Intelligent Ag) announced the release of Recon SpraySense™, an innovative solution that monitors real-time flow and pressure of all nozzles on sprayers.

This innovative technology upgrades existing sprayers by monitoring nozzle performance. The typical agricultural spray system (sprayer) has 72 nozzles or more. Even though nozzles are small, they are vital to accomplishing the desired results with a given chemical or fertilizer. Flow problems are extremely difficult to see with the naked eye. If nozzles are plugged even partially, the operator will likely not know until it's too late and the damage has been done.  

Sprayers are one of the most utilized pieces of equipment on the farm today. The cost of chemical pumped through a single sprayer can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars per season. When the application of herbicide on weeds is not 100% accurate, some weeds may survive, robbing nutrients from crops and contributing to herbicide resistant weeds.

Intelligent Ag shows how it's almost impossible to see faulty nozzles at SprayOnTarget.com. Their studies reveal the results of undetected flow problems with sprayers.

With this new technology, operators can monitor the spray quality from inside the cab with an intuitive iPad application. Once product is flowing, the app shows real-time flow rate, pressure, and droplet size. If any nozzles are not spraying on target, the operator will know instantly.

Benefits include:
    Detect and alert the operator of any spray problems with nozzle performance
    Pre-loaded specifications for over 1,100 nozzle tips
    Compatible with common check valves and electronic on/off valves
    Manage droplet size and overall coverage accuracy
    Improve the value of your existing equipment
    Maximize farm profits

Recon SpraySense technology is designed to ultimately work with nearly every brand of sprayer on the market. Sprayers are used on almost every single farm. This new innovative system will change how sprayer operators perform and help them to more accurately "Spray on Target".

At Intelligent Ag, we develop technologies to help you get the most out of your equipment. Smarter farming doesn't have to be complicated and we're dedicated to producing innovative products that make it simple to maximize your profit margin.

We have developed the industry's best blockage and flow monitoring systems for air seeders, fertilizer spreaders, and sprayers. Additionally, we have developed an impressive line of retrofittable section control upgrade systems for air seeders and fertilizer spreaders.

Founded in 2011, Intelligent Ag does extensive research and development to advance precision agriculture and machine management technology, apply this technology to products that support a variety of crops, and deliver our products to farmers around the world.



Dryland Genetics names Chief Operating Officer to Scale Proso Seed Production and Sales

Dryland Genetics, a plant breeding company ensuring a resilient food supply by developing and commercializing crops that make more grain from less water, announced today that it has named an industry veteran to the position of Chief Operating Officer.

Craig Anderson who previously served as the brand manager at LG Seeds and the COO of AgReliant Genetics will oversee production, sales, and supply chain management at Dryland Genetics. As a member of the company’s leadership team, Craig will report to Dryland Genetics Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Patrick Schnable.

“Craig brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience managing production and supply chain for one of the fastest growing seed companies in North America,” said Schnable. “He brings a valuable perspective and the expertise to rapidly grow our capacity to produce proso millet seed and get that seed into the hands of our customers.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to bring new high yielding millet varieties to the farmers in the high plains,” said Anderson. “These are farmers and areas that have dealt with water availability issues for decades, and the significantly higher yield that growers can expect from Dryland Genetics proso millet is arriving at the perfect time.”

The appointment Craig Anderson comes at an opportune time as Dryland Genetics continues to build out the supply chain for its higher yielding proso millet varieties that can produce more grain from less water, and without supplemental nitrogen fertilizer. This is particularly critical in the western Great Plains where agriculture depends on increasingly limited supplies of water for irrigation.

Anderson brings more than 30 years of commercial seed operations experience in sales, marketing, and operations to Dryland Genetics. As VP of Operations at AgReliant Genetics, Craig was responsible for managing the production and supply chain of one of the fastest growing seed corn companies in North America. Most recently Craig served as COO for AgReliant Genetics, responsible for the commercial performance of the company.

Dryland Genetics is building a more resilient, more efficient food supply by applying cutting edge breeding and genomics technologies to crops, like proso millet, which thrive where others fail. The company recently raised $3.8M in an investment round lead by Stine Seed Farms and Next Level Ventures.