Thursday December 16 Ag News

Rural Mainstreet Economy Expanding: Farmland Price Growth Soars to Another Record High

For the 13th straight month, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) remained above growth neutral, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.         

Overall: The region’s overall reading for December slipped to 66.7 from November’s 67.7. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Solid grain prices, the Federal Reserve’s record-low interest rates, and growing exports have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy. USDA data show that 2021 year-to-date agriculture exports are more than 20.7% above that for the same period in 2020. This has been an important factor supporting the Rural Mainstreet economy,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.  

Farming and ranching: The region’s farmland price index improved to a very strong, and record high of 90.0 from October’s 85.5, also a record high. December’s reading represented the 15th straight month the index has moved above growth neutral.   

According to Bank CEOs, annual cash rents for non-irrigated, non-pasture farmland soared to $262 from $218 one month prior to the pandemic in February 2020.

The December farm equipment-sales index soared to 74.1 from 62.1 in November. This is the 13th straight month that the index has advanced above growth neutral and the strongest index recorded since April 2011.

Confidence:  After declining for five consecutive months, the confidence index, which reflects bank CEO expectations for the economy six months out, rose to 55.2 from 48.4 in November.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for December sank to 71.9 from November’s 74.1. The state’s farmland-price index climbed to 92.3 from last month’s 85.4. Nebraska’s new-hiring index improved to 71.8 from 70.8 in November. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet economy has experienced a very healthy 3.7% gain in its nonfarm employment (non-seasonally adjusted).  Jim Stanosheck, CEO of the State Bank of Odell said, “Our corner of the world saw dry conditions with yields about average. Where there was rain, yields were well above average.”

Iowa: The December RMI for Iowa improved to 71.4 from 70.9 in November. Iowa’s farmland-price index jumped to 91.4 from November’s 84.9. Iowa’s new-hiring index for December rose to 70.7 from 69.6 in November. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that over the past 12 months, Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet has experienced a 1.7% gain in nonfarm employment (non-seasonally adjusted). Jim Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora, reported, “Crop yields are amazing for the lack of moisture, except for very few instances depending on type of soil.”

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005 and launched in January 2006.



NEBRASKANS — ESPECIALLY THOSE IN METRO AREAS — OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUTURE

Despite challenges, rural Nebraskans continue to be optimistic about their current situation, according to the 2021 Nebraska Rural Poll. However, their optimism about the future is slightly down compared to last year, and their metropolitan counterparts are more optimistic about both their current situation and the future.

Since its beginning 26 years ago, the Nebraska Rural Poll has asked respondents about their outlook on the future. During the past decade, rural Nebraskans’ optimism has generally improved. This year, rural respondents gave similar assessments of their current situation as they did last year, according to Becky Vogt, the poll’s manager. The proportion believing they are better off than they were five years ago was 52% this year, similar to the 53% reported in 2020.

However, rural Nebraskans’ optimism about their future is slightly lower than last year. Forty-seven percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed believe they will be better off 10 years from now. This is a slight decline from the 50% of respondents who reported they believed they would be better off in 10 years in 2020. The past two years have shown a steady decline from 52% in 2019 (the highest proportion across all years of the study).

The annual poll surveys rural Nebraskans on their views and opinions on various local, state and national issues, as well as on their quality of life and access to services. This year, the Rural Poll was conducted in conjunction with a Nebraska Metro Poll.

According to the polls, metropolitan residents are more likely than rural residents to say they are better off compared to five years ago and that they will be better off 10 years from now. Just over six in 10 metro residents surveyed believe they are better off than they were five years ago, compared to 52% of rural respondents. Fifty-five percent of metro respondents believe they will be better off a decade from now, while 47% of rural residents agree with this assessment.

Differences between metropolitan and rural residents are also seen when asked if people are powerless to control their own lives. Rural residents are more likely than their metro counterparts to agree or strongly agree with this statement, 32% compared to 23%. In fact, more rural respondents agreed with this statement than did last year (26%).

Steve Schulz, associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Nebraska Omaha, said that powerlessness is often attributed to the inability to manage or control personal or social outcomes.

“Rural residents were more likely than metropolitan residents to report that the pandemic affected their financial health,” he said. “Lack of control over financial health may have led to increased powerlessness among rural residents.”

However, when given a list of 23 variables that can affect well-being, such as family and financial security in retirement, there were no differences in satisfaction levels between metropolitan and rural residents for half of the items listed. However, metro respondents were more likely than their rural counterparts to be satisfied with many financial variables, including their ability to afford their residence, ability to build assets and wealth, general quality of life, general standard of living, housing, job opportunities, education, health and current income level. Rural respondents were more likely to be satisfied with clean air and their religion/spirituality.

“There are differences but there are more similarities than one might expect,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, an extension professor at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. “As examples, metro and rural residents have similar satisfaction levels with their community, their personal safety, clean water, job security, financial security during retirement and their family. And even when there are differences, they are not huge — less than 10 percentage points.”

The Nebraska Rural Poll is sent to 7,000 households annually in rural communities across the state. In 2021, an additional 7,000 surveys were distributed to Nebraskans in metropolitan areas to capture experiences and perceptions across the entire state.

This year, 1,568 rural Nebraskans completed the Nebraska Rural Poll (a 26% response rate) and 1,305 urban residents completed the Nebraska Metro Poll (a 21% response rate). The polls asked participants about their experiences with the pandemic, their health and well-being, views about their community, and trust in institutions and media.

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. The margin of error for the Rural Poll is plus-or-minus 2%; the margin of error for the Metro Poll is plus-or-minus 3%. Complete results are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu. The university’s Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the poll with funding from Rural Prosperity Nebraska and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska Omaha provided funding to expand the survey to the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas.



Stern Joins Lindsay Corporation as Innovation Advisor

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced Michael (Mike) Stern, former Head of The Climate Corporation and Digital Farming for the Crop Science division of Bayer, has joined the company as an innovation advisor. Stern will serve as a direct advisor to Lindsay's President and Chief Executive Officer, Randy Wood, providing input on Lindsay's technology product portfolio, product marketing and development, mergers and acquisitions and industry partnerships.

"We are extremely pleased to have someone with Mike's industry experience and vision join our team," said Wood. "Our focus on customer-first innovation requires strong industry partnerships that differentiate our technology platforms and create unique value for our customers. Mike has a long history of success in these areas, and he will be a tremendous source of inspiration and insights for me and our team."

In his role at Bayer, Stern led a team that developed digital tools rooted in data science and data analytics to transform farming by helping growers make more informed decisions to optimize productivity and simplify their operations.

Prior to his time at Bayer, Stern was Chief Executive Officer of The Climate Corporation and a member of Monsanto's Executive Team, and formerly led Monsanto's Seed, Trait and Crop Protection businesses in the Americas.

"I have a passion for helping the world's farmers utilize technologies to feed a growing population while minimizing the impact on the environment and Lindsay is sharply focused on developing solutions that support sustainable growing practices," said Stern. "I'm honored and excited to join Lindsay in its commitment to driving innovation to achieve this goal."



SowBridge Educational Series to Be Held Online

SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in February, and registration is now underway. New this year, the series will be provided online through Zoom, although participants will be able to use a call-in option instead if they prefer.

SowBridge Educational SeriesKen Stalder, professor in animal science and swine specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the live interaction with session speakers will not change.

"SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions," he said.

Stalder, who also is the Iowa contact for SowBridge, said the cost remains at $200 for the first registration from an entity, and half that for each subsequent registration from the same entity.

Sessions are the first Wednesday of every month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. Central time. During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection (or call-in) per session and all program materials for each registration, including recordings of the live session.

Registration is due Jan. 18, 2022, to ensure participants receive materials for the first session on Feb. 2. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/SowBridge/2022SBbrochureIPIC.pdf. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 515-294-4683.

2021 session dates and topics are as follows:
    Feb. 2. The Impact of Non-edible Trim Loss on Cull Sow Value.
    March 2. Proposition 12 Implications.
    April 6. Estrus Detection and Insemination Strategies for Different Housing Systems.             
    May 4. Lactation Feeding Strategies.
    June 1. Global African Swine Fever Overview.     
    July 6. What Will Happen if ASF Comes to the U.S.?
    Aug. 3. How Does Mass Depopulation Work?      
    Sept. 7. How Does PRRS 1-4-4 Compare to Other Strains?
    Oct. 5. Fan Maintenance and Ventilation Settings.
    Nov. 2. Body Assessment Methods.  
    Dec. 7. Pre-weaning Piglet Survival.  
    Jan. 4, 2023. PCAI: An Update on Adoption in the U.S.

For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.

SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities (including Iowa State) from the nation’s major swine producing states.



Iowa Specialty Producers Conference Is Feb. 9-10

Specialty crop producers can hone their skills and receive timely updates Feb. 9-10, as the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference returns for the third year, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

The two-day event will feature keynote messages by John Kennedy, founder of agritourism.life, along with educational breakout sessions both days.

Kennedy is an international speaker, author and strategist who will speak about “the why” of sales and service, and “creating an opportunity to buy,” during his 9 a.m. opening address.

He will also present a breakout session on “the what” involved with “driving employee engagement and motivation.” On Feb. 10, he will address “the how,” a 90-minute strategic plan: Vision, Values and Volition.

Session topics will include viticulture, enology, fruits and vegetables, floraculture, and business and marketing.

“We are excited for the opportunity to network and engage with specialty producers in person again this year,” said Kendra Meyer, agritourism coordinator with the Food, Farm and Enterprise Development program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We have a wide variety of sessions relating to specialty crops, business and marketing to provide valuable information for all those who attend.”

The Specialty Producers Conference is organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, along with the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, the Iowa Wine Growers Association and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Pre-registration is encouraged to receive the best rates. The early-bird rate for the full conference is $200 and single-day registration is $110. Reduced rates are available for members of the Iowa Wine Growers Association and the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Rates increase after the Jan. 11 early-bird deadline.

Register at https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/ispc-registration.

For more information, Meyer can be reached at ksmeyer@iastate.edu or 515-294-9483. In addition to ISU Extension and Outreach, she serves as executive secretary of the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

This publication or project was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 21SCBPlA1O13. lts contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.



Farm Couple Getaways Return to Iowa in February

In order to help farm families build relationships and set family goals, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering two “Farm Couple Getaways.” Both events are aimed at farmers wanting to take advantage of activities to improve farm family communication, work on the farm or family goal setting, farm transitions or who just would like a weekend away to discuss farm and family issues.

The first getaway will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19, 2022, at the Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah. The second getaway will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25-26, 2022 at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Holstein.  

The getaways run from 12:30 p.m. on the first day to 3:15 p.m. on the second day. There is no cost to attend the program as food, lodging and other expenses are being paid for by sponsorships. However, there is a $50 per couple deposit to hold each reservation, refundable on the second day of the event.

Past “Farm Couple Getaways” have proven to be beneficial. “They are a very productive and delightful time to discuss items of importance to help farms and families be successful”, said Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.” Each getaway will consist of 10 farm couples and the extension facilitators.

The “Farm Couple Getaways” statewide Gold sponsor is the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, with other local sponsors recognized at the local events. Brochures with registration forms are available:
    Decorah Farm Couple Getaway Brochure https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/files/events/files/2022_ne_farm_couple_getaway_brochure.pdf.
    Holstein Farm Couple Getaway Brochure https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/files/events/files/2022_nw_farm_couple_getaway_brochure.pdf.

Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis with registrations due two weeks prior to each session. Registration brochures for the various sites can be obtained from Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, at jbentley@iastate.edu, or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County office, 563-382-2949. Dairy specialist Fred Hall can handle registrations at fredhall@iastate.edu or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office, 712-737-4230; and dairy specialist Larry Tranel is available at tranel@iastate.edu, or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County office, 563-583-6496.



NBB Releases Study on Benefits of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive

Today, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) welcomed the release of a new report, "The Economic Benefits of the Biodiesel Blenders' Credit," from Capital Policy Analytics. The report calculates annual economic benefits of $15 billion and environmental benefits of $4.3 billion from U.S. biodiesel production. In 2020, the U.S. market for biodiesel and renewable diesel reached 3 billion gallons with support from the $1 per gallon tax incentive.

"The current tax credit expires at the end of 2022. Letting it expire would harm the U.S. economy and the environment, the data show," the report states.

"A significant body of research also demonstrates that the biodiesel tax credit easily passes a cost-benefit analysis, and that the environmental benefits alone from each gallon of biodiesel that replaces petrodiesel exceed two dollars a gallon, or more than double the cost of the credit," the report continues.

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. The new report estimates that expiration of the tax incentive would eliminate as many as 3,000 jobs in the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry. The total employment loss throughout the supply chain associated with production would be between 7,500 and 9,000 jobs.

Moreover, the report finds that in 2019 use of biodiesel reduced U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 18 million metric tons. The cumulative greenhouse gas emission reduction since the inception of the biodiesel tax incentive is more than 100 million metric tons.

The report authors write, "We believe that ending the credit in 2022, when the current legislation providing for it expires, would be inadvisable and would likely devastate the market, resulting in the destruction of thousands of jobs, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and other local air pollutants, and the undoing of much of what the previous 17 years accomplished -- namely, the establishment of a robust market for an important fuel and an essential tool for reversing climate change."

Kurt Kovarik, NBB's Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, "This report demonstrates how remarkably effective the tax incentive has been in supporting the emergence of biodiesel and renewable diesel. As more and more American consumers demand better, cleaner fuels, a long-term and forward-looking tax incentive can help the industry sustainably grow and diversify. We appreciate the bipartisan support in Congress for continuing this policy."

Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans.



NFU Pleased EPA Included Renewable Diesel Pathway for Canola in Regulatory Agenda

EPA has announced their regulatory agenda for Fall 2021, which included designation of renewable diesel fuels derived from canola oil as “advanced biofuels” under the RFS program.

“NFU has long advocated for increased use of biofuels due to their tremendous benefits for the environment while providing much-needed market alternatives and economic stability to America’s farming and rural communities,” said Rob Larew, NFU President.

In a recent letter to the USDA, NFU called for the Administration to support increased growth of biofuel production, which will support increased investments in the rural economy and mitigate climate change impacts.

“Farmers stand ready to meet the increasing demand for biofuels, but regulatory certainty is needed to expand production, remove any distortions in the market for canola oil, and make additional investments in processing,” added Larew. “This EPA announcement is encouraging, and we urge prompt action to provide much-needed market alternatives and economic stability to America’s farming and rural communities.”

The EPA indicated rule making will take place in January 2022.



Environmental Stewardship Award Program Seeks Nominees for 2022

Applications are being accepted until March 11, 2022, for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award. Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers across the nation.

Cattle producers, as individuals and as an industry, are actively working to protect and improve the environment, because they know environmental stewardship and good business go hand-in-hand. A common trait among all ESAP winners is the desire to leave the land in better condition for future generations and inspire the next generation of land stewards. While the program highlights stewardship, it also provides fellow cattle producers with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farms and ranches.

Any individual, group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business raising or feeding cattle. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves, although nominees may be involved in the preparation of the application. Past nominees are encouraged to resubmit applications; however, previous winners may not reapply.

Along with a typed application, one nomination letter and three letters of recommendation highlighting the nominee’s leadership in conservation are required. Nominees do not have to be members of NCBA but should support the objectives of their state and national organization.

Award winners are selected by a committee of representatives from universities, conservation organizations as well as federal and state agencies. For guidance, the judges consider the management of water, wildlife, vegetation, air, and soil along with leadership abilities and the sustainability of the business as a whole.

Seven regional winners will be recognized at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, La., in February 2023, and the national winner will be announced at the Celebration of America’s Land Stewards Event in Washington, D.C., in March 2023. Travel and registration are provided by ESAP for winners.

The Environmental Stewardship Award is an initiative of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and is funded by Corteva Agriscience, McDonald’s and the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture along with a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information and to download the nomination packet, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.    



NGFA congratulates Behnam on confirmation as CFTC chair   

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) commended the Senate for confirming Rostin (Russ) Behnam to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Senators confirmed the nomination via voice vote on Dec. 15. Behnam has been leading the agency on an interim basis since January. The Senate Agriculture Committee voted to advance Behnam on Nov. 4 after holding a hearing to consider his nomination on Oct. 27.

“Acting Chairman Behnam has the experience and background that make him exceptionally qualified to serve as CFTC chairman,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “We deeply appreciate the willingness of Chairman Behnam to be open to NGFA-member companies’ input on rulemakings during his time as CFTC commissioner and look forward to working with him as chairman.”

Behnam joined the CFTC in 2017 and since January 2021 has served as the acting chairman. In 2019, Behnam spearheaded the establishment of the CFTC’s Market Risk Advisory Committee’s Climate Related Market Risk Subcommittee. Behnam previously served as senior counsel to Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.



USDA Releases Details of New Dairy Export Certificates for Dairy Consignments to European Union

On December 6, 2021, new dairy export certificates were made available for U.S. dairy product exports destined for the European Union (EU), including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The new EU dairy export certificates for U.S. dairy product exports destined for or transiting through the EU are available in the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS’s) Agriculture Trade Licensing & Attestation Solution (ATLAS) web-based software. Certificates for dairy and non-dairy composite products are not currently available in ATLAS.  USDA is preparing to make these certificates available as soon as possible.

On January 15, 2022, the EU will implement new requirements for export certificates for a wide range of food products exported to or transiting through the EU. These requirements will impact dairy-related exports, including those categorized as composite products. A composite product is a food containing both processed products of animal origin -- including, but not limited to dairy products -- and products of plant origin.

Exporters of dairy and dairy composite products must be prepared to meet the new requirements of the EU certificates and use the new EU certificates by January 15, 2022.

Requirements for dairy and dairy composite product exports destined for the EU include:
-    Ensuring all sources of animal-origin products included in the manufacture of any dairy or dairy composite product are from EU-approved facilities identified in the current Section IX: Raw Milk, Dairy Products, Colostrum and Colostrum-based Products facilities list; and
-    A Certificate of Conformance (CoC) as described in the AMS Dairy Program’s Export Verification Program must be provided to demonstrate that the milk sourced for the dairy ingredient(s) meets EU-specific requirements.

Requirements for exports of dairy and dairy composite products transiting through the EU include:
-    Ensuring all sources of animal-origin products included in the manufacture of any dairy or dairy composite product are from U.S.-approved facilities. U.S.-approved facilities may be identified using an applicable identification number from a U.S. government regulatory agency, and
-    A Certificate of Conformance (CoC) as described in the AMS Dairy Program’s Export Verification Program must be provided to demonstrate that the milk sourced for the dairy ingredient(s) meets EU-specific requirements.



18 Senators Ask Biden Admin to Take India to the WTO on Wheat and Rice Subsidies

Today, 18 U.S. Senators sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai requesting the administration pursue a World Trade Organization (WTO) case against India’s domestic support for rice and wheat production. The United States has previously highlighted India’s non-compliance through counter-notifications at the WTO Committee on Agriculture.

“American rice and wheat producers are operating at a clear disadvantage compared to their competitors, primarily from India, where the government is subsidizing more than half of the value of production for rice and wheat, instead of the 10 percent allowable under [WTO] rules,” the letter reads.

“Wheat and rice farmers rely on open markets and fair trade to facilitate trade, which plays a vital role in supporting our growers and jobs in rural America. NAWG appreciates Senator Boozman for leading this letter in the United States Senate,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. “It is important that as a WTO member, India adhere to international commitments and not continue to create unfair advantages for its domestic production and distort world trade. We appreciate these Senators bringing the issue to the attention of the administration and will continue to work with the USDA and USTR in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. wheat in the world.”  



3 Case IH Innovations Win 2022 ASABE AE50 Awards

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has announced three AE50 awards to Case IH for outstanding agricultural innovations. The recognitions highlight how Case IH equipment and technology has successfully helped farmers achieve maximum productivity. The award-winning innovations include:
    Patriot® 50 series sprayers
    WD5 series self-propelled windrowers
    Fast Riser 6100 series 3-section front-fold planters

“We pride ourselves on manufacturing high-quality equipment and solutions that help producers increase profitability,” said Scott Harris, Case IH global president. “Case IH equipment is designed, built and tested by farmers. This recognition from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet today’s farmers’ needs.”

Annually, ASABE distinguishes the 50 most significant product innovations in engineering and technology for agricultural, food and biological systems. The honor recognizes products that save producers time and reduce costs and labor, all while improving user safety. The awards will be presented at the ASABE Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference (AETC) in February 2022.

Patriot 50 series sprayers
Patriot 50 series sprayers offer an exceptional operator environment, complete vehicle control, enhanced connectivity and integrated technology to provide consistent, accurate applications every season. These sprayers are agronomically designed to help operators get into fields sooner with less compaction.  A range of connected solutions provides the next steps toward remote management and optimization of machines, data, diagnostics, agronomic inputs, and precious resources.

WD5 series self-propelled windrowers
WD5 series windrowers allow operators to get to the field faster and muscle through the tough spots, all without sacrificing harvest quality or comfort. Transport speeds up to 30 mph and cutting speeds up to 20 mph, together with simplified operations and innovations, such as Field Cruise and the Triple Windrower Attachment, bring peak operational efficiency. These windrowers also feature integrated Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) technology, including the AFS Pro 700 display, to manage autoguidance, to control key machine functions and to monitor windrower performance.

Fast Riser 6100 series 3-section front-fold planters
Available in Brazil, the Case IH Fast Riser 6100 series 3-section front-fold planter offers the most productive and agronomic three-section front-fold planter for growers and contractors who transport frequently on public roads. One operator can convert from 13-meter planting width to 3.2-meter regulatory road transport width from the tractor cab in one minute versus multiple operators taking numerous hours for competitive 3-section planters. The area of principal use is row crop planting of crops, such as soybeans, corn and/or cotton, in no-till to conventional tillage systems with 45-, 50-, 76- and/or 90-centimeter row spacing.



FARM AID DISTRIBUTES NEARLY $1 MILLION IN 2021 GRANTS

On the heels of a successful in-person festival this past September, Farm Aid announced that it distributed nearly $1 million in grant funding in 2021. Farm Aid prioritized organizations working to support family farmers, advance racial equity and social justice in our food system, advance farmer-led solutions to climate change, and build capacity for systemic change in our farm and food systems.

“Thanks to generous supporters from across the country — and a triumphant return to the Farm Aid stage in Hartford, Connecticut — Farm Aid is glad to make these grants to grassroots organizations that support family farmers across the country,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “These folks are the lifeblood of the movement for family farmers and their work is essential for an equitable and sustainable farm and food system for us all.”

In 2021, Farm Aid distributed a total of $972,000, of which, $817,500, was granted in December to 86 family farm, rural service and urban agriculture organizations. Earlier this year, Farm Aid granted $113,000 to assist farm and ranch families who were impacted by immediate and long-term climate disasters, including historic winter storms, record drought and wildfires. Strategic grants totaling $17,500 enabled long-term partners to address pressing needs or take advantage of unique opportunities to advance family farm agriculture.

Emergency grants totaling more than $24,000 were made to farm families to cover essential household expenses. These $500 grants are recommended on a case-by-case basis by Farm Aid hotline managers who operate the 1-800-FARM-AID hotline and connect farmers with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to their individual needs. Additionally, about $20,000 supported scholarships for college students pursuing degrees in agriculture.

In 2021, Farm Aid’s grants supported work to:
    Grow The Good Food Movement: Efforts that build local and regional food systems and connect family farmers directly with consumers.
    Help Farmers Thrive: Programs that provide family farmers with support and resources to start farming, transition to more sustainable farming practices, and/or continue farming in the face of financial crises and natural disasters.
    Take Action To Change The System: Work that promotes fair farm policies and organizes grassroots campaigns to defend and bolster family farm agriculture on a local, regional or national level.

These priorities guided Farm Aid’s work and grantmaking in 2021:
    Advancing Equity & Social Justice: Organizations or programs led by and/or supporting historically underserved and marginalized agricultural communities — rural and urban; work that supports Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) farmers and ranchers; and work that fosters the next generation of farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers challenging racial injustice.
    Supporting Farmer-Led Solutions to Climate Change: Development of agricultural systems and on-farm practices that nurture and safeguard natural resources, food supplies and communities; farm-based solutions to climate change in state and federal policy; and work to include farmers and communities most impacted by climate change in decision-making and leadership opportunities.
    Building Power for Systemic Change: Efforts that advance grassroots organizing and community building to dismantle corporate control and address historical inequities in agriculture; cooperative development or other economic/market solutions; and initiatives bolstering local and regional farm and food systems.

In the Northeast, where the organization reconvened its annual music and food festival in September, Farm Aid invested $125,000 in 15 programs across five states that met this year’s priorities. Awardees include The Carrot Project in Boston, MA; CitySeed in New Haven, CT; Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in South Deerfield, MA; Connecticut Farmland Trust in Hartford, CT; Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence, RI; Green Village Initiative in Bridgeport, CT; Hartford Food System/Connecticut Food System Alliance in Hartford, CT; KNOX in Hartford, CT; Land For Good in Keene, NH; The Livestock Institute in Westport MA; National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) in Washington, DC and Gloucester, MA; New Entry Sustainable Farming Project in Beverly, MA; Real Food Challenge in Boston, MA; Red Tomato in Providence, RI; Rural Vermont in Montpelier, VT; and The Northeast Organic Farming Association, with chapters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Farm Aid’s grant-making is one aspect of its work to keep family farmers on the land, growing good food for all. Other work throughout the year includes efforts to increase demand for family farm food; bring farmers, advocates and activists together to build capacity for family farmers to grow change in our farm and food system; advocate for policies that serve farmers and eaters and protect our natural resources; and invite everyone to participate in a thriving family farm system of agriculture.

For a complete listing of Farm Aid’s 2021 grant recipients, visit www.farmaid.org/our-work/grants.