Farm Bureau Members Set Policy on Key Issues, Elect State Leaders At Annual Meeting and Convention
Farmers and ranchers from across the state set Nebraska Farm Bureau policy for the coming year and elected leaders as part of the organization’s 104th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 5-7 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a wide range of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.
“Growing our rural communities and expanding opportunities for agriculture related enterprises is a high priority for our members, but our delegates also covered a wide range of other policy issues that impact their operations” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.
Voting delegates supported a number of issues related to rural economic development, including policy to address the lack of rural housing, labor, and childcare in rural areas. Recognizing the impact value-added agriculture has on economic development, delegates also adopted resolutions to grow Nebraska’s livestock sector.
“Ensuring e-connectivity and expanding broadband into underserved areas is critical to any form of rural economic development regardless if you’re a farmer, rancher, or main street business owner. That’s why our delegates supported efforts to build broadband and cell phone infrastructure in rural Nebraska,” said McHargue
Delegates also adopted several policies related to cybersecurity, backing resolutions to invest in the infrastructure needed to defend against cyber-attacks and encouraging the U.S. government to work across agencies to protect the country and businesses.
“As recent cyberattacks have hit agricultural processors, farmers and ranchers want to ensure that officials at the state and federal level take necessary action to secure and protect producer and company data. A secure food production and processing sector is vital to the economic future of our state and county,” said McHargue
With environmental markets emerging, voting delegates discussed and adopted policy to be proactive in conservation by researching best management practices and nutrient management. Delates also backed measures to support young and beginning farmers through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s NextGen program.
“Our delegates covered several issues that make a difference in the lives of farmers, ranchers, and all Nebraskans. Their work is critical to not only shaping the future of agriculture, but the prosperity of our entire state,” said McHargue.
In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.
Sherry Vinton, an Arthur County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected as the organization’s First Vice President. Vinton and her husband Chris operate a cow-calf operation near Whitman.
Dennis Beethe, a Johnson County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to represent the Southeast Region. Beethe and his wife Nadine have a cow/calf operation in Elk Creek.
Andy DeVries, a Keith County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the representative for the Northwest Region. DeVries and his wife Laura have four children and raise corn, popcorn, soybeans, and dry edible beans on the family farm near Ogallala.
Matt Jedlicka, a Colfax County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the Central Region representative. Jedlicka and his wife Sharee partner with his family and grows row crops and operates a cattle feed yard near Schuyler.
Biden Administration Unveils Policies Impacting U.S. Ethanol Industry
The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) are discouraged with the Biden Administration after its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) proposal earlier today. The RVO falls under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which requires at least 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels (mainly corn-based ethanol) that will be blended into the U.S. fuel supply each year based on congressional intent. The EPA undercut the RFS through its proposal to reopen and reduce the final 2020 RFS volumes to 12.5 billion gallons, which is 2.5 billion gallons below the statutory minimum. In its delayed proposed biofuel blending volumes for 2021, the EPA again came short of the 15-billion-gallon minimum. For 2022, EPA is expected to return the conventional biofuel target to 15 billion gallons.
While any amount of ethanol blended below the 15-billion-gallon intention of the RFS is detrimental to American corn farmers, as well as the environment, there were a few bright spots coming from Washington today.
The EPA proposed the denial of 65 pending RFS refinery waiver petitions which is good news for the ethanol industry. These waivers would have exempted refineries from blending biofuels, like ethanol. Similar waiver requests were granted in record numbers during the Trump Administration.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released $700 million in COVID relief funds for biofuel producers congress authorized late last year. An additional $100 million will be dedicated to infrastructure grants to improve access to higher blends of ethanol.
NCB and NeCGA (collectively known as “Nebraska Corn”) issued the following statements on the proposed rule:
“While we are appreciative of the EPA’s denial of refinery waivers, we’re disappointed with today’s blend volumes released,” said Andy Jobman, NeCGA president and farmer from Gothenburg. “Ethanol has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 46% compared to traditional gasoline, making it an immediate solution to combat climate change. EPA’s proposed biofuel volumes are completely contradictory to the President’s ambitious goals of scaling back greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and significantly undermine the integrity of the RFS.”
“Nebraska corn farmers continue to be frustrated by the lack of support for the RFS,” said Jay Reiners, NCB chairman and farmer from Juniata. “We cannot continue to wait on the EPA to advance higher blends of biofuels, and we must focus on the Next Generation Fuels Act to benefit farmers and our environment. This piece of legislation is an opportunity to greatly improve liquid fuel, keeping it relevant, competitive and affordable in our transition to low-carbon transportation.”
“The Next Generation Fuels Act, coupled with the RFS, is key in requiring automakers to phase in higher levels of clean, low-carbon octane by the 2031 model year,” said Jobman. “Once this is achieved, engines will be using energy more efficiently and greenhouse gas emissions will be significantly reduced. We’re grateful this bill has received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and are appreciative of Nebraska Reps. Smith and Fortenberry in their support of this legislation.”
Call for At-Large Candidates
Dan Nerud, Chairman, Nebraska Corn Growers Association
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is seeking candidates for two at-large positions to serve on the board of directors. The at-large positions serve for a 3-year term. If you have an interest in furthering your service to the corn industry and are a current member of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, please contact me at (402) 641-7668.
As a candidate, your name will be placed on the ballot for delegates of the association to vote from during our upcoming Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2022 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Country Inn & Suites (5353 N. 27th, Lincoln, NE). Candidates will have an opportunity to address the delegates with a short introduction of themselves and why they want to be active on the board of directors.
If elected to serve, the board of directors usually meet in person 2-3 times per year, with 2-3 conference call as needed to conduct and address business of the board.
If you have questions, or are interested in being a candidate, please call me by January 15, 2022. Again, my number is (402) 641-7668.
Please consider your service to our industry.
Suggestions for Planning for Rising Fertilizer Prices and Bull Markets
Jessica Groskopf - Extension Educator for Agricultural Economics
Cory Walters - Extension Grain Economist
Rising fertilizer and input prices are the hot topic of conversation in rural coffee shops across the Corn Belt. However, there seems to be little banter about how to make crop-input purchase decisions heading into 2022. So what should savvy farmers be discussing, in addition to rising costs, to make the best purchase decision?
A large piece missing from the discussion is an individual’s personal financial scenario. Your financial standing might be different than your neighbor's. You both face the same costs, but his financial picture may allow him to react differently than you can. Maybe he has enough cash on hand to purchase inputs at these higher costs without changing his production strategy. On the other hand, he might be looking for ways to improve his cash flow by changing production practices, selling assets, getting a larger operating note or getting an in-town job to make ends meet.
Make the right financial decisions for YOUR operation. Your decisions heading into 2022 may look very different than your neighbor's. Your goal is to financially survive 2022; it doesn’t matter how you accomplish this goal.
Focus on optimizing — instead of maximizing — yield. Fertilizer costs may become so high, relative to 2022 crop prices, that you choose to apply less fertilizer. In other words, fertilizer could become a limiting factor to your production. Reducing fertilizer application might also decrease your yield expectation and application of other inputs.
Another way to optimize is when deciding what products to use and on which fields. If you have limited choices, make sure you are consciously deciding where each input would be best utilized.
Have you ever heard, “you make your money when you buy, not when you sell”? Although this phrase isn’t very common, more farmers should adopt it. Shop around for inputs and services. Reducing costs, not just fertilizer, can help create more wiggle room when it comes to marketing.
Often overlooked are costs that are not directly tied to production, such as insurance, machinery costs and family living. Take time this winter to review all your cash outflows. Look for areas to reasonably reduce expenses.
Costs are only one side of the profit equation. Crop prices should be a major part of this discussion. Profitability comes from selling above your cost of production. Marketing should be a key consideration as you look ahead to 2022.
Maybe you have already purchased some inputs. We highly recommend developing a cash-flow budget, to determine your cost of production. As more purchases are made, costs per bushel should be updated. Once you have a cost of production estimated, develop a grain marketing plan that will help cover these costs. Avoid the cost-price squeeze — purchasing inputs at a high price while selling a commodity at a low price.
Navigating 2022 input costs and commodity prices will undoubtedly be challenging. Remaining focused on your farm’s unique financial situation, optimizing not maximizing, reviewing all of your costs and developing a solid marketing plan will give you the best chance at prospering in the upcoming production season.
Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Awards Honorees
During the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Banquet in Kearney on December 2, 2021, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation recognized numerous honorees. The mission of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is to advance the future of Nebraska’s beef industry through investing in educational and research programs. “We had another outstanding year for the foundation and would like to thank all of the individuals that made it possible,” shared Mark Jagels-President Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation
The Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment award was established to provide grants to beef industry-related research and teaching positions at Nebraska’s post-secondary educational institutions. This award rewards professors or instructors who provide cutting-edge research or student instruction in the beef industry. This year’s winner is Dr. Matt Spangler from Lincoln, NE. Dr. Spangler is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in beef cattle genetics and genomics. “We are grateful to have Dr. Spangler here in Nebraska. We thank him for his dedication to the beef industry,” noted Mark Jagels.
The Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment provides grants to range management and conservation research or teaching positions as Nebraska post-secondary educational institutions. This year’s honoree is Dr. Karla Wilke from Kimball, NE. “Dr. Wilke’s passion for the industry is evident, we thank her for her knowledge in nutritional management for cattle that she shares with producer,” stated Mark Jagels.
The Friend of the Foundation award is presented annually to a person or business that has shared endless amounts of time, talent, and treasure with the Foundation. David and Ann Bruntz of Friend, NE are this year’s Friends of the Foundation Honorees. Their roots run deep in Nebraska agriculture, where they have both served in key leadership roles locally, statewide, and nationally. The Bruntzs have built many relationships across the globe and are respected as leaders shaping, promoting, and preserving Nebraska agriculture. “Today we honor the philanthropic work these two outstanding individuals have committed to Nebraska agriculture. Their lifelong roles in contributing their time talents, and treasure to benefit the future of the agriculture industry we can all learn from,” said Mark Jagels.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation is proud to be able to provide scholarships yearly to students seeking secondary education. This year the foundation funded $69,500 in scholarships, which awarded 54 students. This year at the annual banquet, the foundation announced a new scholarship to honor the memory of Shari Flaming. Shari, was a vibrant teacher, a cattle feeder, a rancher, and a lifelong Nebraska agriculture enthusiast. This scholarship will be awarded to students residing in Nebraska, majoring in animal science, feedlot management, or range management. A student must be involved in student organizations related to their field of study, have a 3.3 GPA and preference will be given to those with cattle industry involvement. A minimum of $1,000 will be awarded to an outstanding junior or senior level student with strong character and leadership skills. “Shari’s passion for youth and agriculture was evident in her life. We are blessed we can honor her in providing a scholarship in her memory to future leaders in the beef industry,” said Mark Jagels
“The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation would like to congratulate all of our Honorees this year and thank all of our generous donors that allows us to provide funding to research and educational programs,” voiced Mark Jagels
Principles for Attracting and Retaining Quality Ag Employees Webinar — a Panel Discussion
Help-wanted signs are everywhere. Hiring is so difficult that many are calling this the “Great Resignation.” Agricultural businesses in Nebraska are not exempt from this challenge; competition for available workers comes from area industries, and the labor market is tight.
Nebraska Extension will sponsor a free webinar Thursday, Dec. 16 addressing this topic. Dr. Bob Milligan, senior consultant with Dairy Strategies LLC and professor emeritus from Cornell University, will discuss principles to make owners and managers of agricultural operations more effective in employee leadership. Milligan argues that perhaps the only solution to this challenge lies in the phrase: “If you want to have good employees, be a good employer.”
Topics that will be briefly discussed to assist in meeting this challenge include:
Identifying the future direction of the operation and its workforce needs.
Developing position descriptions, performance expectations and accountability.
Learning effective recruitment, interviewing and hiring procedures.
Identifying employee training and development needs.
Delivering large quantities of high-quality feedback.
Milligan’s presentation will be followed by a panel discussion of owners and managers of farm and ranch operations who are applying these principles with their employees. Panel members, all past participants of Leading Farm and Ranch Employee seminars, will share what they have learned in their leadership roles and areas where they are continually striving to make improvement. Panel members include:
Logan Pribbeno — Wine Glass Ranch at Imperial, Nebraska
Robert Brosius — Maddux Ranch at Wauneta, Nebraska
Owen Williams — Double 8 Ranch at Elk Mountain, Wyoming
The webinar will be delivered via Zoom from 7-9 p.m. CST (6-8 p.m. MST). There is no cost to attend, but those who wish to participate will need to register by Wednesday, Dec. 15. Participants will need internet access to view the webinar.
To register for the webinar or for more information, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122.
Leading Farm and Ranch Employees Virtual Seminar
A Leading Farm and Ranch Employees Virtual Seminar series will follow this panel discussion in January (Jan. 18, 20, 25 and 27). This series is designed for agricultural employers to learn and apply techniques and leadership practices that will help them be effective as they interact with the people in their operations.
The virtual seminar series taught by Dr. Bob Milligan will be delivered via Zoom from 12:30-2 p.m. CST (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST). Participants will need internet access and are encouraged to use a computer with a camera and a microphone to participate. Participants in the virtual seminar series should plan to attend each of the four sessions. Opportunities to share with other owners/supervisors will be provided via Zoom rooms.
The cost for the four-day virtual seminar series is $50 per person. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register online by Tuesday, Jan. 11 to ensure that seminar materials have time to arrive prior to the beginning of the course.
For more information about the virtual seminar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122.
ISU Block and Bridle's Swine Interest Group Helps Grow Industry Leaders
Many Iowa State University clubs can help students increase their knowledge and expand their leadership skills. For those interested in animal agriculture, the Block and Bridle Club fits the bill nicely. As the largest on-campus organization, it offers opportunities for various livestock topical groups, including the swine interest group. Current Swine Interest Group president Brielle Smeby said activities for the group can range from industry trips, guest speakers and career events.
"The Swine Industry Tour, organized by our officers, is an awesome experience for our members," she said. "This fall, we traveled to Illinois and Indiana with stops including Quality Plus Feeds, Carthage Systems, University of Illinois, Purple Power Boar Stud, and National Swine Registry."
The group also organizes the pre-career fair event, Swine Night. Smeby said she chose to pursue this opportunity because of her previous experience and passion for the swine industry, as well as wanting to make more connections in the industry.
Advisor Dalton Humphrey said the Swine Interest Group brings together students who have a common interest and passion for the swine industry. This group is unique among other student groups because it allows students with a range of backgrounds to network with their peers and industry professionals while gaining knowledge and experiences to carry with them into their future careers. Humphrey said events like the fall industry trip and swine shows strongly influence student success by providing the means for students to explore their interests while taking responsibility and playing a role in both university and community engagement.
The industry’s desire for students who have been heavily involved is evident to the Block and Bridle Advisor, Dr. Laura Greiner. She knows employers are looking for student involvement in the livestock industry before graduation.
“Block and Bridle not only gives the students exposure to animal agriculture, but it provides students the opportunities to practice leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that are essential for a successful career and cannot be completely taught within the classroom,” she said. “In addition, so many of the Block and Bridle activities are large, which demonstrates the individual’s ability to oversee a large activity and budget.”
Although their positions and responsibilities with the Swine Interest Group are quite different, Smeby, Humphrey and Greiner agree that there are many things for students to gain from Block and Bridle. Smeby said she wants students to know the swine industry is a thriving industry, especially in Iowa, and it is important to increase awareness of all the possibilities awaiting students there. Both Humphrey and Greiner have seen students develop into future industry leaders, and he said he knows from experience that opportunities like those available through active participation in the group can lead to future career and job connections.
Ranch Group Analysis Shows Fischer-Grassley Compromise Bill Is Boon for Packers, Bust for Producers
Analyzing market data for the second half of 2021 generated under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act (LMR), R-CALF USA says the recent increase in fed cattle prices are associated with significant increases in the volume of cattle sold in the negotiated cash market.
The group says during the second half of 2021, the weekly negotiated cash volume hit a low of only 57,120 head the week ending August 30, and that was associated with a $125.74 fed cattle price. But since that time, the group says the volume in the cash market steadily increased, and by December 6 the volume had nearly doubled, to 112,080 head, and fed cattle prices increased to over $140 for the first time in over 6 years.
“These data show that when the volume of cattle sold in the negotiated cash market increased by nearly double since August, the fed cattle price that producers received jumped $15 per hundredweight, representing an additional $195 per head for a 1,300 lb. steer by December 6,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard adding, “To put it another way, the percentage increase in volume in the negotiated cash market of about 11% was associated with producers receiving nearly $200 per head more for each head of cattle sold.”
“If the correlation between rising negotiated cash volumes and rising fed cattle prices evidenced in our chart holds true, then increasing the negotiated cash market volume to 50% would be a huge boon for U.S. cattle producers. But, the recently compromised Fischer-Grassley Bill, S.3229, ensures this will never happen because it contains a mechanism to lower, not increase, cash volume purchase requirements in regions that contribute the very most to the negotiated cash market volume.
“The Fischer-Grassley Bill, S.3229, will instead be a boon to packers, allowing them to continually purchase cattle for less than their competitive value, and that means it’ll be a bust for America’s cattle producers,” Bullard commented.
Bullard says his group continues to support the original cattle market protection bill, S.949, that will allow cattle producers to benefit from a robustly competitive negotiated cash market at least at a 50% volume level.
ASA Elects 2022 Executive Committee, Welcomes New Board Members
During its annual meeting in St. Louis this week, the American Soybean Association (ASA) elected the leaders who will steer the organization through a new year of soybean policy advocacy, including planning for the 2023 farm bill and other soy priorities.
Brad Doyle (AR) will serve as 2022 ASA president. Doyle previously served as ASA vice president, secretary and as an at-large member of the ASA Executive Committee (formerly referred to as the ASA Governing Committee and amended in a bylaw vote this week). He has been on the ASA board of directors since 2017. Doyle operates Berger Farms/Eagle Seed Co. with his wife, Joyce, a second-generation soybean breeder.
Immediate past president Kevin Scott (SD) moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman Bill Gordon (MN) rotates off the nine-member executive committee and retires from the board.
The ASA board elected Daryl Cates (IL) as ASA vice president, a role that puts him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2023.
In addition, the board elected Caleb Ragland (KY) as ASA secretary; Josh Gackle (ND) as treasurer; and Stan Born (IL), George Goblish (MN), Ronnie Russell (MO), and Scott Metzger (OH) as at-large members of the executive committee. Metzger is new to the executive committee. Ragland, Gackle, Born, and Goblish all served on the 2021 committee or longer, and Russell has also served in previous years.
In addition to Gordon, ASA said goodbye to and celebrated the efforts of several other directors who retired this week, including David Droste (IL); Bret Davis (OH); Davie Stephens (KY); Joe Steinkamp (IN); Scott Persall (Ontario, Canada); and Brad Kremer (WI).
With these director retirements, ASA welcomed nine new directors who began their nine-year terms, including Jamie Beyer (MN); Adam Guetter (MN); Michael Petefish (MN); Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL); Mike Koehne (IN); Fred Sipes (KY); Ryan Rhoades (OH); Heather Feuerstein (MI); and Jeff Harrison (Canada).
Senators Urge Halt of Brazilian Beef Imports
U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Thursday joined Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil. Thursday's letter comes as Brazil has failed to quickly disclose two cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy -- a neurological disease of cattle -- which could pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the U.S. cattle herd and food supply.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).
"Cattle producers across the country work hard to produce the highest quality beef in the world," the senators wrote. "This industry should not be jeopardized by Brazilian beef imports that may contaminate U.S. herds and our food supply. We support the requests to suspend Brazilian fresh beef imports until a thorough investigation can be made into Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply food safety review process."
NAMI: White House Economic Council Not Very Economic
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today dismissed another desperate attempt by the White House Economic Council to shift blame for record food inflation to the meat and poultry industry.
“The White House Economic Council is again demonstrating its ignorance of agricultural economics and the fundamentals of supply and demand,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “This argument is simply a rinse and repeat of their September attempts to blame meat and poultry companies for inflation that is not limited to food, but is being felt across the economy.
“Beef, pork and poultry all have their own supply and demand market fundamentals. The calculations used by the Economic Counsel awkwardly and misleadingly combine these sectors and the Council’s analysis conveniently excludes data on rising input costs, rising fuel costs, supply chain difficulties and labor shortages that impact the price of meat on the retail shelf. Plus, recent economic data indicates packer (wholesale) margins have fallen by 30-60 percent depending on the species as the industry works through the historic supply chain disruptions of the last 18 months.
“This cherry picking of data is obvious to all. It is no coincidence this blog post appears on the same day as the Consumer Price Index is released showing gas and energy prices are up nearly 60 percent over the past 12 months which is nearly 10 times the rate of inflation for food.
“The Economic Council continues to insist market structure is the reason for higher consumer prices of meat and poultry. In beef production for example, the same four firm concentration ratio has been operating in the market for nearly 30 years. Why the sudden inflation?
“The answer is consumer demand for meat and poultry products has never been higher. Members of the Meat Institute are producing more meat than ever before under extraordinary circumstances to keep our farm economy moving and to put food on American’s tables.”
APHIS Announces $16.3 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding more than $16.3 million to 64 projects with states, universities, and other partners to strengthen our programs to protect animal health. Ensuring the health of animals helps protect and preserve U.S. export markets and keeping foreign animal diseases out of the U.S. helps us expand export opportunities for rural America to more and better markets.
This critical funding supports projects focused on enhancing vaccine distribution plans and supporting animal movement decisions in high-consequence animal disease outbreaks, delivering outreach and education on animal disease prevention and preparedness, and developing point-of-care diagnostic tests to rapidly detect foreign animal diseases. It also supports projects to enhance early detection of high-impact animal diseases and improve emergency response capabilities at veterinary diagnostic laboratories that are part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).
“These funding awards will help ensure the ongoing health of our nation’s livestock and poultry,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “Safeguarding U.S. animal health helps us expand export opportunities for rural America to more and better markets, while providing consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable food for U.S. consumers. The preparedness and response activities we are funding today will help us address the animal disease issues of tomorrow and arm us with the best science available to retain international markets and feed our families and the world. I look forward to seeing the progress USDA and its partners make with these funds.”
The 2018 Farm Bill provided funding for these programs as part of an overall strategy to help prevent animal pests and diseases from entering the United States and reduce the spread and impact of potential disease incursions with the goal or protecting and expanding market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. This is the third year APHIS is providing this Farm Bill funding. Last year, APHIS provided $14.4 million that funded 76 projects.
New 2021 harvest data highlights NK Field Forged Series is outperforming competitors
Syngenta Seeds unveiled new data today from the 2021 harvest, indicating the NK Field Forged Series™ outperformed the competition with higher yields. After a demanding growing season that tar spot, high corn rootworm pressure, damaging winds, Dakota droughts and Mississippi floods made even more challenging, the NK seed brand’s success at harvest is proving why it’s the fastest growing seed brand in the US.1
The Field Forged Series is a lineup of corn hybrids and soybean varieties that combines proven performers and elite newcomers. This line of products maximizes profit potential through a diverse genetic toolbox designed to help growers tackle various field challenges and conditions ― and it’s delivering on that promise in the field.
NK corn hybrids have proven their success with impressive harvest numbers, such as NK0748-3120, which has shown average yield advantages as high as 12.6 bu/a over DEKALB, Pioneer and Channel.2
“We’ve seen strong consistency in NK corn performance throughout the US,” said Joe Bollman, NK corn product manager. “I’ve been getting almost daily calls and emails about its success, especially against tar spot in comparison with competitors. It’s more proof that we are the fastest growing seed brand for a reason.”
Corn growers have also faced heavy corn rootworm pressure and damaging winds, but NK genetics have also helped growers fight those adversities.
“Products with the Agrisure Duracade trait have been strong tools to assist growers in managing their corn rootworm threat, and this harvest season has been yet another proof point in that conversation,” Bollman said. “Growers who saw downed corn or heavy feeding this year should absolutely consider Agrisure Duracade hybrids for next season.”
While the combines are rolling, Bollman recommends taking the time to reflect on this season’s performance and make product selections for next season. Bollman recommends NK9175-5222A, an Agrisure Duracade® product, as well as NK1082-5222A, which outperformed Pioneer by 1.7 bu/a over 866 comparisons nationwide.
NK soybeans also have shown impressive yields this season. NK Field Forged Enlist E3® soybean varieties outyielded Pioneer Enlist E3 by 0.4 bu/a in over 1,400 comparisons and NK Field Forged XtendFlex® soybean varieties outyielded Asgrow XtendFlex by 0.8 bu/a in over 3,000 comparisons.
“This year’s soybean harvest progressed nicely,” said Eric Miller, NK soybean product marketing manager. “We’re very excited with the yields growers saw in the fields, specifically when it comes to the effects of our proprietary field-proven genetics launched this year with the Field Forged Series.”
“NK is the first in the field to offer leading traits such as Enlist E3 and XtendFlex on our own, exclusive genetics,” Miller said, “and these genetics have performed really well compared with our competitors in the harvest season.”
Miller is particularly impressed with Enlist E3 soybean varieties NK14-W6E3, NK22-C4E3 and NK37-V4E3S for optimal yield results, as well as NK17-M2XF, NK25-C9XF and NK44-J4XFS XtendFlex varieties.
See corn results local to you at nkseeds.com/cornresults. For soybean results, go to nkseeds.com/soyresults. For help analyzing yield results from local geographies, consult your local retailer about the Cropwise™ Seed Selector tool.
No comments:
Post a Comment