Monday April 4 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 3, 2022, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 33% very short, 48% short, 19% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 32% very short, 50% short, 18%  adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 7% very poor, 15% poor, 51% fair, 23% good, and 4% excellent.

Oats planted was 14%, near 16% last year, and equal to the five-year average.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

Precipitation and cold conditions limited Iowa farmers to 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 3, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. When and where possible, fieldwork activities included applying anhydrous and fertilizer, spreading manure and planting oats.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 9 percent very short, 25 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture levels rated 12 percent very short, 35 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Seven percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 2 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.

Pastures were still mostly dormant. Livestock conditions were generally good although feedlots  were wet after the week’s rain. Producers report calving is continuing.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. winter wheat is kicking off the 2022 growing season with the lowest good-to-excellent condition rating in over a decade, according to USDA NASS' first weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

For the week ended April 3, 2022, winter wheat was rated just 30% in good-to-excellent condition, down 23 percentage points from 53% at the same time last year. Thirty-six percent of the crop was rated poor to very poor, up from 16% at the same time last year. The winter wheat crop's current condition is also down from what it was before the crop entered dormancy. In its final national Crop Progress report of 2021, released on Monday, Nov. 29, NASS estimated U.S. winter wheat condition at 44% good to excellent as of Sunday, Nov. 28.  Winter wheat headed was estimated at 4%, equal to last year and near the five-year average of 3%.

Meanwhile, corn planting was off to an average start at 2% complete, equal to both last year and the five-year average. The bulk of planting took place in Texas.

Spring wheat planting was estimated at 3%, the same as last year and near the five-year average of 2%. Washington led the way at 27% planted, followed by Idaho at 7% planted, Hultman said.

Sorghum was 13% planted, compared to 14% last year and a five-year average of 14%. Cotton planting was 4% complete, behind 6% last year and an average of 6%. Rice was 12% planted, compared to an average of 16%, and 6% of the crop was emerged, compared to the average of 7%.

Oats were 25% planted as of April 3, compared to 23% last year and an average of 26%. Emergence was at 23%, compared to 18% last year and an average of 23%.

Also notable in this week's report is that nationwide soil moisture conditions this spring were lower than last spring. In the lower 48 states, 63% of topsoil moisture was rated adequate to surplus, down 2 percentage points from 65% adequate to surplus at the same time last year. Subsoil moisture condition was rated 58% adequate to surplus, down 6 percentage points from 64% last year.



AFAN Announces the 2022 Nebraska Pork Expo  

Anyone involved in the pork industry is invited to the Nebraska Pork Expo set for July 20 in York, Neb.

The program will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Registration is requested by July 6, 2022.

The day will begin with a tradeshow and free breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Attendees will hear sessions on marketing and risk management, sustainability and renewable energy, ASF, and traceability along with much more throughout the day. The Nebraska Pork Producers Annual Meeting will take place during lunch. A free social hour, with door prizes, will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to round out the day.  

The event is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and the York County Development Corporation.

“Pork Production in Nebraska continues to thrive. We are excited to offer those currently involved in the industry a day of networking and learning about topics pertinent to their operation” said Steve Martin, AFAN Executive Director. “Producers considering expansion into pork production will also find valuable information both from our vendors and the informational sessions.”

More information for attendees and vendors can be found by visiting www.becomeafan.org. Specific questions can be sent to mindyr@a-fan.org or by calling the office at 402.421.4472.  



ACE Announces “Intensity” Conference Theme, Opens Registration for 35th Annual Event

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has opened registration for its 35th annual conference taking place this summer starting Wednesday, August 10, through Friday, August 12, at the Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District in Omaha, Nebraska. As the biofuels industry focuses on driving down carbon intensity scores, this year’s ACE conference theme, “intensity,” not only embodies this efficiency quest, but also how the industry is concentrating on new markets and growth opportunities.

“With each new year, the ethanol industry demonstrates its tenacity to evolve, and ACE proudly provides a forum for stakeholders to showcase this innovation while networking and learning from one another,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs. “We’re putting together an event agenda to reflect what industry leaders want and need to know, and we look forward to bringing these important conversations together under one roof in August.”

“ACE is taking proactive steps to increase the value of and demand for ethanol, and we will highlight these initiatives during our conference,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “We encourage ethanol producers and industry members to join us in Omaha this summer.”

The conference provides two days of general sessions, including updates from ACE leadership, and this year, event coverage will feature topics like new uses and markets for ethanol producers, the ethanol retail marketplace, farm-to-biofuel carbon market opportunities, and trade developments. The conference also offers breakout sessions with subjects covering the latest in technology updates, strategic planning advice, as well as ways for ethanol plants to lower their carbon score and raise profitability. ACE welcomes technical expertise and insight from biofuel professionals, and speaker abstracts can be submitted through April 15.

For 35 years, the ACE conference has focused on the people of the ethanol industry and their priorities — an event where ethanol producers meet with retailers, policymakers, researchers, and other industry members. Stay tuned for more agenda details and event announcements over the coming months. For more information about the event, or to support the conference via a sponsorship, please contact Katie Muckenhirn at kmuckenhirn@ethanol.org or visit ethanol.org/events/conference.



PRESCRIBED BURNING
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist
 
Spring is a key time when prescribed burning of pasture and CRP lands occurs.  Within this time period, there are a limited number of days when weather conditions such as wind speed, direction, and humidity meet the required prescription for the unit that is being burned.  With this, having a detailed burn plan is needed to make sure the work is done safely.  One should also consider the very dry conditions this year and the possibility of a continuing drought.
 
The primary objective of most prescribed burns in Nebraska is to control eastern red cedar trees.  However, prescribed burns can also improve grass stands, prepare them for interseeding, reduce annual grassy and broadleaf weeds, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve forage quality.
 
Safe and controlled prescribed burns don’t just happen.  It takes preparation, planning, and an understanding of how fire reacts in certain weather conditions, with particular fuel loads, and on various types of topography.  Many times, the preparation will begin a year in advance.
 
Plan your prescribed burn carefully and be aware of the topography and other factors that will affect how the fire behaves.  Never burn unless weather conditions are within your burn prescription.  Plus, make sure your burn is legal.  You must obtain a burn permit from your local fire chief.  And finally, it is always a great benefit to have experienced people leading and being part of the prescribed burning crew.



New report dives into carbon sequestration potential of conservation practices

For agricultural soils in the midwestern U.S. to continue to be productive, conservation practices must be widely implemented, according to a new report from the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Conservation on working lands provides many ecosystem services, including water quality and soil health improvement, wildlife habitat, and reduced operation cost,” said Kayla Bergman, senior policy associate at the Center. “Not covered as often, however, is the carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission reductions these practices provide.”

Authored by Bergman, the report “Conservation Practice Impact on Carbon Sequestration” takes a closer look at that lesser-advertised benefit. Bergman said soil organic matter is an important indicator of soil health and affects the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.

“Healthy soil with high levels of organic matter and soil organic carbon provide many benefits to those using the land for productivity, including water-holding capacity, aggregate stability, and nutrient availability,” she said.

In addition to looking at the benefits of healthy soil, the report provides information on conservation practices—often called climate smart agricultural practices— that increase soil organic carbon while still using the soil for agricultural production, as well as tools for evaluating carbon sequestration and funding available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

For more information or to view “Conservation Practice Impact on Carbon Sequestration,” visit cfra.org/publications.



Culling Decisions Due to Drought 
Adele Harty – South Dakota State University Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist

An important component to a drought management plan is how to effectively incorporate culling strategies for the cow herd that align with the goals and objectives of your operation. There are multiple factors to consider when it comes to culling strategies, and there is not a “one size fits all” set of criteria that will work for every producer. First and foremost, producers need to take an inventory of available feed resources and costs associated with them. If the current situation indicates very little forage production in the form of grass and alfalfa hay, it’s time to evaluate your options. One option may include failed crops, such as wheat and oats, but quantity, quality and price may limit the use of some of these forages for extended periods of time. Depending on the timing of the drought, there may be an opportunity to plant forage crops, such as millet and sudan, to help get through, but the success of these crops depends on precipitation. 

Developing Culling Criteria 
Once the feed inventory is known, then the criteria for making culling decisions can be developed. As these criteria are being developed, focus on the mission and vison of your operation. What are your core values and what are your most important priorities? Ensure your culling criteria is in line with your mission and vision. 

If you don’t have a mission and vision, take some time and write down where you would like to be and what you would like to be doing in all areas of the operation in 10, 15 or 20 years. Group similar items together to highlight the items that are most important to you and your core values. Use this as a basis for your operation and management decisions to move the operation in the desired direction. 

Now that you are focused on core values, think about your cow herd and which criteria and cows will help you reach your goals and which ones are limiting you? Here are some options for where you might start making culling decisions to keep your operation viable without damaging the available feed and forage resources. 

Making Culling Decisions 
Pregnancy test early and cull opens and late calvers. 
This allows more forage resources to be allocated to the productive females, and the opens and late calvers can go down the road. Culling late calvers or selling as short breds should result in a tighter calving distribution next year, increasing herd uniformity. Consider marketing options for open heifers, as they have the potential to perform well in a feedlot. 
Cull cows older than a specified age (8, 9, 10, etc.). 
Older cows are typically larger, may not maintain body condition as easily and may not be leading the genetic potential of the herd. However, these females are adapted to your system and are likely already paid for, so it is important to evaluate the big picture and ensure that the decision is based on the goals of the operation. 
Sell replacement heifer calves rather than developing them. 
Evaluate the cost to develop replacement heifer calves and the time it takes until they start paying for themselves. The drawback in selling them is that these females represent the newest genetics in the herd. Take time to evaluate the pros and cons for your operation. 
Sell yearlings earlier than normal to stretch forage for cows. 
Yearlings are a more liquid asset than cows. Being able to sell them earlier can reduce grazing pressure and potentially ensure more grazing is available for the cow herd, depending on resource inventory. 
Cull based on disposition, thriftiness, production, etc. 
This is the time to cull hard and eliminate the bad-tempered, high-headed, hard-keeping, poor-producing females. Having the records to identify these females when the time comes is critical. 
Cull the bull battery. 
Bulls, especially older ones, are typically much larger than cows, which equates to them requiring larger amounts of feed to maintain weight and body condition. Depending on the number of bulls you have and the size and age of the bulls, the end of breeding season might be a good time to cull more bulls than normal, especially if a larger number of cows are also being culled, decreasing overall herd numbers.
 
The Bottom Line 
If you don’t have a written drought plan, the component on culling is an important part of that plan, so piece by piece, start putting your plan together so you are prepared for the next drought. 
treat as soon as possible according to a protocol developed with your veterinarian. 



U.S. Diesel Demand Sees Weekly Recovery, Gasoline Demand Continues Higher

Gasoline demand in the U.S. increased 1.8% and diesel demand increased 4.5% from the prior week in the EIA report week ending April 1. Total U.S. gasoline demand up 3.6% year-on-year for the week and up 2.3% from the same week in 2019. Total U.S. diesel demand was up 3.9% year-on-year for the week and up 2.9% from the same week in 2019.

In PADD1 (East Coast), gasoline demand increased 1.8%, and diesel demand increased 6.8% week-on-week in the week ending April 1. Gasoline demand in the region was up 6.2% from the same period in 2021 and up 3.9% from 2019 levels for the week. Diesel demand in the region was up 9.9% from the same period in 2021 and up 8.3% from the same week in 2019.

In PADD2 (Midwest), gasoline demand increased 2.9%, and diesel demand increased 5.7% week-on-week in the week ending April 1. Gasoline demand was up 3.1% compared to the same period in 2021 and up 3.0% from the same week in 2019. Diesel demand in the region was up 1.3% compared to same-week 2021 levels last week and up 0.4% from the same period in 2019.

In PADD3 (Gulf Coast), gasoline demand increased by 1.6%, and diesel demand increased 4.2% week-on-week in the week ending April 1. Gasoline demand in PADD3 was up 0.9% compared to 2021 levels for the week and up 6.0% from 2019 levels for the period. Diesel demand in the region was up 2.5% compared to the same period in 2021 but down 1.3% from 2019 levels for the week.

In PADD4 (Rocky Mountain), gasoline demand decreased 2.7%, and diesel demand decreased 8.7% week-on-week in the week ending April 1. Gasoline demand in PADD4 was down 5.5% compared to 2021 levels for the week and down 9.7% from 2019 levels for the period. Diesel demand in the region was up 4.3% compared to the same period in 2021 but down 7.9% from 2019 levels for the week.

In PADD5 (West Coast), gasoline demand increased 1.6%, and diesel demand increased 3.9% week-on-week in the week ending April 1. Gasoline demand in PADD5 was up 4.4% compared to the same week in 2021 but down 2.9% from 2019 levels for the week. Diesel demand in the region was up 1.2% compared to same-week 2021 levels but up 13.0% from 2019 levels for the week.



APHIS Celebrates 50 Years of Protecting American Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is celebrating a major milestone – 50 years of serving the public as a Federal agency. USDA created APHIS on April 2, 1972 to consolidate animal health, plant health, and inspection duties under one roof. The new agency focused on protecting American agriculture and natural resources, along with ensuring the humane care of certain animals. While both APHIS and the world have changed a lot over the past 50 years, the agency’s key mission remains the same today.

“The keys to APHIS’ long-term success are our dedicated, skilled employees and the strong partnerships we develop with our many stakeholders,” said APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea. “It takes many hands working together to protect the health of our nation’s animals, plants and natural resources.”

Some of APHIS’ key accomplishments over the past 50 years include:
    Eradicating plant pests like European grapevine moth and plum pox from the country, while reducing the impact of others plant diseases, including boll weevil and Mediterranean and Mexican fruit flies;
    Eradicating serious animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza, virulent Newcastle disease, and pseudorabies, from the country’s herds and flocks, while reducing the prevalence of other animal diseases like bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis;
    Improving care for laboratory animals, exhibited animals and other animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act;
    Ensuring genetically engineered plants do not pose a risk to plant health, while keeping up with the ever-changing technology in this field;
    Reducing the impact of wildlife damage on agriculture and natural resources, and developing new tools and techniques for non-lethal wildlife management; and
    Ensuring safe trade of agriculture commodities across the globe

Earlier today, APHIS launched a new page on its website to share a series of visual timelines walking through the agency’s history and important milestones. There’s also a video from Administrator Shea. In the coming weeks, APHIS will share history highlights on its social media accounts.

“It’s exciting to be celebrating 50 years as an agency. And I’m even more excited to look to our future,” said Administrator Shea. “APHIS’ core work will remain, but we know we will continue to face new and different challenges—from the impacts of climate change to new horizons in One Health. Our role will evolve as science and agriculture evolve. And I know that whatever the next 50 years brings for APHIS, our employees will remain committed to protecting the health and vitality of American agriculture.”



 Growth Energy Submits Comments, Research to Further Debunk Anti-Ethanol Study

Growth Energy submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) workshop on the greenhouse gas lifecycle analysis (LCA) of land-based crop biofuels used in the transportation sector. Growth Energy’s comments call on EPA to update LCA of biofuels, and ethanol in particular, to accurately reflect the latest science that shows ethanol achieving nearly 50% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

“Updating the LCA of ethanol is critical not only to faithfully implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard program (the only Clean Air Act program explicitly aimed at reducing GHG emissions), but for sound policymaking on a range of future potential rulemakings designed to facilitate the use of E15, flex fuel vehicles, and use of higher-level ethanol blends like E85, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” wrote Growth Energy. “Robust and accurate cost-benefit analyses depend on accurate assessment of the GHG impacts of biofuels, particularly given utilization of the social cost of carbon (SCC) to monetize the benefits of anticipated GHG emission reductions.”

As part of its comments, Growth Energy included an in-depth analysis of the data from Lifecycle Associates as well as rebuttals to an anti-ethanol study released in February by Tyler Lark and others on the greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol. DOE’s own Argonne National Laboratory identified several flaws in the study, including deficiencies in modeling land transition and inaccurate classification of satellite data. Pieter Booth, Principal of Net Gain Ecological Services, found that the anti-ethanol study misleads readers and fails to properly evaluate and explain its findings.

“The authors characterize as fact numerous modeled results, giving the reader a misleading impression of false confidence in the conclusions which are drawn from highly uncertain models embedded with extensive assumptions that may or may not reflect the real-world,” wrote Booth.

Background
Growth Energy's comments add to a previous rebuttal from a group of leading scientists that discredit many of the claims in the anti-ethanol study.  

In early March, Growth Energy submitted a robust analysis of ethanol’s invaluable role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of its comments in response to EPA’s proposed 2020-2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs). Growth Energy also sent a letter to DOE calling for the department to address the Lark study, whose authors claim was partially funded by the department.  



Adams to be New NPPC Congressional Relations Manager

The National Pork Producers Council has hired Chase Adams as manager of congressional relations in its Washington, DC, public policy office. He joins Jack Frye on the organization’s lobbying team.

“Chase has a lot of experience in the livestock public policy field, so he’ll be a great asset to NPPC,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “He’s spent his career in agriculture, advocating on behalf of producers and telling their stories. We’re glad to have him on our team.”

A South Dakota native who grew up on the family ranch, Adams received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Black Hills State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota School of Law. He was admitted to the South Dakota Bar in 2009.

Prior to joining NPPC, Adams was senior policy and information director for the American Sheep Industry Association and from October 2012 to November 2016 was director of communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He began his career in agriculture as farm director for radio station KBHB in Sturgis, South Dakota. He also practiced law for several years.

Adams serves on the board of directors for the Western Resources Legal Center — a non-profit educational organization that provides law students with quality instruction to develop their legal skills in natural resources and environmental laws — and formerly served on the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products. He also is an alumnus of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program.



USDA Announces April 2022 USDA Tribal Consultation on Barriers and Equity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces the “USDA Tribal Consultations on Barriers/Equity: Annual Progress Report & Feedback for Next Steps.” This five-day consultation series follows up on the March 2021 consultations held in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities. Tribal leaders have requested USDA affirm how staff are incorporating tribal input on barriers to effectively accessing programs. From April 11 through 18, USDA Consulting Officials will highlight progress made since last year’s consultation and discuss potential solutions for ongoing issues with tribal nation representatives.

“For too long, tribal nations and individuals have had barriers to USDA services and programs,” said USDA Office of Tribal Relations Director Heather Dawn Thompson. “In addition to these consultations, we are conducting a top-to-bottom review of our statutory authorities to see where we can empower tribal nations and support tribal self-determination through our programs.”

Since the first consultation on equity and barriers in March 2021, USDA agencies have implemented changes to remove barriers to service for tribal nations. Among the improvements:
    Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has directed USDA to explore opportunities expanding tribal self-determination across USDA programming. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service awarded $3.5 million to eight tribal nations for a project that, for the first time, allows them to purchase some of the foods for their tribe through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
    Tribal leaders requested USDA better recognize their sovereignty and jurisdictional authority when financing infrastructure projects. USDA’s Rural Development has required tribal resolutions of support for non-tribal applicants intending to serve tribal land and compliance with tribal law for projects within Indian Country under the ReConnect program.
    Tribal leaders called on USDA to better meet tribal treaty obligations. In collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Oklahoma State University, USDA is developing and regularly updating a tribal treaty rights database to better understand and fulfill these obligations.

Each day of the April 11-18 consultations will focus on different themes that are key priority areas for the Biden-Harris Administration. On each day, senior USDA consulting officials from each agency will listen to concerns from official representatives from among the 574 federally recognized tribal nations. Before each consultation, tribal organizations will facilitate caucuses to support tribal leaders in discussing these issues.

Economic Development
Date: Monday, April 11, 2022
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Caucus
3:00-5:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Consultation
Registration Link: www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__aumhH76RW-qFr9GEQAIYg

Food, Safety, and Trade
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Caucus
3:00-5:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Consultation
Registration Link: www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_rPrh1faMTxaQMkko7ZPSOQ

Farming, Ranching, and Conservation
Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Caucus
3:00-5:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Consultation
Registration Link: www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_CB6qpywpQ0ae7GWO-Xzvvg

Forests and Public Lands
Date: Friday, April 15, 2022
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Caucus
3:00-5:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Consultation
Registration Link: www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_STUGdH2RTwGmtTg7yLAnWA

Education and Research
Date: Monday, April 18, 2022
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Caucus
3:00-5:00 p.m. ET - Tribal Consultation
Registration Link: www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_OB8XbgDbSM6zkRZDF1yGuA

On March 10, 2022, the USDA Office of Tribal Relations distributed "Dear Tribal Leader" letters announcing these consultation sessions to Indian Country. These tribal consultations are formal, government-to-government meetings between USDA officials and tribal nations. Tribal organizations, tribal citizens, and tribal nation staff are welcome to attend. Elected tribal leaders, proxy representatives with authority to speak on behalf of a tribal nation, and USDA consulting officials have speaking roles at these events. USDA agencies and offices host consultations throughout the year to hear from tribal nations about how USDA policies and programs can be developed to better support tribal nation interests. For the latest list of consultations across the Department, visit www.usda.gov/tribalrelations/tribal-consultations.



Syngenta Reports Double Digit Growth in FY 2021

Syngenta Group announced full year and fourth quarter 2021 results. Sales for full year 2021 grew 23 percent ($5.2 billion) year-on-year to $28.2 billion. EBITDA for 2021 was $4.6 billion, 14 percent higher year-on-year.

Sales in the fourth quarter were $7.2 billion, up 17 percent compared to the prior year period. Fourth-quarter EBITDA increased 4 percent to $1.1 billion.

The company's growth was above market, fueled by demand for products and services that help farmers increase yields.

Syngenta Group China delivered strong growth across all segments with total sales of $7.4 billion in 2021. MAP revenues more than doubled to $1.8 billion and expanded to 492 centers (167 new) across China (average MAP center sales were up 43 percent year over year), equipping farmers with solutions that reduce greenhouse gases.

Synergy-driven sales increased by more than 60 percent to more than $0.7 billion, with a profit contribution of $0.3 billion.



Tips on saving fuel for Diesel Vehicle, Truck and Equipment Operators

Drivers of millions of passenger, delivery, and emergency vehicles and off-road machines and equipment in the United States rely on diesel engines and fuel. Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) says it is the most energy-efficient internal combustion engine, getting the best value for each fuel dollar spent.

“Diesel is the lifeblood of the global economy, reflecting its dominance across key sectors like goods movement, agriculture, transportation, and industrial uses. The newest generation of advanced diesel technology, standard in commercial trucks on the road since 2011 and farm and construction equipment since 2014, achieves near zero emissions and is more fuel efficient,” says DTF’s Executive Director Allen Schaeffer.

With diesel fuel prices on the rise, it is a good time to remember a few basic steps that you can take to save fuel and money. Diesel Technology Forum offers the following tips for diesel vehicle owners, truckers, as well as equipment owners and operators to reduce fuel consumption:

    Watch your speed. You increase diesel fuel consumption for every mile per hour you drive over 55 mph. (Above 55 mph, each one mile per hour increase in speed decreases fuel economy by 0.1 mpg.)
-    Use cruise control for smoother driving. Advanced cruise control systems are predictive. They optimize engine and travel speed based on the load and can dramatically boost efficiency.
-    Operate your truck or equipment in the highest possible gear, and reduce engine RPMs, to reduce fuel consumption.
-    Shut it down. Don’t idle if it isn’t necessary. (Idling burns about ¾ gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer size truck. It also accelerates engine wear and tear.)
-    Review your routes and trip timing. Take a fuel-efficient route if possible, avoiding construction delays. Drive at off peak times to help avoid congestion and delays.
-    Maintain proper tire pressure. For every 10psi a tire is inflated under recommended settings, trucks will lose 1% of their fuel economy. Underinflated tires also lead to diminished tread life and tire failure.
-    Perform preventive maintenance on the suggested schedule. Proper maintenance such as oil, and air filter changes can help maximize fuel efficiency.
-    Turn off accessories when they aren’t needed.
-    Use the right size equipment for the job. Underpowered smaller tractors and equipment operated at high RPMs and loads will be less fuel efficient than a larger machine.
-    Consider upgrading your vehicle or equipment. The new advanced technology diesel is more fuel-efficient than older generations.

Utilize blends of high-quality biodiesel fuels when possible. All available diesel models are compatible with blends of up to 20% high-quality renewable biodiesel fuels (and 80% regular petroleum diesel). These high-quality diesel replacement fuels are available at a growing number of locations nationwide. These low-carbon biofuels help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions.