Thursday August 11 Ag News

 Yeutter Institute announces Christine McDaniel as inaugural non-resident fellow

The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance today announced trade expert Christine McDaniel as its first non-resident fellow. McDaniel’s appointment was effective on August 1.  

In her new role, McDaniel will share her expertise with students, faculty, and the public through campus visits and Yeutter Institute policy projects.  

“Christine’s prior government experience and ongoing trade policy research combine to bridge the academic and policy communities every day, and we are thrilled to welcome her as the institute’s first non-resident fellow,” said Yeutter Institute director Jill O’Donnell. “She will add a new dimension to our mission of preparing the next generation of trade policy leaders.”  

McDaniel is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center in Arlington, Virginia, where her research focuses on international trade, globalization, and intellectual property rights. She has held several positions in the U.S. government, including Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Treasury Department and senior trade economist in the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and has worked in the economic offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and U.S. International Trade Commission.

 “I am excited to join the community of the Yeutter Institute and look forward to connecting with students and faculty in service of Ambassador Yeutter’s commitment to understanding and adapting to our global world,” McDaniel said.  

In addition to her government experience, McDaniel previously worked at Sidley Austin, LLP, a global law firm, where she was a senior economist, and also spent three years in Australia as deputy chief economist in Australia’s patent office. McDaniel has written for the Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Hill and Forbes, among others, and her media appearances include CNBC, CBC, BBC, Bloomberg, Fox, and MSNBC. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Colorado and received her B.A. in Economics and Japanese Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The vision of Husker alumnus and renowned trade expert Clayton Yeutter, the Yeutter Institute connects academic disciplines related to law, business and agriculture to prepare students for leadership roles in international trade and finance, support interdisciplinary research and increase public understanding of these issues. For more information, visit https://yeutter-institute.unl.edu.



Iowa Corn Day at the State Fair on August 19

Iowa Corn is proud to sponsor Iowa Corn Day at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 19, 2022. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to chat with Iowa corn farmers while participating in a scavenger hunt across the fairgrounds, touring the Iowa Corn mobile education trailer and sharing wins with the #IowansWin photobooth on the grand concourse.

When:  Friday, August 19, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Iowa Corn tent on the Iowa State Fair Grand Concourse

To participate, fairgoers can spot the six farmer cutout stations scattered throughout the fairgrounds using the hint card found at the Iowa Corn tent. Scan the QR code located at each stop to learn about each Iowa corn farmer pictured and chat with farmers along the way. By completing and engaging in the scavenger hunt, participants will earn a $5 coupon to enjoy a corn-fed treat at the Dairy Goodness Barn, Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, Cluck’n Coop, Iowa Pork Tent, Pork Chop-on-a-Stick Stand or the Turkey Grill.

Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the interactive Iowa Corn mobile education trailer on the Grand Concourse. The 40-foot state-of-the-art mobile trailer takes visitors on a multi-media journey and shares how Iowa corn farmers conserve their land while growing corn that’s used for food, feed, fuel and the 4,000 other products made from corn.

Iowa Corn encourages fairgoers to celebrate their fun at the fair by capturing “winning” moments throughout their day and sharing them on social media using #IowansWin. Those who participate will be entered to win a grand prize of a Grizzly cooler, Fareway gift card and Iowa Corn swag.



Farmers Can Earn Cash Back When Filling Up Farm Tank Through New IRFA On-Farm Biodiesel Credit Program

Today IRFA launched a new statewide On-Farm Biodiesel Credit program to give back to farmers dedicated to using biodiesel. Farmers who are buying a biodiesel blend can receive up to 50 cents per gallon for using higher blends of biodiesel. To be eligible, farmers must be filling an on-farm tank in Iowa being used in an agricultural operation.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers to give biodiesel a try,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Marketing Director, Lisa Coffelt. “Biodiesel adds value to soybean oil, corn oil, and animal fats. So when farmers use biodiesel, not only are they helping the environment, they are also supporting their own bottom line. The use of biodiesel is supported by John Deere and CASE IH engines, and with high fuel prices, there isn’t a better time to use biodiesel.”

Farmers will earn 25 cents per gallon for filling up with B11 (11 percent biodiesel) and 50 cents per gallon with B20 (20 percent biodiesel) up to a maximum credit of $500. Program funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, farmers must meet the criteria and follow the procedures outlined at: https://iowarfa.org/iowa-on-farm-biodiesel-credit-program/.



Weed Seed Destructor and Other Control Methods to Be Showcased

Controlling weeds in farm fields is an annual challenge – especially with more weeds becoming resistant to herbicides.

Fortunately, producers have a wide range of options to counter weeds, including some creative ways that may not have been employed in the past.

At this year’s Farm Progress Show, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Boone, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will showcase one of the more innovative, and practical methods of controlling weeds: a weed seed destructor.

Fitted to a combine, the weed seed destructor does what it’s name implies. It pulverizes and destroys seeds so that they cannot germinate.

The weed seed destructor (by Redekop) will be attached to the back of a John Deere 680 combine and will be available for viewing outside the ISU Extension and Outreach tent. While the machine will not be operating during the show, visitors can see it in operation on a computer screen, and they can ask questions of weed science experts.

“We want to give the public a chance to see and ask about this innovative form of weed control technology,” said Prashant Jha, professor and extension weed specialist at Iowa State. “Farmers in central Iowa and in Harrison County are already using this technology and we expect more will do so in the coming years.”

Other methods of weed control will also be featured, including videos of chaff lining, a method that guides the harvested chaff into narrow bands as it flows out the back of the combine at harvest, which reduces the spread of weed seeds by more than 95% across the fields and contains weed seeds in smaller spaces.

The harvester or combine is modified with a baffle that separates the chaff (containing the majority of weed seeds) from the straw. The chaff is directed into narrow central bands using a chute at the rear of the combine.

Weed seeds in the chaff are subjected to decay, and burial of small-seeded weed species such as waterhemp in the chaff will potentially result in reduced emergence in the subsequent growing season. High application rates of herbicides or shielded sprayers can be used to selectively control emerged weeds in those narrow bands in the field.

The weed control display will also allow visitors the chance to test their knowledge of weed specimens found in the Midwest. Sixteen different species will be available for visitors to identify.

Visitors will also have the chance to learn more about waterhemp, and how it can be suppressed using cereal rye as a cover crop. Photos and sample trays will show the results of using no rye, rye terminated at 4-6 inches tall, and rye terminated close to heading.

“We’re going to be showing the potential for biomass (cover crops) to suppress weeds like waterhemp, and how the results vary based on the height of the cover crop,” said Jha.

Cereal rye has the best potential to suppress weeds because it accumulates more biomass than other cover crop species. A study that was done for the Farm Progress Show shows an incremental decrease in waterhemp based on the density of rye.  

Field studies indicate cereal rye biomass of 4,500 to 5,000 pounds per acre at termination can significantly suppress waterhemp emergence in soybeans, and reduce the size and density of waterhemp at the time of exposure to postemergence herbicides.  

Additionally, producers can view a map of where herbicide resistance has been documented in Iowa based on the recent survey, and ask questions to Jha and other specialists about their own experience with herbicide-resistant weeds.

Jha will be joined at the show by ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists Angie Rieck-Hintz, Meaghan Anderson, Gentry Sorenson and Mike Witt and several weed science graduate students.



USDA to measure small grain production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey producers in 32 states, including Iowa, for its 2022 County Agricultural Production Survey (CAPS) and September 1, 2022 Agricultural Survey. The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2022 production and supply of small grains, including wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

NASS will contact Iowa producers to gather information on their 2022 production and the quantities of commodities stored on the farm. The surveys will collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and yield and production of small grains crops down to the county level.

“The data provided will help federal and state programs support the farmer,” said Greg Thessen, Director of the Upper Midwest Regional Field Office. “I hope every producer understands the importance of these data and will take the time to respond if they receive this survey. Producers can lose out when there are no data to determine accurate rates for loans, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections, and more. Without data, agencies such as USDA’s Risk Management Agency and Farm Service Agency do not have information on which to base the programs that serve those same producers.”

Farmers are encouraged to respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. Producers who have not responded by August 30 may be contacted by a NASS representative to schedule a time to help fill out the survey.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law. NASS will publish state and national data in the annual Small Grains Summary and quarterly Grain Stocks reports Friday, September 30 on the NASS website (nass.usda.gov). County-level survey results will be published on the NASS Quick Stats database (quickstats.nass.usda.gov) on Thursday, December 15, 2022. For more information, call the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office at 800-772-0825.



Massachusetts State Law Delay Keeps Breakfast on the Table
 
New Englanders can breathe a sigh of relief after a United States federal court judge for the District of Massachusetts today signed a court order approving an agreement to delay enforcement of a state law that would have banned the sale of pork that comes from animals not housed according to the state's prescriptive housing standards. A coalition led by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), with the National Restaurant Association, and several New England restaurant and hospitality associations filed suit seeking to stop the law’s impeding implementation. The suit also asks the court to find the law unconstitutional.
 
“This is a significant outcome as NPPC continues to push to preserve the rights of America’s pig farmers to raise hogs in the way that is best for their animals and maintains a reliable supply of pork for consumers,” said Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota. “The impact of Question 3 would have been particularly harmful to those in surrounding New England states who did not have a vote in the 2016 Massachusetts referendum, nor any notice of the dramatic steps that activists had taken trying to force these harmful initiatives on voters in other states.”
 
The state law, known as Question 3 (Q3), was a 2016 Massachusetts ballot initiative set to go into effect on Aug. 15, 2022. Q3 is similar to California’s Proposition 12, which is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, and would ban any uncooked whole pork meat sold in the state that does not meet specific sow housing requirements, regardless of where it was produced. Going further than Prop 12, the Massachusetts law would not allow the transshipment of whole pork through the state jeopardizing an estimated $2 billion worth of pork that moves into neighboring New England states.
 
Earlier this week, the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy and the coalition came to a commonsense agreement that the Q3 rule prohibiting sales of non-compliant pork should be put on hold at least until 30 days after the U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling in the lawsuit brought by NPPC and American Farm Bureau Federation to Proposition 12. This agreement is limited to only the pork sales provision of Q3, and producers located in Massachusetts are still required to comply with the in-state housing standards.
 
“Working cooperatively with the court and AG Healy’s office to ensure already-constrained supply chains continue to work despite this unconstitutional law is a win for American families and local economies in New England and around the country,” Wolters said. “Thanks to this agreement, and court order, New Englanders can still enjoy their favorite pork products — from bacon to ribs and BBQ this Labor Day weekend and throughout the rest of the year.”
 
Pig farmers and swine veterinarians are in the best position to make decisions about how to care for their animals. Activist-led ballot initiatives like those in California and Massachusetts risk reversing decades of progress on both animal health and on-farm sustainability, which could undermine the global competitiveness of the U.S. pork industry.



FBN Releases Corn & Soybean Yield Report

Today FBN released its 2022 U.S. Corn and Soybean Yield Report  in advance of the USDA report on August 12, the first in FBN’s annual monthly series of 2022 yield reports published through December. FBN’s commodity forecasts are model-based and utilize the unique data provided by FBN members.

From the report:
"Given the persistent drought and extreme heat in many parts of the county, growers are facing plenty of adversity. A national corn yield outlook of 170.0 bushels per acre would make it the lowest yield in two years, well off current average expectations, and would translate to a production tally at 13.9 billion bushels,” said FBN Chief Economist Kevin McNew. “We publish these reports to provide our members with market intelligence as it develops throughout the growing season, enabling them to make more informed decisions for their operations.”

FBN Yield Report Key Findings:
-    According to a recent survey, on average, analysts expect the U.S. corn yield to be 175.9 bushels per acre, with soybeans at 51.1 bushels per acre. In 2021, U.S. corn yields reached record highs at 177.0 bushels per acre while the U.S. soybean yield was 51.4.
-    FBN®’s latest model-based yield forecast is at 170.0 for U.S. corn and 50.7 for U.S. soybeans.

Key findings for corn
-    Yields in Iowa and Nebraska are expected to be significantly below the strong yields seen in 2021
-    Yield expectations decreased in Missouri and the Dakotas, though this was offset by gains in other states
-    Indiana and Ohio had the strongest yield improvements

Key findings for soybeans
-    Most states are set to have yield pullbacks compared with last year with the exception of the Northern Plains
-    Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota have lower yield outlooks accounting for the majority of the decrease
-    With FBN’s current predictions, the US yield would be off last year’s mark, and, like corn, puts the balance sheet in a position to have declining stocks

The forecasts in this report are model-based, using a June FBN member survey that accounts for more than 4.2 million acres and covers nine principal crops across 40 states, in addition to satellite imagery data, crop condition data, and weather data.  



NFU to Host Legislative Fly-In Sept. 11-14

Fresh off a busy August congressional recess and heading into the final legislative push before the November elections, National Farmers Union (NFU) will be hosting the Fall Legislative Fly-In in Washington, D.C., beginning Sunday, September 11th through Wednesday, September 14th.

During the four-day gathering, Farmers Union members from across the country will meet with Members of Congress, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, and representatives from other federal agencies. Throughout these meetings, Farmers Union members will share their legislative and policy priorities for the final months of 2022.

Farmers Union members will highlight the need for Fairness for Farmers policies, which include placing a special investigator for meat and poultry at USDA, strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act, bringing more openness to the cattle market, re-establishing Country Of Origin Labeling for beef, and ensuring that farmers have the right to repair their own equipment.

Discussions will also be held to outline NFU’s priorities for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill and how the Inflation Reduction Act can best help family farmers and ranchers address the climate crisis.



U.S. July Tractor Sales Down 21%, Combines Up 9%

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors during July 2022 in the U.S. were down 21% from the same month last year.

In July, a total of 22,910 tractors were sold which compares to 29,011 sold in 2021. For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were down 28% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 16%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 23%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 22%. Combine sales in July totaled 715 up 9% from last year.

For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are down 18% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 13%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are up 12%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 6%.  Year to date sales of combines in 2022 total 2,865, a decrease of 2% from the same period in 2021.



USGC Visits Chile With Consultants, Conducts Fuel Infrastructure Assessment

To help Chile reach its goal of decarbonizing transportation, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and a group of consultants have been in-country to assess Chile's fuel supply chain. The assessment will determine the best way to implement an ethanol blend policy in the country.

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff in Latin America (LTA) recently traveled to Chile to join a group of consultants that is assessing the country’s fuel supply chain. The project aims to determine the feasibility and best logistical model to implement an ethanol blend policy in the country.

“Blending ethanol with gasoline presents a cost-effective, short-term opportunity for Chile to make progress towards its goal of decarbonizing transportation, and this assessment is a key contribution to efficiently determine its feasibility and how to best go about it,” said Carlos Suarez, USGC manager of sustainability, policy and innovation, who previously worked with the Council as LTA ethanol consultant.

The Council signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chile’s Ministry of Energy and the national oil company, ENAP, last March to establish a collaboration framework to explore opportunities for the use of biofuels in the country. The current study is being developed under that framework and is enabled by a grant provided by Indiana Corn Marketing Council and resources from the Council’s LTA office.

Once completed, the study will be used by the Ministry of Energy and ENAP to complement the refining, environmental and fleet analyses that will be conducted over the next few months as part of the process of regulatory and policy changes required for the implementation of an ethanol blend policy.

“The willingness of Chile’s government and fuel industry stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of the infrastructure and logistics feasibility of ethanol blending is a major accomplishment for the Council, as only three years ago it was not included within the country’s energy policy or the industry’s agenda,” Suarez said.

Under the workplan developed by the government and ENAP officials, with collaboration from the Council, the process is expected to culminate by late 2023 and could open the market to approximately 130 million gallons of ethanol exports per year, based on Chile’s current gasoline consumption. The Council will continue to work with the Chilean government and the various fuel supply chain stakeholders to unlock the potential of ethanol use in the country.



Bayer Showcases Leadership in Breakthrough Innovations and Sustainable, Tailored Solutions to Meet Global Challenges in Agriculture

Bayer puts its industry-leading offerings in crop protection, seeds & traits, and digital farming tools on display today at its Fields of Opportunity Technology Showcase as the company continues to advance innovative products and services tailored toward the individual needs of growers around the globe. Following strong second quarter 2022 financial results, the event demonstrates Bayer's latest developments in a unique portfolio of solutions and technologies expected to power sustainable growth in the years ahead.  

"Today we spotlight technologies designed to reduce agriculture's impact on the environment, increase food security and help farmers combat the continued pressure of climate change on our global ecosystems," said Rodrigo Santos, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG, and President of the Crop Science Division. "Bayer remains committed to providing farmers with the tools they need to be productive and sustainable stewards of their land, especially now as they navigate through current disruptions to agriculture's supply chains."   

With an annual industry leading R&D investment of more than 2 billion euros in Crop Science alone, Bayer is advancing cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough innovations with a bold and ambitious strategy that will transform the future of farming and position growers for success in a rapidly evolving agriculture industry. The demonstrations and discussions in Jerseyville include:  
    Further expansion of ThryvOn™ Technology trials. Building on Bayer's legacy of contributions to sustainable cotton production through the Deltapine® brand's genetic advancements and Bollgard® brand's trait technologies, ThryvOn Technology will be the industry's first biotechnology trait that will provide built-in protection to the whole plant against key tarnished plant bug and thrips species. 2022 will see farmer trials increase to nearly 60,000 acres, bringing this biotech cotton trait one step closer to helping farmers more effectively manage insect pressure.

    Plans for hundreds of on-farm pilot plots of Short Stature Corn hybrids in North America in 2023. These hybrids form the anchor of Bayer's Smart Corn System, farmers precise in-season management of their fertilizer and crop protection needs, thanks to the power of the Climate FieldView™ digital platform. These hybrids recently proved their ability to withstand severe weather conditions when extreme windstorms blew through the Midwest.

    Following the company's recently announced increased investment, Bayer will highlight CoverCress™, a renewable oilseed and animal feed crop with an annual winter growth cycle allowing its use in between corn and soybean rotations. CoverCress™ will help deliver on Bayer's sustainability commitments and may open additional revenue streams for growers.

In addition to products yet to be launched, the company notes key updates on recently launched next-generation technologies. Growth across programs and products advancing in the pipeline include:  
    The launch of the next-generation technology Intacta 2 Xtend® offers a significant performance advantage for Brazilian soybean farmers delivering about 2.9 bushels more per acre compared to similar varieties on the market. Bayer leads the industry in protecting soybean yield against insect and weed pressure with the third-generation technology in Phase 3 and the fourth generation moving to Phase 1.

    The company also reaffirmed performance advantages of critical fungicides such as Fox® Supra for soybeans in Brazil, expected to launch later this year, and Delaro® Complete fungicide in the North America corn market.

    Additionally, Bayer is making progress in bringing the first new herbicide mode of action in the past 30 years for post-emergent control of weeds across all major row crops. Currently in Phase 3, the technology is showing excellent performance.

    The Bayer Carbon program continues to develop across 10 countries. Bayer PRO Carbono, the largest carbon program in Brazil, is seeing impressive enrollment and excellent results. Participating soybean growers register carbon emissions 70% lower than the national average in Brazil and 80% lower than the global average, per ton of soybeans produced.

    Increasing adoption of the number one brand in digital ag, Climate FieldView™, is now on more than 200 million acres in 23 countries around the world as Bayer continues to lead the digital transformation of agriculture. The next frontier of value creation is about more than bringing better individual inputs, but rather in digitally enhancing those solutions to optimize yields, create efficiencies and improve returns.

"Bayer's advancements in agriculture are incredibly powerful, scientific solutions designed for farmers of all scales in all geographies and are made possible through our continued progress in developing digital tools," said Bob Reiter, Head of R&D for the company's Crop Science Division. "We are putting insights by our plant breeders, data scientists, and agronomists on display here today. Through these tailored solutions, empowered by our digital platforms, we provide growers with the key to be as sustainable and successful in every part of their operation as they can."