Tuesday October 25 Ag News

Manure nutrients complete the production cycle
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Beef Systems Extension Educator

In a previous column we demonstrated how gross returns to grain or forage crop production may be computed to determine on-farm value of forage or grain crop.  This approach was used to conceptualize how cropping operations support beef production and vice versa.  

More importantly, this approach revealed that responses measured in the feedyard, which generally relate to performance (gain or feed conversion), also determine how gross return to crop acres is affected by these measures.  These observations point to a fact that is often forgotten or overlooked when the entire beef production system is evaluated:  cattle and crop production are interrelated and dependent on each other.  A third critical element of this system is the utilization of nutrients derived from cattle manure.   

Manure was previously dismissed by some as a pollutant of air or soil.  Some of this perception was likely linked to the relative ease with which chemical fertilizer nutrients could be applied.  Yet, continued demand for animal protein by humans maintained a steady supply of this natural fertilizer.  Concurrently, improvements in manure application equipment contributed to increasing application accuracy.  

In addition, some report that World supplies of phosphate fertilizer are in decline.  This contributed to producers and agronomists paying closer attention to nutrient value of manure.  Benefits of recycling manure nutrients are not confined to recovering phosphate from manure.  Other manure nutrients and organic matter are important to maintaining soil health and structure.  

Various datasets containing manure nutrient values have been analyzed over the years.  It is interesting to note the consistency of nutrient value averages across datasets.  A dataset we analyzed in 2013 contained samples from open lots and confinement barns (bed pack or slatted floors on pits).  Concentrations of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in solid manure from open lots or bed packs were similar:  16, 11 and 15 lb/ton or 16, 9 and 15 lb/ton, respectively.  Concentrations of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in liquid manure from pits were 50, 23 and 37 lb/1,000 gallons.

The simplest method to determine value of manure as fertilizer is to use prices for chemical fertilizer.  This method does not take into consideration the positive response by crops to other nutrients such as sulfur or zinc delivered during manure application or the effect of building organic matter in the soil from manure applications.  Yet, using only chemical fertilizer prices as a reference, it follows that as oil prices increase carrying along the price of chemical fertilizers, the value of manure increases.  

Using current fertilizer prices, manure yield of 3 ton per head yearly, and manure nutrient values above, limiting application of manure to meet phosphate needs, manure has a value of $14/ton.  Yearly, manure nutrients contribute $42 per head space or $11.50/head for every 100 days on feed.  

When considering the entire process (from raising the crop to feeding the cattle and applying resulting manure), feeding 1,000 550-lb calves to a finish weight of 1,500 lb gaining 3.30 lb when consuming 22.3 lb daily (6.8 lb feed/lb gain) resulted in 473 ton of beef gain.  In this projection, the diet contained 52% dry rolled corn produced from 454 acres (150 bu/acre).  The net worth of this corn crop was $8.72/bu without considering the value of manure.  Manure nutrient value increased crop worth another $0.61/bu.  

In this example, feeding corn grain through cattle increased corn grain worth $1.72/bu (above $7.00/bu).  Adding manure value to this calculation increased corn grain worth a total of $2.33/bu (above $7.00/bu).  Also, applying manure nutrients to the soil from where corn grain was raised returned nearly 60% of the fertilizer needs of the corn plant.

When considering the production cycle from feeder to fed cattle, all elements of the cycle: cattle, crop and soil are interdependent, and their association benefits each other.  At the end, beef product is removed from the system but the benefits of capturing solar energy in the form of grains and forages is trapped as a highly nutritious (and delicious) protein rich in iron and zinc.  Yet, during their life cycle, cattle contribute a co-product that sustains the soil with nutrients and organic matter to ensure the future of sustainable beef production.  



NDA ANNOUNCES 2022-2023 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS

One way the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) supports the next generation of ag leaders is through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), a group of college students working together to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across the state. NDA is proud to sponsor NAYC and announce the 2022-2023 Council members.

“The future of agriculture relies on the next generation of producers, innovators, educators and leaders, and these NAYC members have a bright future in ag,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NAYC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in Nebraska, and I look forward to watching these Council members grow their leadership skills.”

NAYC members coordinate and participate in a wide range of ag-focused activities and events throughout the year. They visit elementary schools to talk about where food comes from, take students on farm tours to experience life on a farm, and visit with high school students about career opportunities in agriculture.

The primary focus of NAYC is to coordinate the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day summer conference for high school juniors and seniors with speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. NAYI is in its 52nd year and is the longest running event of its kind in the nation. It is made possible through the donations of many generous sponsors.

Here is a list of the 2022-2023 NAYC leadership and their hometowns:
• Head Counselors: Jadyn Fleischman (Herman); Ethan Kreikemeier (West Point);
• President: Taylor Ruwe (Hooper);
• Secretary: Kendra Loseke (Blair);
• Vice President of Communications and Social Media: Madison Kreifels (Syracuse);
• Vice President of Alumni Relations: Logan Hafer (Long Pine);
• Vice President of NAYI Improvement and Promotions: Madison Stracke (Stuart);
• Vice President of Youth Outreach: Abby Miller (Mead); and
• Vice President of Sponsorship: Kaleb Senff (Axtell).

Additional NAYC members include: Laura Albro, Bayard; Keegan Doggett, West Point; Vickie Ference, Ord; Ben Kamrath, Columbus; Jenna Knake, Syracuse; Jessie Lamp, Ashland; Kendall Prior, Imperial; Levi Schiller, Scribner; Emma Snoberger, Aurora; Evan Svanda, Nehawka; Seth Wert, Hordville; and Kailey Ziegler, Waco.

“The student leaders who serve on NAYC dedicate their time to promoting Nebraska agriculture and providing valuable insight and advice to young Nebraskans about the many different careers available in Nebraska’s ag industry,” said Christin Kamm, NDA Director of Communications and NAYC Advisor. “Agriculture is the largest industry in Nebraska, and NDA continues to look for and find ways to bring, keep and support people in the ag industry.”

To learn more, visit NAYC’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc.html or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.



WEBINAR ON CROP INSURANCE FRAUD TO INCLUDE DISCUSSION WITH CONVICTED FARMER

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will host a webinar focusing on avoiding crop insurance fraud that will include a discussion with a Nebraska farmer who was convicted of fraud. The webinar will take place at noon Oct. 27.

The webinar will be hosted by Cory Walters, associate professor and crop insurance specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He will cover insurance reporting requirements and speak with Ross Nelson, a producer from Newman Grove, about how the insurance fraud leading to his recent conviction occurred, the toll it took on his life and family, and other consequences.

In 2015, Nelson received an indemnity check for more than $700,000 based on his reported soybean losses. After also submitting a claim for a loss in his corn crop the same year, the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Office of the Inspector General for the USDA investigated due to yield discrepancies between what Nelson and neighboring farms reported. Nelson was found to have submitted false information for both crops and was sentenced to four years of probation for making a false statement. Under the terms, he is required to serve 16 weekends of intermittent confinement, pay a $30,000 fine and make $1 million in restitution payments.

“Crop insurance fraud is a very serious issue with consequences, and we are pleased that Mr. Nelson is willing to share his story to help others keep from making the same mistake,” Walters said.

Federal crop insurance requires producers to meet policy deadlines, pay premiums and report accurate losses immediately. Policy holders must certify how they calculated their yield — with scale tickets, counting the number of trucks or other methods. The webinar will focus on reporting accurate production, which Walters said is not discussed often, even though it can have profound consequences if done incorrectly or fraudulently.

“Our goal with this webinar is to inform producers about the crop insurance process and help them understand the impact that fraud can have on an operation so they can avoid finding themselves in a similar position,” Walters said.

The webinar is free to attend. Registration is required on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.



10th Annual NCBA National Anthem Contest Finalists feature a Nebraskan
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announces the four finalists in the 10th annual National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®. The winner receives a trip to the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Opening General Session on Feb. 1 as well as during the evening event on Feb. 3.

Introducing the four finalists:

Bree DeNaeyer of Seneca, Nebraska, has raised Red Angus with her family in the Nebraska Sandhills for more than 20 years.

Nicholas Kertz of Auburn, Alabama, is a graduate student at Auburn University studying genomic-based approaches to improve heifer fertility and helps on his family’s cow-calf farm in Illinois.

Franki Moscato of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, whose family has been farming since 1857, first sang the National Anthem at the age of 11 and now travels across the country speaking at teen suicide awareness events.

Kendall Whatley of Wray, Georgia, is studying beef cattle nutrition and forages and manages her own business providing genomic and breeding consulting services, sale cattle photography, farm/ranch lifestyle photography, chute-side services and ad design.

Videos of the finalists will be available for viewing and voting at https://convention.ncba.org beginning Nov. 1. The public can vote for their favorite singer once per day per person through Nov. 15, and the winner will be announced Nov. 18, 2022.

The winning singer will receive roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, hotel room for four nights, convention registration, a meet-and-greet hosted by Norbrook®, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.

For more information and to register for convention and reserve housing, visit https://convention.ncba.org/.



IDALS Receives Notice of Bankruptcy for Global Processing, Inc.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been notified that Global Processing, Inc., based at 945 150th Street in Kanawha, IA, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the State of Iowa effective October 24, 2022. Global Processing, Inc. holds grain dealer and warehouse licenses in Iowa, which were suspended earlier this month.

Anyone with unpaid grain sold to this dealer and/or grain delivered for storage before October 24, 2022, may file a claim with the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund. Claims must be made in writing and filed with Global Processing, Inc. and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Grain Warehouse Bureau, within 120 days (February 21, 2023).

Claims can be mailed or personally delivered to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Grain Warehouse Bureau, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, Iowa, 50319. Failure to file a claim within 120 days relieves the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund of its obligation. Failure to make a timely claim against the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund does not relieve Global Processing, Inc. of its liability to the claimant.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators to protect Iowa farmers. The Grain Warehouse Bureau is responsible for administering the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund, which was created in 1986 to provide financial protection to farmers with stored grain. The indemnity fund covers farmers with grain on deposit in an Iowa-licensed warehouse and grain sold to a state-licensed grain dealer. In the case of a failure in a state license warehouse or grain dealer, the indemnity fund will pay farmers 90 percent of a loss on grain up to a maximum of $300,000 per claimant.

If claimants have questions, they can contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau at 515-281-5987.



Registration Open for Integrated Crop Management Conference

The Integrated Crop Management Conference, set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Scheman Building, Ames, Iowa, provides crop production professionals with information and research updates on the past growing season and the tools to prepare for 2023.

Now in its 33rd year, the annual event is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State. This year’s conference will feature 34 workshops to choose from.

“The ICM Conference is a great opportunity for farmers, industry, ag retailers, agronomists and educators to network with each other and interact with their university specialists,” said Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist at Iowa State. “Attendees appreciate the opportunity to hear new information from our guest speakers each year.”
    Ben Gleason, Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council, will discuss utilizing ag retailer data to measure conservation practice adoption by Iowa farmers.
    Bill Johnson from Purdue University will share information on waterhemp control and challenges.
    Laila Puntel, University of Nebraska, talks about precision nitrogen technologies for corn production.
    Jordan Reinders, University of Nebraska, provides a Nebraska perspective on western corn rootworm resistance management.
    Darcy Telenko, Purdue University, will share information on the impact of tar spot of corn and management options for the future.

Additional topics include weather and crop market outlooks, carbon markets, fertilizer prices, conservation practices, soil compaction, updates to fertilizer recommendation guidelines and weed and crop disease management updates.

A new addition this year is the Learning Zone, a space for attendees to browse information from Iowa State programs, research posters and interactive displays. Or, guests can take CropsTV, the virtual crops education program, for a test drive. Extension publications will also be available for purchase.

The conference is approved for up to 14 continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisors. Iowa commercial pesticide applicator recertification for 2022 is also available in categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 4.

To register, visit the ICM Conference website, www.aep.iastate.edu/icm. Pre-registration is required to attend. Early registration is $225 and ends at midnight, Nov. 18. After Nov. 18, the fee increases to $275, and registrations will be accepted until noon, Nov 28. No registrations will be accepted at the door



Retail Fertilizer Prices Trend Mostly Lower
 
The starter fertilizer 10-34-0 led the average price drop on five of eight fertilizers tracked by DTN in the third week of October, continuing to show a significant drop for the third consecutive week.

The average price of 10-34-0 came in 12% lower compared to one month ago at $759 per ton. DTN defines a significant drop in price as 5% or higher. Two fertilizers recorded price drops of 2% including MAP and DAP. The average price of DAP came in at $930/ton while MAP was $986. The average price of potash fell by 1% to $863/ton. The price of UAN28 dropped fractionally to $576/ton.

Three fertilizers tracked by DTN showed increases in average prices. Anhydrous recorded a 3% increase to $1,419/ton, urea a 2% hike to $826/ton, and UAN32 was up 1% to $678/ton.

Despite lower prices in recent months, all fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in price than one year earlier. MAP is 14% higher; DAP is 15% higher, urea is 12% higher and 10-34-0 is 15% higher; potash is 21% higher; UAN28 is 28% more expensive; UAN32 is 38% higher and anhydrous is 51% more expensive compared to last year.



USB Launches Soy Innovation Challenge to Increase Value for Soybean Meal

The United Soybean Board (USB) and The Yield Lab Institute (YLI) challenge companies to create innovations that increase the use and value of soybean meal in existing markets through the Soy Innovation Challenge.

"Soybean oil demand is increasing as a feedstock for renewable energy, creating unique opportunities for soybean farmers. But an increase in expanded crush for oil means higher meal supply. With U.S. soybean meal's strong reputation as a high value product, additional pathways are necessary to advance consumption both domestically and internationally," said Ralph Lott, USB Chair and farmer from New York.

The Soy Innovation Challenge will enhance the value of soybean meal in existing markets and uses by targeting:
    Innovations that increase use and value for soybean meal in animal agriculture, aquaculture, pet foods and soyfoods for human consumption.
    Innovations that advance the commercial viability of existing uses and segments in both food and feed spaces, overcoming the technical challenges of increasing soybean meal usage.
    Innovations that advance the transportability and storage viability of soybean meal.

“With clear sustainability differentiators, such as soil health and land stewardship, this competition has the potential to create unique revenue streams for U.S. soybean farmers in meeting customers’ evolving preferences,” said Mac Marshall, USB vice president of market intelligence. “Sustainability is the future of our industry, and these new innovations will enhance the profit opportunities for our farmers.”

Soybean meal is used as a feed ingredient for animal agriculture. These markets are limited by demand constraints of poultry and livestock volume, competition from alternative ingredients, storage capacity and transportation challenges. The Soy Innovation Challenge aims to solve these problems.

The application period is open October 25 through December 6. USB and YLI invite ag-tech startups, project/research teams and groups to submit applications online. This includes entities that operate in the soybean meal value chain and have an innovative solution that can enhance known uses and markets of soybean meal. The challenge is sponsored by USB and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The selected teams will compete for:
    $170,000 in cash prizes courtesy of USB.
    $5,000 in in-kind technical services and credits per finalist courtesy of AWS.

All selected teams will receive mentoring and resources to help advance their ideas in the areas of technical, business and financial impact.

“With a favorable market for soy, an increased interest in enhancing the existing value of soybean meal is often forgotten in the equation. This innovation challenge will uncover ideas and technologies that will drive more value for soybean meal and its constituents within existing markets and uses. This is truly an exercise in circular economy and optimizing the bean,” said Brandon Day, COO of YLI.



PIC and National Pork Board Creating Framework to Help Industry Quantify Environmental Benefits of Genetic Improvements

PIC and the National Pork Board announced today they are teaming up to develop a framework that will demonstrate the critical role genetics play in creating a more sustainable protein supply.

Choosing the right genetics is critical to producing healthier, more resilient pigs. Healthy pigs typically eat better, use less water and reach market weight sooner, which can create significant environmental benefits. To date, the pork industry has not been able to quantify the environmental benefits accomplished through genetic improvements. Further, genetics have not been accounted for in corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting or utilized as an intervention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Corporations are increasingly interested in addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When we use genetic improvements to increase the health and resilience of our herds, it improves feed efficiency and reduces waste, making protein production more sustainable,” said Bill Christianson, Chief Operating Officer of PIC. “We’re proud to be collaborating with National Pork Board to establish a framework that will show genetic improvements are an effective way to mitigate emissions, allowing corporations to claim greenhouse gas reductions.”1

Many food system stakeholders have made aggressive climate pledges and are seeking opportunities to mitigate their environmental footprints. To make progress towards these climate goals, they will need to reduce Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions resulting from their up and downstream value chain partners, including pork producers. The framework will establish a standardized process for corporations to understand and measure how genetic improvements make pork production more efficient, supporting their climate commitments.  

“America’s 60,000-plus pig farmers are dedicated to building on the progress already made in the sustainability of pork production, and National Pork Board’s collaboration with PIC will create an innovative opportunity to advance this commitment,” said Ashley McDonald, vice president of sustainability for National Pork Board. “This work will create a universal framework that empowers genetics suppliers and pork producers to quantify the value of the work they’re doing to enhance the industry’s environmental performance and support their customers’ sustainability goals.”

PIC and National Pork Board will start developing the framework this fall.



NMPF Unanimously Endorses Marketing Order Modernization Plan in Annual Meeting

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) leadership unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order milk-pricing system at its annual meeting in Denver, which concludes tomorrow. It also welcomed new directors -- as well as a new member.

“Dairy is positioned to be a trusted anchor in an uncertain world,” said NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney in remarks at the meeting, part of a joint event held by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. “Together we can seize opportunities to feed the world. Our product is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods available. We create vibrant rural communities that keep America strong by helping to retain local schools, build energy independence, preserve the environment, and ensure food security for everyone.”

Central to discussions was recommendations developed on federal milk pricing after more than 100 meetings that have taken place over the past year. NMPF’s Board of Directors endorsed a proposal that:
    Returns to the “higher of” Class I mover;
    Discontinues including barrel cheese in the protein component price formula;
    Extends the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward priced sales on Nonfat Dry Milk and dry whey to capture more exports sales in the USDA product price reporting;
    Updates milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas;
    Develops a process to ensure make-allowances are reviewed more frequently through legislation directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years; and
    Updates dairy product manufacturing allowances contained in the USDA milk price formulas.

NMPF continues work on the Class I milk price surface as it examines information on county-level Class I price differentials. That work is expected to be completed later this year. Any final proposal will be reviewed by the organization before it’s submitted to USDA to be considered for a federal order hearing.

“We have made tremendous progress and are moving forward with the strong level of consensus in the producer community that we will need to achieve our goals of modernization,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “We’ve had many challenging conversations that were important to getting to a national consensus because of the regional nature of federal milk orders. But the give and take that’s needed to get to anything important done will place the entire industry on a sounder footing, creating a lasting benefit for all.”

NMPF, whose member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of the nation’s milk, also welcomed Burnett Dairy Cooperative to its membership. Burnett Dairy Cooperative, based near Grantsburg, WI and founded in 1896, is one of the nation’s few remaining full-service cheese-producing cooperatives. It is a frequent winner at both national and worldwide cheese contests.

New directors elected to the Board of Directors and approved by NMPF delegates in 2022 include:
    Jeff Sims – Lone Star Milk Producers
    Kevin Ellis – Upstate Niagara Cooperative
    Cory Vanderham – California Dairies Inc.



Jackson County Regional Livestock Market, LLC to host 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Qualifying Event

The first of three regional qualifying events for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) will be hosted by Jackson County Regional Livestock Market, LLC in Ripley, W.Va., on October 29, 2022.  

Opening ceremonies will commence at 9:30 a.m. (ET), with the awards presentation following the competition. A total of 28 contestants will compete for a top 10 placing, granting them a spot in the semi-finals for the 2023 WLAC at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Fla.

Each qualifying event is a live sale where each contestant auctions eight drafts of livestock (traditionally cattle) to actual bidders. Contestants are judged on the clarity of their auction chant; professionalism; and their ability to conduct the sale while catching bids.

Contestants competing are Rob Bannister, Kent, N.Y.; Tyler Bradfield, Baker, W.Va.; Spencer Cline, Kingston, Ark.; Dylan Crall, Bethesda, Ohio; Dakota Davis, Waukomis, Okla.; Conner Faucette, Creedmoor, N.C.; Andrew Finlay, Topeka, Kan.; Philip Gilstrap, Pendleton, S.C.; Marcus Kent, Dunnellon, Fla.; Takoda Kiser, Wytheville, Va.; Lynn Langvardt, Chapman, Kan.; Ed Leist, Gaylord, Mich.; Jeremy Miller, Fairland, Okla.; Justin Moore, Barnesville, Ohio; Ben Morgan, Organ Cave, W.Va.; Ross Parks, New Concord, Ohio; Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Mason Plumly, Somerton, Ohio; Patrick Prather, Richmond, Ky.; Jack Riggs, Glenns Ferry, Idaho; Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.; Trevor Ruff, Malta, Ohio; Austin Schaben, Dunlap, Iowa; Marcus Showalter, Bridgewater, Va.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Shawn Silverberg, Fort Collins, Colo.; Marshal Tingle, Nicholasville, Ky.; and Scott Twardowski, Swanville, Minn.

The public may attend the livestock auction and competition free of charge. It will also be streamed live on the Livestock Marketing Association’s Facebook page.

Qualifying events are balanced regionally across LMA membership. The second qualifying event will be held at Longview Livestock in Longview, Texas, on December 1, 2022. The final qualifying event will be held at Windsor Livestock Auction Co., Inc. in Windsor, Mo., on January 4, 2023.



Registration & Housing Open November 15 for 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando

Online registration and housing for the 2023 Commodity Classic will open on November 15, 2022. America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience will be held Thursday, March 9 through Saturday, March 11 in Orlando.

To register, reserve hotel rooms, sign up for email updates, and register for optional tours in and around Orlando, visit CommodityClassic.com. A list of exhibiting companies, a map of the trade show floor, and the registration brochure can also be found online.

Early discounts on registration end January 20, 2023.

Commodity Classic features a robust schedule of over 30 educational sessions, a trade show with more than 330 exhibitors featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers, unique tours, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

“Commodity Classic brings together a huge trade show with the best farmers, education, technology, and innovation — all under one roof,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “It’s unlike any other agricultural event because every experience, educational session, and speaker is selected by farmers, for farmers.”

A schedule of events is available at CommodityClassic.com. Make sure to follow Commodity Classic on Twitter at @ComClassic and on Facebook for continued updates.



ADM Reports Third Quarter Earnings per Share of $1.83, $1.86 on an Adjusted Basis

ADM (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

“I’m proud of our team for delivering yet another quarter of strong results by supporting the global food system and providing needed nutrition to billions,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano. “Global demand remains robust, and our adjusted EPS of $1.86 is a reflection of our team’s expertise in managing dynamic market conditions, as well as the unique benefits of our integrated global value chain and our product portfolio.

“Today’s ADM is a resilient company, with a broad global footprint and an array of innovative capabilities that are driving performance for customers, consumers and shareholders. And with strong cash flows, we’re advancing productivity initiatives to enhance cost efficiencies and returns; driving innovation efforts to build new capabilities and growth engines across all of our businesses; and continuing to return capital to our shareholders. We’re well positioned to end 2022 strong, and carry that momentum into 2023.”

Quarterly Results of Operations

Ag Services & Oilseeds delivered substantially higher year-over-year results.
    Ag Services results were significantly higher than the third quarter of 2021. The short crops in South America supported U.S. exports, driving improved volumes and margins in North American origination, which had significant negative impacts from Hurricane Ida in the prior year. Better margins in global ocean freight, driven by good execution amid dynamic global trade flows, powered better results in Global Trade. South American origination saw improved volumes and margins driven by increased farmer selling in addition to higher volumes through our export facilities.

    Crushing results were significantly higher, with margins driven by resilient global demand for both meal and oil. Strong rapeseed margins in EMEA, driven by robust oil demand and continued market dislocations, along with positive impacts from an insurance settlement, helped drive improved results. North American soy crush margins continued to benefit from renewable diesel demand. Also, net positive timing effects in the quarter were about $175 million, as compared to the approximately $70 million in the prior-year quarter. Positive results were partially offset by lower crush volumes, including impacts from idled facilities in Ukraine and Paraguay.

    Refined Products and Other results were higher year over year in a strong margin environment for both refined oils and biodiesel. Robust performance in global refined oils was driven by healthy demand and elevated refined oil margins amid supply chain disruptions.

    Equity earnings from Wilmar were much higher versus the third quarter of 2021.

Carbohydrate Solutions results were significantly higher than the prior-year quarter’s.
    The Starches and Sweeteners subsegment, which includes ethanol production from our wet mills, delivered much improved year-over-year results amid steady global demand for sweeteners and starches. Corn co-products — including continued robust demand for corn oil — as well as effective risk management drove higher execution margins in North America. Wheat milling had a strong performance, delivering improved volumes and margins to meet healthy demand for flour. In EMEA, the business delivered solid volumes and margins and managed through a dynamic energy environment to drive stronger results.

    Vantage Corn Processors results were substantially lower. Ethanol margins were pressured by lower domestic demand and elevated corn costs. In addition, the prior year’s results included contributions from the now-sold Peoria facility.

Nutrition delivered revenue growth of 10%, and 16%1 on a constant currency basis; operating profit was similar to the prior-year quarter’s, and 7%1 higher on a constant currency basis, with continued strong demand offset by some demand fulfillment challenges.

    Human Nutrition results were higher than those of the third quarter of 2021. Strong demand for plant-based proteins, as well as solid performance in texturants, drove continued growth in Specialty Ingredients. Flavors results were impacted by adverse currency translation effects in EMEA, partially offset by continued strong demand growth in the region; demand fulfillment challenges in North America and lower demand in APAC — driven partly by lockdowns in China — also negatively impacted results. Health & Wellness was lower versus the prior year, which included higher income from the Spiber fermentation agreement.

    Animal Nutrition results were down versus the prior-year quarter. Pet results were lower in Latin America on lower volumes, partially offset by strong volumes and margins in North America. Softer animal protein demand affected feed volumes.

Other Business results were significantly higher than the prior year. Higher short-term interest rates drove improved earnings in ADM Investor Services, partially offset by increased claim settlements in captive insurance.



Total Acre and Sound Agriculture Join Forces to Optimize Nitrogen Usage

Total Acre has formed a strategic partnership with Sound Agriculture to empower growers to optimize crop nutrient usage, maximize return on investment and pro-actively promote climate-smart commodities, aiming to reduce nitrogen usage by 10 million pounds.

This national, multi-year partnership is focused on generating Climate-Smart Commodities—agricultural commodities that are produced using farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon. Through the partnership, Total Acre members will be able to become more efficient with nutrients, optimize crop inputs, and reduce overall fertilizer use.

The program has an aggressive goal of removing 10,000,000 pounds of nitrogen this season and over 63,000 metric tons of CO2e over the next three years. This is a significant step propelled by producers that are proactively looking for solutions to replace synthetic fertilizer. Achieving this goal would be equivalent to removing more than 20,000 metric tons of CO2e, or 4,500 cars from the road each year.

The key to the program is SOURCE®, a novel chemistry that activates both nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing microbes to provide sustainable nutrition at the root zone when crops need it the most. Using SOURCE, growers can decrease nitrogen fertilizer use without sacrificing yield. Supporting agronomists will evaluate technology, application strategies and product options to ensure the best fit for every field.

“I am really excited to be hooked up with the Sound Agriculture team,” said David Hula, instructor and partner with Total Acre. “With SOURCE Corn we’ve seen some terrific results out in the field this year. The product helped us get the most out of every acre while taking into account each farm’s unique field characteristics, improving plant health, and maximizing ROI. And I’m just thrilled to get our Total Acre growers engaged in the fight to tackle one of Ag’s biggest challenges."

Total Acre is tightly aligned with producers and excited to bring together leaders in agriculture to tackle two of the biggest challenges being faced by farmers today.  First, input prices continue to place increased cost pressure on farmers attempting to remain profitable. Second, nutrients not fully used by the growing plants can be lost from the fields and negatively impact air and downstream water quality. By improving the efficiency of nutrients being applied, farmers can increase their ROI and decrease the amount of nutrients leaving the field.

SOURCE gives growers the confidence to fully optimize crop nutrients and allow plants to empower the chemistry to help draw nutrients more sustainability. Creating a more resilient crop, healthier soil and cleaner water systems. SOURCE uses a proprietary chemistry to activate existing soil microbes that allows plants access to more nitrogen and phosphorus. The product was created over a decade ago, and launched commercially for the 2019 growing season. Nearly five years later, SOURCE boasts win rates over 70%, creating positive yield environments that bottom-line increase ROI across the United States.