Monday January 09 Ag News

 Memorandum of Understanding with John Deere Creates Workable Solution on Right to Repair for Farmers & Ranchers

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is very pleased with the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today between American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and John Deere that will ensure farmers’ and ranchers’ right to repair their tractors and other implements. The landmark MOU is the culmination of several years of discussions with John Deere and a major step forward on Farm Bureau policy that was brought forward by Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“Farmers and ranchers need to have the ability to purchase what they need at a reasonable rate to get their equipment up and running or have the option of turning to an independent technician. This MOU creates an official agreement that clearly sets parameters and creates a mechanism to resolve issues as they arise,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.

Creating an MOU similar to ones utilized in the automobile industry, whereby vehicle owners and independent technicians can purchase information, diagnostic equipment, and parts needed for vehicle repairs from vehicle manufacturers has long been a goal of Nebraska Farm Bureau. Through this MOU, farmers, ranchers, and independent repair facilities will have access to diagnostic and repair codes and their meanings; manuals (operator, parts, service); product guides; directly purchase diagnostic tools from John Deere; and assistance from John Deere when ordering parts and products.

“Farmers don’t want access to the computer programming. They simply want to be able to diagnose and fix the problem so they can get their equipment back to the fields. By working with John Deere and American Farm Bureau, the need for legislative or regulatory action on the right to repair issue will be mitigated,” said McHargue.

Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to work with AFBF and engage in similar discussions with several other manufacturers. We believe the MOU has the potential to serve as a model for other manufacturers and look forward to working with equipment dealers to help implement the MOU.



Nebraska Soybean Farmers Encouraged to Apply for Candidacy

This year, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will be seeking farmer-leaders to represent fellow soybean farmers in Districts 5, 7 and the at-large position. The candidacy petition period began on December 1 and concludes on April 14.

Soybean farmers who reside in counties that are up for election in 2023 will receive ballots and candidate information regarding NSB’s election process via direct mail. The NSB at-large position is open to all soybean farmers in Nebraska and will be elected by the sitting board members at the June board meeting.

The following districts are up for election this year:
District 5: Cass, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, and Richardson
District 7: Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Franklin, Hall, Kearney, Nuckolls and Webster
At-Large: All counties in Nebraska

“Serving on the NSB board of directors is a great way to provide leadership for the entire Nebraska soybean industry,” said Jason Penke, farmer and NSB vice chairman. “I would encourage soybean farmers in districts that are up for election to consider joining our dynamic organization and running for the board.”

Qualified candidates include those who are a resident of Nebraska, are at least 21 years old, reside in the district where election is being held, have been a soybean farmer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years and have submitted a NSB candidacy petition.

To apply for candidacy in District 5, 7 or the at-large position you must:
    Obtain a NSB candidacy petition by contacting NSB’s interim executive director, Lois Ronhovde, at 402-432-5720 or lois@nebraskasoybeans.org.
    Complete the petition and collect the signatures of 50 soybean farmers in your district.
    Return such petition to the NSB office on or before April 14, 2023.

District directors’ roles and responsibilities include:
    Manage and conduct the business of the Nebraska Soybean Board.
    Uphold the core values of integrity, leadership, collaboration, adaptability and innovation.
    Attend five annual board meetings (typically held in September, November, January, March and June/July). These meetings are required and are one to two days in length.
    Participate in trade missions, work with the media, represent NSB at events, meetings and more.
    Serve on two of the four NSB committees each year. These committees provide strategic direction regarding board decisions.
    Serve a three-year term that would begin October 1, 2023



Extension program to explore ambiguous loss and agriculture

An upcoming online seminar presented by Nebraska Extension will explore ambiguous loss, building resilience and knowing when and where to get help.  

It is often said that life is a journey. Goodbyes, disappointment and losses are a part of life’s journey. Some losses, like the death of a loved one, are well-defined, while others are a bit more ambiguous like the loss that comes with divorce, addictions, health conditions or immigration. In addition to covering ambiguous loss, the seminar will also address family stress, resilience, communication and utilizing resources.

This one-hour training will be held online, via Zoom, on Jan. 24 at noon Central time, and repeated on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. Central time, Feb. 15 at noon Central time and Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Central time. There is no cost to attend the training, but registration is required at https://ruralwellness.unl.edu. Each class is limited to 30 participants.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.



Beef Heifer Replacement Forecast for 2023 Production Season
Webinar: 2023 Beef Heifer Replacement Price Forecast
Jan. 12 at noon CT

Register: https://go.unl.edu/cap1-12

This is a summary of the sixth annual beef cow replacement value forecast for Nebraska. The entire forecast can be found at this link, and past summaries are also available on the Farm¢ents site. The information presented in the forecast is intended as a guide to modify, depending on each producer’s circumstances, expectations of future production costs, and cow and calf values. The forecasted price and cost variations come from the University of Missouri Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) 10-year projections and the UNL600 cow herd budget for Central Nebraska. Biological measures, such as cow size, weaning weights, etc., are relationships derived from the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory cowherd.

Replacing females in the cow herd looks differently for each farm and ranch. Value for both retained and purchased replacements generally depends on the following factors:
    Longevity - the length of time the replacement animal remains in the herd
    Productivity - annual expectations of calf size, calf value and costs over the replacement’s productive life
    Genotype and phenotype - the animals physical compatibility with the production system and performance goals of the ranch
    Operator goals and management style
    Financial standing, specifically debt related to cow purchases
    Environmental conditions of the operation (drought, fire, etc.)

Leaving the other considerations to those making the replacement decisions, this forecast focuses on two main factors:
    Annual cost of production per cow. Authors used  the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) Cow Cost Cow-Q-Lator to help calculate three levels of costs: low (Lo), Mid, and High (Hi). Livestock budget information from Kansas State and UNL contributed to these calculations. Costs relate directly to the 2022 Nebraska state average low, median, and high pasture rental rates for the sandhills area found in UNL Agricultural Economics department’s 2021 Nebraska Ag Real Estate Report. Three levels of annual production costs per cow were identified as $747.41/cow (Lo), $881.71/cow (Mid), and $992.54/cow (Hi).
    Average historical replacement rates. This is the number of heifers needed each year to replace culled cows or cull rate, while keeping the same cow herd number. This number can be used as a proxy measure of average cow longevity. This forecast evaluated 14, 20, and 28% replacement rates.

The forecast looks at the three levels of cow costs at each of the three replacement rates.



2023 Eastern Lambing and Kidding School on January 21st

The 2023 Eastern Nebraska Lambing and Kidding School on Saturday January 21, 2023 held near Lincoln will feature farm tours, hands-on demonstrations, and presentations by expert speakers.

Nebraska Extension is hosting the clinic that will run from approximately 8:30a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT, starting with Registration at Pickinpaugh Livestock, 9801 Van Dorn St, Lincoln NE, 68520.  Following the sheep tour of Pickinpaugh Livestock, we will travel to the Otoe County Fairgrounds, 198 Plum Street, Syracuse for lunch and presentations.  Following the speakers, we will travel to Burchard, Nebraska for goat farm tours at Black Family Livestock, 61026 708 Road, Burchard NE and Plum Creek Farms at 60685 712 Road, Burchard NE.

To register, e-mail wayde.pickinpaugh@unl.edu or call Wayde Pickinpaugh, Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator at 402-335-2669 by January 18.  The cost to attend in person is $20 per person, $55 for a family up to 5 attendees.  Handouts and lunch are included.

Lunch will be held at the Fair Center Building in Syracuse, NE.  After lunch, Ryan Hassebrook, local sheep producer, will speak on proper nutrition and feeding programs. Becky Funk, DVM, will discuss when lambing and kidding doesn’t go as planned. Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Educator, will cover reproductive diseases in both sheep and goats. We will close out the day traveling to Black Family Livestock as well as Plum Creek Farms where we will tour the facilities and discuss goat herd management.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting January 31 – February 1, 2023, at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr, Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska Corn Board will undertake strategic planning with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association on January 31. The board will then address regular board business on February 1.

The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.



2022 Another Record Year for Iowa Ethanol Production

In 2022, Iowa ethanol production increased to a record-breaking 4.5 billion gallons, up from the previous record of 4.4 billion gallons in 2021. Observers credit fuel demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, Iowa ethanol plant efficiencies, and the ample local corn supply as factors in the upward trend.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw feels optimistic about increasing ethanol production in 2023 as well.

“Iowa continues to set the pace for ethanol production around the world,” stated Shaw. “The attractive price of E15 and E85 drove sales during the 2022 gas price spike. Barring a recession, we expect ethanol demand to grow each year as Iowa and other states make progress in increasing access to E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88. The Governor’s E15 access bill was a large step forward in increasing access to cheaper, cleaner fuel for Iowans. As demand grows, Iowa ethanol plants are well positioned to continue breaking records.”

The IRFA compiled production information from an industry survey, public reports, and other industry sources.



ICGA Releases Top State and Federal Policy Priorities for 2023

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), one of the country's most effective, longest-standing agricultural associations, released today its final list of state and federal policy priorities for the upcoming year.

“Each year, ICGA members set a list of legislative priorities on both the state and federal levels by completing a policy survey, discussing at roundtables, and adopting policy at the Grassroots Summit,” said ICGA President Denny Friest, a farmer from Radcliffe, Iowa. “We value our farmer members, which is why it’s very important for them to engage in our grassroots efforts to voice their opinion on different issues and direct ICGA on policy priorities.”  

2023 ICGA Priorities – State (Alphabetical)
    Conservation/Water Quality – Maintain legislative funding stream for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, including Maximum Return to Nitrogen
    Ethanol – Obtain and increase funding for infrastructure cost-share program (Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program)
    Ethanol – Promote ethanol as a carbon reduction solution
    Livestock – Support existing regulatory framework for the livestock industry
    Taxes – Protect critical tax credits (Section 179 and biofuels)

2023 ICGA Priorities – Federal (Alphabetical)
    Carbon – Support carbon credit sequestration programs
    Ethanol – Retain the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reallocation of unjustified Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs), reduce regulatory barriers for higher blends, and support low carbon high octane fuel (including the Next Generation Fuels Act)
    Farm Bill – Protect crop insurance
    Taxes – Protect critical tax credits
    Trade – Expand new and protect existing bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements and protect/expand funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) as part of the Farm Bill

“I encourage you to invite your family and neighbors to join ICGA, so we can fight together for agriculture. Your engagement and voice matter as that determines all our success,” stated Friest.

The complete 2023 ICGA policy resolution book is available at www.iowacorn.org/policy or in hard copy for free upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242.



ISU Planter University Workshops Focus on Optimizing Planter Setup across All Brands

Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up with Iowa State Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state Feb. 6-10.

The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service providers, equipment and precision ag dealers, and others to gain insight into how planters function, optimize settings for individual seed, field, and equipment needs, and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration.

“Planter University will go far beyond a typical planter clinic, offering attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to offer this opportunity across the state for a second year.”

Specialists from the Iowa State Digital Ag group will lead each workshop and focus on small-group, hands-on learning with row units representing a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for their key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.

“We are going to help attendees better understand the physics behind traditional and high-speed planters and how to evaluate planting performance,” said Levi Powell, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.

“Every planter, operator and operation is different; one setting doesn’t work for everyone. This event will focus on how to dial in the right settings for you and your operation,” added Ben Covington, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.

The training will be offered at five locations. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration for each location is $85 and closes seven days ahead of each meeting.

Register online at https://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter/. Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials, seed depth tool, closing wheel hold up bracket, and CCA credits. Each workshop will begin with check-in and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at approximately 2:30 p.m.
    Feb. 6 – Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland.
    Feb. 7 – Northeast Research Farm – Borlaug Learning Center, Nashua.
    Feb. 8 – Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Crawfordsville.
    Feb. 9 – Agriland FS, Woodbine.
    Feb. 10 – CNH Industrial Ag Information Center, Nevada.

For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, or anr@iastate.edu, or contact your regional ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.



Forum Reaffirms Beef Industry’s Commitment to Sustainable Future

Every day cattle producers across the country reaffirm their commitment to protecting environmental resources, supporting communities and creating an economically viable future through effective management practices. The “Beef Sustainability Forum – Continuing our Commitment to a Sustainable Future,” sponsored by Elanco, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 12:30 p.m. in New Orleans to highlight the industry’s sustainability efforts.

Moderated by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall, the panel discussion will include opening remarks from Katie Cook, Elanco’s vice president of global farm animal innovation & U.S. farm animal marketing; and will feature John Ferry, co-owner of JY Ferry & Son, Inc., in Corinne, Utah, the 2021 national winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program; Tom McDonald, senior vice president of environmental affairs & sustainability for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding; Drake Yon, farm operations manager at Yon Family Farms in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, the 2008 national winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program; and Sara Place, PhD, associate professor and feedlot systems specialist at Colorado State University.

“Sustainability continues to be a top priority for NCBA and is an issue at the forefront of the entire beef industry,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “This special event will include cattle producers and industry leaders from various sectors discussing strategies that improve sustainability, and how those efforts can enhance sustainability for the entire industry.”

In addition to the Sustainability Forum, convention attendees can find sustainability-focused educational sessions on the NCBA Trade Show floor in the “Cattle Chats” area. During these brief presentations, industry leaders will share the latest trends in sustainability and other issues impacting the beef cattle industry. From cowherd nutrition and record keeping to animal health and alternative financing, these unique sessions will provide producers the resources needed to develop a lasting legacy.

The annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2023 convention, Feb. 1-3 in New Orleans, features education, entertainment and business meetings. For more information and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.



State agriculture officials to embark on first Emerging Markets Program trade mission

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members and leadership will travel to Vietnam to conduct its first trade mission to explore global emerging markets on Jan. 9-13, 2023, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emerging Markets Program.
 
NASDA President and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse, Texas Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Dan Hunter and NASDA CEO Ted McKinney will all participate in the mission to explore trading opportunities and educate Vietnamese agricultural, government and business leaders on American agriculture and markets. American Feed Industry Association President & CEO Constance Cullman will also attend as a guest of NASDA to share additional industry perspective.
 
“NASDA is excited to embark on this mission to foster relationships in Vietnam, carry the federal government’s messages and bring alive from a state-local level the value and quality of U.S. agricultural products,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.
 
NASDA was recently awarded $925,000 from USDA to promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to developing countries with strong growth potential, including Vietnam. NASDA will also conduct trade missions to Thailand, Indonesia and Kenya in 2023.
 
NASDA will share more about the delegation’s experience in Vietnam on its social media platforms.



New Poll: Voters Support Ethanol and RFS, Oppose EV Mandates

A new survey of registered voters shows robust support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard, while also revealing significant opposition to policies that ban liquid fuels or mandate electric vehicles. The poll was conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association by Morning Consult.

“As the new Congress settles in and begins to consider the future of our nation’s energy policy, these polling results demonstrate that Americans strongly support expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Voters clearly want greater access to fuel blends containing more ethanol—like E15, E30, and E85—and they want to see more flex fuel vehicles made available. These results also make it apparent that Americans strongly oppose policies that would limit the availability of liquid-fueled vehicles or effectively force them to purchase electric vehicles. Overall, this survey is a strong indication that consumers understand and appreciate the environmental advantages, energy security benefits, and affordability that ethanol offers.”

According to the survey:
    Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents (65 percent) support the Renewable Fuel Standard, while only 15 percent expressed opposition to the program.
    Meanwhile, 64 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of ethanol, compared to just 18 percent unfavorable.
    Regarding higher blends, 68 percent support increasing the availability of E15 to help lower fuel prices and bolster energy independence, and 66 percent said it is important for the federal government to promote the production and sale of flex fuel vehicles (capable of running on up to 85% ethanol) in the United States.
    Three out of five (60 percent) respondents support the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would drive the use of more efficient, lower-carbon liquid fuels like E25 or E30, compared to just 18 percent who oppose such legislation.
    By a margin of nearly 3 to 1 (52 percent to 19 percent), voters support efforts to sequester carbon dioxide using underground pipelines.

Notably, Cooper said, support for ethanol and renewable fuels policy crossed party lines and includes majorities of both Republican and Democrat respondents.

The poll also found strong doubts about some policy proposals regarding electric vehicles, particularly those that eliminate consumer choice and options when it comes to vehicle purchases.

Key results:
    Half (50 percent) of respondents said they were not interested in purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle in the next three years, while 42 percent expressed interest. Another 8 percent had no opinion.
    Nearly four out of five (77 percent) of voters say it is important for automakers to disclose (to potential buyers) the emissions impacts of the electricity used to power electric vehicles. Only 12 percent said transparent emissions information isn’t important.
    Two-thirds (66 percent) oppose policies that ban the sale of new cars with traditional liquid-fueled engines, with only 23 percent supporting such policies.
    Seven out of 10 respondents (69 percent) oppose EV mandates, with 54 percent expressing “strong” opposition.
    Meanwhile, 58 percent support federal funding for charging infrastructure and tax credits for electric vehicles.

RFA has been polling with Morning Consult since 2016. This survey was conducted online with 1,999 registered voters in late December 2022 and has a two-point margin of error.



Growth Energy Calls for Lower Fuel Costs, Lower Emissions, and Increased Access to E15 in 2023 Policy Priorities

Growth Energy, the nation’s leading biofuel trade association, released its federal policy priorities for 2023 today, outlining an ambitious agenda to work with a new Congress and the Biden Administration to lower prices at the pump, lower carbon emissions, and increase consumer access to higher blends of ethanol.

“2022 was a record-setting year for the ethanol industry and now that the new Congress has arrived in D.C. and been sworn in, the work begins to raise the bar even higher in 2023,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Our three biggest priorities for this year are to lower prices at the pump and reduce emissions in the transportation sector through a strong Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS); lower the carbon intensity of ethanol through innovative technologies and climate smart agriculture; and give American drivers more choices at the pump by expanding access to lower-carbon, lower-cost higher ethanol blends.

“These three pillars will guide all of our advocacy efforts in 2023, and have the potential to make an immediate, measurable, and lasting positive impact on the economy and the environment,” she added.

Among many specific policy goals outlined today by Growth Energy, some of the biggest are to:
    Restore unrestricted access to E15 year-round nationwide.
    Ensure the Environmental Protection Agency finalizes its Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the RFS Set by the June 14, 2023 deadline set out in its consent decree with Growth Energy.
    Ensure the U.S. Department of the Treasury allows a wide range of technologies and industrial processes to qualify under the new 45Z tax incentive, the Clean Fuel Production Credit, when the provision takes effect January 1, 2025, including carbon capture and storage, renewable electricity, and sustainable farming.



Soybean Architecture Study Helps Guide Farmer Seed Selection

For many years, soybeans have played second fiddle to corn, but expanding market opportunities have heightened attention on the oilseed. AgriGold Agronomist Nick Frederking saw an opportunity for farmers to build yields with more customized soybean variety placement.  

“We know the corn plant has the ability to flex ear size,” Frederking explains. “Soybeans can also flex, but with soybeans you’re talking about hundreds of fruiting structures versus one for corn. There are a lot more variables involved.”  

With that in mind, he started trials studying the plant architecture of 10 soybean varieties at both low and high seeding rates, studying the plants’ ability to genetically flex. “If I could separate plants by architectural differences, that could help farmers place and manage soybean varieties,” Frederking explains.  

Parameters of the study on soybean architecture
Frederking chose 10 varieties for the 2022 trial on his research plot in southern Illinois with maturities ranging from 3.4 to 4.3.  

“To see the maximum flex of these 10 varieties, I planted each at 80,000 seeds per acre in 15-inch rows. Then I planted those same varieties right next to it at 160,000 seeds per acre,” he explains. An average seeding rate for his area of the state ranges from 120,000 to 140,000 seeds per acre.  

In a perfect year, Frederking would have planted in April, but a wet spring delayed planting until June 5. “The later planting date was challenging because soybean production is largely determined by how much vegetation can be put on before the day starts to get shorter after June 21,” he says.  

As the growing season progressed, he focused on capturing data and taking pictures to document architectural differences.   

Diverse soybean plant responses to low and high seeding rates
Frederking reports for the low seeding rate, “There were some varieties that branched aggressively and others that would not branch.” Those narrow-lined “stick figure” plants loaded pods on the main stem, he details.

Frederking kept tabs on whether those branches were able to produce pods and subsequently seeds. “Any piece of vegetation on the plant requires energy,” he explains. “If a plant creates vegetation, I want to make sure its branches are being utilized to make seeds.”

Some varieties branched aggressively and made a lot of pods, while other branchy varieties didn’t do anything more than make vines, according to Frederking. He sums up the results as follows: “Now I have categorized how 10 varieties handle low seeding rates – some are narrow-lines, some that have the ability to branch and add pods, and some that branch out but do not convert the vegetation to pods.”

With the higher population trials, Frederking reports, “The narrow-lined ‘sticklike’ varieties that didn’t branch at the low populations also did well at high populations because they don’t need or want a lot of space. They genetically ‘want’ to grow vertically, not get wide.” Farmers will get their biggest bang for their buck planting those varieties in medium to higher populations, Frederking says.  

When those branchy varieties were planted at a high population, the results were more of a mixed bag. “When you go to these higher populations, every variety becomes more sticklike naturally due to interplant competition for resources and sunlight. But they vary in terms of how well they branch at the low populations and in the ability to convert that energy to producing pods at a high seeding rate,” Frederking explains. Roughly half of those varieties did a good job converting that energy into pod production.  

“From an architecture standpoint, my study showed more diversity with the XtendFlex® lineup. The Enlist E3® plants I tested tended to be branchier and shorter, on average, than the XtendFlex® varieties,” Frederking details, emphasizing this was specific to the varieties he tested.  

Study enables better seed placement driven by farmers’ management styles
Frederking sums up his findings as follows: “We’ve learned there are some varieties that can compensate, regardless of the population. We’ve also learned that some varieties have no business being in a low population environment. And we’ve learned some need to be in a low population environment to maximize their genetic capability.”  

When Frederking talks with farmers, he starts by asking about their current soybean planting practices. “I don’t want to change someone’s program if I don’t have to,” he explains. For the farmer working to back off populations to boost yield, Frederking says he’s now better equipped to direct them toward a soybean variety that branches out and maximizes that space, in addition to having the agronomic factors needed for that farm.  

For farmers using a high seeding rate, Frederking can now direct them toward varieties that don’t need a lot of space to produce well.  

AgriGold will expand the trials to include a wider range of geographies and maturities in 2023, with pilots planned as far north as North Dakota and Minnesota.  

“Interest in soybeans is rising, and we’re excited to expand our understanding of AgriGold’s soybean varieties and how they perform at either end of the seeding spectrum,” Frederking explains. “It improves our ability to get it right, helping a farmer to place the best variety for his or her unique location and management style.”