Thursday February 09 Ag News

 Fischer Joins Legislation to Protect Farmland from Foreign Interference

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently cosponsored bicameral, bipartisan legislation to protect America’s agricultural industry from improper foreign investment.

The Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act would bolster the U.S. agriculture industry’s role on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process for foreign investment and acquisition of American companies. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) led the introduction of the bill in the Senate. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Nebraskans are rightfully concerned about the growing effort by foreign countries – including China – to buy up more and more U.S. farmland. The FARM Act would protect America’s national security and food security by ensuring that any foreign investments in the agricultural sector are thoroughly vetted,” said Senator Fischer.

In addition to Sens. Fischer and Tuberville, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).

BACKGROUND:
Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security. Our agricultural sector needs increased oversight and transparency to secure our country’s food supply.

The Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) acknowledges the importance of our agricultural industry and agricultural supply chains for our nation's safe and secure food supply.

CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.

Specifically, the FARM Act would:
    Add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member to CFIUS;
    Add language to protect the U.S. agriculture industry from foreign control through transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or agreements; designate agricultural supply chains as critical infrastructure and critical technologies;
    Require a report to Congress on current and potential foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural industry from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The American agricultural industry has changed significantly over time due to rising foreign investment and consolidation in the industry. The federal government must shed light on global corporations becoming more involved with our domestic food supply and agricultural businesses.



Fischer Leads Push Against Biden Emissions Rule Hurting Truckers

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today led 33 of her Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to overturn an excessive Biden Administration regulation on heavy-duty vehicle emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest rule would be challenging to implement and make new, compliant trucks cost prohibitive for small business owners.

“The Biden Administration is saddling the trucking industry with an onerous regulation that would jack up vehicle costs and hurt good paying jobs. This aggressive EPA rule – which will hit mom and pop truck operations the hardest – is also ineffective because it incentivizes operators to keep using older, higher-emitting trucks for longer. During a period of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, the last thing this country needs is more expensive freight costs and fewer truckers. I am proud to be leading a large coalition of my colleagues to push back against the Biden Administration’s obsession with excessive climate regulations,” said Sen. Fischer.

Background:
The EPA finalized its rule on new emission standards for heavy duty vehicles on December 20, 2022. The rule would go into effect on March 27, 2023.

The rule’s new standards cover nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide (CO). The rule would also change requirements regarding emission control systems and emission-related warranties.

The EPA estimated the technology required to meet the new rule’s standards will cost between $2,568 and $8,304 per vehicle.

Existing regulations on trucks have already resulted in a decrease in NOx emissions between 98% and 99% compared to models from the late 1990s.



Iowa Pork Producers Name 2023 Youth Leadership Team
    
Elle Ploeger, Pierson; Ali Wadle, Milo; and Josh Wiley, Walker, are members of the 2023 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team. They were selected during the Iowa Pork Congress in late January.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sponsors the contest. Participants are judged on their knowledge about pork and pig production as shown in a speech presentation, personal interview, media interview, and written test about pork industry topics. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered. The female contestant with the highest score is crowned Iowa Pork Queen, and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors.

Ploeger, a freshman at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., will reign as this year’s Iowa Pork Queen. Wadle and Wiley are Iowa Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award.

Also, starting this year, those who completed the contest but were not selected each earned a $200 scholarship. Receiving these scholarships are:
    Boyden — Jahlyn DeJong
    Cherokee — Allie Bouchard
    Danville — Britnie Helmick
    Milo — Sadie Fredricks

Elle Ploeger
Elle Ploeger is the daughter of Lonnie and Kathy Ploeger of Pierson in Woodbury County. She is a freshman at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. There she is majoring in agricultural communication, with minors in professional writing and English.

Ali Wadle
Ali Wadle is the daughter of Dustin and Sarah Wadle of Milo in Warren County. She is a freshman studying animal science at Iowa State University in Ames, and is seeking a career in swine genetics.

Josh Wiley
Josh Wiley is the son of Todd and Denise Wiley of Walker in Benton County. He is a senior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School in Vinton. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in animal science at Iowa State University in Ames.

Throughout 2023, the IPPA Youth Leadership Team will assist with public activities promoting and educating about pork and pig production, from county events around Iowa to the World Pork Expo and Iowa State Fair. Past team members have valued the connections established with fellow industry advocates, as well as the many growth and learning opportunities provided by these positions.



ISU Extension and Outreach Wants to Hear from Iowans through Online Survey

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is conducting a statewide audience assessment.

“As technology continues to evolve, we want to learn how Iowans prefer to access, receive and engage with extension education – both in person and virtually,” said John Lawrence, Iowa State’s vice president for extension and outreach.

video image play button.Through this survey, Iowans can tell ISU Extension and Outreach about the technology they prefer to use, the topics they want to learn more about and the issues they think will be important to the people in their communities over the next two years.

The survey is available online, www.extension.iastate.edu/survey, and will remain open through March 31. Iowans may contact their ISU Extension and Outreach county office for more information.

“The more Iowans we can survey, the better we can engage all Iowans in research, education and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges,” Lawrence said.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land-grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.

For more information about ISU Extension and Outreach, visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.



IRFA Statement on Multistate Congressional Letter Urging Biden Administration to Act Swiftly on Governors’ Year-Round E15 Action

Today more than 30 members of the U.S. House and Senate sent a letter to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young and EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging them to “swiftly and diligently implement the outstanding regulatory action” taken by a bipartisan group of Midwest governors to allow the year-round sale of E15.
 
Under the Clean Air Act, the Biden Administration had 90 days upon which to implement the governors’ action. Nearly 200 days have passed since that Congressionally required deadline passed.
 
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) executive director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
 
“It is unconscionable for me to think that when the White House breaks the law, Midwest motorists are the ones forced to pay the penalty at the pump. It is not too late for President Biden to rein in his OMB and to get this rule back on track. IRFA is grateful to see Congress stand up to defend its prerogatives under the Clean Air Act. Congress gave governors the power to equalize regulations for fuels like E10 and E15, and Congress gave the EPA 90 days to act. This deadline is there to protect the governors’ initiative and to protect the retailers and consumers who will benefit from year-round E15 sales. It is way past time for the White House to move this forward.
 
“As the number one ethanol producer, Iowa has the most at stake. We commend Gov. Reynolds for leading the bipartisan group of Midwest governors to start this action. And we appreciate Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for leading a bipartisan group of state Attorneys General to defend the governors’ rights under the Clean Air Act. Today, IRFA also wants to salute Iowa’s Congressional delegation for standing united to lead Congress’ effort to ensure its laws are faithfully executed. Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, along with Iowa House members Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra and Zach Nunn have our deep appreciation.”



Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Seeks Immediate Action on Year-Round E15

The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded a bipartisan group of 31 U.S. Senators and House Representatives for urging the Biden administration to quickly approve a petition from Midwest governors to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states.

“We thank this group of proactive biofuel supporters for seeking swift action on a petition that has been delayed for far too long,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “With the summer driving season rapidly approaching, the unnecessary and illegal delay of the Governors’ petition threatens the availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15. Consumers are demanding more affordable, lower-carbon options at the pump, and failure to immediately approve this petition will deny them the opportunity for meaningful savings at the time when they need it most.”

In their letter, the bipartisan group of members from both the U.S. Senate and House noted that governors are allowed under the Clean Air Act to permanently remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for ethanol blends in their states, and that EPA has a 90-day deadline to sign off on the action. EPA’s statutory deadline to approve the governors’ petition was July 27, 2022—more than 180 days ago. The White House Office of Management and Budget began reviewing EPA’s regulatory action responding to the Governors in December, but that regulatory package has not yet been released to the public. Last month, a group of Midwest attorneys general wrote EPA demanding speedy action, an action cited by the members of Congress in their letter.

“Higher blends of ethanol like E15 are a common-sense solution to lower the cost for consumers at the gas pump and to lower vehicle emissions,” the lawmakers wrote. “As we gear up for the summer 2023 travel season, we have the production and distribution infrastructure to meet consumer demand for this lower cost and environmentally friendly fuel option. By working swiftly to finalize the Governors’ requests, you will bring much needed certainty to our corn growers, fuel retailers, and consumers to enjoy the clean-burning, lower cost benefits of year-round E15 through the 2023 summer driving season.”



ACE Thanks Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers for Urging Swift Action on E15 in Midwest States

Today, a bipartisan group of 31 lawmakers sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging swift and diligent implementation of the outstanding regulatory action to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends in Midwest states, as the 2023 summer driving season quickly approaches. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement thanking the lawmakers:

“This letter is the most recent example of the strong bipartisan support ethanol has in Congress. ACE is most grateful to these lawmakers for working together to urge the Administration to proceed without further delay on the governors’ plan to ensure uninterrupted market access to E15 in their states. The statutory deadlines for EPA to act on the governors’ plan have already lapsed, so each day that passes without action by the Administration increases the sense of urgency to cut the E15 red tape before the summer driving season commences.

“In addition to supporting the governors’ plan for E15 in their states, we echo the Members of Congress in calling for a nationwide and permanent solution for fuel retailers, consumers and the environment, and this will be a top priority at our fly-in in DC next month.”



Growth Energy Cheers Bipartisan Call for EPA Action on Midwest E15

Growth Energy praised a letter from 31 House and Senate lawmakers to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for long-overdue action on a petition from Midwest governors that would preserve access to lower-cost E15 prior to the start of the summer driving season.
 
“Our governors, our attorneys general, and our leaders in Washington have all made it clear to EPA that failure is not an option,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. “We’re grateful to our bipartisan champions in Congress for calling upon EPA to act swiftly to protect cleaner, more affordable fuel options at the pump for working families. American drivers saved an average of 16 cents per gallon this past summer thanks to E15, and no one wants to see those options vanish from the marketplace on June 1.”



NFU to Host College Conference on Cooperatives in Minneapolis

National Farmers Union (NFU) will be hosting the College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from February 16 – 19. Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from experts in the field of cooperatives, participate in interactive learning activities and workshops, and tour co-ops in the Twin Cities. The event attracts students from across the country and is beneficial to those new to co-ops as well as those with some previous co-op education.

“NFU’s history is rooted in the cooperative movement and our future is too,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “The College Conference on Cooperatives is a glowing example of the value Farmers Union provides to our members and their communities. I’m excited to see yet another group of smart, engaged students taking an interest in the cooperative model.”

Participants will hear from a variety of speakers from local and national co-ops. The keynote luncheon, in partnership with CoMinnesota and hosted by the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, will feature a keynote address from Megan Rock, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation at CHS Inc.  

NFU promotes rural economic and cooperative development by supporting existing agricultural co-ops and helping form new farmer co-ops and other rural businesses. The primary objective is to help family farmers and ranchers add value to the food, fiber, and energy they produce. NFU assists producers to retain ownership of their commodity further into the processing channel and enhance market returns on their investment. By working together with other groups and individuals, Farmers Union helps family farmers and ranchers advance their farm, ranch, co-op and community enterprises.

Students interested in participating either in person or virtually can visit nfu.org/ccoc for more information.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from state cattle associations or state general farm organizations interested in nominating beef, dairy or veal producers or importers to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (Board). Applications are due by March 13, 2023.

State cattle associations or state general farm organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for Board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The association or organization represents a substantial number of producers that produce a substantial number of cattle in the state.
    The association or organization has a history of stability and permanency.
    A primary or overriding purpose of the association or organization is to promote the economic welfare of cattle producers.

The following criteria will be considered for importer organizations or associations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership:
    The number and type of members represented (e.g., beef producers, dairy, beef and cattle importers).
    Annual import volume in pounds of beef and beef products or the number of head of cattle, or both.
    The stability and permanency of the importer organization or association.
    The number of years the organization has existed.
    The names of the countries of origin for cattle, beef or beef products imported.

State cattle or state general farm organizations or associations and importer organizations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the Board must complete an Application for Certification of Organization or Association (LP-25) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate Board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints Board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

For more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at (202) 713-6918 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board is composed of 94 producers and seven importers.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from lamb producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handler organizations interested in nominating members to the American Lamb Board (Board). Applications are due by March 13, 2023.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for Board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The membership of the organization consists primarily of producers, seedstock producers, feeders or first handlers who market or handle a substantial quality of lamb or lamb products.
    A primary purpose of the organization is for the production or marketing of lamb or lamb products.

Producer, seedstock producer, feeder, or first handler organizations or associations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the Board must complete the Application for Certification of Organization (LP-82) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) American Lamb Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certificated. Organizations currently certified to nominate Board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints Board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

Send completed forms to Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov and for more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn at (202) 713-6918.

The Board is composed of six American lamb producer representatives, three feeder representatives, three first handlers and one seedstock producer.



Ranking Member David Scott Announces Full Democratic Committee Membership

Below is a statement from Ranking Member David Scott on the complete roster of Democratic Members on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress.
 
“I am pleased to welcome the full Democratic Membership of the House Agriculture Committee. We have important work to accomplish this Congress, and I have full faith in these Members and their ability to help us secure wins for our Democratic priorities. Their constituents and America’s farmers, foresters, and ranchers are lucky to have their voices on the Committee during such a pivotal year,” said Ranking Member David Scott.

Democratic Members of the House Agriculture Committee for the 118th Congress:
• Rep. David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member
• Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21)
• Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02)
• Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)
• Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)
• Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05)
• Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11)
• Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03)
• Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07)
• Rep. Yadira Caraveo (CO-08)
• Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
• Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)
• Rep. Don Davis (NC-01)
• Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02)
• Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)
• Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
• Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30)
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)
• Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35)
• Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)
• Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02)
• Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01)
• Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)

“I would also like to acknowledge the service of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett on our Committee. Our esteemed colleague has been appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As such, she will be taking a leave of absence from the House Agriculture Committee. I offer my sincere gratitude for her leadership as a subcommittee chair in the 117th Congress, and I wish her the best with her important work with her other committees,” said Ranking Member David Scott.



With La Niña weather pattern continuing into 2023, growers should plan ahead to protect soybean seedlings from potential disease pressure.

Early-season diseases are a common threat for soybean growers, but knowing exactly what to expect in an upcoming season can be a challenge. In 2023, there’s another complicating factor for growers to keep an eye on ― an ongoing La Niña event.

La Niña is a climate pattern that disrupts normal weather cycles. Typically, trade winds blow west along the equator, moving warm water and replacing it with colder water. During La Niña, trade winds are stronger, generating worldwide weather ripple effects.

Globally, we are currently experiencing the first “triple dip” La Niña of the century. This rare pattern, which started in September 2020, is still in effect and predicted to continue until at least February 2023, which can impact planting conditions and potential disease pressures for growers.

Cold, wet conditions possible for 2023; Pythium and Phytophthora a continued threat
Throughout the U.S., the La Niña weather pattern has potential implications for soybean growers, who should make plans now to protect their young plants from early-season disease pressure.

Many soybean-growing regions were colder and wetter than normal in 2022, a pattern that is likely to continue in 2023 thanks to La Niña. Common soil pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora favor wet conditions and were spotted in many fields in 2022, leading to weak plant stands and replants. As both of these pathogens do overwinter on plant debris, growers should expect a potential threat from them in 2023.

Early-season diseases like Pythium and Phytophthora can cause reduced plant stands, root rot and stunting. Ultimately, this adds up to limited yield potential, as Pythium and Phytophthora can reduce yields by as much as 30%1 and 50%2 respectively. Cultural practices such as planting earlier with reduced seeding rates means protecting against these diseases is more important than ever. Maximizing soybean yield starts with minimizing stand loss, damping-off and consequent replanting caused by these seedling diseases.

Protect soybeans from day one
The best way to manage yield-robbing disease pressure is to get out in front of it. Growers should choose varieties that are appropriate for their fields and add a proven seed treatment to protect young soybeans when they are most vulnerable.

First available in 2022 in limited trials, CruiserMaxx® APX (pronounced APEX) seed treatment from Syngenta has quickly proven its worth. CruiserMaxx APX combines the proven CruiserMaxx Vibrance® seed treatment with picarbutrazox, a novel mode of action, for supercharged early-season protection against Pythium and Phytophthora, as well as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, seed-borne diseases and early-season insects.

“We were thrilled that growers saw the same superior performance in 2022 that we've seen while developing this novel mode of action since 2014,” said Dale Ireland, Ph.D., Syngenta Seedcare technical lead. “It was formulated to perform in all planting conditions and fit with current soybean growing trends, including earlier planting and lower plant populations. We’ve seen that flexibility deliver more freedom to our customers to plant when they choose to without worrying about replants and the associated costs. And I’m excited to see what CruiserMaxx APX will deliver for growers in 2023.”

This powerful disease protection and early-season crop vigor translate into a tangible yield advantage. Compared with competitor seed treatments, CruiserMaxx APX demonstrated an average yield increase of 3 to 5 bushels per acre in moderate to high Pythium pressure situations. Additionally, in an Ohio State University Phytophthora trial, CruiserMaxx APX was the only seed treatment to deliver a statistically different 5-bushel yield advantage compared with the check treatment.

While reseller and seed treater Zach Hartman from Morris, Illinois, has always been impressed with CruiserMaxx Vibrance, he was pleasantly surprised by how well CruiserMaxx APX coated the seed. “2022 was filled with some seed quality issues that just didn’t show up with CruiserMaxx APX like it did with other products we used,” he said. “The color was darker and filled in the imperfections of the seed. Protection is key in today’s farming. If weather allows, farmers will plant in mid-April. Add the extra protection in CruiserMaxx APX and feel confident.”

Baker Morgan, a grower from Parkin, Arkansas, is sold on the benefits of a soybean seed treatment. “It always helps to have a soybean seed treatment, and Syngenta is offering the best protection with CruiserMaxx APX,” he explained. “I always like to see a good start to the crop with strong seed emergence and an even stand. CruiserMaxx APX provides a superior disease-prevention package, and I have seen a season-long advantage compared with plant stands that struggle early. A fast, healthy start is imperative on our farm, and CruiserMaxx APX helps with just that.”

Weather patterns may be unpredictable from season to season. But no matter the conditions, soybean growers can trust CruiserMaxx APX to protect against yield-robbing diseases and insects while enabling faster, more uniform emergence, stronger plants and roots, and quicker speed-to-canopy.



Tolerant Hybrids Are First Line of Defense Against Tar Spot

While fungicides may help reduce the impact of tar spot on yield, the best long-term solution to this devastating corn disease is selecting hybrids with genetic tolerance, experts reported at the recent Tar Spot Summit hosted by AgReliant Genetics.  

“Fungicides can delay the onset of tar spot but can’t provide 100% control,” said Damon Smith, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin professor and Extension plant pathologist. “Although we can try to manage our way out of it, I think the real solution to tar spot is going to come with hybrids. Finding genetic disease resistance is really the Holy Grail of plant pathology.”

Sneaky spread of tar spot
Tar spot’s growth curve sets it apart from other corn diseases, making it frustrating for farmers to manage, Smith said.

“I call tar spot a sneaky disease. It starts out slowly and then grows really fast and ravages later in the season.”  

Smith explained that tar spot has an incubation period 21- to 30-days after infection, followed by a 40- to 50-day latent period. The first tar spot symptoms – small black specks on leaves – typically show up during this latent period, about the VT growth stage. “Tar spot then spreads exponentially during the reproduction stage that follows,” Smith said. “That’s why you can’t control it only by scouting.”

Tolerant hybrid results
Tar spot can reduce yield by hampering kernel development during critical late-season grain fill, said Missy Bauer, agronomist with B&M Crop Consulting in Coldwater, Michigan, who also spoke at the Tar Spot Summit.  

Field trials by B&M Crop Consulting in 2021 demonstrated the value of hybrid selection in a tar spot management program. Plots compared performance of AgriGold hybrids that were rated either tolerant or susceptible to tar spot, both with and without fungicide treatment.  

“We saw the best yield with a highly tar spot tolerant hybrid combined with a fungicide,” Bauer said. That management combination yielded 52 more bushels per acre compared to a tar spot susceptible hybrid treated with a fungicide. Even without fungicide treatment, the tar spot tolerant hybrid yielded 27 more bushels per acre than the susceptible hybrid that received a fungicide.

Although tar spot risk varies from year to year, Bauer said: “We believe the hybrid is going to be the number one defense.” Bauer said farmers will need to carefully weigh hybrid selection, considering not just tar spot tolerance, but also yield and agronomic characteristics.

Expanding genetic solutions
AgReliant Genetics corn breeders attending the Tar Spot Summit emphasized their ongoing work to expand understanding of tar spot and develop AgriGold and LG Seeds hybrids to combat it. Research focuses both in the field and in the lab, said Benzon Lorenzana, Ph.D., director of corn inbred line breeding.  

“We characterize our experimental hybrids based on their reaction to tar spot pressure under field conditions. That allows us to rate the genetic tolerance that already exists,” Lorenzana said. “We also use DNA fingerprinting to study our vast genetic library of corn inbreds, looking for regions in the genome that carry tar spot tolerance. That information leads us to new, one-of-a-kind genetic solutions.”

In 2022, AgReliant Genetics expanded its disease research capabilities, adding two new field locations dedicated to the study of tar spot tolerance. The goal is to discover new genetic hosts that bring disease tolerance, said Mike Kavanaugh, director of product development.  

“For a disease like tar spot to thrive, you need to have the pathogen present, the right environment for the pathogen to grow, and also a susceptible host,” Kavanaugh said. “The best way to break the disease triangle is by bringing in a new genetic host.   

“Although no hybrid is completely resistant to the disease, starting with a tar spot tolerant hybrid is a foundational recommendation for a systems approach to tar spot.”

Don’t abandon conservation tillage
While emphasizing the role of hybrid selection, speakers at the Tar Spot Summit cautioned against putting too much stake in residue management and crop rotation to control the disease.  

“We found the tar spot inoculum moves a fair distance. You’d need a 10-mile radius of tilled ground to truly eliminate the inoculum load,” Smith says. In addition, although some tar spot spores die over the winter, the pathogen doesn’t fully clear from fields.  

University of Wisconsin researchers studied the impact of corn and soybean residue in fields with a history of tar spot. “Even in a heavy tilled, rotated system we still see tar spot developing from the bottom and going up into the crop canopy,” Smith said.   

In seven field trial sites in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan, fields planted with tar spot tolerant hybrids had a significant reduction in disease severity, regardless of the level of crop residue, he reported. Although lower residue levels reduce the severity of tar spot to some extent, fields planted with tar spot tolerant hybrids had a mean 50% reduction in crop severity score across the seven sites.   

Smith’s advice: “Don’t throw conservation tillage out the window” in an attempt to control tar spot.