UNL chancellor position profile released; ‘catalyst for change’ sought to lead flagship university
The University of Nebraska is seeking an experienced, student-focused “change agent” with a deep understanding of the land-grant mission to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as described in a position profile announced today by NU System President Ted Carter.
The job description for UNL’s next chancellor, developed by a 17-member search advisory committee following a series of public listening sessions in February, calls for a proven, collaborative leader with a “relentless focus” on student access and success who will articulate a bold vision for the future of Nebraska’s flagship university. The successful candidate will prioritize academic excellence, and will be an inclusive and creative leader who appreciates the importance of agriculture, athletics and UNL’s statewide mission.
Nominations and applications are now being accepted by AGB Search, the firm assisting Carter with the chancellor search, at UNLChancellor@agbsearch.com. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by April 7.
The complete position profile, along with detailed information on how to submit applications and nominations, is available on AGB’s website here.
Carter thanked the many UNL students, faculty, staff and stakeholders who have shared feedback over the past several months on what qualities and skills the university should seek in the next chancellor. Their input, he said, was invaluable in developing a leadership profile that captures the UNL community’s shared vision for excellence.
“This is a period of great change and opportunity in higher education. Leadership matters, especially when it comes to one of the most important and consequential institutions in our state – the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,” Carter said. “The consistent theme in feedback from our stakeholders is that we need to find someone who won’t be afraid to dream big about UNL’s future – someone with the energy and courage to rally a diverse community around a vision for meeting the urgent and complex needs of our state, our workforce and the world.”
Specific leadership qualities being sought in the next chancellor include:
· A proven record of leadership, including the ability to work collaboratively with the NU System president, Board of Regents, other NU chancellors and a strong campus leadership team.
· A track record of recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty, staff and students, and an intellectual curiosity and commitment to collaboration across disciplines.
· An ability, within the foundations of shared governance, to be a change agent in today’s evolving higher education landscape when it comes to budget management, enrollment management and articulating a vision that encourages entrepreneurism, innovation and collaboration.
· A commitment to inclusive excellence, recognizing that UNL’s land-grant mission engages all Nebraskans.
· A passion for student access and success that is crucial to helping all students achieve their potential and become lifelong learners.
· An ability to be a visionary for economic development in Nebraska and for UNL’s role in growing the state’s workforce while maintaining prominent academic and research standing.
· An appreciation for agriculture as the state’s No. 1 industry and for the work of Nebraska Extension in bringing UNL’s expertise to Nebraskans in all 93 counties.
· An understanding of the unique role of Husker Athletics as a “front door” to the university and a willingness to be a leading voice in the new era of college athletics.
Reporting to the NU System president, the chancellor is the chief executive officer for UNL, responsible for all aspects of campus administration including academic affairs, research and economic development, student affairs, business and finance, agriculture and natural resources, and athletics. The chancellor is UNL’s leading spokesperson and advocate in fundraising, building partnerships with the public and private sectors, and enhancing community engagement.
Current Chancellor Ronnie Green is retiring June 30 after seven years in the role.
Complete, up-to-date information on the UNL chancellor search is available at www.nebraska.edu/unl-chancellor-search.
FSA Reminds Producers of March 15 Commodity Crop Safety Net Enrollment Deadline
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers of the deadline to make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) commodity crop safety net programs for the 2023 crop year. The signup period closes March 15, 2023.
ARC and PLC are key USDA safety net programs that help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops.
“I encourage farmers to evaluate their program elections and enroll for the 2023 crop year,” said Nebraska FSA State Executive Director John Berge.
ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price. Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.
Although election changes for 2023 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. Signatures of all program participants, including landowners who have an interest in the crop through shares, must be completed by the March 15 deadline.
Producers are encouraged to contact their county FSA office now to complete the process if they haven’t done so already.
Additional ARC/PLC information, including a recorded webinar that outlines the ARC/PLC choices, can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.
The World’s First Flex Fuel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
The goals of the future are being set, and oftentimes with a specific vehicle in mind: battery electric vehicles (BEV). As we all know, their penetration into the overall fleet will take decades as the vehicles are introduced and infrastructure is built, but that doesn’t mean the goal should wait. The combination of a flex fuel vehicle (FFV) and a BEV is possible today.
The Renewable Fuels Association recently purchased a new 2022 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) as our latest vehicle project. The concept is to use this vehicle to demonstrate that ethanol (E85) and electricity can jointly power our vehicles today. In fact, in some cases, the E85 portion has a lower carbon intensity, along with cost, than pure electric.
Upon purchase, students at the University of Nebraska’s Husker Motorsports Team assisted RFA’s Robert White with the conversion to flex fuel. This process used a conversion kit from eFlexFuel. The process took under an hour to complete, and now the vehicle can run on any blend from regular unleaded (E10 or E15) to E30 or E85.
The vehicle was then transported to the University of California at Riverside for emissions testing on E10, E30 and E85. The emissions testing was completed at the Center of Environment Research & Technology. This testing took more than a month to complete and results are pending.
Next will be a full lifecycle analysis that will compare full battery electric vehicles, regular internal combustion engines, and our new creation, the Flex Fuel EV.
The vehicle is on display at Commodity Classic in Orlando from March 8 to March 11. Future Planned Events include :
Government Fleet Expo – Dallas, TX; May 22-24, 2023
Fuel Ethanol Workshop – Omaha, NE; June 12-14, 2023
Farm Progress Show – Decatur, IL; August 29-31, 2023
Loy to lead Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center
Dustin Loy has been selected as the next director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His appointment was effective beginning March 1.
Loy succeeds Bruce Brodersen, who spent more than 30 years on the UNL faculty and has led the center since 2019.
Loy grew up on a small beef operation in central Iowa. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary degree in food animal medicine, and doctoral degree in veterinary microbiology from Iowa State University. In addition, Loy is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists with specialties in bacteriology, virology and immunology.
His currently a professor, veterinary diagnostic microbiologist and faculty supervisor for the bacteriology and molecular diagnostic laboratories in the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center. Prior to joining UNL, he worked at a biotech startup developing RNA-based vaccines for animals.
Loy’s research focuses on the application of genomics, with a focus on bovine diseases and antimicrobial resistance. He has contributed to more than 50 publications, several books and patents and numerous grants. He is an instructor in both the veterinary science undergraduate curriculum and the professional program in veterinary medicine.
Loy has served in leadership and committee roles through the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, and the Lincoln-Lancaster Board of Health.
“Dr. Loy is an outstanding researcher and instructor, who has made many important contributions to UNL and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Scott McVey, director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UNL. “I believe he will be a strong leader for the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, and I’m excited to see him in this new role.”
Brodersen retires from the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center
Bruce Brodersen, director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC) and professor of veterinary medicine, retired Feb. 28 after 31 years of service to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Brodersen joined what was then called the Department of Veterinary Science, now the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in 1985 as a graduate student and pathology resident. He began his work toward a master’s and then a Ph.D. and was hired as an instructor at UNL in 1992. He was ultimately promoted to professor.
His graduate work focused on respiratory diseases of cattle, including bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), one of the costliest cattle diseases worldwide. While writing his dissertation, he read a journal article that demonstrated if a calf was persistently infected with BVDV, the virus could be found in any tissue. Brodersen believed ear notches, obtained more easily than blood or other tissue, could be used as a specimen. He pioneered a BVDV immunohistochemistry test for ear notches that reduced the turnaround time for results from several weeks to the next day. This test is recognized by the beef industry as a top achievement in cattle health.
Brodersen brought to UNL a strong background in swine health, having worked as a veterinarian in a practice with a caseload that was 70 percent swine. As part of the NVDC, he collaborated with researchers working to develop vaccines for swine. For 13 years, he chaired the popular George A. Young Swine Conference for producers.
In early 2019, Brodersen was named director of the NVDC. Under his leadership, the NVDC became a Level I National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab, elevating the status of the laboratory and opening avenues for increased funding.
A significant change for the NVDC came in September 2020 when Brodersen received a phone call from the chancellor’s office asking if the NVDC could set up a lab for SARS-CoV-2 testing of students, faculty, and staff. Doing so required outfitting empty lab space with the needed equipment, obtaining Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification to allow the samples to be processed, and hiring over 40 people to staff the lab. In three months, it was operational with a capacity to test 5,000 samples per day with a turn-around time of 24 hours or less.
Brodersen had a lasting impact as a professor of pathology in the UNL Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. Students named him Faculty of the Year in 2019.
“Dr. Brodersen is an excellent advocate to veterinary students,” said one current veterinary student. “He always made sure to include us on cases to gain hands-on learning experiences. Above that, Dr. Brodersen checked in and cared about our well-being as individuals.”
The Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association selected Brodersen for the Distinguished Service Award and named him Veterinarian of the Year.
“I always liked what I did,” Brodersen said of his time at UNL, “because I could stay connected with practitioners and develop relationships with them. I liked the people I worked with and the students, who become colleagues. It’s the relationships that make everything worthwhile.”
“Dr. Brodersen has had an amazing career as a veterinarian, veterinary pathologist, and as an excellent director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center,” said Scott McVey, director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Through all of this he was also a great colleague, teacher and mentor.”
Peterson to serve as interim Ag Econ department head; Brooks to serve as interim associate head
Wes Peterson will serve as the interim head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His appointment is effective April 1.
Peterson succeeds Larry Van Tassell, who is stepping away as department head after more than a decade in the position. Van Tassell will continue to serve as a faculty member in the department.
Peterson, a professor of agricultural economics, joined UNL in 1990. His research has focused on agricultural development, public policy, and international agricultural trade. Additionally, he has taught a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate courses. Peterson, who served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa in the 1960s, has also led study abroad trips to Africa in 2012, 2014 and 2016. During the COVID-19 pandemic when study-abroad programs were cancelled, he developed a virtual tour of Africa based on videos and Zoom sessions with experts on African culture and agriculture.
Additionally, Kate Brooks, will serve as interim associate department head. Brooks, an associate professor of agricultural economics, joined UNL in 2013. Her research focuses on livestock production economics, agricultural marketing and risk management, price analysis, and consumer food preferences, and she has taught undergraduate and courses. Her appointment also is effective April 1.
“I’m grateful to Dr. Peterson and Dr. Brooks for their willingness to lead the department through this transition,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I’d also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Van Tassell for many years of outstanding leadership.”
UNL will begin a nationwide search for a permanent department head this spring. For more information on UNL’s Agricultural Economics Department, visit agecon.unl.edu.
NARD Elects 2023 Officers
The voting members of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board of Directors elected new officers during their board meeting March 6, 2023.
The NARD Board consists of representation from each of the Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association and NRDs in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. The NARD Risk Pool Board governs the health insurance program for NRD employees.
Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD President (Syracuse, Nebraska)
The NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board elected Dr. Orval Gigstad from the Nemaha NRD as president. Gigstad has served on the Nemaha NRD Board since 1993 and the NARD Board since 1996. He also serves as chair of the National Association of Conservation Districts Northern Plains Region. Previously, Gigstad served as NARD president from 2002-2004. A practicing veterinarian for more than 45 years, he operates the Arbor Valley Animal Clinic in Syracuse. Gigstad and his wife Carolyn have two children, Grady and Amber, and grandchildren, Quincy and Amelia.
Marty Graff, NARD Vice President (Ainsworth, Nebraska)
Marty Graff of the Middle Niobrara NRD was elected as vice president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Graff has served on the Middle Niobrara NRD Board 28 years and on the NARD boards since 2018. He farms with his wife, Brenda, and sons near Ainsworth. Off the farm, Graff serves on the East Woodlawn Cemetery Board (Johnstown, Nebraska) and is active in the Elks Club helping with youth baseball and wrestling.
Ryan Reuter, NARD Secretary-Treasurer (Minatare, Nebraska)
Ryan Reuter of the North Platte NRD was elected secretary-treasurer of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Reuter, a sales manager with Betaseed and ACH Seeds, has served on the North Platte NRD and NARD boards since 2018. Reuter and his wife Amie have two daughters, Avery and Addison.
Jim Eschliman, NARD Past President (Ericson, Nebraska)
Jim Eschliman from the Lower Loup NRD serves as past president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He served as president from 2020-2022 and has been on the boards since 2016. Eschliman has served on the Lower Loup NRD Board 17 years, is the current chairman, and has also served on the program and projects committee. Eschliman also serves on his local co-op board and the Cattleman’s Beef Board. After selling his dairy cows in 2018, he considers himself retired and resides near Ericson with his wife, Deb.
In addition to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and past president, the NARD Board executive committee includes Jim Meismer, Legislative Committee chair representing the Twin Platte NRD, and Jim Johnson, Information and Education Committee chair representing the South Platte NRD.
Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Managers Committee
On March 1, the NRD managers elected Russell Callan, general manager of the Lower Loup NRD, as chair of the Managers Committee; and J. Scott Sobotka, general manager of the Lower Big Blue NRD, as vice-chair of the Managers Committee.
Russell Callan, Lower Loup NRD
Russell Callan became the general manager of the Lower Loup NRD in January 2018 where he was the assistant manager for 17 years. Previously, Callan also worked for the Upper Big Blue NRD for 11 years and the Middle Republican NRD for three years. He has two children Riley [Taylor] Smith, and Ryan [Kacia] Callan, and four grandchildren Natalie and Trace Smith, and Jordyn and Roan Callan.
J. Scott Sobotka, Lower Big Blue NRD
J. Scott Sobotka was promoted to general manager of the Lower Big Blue NRD in January 2022. He has served the district for 22 years as a land resources specialist and most recently as assistant manager. Sobotka lives near Tobias with his wife Wendee and daughters Jaicee, Josiee and Jaylee.
The Managers Committee includes managers from all 23 Natural Resources Districts. The committee meets five times a year to coordinate NRD activities with state and federal agencies, conservation partners and other parties to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.
USDA Announces More Than $43M Investment in Meat and Poultry Processing Research, Expansion and Innovation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of more than $43 million in meat and poultry processing research, innovation and expansion in support of its ongoing efforts to transform the food system at every stage along the supply chain. This investment is funded through the American Rescue Plan and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
As part of this total investment, the University of Arkansas was awarded a $5 million grant from the AFRI Center of Excellence for Meat and Poultry Processing and Food Safety Research and Innovation (MPPFSRI). In addition, $13.9 million in grants from the Meat and Poultry Processing Research and Innovation – Small Business Innovation Research Phase III – program were awarded to 14 small and mid-sized meat and poultry processors. These grants are administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Additionally, one $25 million Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) grant was awarded to Wholestone Farms for a major plant expansion in Fremont, Nebraska. This grant was administered by USDA Rural Development.
“Farmers rely on technology to become more efficient and profitable,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration and through historic funding investments, USDA continues to invest in research processing expansion that will create new and better markets and expand opportunities for small businesses and rural communities. This investment will help enable that vision.”
The AFRI MPPFSRI program promotes novel approaches to meat and poultry processing by implementing pioneering production system technology that assesses risk management and overall enhanced food safety. The University of Arkansas, Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing, will incorporate basic and applied research in meat and poultry processing and food safety to promote technological innovation and decrease industry barriers to safety and processing.”
As part of the MPPFSRI Phase III funding investments, prior Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awardees with relevant technologies were invited to apply for this funding opportunity. Selected awardees must provide non-restrictive access or non-exclusive licenses to any technologies or related enabling technologies developed under this award to help small and mid-size processors implement the technology.
Examples of NIFA’s 14 funded MPPFSRI Phase III projects include:
Biotronics Inc. of Ames, IA, developed and commercialized technology with funding from USDA SBIR Phase I and Phase II grants that uses ultrasound scans for measuring backfat, muscle depth and intramuscular fat in its products. With this new funding, Biotronics will optimize its technology for small and mid-size packers to reduce operation size and costs, streamline processes, and minimize plant installation. Biotronics will validate online scanning and carcass processing, install a compact prototype system, and train plant operators for scanning and maintenance procedures. Biotronics will work with a small packing plant, The Pork Company LLC, Warsaw, NC.
Halomine, Inc., of Ithaca, NY, developed an antimicrobial coating with grants from USDA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR that significantly improves poultry and meat processing sanitation technology and important food safety advances. The coating, HaloFilm, neutralizes harmful pathogens and prevents biofilms on various surfaces within the poultry and meat manufacturing environment, thus reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses and increasing productivity. With this funding, Halomine will perform pilot studies and trials working with Steadfast Farms, LLC, Bethlehem, CT.
Cinder Biological, Inc., of San Leandro, CA, will extend work from its NSF SBIR work to improve meat and poultry sanitization. The technology incorporates natural enzymes from volcanic springs to produce the world’s most acidic and heat stable enzymes. Daily use of synthetic chemicals causes accumulation in the environment, in aquifers and wastewater flows, and can impact worker safety. Using this more natural system will reduce the use of ammonium-based disinfectants, improve food safety and reduce occupational hazards in meat and poultry processing operations. Cinder Biological, Inc. will partner with Cream Co. Meats, Oakland, CA.
RD’s MPPEP investment:
Wholestone Farms, with headquarters in Fremont, NE, is a cooperative owned by 195 independent pork producers that employs over 1,000 plant professionals and 200 office workers. The proposed plant expansion will add approximately 112,000 square feet directly connected to the existing facility, which will include an 89,000 square foot cut floor and 23,000 square foot rendering building. The expansion will enable second shift operations and add approximately 950 new jobs. Second shift operations will double the processing capacity.
“Investments like these will deliver long-term improvements in meat and poultry processing practices to benefit consumers, farmers and the environment,” said Vilsack. “We are excited to see how these investments will generate solutions that benefit all Americans.”
Rural Iowa Report Shows Large Farms Continue to Grow as Small Farms Decrease
A recent farm trends publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach discusses changing farm trends between 2011 and 2021, including farm sizes, production values, net incomes and debt.
In Rural Iowa at a Glance, Farm Trends (2022 Edition) https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16638, David Peters, professor and extension rural sociologist at Iowa State University, shares data that shows the way agriculture in the state is shifting.
Rural Iowa roadway.One aspect of farming that has seen a great deal of change is farm size. In the past 10 years, the number of large commercial farms has doubled, while the number of small farms has decreased by 27%. Small farms have also seen sizable reductions in sales and acres farmed, with sales dropping by 59% and acres farmed dropping by 47%.
The drop in farm sales and acres farmed is tied to the fact that 68% of farms in Iowa are now operated by people who do not make the majority of their income through farming. Many small farms are operated by people who have a non-farm income or are retired, and the farm primarily serves as a place to live rather than work.
“As the numbers demonstrate, farming can be incredibly variable," said Peters. "We also have a severe labor shortage in the non-farm economy, so workers in rural Iowa have options. People can choose the farm life, which involves a huge capital investment and a lot of volatility, or they can choose an off-farm job, which offers a much more stable income. For many, having an off-farm job while maintaining a small farm provides the best of both worlds.”
Rise in farm incomes
According to Peters, the data also reflects a sharp and somewhat unexpected rise in net farm incomes between 2020 and 2021. Net farm incomes increased across all farm commodities in Iowa, as well as all farm sizes and classes. This increase in net farm income allowed many farms to pay down debts, especially small and midsized farms, which saw high levels of debt utilization between 2016 and 2020.
“I was surprised by how much net farm incomes grew,” said Peters. “I knew that farm incomes would rise, however, with many government support payments for COVID and trade disputes ending in 2021, I did not expect to see commodity prices rise by as much as they did to offset those supports.”
Commodity differences
While there was a net increase in farm incomes across all commodities, some commodities saw greater increases than others. Corn and soybean farms have seen steadily growing incomes, with net farm incomes doubling since 2011. Hog farms have also seen steady growth, but net farm income was still 21% lower in 2021 than in 2011. Poultry has been much more variable, as although net farm income has grown by 200% since 2011, poultry farms saw a large dip in income between 2013-14 due to salmonella and bird flu outbreaks.
Cattle in the fields.One area of concern for Peters was the cattle sector. “Incomes in the cattle industry have not increased in the same way other commodities have increased, and many cattle farms haven’t been able to pay down debt as a result,” he added.
Peters also noted that the dairy industry has seen sharp decreases in number of farms as well as acres farmed since 2011, which is another concern. “Our dairy sector in Iowa was small to begin with but has really gone into decline in terms of numbers,” he said. “The dairy industry has a long history in the state, but the trends that I am seeing indicate that this decline may unfortunately continue.”
Iowa Culinary Students Compete for Best Pork Entrée
Culinary students were challenged to create their tastiest pork blade steak entrée for the annual student Taste competition, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA).
Eight teams from four Iowa colleges and universities had two hours in the kitchen to prepare their recipes that were required to utilize pork blade steak. That pork cut is sliced from the same shoulder section known as a Boston butt, which is commonly slow-cooked for pulled pork.
“These aspiring chefs help make the pork industry successful,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA’s marketing and programs director. “This competition is a learning opportunity and hopefully encourages them to serve pork wherever their careers take them.”
Teams consisted of two to four students, and their entrées were judged on taste, appearance, complementing side dishes, and design. The competition took place at the Iowa Culinary Institute on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Ankeny.
The first-place team from Iowa State University (ISU) was the Culinary CYentists, a play on ISU’s Cy the Cardinal mascot. Members included sophomore Jaelyn Luong, Des Moines; sophomore Izabele Jaime, Mason City; junior Evelyn Greenbury, Arlington Heights, Ill.; and freshman Lucas Brown, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
They fused Japanese and Korean influences into a bowl of ramen. The Japanese noodle soup was topped with pork blade steak cooked in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce (red chili paste used in Korean cooking), along with enoki mushrooms, a soy-marinated egg, kimchi (Korean dish of spicy pickled cabbage), green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
“The pork was done perfectly—great flavor!” noted Chef Jesus Ojeda with Clive Behavioral Health in Clive, who served as a judge for the event. Ojeda had participated in IPPA’s similar Taste contest for professional chefs in January.
Each member of the winning team was awarded $100 from IPPA. In addition, ISU’s culinary food science program received $750 for scholarships or educational supplies.
The judges selected The Spice Girls, from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, for second place. The team’s Mexican-inspired fajitas featured citrus-marinated pork from Gettler Farms in Red Oak. The meat was sliced thin and soaked in the zest and juice of oranges, limes, and lemons, with vinegar and other spices, then combined with onions and peppers and served with homemade tortillas, rice and beans mixed with pickled vegetables, and salsa verde.
First-year students McCartney Sanny, Oakland; Evelyn Martinez, Council Bluffs; Alayna Chapman, Polo, Mo.; and Yazmyn Sánchez, Omaha, Neb., each won $50 from IPPA. Their school received an additional $500.
Third place went to the Rowdy Parsnips, made up of first-year student Katie Murdock, Anamosa; and second-year student Victoria Fox, North Liberty. They attend Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. The duo prepared pork blade steak roulade, with the pork rolled around an oyster mushroom and pine nut filling. In addition, the complete plate had parsnip puree and hash, Brussel sprouts and beet slaw, and a raspberry-balsamic reduction. They received $25 each and $250 for Kirkwood.
Teams from DMACC also participated in this year’s contest.
IPPA’s student Taste event is open to any Iowa college or university with a culinary arts program. IPPA provides each school with $500 for food and contest expenses, and reimburses them for mileage.
Iowa’s Telford Honored With the 2023 Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board awarded former Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Executive Director Mike Telford with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award. Presented at the National Pork Industry Forum joint annual business meeting, Telford was recognized for his leadership, vision, and long-standing commitment to the pork industry.
“NPPC and the National Pork Board are honored to present Mike with this well-deserved award,” said outgoing NPPC President Terry Wolters, a producer from Pipestone, Minnesota. “Throughout his career, Mike Telford has been a well-respected visionary and committed mentor for pork producers across the country. His leadership and unconventional thinking helped the Iowa pork industry navigate through some challenging years, helping it to continue to flourish and succeed,” Wolters added.
The award, named after former Minnesota and Wisconsin Executive Directors Don Paulson and Rex Whitmore, recognizes state pork organization executives for outstanding leadership and commitment.
Like many pork association executives, Telford discovered his love for agriculture at a young age in high school. With his involvement in the National FFA Organization, Telford realized agriculture was where he belonged and enrolled at Iowa State University to study animal science. While at Iowa State, doors to his career began opening.
In 1978, Telford stepped in as IPPA’s executive director. During some of the most challenging years in agriculture, Telford led IPPA with his unconventional and bold thinking. However, Telford is quick to deflect any credit for his great accomplishments and gives credit to his producers and team.
Under Telford’s leadership, IPPA played a key role in the establishment of the mandatory checkoff, a legislative achievement he shared with a dedicated group of producers who did the research and united the industry across the state. He saw issues from a unique perspective, with the ability to anticipate the needs and challenges facing the pork industry. Many members of the team Telford assembled have gone on to lead other state associations, on the national level and within other agricultural groups.
Herring Inducted Into National Pork Industry Hall of Fame
Innovation, family, and a customer-focused mindset were foundational for the latest National Pork Industry Hall of Fame inductee, William “Billy” Herring. With his successful career spanning more than 50 years in the pork industry, Herring today was inducted at the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum.
“Billy’s contribution to the U.S. pork industry is second to none. He’s influenced how pigs are raised not just in the U.S. but worldwide,” said outgoing NPPC President Terry Wolters, a producer from Pipestone, Minnesota. “Billy has made countless lasting contributions to the U.S. pork industry and has led with values that he has instilled in the next generation of pork producers. We congratulate Billy for his induction to the Hall of Fame because the pork industry wouldn’t be where it is today without his contributions.”
Herring founded Hog Slat, which serves pig and poultry farmer’s equipment and is the largest contractor and manufacturer of hog equipment in the United States. Hog Slat started as a solution to a supply chain problem when Herring was building a new nursery for the family’s 300-sow farrow-to-finish operation in North Carolina. In response, Herring created his own slats, and his quality workmanship and attention to detail was the start of a multifaceted international enterprise.
Herring's family is at the core of this success — which, by his definition, includes his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the 2,000-plus Hog Slat employees. Herring and sons Tommy, David, and Mark work together managing the business, which remains family-owned, and includes a 30,000-sow farm and construction jobs around the globe.
Other companies began at the same time as Hog Slat to supply producers. But Herring’s business model outgrew and outlasted the rest. “Billy was a producer himself,” said Bynum Driggers, Ph.D., professor emeritus at North Carolina State University. “He saw the benefit and how people responded to the need for equipment and the technology he could provide. His company just kept growing and growing under his leadership.”
Herring has recently retired, but the company upholds the direct-to-farmer model he established, allowing not only for affordable and quality products but also for service, research, and development.
Pork Exports Robust in January; Slow Start for Beef Exports
U.S. pork exports, which posted a strong finish in 2022, maintained momentum in January, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports were record-breaking in 2022 but slowed late in the year. This trend continued in January, as shipments were well below the large totals from a year ago.
Record-large shipments to Mexico lead strong month for pork exports
January pork exports totaled 236,767 metric tons (mt), up 13% year-over-year, while export value climbed 16% to $643.4 million. Exports to Mexico, which finished 2022 on a remarkable run on the way to an annual record, set another volume record in January. Exports also trended significantly higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Honduras and the ASEAN region.
“While Mexico is certainly the pacesetter for U.S. pork exports, it’s encouraging to see such broad-based growth,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Market diversification is always a point of emphasis for the U.S. industry, and it’s more important than ever to find new opportunities for U.S. pork in both established and emerging markets.”
Challenging month for beef exports, but bright spots emerge
Beef exports declined to several major destinations in January, though shipments increased sharply to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Africa. January volume fell 15% year-over-year to 100,942 mt, valued at $702.3 million (down 32%).
Beef inventories swelled in some key markets near the end of last year, contributing to a challenging environment for U.S. exports.
“While beef exports are off to a slow start in 2023, we remain optimistic that post-COVID foodservice demand will strengthen in additional markets as the year progresses,” Halstrom said.
Lamb exports open 2023 on high note
January exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 222 mt, up 161% from the low year-ago volume, while export value essentially doubled to $1.1 million (up 99%). Growth was led by strong increases to Mexico and the Caribbean, while shipments were also higher to Canada and Guatemala.
Congressman Flood Votes to Stop President Biden's WOTUS Overreach
Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following a vote on H.J. Res. 27, a measure that would block President Biden’s attempted expansion of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. Congressman Flood was an original co-sponsor of the measure.
“President Biden’s expansion of WOTUS has not only caused more uncertainty and confusion for landowners and job creators across the country, but it’s entangling Americans in unnecessary red tape. The federal government should be looking for ways to cut red tape – not create more of it. Today’s bipartisan vote to stop the expanded WOTUS rule is a critical step towards protecting our family farmers, ranchers, and small business owners across the country from the Biden Administration’s egregious federal overreach.”
Congressman Flood is a member of the Western Caucus which advocates for rural policy issues in Washington D.C.
NCBA Hails House Passage of Resolution to Stop WOTUS Rule
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the passage of H.J. Res. 27, a joint resolution that would invalidate the Biden administration’s new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule through the Congressional Review Act.
“This vote is a win for America’s cattlemen and women and NCBA is thrilled to see a majority of House members reject the Biden administration’s burdensome WOTUS rule,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “Shifting WOTUS rules have plagued cattle producers for generations and this latest rule only continues the decades of uncertainty. We urge the Senate to pass this resolution as well so it can take full effect. At the same time, we look forward to the Supreme Court’s verdict in the WOTUS case Sackett v. EPA and hope that this ruling finally places guardrails on the federal government’s attempt to regulate small, isolated bodies of water on private farms and ranches.”
The Biden administration’s WOTUS rule creates more uncertainty for cattle producers by putting the burden on individual producers to determine if a water feature on their land is considered federally regulated. Additionally, NCBA has expressed strong opposition to the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) finalizing this rule in the middle of a Supreme Court case that addresses this very issue. NCBA is also pursuing litigation against this rule to prevent it from taking effect and harming cattle producers.
The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to invalidate an executive agency’s rule by passing a joint resolution through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The resolution will now go to the Senate for consideration.
USDA Announces Sign-up for Cost-Share Assistance for On-Farm Grain Storage in Areas with Limited Commercial Capacity Due to Severe Storms
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Tennessee can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program (EGSFP). The new program provides cost-share assistance for the construction of new grain storage capacity and drying and handling needs, in order to support the orderly marketing of commodities. An initial allocation of $20 million in cost-share assistance is available to agricultural producers in affected counties impacted by the damage to or destruction of large commercial grain elevators as a result of natural disasters from Dec. 1, 2021, to Aug. 1, 2022. The application period opens later this month and closes Dec. 29, 2023.
“Weather events in 2021 and 2022 in several states caused catastrophic losses to grain storage facilities on family farms as well as a large, commercial grain elevator, leaving stored grain exposed to the elements and affecting storage and commodity marketing options for many producers,” Vilsack said. “USDA heard from congressional leaders, including Minority Leader McConnell, who identified a gap in our disaster assistance toolkit and used our Commodity Credit Corporation authority to act more quickly than waiting for specific legislation. This new program will provide cost-share assistance to help producers address their on-farm storage capacity needs that are necessary for marketing grain.”
This assistance from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is designed to help producers affected by the December 2021 tornadoes that passed through 11 counties in Kentucky, as well as producers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Tennessee affected by eligible disaster events in 2022. The program was previewed last fall and will be made available with the publication of the Notice in the Federal Register.
Eligibility
Maps showing the location of damaged grain facilities in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota and surrounding eligible areas are available online. These maps depict damaged storage facility locations and the affected counties within a 30-mile radius of these facilities where producers may be eligible to apply for EGSFP benefits if they can demonstrate a need for additional on-farm grain storage capacity.
Additionally, FSA may determine a need for EGSFP assistance in counties in other states and regions during the application period where an eligible disaster event has damaged storage facility locations. Eligible disaster events include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, derechos, straight-line winds and winter storms that occurred between Dec. 1, 2021, and Aug. 1, 2022.
EGSFP helps producers build permanent or temporary on-farm grain storage capacity, restore existing storage capacity, and purchase drying and handling equipment in affected counties.
The following types of new/used facilities and upgrades are eligible for cost-share assistance and must have a useful life of at least three years:
conventional-type cribs or bins designed and engineered for grain storage
open buildings with two end walls
converted storage structures
asphalt, concrete or gravel floors with grain piles and tarp covering,
ag baggers (including bags)
On-farm grain storage structures may account for aeration, drainage, and may require loading or unloading augers, drying and handling equipment.
How to Apply
Producers must submit the EGSFP Application, form FSA-413, and any additional required forms to their FSA county office either in person, by mail, email, or facsimile starting later this month and by the Dec. 29, 2023, deadline. Form FSA-413-1, Continuation Sheet for EGSFP, must be submitted with the FSA-413 when a group of producers are applying for assistance.
Payment Calculation
FSA will use the producer’s self-certified cost of the additional on-farm grain storage capacity or drying and handling equipment needed multiplied by the producer’s share of grain.
This amount will then be multiplied by the cost share factor of 75% or 90%. An eligible producer who certifies they are socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning and veteran farmer or rancher by filing form CCC-860 with FSA will receive the higher 90% cost share rate.
More Information
For more information visit the program webpage https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/index or the EGSFP fact sheet. USDA also has an existing Farm Storage Facility Loan Program that can immediately provide low-interest financing for eligible producers who may not be eligible for EGSFP but are in need of on-farm storage capacity.
NGFA, ag groups, support the SHIP IT Act
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and 83 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group today urged lawmakers to improve truck transportation by supporting the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act (SHIP IT) introduced by Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Jim Costa, D-Calif.
In a March 8 letter sent to leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology, Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, and House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the groups said trucks are the linchpin of the transportation sector with most forms of freight trucked at least once during the supply chain process. They said SHIP IT would provide meaningful solutions to address the need for more truck drivers, truck parking, productivity, environmental efficiency, options during emergencies, and flexibility for agricultural haulers.
“The pandemic highlighted the importance of trucking to our nation’s well-being and we believe economic and environmental benefits can be unlocked through legislative reform,” the letter noted. “SHIP IT aims to bolster our nation’s driver workforce with two years of tax incentives for qualified drivers, grants to help cover driver schooling costs, and additional options for obtaining commercial drivers’ licenses. The bill also provides authorization for additional parking facilities to help improve drivers’ quality of life.”
SHIP IT also allows states to opt into pilot programs to permit trucks with at least six axles to weigh up to 91,000 pounds on Interstate Highways. The additional axle and associated set of brakes increase stopping capability, the groups noted, and trucks would be required to comply with the Federal bridge formula and axle weight limits to protect bridges and roads.
For agricultural haulers, SHIP IT also provides a 150-air-mile exemption from hours-of-service regulations on the backend of hauls to provide flexibility for agriculture and its seasonal changes in freight demand.
“We believe by supporting SHIP IT, Congress can achieve positive benefits for the environment while improving the economic competitiveness of the United States,” the groups stated. “We look forward to working with you in support of improving U.S. transportation and bolstering America’s infrastructure.”
AFBF Signs Right to Repair MOU with Case IH and New Holland
The American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial brands, Case IH and New Holland, signed a memorandum of understanding today that provides farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. The MOU follows a similar agreement AFBF entered into with John Deere earlier this year.
“Our members urged us to find a private sector-solution that gives them access to repair their own equipment and I’m pleased months of discussions have again paid off,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before, so it’s critical they have access to the tools to keep things running on the farm so the food supply chain keeps running, too.”
“We understand the work our customers do is time-sensitive and critical for a safe and abundant food and fiber supply,” said Sally Johnson, Vice President, New Holland Agriculture North America. “This agreement is the next step in delivering on New Holland’s promise to better serve our customers, and in a way that helps them safely and effectively manage and maintain their equipment uptime.”
“This agreement underscores CNH Industrial’s commitment to empowering our customers by providing them with resources and tools that allow them to safely self-repair their equipment in a timely matter,” said Kurt Coffey, Vice President, Case IH North America. “We know that agricultural equipment is one of the most significant investments for the American farmer. As a farmer, Farm Bureau member myself and brand leader, this MOU is a positive step forward in continuing to put the customer at the center of everything Case IH does.”
The MOU sets a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico to access CNH Industrial brand manuals, tools, product guides and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines, as well as support from CNH Industrial brands to directly purchase diagnostic tools and order products and parts.
The MOU respects intellectual property rights and recognizes the need to ensure safety controls and emission systems are not altered. CNH Industrial and AFBF will meet semiannually to review the agreement and address ongoing concerns.
The AFBF board of directors unanimously approved the MOU with CNH Industrial brands Case IH and New Holland.
Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The budget details a blueprint to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out, lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce the deficit by ensuring the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share—all while ensuring no one making less than $400,000 per year pays more in taxes.
“The President’s budget provides USDA with the tools needed to serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative science-based public policy leadership at home and around the world. It contains critical investments that will help rural communities provide the fuel, food, and fiber upon which our nation depends and will drive solutions that will lead to more market opportunities for producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA will continue to invest in equitable systems and programming, increase landscape resiliency and help rural communities build resistance to the impacts of climate change, create more and better markets for our hardworking producers, bolster access to healthy and affordable nutrition for families, and connect all Americans to economic prosperity. This budget is a clear message of what President Biden values and demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to the success of Rural Americans and their communities.”
The budget makes critical, targeted investments in the American people that will promote greater prosperity and economic growth for decades to come. At USDA, the budget will:
Prioritize consistent access to safe, nutritious food for all Americans. The budget supports the goals of the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to improve health outcomes and reduce diet-related disease by 2030 by providing $32 billion for Child Nutrition Programs that help kids meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, the budget continues the longstanding bipartisan commitment to fully fund the SNAP and WIC programs to serve all projected participants and ensure access to USDA’s far-reaching, powerful tools. The budget also fully funds the work of the Food Safety and Inspection Service in keeping the food supply safe, contributes to ongoing work to provide international food assistance, and invests in innovative research needed to feed a growing population. The budget also proposes to allow more States and schools to leverage participation in the Community Eligibility Program to provide healthy and free school meals to an additional 9 million children, at a cost of $15 billion over 10 years.
Invest in climate resilience and U.S. agriculture’s ability to continue be part of the climate solution. As part of President Biden’s whole of government approach to confronting the climate crisis, the budget supports $1.2 billion in continued investments in USDA’s hallmark conservation programs and for work with landowners to improve farm operations and enhance farm environmental sustainability. The budget includes over $5 billion to restore our national forests and mitigate wildfire risk, a significant investment to prioritize and target landscape treatments under the 10-Year Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Further, the budget increases investments in grants and lending authority to support rural communities in the transition to clean energy and invests in expanding the reach of the USDA Climate Hubs that provide technical assistance to producers to help tackle the climate crisis.
Advance equity and support for underserved communities. USDA is committed to enhancing how economic, social, and ecological benefits deliver resources and results for all Americans, particularly by making equity a priority and removing systemic barriers. To target assistance based on need, the budget proposes a suite of changes to the Farm Service Agency’s diverse portfolio of farm loans to make more producers eligible. The budget also supports significant changes to how USDA administers Direct Single Housing Family loans to support rural Americans in being successful homeowners, including eliminating the low-income borrower penalty that requires home-owners to repay the subsidy costs of their loan. The budget requests $370 million for Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs to meet the need of growing the next generation of agriculture professionals. To expand equity in rural communities, the budget proposes $2.38 billion for the Water and Wastewater program to improve water and waste disposal systems in rural areas, and requests $400 million to reach more communities, homes, and businesses with reliable internet access.
Create more and better markets for U.S. agricultural products. The budget builds on USDA’s work to transform the nation’s food system by making it fair, competitive, distributed, and resilient and by building new markets at home and abroad. The budget builds on $400 million in investments through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) by investing over $240 million in supporting new supply chains and markets that uplift small and mid-sized farmers. The budget also requests an additional $12 million in the Farm to School Program that assists in making local food and agricultural education available to child nutrition program participants through grants, research, technical assistance, and training.
Make USDA a great place to work and reform the Firefighter Workforce. The budget helps to support the investments necessary to ensure that USDA staff are well-equipped to deliver critical services and meet customer needs. Of significance, the budget requests $569 million for a suite of critically needed wildfire firefighter workforce reforms, including improved compensation, increased workforce capacity, vital health and well-being assistance, and improved housing. The budget provides increased resources to recruit, hire, and retain employees across USDA, which will allow the Department to address priorities, bolster the delivery of programs and services, and enhance service to the public.
Building on the President’s strong record of fiscal responsibility, the Budget more than fully pays for its investments—reducing deficits by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade by asking the wealthy and big corporations to pay their fair share.
For more information on the President’s FY 2024 Budget, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget.
Syngenta announces development of the next addition to its corn herbicide lineup: Storen
Syngenta announced today that it has a new corn herbicide under development called Storen™. Upon approval by the Environmental Protection Agency for registration, which is anticipated by the 2024 growing season, the new pre- and post-emergence grass and broadleaf corn herbicide will give growers up to 3 weeks longer residual weed control than other leading corn herbicides.
“Storen was specifically formulated to provide maximum residual weed control by the four active ingredients working together to provide consistency of control and length of residual control compared to other competitive residual corn herbicides,” said Syngenta Technical Product Lead Mark Kitt.
Upon registration, Storen will be the newest addition to the Syngenta bicyclopyrone (BIR) containing brands. Storen combines four residual active ingredients – BIR, mesotrione, S-metolachlor, and pyroxasulfone – plus the crop safener benoxacor in one premix. The combination of these four active ingredients work together to provide weed control of barnyardgrass, foxtail species, waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, giant ragweed, common ragweed, Russian thistle, Cocklebur and Morningglory species.
The company also said Storen will control broadleaf weed-resistant biotypes tolerant to acetolactate synthase, triazine and glyphosate herbicides.
Corteva Agriscience Announces 4 New Crop Protection Products
Today, Corteva Agriscience announces four new crop protection products that will meet a wide range of farmer needs, from powerful weed control to cutting-edge nutrient management. The new solutions include three herbicides and a biological, and will protect a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans and cereals.
Here is a look at the four new products from Corteva:
Enversa™ herbicide, which is currently pending registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a residual soybean solution that will control the toughest grass and broadleaf weeds, including waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, while providing excellent crop safety. This crop safety comes from the proprietary encapsulated acetochlor, which will drive to the soil, creating a residual barrier. Enversa herbicide will be the preferred residual tank-mix partner of choice for Enlist One® herbicide for Enlist E3® soybeans. In addition to soybeans, Enversa herbicide will be labeled for multiple other crops including cotton, corn and sorghum. Product availability is expected in 2024.
Tolvera™ herbicide, which is currently pending registration with the EPA, is a cereal solution that will offer two modes of action, including an active ingredient new to the cereals market. Tolvera herbicide will control troublesome weeds like kochia, Russian thistle, waterhemp, green and yellow foxtail, and lambsquarters. In addition, Tolvera herbicide will afford growers rotational flexibility with nine-month plant-back to major crops, including lentils, peas, potatoes and canola. Tolvera herbicide will be available upon obtaining EPA registration, which is anticipated before the 2024 growing season.
Utrisha™ P is a biological that helps farmers to increase the return on their phosphorus fertilizer investment by improving below-ground phosphorus availability. Once applied, Utrisha P colonizes the crop root zone and helps increase phosphorus access and reach throughout the growing season. Utrisha P complements traditional phosphorus fertilizer and works with a wide variety of crops, including row crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat, and specialty crops such as potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries. Utrisha P is available in limited supply for the 2023 growing season and will be more widely available for 2024.
Kyro™ herbicide is a postemergence corn solution that is the first product on the market to combine acetochlor, topramezone and clopyralid into one premix. Kyro herbicide can be applied on corn up to 24 inches tall and controls more than 65 of the most difficult grass and broadleaf weeds. Kyro herbicide is available in limited supply for the 2023 growing season and will be more widely available for 2024.
“At Corteva, we like to say, ‘When farmers succeed, everyone wins.’ It’s our job to bring farmers the tools they need to succeed. These four solutions can help pave the way for their successes – and wins in future growing seasons,” said Aaron Smith, U.S. product manager, soybean herbicides, Corteva Agriscience. “Enversa herbicide is a new, proprietary formulation a decade in the making. Corteva scientists worked tirelessly to develop our encapsulation that is unique in the market. The herbicide will drive to the soil surface, providing several weeks’ residual weed control and minimal crop response.”
“When it comes to corn weed control, Kyro herbicide will offer farmers three modes of action in one convenient premix. This is an innovative solution to help control glyphosate- and ALS-resistant weeds — and to help prevent future resistance from developing,” said Kelly White, U.S. product manager, corn herbicides, Corteva Agriscience.
“Being able to offer a new active ingredient for the cereals market is incredibly exciting. This new mode of action will make Tolvera herbicide an incredibly valuable tool for cereals farmers to combat weed resistance,” said Breanna Thompson, U.S. product manager, cereals herbicides, Corteva Agriscience.
“Utrisha P is an exciting solution for farmers across a large crop spectrum. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that can be difficult for plants to take up on their own. In addition to Utrisha P stimulating mobilization of phosphorus in the soil, helping crops take up the nutrient, the new biological also increases crop root growth for better access to other nutrients and water for enhanced plant health and higher grain production, ultimately leading to greater yield potential,” said Brandon Emery, U.S. product manager, biologicals, Corteva Agriscience.
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