Tuesday March 07 Ag News

 SPRING ALFALFA WEED CONTROL
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension Educator

Spring is a critical time to control weeds in alfalfa. For Round-up Ready® or Tolerant varieties, glyphosate applications sprayed in early Spring can assist alfalfa in effectively overcoming emerging weed; but Roundup® isn’t the only good weed control option.

When weeds grow faster than stressed alfalfa, seedlings are robbed of moisture, nutrients, and light. Left uncontrolled; weeds can thin stands, weaken plants, and lower yields. For broadleaf weeds, mowing may be an option while the alfalfa is growing slowly. Adjust mowing height so several leaves remain on the seedlings after clipping to aid in alfalfa regrowth. However, if mower clippings may smother young alfalfa seedlings; then alternative herbicide application may still be your best weed control option.

The Nebraska Extension “Guide for Weeds, Disease and Insect” publication EC-130 provides comparison herbicide response ratings. When establishing new alfalfa stands, Eptam®; Balan DF®; and Trust® are labelled. For seedling alfalfa, post-emergent herbicides include: AIM®; Moxy 2E®; Poast®; Buctril®; Raptor®; Select Max®; Prowl H²O®; Warrant®; Pursuit®; Arrow® and Butyrac 200®.

For established alfalfa, labelled broadleaf or grassy herbicides include: Aim®; Moxy 2E®; Butytrac®; Chateau®; Gramoxone®; Karmex®;  etribuzin®; Prowl H²O®; Treflan®; Arrow®; MCPA Amine®; Warrant®; and Velpar®.

Remember that bottomline improved herbicide effectiveness begins with applying products early while the weed are less than 4 inches tall. As always,  read and follow label directions for application rates and conditions.



Filling Spring and Early Summer Forage Gaps webinar March 16

The drought reduced hay production across much of Nebraska last year. This winter has maxed out hay supplies. Many cow-calf producers are short on hay and questioning if they have enough to make it to green grass. In addition, spring-calving cowherds are at the time of year when nutrient requirements are highest. Nebraska Extension is hosting a webinar, Thursday, March 16, to discuss options for getting lactating cows fed until pasture is available to graze.

The webinar will start at 6 PM MT/7 PM CT and will discuss management practices to help pastures recover from drought, feeding pairs in confinement when hay is in short supply, spring-planted small grain forages that may be able to enhance the current forage supply, and management strategies for cow-calf pairs on planted forages. To watch this webinar and ask questions, please pre-register at https://go.unl.edu/foragegap.

Speakers from Nebraska Extension include Jerry Volesky, Range & Forage Specialist; Karla Wilke, Cow-Calf and Stocker Cattle Management Specialist; Daren Redfearn, Forage/Crop Residue Specialist; and Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist.

For more information on this webinar go to https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2023/filling-spring-and-early-summer-forage-gaps-webinar-march-16.



VENDORS, CAMPUS PARTNERS SOUGHT FOR EAST CAMPUS DISCOVERY DAYS

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking farmers, other vendors and Husker departments to participate in the third annual East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market.

The events, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 10, July 8 and Aug. 12, will feature a farmers market, live music, food trucks and family activities.

The summer series aims to highlight Nebraska agriculture, as well as draw visitors to the university’s East Campus and showcase the research, teaching and extension taking place across IANR. The series will also highlight the institute’s 50th anniversary, the 100th anniversary of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory and the 150th anniversary of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“These events have received an incredible response, and it’s been amazing to welcome so many visitors to our campus,” said Jessie Brophy, director of external engagement for IANR. “We hope to grow the number of vendors and campus activities as we celebrate our anniversary and continue to showcase Nebraska products, businesses and innovation.”

There is no participation cost or stall fee for participants. Participation is expected all three Saturdays. More information and application materials can be found at https://discoverydays.unl.edu/vendors.  

For more information on the East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market, visit https://discoverydays.unl.edu. More information will be added as vendors and activities are finalized. Those with questions or seeking additional information should contact Brophy at jbrophy3@unl.edu.



South Dakota farmer promotes northern-grown soybeans in Indonesia

In February, NSM, a farmer-led board comprising North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin soybean checkoffs, ventured to Indonesia to promote soybeans grown in the Northern U.S. As the most populous country and largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an ideal target for NSM’s mission, which is to increase the profitability of soybean producers in the United States.

On the trip were South Dakota soybean grower and NSM Vice Chair Mike McCranie, University of Minnesota agronomist Seth Naeve and poultry nutrition consultant Bob Swick.

“This trip was really important because we know that we are going to have a lot of meal coming out of our region and going through the Pacific Northwest (PNW),” said McCranie. “The best customers that we have are in Southeast Asia, so we do have to look at countries like Indonesia to expand our market.”

The delegation traveled to seven feed mills throughout Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Surabaya, meeting with general managers, nutritionists and purchasers.

“It’s vital that our message reaches not only the nutritionists but also the folks making the purchasing decisions. We need both entities in the room,” said McCranie, who also serves as treasurer on the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. “We can talk until we’re blue in the face with the formulators who understand the science but ultimately the purchasers make the decision.”

Naeve and Swick, two industry experts, guided the conversations. Historically, soy quality is determined by the crude protein content, a measure a nitrogen, but this measurement doesn’t necessarily equate to higher protein or nutritional value. Instead, protein quality is based upon the balance of essential amino acids.

“Protein itself doesn’t paint the entire picture of quality,” said Naeve. “U.S. soybean meal should be viewed not as a commodity but as a package of nutrients for animals.”

Instead, NSM encourages buyers and nutritionists to consider the critical amino acid value (CAAV). Measuring protein quality instead of quantity, CAAV is the sum of five essential amino acids - lysine, threonine, tryptophan, cysteine and methionine – as a percent of crude protein.

The resounding echo heard while in Indonesia was that though the feed mills recognize the superior quality of U.S. soybean meal (SBM), the higher price prevents them from making more purchases.

In the coming years, there are a significant amount of crush plants coming online in the United States, driven by the demand for soybean oil. Consequently, there will be an abundance of soybean meal, much of which is poised to be exported out of the PNW.

“Because there are more crushing plants coming online, the price of U.S. soybean meal will become more competitive with Brazil and Argentina,” Swick said.

To round out a successful mission in Indonesia, NSM hosted the “Essential Amino Acid Value in Soybean Meal” seminar, inviting a plethora of feed mill industry representatives and local media.

“The seminar really brought home the messaging that we pushed during our feed mill visits and allowed us to go into more detail using visual aids,” McCranie said. “And the turnout was great. When I got up to give my presentation, I was shocked at how much the room had filled.”

NSM has its work cut out, but luckily, the farmer-led group isn’t afraid of a challenge.

As always, NSM continues to serve its member states, working to grow global demand for northern-grown soybeans and shift the soybean value standard from crude protein to nutritional value.

The recent visit to Indonesia was just the beginning of realizing the full potential of U.S. SBM in not only Indonesia, but Southeast Asia.

“The trip exceeded my expectations,” McCranie said. “The conversations we had and the traction we gained were extremely promising. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

 

 ASA Congratulates the 2023 Regional Winners of the Conservation Legacy Award

The American Soybean Association congratulates the regional winners of the 2023 Conservation Legacy Award.
• Terry & Lori Dabbs, Stuttgart, Arkansas (South Region)
• Tom Perlick, Washburn, Wisconsin (Upper Midwest Region)
• Michael Vittetoe, Washington, Iowa (Midwest Region)
• Les Seiler, Fayette, Ohio (Northeast Region)

The award winners will be recognized at the annual ASA Awards Celebration event during Commodity Classic on March 10, 2023. During the celebration, one of the regional winners will be announced as the national winner.

The Conservation Legacy Award is a national program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievements of soybean farmers, which help produce more sustainable U.S. soybeans.

A national selection committee, composed of soybean farmers, conservationists, agronomists and natural resource professionals, evaluated nominations based on each farmer’s environmental and economic program. The program is sponsored by ASA, BASF, Bayer, Nutrien, the United Soybean Board/Soy Checkoff and Valent USA.

Terry & Lori Dabbs, Stuttgart, Arkansas (South Region)
For Stuttgart, Arkansas, farmers Terry and Lori Dabbs, their farming legacy solely focuses on water conservation. “Water is the most important thing to our farm,” Terry says.

Both the Dabbs’ LTD Farms and Lori’s family operation, Hargrove Farms, Inc., focus on growing corn, soybeans and rice in a minimum-till setting.

Lori says many of their stewardship practices are specific to the area because water quantity is a big concern, with irrigation efficiencies and water conservation primary points of focus.

“One of our greatest challenges in our area is the availability and the competition for surface water,” Lori explains. “The water conservation efforts on our farm really began before my grandparents ever purchased the farm.” Read more.

Tom Perlick, Washburn, Wisconsin (Upper Midwest Region)
Tom Perlick’s conservation journey is all about changing attitudes. From coming back to the family farm after his father’s death to charting his own course in unexplored management techniques, the now-veteran farmer is a pioneer in the northwest Wisconsin conservation frontier.

Learning what cover crops could bring to his operation has been amazing, Perlick says, as the number of earthworms alone on his farm has grown exponentially.

“Soil health is what I think it’s really brought to us,” he explains. “We’re learning so much more about how the mycorrhizal fungi, different bacteria and living organisms that are in the soil make our soil more productive and healthier. We minimize erosion to the maximum amount that we can.”

During his tenure, Perlick has far exceeded no-till and cover crops in implementing successful conservation practices. From wetlands restoration to forestry management, pollinator plots and critical area seeding to manure pit remediation, nitrogen rate studies, grassed waterways and beyond, Perlick’s conservation legacy is all about changing attitudes. When others said he couldn’t succeed, he proved them wrong. Read more.

Michael Vittetoe, Washington, Iowa (Midwest Region)
To say conservation is in Michael Vittetoe’s blood would be an understatement. The Washington, Iowa, soybean and corn farmer joined the family operation in 2014 after working off the farm as an engineer for five years.

“We have long strived to be good stewards of the land by taking action to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality,” Vittetoe says.

In fact, Vittetoe’s grandfather was an early adopter of reduced tillage in the area, moving away from the use of the moldboard plow. Waterways, terraces and filter strips also have been an integral part of the operation for decades.

“Going way back, conservation has been a part of our operation—essentially since its inception,” Vittetoe explains. “My dad was big on no-till back in the ‘80s when it was first starting to be a thing. The farm has been essentially no-till ever since.”

The family’s rich history in soil preservation is matched by its efforts to protect water quality through cover crops, waterways, terraces and filter strips. Read more.

Les Seiler, Fayette, Ohio (Northeast Region)
Seiler Farms is part of the Western Lake Erie Basin, where Les says farming practices need to be improved to help mitigate losses. He adds the Maumee River itself is one of the biggest contributors to the algal bloom issues of Lake Erie.

“We have so much soil erosion because we have a lot of poor soil health, and we can’t infiltrate water on the land anymore,” Seiler says. “We’ve seen the need to do something different besides the conventional farming practices of moldboard plowing and a lot of tillage.”

He recalls the Toledo water crisis of 2014, in which several people had no access to water for two days because of algal blooms on Lake Erie. He realized during that event he didn’t want to be a contributing factor to people being without water.

“I don’t think there should be anybody anywhere in the world who wonders where their next glass of water is coming from, or if water is going to be an issue,” Seiler says. “I hope someday that somebody says, ‘Well, I hope that guy made a difference.’ I don’t want to be the one who didn’t realize the importance of that.”



Growth Energy Again Urges EPA to Use Best Available Science When Measuring Environmental Impact of Biofuels, RFS

Growth Energy, the nation's leading biofuels trade association, again today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rely on the best available science in its assessment of the environmental impacts of ethanol production and of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

In response to a call for comments on EPA’s Third Triennial Report on biofuels and the environment, Growth Energy noted that while EPA's draft of the report correctly makes several important conclusions about the biofuels industry, it continues to rely too heavily on outdated science that inaccurately measures the nature and scale of the environmental impacts attributable to the RFS.

"Biofuels are an essential tool for combatting climate change with enormous potential for decarbonizing the transportation fuel sector, while bolstering domestic energy security, providing jobs in rural areas, and lowering the price at the pump for consumers," said Growth Energy. "For the full potential of biofuels to be realized and to provide a balanced and credible review of the science on environmental impacts, EPA must use the best, most up-to-date science that omits reliance on flawed data and studies that have been discredited by other government agencies and academics."

Previously, Growth Energy has urged EPA to update its approach to modeling on several occasions. Most recently, in response to EPA's proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2023-2025, Growth Energy introduced two new studies (available here and here) that further contributed to the growing body of research showing the overall environmental benefits of ethanol and the RFS.

Growth Energy also supplemented its comments on the draft Third Triennial Report by commissioning an additional study on air quality impacts by Air Improvement Resources, Inc., and another study by Ramboll on land use change and other environmental impacts. Both of these studies conclude that EPA’s draft Triennial Report often overstates, to a significant degree, the environmental impacts of the RFS program, while understating biofuels’ environmental benefits.



Milk-Pricing Proposal Moves Forward as Dairy Leaders Unanimously Endorse NMPF Plan

The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Board of Directors unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system today at its March meeting, a milestone that caps more than two years of discussion and more than 130 meetings on different aspects of the proposal.

The plan to reinvigorate the FMMO system that guides milk pricing reflects an industry that’s evolved significantly since the last comprehensive revamp in 2000. It’s a proposal all dairy can get behind, said Randy Mooney, chairman of NMPF’s board of directors and a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO.

“After gathering dairy’s best minds and consulting with partners across the industry, today we are moving forward with a comprehensive FMMO proposal the entire industry can get behind,” Mooney said. “We look forward to leading a thorough, deliberative process as we submit this proposal to USDA and partner with our allies to modernize milk pricing in ways that serve dairy farmers and the entire industry.”

The board reviewed a package of changes initially developed and proposed by a task force of NMPF cooperative experts and later approved by the organization’s Economic Policy Committee. The adopted changes, listed here, reflects the industry’s evolution while benefiting the farmers who form the bedrock of U.S. dairy. With the board’s approval, NMPF’s next step is to move toward submitting the proposal to USDA as the basis for a federal order hearing while continuing conversations with other dairy stakeholder partners. NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the organization stands ready to assist farmers, the dairy industry and federal officials in any way it can as the process unfolds.

“We believe in a better future for this industry, and this proposal will help build that future,” he said.

Also speaking at the conference is House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-PA, speaking on the farm bill expected in 2023 and other federal issues. NMPF looks forward to working closely with Chairman Thompson, a staunch ally of dairy farmers, to complete work on the 2023 farm bill and other matters.

NMPF’s board also welcomed new directors -- Jacob Larson of Southeast Milk Inc., and Michael Lichte of Dairy Farmers of America – and released its annual report, highlighting the activities and accomplishments of the past year.

NMPF is the only nationwide organization devoted to advancing the interests of all dairy farmers of all sizes in all regions. A federation of dairy cooperatives, NMPF embodies the spirit of farmer self-help and community leadership.

Board members are also discussing:
    The need to build upon an FDA proposal on plant-based beverage labeling that doesn’t go far enough to end the mislabeling of imitation products using dairy terms;
    Industry leadership in animal care, environmental stewardship, and workforce development through the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program;
    How sound policy can contribute to another record year of U.S. dairy exports; and
    Potential farm-bill priorities.

The two-day conference concludes tomorrow.



USDA’s Simplified Direct Loan Application is Now Available for all Producers

A new, simplified direct loan application is now available for all producers seeking a direct farm loan from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application.

Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or prepare a traditional, paper application for submission to their local FSA farm loan office.

Coupled with the Loan Assistance Tool released in October 2022, the simplified application will provide all loan applicants access to information regarding the application process and assist them with gathering the correct documents before they begin the process. This will help farmers and ranchers submit complete applications and reduce the number of incomplete, rejected, or withdrawn applications.

The simplified direct loan application and Loan Assistance Tool are the first of multiple farm loan process improvements that will be available to USDA customers on farmers.gov in the future. Other improvements that are anticipated to launch in 2023 include: 
    An interactive online direct loan application that gives customers a paperless and electronic signature option, along with the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns.  
    An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment. 

Producers can explore all available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting their local USDA Service Center.



American Sheep Industry Lists Priorities for Farm Bill

In preparation for its Spring Trip to Washington, D.C., later this month, the American Sheep Industry Association has updated several issue briefs that sheep producers will share with their congressional delegations. Among them, is a brief on issues that are important to the sheep industry in the development of the new Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill brief calls for the continuation of the Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund, U.S. Wool Research and U.S. Pima Cotton as trade laws in the past three decades have had a devastating impact on the tailored clothing and textile industries in the United States. Tariffs on imported fabrics used in tailored clothing – 25 percent on worsted fabrics and 11 percent on cotton fabrics – far exceed the duty rates imposed on imported tailored clothing. This “tariff inversion” operates as a “Made in America” tax. A special rule in several trade agreements grants tailored clothing made in numerous countries duty-free entry, further compounding the negative impact of the underlying tariff inversion.

This is why ASI supports an extension of sections 12602, 12603 and 12604 of the 2018 Farm Bill. These programs are consistent with recent congressional efforts to strengthen American manufacturing and reduce the offshoring of jobs. Many of the programs’ beneficiaries are spinners, fabric makers and cut-and-sew operators who pivoted to become part of a vital personal protection equipment supply chain during the initial COVID outbreak. Many are also the companies and growers that produce the fiber, fabric and apparel for military uniforms.

For more than two decades, these programs have been successful in maintaining domestic factories, saving American jobs, and increasing markets for domestic wool and cotton. Collectively, these programs’ beneficiaries still pay more in tariffs than they collect back in payments. However, the programs’ designs fairly balance the interests of each stakeholder in the production chain and creates a more level playing field against foreign competitors.

While the ASI brief calls for the continuation of marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for wool, the association asks that there be a re-examination of the wool loan rate and an adjustment to provide an effective risk management tool for sheep producers.

In addition, ASI calls for continuing the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, which is intimately connected to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center and its ability to provide funding for projects that strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States.

ASI also supports continuing funding for animal disease prevention and management programs such as the National Annual Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasure Bank – among others – established in the 2018 Farm Bill. The association also calls for $5 million to fund research and development to support the approval of new animal drug products for sheep, especially antiparasitic drugs.

The brief also expresses support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, specifically its Market Access Program, Foreign Market Development Program and Quality Samples Program. With more than half of the American wool clip exported each year, access to foreign markets is critical to the industry. ASI uses funds from each of these programs to support the marketing of American wool overseas.

In addition to the Farm Bill brief, ASI updated or developed briefs on the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Scrapie Eradication, Bighorn Sheep in Domestic Grazing Allotments, and Wildlife Services.



Beck’s and Shark Farmer Dive Into New Partnership

Faith-led and family-focused seed company partners with new breed of farm media influencer Atlanta, Ind. – Shark Farmer, agriculture's most entertaining and boundary-pushing media personality, has a new home... or should that be, tank?

Rob Sharkey, known in digital circles as The Shark Farmer, is not your average Illinois grain farmer. He’s the host of a popular podcast and multiple TV shows on RFD-TV, PBS, and Acres TV. Sharkey doesn’t hold back, and he certainly isn’t afraid to address controversial topics head on.

Drawn by his connection to Beck’s faith-filled believe campaign, Sharkey wanted to work with a company that shares the same values. He will provide a fully immersive look into working with Beck’s from the perspective of a farmer. He will lead viewers and listeners on a behind the scenes experience of selecting the right products for his farm, planting and managing the crop, and harvesting.

“I couldn’t imagine a better company to partner with than Beck’s,” says Sharkey. “We’ll be working together for a long time. My wife Emily and I would only work with a company we respect and trust. We only work with people who think the same way we do about important topics. We’re swimming in the same direction. That matters a lot.”

The new partnership will include special segments on Shark Farmer TV and Sharkey will be attending some of Beck’s events this season.

“We care deeply about the connection to the farmer, just like Rob Sharkey,” says Ashley Fischer, Beck’s marketing communications manager. “He’s a disruptor who is unwavering in his commitment to rural America and farmers. So are we.”

Beck’s wouldn’t partner with just anyone either. Since 1937, the Beck family and employees have put customers first, standing beside them as they face challenges head-on. The company, the third largest seed brand in the United States, never sacrifices their values or faith while Sharkey, a storyteller at heart, isn’t afraid of talking about the heart behind agriculture.

“With Rob’s loyal audience and our loyal customers, we’re excited to see his perspective as a Midwest farmer and how this collaboration can benefit everyone,” says Fischer. “After all, who wouldn’t want to swim with a shark if you knew he was on your side?”



Growers consider disease and logistical issues for 2023 fungicide decisions

With the spread of yield-robbing diseases like tar spot and frogeye leaf spot throughout the U.S., fungicide applications have grown increasingly popular and crucial to protect yield potential. However, with treated corn, soybean and wheat acres hovering around 40%, the rise in fungicide usage can pose new, unanticipated issues for growers.

“As more growers are applying fungicides, logistical issues like product availability and too few aerial and ground rig applicators will likely pinch growers’ ability to cover all their acres,” said Tyler Harp, Syngenta fungicide technical product lead.

There are only 1,580 aerial application businesses in the U.S.; and as more growers apply fungicides, it may be harder for growers to fit into applicator schedules and get their product applied at the right time for effective control.

To overcome this, selecting a fungicide that provides long-lasting disease control, added plant-health benefits and a variety of application timings will be crucial as treatment intensity continues to rise.

“With the Syngenta portfolio of fungicides like Miravis Ace, Miravis Neo, Miravis Top and Trivapro, growers can expect cleaner and greener fields with higher potential yield and ROI,” said Logan Romines, Syngenta fungicide product lead. These fungicides are powered by ADEPIDYN® and SOLATENOL® technologies to provide long-lasting yield protection with lower cost-per-day control to help maximize yield potential.

“Unlike other fungicides, the active ingredients in our Cleaner & Greener fungicides have the unique ability to stick around and help protect yield longer,” Harp said. “Their staying power and disease-fighting intensity give growers application flexibility and an upper hand in combatting any infrastructure issues and allow further protection against diseases, especially with two-pass applications against diseases like tar spot.”

In addition to unmatched protection against tough-to-control diseases, these cutting-edge fungicides also deliver excellent plant-health benefits. Even in low disease years, the data shows greener plants can better capture and use light energy, water and nutrients, allowing maximum grain production as well as stalk and pod strength for unmatched harvest efficiency. The combined benefit — even greater potential yield gain and ROI.

“When you look at Trivapro, the thing that really catches my attention is the standability,” said Kentucky corn grower Davie Stephens. “If you’ve got a healthy plant, you’ll end up having a better chance to make a good yield.”

With Trivapro® fungicide, Stephens has not only seen significantly improved stalk health, but also a great defense against Southern rust, a prevalent disease in the area. “Southern rust concerns me the most because of all the devastation it can do,” he said. “A lot of chemistries can’t really control it; but with the chemistry of Trivapro, it enables the plant to overcome the effects of the disease.”

Stephens is not the only one investing in a Syngenta Cleaner & Greener fungicide this season, as more growers across the Midwest are seeing the benefits of their use. “I tried Miravis Neo for the first time last year and got great results,” said Nebraska grower Arlis Eitzmann. “I raised the best dryland soybeans that I ever had, and they went to yield 82 bu/A.”

Illinois grower Mark Geiger also has benefited from the Cleaner & Greener lineup. “We have tried various fungicides on our beans with variable results, but Miravis Top has given us the yield results that we have been looking for,” he said. “Miravis Top has boosted our averages 5-15 bushels per acre. We plan on treating all our soybean acres this year.”