Fischer, Klobuchar Reintroduce Bills to Expand Farmers’ Access to Precision Agriculture Equipment, Climate-Friendly Technologies
U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced two bills to expand farmers’ access to precision agriculture equipment – a wide range of new technologies in farming and ranching that can help producers lower costs, optimize productivity, and reduce their environmental footprint.
The Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act would create a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide loan financing to farmers and ranchers interested in purchasing precision agriculture equipment.
The Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act would provide a suite of financial tools to help farmers and ranchers of all sizes increase their adoption of precision ag technologies through existing USDA conservation programs.
“Precision agriculture equipment can help farmers and ranchers expand on the work they already do as good stewards of our land. High upfront costs, however, often limit producers’ ability to use these cutting-edge technologies. These two bipartisan bills would improve producers’ access to exciting, innovative tools that can make operations more productive, efficient, and less resource-intensive,” said Senator Fischer.
“Precision agriculture tools like soil mapping and aerial imagery technologies help lower costs for farmers, improve productivity, and benefit the environment. That’s why it’s critical that more farmers can access and benefit from precision ag technologies. Our bipartisan bills will give farmers and ranchers the resources they need to invest in precision ag tools,” said Senator Klobuchar.
“ASA heartily thanks Senators Fischer and Klobuchar for leading the Senate on an important issue for soybean farmers: helping to get precision ag technology into the hands of the farmers who wish to use it. The voluntary, incentive-based approach they champion in the PAL and PRECISE acts will help farms of all sizes be more productive, efficient, and sustainable at a time when farmers are facing pressure to be all three. We look forward to working with the bipartisan, bicameral cosponsors to get these bills across the finish line,” said Daryl Cates, President of the American Soybean Association and an Illinois soybean farmer.
“America’s farmers and ranchers must have access to cutting-edge technology and equipment to remain competitive in global markets. The PAL Program Act and the PRECISE Act offer a comprehensive solution that will ensure that the proper tools and equipment are available to producers so they have access to climate-smart agricultural practices. We appreciate Senators Deb Fischer and Amy Klobuchar for their leadership and commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters,” said Kip Eideberg, Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations.
“Precision ag technologies are critical tools that help America’s farmers and ranchers maximize their yields and reduce their environmental footprint. However, the upfront costs to purchase new, cutting-edge equipment is often prohibitively expensive. We applaud Senators Fischer and Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership on the Precision Agriculture Loan Act, which will facilitate the adoption of innovative, climate-smart technologies,” said the Food and Ag Climate Alliance.
“The Nature Conservancy applauds Senators Fischer and Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership on the Precision Agriculture Loan Act. Because it can be challenging for farmers to incorporate conservation practices into their operations, we support efforts to remove barriers to adoption and improve access to tools that facilitate the adoption of regenerative conservation practices,” said Jenny Conner Nelms, The Nature Conservancy, Associate Director, Legislative Affairs.
“The adoption of precision technologies by farmers and ranchers will lead to a more sustainable future for our nation’s food producers both environmentally and economically. At the same time, the cost of adopting these technologies can be considerably prohibitive. Nebraska Farm Bureau truly appreciates Sen. Fischer introducing the Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act, which will provide needed assistance to help farm and ranch families purchase this vital equipment,” said Mark McHargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.
“Advancing climate-smart agriculture for farms of all sizes and geographies will require transformative financial investments. By unlocking new financing for precision agriculture technology, this bill will allow more farmers to use innovative technology in the pursuit of a strong agricultural economy and even greater climate ambitions,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund.
Endorsements:
The following groups have endorsed both bills: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Seed Trade Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, AMVAC, California Specialty Crops Council, Council of Producers and Distributor of Agrotechnology, CropLife America, Ducks Unlimited, Environmental Defense Fund, FMC, Food and Ag Climate Alliance, Hop Growers of America, ISK Biosciences, Lindsay Corporation, National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Onion Association, National Potato Council, Regrow, The Nature Conservancy, and USA Rice.
Background on the PAL ACT:
The PAL Act would establish the Precision Agriculture Loan program within USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The program would offer low-cost and long-term loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but can’t afford to through traditional financing.
It would be the first federal loan program dedicated entirely to precision agriculture. Instead of paying upwards of 5 percent in interest, producers would be eligible for interest rates lower than 2 percent through the new program with loan terms from 3 to 12 years in length. These loans would cover any precision agriculture technology that improves efficiency or reduces inputs.
U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House.
Background on the PRECISE Act:
The PRECISE Act will provide funding through existing USDA loan programs to help producers purchase precision agriculture equipment. The bill:
Includes precision agriculture technologies within USDA’s existing Conservation Loan and Guaranteed Loan program, with up to a 90% guarantee to incentivize the private sector.
Increases cost share and practice payments for precision agriculture technologies under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Funds 100% of precision agriculture projects through joint participation of conservation cost share programs and the Conservation Loan Program
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to emphasize the use of third-party providers for technical assistance for soil health planning
U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calf.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) introduced companion legislation in the House.
GRASS-ALFALFA MIXTURES
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator
Inter-seeding cool-season perennial grasses into older alfalfa stands has been a good option to increase the productivity of that field. If planning a new alfalfa seeding this year, using a grass and alfalfa mixture can also have some advantages.
If you regularly feed more than 5 or 6 pounds of alfalfa per day to stock cows during winter, they probably are getting way more than enough protein but maybe not enough TDN or energy. Mixing grass with alfalfa usually lowers the protein but slightly increases the TDN content of hay. So, your cows actually could receive a more balanced diet. Also, if you sometimes graze your hay fields, grass will reduce the risk of bloat.
In the field, grass can grow in areas where alfalfa is not well-adapted or fill in spots as alfalfa dies out. This is better than having weeds invade bare areas. Grass-alfalfa mixtures often dry out more rapidly after cutting than pure alfalfa so you might get more hay made without rain damage. And if it does rain, grass sheds rain well so the mixture usually suffers less injury, both in the windrow and in the bale.
Yield-wise, protein yield may be less with the mix, but total tonnage usually is about the same or higher than pure stands. Most of the grass yield will come at first cut, so regrowth will be mostly alfalfa. Selling a mixture can be more difficult, though, because dairies prefer pure alfalfa and grass is more difficult to grind.
Orchardgrass is a top choice for seeding with alfalfa, but other grasses like smooth brome, meadow brome, festulolium, or wheatgrasses will work as well. The seeding rate of the grasses will vary depending on the species that is used and what proportion of grass and alfalfa is desired.
Upcoming CAP webinars
Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska
Nebraska Farm Income Update and Outlook
Mar 30, 2023 12:00 PM
Brad Lubben, associate professor and extension ag policy specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln;
Patrick Westhoff, director and Howard Bowden Professor, Food & Agricultural Policy Research Institute, University of Missouri.
This webinar will discuss the current farm income situation and outlook at the national and state level. Recent farm income projections from USDA’s Economic Research Service and the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) suggest 2023 farm income prospects will fall back from the record levels of 2022 as many commodity prices give way but higher costs linger. The result could be a lower, but still strong farm income picture ahead for agriculture at the national level and the state level for the coming year.
Work at Missouri’s Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF), through collaboration with Nebraska, helps to extend the analysis and outlook to the state level, providing a look at the current situation and outlook ahead for agriculture in the state.
Grassland CRP: What it is, how it works, and frequently asked questions
Apr 6, 2023 12:00 PM
Ivy Reynolds, Grassland CRP Program Manager, USDA Farm Service Agency;
Patrick Lechner, Chief Specialist, Price Support and Conservation Programs, USDA Farm Service Agency Nebraska;
Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor, UNL Agricultural Economics.
The Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) allows farmers and ranchers to enroll existing grassland into CRP and continue to work the land through haying and grazing. Since 2019, Nebraska farmers and ranchers have enrolled a large number of acres into grassland CRP. This webinar will focus on highlighting what the program is, how it works, and review answers to frequently asked questions about the program. Participants will leave with the understanding and tools necessary to evaluate if they and how they could enroll.
Details and registration can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.
Registration Open for 2023 Stockmanship & Stewardship Events
Registration is now open for six Stockmanship & Stewardship regional events in five states this spring and summer, with an additional virtual event to be held in November. During each event producers can become Beef Quality Assurance certified, network with fellow cattlemen and women, participate in hands-on demonstrations led by animal handling experts including Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill, and learn cutting-edge operation techniques.
2023 Stockmanship & Stewardship dates and locations:
May 10-12, Farmington, New Mexico
June 13-14, Norfolk, Nebraska
June 15, McCook, Nebraska
August 18, Fort Collins, Colorado
September 15-16, Ontario, Oregon
September 29-30, Caldwell, Ohio
November 1, Virtual
A previous Stockmanship & Stewardship attendee shared, “While I have had experience with most of the topics covered, it was great to hear the speakers talk and give a good overview of industry practices. It was a great event, and it's one that I encourage others to attend.”
Stockmanship & Stewardship is a unique educational experience for cattle producers featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, BQA educational sessions, facility design sessions and industry updates. The program is sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program.
“At Merck Animal Health, we are committed to continuously improving animal health and well-being through our investments in research and development, our comprehensive portfolio of innovative products and technologies, the expertise of our people and in supporting the cattle industry and its causes,” said Kevin Mobley, executive director of sales at Merck Animal Health. “We are proud to have a long-standing partnership with the Beef Checkoff and NCBA on its Stockmanship & Stewardship program to provide cattle producers with animal care training and education to help them be more profitable and sustainable in their operations.”
For more information about upcoming Stockmanship & Stewardship events and to register, visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. Cattle producers attending a Stockmanship & Stewardship event are eligible for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant. To apply for a grant to cover registration costs and two nights hotel, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.
IDALS Announces Partnership to Expand Conservation Agronomist Network
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced a new partnership to expand the network of conservation agronomists working with Iowa farmers and landowners across the state. Conservation agronomists are professionals who assist farmers with agronomic production decisions while also providing expertise about incorporating conservation and water quality practices onto their land.
“Conservation agronomists serve as trusted advisers to Iowa farmers and landowners and help to identify, plan, and implement proven water quality and soil conservation practices,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “As we scale up and accelerate our statewide water quality efforts, innovative public-private partnerships like this will get more practices in place and move us closer toward achieving our Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals.”
Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA), based in Ankeny and affiliated with the Iowa Soybean Association, launched the network of conservation agronomists in August of 2020. ACWA’s existing funding model has thus far depended on support from a variety of sources, including Iowa ag retailers and cooperatives which make up the membership of ACWA. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will utilize over $2 million in public funding, received from the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Gulf Hypoxia Program, to extend the duration of three conservation agronomist positions and deploy two additional positions. Additional funding support for the network will continue from ACWA members.
Enhancements to the existing network will:
Strengthen the coordination and project development between conservation agronomists, ag retailers, watershed coordinators and other conservation professionals to increase the adoption of practices.
Connect farmers and landowners with technical and financial assistance to install priority in-field (cover crops, reduced tillage, etc.) practices and edge-of-field (saturated buffers, bioreactors, oxbows, water quality wetlands, etc.) practices.
Continue to grow ag retail engagement in conservation and nutrient reduction practices to supplement agronomic and production expertise.
Emphasize outreach efforts and highlight opportunities for individuals within priority watersheds to participate, especially with more dedicated water funding being made available.
Support the implementation of practices that will lead to an estimated reduction of 2 million pounds of nitrogen and 57,000 pounds of phosphorus.
The eight priority watersheds include the North Raccoon River, Boone River, Floyd River, East and West Nishnabotna Rivers, Turkey River, Middle Cedar River, South Skunk River and Skunk River.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s funding for this partnership is in place through September 30, 2026.
United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Down 2 Percent
United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for December 2022 was 87.0 million head. This was down 2 percent from December 2021 and down 5 percent from December 2020. The breeding inventory, at 7.40 million head, was up slightly from a year ago, but down 1 percent from 2020. Market hog inventory, at 79.6 million head, was down 2 percent from last year and down 5 percent from 2020. The semi-annual pig crop, at 81.9 million head, was down 1 percent from 2021 and down 5 percent from 2020. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.25 million head, down 1 percent from last year and down 6 percent from 2020.
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2022 was 73.1 million head. This was down 2 percent from December 1, 2021 and down 1 percent from September 1, 2022. The breeding inventory, at 6.15 million head, was up slightly from last year, and up slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 67.0 million head, was down 2 percent from last year, and down 1 percent from last quarter. The September to November 2022 pig crop, at 33.7 million head, was down 1 percent from 2021 and down 4 percent from 2020. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 3.00 million head, down 1 percent from 2021 and down 5 percent from 2020.
Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on January 1, 2023 was 13.9 million head. This was down 2 percent from January 1, 2022 and down 1 percent from January 1, 2021. The breeding inventory, at 1.25 million head, was down 1 percent from last year and down 1 percent from 2021. Market hog inventory, at 12.7 million head, was down 2 percent from last year and down 1 percent from 2021. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.7 million head, was down 1 percent from 2022 and down 2 percent from 2021. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.23 million head, down 2 percent from last year and down 3 percent from 2021.
United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Down 3 Percent
All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 101 million head on January 1, 2023, down 3 percent from the 104 million head on January 1, 2022. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 42.9 million head, down 3 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2023 totaled 89.3 million head, down 3 percent from the 92.1 million head on January 1, 2022. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 38.3 million head, down 3 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in Canada as of January 1, 2022 totaled 11.3 million head, down 2 percent from the 11.5 million head on January 1, 2022. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory at 4.53 million head, down 2 percent from a year ago.
United States and Canadian Sheep Inventory Down Slightly
All sheep and lambs in the United States and Canada combined totaled 5.87 million head on January 1, 2023, down slightly from the 5.89 million head on January 1, 2022. Breeding sheep inventory at 4.29 million head, down 1 percent from a year ago. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.58 million head, up 1 percent from last year.
All sheep and lambs in the United States as of January 1, 2023 totaled 5.02 million head, 1 percent below the 5.07 million head on January 1, 2022. Breeding sheep inventory at 3.67 million head, down 1 percent from a year ago. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.36 million head, unchanged from last year.
All sheep and lambs in Canada as of January 1, 2023 totaled 854,400 head, up 3 percent from last year's number of 827,200 head. Breeding sheep inventory at 628,700 head, up 1 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs totaled 225,700 head, up 11 percent from a year ago.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/3/2023
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 3, ethanol production climbed 0.7% to 1.010 million b/d, equivalent to 42.42 million gallons daily. Production was 1.8% below the same week last year but 0.2% more than the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.3% to 1.014 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.54 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks expanded 2.2% to 25.3 million barrels. Stocks were 0.2% more than a year ago and 5.8% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5).
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 6.0% to 8.56 million b/d (131.26 bg annualized). Demand was 4.5% less than a year ago and 6.8% below the five-year average.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 0.3% to 870,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.34 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.9% below the same week last year and 2.6% below the five-year average.
There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the thirteenth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of January 2023.)
U.S. Ethanol Export Sales Kick Off 2023 with Large Gains while U.S. DDGS Exports Scale Back
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
January U.S. ethanol exports jumped 59% to an 8-month high of 117.8 million gallons (mg). Canada was our largest importer for the 22nd consecutive month with 47.5 mg of U.S. ethanol crossing the border (primarily denatured), representing 40% of total U.S. exports despite a 3% decline from December volumes. Shipments increased across the bulk of remaining markets, including the United Kingdom (17.9 mg, up from minimal volumes to the largest exports in over a decade), South Korea (14.5 mg, +271% to an 8-month high), European Union (11.7 mg, up from minimal volumes), India (8.5 mg, up from zero to an 8-month high), Colombia (5.0 mg, +398% to a 15-month high), and Mexico (4.8 mg, +20%).
January was the first time in four months that the U.S. did not log foreign ethanol imports.
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, scaled back 13% to 770,344 metric tons (mt). Mexico remained our top customer for the 7th consecutive month despite dipping 9% to a 9-month low of 153,659 mt (equivalent to 20% of January exports). Shipments to South Korea declined 10% to 111,609 mt while the European Union boosted imports by 74% to a 4-month high of 70,774 mt (with the majority bound for Ireland). Other larger markets included Indonesia (53,591 mt, -5%), Vietnam (51,475 mt, -17% to the lowest volume since Sept. 2017), Canada (51,221 mt, -11% to a 20-month low), Japan (39,227 mt, -16%), and Colombia (36,841 mt, -43%). Notably, imports to China hit a 12-month high (32,550 mt, +16%).
Fertilizer Prices Continue to Move Lower
Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the last week of February 2023 continue to move lower. This trend has been in place for a couple months. All eight of the major fertilizer prices are again lower compared to last month. Five of the eight fertilizers had a sizeable price decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.
Leading the way lower again was UAN28. The nitrogen fertilizer was 14% lower compared to last month and had an average price of $444/ton. Anhydrous was 12% less expensive than a month prior and had an average price of $1,077/ton. UAN32 was 10% lower compared to last month and had an average price was $525/ton. Urea was 7% less expensive compared to the previous month with an average price of $648/ton. Potash was 5% lower compared to last month with an average price of $666/ton. The remaining three fertilizers were all just slightly lower compared to the prior month. DAP had an average price of $827/ton, MAP $827/ton and 10-34-0 $741/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.70/lb.N, anhydrous $0.66/lb.N, UAN28 $0.79/lb.N and UAN32 $0.82/lb.N.
All fertilizers are now lower compared to one year ago. DAP is 6% less expensive, MAP and 10-34-0 are both 12% lower, potash is 18% less expensive, UAN32 is 25% lower, UAN28 is 26% less expensive, urea is 27% lower and anhydrous is 28% less expensive compared to a year prior.
The Beef Checkoff and Lab-Grown Protein
Greg Hanes, CEO, Cattlemen’s Beef Board
As the fortunes of “plant-based meat” companies appear to be in decline recently, another competitor to beef raised on farms and ranches is starting to garner more headlines. “Lab-grown” or “cell-cultured meat” seems to be popping up here and there. Seeing these articles, some producers have expressed concern to me that the Beef Checkoff may begin to promote this “lab-grown” protein. Based on the law, my answer to them is always the same – no way!
Regardless of how these lab-grown products will be categorized, the Beef Checkoff will not be promoting them. Why? It all goes back to the federal law that created and controls the Beef Checkoff. In this law, called the Beef Promotion and Research Act (the Act), there are very clear definitions relative to the Checkoff program and what it can and can’t do.
The Act specifically defines three important terms: “beef”, “beef products”, and “cattle”:
Definition #1: “beef” as “flesh from cattle”
Definition #2: “Beef products” are “edible products produced in whole or in part from beef”
Definition #3: “cattle” are defined as “live domesticated bovine animals”
The Act goes on to note that the Beef Checkoff can only be used for promotion, advertising, research and consumer and industry information programs, focused solely on “beef and beef products,” and to support the beef industry.
These definitions for both beef and beef products as coming directly from the flesh of cattle (and cattle are live animals) are key, as lab-grown protein does not meet these established descriptions. In addition, no Checkoff dollars will be collected from any of these cell-based products. Checkoff assessments are based on live cattle or imported beef and beef products originating from live cattle. There are no provisions in the federal Checkoff law to collect dollars from lab-grown meat to be used in our program.
Keep in mind there is one more check and balance to ensure no Beef Checkoff dollars are spent promoting a product that does not generate assessments on behalf of the Checkoff program. According to The Act, any programs funded by national Beef Checkoff dollars must be approved by the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), comprised of “cattle producers and importers”. Non-assessment payers are not eligible to become CBB Board or BPOC members, and would not make these important funding decisions.
We stand by those who pay into our longstanding program and will continue to take our legal and fiduciary responsibilities in upholding the law with the same continued commitment we use every day - now and in the future.
Apply Now for Dairy Business Builder Grants
A new round of Dairy Business Builder grants administered by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) opened today, February 20, for small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors in 11 Midwestern states. Businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin may apply for the funding, which is administered by the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA).
The reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each aim to support recipients in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs.
Application materials for the Dairy Business Builder grants are available online at cdr.wisc.edu/dbia. Prospective applicants are encouraged to join an informational webinar hosted by DBIA staff at 11:00 a.m. (CT) on Tuesday, February 21st. The webinar will be recorded and accessible throughout the application period. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (CT) on April 13. Successful applicants will be notified by May 19.
The DBIA is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was created in the 2018 federal Farm Bill. Since then, the DBIA has administered over $7 million to 88 dairy farms and businesses within its 11-state service area. The program also offers technical assistance to dairy farmers and processors in participating states.
NMPF Lauds House Re-Introduction of DAIRY PRIDE Act, Following Senate
President and CEO Jim Mulhern
“The National Milk Producers Federation applauds the bipartisan members of the House of Representatives who today re-introduced the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which adds momentum to legislation that saw Senate re-introduction last week and needs to pass Congress this year.
“With proposed FDA guidance that acknowledges the problem of consumer confusion over the nutritional content of plant-based beverages, but doesn’t go far enough to solve the problem by enforcing its own standards of identity and limiting dairy terms used in food labeling to dairy products, DAIRY PRIDE is necessary for FDA to fulfill its own responsibilities.
“To eliminate consumer confusion over their nutritional content, plant-based drinks or beverages shouldn’t be allowed to use dairy terms in their labeling. That’s common-sense, and DAIRY PRIDE is a common-sense solution. We thank the House sponsors of the legislation – Reps. John Joyce, R-PA; Ann Kuster, D-NH; Mike Simpson, R-ID; Joe Courtney, D-CT; Derrick Van Orden, R-WI; and Angie Craig, D-MN – for being champions for consumers in this important nutrition and health issue.
The Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act” aka DAIRY PRIDE, requires FDA to enforce its standards of identity and would supersede the inadequate solution it offered last week, in which plant-based beverages could call themselves “milk” as long as they clearly state their nutritional differences with real dairy. FDA is accepting comments on its draft guidance until April 24.
DAIRY PRIDE was introduced in the Senate last week. Lead sponsors in that chamber were: Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI; Jim Risch, R-ID; Peter Welch, D-VT and Susan Collins, R-ME.
Farm Bureau Gives Back by Supporting Select Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters in the U.S.
The spirit of farm communities has long embodied working together and giving back. Farm Bureau farmer and rancher members continued that tradition in 2022, raising nearly $78,000 for local Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters. RMHC serves millions of children and their families every year, helping to provide access to healthcare for families with children who are sick.
The Farm Bureau donation drive to support select RMHC Chapters was spearheaded by members of the organization’s Women’s Leadership Program, which provides women with opportunities for growth and development to sharpen their skills and strengthen their ability to inspire change.
“The compassion and caring shown by Farm Bureau members across the country in raising funds for select RMHC Chapters provides an important connection point with members of the non-farming public,” said Isabella Chism, an Indiana row crop farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. “Since the beginning of 2019, we’re proud to have donated more than $550,000 to local RMHC Chapters across the U.S.”
Farm Bureau members contribute to RMHC in a myriad of ways. In addition to funds, this includes volunteer hours at local RMHC Chapters and donating food, toiletries and other items.
The Agricultural Research Service is Breeding a Better Potato for a Better Potato Chip
Potato chips are America's classic snack: crunchy, salty, greasy and tasting of potato or flavored with sour cream, vinegar, BBQ, maple bacon or Cajun dill. And on March 14, chip lovers across the country can celebrate them on National Potato Chip Day.
It shouldn't be a surprise that Americans eat more potato chips than any other nation; more than four pounds a person a year, according to Potatoes USA. About 22 percent of the U.S. potato crop—nearly 7,500 million pounds annually—are made into chips. Consumers spend more than $7 billion dollars buying potato chips at retailers. And USDA's Agricultural Research Service helps ensure that the country always has the perfect potato for frying into chips.
ARS' potato breeding program has already produced some major winners in the potato chip category. One is Atlantic, a variety ARS developed and released in 1976, that remains the number two chipping variety in the United States.
But potato producers have been ready for an Atlantic replacement for years. Atlantic is vulnerable to internal heat necrosis, where darker spots or flecks form in the flesh of the potato particularly in sandy soils during warm, dry seasons. It is also susceptible to Hollow Heart, a condition in which a hollow depression forms in the center of the potato when moisture levels are very uneven while the potatoes are growing.
"But diseases and pests keep evolving, so we need to keep breeding new varieties to stay ahead of them," explained Research Geneticist Richard Novy, with the Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit in Aberdeen, Idaho.
Every year, scientists in the ARS potato breeding program make thousands of chipping potato crosses with an eye to improving not only disease and pest resistance, but also achieving perfect potato chip color and proper sugar levels, good storage ability and a whole host of superior agronomic traits such as yield, time to harvest and tuber size.
Novy has a very promising new chipping potato in the pipeline at Aberdeen, known right now as A13125-3C, which is showing much potential in Idaho and in the National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT). ARS participates alongside universities and industry in the NCPT, which is run through Potatoes USA, to test potatoes simultaneously at sites all over the country.
A13125-3C won't get a catchy variety name until after it successfully completes several years of trials and then goes through a tissue culture process to remove any viruses and bacteria to allow the production of certified seed for producers.
"By sharing access to germplasm and testing nationally, you can more quickly identify candidates having variety potential for the chipping industry," Novy said. "Such a program helps regional chip companies to identify promising new potato varieties for their production of chips."
Across the country from the Aberdeen lab, ARS Plant Research Geneticist Paul Collins in Orono, Maine, is concentrating on breeding chipping potatoes with better disease resistance for eastern potato growers. One major focus is potatoes that can better withstand Late Blight, a fungal disease that causes an annual loss of $210 million.
"Most diseases we are working on can affect the farmer's ability to produce a potato crop and they can have a staggering economic impact," Collins said. "Potato Virus Y, for example, causes annual losses of $103 million in yield and tuber quality.
While ARS scientists are breeding potatoes to fight diseases, most consumers do not have to worry about their snack being affected by any of these viruses. The chipping varieties for the snack aisle, usually Atlantic, Snowden and Lamoka, are not found in the grocery store's produce bins.
"Our goal is to breed potato varieties which are resistant to these diseases, and with other agronomic traits that are important to farmers while also having quality traits like color, shape and size that are important to consumers and processors," Collins said.
Pioneer Delivers 80 New Corn Products and Soybean Varieties
Pioneer continues its drive to deliver farmer-focused corn and soybean innovations with its new product lineup for 2023. The new products from Corteva Agriscience’s global germplasm library combine outstanding agronomic characteristics and high yield potential, and build on the leading product performance that farmers saw in 2022.
To help customers succeed, continued R&D investments in product development techniques are allowing plant breeders to identify promising new products and varieties more quickly.
“We put farmer needs at the forefront of our decisions to bring new products to market,” said Judd O’Connor, President, North America Business, Corteva Agriscience. “Plant breeders create, evaluate, and select new hybrids and varieties from our expanding germplasm library that perform in a variety of conditions and growing environments. We rigorously evaluate and select products across multiple years and in multiple geographies, advancing only the top-performing products.”
The 2023 class includes 44 new exclusive corn products and 36 new soybean varieties. Corn products that advanced include hybrids of the new Vorceed™ Enlist® corn, Corteva’s next-generation trait to better manage corn rootworm (CRW). Among the soybean products are 20 exclusive Pioneer® brand A-Series varieties with the Enlist E3® soybean trait.
Creating corn products
As the leader in innovative field-proven corn solutions, Pioneer delivers exclusive products that meet and exceed the toughest real-world standards to maximize yield potential and consistently deliver leading performance. Before coming to market, prospective new hybrids must prove effective during intense testing, including in-field challenges such as disease, pests and water-limiting growing conditions.
The 2022 harvest yield data shows a preview of the success that Pioneer will continue to build on with its new products, with a focus on key challenges – including CRW, drought tolerance and key diseases such as tar spot pressure:
Industry-leading Pioneer® brand Qrome® products delivered an outstanding 8.7 bu/A yield advantage versus the competition.1 By delivering strong trait efficacy and CRW protection, Qrome products outperformed competing SmartStax® technology products.
Overall, the top 34 Pioneer platforms outpaced the competition with a 5.5 bu/A yield advantage over the last three years,2 showcasing our commitment to bring products that perform year after year.
Pioneer brand Optimum® AQUAmax® products delivered a strong performance in 2022. They averaged a 5.1 bu/A higher yield advantage then competitors over all growing environments.3
In addition, Pioneer brand corn products posted a 5.9 bu/A yield advantage in areas with high tar spot pressure and beating other seed brands across all growing conditions in 2022.4
Building exclusive soybean varieties
As America’s top-selling soybean brand for more than 20 years*, Pioneer continues to solidify its leadership position by providing consistent soybean innovation. Pioneer is expanding its offering of Pioneer® brand A-series Enlist E3® soybeans for 2023. From robust exclusive germplasm, these varieties include key defensive traits to fight soybean cyst nematode (SCN), sudden death syndrome (SDS), white mold, Phytophthora and other yield-robbing diseases. Yield and agronomic traits combined with the Enlist E3 trait — which offers flexible and effective weed control with herbicide tolerance to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate — deliver high-performing soybean varieties.
Pioneer brand soybeans give farmers consistent performance year after year. 2022 harvest highlights include:
Pioneer brand A-series Enlist E3 soybeans produced a 3.0 bu/A yield advantage over Asgrow® Xtendflex® soybeans in 2022, posting wins in 71% of 2,462 comparisons.5
When compared with overall Enlist E3 soybean competitive varieties, A-Series Enlist E3 soybeans delivered a 2.3 bu/A yield advantage in extensive 2022 on-farm trials, winning 67% of these trials nationwide.6
Enlist E3 soybean varieties accounted for more than 45% of U.S. acres in 2022 as more farmers discovered the benefits of the Enlist® weed control system plus A-Series soybean-exclusive genetics.
Corteva is increasing its R&D investment to maintain leadership in plant breeding technologies and capabilities, and Pioneer is building on its strength in differentiated product lineup to meet farmer demand. This enables the testing of more traits and bringing new products to the market faster.
Tendovo soybean herbicide from Syngenta earns rave reviews during first season of use
Syngenta reports that initial retailer and grower experiences with Tendovo® herbicide have been extremely positive and illustrate how the product is redefining weed management in soybeans.
Weed Control
Eric Palmer, technical product lead at Syngenta, explains Tendovo soybean herbicide was available in limited quantity for the 2022 growing season. Retailers and growers using the herbicide were invited to join the Tendovo First Look Program.
“As the season unfolded, we were able to follow along with these first-year growers and retailers as they shared their experience using the product,” Palmer said. “From the Gulf of Mexico to the North Central U.S.—across approximately 200,000 acres—Tendovo demonstrated how it offers preemergence weed control without compromise.”
Growers and retailers who participated in the Tendovo First Look Program were invited to submit performance photos of their fields from emergence through harvest as well as feedback on the product.
“Tendovo is a much-needed product for us. It provided excellent weed control performance and didn’t damage the soybeans,” said Lonnie Egdorf, retailer from George, Iowa. “We will use it again next season to give us multiple modes of action and take weed control to the next level in the early season.”
Crop Safety
Palmer noted that crop safety and weed control should be a high priority for growers as they plan for the 2023 season. Any damage to the crop may lead to yield loss, so it is important to ensure the crop remains healthy from planting to harvest. This means it should be a high priority to get a healthy stand while eliminating early season weed competition.
“Growers should consider a preemergence herbicide that provides excellent residual activity without the risk of crop injury or stand loss,” Palmer said. “Fields treated with Tendovo achieved earlier canopy, better plant stands, healthier root mass and optimal plant populations.”1
Yield Potential
“Because Tendovo controls early germinating weeds and provides excellent residual, it protects the crop from yield-robbing weeds results in superior yield potential and ROI potential” Palmer said. “Tendovo gave us the best weed control in years,” said Owatonna, MN retailer Andrew Thilges. “Our 200 acres were clean the entire year. These soybeans had a 4.5 bu/a yield advantage over the local average.”
“Tendovo performed for growers just like it did in our development trials. The combination of outstanding weed control and crop safety resulted in 4-5 bu/A greater yield when compared to competitive herbicides.2 We’re excited that more growers will have an opportunity to experience the benefits of Tendovo this season.”
Case IH Launches AFS Connect Puma Tractor, Upgrades to Existing Models
Long known for dependability and durability across a variety of operations, the Case IH Puma® series lineup now includes the AFS Connect™ Puma tractor, as well as an addition to the short wheelbase Puma series tractor lineup: the Puma 175. Existing Puma 185, 200, 220, 240 tractors — as well as the all-new high-horsepower Puma 260 — now come equipped with more power options, a revamped operator environment and AFS Connect technology for unparalleled data management, tracking and sharing across a range of machines. Meanwhile, the Puma 175 offers greater horsepower to efficiently complete a variety of tasks across tough applications.
“The AFS Connect Puma takes what livestock and row crop growers have always loved about Puma tractors — their reliability, efficiency and multipurpose dependability — while increasing their power, comfort and data connectivity to help operators tackle farm tasks with ease,” said J.E. Cadle, Case IH mid-range tractor marketing manager. “Plus, with integrated AFS Connect technology, farm owners and operators can easily keep track of their fleet on the web or mobile devices, all while adding operating efficiencies like reducing gaps and overlaps in coverage.”
Greater operator comfort and efficiency
Case IH engineers took every effort to ensure the AFS Connect Puma series tractor offers the gold standard in cab comfortability. A larger cab, more operator head and leg room, and greater visibility all contribute to an improved in-cab experience. Other improvements include a larger entryway with redesigned steps for easier entry and exit. Models equipped with a CVXDrive™ continuously variable transmission can also adjust optional hydraulic cab suspension from the upgraded AFS Pro 1200 display for the ultimate smooth and quiet in-cab experience.
Efficiency updates include a larger, 124-gallon fuel tank for longer runtimes between fill-ups, new rear hydraulic remote valves with pressure release levers, updated right hand steps with an easy-open battery box, two integrated tool storage compartments, service and maintenance improvements, new lighting options and more. Multiple in-cab storage areas — as well as an optional cooled storage box — have also been added and updated, allowing operators to bring more bottles, snacks and other supplies during long days in the cab. A laminated windshield with an optional 240-degree sweep front wiper improve visibility, and climate control upgrades make in-cab cooling faster and more efficient.
Greater control, performance and durability
The new AFS Connect Puma 260 tractor comes standard with a heavy-duty class 4.5 front axle and a heavy duty rear axle, increasing the GVW capacity to 31,950 lbs. and allowing for larger diameter (group 48) rear tires to help carry larger implements and get more power to the ground. This increased capacity is optional on Puma 220 and 240 tractors equipped with a CVXDrive continuously variable transmission as well.
Expanded AFS Connect capabilities
With AFS Connect technology — which has been embedded directly into the cab of the AFS Connect Puma — operators can comfortably reach new levels of productivity and efficiency. Featuring three powerful in-cab system components, this technology offers greater equipment visualization and agronomic data analysis than ever before:
The AFS Pro 1200 display features a large, 12.4-inch screen, additional camera feeds, easy Bluetooth® pairing and remote display viewing capabilities that can be accessed at any time by a farm manager or trusted Case IH dealer.
The AFS Vision Pro operating system remains familiar and easy to use, allowing operators to customize and configure tractor settings according to their specific preferences. This includes seven programmable run screens and split screen viewing to create a sophisticated environment that puts operators in control.
The AFS Vector Pro receiver improves guidance and streamlines connection signals, ensuring the AFS Connect Puma performs efficiently and consistently.
Taken together, these system components create a formidable suite of tools that enable producers to more easily track, share and visualize equipment data, allowing for easier farm management and capitalization on previously unrealized efficiencies. And, with added Remote Display View, operators can rely on a trusted Case IH dealer to perform remote machine diagnostics in order to determine repair needs, suggest tactics and more.
The all-new Puma 260 & 175 models
The newest tractor to enter the Puma family, the Puma 260 redefines the meaning of a compact, high-power tractor. In addition to being fully equipped with AFS Connect for advanced data management and tracking, the Puma 260 features superior horsepower (260 hp, 300 peak) with axle, tire and transmission updates to support a rugged workhorse design. Cooling advancements ensure the Puma 260 consistently performs out in the field, while comfort improvements keep operators refreshed inside the cab.
In addition to Puma series tractors equipped with AFS Connect, the short wheelbase Puma lineup is expanding to include the new Puma 175 tractor. A dependable, powerful tractor, the Puma 175 offers more horsepower (180 engine hp, 225 peak) and relies on an updated CVXDrive continuously variable transmission to grant extensive power while maintaining the excellent torque curve growers have come to expect. This new model includes the same quality-of-life improvements introduced previously with Model Year 2022 Puma series tractors: updated steps, an elastic hood closing rope, an enhanced armrest, a redesigned cab entry, upgraded interior space, new storage areas, a revised monitor bar and better air flow quality.
“With two new models to expand the Puma series tractor lineup, we’re confident that these updates will be beneficial to operators across a wide range of operations,” said Cadle. “Between all-new AFS features, comfort upgrades and power improvements, the future of Puma series tractors — and those who operate them — is bright.”
AFS Connect Puma 185, 200, 220, 240 and 260 tractors, as well as the new Puma 175 tractor, are now available.
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