Monday April 17 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 16, 2023, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very short, 44% short, 32% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 36% very short, 43% short, 21% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 2%, equal to last year, and near 1% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 12% very poor, 28% poor, 39% fair, 20% good, and 1% excellent.

Oats planted was 52%, near 56% last year, but ahead of 43% average. Emerged was 11%, equal to last year, and near 10% average.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Strong winds and warmer than normal temperatures led to drier soil conditions which allowed 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 16, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were a few isolated areas in the southern part of Iowa that saw more precipitation than average for this time of year. Fertilizer applications continued and oat seeding accelerated. Farmers began planting corn and soybeans although many operators were waiting for precipitation to improve soil moisture supplies.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 7 percent very short, 23 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 9 percent very short, 28 percent short, 60 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Seven percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, almost 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of the 5-year average. Over one-third of the State’s expected oat crop was planted during the week ending April 16 to reach 51 percent, 10 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Four percent of the oat crop has emerged.

Pastures continue to break dormancy and become green, but little new growth thus far. Calving continues. Overall, livestock conditions continue to be good.



USDA Crop Progress: US Corn Planting Reaches 8%

Warmer, drier weather across much of the country gave corn planting a boost last week, with farmers pushing progress slightly ahead of the average pace, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress Report on Monday. However, that burst of planting activity may be short-lived with cooler, wetter weather forecast to return the rest of this week.

CORN
-- Planting progress: Nationwide, corn planting moved ahead 5 percentage points last week to reach 8% as of Sunday, April 16. That is 4 percentage points ahead of last year and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 5%.
-- Notable states: Missouri logged the biggest jump in planting progress last week, moving ahead 23 percentage points from 7% the previous week to reach 30% as of Sunday. Illinois jumped ahead by 9 percentage points to reach 10% complete, ahead of the state average of 3%. Iowa planting reached 7%, ahead of its state average of 1%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: In its first report on soybean planting of the season, NASS estimated 4% of soybeans were planted nationwide as of Sunday, ahead of 1% for both last year and the five-year average.
-- Notable states: Illinois was 4% planted, and Iowa was 3% planted as of Sunday. Kentucky and Tennessee were 7% planted each.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: Nationwide, winter wheat was rated 27% good to excellent, unchanged from the previous week and 3 percentage points behind last year's good-to-excellent rating of 30%. That's still the lowest rating for the crop in over three decades. The crop in Kansas is rated 14% good to excellent, while in Washington, it is rated 45% good to excellent.
-- Crop development: 10% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday, up 3 percentage points from the previous week and 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 8%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 3% of the spring wheat crop was planted as of April 16, down from the five-year average of 7% for this time of year. Washington is 27% planted, and Idaho is 25% planted. Planting has not yet started in North Dakota or Minnesota.



USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.  

“Grassland CRP clearly demonstrates that agricultural productivity and conservation priorities can not only coexist but also complement and enhance one another,” said Tim Divis, FSA Acting State Executive Director in Nebraska. “The strength of this program lies in its many benefits — through annual rental payments, the program helps producers and landowners produce and maintain diverse wildlife habitat, sequester carbon in the soil, and support sound, sustainable grazing. These benefits help keep agricultural lands in production while delivering lasting climate outcomes.”

More than 3.1 million acres were accepted through the 2022 Grassland CRP signup from agricultural producers and private landowners. That signup — the highest ever for the program — reflects the continued success and value of investments in voluntary, producer-led, working lands conservation programs. The current total participation in Grassland CRP is 6.3 million acres, which is part of the 23 million acres enrolled in CRP opportunities overall. In Nebraska, as of February 2023, there were 1,845,482 acres enrolled in CRP, with 1,229,891 of those acres in Grassland CRP.

Since 2021, USDA’s FSA, which administers all CRP programs, has made several improvements to Grassland CRP to broaden the program’s reach, including:
    Creating two National Priority Zones to put focus on environmentally sensitive land such as that prone to wind erosion.  
    Enhancing offers with 10 additional ranking points to producers and landowners who are historically underserved, including beginning farmers and military veterans.
    Leveraging the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to engage historically underserved communities within Tribal Nations in the Great Plains.

How to Sign Up for Grassland CRP
Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP, or any other CRP enrollment option, should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program before the deadlines.

Producers with expiring CRP acres can enroll in the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), which incentivizes producers who sell or enter into a long-term lease with a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher who plans to sustainably farm or ranch the land.

Other CRP Signups  
Under Continuous CRP, producers and landowners can enroll throughout the year. Offers are automatically accepted provided the producer and land meet the eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the statutory cap. Continuous CRP includes a Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping producers and landowners establish trees and permanent grasses, enhance wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands.  

FSA offers several additional enrollment opportunities within Continuous CRP, including the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative, the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP), and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Also available is the Clean Lakes Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR30) Initiative, which was originally piloted in twelve states but has since been expanded nationwide, giving producers and landowners across the country the opportunity to enroll in 30-year CRP contracts for water quality practices. Nebraska offers two SAFE initiatives: Upland Wildlife Habitat SAFE and the Migratory Birds, Butterflies and Pollinators SAFE. Nebraska also offers the Platte-Republican Resources Area CREP.

USDA hosts an annual General CRP signup. This year’s General CRP signup was open from Feb. 27 through April 7. The program helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive is also available in the General signup.

More Information
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits.   

Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, and USDA recognizes the tremendous opportunity address climate-change through voluntary private lands conservation. In addition to CRP, resources are available at FSA’s sister agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Earlier this month, NRCS announced its $12 million investment in cooperative agreements for 49 projects that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands.



Collegiate Farm Bureau Leaders Receive Ron Hanson Scholarship

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded the Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to three members of Collegiate Farm Bureau at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) who are pursuing degrees from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).

Emily Eilers, a sophomore from Wayne, in Wayne County, Rebecca Wulf, a junior from Hooper Washington County, and Taylor Ruwe, a junior from Hooper in Washington County, each received a $1,500 scholarship.

Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, established the scholarship to reward students who prioritize leadership building activities while on campus.

“Dr. Hanson chose to continue his legacy of service through this scholarship, and we are so proud to steward his generous gift,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “Dr. Hanson is a longtime Farm Bureau member who recognizes the value of getting involved to make a difference, and this scholarship encourages the next generation of leaders who will make their voices heard and better their communities.”

This year’s recipients rose to the top of a strong candidate pool. Applicants were judged based on their involvement with UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, volunteer and leadership activities, and their goals for the future.

Eilers is pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Studies Communications with minors in Agricultural Leadership and Grazing. She is involved in volunteer organizations including UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, where she serves as the vice president of communications and public relations, and  4-H and FFA where she helps youth learn concepts they can apply to their 4-H project and assists with the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event at State FFA Convention. After graduation, Eilers plans to pursue a position in agriculture communications, working with farmers and ranchers to tell their story in a purposeful way to consumers.

Wulf is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education. She has been active in UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau for three years and currently serves as president of the chapter. Wulf also served as a student member on the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Wulf is passionate about her volunteer service activities involving FFA and agricultural education.  Wulf plans to teach agriculture and become an FFA advisor.

Ruwe is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education but enjoys the policy side of agriculture. She has been active in the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, engaging in policy discussions at events such as Pumpkins and Policy at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. She is passionate about the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council and serves as president. She enjoys discussing agriculture with elementary students and visiting with high school students about the opportunities the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and Collegiate Farm Bureau can provide them as they transition from high school to college.

“My congratulations to Emily, Rebecca, and Taylor as recipients of the 2023 Nebraska Farm Bureau Collegiate Leader Scholarship. It is my privilege to help recognize their outstanding leadership contributions and campus involvement to the Nebraska Farm Bureau and its collegiate chapter.  I applaud their efforts and goals as young agriculture leaders to be difference makers for the future of agriculture,” said Schafer.



Ag land management webinar to offer the latest on cash rents, changing commodity prices for 2023

The latest trends in 2023 Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon on May 15.

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The May webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state, as reported in the recently released Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering high commodity prices this year. It will also cover best practices for communication between landlords and tenants, as well as family members, and offer advice on short- and long-term decision making for agricultural land.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Allan Vyhnalek, who are both extension faculty with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance and land economics, as well as the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Vyhnalek is a farm succession and farmland management extension educator emeritus.

The webinar is free and will be recorded. Past recordings can be viewed the day after each session, along with recordings from the entire series.

Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.



Beekeeping on solar sites can enhance value, agricultural production

As demand for solar energy continues to grow, the co-location of solar and agriculture—also known as agrivoltaics—offers opportunities for conservation, food production, increasing pollinator habitat, and adding farm revenue streams while producing affordable renewable energy.

A new resource from the Center for Rural Affairs explores the benefits of one such method of agrivoltaics—solar beekeeping.

“Placing beehives on or near solar sites can enhance the value of the land by keeping it in agricultural production and providing new streams of income for local farmers,” said Lindsay Mouw, a Center policy associate. “Solar beekeeping also has environmental benefits, such as providing pollinator services to local crops. When solar panel fields are planted with native and non-invasive vegetation, the land serves as critical habitat for bees, monarch butterflies, and other insects, birds, and animals.”

In addition to exploring the benefits, “Making the Case for Solar Beekeeping” includes recommendations for developers, landowners, and policymakers to consider during the planning process.

“Policymakers can develop zoning regulations that require, incentivize, or otherwise encourage utility- and community-scale solar projects to be seeded with native and non-invasive vegetative ground cover,” Mouw said. “These regulations can set up a project site for beekeeping, even if it is not included as a goal during original project planning. It is important that regulations not be so strict they reduce opportunities for other beneficial practices, such as grazing.”

To learn more about solar beekeeping, view and download our “Making the Case for Solar beekeeping” fact sheet at cfra.org/publications.



Proposed Iowa Bill Aims to Ban Drone Use Near Livestock Operations

Iowa House File 572 would prohibit drones from flying within 400 feet of areas where farm animals are kept without the landowner's permission. The bill's supporters argue that drones can invade farmers' privacy and cause animals to act erratically, while opponents argue that drones are a useful tool for monitoring animal welfare and environmental conditions inside livestock operations.

If the bill passes, drone operators caught violating the restrictions would be charged with a misdemeanor, with the possibility of more severe charges if the drone takes pictures or videos of livestock operations. However, the bill would not apply to people flying drones over their own property or to business owners who need to survey large plots of land.

The debate over drone use near livestock operations is not unique to Iowa. In recent years, animal rights groups have increasingly used drones to document conditions inside these facilities, leading to legal challenges and calls for greater transparency in the industry. At the same time, farmers and ranchers have expressed concerns about the impact of drones on animal behavior and privacy.

As the bill moves to the Senate for further debate, the question of how to balance the competing interests of privacy and animal welfare is likely to remain contentious.



USDA announces federal funds to reduce soil erosion in Iowa

The USDA recently allocated $15 million in funding to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in Iowa. This funding will support Iowa farmers and landowners in implementing conservation practices that help reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality.

Soil erosion is a significant concern for Iowa farmers, as it can lead to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and water pollution. The EQIP funding will provide financial assistance to farmers to implement conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till farming, and erosion control structures.

The EQIP program has been in place for over 25 years, providing financial assistance to farmers and ranchers across the country to help them improve soil health, protect water quality, and conserve natural resources. The new funding for Iowa is part of a broader effort by the USDA to support conservation efforts across the country.

In addition to the funding for EQIP, the USDA also recently announced $330 million in funding for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which supports partnerships between government agencies, non-profits, and private landowners to implement conservation practices.

The new federal funding for Iowa is welcome news for farmers and landowners in the state who are committed to protecting their land and water resources. By implementing conservation practices, they can help reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and support sustainable agriculture for future generations.



NPPC Q2 Economic Update Highlights Current Pork Industry Challenges and Opportunities
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released its second quarter pork industry economic update that provides a snapshot of top pork industry issues, current trends, and market conditions impacting pig farmers.

2023 Q2 key takeaways include:
    Pork production increased 2.3 percent through the first quarter, with the USDA now projecting a 1.4 percent annual increase in pork production in 2023.
    Retail, wholesale, and farm level prices show year-over-year decline.
    Pork and variety meat exports gained momentum in Q1.
    From September 2021 to 2022, the total value of wages paid to workers on U.S. pig farms increased 12.1 percent, while the number of workers declined by 0.4 percent.
    Pork producer returns for the remainder of 2023 will be influenced by various factors, including domestic and export pork demand and input prices.
 
“The United States is a worldwide leader in pork production and a significant contributor to the U.S. economy,” shared Duane Stateler, NPPC vice president and pork producer from Ohio. “While many factors can impact our business, especially during this period of high inflation and difficult market conditions, pork producers around the country will continue navigating the economic challenges to ensure we raise safe, wholesome, affordable food for communities here and around the world.”

NPPC’s quarterly reports and new online dashboard track key market indicators and trends that highlight important industry dynamics that impact pork production. The full Q2 economic update report can be found at nppc.org/the-pork-industry/economic-update.



Wall Street Rules Should Not Extend to Family Farms

Wall Street rules intended for publicly traded companies should not extend to family farms. That is the message the American Farm Bureau Federation and six other agricultural groups sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC proposed a rule to require public companies to report on Scope 3 emissions, which are the result of activities not owned or controlled by a publicly traded company but contribute to its value chain. Public companies that produce goods from agricultural products would need to report emissions from the relevant agricultural operations. The farm groups’ concern is that the rule will burden family farmers and ranchers and drive further consolidation in agriculture—all for no real environmental benefit.

In a letter sent today to the SEC, the organizations stated, “This tracking will be extremely expensive, invasive, and burdensome for farmers and ranchers, at the cost of improved production practices that generate actual environmental gains. Family farms, particularly smaller ones, will be hardest hit, with the rule driving greater consolidation and fewer family farms. The easiest path for registrants will be to source their inputs from larger corporate operations with greater resources and more sophisticated data-gathering and reporting systems. Alternatively, registrants may simply vertically integrate their supply chains, leading to further consolidation.”

In the letter, the organizations ask the SEC to recognize it wouldn’t be appropriate to subject farmers to Scope 3 reporting requirements, and to draft a rule that specifies that companies cannot compel farmers and ranchers to provide emissions information.

“While farmers and ranchers play a vital role in America’s supply chain, 98% of farms are family owned and 90% of those are small,” the letter continues. “This means that a considerable part of the agriculture industry does not fall within the SEC’s direct regulation of disclosure information, which extends to regulating public companies (registrants and issuers).”

Signing onto the letter were AFBF, Agricultural Retailers Association, American Soybean Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Pork Producers Council, and North American Meat Institute.



Prior Record High Fed Cattle Prices Broken
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Fed cattle markets have moved into and through April on a very strong upward trajectory. The prior high in the live cattle futures market of $172.75 established in November 2014 was broken. The April 2023 live cattle contract will likely settle above the prior record high and the deferred contracts expiring in February, April, and June of 2024 are currently trading above the prior record. These prices are clearly communicating the current strong demand and anticipated tighter future supplies. The cash market is moving with futures and basis is even-to-modestly weak except for cattle grading over 80% Choice – basis for the highest quality grade cattle is very strong.

Feeder cattle futures, while strong, are well below record highs because of the limited forage supplies and high feedgrain prices. Nearby contracts are trading above $200/cwt and deferred contracts into 2024 are around $230/cwt. Again, anticipating tighter supplies and moderating feed market prices. The cash market is also moving with futures with the strongest basis in the smallest calves reflecting that likelihood of lower costs of gain.

This is the price environment and herd building has yet to appear. Heifers are a strong proportion of the FI slaughter mix and beef cow slaughter continues at a strong pace. The unsaid conclusion is that better cattle prices are yet to come. (That should be a question.) I believe the continued rally is unlikely for the remainder or even a portion of the year. Seasonality is favorable in the spring, but the seasonal peak is likely soon. Cattle and beef markets have persisted in a rather unique environment for the past two years. Supply and demand – and market fundamentals in general – have routinely taken a bit of a hiatus. Beef production peaked in 2022 and yet retail and wholesale prices were some of the largest.  The shocks to the meat supply chain have had an impact as have the fiscal stimulus. And both are moderating. Net beef exports have been reasonably strong and unlikely to continue to be so in an elevated price environment. Retail and wholesale beef prices have strong and margins have been substantial at times. I anticipate less strength in these prices in the future and also a narrowing of margins. Fewer animals certainly suggest the latter. Packer margins currently incentivize the need to cut kills.  Long-term contracts and forward sales into spring challenge that incentive. But these factors will be the headwinds at also accompany tighter cattle supplies and long-term bullishness. And the cattle industry needs to consider what is going on in hog and pork markets as a worrisome analogue.

In the long-term the cattle market is likely to have substantial strength but in the short-term – within the year – we will see the market get back to business of relative protein prices mattering, disposable income not being substantially better than the prior year, and the surprises in trade news being pessimistic. Both inflation and the economy are slowing. And that corn crop is not yet planted. Cow-calf producers and stocker operations need to look closely at LRP for anticipated marketing window time periods. Out-of-the-money Put options should also be considered.



Consider Corn Challenge IV Continues to Find Game-Changing New Uses for Field Corn

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is launching its fourth iteration of the Consider Corn Challenge. This open-innovation contest invites participants to answer the call and submit proposals for new uses of field corn as a primary feedstock for producing novel sustainable chemicals and products with quantifiable market demand.

“Consumers have a genuine interest in biobased products; and corn is investing in solutions to meet that need,” said NCGA Market Development Action Team (MDAT) Chair and Colorado farmer Troy Schneider. “In order to continue drawing in the cutting-edge, game-changing participation we have seen for the past three years, the prize pool for the fourth challenge has been increased to $250,000.”

Previous winners of the Consider Corn Challenge contests have scaled up to the next phase of development, received additional grant funding, entered into joint agreements and obtained registration for state biobased production incentives.

“The Consider Corn Challenge brought Låkril Technologies visibility and contact with multiple corn growers associations and industrial corporations,” said Chris Nicholas, co-founder and president of Låkril Technologies and a past winner of Consider Corn Challenge III. “Relationships developed from this interaction allowed us to scale out and expand our business.”

If all 15 winners of the Consider Corn Challenge I, II & III reached full commercialization with products available in the marketplace, the potential for additional corn demand would be approximately 3.4 billion bushels.

“As corn farmers continue to press forward with advanced technology that allows them to do more with less, they are able to meet the growing needs for food, feed, fuel and new uses,” Schneider added. “This contest continues to help us think outside of the box and to meet the needs of our customers who are asking for sustainable, biobased products.”

One to six winners will be selected for the Consider Corn Challenge IV, with a total prize pool of U.S. $250,000, split equally between winners. The submission deadline is June 30, 2023, at 5 p.m. CT; and winners will be announced at October’s Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) in San Francisco.

To learn more: ncga.com/ConsiderCorn. To register for the CCC IV informational webinar held on Thursday, April 27 at 2 p.m. CT: https://bit.ly/ConsiderCornIV.



NFU Issues Letter of Support for Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released a letter in support of the nomination and confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Under Secretary Torres Small has tirelessly served family farmers and ranchers, not only in New Mexico, but throughout the country,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “As the Under Secretary of Rural Development, she has done amazing work for rural communities and supply chains that support our entire economy. I’m proud to share our support today knowing that Under Secretary Torres Small will make a positive impact as Deputy Secretary.”

NFU has a long history with Under Secretary Torres Small going back to her time as a Member of Congress when she represented family farmers and ranchers in New Mexico. Then, Torres Small was a strong advocate for Farmers Union members and their priorities.

“We worked together in New Mexico with Under Secretary for Rural Development Torres Small while she served in Congress,” said Rocky Mountain Farmers Union President Chad Franke. “She has always been a strong champion for agriculture and rural needs, and it is no surprise that she continues to be an important leader at USDA. We believe that she is well suited for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ask for a quick confirmation to this vital position.”

NFU urges the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to advance Under Secretary Torres Small’s nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of USDA and looks forward to working with Under Secretary Torres Small in this new role.



Growth Energy Addresses Settlement between CDB, EPA on ESA Consultation on the Renewable Fuel Standard

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, released the following statement today on a proposed settlement between the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would resolve CBD’s challenge to EPA’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) assessment of the 2020-2022 RVO under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“Extensive research has shown that the RFS achieves its goal of lowering carbon emissions without causing land use or other environmental changes that impact endangered species. We look forward to EPA performing its own assessment under the terms of the settlement and reaching the same conclusion” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We welcome the news that CBD and EPA have reached a settlement on CBD’s pending lawsuit on the 2020-2022 renewable volume obligation (RVO) ‘Reset’ rule, and remain focused on ensuring that EPA finalizes the RFS ‘Set’ rule for the 2023-2025 RVOs in accordance with our June 14 consent decree with EPA.”

Background
In the underlying lawsuit, CBD alleged that EPA failed to comply with the ESA by issuing the 2020-2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) without completing an ESA Section 7 consultation to determine the RFS’s potential impact on endangered species. Under the proposed settlement of that lawsuit, EPA would be required to take “appropriate action” after completing its ESA consultation regarding the potential impact of the proposed RFS “Set” Rule, which would cover 2023-2025 RVOs, on endangered species and habitat. Under a separate consent decree between Growth Energy and EPA, the Set Rule must be finalized no later than June 14, 2023.  



Cold Stress and Corn Emergence

Corn germination and emergence are optimal when soil temperatures are approximately 85°F to 90°F. But to maximize yield, many farmers have to risk planting in cooler April weather. Low temperatures during planting can impose significant stress on corn seedlings.

Corn seed is susceptible to cold stress after planting and throughout imbibition. Planting just before a stress event, such as a cold rain or snow, can cause significant stand loss. The chances of establishing a good stand are greatly improved if seeds are able to germinate at least one day in warmer, moist conditions before a cold-stress event.

“We want to see at least a minimum soil temperature of 50°F to get corn out of the ground while minimizing chance of injury,” said Aaron Vammer, Pioneer Field Agronomist.

Early season stress can promote seedling disease if certain conditions are met, such as the presence of inoculum or prolonged cool, wet conditions. Injury to emerging seedlings will also promote seedling disease. Injury can be caused by chilling, such as imbibitional damage, or insect feeding, such as seedcorn maggots, white grubs and wireworms.

Planting date is one of the most important factors in stand establishment. The likelihood of reduced stands is greatest when planting into cold, wet soils or directly before cold, wet weather is expected.

“To reduce the chance of cold injury, check the five-day forecast for a potential temperature drops,” Vammer said. “If you are going to plant into cold soils, plant hybrids with high stress emergence scores and the appropriate seed treatment.”



Don’t Let Weeds Hold Back Crop Potential

A wetter spring outlook for some areas of the Midwest has farmers eying the calendar, but timely planting isn’t their only concern. “A good spring burndown program with some residual control will be extremely important, as a wet spring could result in some weed-ridden fields,” says LG Seeds Agronomist Corey Prosser.   

A burndown in the spring is popular in Prosser’s Ohio, where no-till and cover crop acres are common. “The pressure we’ve had the last couple of years from waterhemp, Palmer amaranth, giant ragweed and some grasses have made spring burndown a necessity,” he says. Controlling weeds mitigates stress on corn and soybeans and prevents weeds from tying up nutrients.

Drawing on his experience in the retail space, Prosser shares tips for getting the most out of spring burndown and preventing resistance battles down the road.  

#1. Know your chemistry
“For good, prolonged control, farmers should take a systematic approach with multiple herbicides and modes of action,” Prosser says. “We must be good stewards with the modes of action we have. If we don’t, we’ll fight a painful resistance battle.”

Prosser encourages farmers to talk with their chemistry retailer and visit the site Take Action to make sure they understand what their herbicide controls, its modes of action and how it can be used.  

“Make sure if the window hits and you need to plant, your chemistry gives you the option of spraying later,” Prosser advises. That flexibility to spray right after planting is one of the biggest advances with the XtendFlex® and Enlist® soybeans offered by LG Seeds, he says.

#2. Kill small weeds using correct application rates and nozzles
Another major tenet of effective weed control and resistance management is killing small weeds. Prosser advises farmers to spray before weeds reach the height of a pop can – roughly 6 inches.  

“Make sure the coverage is good and you’re using correct rates,” Prosser continues. “Half rates can foster resistance.” A clogged nozzle can jeopardize weed control and fuel resistance. Therefore, Prosser encourages farmers to “run a tank of water through their sprayer and use a jug to check application rates for each nozzle.”  

Nozzle type should also be considered. These precision components dictate spray amounts, droplet size, uniformity, coverage and drift potential. The best way to apply a contact herbicide differs from a systemic herbicide, Prosser points out. He encourages farmers to cater their nozzle selection to their herbicide, using the product label as a guide.  

#3. Time your spray right
“You want to hit weeds when they are actively taking up nutrients and moisture and able to absorb that chemistry,” Prosser explains. “I like temperatures to be 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer when spraying,” he elaborates, adding that herbicide labels detail ideal application windows.  

Farmers should try to time spring burndowns as close to planting as possible. “You only get so many days of residual activity,” Prosser says, who stresses the importance of spraying as close to planting as weather and logistics allow. “This will help to maximize residual control.”  

Prosser also encourages patience and attention to soil conditions, reminding farmers that spraying wet fields can cause compaction. “Readiness should be determined on a field-by-field basis,” Prosser says. “It’s easy to get in a rush and make a mistake, and then you have to fight it all season. Be patient and get all your ducks in a row so you’re ready to go as soon as you get that break.”

#4. Scout your fields
Farmers should scout fields before, during and after planting, looking for weed pressures and assessing the effectiveness of their control efforts, according to Prosser.  

He encourages farmers to note any weed escapes or application failures and to know the residuals of their pre-emerge herbicides. “Think through when you might need to go back in for a side-dress or a post-emerge application,” he says.  



Ag Equipment Market Outlook: Optimism Prevails Despite Economic Headwinds \

Equipment manufacturers are still recovering from the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, but through trial and tribulation, they have been working toward a state of normalcy.

According to AEM Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg, supply chain pressures and a lack of workforce retention have been ongoing struggles for the industry, and individual sectors are facing their own problems as well.

“Overall, far too many equipment manufacturers still feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions in operations, lead times on components, labor force participation and financial performance,” said Eideberg during AEM’s recent quarterly Equipment Market Outlook Webinar. “And the impact of this supply chain crunch is only worsened by nationwide workforce shortages.”

By use of regular surveys, AEM gauges its members thoughts regarding various economic trends and how they are affecting their efforts to do business, both within the United States and abroad. Information gained is detailed in AEM's Business Intelligence Dashboard and then later summarized in AEM’s quarterly Equipment Market Outlook Webinars.

With 2023 now in full swing, there are several key points from AEM’s most recent quarterly webinar that relate to the strains and pressures that have built up in the global ag sector over the last few years, according to presenter Charles Hart, agribusiness commodities analyst at Fitch Solutions.
Commodity prices are to remain elevated in 2023 despite the easing of year-over-year prices. Agricultural prices are poised to ease from the highs of 2022, but they remain elevated in recent historical terms while also remaining susceptible to bouts of heightened volatility. Beyond 2023 there is reason to expect continued normalization of prices, but a return to pre-COVID levels is not expected in the near term.

Interest rates and economic uncertainties are key struggles that will weigh on ag investment. Interest rates are expected to remain elevated through 2023 into 2024, which will ultimately weigh heavily on the broad ag tech market.

Elevated input prices will weigh on fertilizer usage rates, and energy costs are set to remain higher than pre-COVID levels. The fuel and fertilizer price surge of 2022, which had its origins at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to weigh on production volumes during the years to come.

Grains markets are set for tightness which will drive price volatility. There is reason to expect deteriorating production outlooks to weigh on inventories and export volumes.

In tracking the sales and global data, the ag equipment market is in a good position right now, and there is some optimism moving forward. However, supply chain issues and workforce retention remain to be constant struggles for equipment manufacturers, and their impact on the industry and the ag customers they serve can’t be overlooked.