Six college students to begin summer internships sponsored by Nebraska Corn
Six college students are participating in Nebraska Corn’s internship program. From left to right: Ashtyn Humphreys (Odell, Neb.), Samantha Oborny (Garland, Neb.), Alexis Bodlak (Thurston, Neb.), Cord Lee (Elsie, Neb.), Hannah Roebke (Seward, Neb.) and Emma Freebairn (Ottawa, Ill.).
Six college students will begin internships supported by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA). These internships are designed to provide students with an overview of Nebraska’s corn industry through real-world professional experiences.
These interns will work in various locations across the U.S. with key cooperators of NCB. These cooperators include the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and NeCGA. Most of these internships will conclude at the end of the summer, but two are yearlong and schoolyear experiences.
“Nebraska Corn has a reputation of excellence on the national stage, brought on by the students who participate and thrive in these internships,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “Each year we are surprised by the strong candidates we are able to interact with, and this year was no exception. We look forward to hearing about their successful experiences.”
Two summer interns will be hosted by NCGA. Hannah Roebke is majoring in broadcasting, journalism and sports media & communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). She will be interning with NCGA in St. Louis, focusing on communications and outreach. Alexis Bodlak, who is majoring in nutrition-community health and wellness, policy analysis and pre-law at UNL will be spending her summer in Washington, D.C. working on policy with NCGA.
Emma Freebairn will also be located in Washington, D.C. this summer as she completes her internship with USGC. Freebairn is majoring in agricultural communications at Iowa State University.
Cord Lee, majoring in animal science and agricultural economics at UNL is interning with USMEF in Denver, Colorado. With experience in production agriculture, he looks forward to experiencing the business side of where the meat he grows could end up around the world.
“Before I have even started my internship, I have been able to create meaningful connections with staff members, fellow interns and past interns,” said Lee. “Getting the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international trade and market availability in the red meat industry, as well as getting the opportunity to work with USMEF staff at an organization that strives to increase the value of United States red meat products through international markets is a very exciting opportunity and experience that I am looking forward to this summer.”
The two internship experiences located in Lincoln are with NCB and NeCGA. Samantha Oborny is an agricultural and environmental sciences communication major at UNL. Oborny will focus on communication and educational opportunities for Nebraska Corn during her yearlong internship. Ashtyn Humphreys is studying agricultural economics at UNL and will emphasize throughout her schoolyear internship on market development and research & innovation during her time at the Nebraska Corn Board.
“Interning with Nebraska Corn allows me to enhance and strengthen my skills in all areas of communication,” said Oborny. “With the support and guidance of the staff and board, I am eager to grow in my abilities that will ensure when I graduate college I am prepared for the workforce.”
Not only will students gain real-world experiences from these internship experiences but will also acquire valuable insight on possible future careers.
Interns will document their learning experiences through written updates and social media posts. To keep up with these students and their experiences, visit nebraskacorn.gov or follow the Nebraska Corn Board on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Governor Pillen declares May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska
Today, Governor Jim Pillen designated the month of May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska during a proclamation ceremony at the State Capitol. Renewable Fuels Month celebrates the crucial role that renewable fuels play in the state's economy, environment and energy security.
As environmental issues continue to spark national discussions, both ethanol and biodiesel are well-suited to combat global warming and promote cleaner air. Ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 43% compared to regular gasoline, and biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Domestically produced biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel are also significant economic drivers for ag producers across Nebraska.
Governor Pillen's proclamation recognizes the essential contributions that renewable fuels make to the state's economy and environment. At today’s proclamation ceremony, the governor was also joined by representatives from E Energy Adams, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Nebraska Soybean, Corn and Ethanol Boards along with their respective grower associations.
"Renewable fuels are an integral part of our state’s energy mix, providing value to farmers and all Nebraskans," said Andy Chvatal, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board. "We are happy to promote May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska and encourage all Nebraskans choose renewable fuels at the pump and celebrate the contributions of this vital industry to our state."
By designating May as Renewable Fuels Month, Governor Pillen underscores Nebraska's commitment to renewable fuels and its ongoing efforts to promote a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Throughout May, follow the Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska on social media to keep up to date with current promotions and social media contests.
SAVE THE DATE: NC Midyear Meeting 2023
Mark your calendars for the 2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting, which will take place on June 7-8 in North Platte!
Every NC Midyear Meeting starts with the NC Golf Tournament and the opening day ends with great steaks! River’s Edge Golf Course will host this year’s golf tournament and welcome reception. However, if golfing isn’t your thing, do not worry; we have you covered! Join your fellow cattle producers for a one-of-a-kind tour of North Platte. From soaking in the rich history of the Golden Spike Tower and learning from agriculture researchers at UNL’s West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, to witnessing the innovative conservation practices of the North Platte Fish Hatchery, participants will get a front-row seat to some of the best attractions Nebraska offers! Following a day of golfing and touring, NC invites you to the Midyear Meeting welcome reception for a delicious steak dinner and socializing.
On Thursday, June 8, NC members will meet at Mid-Plains Community College (North Platte’s South Campus) to hear from industry-leading experts and shape policy at NC’s policy committee meetings. The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch will be hosted in the gymnasium between policy committee meetings to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and Retail Value Steer Challenge winners and celebrate another year of advancing the future of Nebraska’s beef industry.
Watch for more information and registration materials on the Nebraska Cattlemen website at nebraskacattlemen.org. If you are interested in sponsoring NC’s Midyear Meeting, please contact Libby Schroeder by emailing lschroeder@necattlemen.org.
EXTENSION’S BEEFWATCH PODCAST OFFERS A RANGE OF PRACTICAL PRODUCTION ADVICE
It’s no wonder Nebraska is called the Beef State. The Nebraska beef sector includes 20,000 beef cow operations and 4,570 cattle feeding operations. The state on average has 2.3 million head of cattle on feed. All that activity combines to contribute about $12.1 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Since 2015, Nebraska Extension beef system specialists have contributed to the health of the industry through extension’s BeefWatch podcast. The popular program offers expert-level information on a range of practical production topics, including pasture management, nutrition, health, reproduction, genetics and marketing.
The podcast, a downloadable audio form of the BeefWatch newsletter, features interviews with extension educators highlighting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s latest research findings. In addition, UNL’s Producer Perspective interviews provide insights from Nebraska farmers and ranchers.
During 2022, Nebraskans downloaded BeefWatch podcast episodes 30,000 times. In all, the episodes were downloaded about 144,000 times — a 24% increase from 2021 — by listeners from 50 states and 78 countries.
“The BeefWatch podcast is an excellent source for continuing education on all things pertaining to the cow-calf segment of the beef industry, and more importantly, a discussion of and potential solutions to current challenges and issues cattle producers face,” said Tyson Narjes, who operates a farm and Angus-Hereford cow-calf operation in Sidney.
Typically, a podcast “gets around 500 downloads within the first couple of weeks of being released,” said BeefWatch host Aaron Berger, a beef systems extension educator in Scottsbluff. “After six months of being released, a podcast typically has around 1,000 downloads. Statistically, the BeefWatch podcast is in the top 5-10% of podcasts in terms of downloads and listens when compared to all of the podcasts that are available.”
Jay Jenkins began the BeefWatch podcast in 2015 when he was an extension educator based in Cherry County. He is now an extension zone coordinator.
Two recent BeefWatch podcasts illustrate the practical focus extension educators provide on beef-specific topics.
Troy Walz, a longtime beef systems extension educator in Custer County, spoke with Berger about understanding the stress periods that can result in nutrient deficiencies for cows and heifers. In his description of a pregnant cow’s needs, Walz noted that 70% of a calf’s growth is in the last 90 days, spurring a major increase in the cow’s nutritional requirements.
Walz also addressed these nutritional issues in a BeefWatch newsletter available online.
Hannah Smith, a beef systems extension educator in Ainsworth, spoke recently with Berger about considerations for producers in analyzing various types of forages, studying their price in conjunction with their energy and protein capacity. Smith cited values for forage types sourced from cattle diets collected as part of the research at the university’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory. Smith also examined this issue in a BeefWatch newsletter online.
As for the future, Nebraska Extension’s beef systems specialists noted their dedication to extension’s land-grant mission by incorporating the university’s latest research findings in BeefWatch and working closely with producers to maximize the podcast’s value.
Water Quality Project Focusing on Cattle and Conservation Expands into 5 More Counties
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that a successful Water Quality Initiative (WQI) demonstration project in southwest Iowa is expanding into five more Iowa counties, including Carroll, Guthrie, Cherokee, Ida and Woodbury. Secretary Naig made the announcement during a kickoff event in Cherokee as part of Soil and Water Conservation Week.
This project demonstrates the compatibility between cattle and conservation, and the creative opportunities to advance conservation-based cropping systems. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and other partners will work with farmers and landowners by using precision ag tools to identify, build and expand opportunities for forage-based crops where row crops are less profitable. Assistance will be provided to cattle producers on an individual basis to evaluate their operations and goals on a sub-field level and to identify the best opportunities to target conservation practices.
Since 2016, when the initial project launched in Taylor and Page Counties, 32,500 acres of cover crops have been planted, 5,200 acres of cropland have been converted to forage-based systems, and 32 grade stabilization structures have been constructed. These practices are proven to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality while helping the state move closer to achieving our Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals.
“This water quality project has been very successful in Taylor and Page Counties and reinforces that cattle and conservation make for a great combination,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “We are now expanding this creative and exciting project into five more counties including Carroll, Guthrie, Woodbury, Cherokee and Ida, and our goal is to continue to expand and replicate this innovative model statewide. Farmers and landowners are proving that we can conserve and protect our valuable natural resources while also keeping Iowa’s farmland working in ways that keep family farms productive.”
Project coordinators in Carroll and Cherokee Counties are being hired to provide technical expertise and resources to farmers and landowners at the local level. Goals and practice priorities include grazing and hay land planting, installing grade stabilization structures that incorporate watering systems, promoting extended crop rotations, incorporating the use of cover crops in livestock operations, and engaging new and beginning farmers.
The first phase of this expansion into the five-county WQI project area, which is also part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), is expected to cost approximately $465,000 and last through 2025. Additional partners include the Cherokee, Ida, Woodbury, Carroll and Guthrie County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cherokee and Carroll County Cattlemen, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa State University.
Tickets On Sale for BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark in Des Moines
Tickets are on sale for the inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark. The event takes place on Saturday, July 15 at Principal Park in Des Moines from noon to 4 p.m. There is no baseball game that day, but Principal Park will be open, and Iowans can enjoy delicious Iowa pork, sip beer from Iowa’s best breweries, and learn some grilling skills at a Pork BBQ Bootcamp. Music, food vendors, and other entertainment will also be provided for this family friendly event.
One of the highlights of the event is a Backyard BBQ Competition, with proceeds benefiting local food pantries. Amateur grill masters from across Iowa will showcase their skills cooking high-quality Iowa pork. More than $10,000 in cash prizes are available, and attendees can help determine the winners of the charity competition.
“This unique event will be a celebration of Iowa pork and Iowa craft beers, while raising money to help feed Iowans in need,” said Trish Cook, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). “We’ve never had an event in the Des Moines area quite like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, and it’s going to be one you’re not going to want to miss.”
The IPPA is partnering with the Iowa Cubs and Cactus Cares to host BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark. Full-price tickets cost $25, with $5 from every ticket purchase helping to provide pork for local food pantries. For just the BBQ experience, without the brew, tickets cost $15. Kids 5 and younger will be admitted free of charge. Purchase your ticket today.
“We’re really excited to host the inaugural BBQ & Brew at Principal Park this summer,” said Randy Wehofer, Iowa Cubs assistant general manager. “We love it when the ballpark can be a gathering place in the community for fun events that everyone can enjoy. We appreciate the partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Cactus Cares to create something that combines great food, great fun, and great service to our community.”
Slots are still open for the Backyard BBQ Competition. The entry fee for competitors is $150. All the meat for the competition will be provided by Berkwood Farms and the IPPA. Fareway will be providing numerous resources for BBQ and Brew at the Ballpark.
“Cactus Cares is thrilled to be part of the inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark,” said Wayne Craig, executive director of Cactus Cares. “The charity competition, or People’s Choice, will allow attendees to show their support for their favorite grill master, and all proceeds will be used to purchase pork for the food insecure in Iowa.”
Cactus Cares is a nonprofit organization that supports local food pantries.
To register to compete in the BBQ & Brew Backyard BBQ Competition and get more information, click on this link https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTc4NzMw or visit www.iowapork.org.
U.S. Exports of Ethanol and DDGS Spring Higher in March
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
March U.S. ethanol exports vaulted 27% to a ten-month high of 132.3 million gallons (mg). Canada was our largest destination for the 24th consecutive month given its 43% share of March exports, including 72% of all denatured shipments. Our neighbor’s imports of 56.6 mg, a 34% bump over February, represent the largest monthly volume of U.S. ethanol exports to a single country to date. Other major global customers in March included India (22.8 mg, up from zero to a 13-month high), the European Union (12.8 mg, +104%), the United Kingdom (8.7 mg, -11%), Peru (7.9 mg, +89% to an 11-month high), and Mexico (5.9 mg, +9%). Notably, exports considerably curbed to South Korea (5.2 mg, -50%), the Philippines (2.2 mg, -62%), and Jamaica (2.1 mg, -67%), while Brazil again remained essentially absent from the market with a 16% tariff on U.S. ethanol in place. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports total 354.1 mg, lagging 10% behind last year at this time and marking the smallest first quarter exports since 2016.
The U.S. did not log any meaningful imports of ethanol for the third consecutive month.
March U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, swung 17% higher to 898,086 metric tons (mt) upon elevated volumes in our larger markets. Mexico remained our top customer for the ninth consecutive month, with imports tallying 209,812 mt, a 23% leap over February volumes and a ten-month high. Mexico, South Korea (127,685, +7%), and Turkey (103,346 mt, +153%) together captured half of our global market in March. Indonesia (68,832 mt, +43%), Vietnam (53,259 mt, up a tick), and Canada (48,360 mt, +4%) imported sizeable volumes as well. Year-to-date DDGS exports total 2.43 million mt, coming in 16% below last year at this time and representing the smallest first quarter exports since 2019.
Korea: First Fully In-Person DDGS Conference Since Pandemic Held In Seoul
The U.S. Grains Council's (USGC's) office in South Korea recently hosted the 2023 U.S. DDGS Trade Promotion Conference to offer information on U.S. distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and its benefits. Pictured, this event was the first fully face-to-face event the office has held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) held the 2023 U.S. DDGS Trade Promotion Conference in Seoul, South Korea, that offered information on U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and its benefits, among other topics. Ninety research and development personnel and feed ingredient buyers from the Korean feed industry participated in the conference.
“Last year, Korea was the third-largest market for U.S. DDGS. The country imported 1.13 million metric tons, bringing imports to pre-COVID levels. However, the Korea office believes there is room for an additional 400,000 metric tons of consumption expansion and continues efforts to provide the latest technical information and develop new feed markets, such as pet food and aquaculture, to increase the U.S. DDGS inclusion ratios in the compound feed industry,” said Haksoo Kim, USGC director in South Korea.
Dr. Jerry Shurson of the University of Minnesota spoke at the event, providing the latest nutritional information on U.S. DDGS, examining the use of high-protein DDGS and reminding attendees of the environmental and biosafety benefits of DDGS. Additionally, Dr. Jae-cheol Jang of Gyeongsang National University gave a presentation on U.S. DDGS utilization status and expansion opportunities in Korea.
The Council has been promoting the use of U.S. DDGS in livestock and poultry rations since 2004 to expand the number of commercial feed manufacturers using the product. While most compound feed millers in Korea have been using U.S. DDGS, their average inclusion rates are lower than the recommended levels, so the Council is working to increase DDGS inclusion rates to the recommended levels in animal diets.
“The Council's Korea office will invite U.S. DDGS suppliers in the fall to offer one-on-one business meetings with Korean buyers and an opportunity to introduce new high protein products. We look forward to the participation of many interested DDGS suppliers,” Kim said.
Dairy Cattle Roadshow Yields Positive Results For Council, Collaborators
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently partnered with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USGE) to conduct a week-long dairy road show in Mexico. The group learned more about the needs of Mexican dairy producers, while also increasing the industry's awareness of U.S. feed grains during the week. Pictured, the group visited a dairy farm in Tepatitlan, Jalisco.
The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Mexico office recently hit the road to learn more about the needs of Mexican dairy producers and increase the industry’s awareness of U.S. feed grains. The week-long event was jointly conducted with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USGE) and was hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
This year’s program took place in Jalisco and Coahuila, the two largest dairy-producing states in Mexico. Events at both locations drew more than 100 participants including university students, dairy producers and members of local government. Through this program, the Council and its collaborators were able to reach a new market of end-users and open up the possibility of significant corn and corn co-product sales in the country.
These types of events enable the Council to join forces with other cooperators and work to achieve common goals in support of U.S. producers. Dairy is a strong, growing industry in Mexico, and it is extremely important for stakeholders there to understand the quality and availability of U.S. feed grains as they expand their operations and increase output.
The road show was part of a FAS-led cooperator activity in Mexico, where participants learned about cattle genetics and nutrition. Cooperators, which also included representatives from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and StoneX, strategized approaches to promote U.S. corn, soybeans and their co-products, which can improve livestock health, milk production and protein content through effective management of the grains’ amino acid profiles.
The group’s expert speakers held a seminar at Antonio Narro Agricultural University for industry participants, with a separate room reserved for students who watched the presentation via live stream. Council consultant Ruben Aguilera provided updates on grain market conditions and noted the advantages of incorporating distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) into cattle diets.
Council and FAS staff also organized farm visits where participants could see how the Mexican dairy industry operates daily. Stops included discussions with a major feed manufacturer, members of a dairy cooperative and an independent livestock farmer, providing the group with a wide range of experiences and information about the Mexican industry.
“The program was very well received by the participants, who were interested and engaged in learning how to get more value out of their livestock through protein-packed U.S. corn and its co-products,” said Javier Chávez, USGC marketing specialist in Mexico. “We were also able to have constructive discussions with our partners at FAS, USSEC and USGE about other collaborative projects in the future that will increase sales for U.S. producers in Mexico.”
Farmers go to Rome for climate conversations
This week, Solutions from the Land is in Rome to bring farmer voices to two major, international conversations on climate and sustainable development.
Amelia Levin Kent, who raises beef cattle in Louisiana, and Fred Yoder, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat in Ohio, have been sharing their insight and recommendations at the International Agri-Food Network’s (IAFN) Climate, Science and Innovation Forum and the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture’s (GACSA) Annual Forum.
International Agri-Food Network Forum
Amelia Levin Kent, an SfL farmer envoy, was among four international farmers and ranchers featured on a panel hosted by Solutions from the Land, Canadian Canola Growers Association and the Global Dairy Platform during the IAFN Climate, Science and Innovation Forum on May 3. The IAFN forum was attended by high-profile, senior Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) officials, including FAO General Director Qu Dongyu.
Amelia Levin Kent (a U.S. beef producer), Margaret Munene (a Kenyan dairy producer), Maria Beatriz (an Argentinian soybean farmer) and Marco Pasti (an Italian grain farmer) showcased the technologies and innovative circular approaches they use to both grow nutritious food and improve the environment.
On Kent’s beef cattle operation in Louisiana, she and her husband are experimenting with and implementing varying management practices that improve and balance the needs of the land, their cattle and their economics. They no-till drill ryegrass and clover for winter grazing, which helps feed and protect the soil while also providing nutrition for the cattle (and ultimately a nutrient-dense protein source for people). They focus on each of their properties as its own, independent unit, rotating cattle through those properties based on the growing conditions to allow for optimal forage regrowth.
“We’re focused on having the cows do as much of the work on the property as we can, thus reducing our dependence on machines,” Kent says.
Well managed grazing is a form of circular bioeconomy system. It not only reduces carbon emissions by cutting down on diesel and other greenhouse-gas-generating emissions from machines, it enables cattle to sequester carbon in the soil, which benefits the entire ecosystem while delivering food security.
During the forum, Kent and the other farmers had the opportunity to share the good work they are already doing on their farms and ranches. They also had the chance to present their concerns and ideas for improvement.
“I see a need for constant learning, thinking outside the box, experimentation complete with trial and error, and a focus on all aspects of business,” Kent says. “Too often I see farmers and ranchers focus on one variable of sustainability, so much so that they compromise other aspects of their business. The reality is a steward needs to focus on environmental sustainability and conservation, while simultaneously maintaining viable production levels (for food security) and a viable business (for their livelihood) to allow for further conservation.”
Ernie Shea, Solutions from the Land president, moderated the “Accelerating Farmers Capacities to Concurrently Deliver SDG Solutions Under Climate Change” workshop, which focused on circular bioeconomy systems applications and experimentation—including but not limited to the kind of grazing management Kent practices—to achieve better food and nutrition security outcomes while concurrently delivering a better environment.
FAO officials, represented by Lev Neretin, workstream lead for the environment, also participated, outlining ways FAO can help member countries and their agriculture/forestry producers build capacities and increase implementation of more circular, resource-efficient practices that concurrently achieve food and nutrition security, healthy ecosystem services, robust livelihoods, and other UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We are excited by this opportunity for farmers to tell their stories—both the incredible things they are doing on the land for people and the environment as well as the challenges they face and opportunities for improvement they see,” Shea says. “We cannot have a conversation about how to improve the sustainability of our food system and natural resources without it being grounded in the experiences and needs of farmers, ranchers and foresters. They are our front-line guardians of the land.”
Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture Forum
Directly following the IAFN forum, the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture is hosting its annual forum on May 4-5. Already, more than 100 people are registered for the hybrid virtual and in-person event. The Annual Forum will be another opportunity to showcase innovative and collaborative approaches to building a more resilient agricultural food system in the context of climate change.
“We have to identify local needs that farmers can relate to rather than only talk about reducing greenhouse gases,” says Fred Yoder, an SfL co-chair and North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA) chair. “Mitigating economic risk and building soil resilience—key components of climate-smart agriculture—resonates with farmers on a personal basis. Incentivizing farmers with benefits like these will be a more effective way of creating sustainable development than requiring farmers to change their practices through regulation. That’s why we emphasize being farmer-centric in these international discussions.”
Yoder will moderate a session where regional alliance members will report on the progress they have made in deepening support for climate-smart agriculture systems, practices, programs and investments at the country-level. NACSAA, of which SfL is a member, will share the major achievement of over $20 billion in climate-smart agriculture investments made by the U.S. through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Ernie Shea will moderate a session in which a diverse panel of GACSA members will spotlight innovative approaches, systems, technologies, practices and programs they are using to sustainably intensify production; adapt and improve resilience; reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions; and concurrently achieve food and nutrition security, healthy ecosystem services, robust livelihoods and other of the SDGs.
Featured speakers will include:
Dr. Shamie Zingore, director of research and development for the African Plant Nutrition Institute, will share about the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program in Africa.
Terry Cosby, chief of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will share about climate-smart agriculture programs for farmers in the U.S.
Dr. Allison Morrill Chatrchyan, senior research associate at Cornell University’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, will share about Cornell’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Knowledge Sharing Program.
The conversation will focus on the work these presenters are doing to deliver land-based solutions to problems like food insecurity, loss of biodiversity and water issues. They’ll also share insight on what could help scale up adoption of climate-smart agriculture systems and practices in their regions.
SfL thanks Amelia and Fred for meeting with Rome-based agencies and partners during the busy spring farm and ranch season, and we look forward to more opportunities to place producers at the forefront of global conversations about the future of food systems and agriculture.
AGCO Announces Capital Investment Project at Beloit and Cawker City Facilities in Kansas
AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announced today a capital improvement project that will increase production capacities for Massey Ferguson® and Fendt® Momentum® planters at its Kansas facilities in Beloit and Cawker City. The project – dubbed “Planter Accelerate” – will begin in the second quarter of this year and continue through the first quarter of 2024.
The additional capacities provided by the project will be leveraged to meet the significant growth expected for planters from both of AGCO’s primary North American equipment brands. Improvements from the Planter Accelerate project include streamlining production by freeing up factory space, improving material storage areas and receiving docks, and adding capacity to the manufacturing line and fabrication. The project will also bring a new 2D laser to the facility, which will not only replace aging equipment but also improve laser cut efficiencies by eight times and use less energy in doing so.
New capabilities and capacities in the plants are anticipated to bring additional jobs to both locations by the end of the project. Once complete, the Beloit and Cawker City operations will be capable of building planters, tillage, and drills year-round to meet climbing demands for these products. These greater production capacities will bring new, more simplified jobs to support the overall assembly line operation.
“Project Accelerate underscores AGCO’s commitment to our Beloit and Cawker City communities and our faith in the products they build,” said Justin Rexroat, director of supply chain for the Beloit site. “We’re tremendously excited about the new jobs and production improvements it will allow. The future of our planter division is very bright, and we’re ready for Beloit and Cawker City to deliver them to our farmers.”
Preparations for Project Accelerate are now underway, with construction and renovation in the facilities expected to begin by May 2023.
Slow-emerging Crops May Be Vulnerable to Pest Pressure
Each season brings a different set of disease challenges. Cool late-April weather that slowed soil warming has AgriGold Agronomist Nick Frederking concerned about below-ground pests like wireworm, white grub and seed corn maggots.
Frederking is concerned the insecticide protection included in a seed treatment could wear off before plants are ready to defend themselves. “That seed treatment is only active for 21 days,” he explains. “In an ideal season, the corn plant gets out of the ground within seven days and has protection for the next two weeks until the plant is big enough to defend itself. But if the plant is just emerging at two weeks, it will be more vulnerable to pest and disease pressure.”
Seed treatment protection has a shelf life
Frederking fielded a lot of calls from farmers in southern Illinois who were debating whether to plant as April wound down. “My advice has been to plant, but not to push,” he says.
While Frederking doesn’t expect germination issues, he warns fading seed treatment protection is an associated risk. “If you have a history of wireworm, white grub, seed corn maggot or have greenery in your fields, it’d probably be better to hold off on planting until things are a little warmer and the plant can actively grow while it has that protection with the seed chemistry,” Frederking says. “Wheat fields going to corn or soybeans may also face higher wireworm pressure.”
Prioritize hybrids and fields
Farmers who opt to plant while soil is cool and moist should prioritize hybrids based on their emergence scores. Then they should decide where to plant.
“Greenery in the field presents the opportunity for higher pest pressure,” Frederking says, advising farmers to remove foliage as quickly as possible. It presents a place for adult pests to lay their eggs that hatch into black cutworm, fall armyworm and corn borers. “If you are in a cover crop situation, make sure you get the cover crop terminated in a timely manner,” he says.
Good furrow closure should be another priority. “If you’re not closing the furrow well, insects and slugs can make their way in,” Frederking says. “Slugs can devastate crops. They use a more open furrow as a highway and feed unrestricted on actively emerging seedlings.”
Management practices also come into play. “If you are in a no-till environment and like to plant early, you know slugs,” Frederking explains. “If you’re typically a conventionally tilled, May-planted farmer, you probably don’t.”
Below-ground pests can force replants, above-ground pests can threaten plant health
Scouting for white grub and seed corn maggots is tough because they are in the soil. Wireworms are a bit easier to scout because they come to the soil surface early in the season to feed. Farmers can use bait stations two to three weeks ahead of planting to gauge pressure.
The damage these below-ground pests cause is relatively immediate. “Once they feed on the seed, you’ve either lost the seed or compromised emergence, leaving the farmer with a replant decision,” Frederking explains. Black cutworm’s impact is similar; if cutworms clip enough plants, a farmer may need to replant. On the other hand, pests like corn borer, armyworm or corn earworm can induce stalk rot or open a plant to infection – impacts that can plague farmers season-long.
Farmers can minimize these above-ground threats with smart trait selection and insecticide application. The most effective ways to manage below-ground pests are with planting timing and seed treatments, according to Frederking. “Seed treatments are a good investment.”
Case IH Set to Reshape Strip-Till Market Through Partnership with AGuru Machinery
CNH Industrial, parent company to Case IH has entered into an agreement with AGuru Machinery, a strip-tillage company based in Congerville, Illinois. With this relationship, Case IH incorporates a key partner to enhance and elevate its Strip-Till product offering with the most dependable, productive, and agronomically superior Strip-Till solutions to meet the growing demands of our customers.
“AGuru Machinery expands our capabilities within our Strip-Till portfolio and serves as a reminder that we are committed to advancing soil management technology, agronomically sustainable practices and the future of farming,” said Monte Weller, global product leader for crop production. “Strip-Till is a game-changer for soil health, cost savings and yield productivity.”
As the industry grapples with opportunities for improved carbon management, labor resources and input costs, the growth and implementation of strip-tillage practices have shown to have tremendous upside for farmers working to improve soil health, reduce fuel usage and increase product application efficiency. This partnership reinforces the Case IH mission to offer the most advanced agronomic solutions across its entire product portfolio to create a better growing environment and increase yield potential.
Years of research and development from AGuru Machinery have resulted in the creation of the best possible soil conditions for seed establishment, root growth and yield potential. Combining AGuru Machinery’s portfolio with agronomically superior equipment and solutions from Case IH and advanced technology through sister brand Raven Industries optimizes the potential for increased ROI and cost savings.
“This agreement will allow us to incorporate more options to serve our farmers more effectively and efficiently,” added Scott Harris, global brand president for Case IH. “The future of farming depends on ingenuity and creative solutions. At Case IH we’ve been solving these problems for over 180 years, and we are confident and proud to call AGuru Machinery a partner moving forward.”
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