Tuesday July 11 Ag News

FREE Nebraska Pork Expo Wednesday, July 19

Anyone involved or interested in the pork industry is invited to attend the Nebraska Pork Expo on July 19 in York, Nebraska.  

The program will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the keynote from Govenor Pillen taking place shortly after 9 a.m. at the Holthus Convention Center. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.  

Govenor Pillen will be followed by a full day of pertinent topics for those involved in the pork industry. Topics include current USDA programs, swine health, loose sow housing, research updates, along with The Nebraska Pork Producers Annual meeting. There will also be a class offered to those seeking continuing education credits. A free social hour, with door prizes, will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to round out the day.  

The event is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and York County Development Corporation. 

To register visit becomeafan.org, email info@a-fan.org, or call 402.421.4472. Walk-ins are welcome.



WATER QUALITY
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

When cattle are on pasture, both forage and water quality are important for healthy animals. Surface water is particularly prone to quality issues, such as blue-green algae, salinity, mineral concentrations, or nitrate.

Several factors can cause livestock water to be less than ideal for quality, which can impact animal productivity and health. While not common in Nebraska, salinity or minerals can cause animals to limit or refuse consumption in some locations.  In some circumstances concentrations can become high enough to be toxic. Dissolved salt and mineral concentrations increase with dry conditions as water evaporates.

Another issue more common in Nebraska surface water is high nitrates. While elevated nitrates from groundwater sources feeding a pond may be a cause, more common is runoff from other sources of nitrate contamination. Cattle can deal with nitrate levels in water that are unsafe for human consumption, but the real danger comes from elevated nitrate levels in water coupled with feed sources that are also high in nitrates.  The compounding effect can push a borderline ration into toxic levels or accelerate nitrate toxicity that is already occurring.

Blue-green algae is a very common occurrence in still water during the summer months. If the conditions are right, a bloom of growth can occur quickly, contaminating the water. Consumption can kill livestock within 24 hours. Algae blooms have traditionally been treated with copper sulfate following proper instructions for rates and exclusions. However, when booms become more frequent, repeated copper treatments can cause a buildup of the element in the environment and animal management becomes our preferred response.

Assuring water is good quality will go a long way toward making summer grazing better and healthier cattle.



Soybean farmer feedback wanted for online management optimization tool

What if you could have an app that could tell you about the impact on yield and profit from different management practices? For example, how much profit could you make if you apply fungicide in your field? Or what soybean seeding rate will result in maximum profit?

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are looking for farmers to help with a survey called “Data-Driven Knowledge Project.” This survey will contribute to the creation of a new online cropping system optimization decision tool for soybeans that combines the factors of soil, seed, weather, planting date, seeding rate, chemical inputs, and soybean prices to help you make more profitable management decisions. Researchers need farm operators’ help to fine-tune the tool to your specific field conditions.

To access this survey online, please go to the link listed below. You do not need to enter a unique identification number. Please think about your fields in 2022 when answering. You will need this information to complete the survey... https://nebraskasoybeans.org/file/203.

NCSRP Producer Survey - 2022-23 - https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7a5e999e1832473a8b5fd2a2d21d234f

The survey takes around 15 minutes. Your participation is voluntary. All responses will be kept confidential. Your answers will be combined with other people’s answers in all reports, papers, presentations, and other analyses so nobody can tell who gave which answers. No identifying information will be reported. Thus, there are no known risks to participating.

By completing the survey, you will get first access to the new web-based platform that houses a scouting app and a new agronomic management tool based on the data we are collecting in this project.

You can contact the researchers at lpuntel2@unl.edu or laura.thompson@unl.edu for questions about the study. You can also contact the Bureau of Sociological Research, which is assisting with the data collection, at 1-800-480-4549 or email bosr@unl.edu. The UNL Institutional Review Board approved the survey. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, you can contact them at 402-472-6965.



Record-Setting Activity Ebbs as Real Estate Market Slows Down

The agriculture real estate market entered a period of de-escalation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022. The market experienced a reduction in both sales volume and value growth since that time, as interest rates increased, and inflation pressures became more apparent.  

That trend has continued into the first half of 2023 with fewer properties being offered for sale and market values that, while still strong, are dramatically off the pace seen in the first half of 2022.

Results from the Federal Reserve District Surveys reflect this trend between the third and fourth quarter of 2022 and now continuing into the first half of 2023. Value growth is still positive across the Midwest, but increases are now in the single digits instead of the double digits seen in 2021 and 2022.

Farm operators remain the largest group of buyers through Farmers National Company, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all land sale transactions.  

“These operators have enjoyed a period of high liquidity over the past five years but are now moving into a period of increasing debt service and borrowing. This will most likely result in less available cash reserve to deploy for capital expenditures and land purchases,” said Paul Schadegg, senior vice president of real estate operations for Farmers National Company. “While investors have not always been the successful buyer of properties offered for sale, they certainly are part of the equation, helping set a floor on land values and creating a competitive market. If farm operators step back from aggressive bidding for land, investors will most likely step in to take advantage of purchasing options.”

There continues to be a strong appetite for agriculture properties from individuals considering farm expansion and investment opportunities due to positive attributes of the ag economy. That overall bullish outlook for the ag economy will continue to drive the demand for high quality cropland, Schadegg noted.

Commodity markets will remain the primary driver in land sale activity and value moving forward.  

“But with that being said, profitability is what will determine what the land market will bear. So, we must consider rising interest rates, inflation and supply chain into the overall picture,” Schadegg said. “Landowners continue to look for opportunity in the agriculture land market, deciding if this is the best time to sell at historic values or retain ownership of what continues to be a very valuable asset.”

The sales volume at Farmers National Company through the first half of 2023 continues to exceed the five-year average but is slightly off the “exceptional” pace set in 2021 and 2022. Motivated buyers continued to drive bidding at late spring sales, resulting in stable and strong values across all classes of land, Schadegg said.

“Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, we anticipate strong competition for high quality land offered for sale. The overall U.S. agriculture economy is healthy with Midwestern banks reporting increased operational lending but strong loan performance and projections for a profitable 2023 growing season. Our pipeline for scheduled fall sales is beginning to fill at a typical pace with buyers and sellers of farmland requesting information on upcoming sales,” Schadegg said.

“We remain confident that the strong demand for quality agriculture land will continue through the year. That opinion, coupled with the stable ag economy and a supply/demand scenario favoring the land owner, will maintain the current and long-term value of farmland across the U.S,” he added.

West Central Region: Eastern Nebraska
Areas in eastern Nebraska have seen a slight softening of the market on lower or marginal quality ground in the past few months.  

“Still, there appears to be good competition between buyers that have 1031 exchange money available for farmland purchases,” said Chanda Scheuring, Farmers National Company Area Sales Manager.

Central Region: Iowa
In Iowa, Farmers National Company continues to see very strong sale values for high quality Iowa cropland.

“However, we are not seeing the steady gains we experienced over the past two years. The one-year trend line for cropland value is certainly reflecting a plateau,” said Farmers National Company Area Sales Manager Tom Schutter.  



Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation Highlights Recent Advancements for Biodiesel

The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation commemorated significant developments for biodiesel during Clean Fuels Alliance America’s Board meeting held in Washington, D.C. last month. Notable accomplishments include the successful implementation of B100 EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants and advancements in modeling techniques that have led to remarkable improvements in lowering land use scores for biodiesel feedstocks and other advanced biofuels.

The Foundation has played a pivotal role in elevating national awareness of B100 (100% biodiesel use in vehicles) through its groundbreaking efforts in securing the first B100 EPA DERA grants in 2020, collaborating with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the District of Columbia. As a result, over 130 B100-powered vehicles, ranging from snowplows to trash haulers, now form an integral part of these fleets.

The impactful DERA projects showcase the immense potential of B100 as a carbon reduction strategy garnering attention from major fleets while prompting adoption of the technology in several national locations. Such achievements underscore the Foundation's commitment to driving sustainable advancements in the biofuel industry and transforming transportation with cleaner alternatives.

Mark Caspers, the Foundation’s Chair, is a distinguished Nebraska farmer and passionate biodiesel advocate, guiding the organization’s efforts. With decades of agricultural expertise, he exemplifies an unwavering commitment to sustainability and the potential of biodiesel.

"I firmly believe in showcasing the effectiveness of our agricultural products,” said Caspers. “With over 20 years of experience using biodiesel blends on my farm, I'm excited about B100's immediate impact on reducing carbon emissions for a wide range of vehicles. Biodiesel can lower carbon by more than 70% on average compared to petroleum-based fuels.”

This kind of dedication, under Caspers’ leadership, continues to drive innovation and initiatives for the Foundation resulting in a far-reaching positive impact on the environment and the entire biofuels industry.

Veronica Bradley, Director of Environmental Science for Clean Fuels, highlighted the crucial role the Foundation has played in funding significant land use change research over the years.

“The Foundation’s research modeling projects have helped lower the indirect land use change carbon intensity of soybean oil for biodiesel from 62 g CO2e/MJ to 9 g,” said Bradley. “I believe it has room for even further improvement as the agricultural industry lowers its carbon footprint. These accomplishments are a testament to the Foundation's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the biofuel industry.”

The Foundation continues to successfully educate Congressional staff and members offering invaluable insights into the biofuels industry through its annual educational tours. Recent tours in Maryland and Louisiana demonstrated the tangible impact of federal policies on the sector. The next tour is scheduled for Sept. 8 in California, reaffirming the Foundation's commitment to fostering understanding among policymakers about biofuels' significance in promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions today.



Iowa Suicide Prevention Coalition Summit Focuses on Building Hope in Rural Communities

The Iowa Suicide Prevention Coalition Summit: Building Hope in Rural Communities will be held at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames on Wednesday, Aug. 30. This summit is presented by the Iowa Suicide Prevention Planning Committee and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The summit will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and interactive workshops designed to provide attendees with the latest information on suicide prevention strategies. Tools and resources to help support those who may be struggling with mental health issues will also be available, especially for those in rural Iowa.  

Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/C4BAJE. Registration is highly recommended for members of county and community suicide prevention coalitions.

“The program will include useful information that local suicide prevention coalitions can take home and use right away to benefit their communities," said Lori Reynolds, community engagement and partnership coordinator with the VA-Central Iowa Health Care System. “We hope that you will be able to join us for what promises to be a truly inspiring and informative gathering.”

The registration cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch and a morning break. Program funding has been partially supported by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number 2020-70028-32728; 3.75 hours of continuing education units have been applied for.



Call for Recipes Pairing Soy and Turkey in Iowa Chefs’ Competition

Iowa professional chefs have until August 31 to submit their original recipes featuring turkey and soyfoods for The Perfect Pairing: Turkey and Soy Recipe Contest. Contestants will compete for a portion of $15,000 in cash prizes. The competition is sponsored by the Iowa Turkey Federation and the Iowa Soybean Association to promote the creativity and expertise of the state’s chefs as they develop new turkey and soy menu items.

The three recipe categories for The Perfect Pairing contest are Soups, Bowls, and Small Plates (appetizers and snacks) combining the two high-quality proteins. In each category, $5,000 in cash awards will be distributed.

First place winners each receive $2,500; second place awards are $1,500, with third place prizes of $1,000. All winners will be awarded display plaques for their restaurants. Chefs also will feature their recipes on the menu for three months, providing restaurant patrons with an opportunity to enjoy the award-winning dishes.

The top three winners in each category will have a photo shoot for media purposes. Winning recipes and photos will be provided to foodservice publications and featured in social media programs.

Here’s how to enter:
Chefs from Iowa restaurants or other commercial foodservice operations should submit their recipes to The Perfect Pairing: Turkey and Soy Recipe Contest by August 31, 2023 to lfunk@thesoyfoodscouncil.com.

Qualifying turkey ingredients:  Recipes should include new applications for ground turkey, turkey tenderloins or turkey breast meat. No turkey burgers, deli meats or Thanksgiving recipes, please.

Qualifying soy products: Edamame, TVP® (Textured Vegetable Protein, also called TSP or Textured Soy Protein), miso and tofu—silken or water-packed. Soybean oil also may be included as an ingredient.

Competition judges will be looking for the most creative, innovative recipes pairing turkey with soy in ways that address today’s eating trends. For example, entries can feature turkey and soy pairings that appeal to snackers, adventurous restaurant-goers seeking out global tastes, or flexitarian consumers who want new, lighter menu options. Winners will be announced in October, 2023.

For more contest information, visit The Soyfoods Council website at www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com  and the Iowa Turkey Federation at www.iowaturkey.org.  



EIA Trims 2024 Renewable Diesel Production Forecast After EPA RFS Rule

The Energy Information Administration on Tuesday, July 11, in its Short-term Energy Outlook, said it reduced expected domestic production of renewable diesel fuel for 2024 by 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) or 2.8% to 219,000 bpd following the Environmental Protection Agency's June 21 final rule for 2023-2025 volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"Prior to this month's STEO, we assumed that some of the announced capacity additions for renewable diesel would not be completed because of the possibility of increased feedstock costs or decreased credit values. In response to the final RFS rule, we now assume lower plant utilizations and more proposed plants to be canceled than we did previously," said EIA. "Nonetheless, we still expect production growth based on our assumption that some of the announced projects will come online in the next 18 months."

For this year, EIA boosted its outlook for renewable diesel fuel production by 4,000 bpd or 2.2% to 161,000 bpd.



Ninety-Plus Trade Groups Representing Businesses Across the Transportation Sector Urge Biden Administration to Reconsider Tailpipe Emissions Rules

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today joined over 90 other trade groups representing diverse businesses across the transportation sector in urging the Biden administration to reverse course on its proposed tailpipe emissions standards for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

In a letter to President Biden, the organizations outlined significant concerns with the EPA’s proposed rules and the need to preserve consumers’ access to affordable, reliable and efficient transportation.

“We share the goal of reduced greenhouse gas emissions across the broader economy and, specifically, those from energy production, transportation, and use by society,” the letter states. “EPA’s proposals inhibit the marketplace from identifying the most efficient, lowest cost opportunities to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles and greatly restrict consumer choice. We are concerned that such a prescriptive policy is not in the best interest of the consumer or of U.S. energy and economic security.”

The letter also expressed concerns with EPA’s narrow focus on electric vehicles to achieve compliance and highlighted the benefits of evaluating a broader range of emissions reductions pathways.
 
“A diversified portfolio of vehicle and fuel technologies that meets the multitude of transportation needs of Americans and makes meaningful GHG reductions can be achieved while also allowing new zero-emission vehicle, and specifically battery electric vehicle, technologies to advance,” the signatories wrote. “Improved crop yield, innovative biofuel and refined product processing, and manufacturing efficiency tied with carbon capture each represent promising advancements for current liquid and gaseous fuels to continue to accelerate emissions reductions.”

Brooke S. Appleton, NCGA vice president of public policy, participated in a press conference on the issue today with leaders from the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The group talked about the letter and called on the Biden administration to be more inclusive of ethanol and other environmental solutions as it finalizes the proposal.
 
NCGA and state corn grower leaders have worked to educate EPA about how biofuels can help the Biden administration meet its environmental goals. NCGA submitted comments to EPA and its grassroots advocate network sent more than 2,822 letters to the EPA during the comment period. In all its outreach, NCGA has made clear that ethanol, which is critical to rural economies, can help lower greenhouse gas emissions while saving consumers money at the pump.




FACA Applauds USDA for Taking Steps to Improve GHG Accounting

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is encouraged by reports that several FACA priorities are included in USDA’s plan to improve greenhouse gas emissions accounting and reporting, including the launch of a national soil carbon monitoring network and further updates to conservation practice standards.

We applaud USDA for taking steps to update and improve the quality of data surrounding the emissions reduction potential of climate-smart practices. FACA supports science-based evaluation mechanisms for GHG quantification that account for the diversity and breadth of agricultural and forestry production systems. This work is critical to enhancing trust and confidence in the measurement of emissions outcomes that will allow new markets to flourish. Continued stakeholder input is necessary to ensure strong protections for producer privacy, and standards for data governance.

FACA members are united in support of climate policies that are voluntary, market-based and scientifically sound. Read FACA policy recommendations and see the full list of member organizations at agclimatealliance.com.
 



Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

"Xochitl Torres Small has dedicated her career to serving the agriculture industry and the American people, and I have witnessed her lead with energy, authenticity and personal investment that I know will leave an impact on USDA for years to come. As the granddaughter of migrant farm workers, Xochitl experienced firsthand the challenges that many producers and rural communities face day in and day out. The hard work and determination she witnessed informs her commitment to public service and her respect for those we serve. Under her leadership, our Rural Development team has made record progress working to drive down energy costs, improve access to high-speed internet, expand processing capacity to help America’s livestock producers attain fairer prices for their work, and provide affordable housing options for rural residents.

“At this critical time when USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration are laser-focused on mobilizing historic investments to rebuild our economy and secure healthier, more vibrant communities for future generations, I am grateful to have Xochitl’s partnership at the helm of the People’s Department. She has time and again met the moment with a collaborative approach and a can-do spirit, and I applaud Congress for confirming her as USDA’s next Deputy Secretary.”     

Since October 2021, Torres Small has served as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. Effective July 14, Rural Development Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning will serve as Acting Under Secretary.

Prior to joining USDA, Torres Small was a United States Representative for the fifth largest district in the country. As a Member of Congress, she served as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Armed Services Committee and as chairwoman of the Oversight, Management, and Accountability Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee. Xochitl was the first woman and first person of color to represent New Mexico’s second congressional district.



Torres Small Confirmation Big Plus for Ag

The American Soybean Association and soy growers expect the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be a positive for agriculture.

ASA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Censky, who served in the position from 2017-2020, said, “Torres Small’s comprehensive background in D.C. will bring great value and insight to the position—from her time as a district court clerk, attorney working in water and natural resources law, on through her service in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and most recently with USDA Rural Development.”

In a letter signed by ASA and other organizations in support of Torres Small’s nomination in March, the groups said, “Under Secretary [of Rural Development] Torres Small has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing challenges in the agricultural supply chain, fostering economic opportunities and security through rural infrastructure investments, and fighting for the needs of rural Americans. Her dedication to public service and skilled administration of USDA’s Rural Development mission area make her uniquely qualified for the role of Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.”

ASA was pleased to work with Deputy Secretary Jewell Bronaugh during her time with the department and looks forward to continuing positive relations with USDA and Torres Small.

 

NCBA Congratulates Xochitl Torres Small on Confirmation as USDA Deputy Secretary

Today, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane released a statement congratulating Xochitl Torres Small on her confirmation as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
 
“NCBA congratulates Xochitl Torres Small on her bipartisan confirmation as USDA Deputy Secretary. In her previous role as Under Secretary for Rural Development, she was an advocate for rural communities, and we know she will continue supporting our nation’s beef farmers and ranchers in her new role. We thank the Senate for confirming such a qualified nominee and we look forward to working with her in the future.”



NFU Statement on Xochitl Torres Small Confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“NFU welcomes the confirmation of Deputy Secretary Torres Small in her new role. Rural communities are stronger and more resilient because of the work she’s done at Rural Development and in her time as a Member of Congress representing New Mexico. Family farmers and ranchers have a champion in the Deputy Secretary.”



AFBF Applauds Confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

“AFBF congratulates Xochitl Torres Small on her confirmation, and we look forward to working closely with her on the big issues ahead for agriculture. Her previous leadership experience at USDA and her time on the House Agriculture Committee give her important perspective and solid experience to hit the ground running in addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities ahead for America’s farmers and ranchers.”



NMPF Applauds Xochitl Torres Small’s Confirmation as Deputy Agriculture Secretary
President and CEO Jim Mulhern:

“On behalf of America’s dairy farmers and their cooperatives, we congratulate Xochitl Torres Small on her Senate confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Her rich family heritage in agriculture, as well as her career in public service in Congress and at USDA, will bring valuable perspective to the position, and we know she will bring great insight and energy to her new role. We look forward to continuing our work together to tackle the many pressing issues that affect agriculture and our rural communities.”



Statement of NCFC President Chuck Conner on the Confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

On behalf of America’s farmer co-ops and their members, I congratulate Xochitl Torres Small on her confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture today. As NCFC noted when she was nominated, her grounding in the broad range of issues she handled as under secretary for rural development—along with her experience earlier in her career serving on the House Agriculture Committee—prepares her well for this new position. We look forward to continuing the productive working relationship we have developed with Deputy Secretary Torres Small as she assumes this new role.”



USDA Announces Funding Available to Support U.S. Sheep Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $300,000 in available grant funding through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States. Grant applications are currently being accepted through September 15, 2023.

“Projects funded by the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program have already made measurable impacts on our nation’s sheep industry,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “From increasing processing capacity in areas experiencing bottlenecks in production to expanding critical research on pathogens affecting sheep flocks, projects such as these will ultimately increase the availability and consumption of sheep products across the country.”

In 2019, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a five-year grant for $1.9 million to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC). Each year, the center subawards approximately $300,000 to projects that develop solutions for practical problems and address the needs of the entire sheep industry, while focusing on the measurable benefits for sheep producers, encouraging partnerships among other sheep industry organizations, and reducing duplication of effort among participating organizations.

Additional information is available on the AMS Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program webpage https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/spmgp. Applications must be submitted directly to the NSIIC and will be reviewed by their Board of Directors via a competitive process. The board will then make funding recommendations to AMS for approval.



As drought grips the Midwest, growers weigh fungicide use

With 2023 planting complete, growers are turning their attention to managing their in-season inputs, and one of the key decisions remaining this year is whether or not to use a fungicide. With much of the Midwest currently under moderate to exceptional drought conditions, growers may be debating if applying a fungicide is worth it since dry conditions can limit disease pressure.

“Growers are asking if it will be worth it to spray a fungicide this year, but the question should actually be if they can afford not to,” said Logan Romines, Syngenta fungicide product lead. “The disease risk this year may be lower, but choosing the right fungicide can still help preserve yield under drought conditions. With the Syngenta portfolio of fungicides, like Miravis® Neo, Miravis Top, Miravis Ace and Trivapro®, growers can expect cleaner and greener fields with higher yield and return on investment potential.”

By choosing a fungicide with both exceptional disease control and proven plant-health benefits, growers can expect stronger, healthier plants ― even under drought conditions. Why? It all comes down to three pillars: light absorption, water conservation and harvest efficiency.

“Better water conservation with Syngenta plant-health fungicides means a lower transpiration rate in the leaves, minimized water vapor loss in the crop, better moisture retention, and a more efficient use of water ― which is key in a drought,” said Tyler Harp, Syngenta fungicide technical product lead. “Leaves that are greener can then capture more light energy from the sun. When combined, improved water conservation and a more efficient use of light energy ensure a healthier and more productive crop that will maximize grain fill and higher potential yield.”

In the last five years, 2020 was the driest summer and 2021 was the wettest1. But in both scenarios, the Syngenta Cleaner & Greener fungicide portfolio still showed excellent performance and improved yields over untreated acres. In the dry conditions of 2020, Miravis Neo and Trivapro delivered an average 14.1 bushels per acre (bu/A) yield increase over untreated; and in the wet, tar-spot-heavy conditions of 2021, they delivered an average 17.2 bu/A increase over untreated2. “That’s why choosing a fungicide with both exceptional disease control and proven plant-health benefits will be key in 2023 to stop drought or disease from drying up your yield,” Harp said.

Romines agreed. “Years of trials have shown these Cleaner & Greener fungicides deliver consistently healthier plants with higher potential yield,” he said. “When Mother Nature is inconsistent, the results from Syngenta fungicides aren’t. The data shows ADEPIDYN technology found in our Miravis brand family and SOLATENOL technology found in Trivapro ultimately will preserve your yield and help put the odds in your favor for higher profitability.”

Interested in how Cleaner & Greener fungicides can boost your bottom line? Try our Miravis Revenue Calculator to see how you can unlock your potential return on investment https://www.syngenta-us.com/p/boost-your-bushels/calculator/.