Thursday September 28 Ag News

 NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY UP 4%

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on September 1, 2023, was 3.70 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was up 4% from September 1, 2022, but unchanged from June 1, 2023. Breeding hog inventory, at 400,000 head, was down 2% from September 1, 2022, but up 3% from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.30 million head, was up 5% from last year, but down slightly from last quarter.

The June - August 2023 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.18 million head, was up 5% from 2022. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 185,000 head, unchanged from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.80 for the June - August period, compared to 11.25 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 185,000 sows during the September - November 2023 quarter, down 3% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for December 2023 - February 2024 are 185,000 sows, up 3% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.

Iowa:  On September 1, 2023, there were 24.4 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. Inventory was up 2 percent from the previous quarter and up 3 percent from the previous year.  

The June-August 2023 quarterly pig crop was 5.43 million head, up slightly from the previous quarter but down 9 percent from last year. A total of 460,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.80 for the quarter.

As of September 1, producers planned to farrow 490,000 sows and gilts in the September-November 2023 quarter and 480,000 head during the December 2023-February 2024 quarter.



Quarterly Hogs and Pigs: United States Hog Inventory Up Slightly

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on September 1, 2023 was 74.3 million head. This was up slightly from September 1, 2022, and up 2 percent from June 1, 2023. Breeding inventory, at 6.08 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, and down 1 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 68.2 million head, was up slightly from last year, and up 2 percent from last quarter.

By State               (1,000 hd  -  % Sept 1 '22)
Iowa .................:        24,400  -   103  
Minnesota ........:         8,700  -    99  
North Carolina ..:         8,000  -    96  
Illinois ..............:         5,350  -   102  
Indiana .............:         4,450  -   102  

The June-August 2023 pig crop, at 34.2 million head, was up slightly from 2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.95 million head, down 4 percent from 2022. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 48 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.61 for the June-August period, compared to 11.13 last year.

United States hog producers intend to have 2.93 million sows farrow during the September-November 2023 quarter, down 5 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 4 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for December 2023-February 2024, at 2.91 million sows, are down 1 percent from the same period one year earlier, and down slightly from the same period two years earlier.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 52 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 2 percent from the previous year.



Ricketts Leads Call for USDA to Categorize AMS Market News as Essential in Any Government Shutdowns

Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a group of five Republican Senators calling on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to categorize the Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service Market News Department as essential during any future government shutdowns.

In addition to Ricketts, the letter was signed by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry John Boozman (R-AR), and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS).

AMS Market News provides accurate, timely, and reliable market information to all contributors to the agricultural supply chain including producers, processors, distributors, and retailers. The essential data also helps our agricultural exporters navigate international markets and remain competitive globally.

“Due to these critical impacts, we request you officially designate the AMS Market News Department as an essential service within the USDA,” the senators wrote. “This designation would ensure its continued operation during any future government shutdowns, guaranteeing that farmers, ranchers, and the broader agricultural community can access the market information they need to make informed decisions and sustain our nation's agricultural industry.”



GRAZING DROUGHT STRESSED CROP RESIDUE
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension Educator

Grazing drought stressed crop residue and moisture stressed pivot corners can be a feed source opportunity; but may also have possible nitrate concerns and rapidly declining residue quality. Also, shorter grass pastures may be motivating producers to begin earlier fall crops residue grazing.

When it comes to stalks residue, grain sorghum stover will retain nutrient grazing value longer than corn. This year, quickly declining stalks quality, may trigger earlier residue grazing for corn and sorghum soon after grain harvest with both residues providing good nutrition for mid- to late-gestation cattle following fall harvest.

Although both residues provide the highest nutrient content soon after grain harvest; prioritize grazing corn stalk fields first. Corn leaves tend to detach from stalks within one to two months after harvest and then blow out of stalk fields; thus, lowering grazing nutritional content. In contrast, grain sorghum stover leaves remain attached to stalks much longer into the winter and early spring retaining nutritional value.

Previous grain sorghum yields can be used to set optimum grazing stalking rates. For example, grazing rates might be 1 acre per cow per month for every 100 bushels of harvested sorghum. Unlike corn residue, grain sorghum stover can have prussic acid toxicity along with possible nitrate toxicity risk especially if cattle are forced to graze the lower 8 inches of drought stressed stalks. To reduce nitrate risk, do not force cattle to completely graze lower stalks; and delay initial cattle turnout into stressed stalk fields until afternoons with at least partially filled rumens. To reduce prussic acid risk, limit or delay grazing of sorghum stover if tiller regrowth is occurring at the base of sorghum stalks. Pause grazing stressed sorghum stalk fields for one week following the first fall frost where temperatures do not drop low enough to actually kill sorghum.

More crop residues research information is available on: cropwatch.unl.edu and beef.unl.edu.  



USDA to survey row crops county acreage and production

Starting in October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey a sample of producers in 37 states, including Nebraska, as part of its 2023 Row Crops County Agricultural Production Survey. The survey will collect information on total acres planted and harvested and total yield and production of row crops to support estimates down to the county level. Producers can complete their survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov.

“The data provided by producers will help federal and state programs support the farmer,” said Nicholas Streff, Director of the NASS Northern Plains Regional Field Office. “We hope every producer who receives this survey will take the time to respond. Producers benefit when there are data available to help determine accurate loan rates, disaster payments, crop insurance price elections, and more. Without data, agencies such as USDA’s Risk Management Agency or Farm Service Agency may not have enough information on which to base their programs.”

If producers do not submit their completed questionnaires by November 1, a NASS representative will contact selected Nebraska farmers to arrange interviews. The information producers provide will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, responses will be kept confidential and will not be published in identifiable form.

The data will be published on February 23, 2024, in NASS’s Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov. For more information on this survey, visit nass.usda.gov/go/county-production or contact the NASS Northern Plains Field Office at (800) 582-6443.



Iowa Soybean Farmers Applaud House Lawmakers for Defending Commodity Checkoff Programs
 
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) today commends Iowa U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-04), Ashley Hinson (R-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-01), and Zach Nunn (R-03), for defending farmer-funded research and promotion programs in the U.S. House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration Appropriations bill.
 
Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president, seed business owner and a sixth-generation soybean, corn and livestock farmer from Farmersburg, issued the following statement:
 
“On behalf of the Iowa Soybean Association, I commend our state’s U.S. House delegation for working to protect the future of commodity checkoff programs that provide value and opportunities for farmers. For decades, these programs have resulted in longstanding, proven track records for promoting agricultural products in support of American farmers, including the state’s 40,000 soybean growers.
 
“Iowa’s soybean farmers know the significant value of the checkoff in driving demand for commodities, conducting innovative research, finding new markets and uses, and building customer preference around the world. Every dollar invested in the soybean checkoff provides $12.34 in added value for U.S. soybean farmers. Iowa farmers continue to see additional value as a result of their checkoff investments at the state level. From the nationally recognized research at ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation, to the increasing use of biodiesel that secures our status as the nation’s leading producer, Iowa farmers have seen their checkoff dollars generate a real and meaningful return on investment.
 
“We sincerely thank Iowa’s representatives in the U.S. House for their commitment to the state’s soybean farmers, and continued opposition to poison pill amendments like those made by Congresswoman Spartz (R-IN) that threaten the future of our state’s thriving agriculture industry and the checkoff-funded work supporting farmer profitability, productivity and sustainability. We also extend thanks to ISA Advocate members for engaging with their representatives on these issues.”



Iowa Farm Income Webinar 2023

Farmers facing the annual challenge of preparing their income taxes can find valuable guidance in the upcoming 2023 Iowa Farm Income Webinar. Hosted by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), this informative event is scheduled for Thursday, November 9th at 1:00 pm Central Time.

Farmers understand the importance of staying updated on the latest tax regulations and changes. This webinar aims to simplify the tax preparation process and equip farmers with the knowledge they need to tackle this task effectively.

Kristine Tidgren, Director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, and Charles Brown, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, will be the featured speakers at the event. Both experts will share their insights and expertise on farm income taxes.

During the webinar, participants will gain access to crucial information and receive valuable tax tips to navigate the complexities of tax preparation for the upcoming year. This event is a prime opportunity for farmers to ensure they are well-prepared for the tax season ahead.

One of the unique aspects of this webinar is the chance for live participants to interact with the speakers by asking questions. This direct engagement allows farmers to seek clarifications and gather personalized advice.

To reserve your spot and receive reminder emails for this informative event, simply click the registration button below. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your tax preparation skills and stay ahead in managing your farm income taxes.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vef91UDnR5mx_xANgjHsjQ#/registration.  



Farmers Can Offset the Cost of Filling Up Farm Tank with IRFA On-Farm Biodiesel Credit Program

Today the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) launched the latest round of its statewide On-Farm Biodiesel Credit program to give back to farmers dedicated to using higher biodiesel blends. Farmers who are buying higher biodiesel blends can receive up to 50 cents per gallon. To be eligible, farmers must be filling an on-farm tank in Iowa being used in an agricultural operation.

“IRFA is thrilled to be able to add additional funding to this program in time for Fall harvest,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “The use of biodiesel is supported by John Deere and CASE IH engines. Being able to support biodiesel and our Iowa farmers through this program is a win-win.”

The Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Biodiesel Board continue to partner with the 2023 program, providing $7,500. Biodiesel producers Western Iowa Energy, Western Dubuque Biodiesel and Chevron Renewable Energy Group each contributed an additional $5,000. A total of $67,500 of funding has been dedicated to this program for the 2023 planting and harvest season.

“I have used and will continue to use biodiesel,” said Iowa farmer Declan Gross, a past recipient of the credit. “I have used B20 in all my diesel farm machinery (tractors and combine). B20 is also used in my semi and pickup truck. The performance has been outstanding! It's good to use a renewable fuel that also supports the farm economy plus is cleaner burning for cleaner air.”

Farmers will earn 25 cents per gallon for filling up with B11 (11 percent biodiesel) and 50 cents per gallon with B20 (20 percent biodiesel) up to a maximum credit of $500. Program funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, farmers must meet the criteria and follow the procedures outlined at: https://iowarfa.org/iowa-on-farm-biodiesel-credit-program/



 
Feed mill complex sets new standard for learning, collaboration

Students, faculty and partners came together to celebrate the opening of a one-of-a-kind facility near the campus of Iowa State University on September 8, 2023. The Iowa State University KENT Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex has already made a significant impact on students, faculty and collaborators across the university and will set a new course for the state’s feed and grain industry.

Announced in 2017 and completed in 2023, the 47,000-square-foot complex includes a 100-foot-tall concrete milling tower and 40-foot-tall pelleting plant; 220,000 bushels of steel grain storage with handling and drying systems, and a warehouse. The Iowa Corn Education building includes a 50-person classroom, analytical laboratory and pilot plant for research and training.

The facility will be almost completely run by students who will learn the technical aspects of feed mill operation, as well as leadership and decision making that would typically only come in an industry setting. Feed produced at the mill will be used for university research projects, student-run farms and for commercial purposes. The grain science portion of the complex will receive harvested grain from university farms and nearby grain elevators as well.

“The Iowa State University KENT Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex is a unique project that sets Iowa State apart in the U.S. and around the world. It was made possible by collaboration and support of partners that can only happen in Iowa,” said Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, president of Iowa State University. "It will provide unparalleled opportunities for students and researchers and is a stellar example of bringing our land grant legacy to a modern world to benefit not only students, but also Iowa’s farmers and communities."

The complex fulfills the university’s vision to bring grain sciences, animal sciences, agricultural engineering and feed technology faculty, students and programs together in one facility. As part of the facility planning and development, the university created a new feed technology minor. Starting in 2019, students from multiple degree programs have been able to take specialized courses related to feed technology, become familiar with the grain and feed industries, and explore career opportunities in animal nutrition, feed formulation, and equipment engineering, design and service.

Funding for the $35 million facility came entirely from private donors, including KENT Corporation, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Sukup Manufacturing Co., California Pellet Mill (CPM), Iowa Crop Improvement Association and many other generous donors.

Even before officially opening, the facility was used by engineering and project management classes, grain preservation and ag engineering classes will also utilize it for labs on grain drying, handling, processing and more.

"Feed and Grain Science are fundamental to the American and global food supply, which is thriving,” said Gage Kent, chairman and chief executive officer of KENT Corporation. "With this facility, we are providing best-in-class, hands-on training for the next generations of industry leaders, farmers, engineers and more. The decision-making opportunities students will gain at this complex will give them a jump start on their careers and help bring innovative ideas to reality quickly. We thank America’s Cultivation Corridor for providing key facilitation of the initial collaboration between KENT and Iowa State on this worthy investment, and for all of the partnerships that came together to make this resource possible in Iowa."

Continued innovation in the feed industry will benefit Iowa’s grain and livestock producers, as 25% of the state’s corn crop is fed to livestock and commercial feed consumption has doubled in the past decade.

The facility will also provide an opportunity for industry leaders and researchers from around the world to come to see in person the innovation that is happening in grain processing and animal nutrition.



LMA Members Gather in Nation’s Capital for Annual D.C. Fly-In   
 
More than 50 Livestock Marketing Association members and staff met with senators, U.S. representatives, congressional staffers and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials Sept. 18-19, during the association’s 17th D.C. Fly-In. The event offered an opportunity for livestock auction market owners to share their stories and connect with elected officials.

Throughout the visit, they advocated for Congress to pass bills to remove an antiquated prohibition and allow a livestock auction owner to own or invest in a small or medium packer.

Bracken Marburger, who operates Milano Livestock Exchange with his family in Milano, Texas, says current requirements are outdated.

“The Packers and Stockyards Act is well over 100 years old now,” he said. “And we just don’t do things the same way we did back in 1921.”

Bracken explained at that time, terminal stockyards received cattle from producers on railcars. Individuals acting as commission agents represented these cattle to packers. Today, livestock markets utilize a competitive auction method. Auction markets provide an open and public forum for producers to sell their animals to the highest bidder, allowing for competition and true price discovery. Many of the auctions are also streamed online.

Association members say Congress and the cattle industry agree the U.S. beef packing capacity needs to be increased, ideally by adding new competitors to the marketplace. But the rule prohibits livestock auction owners from owning or investing in meat packing businesses.

That’s why Livestock Marketing Association is advocating for the passage of the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or A-PLUS Act, H.R. 530, and its Senate companion, Expanding Local Meat Processing Act, S. 813, to address the regulation. They say these bills would allow markets to invest in small and regional packing facilities, providing an avenue to increase packing competition and capacity. At the same time, the bills maintain necessary safeguards by prohibiting the largest packers from owning auctions.

Members also urged Congress to update Packers and Stockyards Act prompt payment requirements due to slowing mail service and a desire to incentivize electronic payment as the more efficient method.

Mark Barnett, Livestock Marketing Association president, said it was a productive trip and he’s grateful for all who took part.

“I know firsthand how difficult it can be to take time away from your business and family and travel across the country,” he said. “But the impact a visit like this has on the industry is substantial. Only by developing and maintaining these relationships can we be sure the interests of livestock marketers are considered in federal policy decisions.”

Members who participated in the fly-in were Joe and Barb Nelson, Minnesota and Iowa; Austin Schaben, Iowa; Cale and Nicole James, Oklahoma; Scott and LeDona McCornack, Oklahoma; Blaine and Haley Ragan, Oklahoma; Ben and Aimee Hale, Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa; Bracken and Stephanie Marburger, Texas; Jayde Baumeister, Texas; Mandy Geistweidt, Texas; Jim Akers, Kentucky; Steve Sterchi, Kentucky; Jennifer and Mark Houston, Tennessee; Mark and Betty Barnett, Kentucky and Tennessee; Jacob Massey, Tennessee; Chad Fleenor, Tennessee; Michael and Carter Simpson, Tennessee; Rich and Alicia Robertson, Nebraska; Wesley Kilmurry, Nebraska; Kirk Otte, Nebraska; Erin Zoucha, Nebraska; Mike VanMaanen, Missouri; David and Heidi McComb, Kansas and Oklahoma; Mason Winter, Kansas; Justin and Cody Tupper, South Dakota; Nicholas Hayes, South Dakota; Larry and Judi Schnell, North Dakota; Katelyn Chaffee, North Dakota and Montana; Daniel O’Donnell, North Dakota and Montana; Lander Nicodemus, Wyoming; Jake Parnell, California; Michael Imbrogno, California; Alisha Hudson-Roach, Virginia; and Brian Glick, Pennsylvania.



NREL Releases Sixth Edition of Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released its sixth edition of the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide for those who blend, distribute, and/or use biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Funded by Clean Fuels Alliance America, the guide offers basic information on biodiesel's proper and safe use to help fleets, blenders, distributors and others understand the handling and use of these fuels while highlighting environmental and performance benefits.

Under the direction of Clean Fuels and NREL, revisions to the guide are provided by leading industry researchers and subject matter experts and approved by independent reviewers and the U.S. Department of Energy. The last revision was published in November 2016.

The latest edition captures the most recent studies and standardized use for on- and off-road applications, railroad, marine, home heating oil systems and power generation applications. New data on storage stability, manufacturer approvals, and the increasing level of quality across the industry will provide greater benefits including higher expectations of performance.

“Our goal is to provide our member organizations, stakeholders and each end-user with the most accurate and up-to-date data related to blending or using biomass-based diesel fuels to ensure proper use and handling,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for Clean Fuels. “We encourage anyone who is considering distributing biodiesel and biodiesel blends, to promote this free guide to their customers.”

The official guide resides on the NREL website https://cleanfuels.org/biodiesel-toolkit/ and can be downloaded free of charge. Users can also access Clean Fuels’ Biodiesel Toolkit to learn more.



 Newest Version Of Value Of Grains Export Study Available

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has once again updated its Value of Grains Exports study.

This study examines the economic contributions provided by exports of malt barley, other barley, corn, corn gluten feed and meal, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), ethanol, sorghum and the corn equivalent of beef, pork and poultry on the U.S. economy. The study specifically highlights the economic contributions provided by each U.S. state and individually analyzes them with the goal of quantifying the degree to which state economies rely upon and benefit from grain exports.

“There is a long history of economic analysis showing the value of export markets for the U.S. agricultural industry, and the majority of ag producers and businesses readily recognize the economic value of export markets,” said Bryan Jernigan, USGC director of communications. “Now, visitors to the site can get the most up-to-date information on how trade in their state contributes to overall, top-level trade numbers so they easily see how ag exports benefit not only their state, but also the U.S. economy.”

Results from the analysis show that the $31.5 billion in grain and grain products exported indirectly supported a total economic output of $104 billion in 2021. In other words, access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly an additional $72 billion in business sales during 2021. Moreover, the export of grain products supported U.S. GDP by $42 billion over what would have occurred without such exports. Finally, the number of jobs linked directly or indirectly to grain exports totalled roughly 462,000.

Further analysis shows that for every dollar of grain product exports generated, through indirect and induced business activities, $3.31 in business sales are supported across the United States.

The online interactive platform allows users to break down each state in the U.S. based on total value of exports and production, with downloadable PDF infographics available as well.

These results highlight the important role grain and grain products play in the U.S. economy.



Scientists Ratchet Up Key Amino Acid in Corn

Experimental lines of field corn developed by a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists will usher in new commercial hybrids offering high-methionine grain.

The advance, reported in a recent issue of Crop Science, will be especially welcome news for organic poultry producers whose birds require dietary formulations of the amino acid to ensure optimal growth, health and production of meat and eggs.

As one of nine essential amino acids and only two that contain sulfur, methionine helps kick-start the synthesis of proteins and is a key component of many tissues, including bone, muscle, ligaments, organs, skin and feathers in poultry. Methionine also underpins important metabolic, digestive and immune system functions.

In organic production systems where pasture is available, free-ranging chickens and other poultry can naturally acquire methionine from eating worms, insects and certain plants. However, supplementing their diets with synthetic methionine in corn-based feed is necessary to ensure the birds get adequate amounts of the amino acid.

Organic producers can do this under a federal regulatory exemption that permits a maximum use of two pounds of synthetic methionine per ton of feed for chickens and three pounds per ton for turkeys, ducks and other types of poultry. Meanwhile, research is underway, including this project, to find natural alternatives whose cost and availability promise to supplant the need for synthetic methionine altogether.

Corn, for example, is a major ingredient in current feed rations; however, grain from commercially grown hybrids contains very little methionine. Fortunately, there are sources of variability for the trait in germplasm collections that can be teased out with the right tools.

Genetic engineering offers one approach; however, transgenic crop varieties aren’t permitted in organic production systems. To address this issue, ARS plant geneticist Paul Scott and colleagues combined the use of two conventional plant breeding methods—namely, doubled haploid induction and recurrent selection.

Using these methods, they developed 16 lines of inbred corn whose methionine grain levels equaled—and in one case, surpassed—that of B101, a hybrid that has been shown to be a useful benchmark of comparison because of its naturally high concentration of methionine. “B101 usually measures about 0.29 grams of methionine per 100 grams of grain, and our best lines have about 0.37 grams per 100 grams,” said Scott, with the ARS Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research Unit in Ames, Iowa.

As an added bonus, some of the inbred lines also showed considerable genetic diversity in certain agronomic traits when evaluated in field trials—plant height, flowering date, disease resistance and orange-colored kernels among them.

Additional evaluations are planned, including poultry feeding trials.

“It will be important to test these lines in hybrid combinations and in different environments to understand how stable the trait is and what their yield potential is. Also, we'd like to combine high methionine with other traits of value to organic poultry producers,” said Scott. “Orange grain is one we're working on now, as well as the ability to exclude transgenic pollen. Ultimately, we’d like to develop corn that can provide a complete diet with no supplementation.

Scott co-authored the Crop Science paper describing the advance together with Taylor Hintch (Practical Farmers of Iowa), Prakasit Duangpapeng (University of Khon Kaen, Thailand), Jode Edwards and Adrienne Moran Lauter (both of ARS), and Shelley Kinney, Thomas Lübberstedt and Ursula Frei (all of Iowa State University in Ames).

They conducted the project with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



BRANDT HELPS GEORGIA GROWER SET NEW SOYBEAN YIELD WORLD RECORD

BRANDT, a leading agriculture retailer and manufacturer of specialty agriculture products, has again contributed to a soybean yield world record. Alex Harrell, a farmer from Smithville, Georgia, achieved a groundbreaking world record soybean yield of 206 bushels per acre with the help of BRANDT’s proprietary nutritional products.

Harrell’s remarkable achievement of 206 bu./ac. surpasses the previous record of 190 set in 2019 by fellow Georgia grower and Total Acre principal Randy Dowdy.

Harrell’s journey began with a carefully crafted fertility program developed by BRANDT experts in coordination with Harrell’s crop consultant. Each product, timing and rate was selected to address specific issues to help the crop reach its full potential. Starting at planting with BRANDT SeedZone® Zn for a robust soil and seed foundation, Harrell continued with a strategic regimen, including BRANDT Smart Trio®, BRANDT Smart B-Mo, BRANDT Smart Quatro® Plus, BRANDT Smart K B and BRANDT Southeast Crop Mix for in-season foliar applications. For a complete list of the products, use rates and timing in Harrell’s program, go to https://brandt.co/world-record-soybean-yield/.

“BRANDT products are the best I’ve ever used, as far as compatibility with other products and for efficient, effective micronutrient delivery,” Harrell remarked. “I’ve pulled tissue samples on every field, every 7 days, and all my nutrient levels stayed within the desired range.”

At the core of Harrell’s success was BRANDT’s groundbreaking foliar nutrient line, BRANDT® Smart System®. This innovative product technology helps deliver the optimum micronutrients while seamlessly integrating with crop protectant applications. The Smart System technology enables effortless tank mixing and mitigates plant stress from crop protectants.

“I love helping growers set new world records: These accomplishments validate the work our team does every day,” said Brian Haschemeyer, VP BRANDT Discovery & Innovation. “But I’m even more pleased to help growers get a solid return of investment from our products.”

BRANDT, no stranger to record-breaking achievements, previously contributed to the soybean yield word record held by Randy Dowdy and the corn yield world record held by David Hula.

“Welcome to the elite club of world record holders, Alex,” said Rick Brandt, President and CEO of BRANDT. “I’m so proud that our technologies continue to rewrite the record books and help growers push the boundaries of production agriculture.”