Thursday February 15 Ag News

 What’s a calf worth?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

Newsfeeds are full of bullish cattle prices reports this year. What does that mean to the cow-calf operator?

As calving starts or proceeds this and in the next few months, it is perhaps time to take pause and ask the question: What’s a calf worth?

Why ask this question? You may ask.

If cattle markets are as bullish as they are expected to be, then a cow-calf operator may wish to take this into consideration to ensure the greatest value is preserved in their calf crop this year.

Determining calf worth will take some simple mathematics.

I am sure there are more complicated procedures out there, but 1) they are not within my reach and 2) they will likely offer the same answer.

The fact is if a feeder calf will be worth, say, $1,700 when they weigh 550 lb. in October ($309.09/cwt), which is quite possible, then that is as much as one can spend to get them there.

Yet, a few inefficiencies must be worked into this calculation. If a calf brings $1,700 at weaning, then the producer only has $1,700 to pay for the expenses associated with keeping the cow that delivered this calf at weaning and her herd mates that failed to do so. For the sake of discussion, let us assume that 10% of the cows exposed to the bull last year failed to deliver a calf at weaning (understanding the reasons for this inefficiency is important but not for this calculation).

That means that if we had a herd of 100 cows exposed last year, there would only be $153,000 in income to pay the bills, or $1,530 per cow. Because we hope the 10 cows that did not wean a calf were sold (none died before selling them); thus, we may

expect a credit of $1/lb for cows sold, say $1,300/cow. Gross revenue for the herd then is $153,000 + $13,000 or $166,000 or $1,660 per cow exposed last year.

So far, this side of the equation was easy to calculate. The other side of the equation is determining the cost of raising a cow a year. Generally, this is a value that is difficult to calculate for several reasons such as not having sufficient records, assigning a fair cost estimate to equipment that is shared between operations, shared ownership, leases, etc.

For today’s discussion, let us assume the yearly cost of keeping a cow in Northeast Nebraska is $1,350/ cow. If we borrow this loosely appropriated figure to complete our calculations, then, at birth, a calf born to this fictious herd is worth $310 ($1,660 - $1,350).

Remember, this assumes the sale of 90 calves from this 100-cow herd exposed to bulls last year will bring $1,700 per calf and $1,300 per cull cow sold. Therefore, in the process of raising this calf from birth to weaning, a cow-calf operator can spend as much as $1,390/calf to make sure this calf makes it to weaning and weighs 550 lb. then.

This figure ($1,390) is the gross margin between the value of a calf at weaning and that of the calf at birth. For reference, the grow yard-finishing feedlot complex would purchase this calf at $1,700 and hopes to get $2,700 once the calf is finished, say at 1,450 lb.

The cow-calf operator has a $1,390 gross margin to put 450 lb. of gain. The grow yard-finishing feedlot complex has a $1,000 gross margin to put 900 lb. of gain.

The cow-calf operator can spend over $3/lb gain while the grow yard and feedlot can only spend a little over $1/lb gain to remain profitable.

This is why professionals that work for you and your herd including veterinarians, nutritionists and technical service representatives insist on your planning for the best calving experience for your cows and you, and a healthy and growthy upbringing for your calf before weaning.

We will generate a list of those considerations for the next installment in this discussion.



Lueckenhoff is awarded Outstanding Support Staff at NACEB Day

On Tuesday, February 7th, the annual Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards visit the Nebraska State Capitol for legislative day. Extension Boards and Extension Staff are invited to interact with their state senators and sit in on active legislative bills. During the event, NACEB was recognized by senators in the Warner Legislative Chamber Balcony. Following the state capitol visit, attendees transitioned to the Scottish Rite Masonic Center for the NACEB annual meeting. Attendees heard from several deans across the UNL campus.

During the luncheon, NACEB also presents awards in the following categories: Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Advocate, Outstanding Support Staff, Outstanding Business, and Friend of Extension. Extension Board members and Extension staff must apply by December 1.

This year, Cuming County Extension’s Office Manager, Mary Jo Lueckenhoff was awarded the Outstanding Support Staff at the luncheon. Mary Jo has been the office manager at the Extension Office for just shy of 45 years. The awards committee chair read the write-up that was submitted by her colleagues, Hannah Guenther, Alfredo DiCostanzo, and Melissa Hagemeister.

This is the 2nd time Mary Jo has won the award! Previously, she won the award in 1992.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Welcomes Tracy Zink to the Board

Tracy Zink, who farms in Indianola, Nebraska, joins the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) as the sorghum representative. She was appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen on Nov. 20, 2023, and confirmed by the State of Nebraska Legislature in early 2024.

A third-generation agricultural producer, Zink farms sorghum and a rotation of corn, soybeans and wheat on both irrigated and dryland acres. She markets some of her grains to Trenton Agri Products, an ethanol plant in Trenton, Nebraska.

“It is an exciting time to be joining this long-standing and successful board,” Zink said. “I have observed the significant impact that ethanol has in expanding marketing options, and I am very excited to be joining a board who has a purpose to promote a product that sustains both the agriculture industry and our planet.”

In addition to her appointment to the NEB, Zink holds positions on the Nebraska Sorghum Producers Association; the Middle Republican Natural Resources District; Nebraska Rural Radio Association; and the Nebraska Extension in Red Willow County Board. She was appointed to the National Sorghum Checkoff Board by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in December 2023.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Zink to the board,” said Jan tenBensel, NEB chairman. “She brings a wealth of experience from the technology and advanced practices she’s incorporated on her farm, along with a strong background of leadership positions in multiple sectors.”

Zink tests out new strategies and technologies as a yearly participant in the University of Nebraska Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program. In 2022, she received the honor of the TAPS Sorghum Triple Crown Winner for the greatest grain yield, highest input-use efficiency, and the most profitable farm and in 2023, she was recognized as Outstanding TAPS Advocate. According to TAPS, participants receive plots of land and make their own individual input on the same field as competitors. These decisions include crop insurance, hybrid and seeding rate, nitrogen timing and amount, irrigation timing and amount, and, lastly, marketing of their crop. The competition is focused on evolving profitability and input-use efficiency. Zink will be the first competitor to introduce irrigated sorghum in 2024. Other crop management practices she will test in the future include sidedressing and how many applications make it beneficial.

Zink’s interest in agriculture comes from working alongside her father on the family farm. However, her strength in athleticism drew her to a career in professional athletics and recreation. After high school, she attended the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1994, earning a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in sports administration from West Texas A&M in 1996. This led to multiple roles within the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Continuing with the health and wellness industry, Zink spent many years helping seniors stay healthy as a fitness trainer and helped clients transition into senior housing. She returned to the family farm in 2012, where she is now dedicated to the health and wellness of its soil, water and crops.

“As you look out and around, none of this would be possible if we weren’t incredibly mindful about proper stewardship, soil conservation, and managing wind and water erosion,” Zink said of Nebraska agriculture. “I look forward to finding ways for those outside of farming to better learn our story, as it is crucial to fully understanding ethanol’s low carbon footprint.”

Outgoing NEB sorghum representative, Tim Else (Belvidere, Neb.), served five terms on the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

“With our greatest appreciation, we thank our dear colleague and friend, Tim Else, for his service to the ethanol and agricultural community,” tenBensel said. “Through 20 years of dedicated service as a Nebraska Ethanol Board member, Tim contributed invaluable institutional knowledge and leadership.”

The NEB is a seven-member board that includes four members actively engaged in farming (general farming, corn, wheat and sorghum), one member representing labor interests, one member representing petroleum marketers, and one member representing business. The Board’s technical advisor serves as a non-voting member. Members of the NEB are appointed by the governor, and confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature, to serve four-year terms.

Zink joins current board members: Jan tenBensel, chairman (Cambridge, Neb.); Scott McPheeters, vice chairman (Gothenburg, Neb.); Randy Gard, secretary (Grand Island, Neb.); Brad Bird, board member (Omaha, Neb.); Taylor Nelson, board member (Jackson, Neb.); Mike Thede, board member (Palmer, Neb.); and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Dr. Hunter Flodman, who serves as NEB’s technical advisor. The Board reelected tenBensel, McPheeters and Gard as executive committee officers at the Dec. 4 meeting.



Iowa Pork Producers Provide Generous Support to Local Food Pantries
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) maintains its commitment to fighting food insecurity by supporting local food pantries across the state with the Pork in the Pantry program. Recognizing the critical role that food pantries play in addressing hunger within communities, IPPA will reimburse county pork producer organizations up to $1,000 for pork products donated to food pantries in their counties. This initiative underscores Iowa pork producers’ dedication to giving back to their communities.

"Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by many Iowa families, pork producers step up and offer assistance wherever possible," said Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. "We understand the vital role that food pantries play in providing sustenance to those experiencing hardship, and we are proud to extend our support to these essential organizations."

The financial support provided by IPPA in partnership with county pork producer organizations will enable county food pantries to bolster their resources, expand their reach, and better serve individuals and families in need. These contributions will directly impact the lives of countless individuals by ensuring access to nutritious meals during challenging times.

The $1,000 worth of pork can be either through one large donation or several smaller donations through April 19.

This is the second year the Iowa Pork Producers Association has organized the Pork in the Pantry program. Last year, 40 county pork producer organizations worked with IPPA to donate pork to local food pantries, totaling nearly $40,000 statewide, amounting to more than 50,000 meals for underprivileged Iowans. Many groups purchased the pork from area meat lockers and grocery stores, helping to keep the dollars in their local communities.  

Any county pork producer organization in Iowa is eligible to participate in Pork in the Pantry. Counties are responsible for purchasing and donating the pork products and will be reimbursed by IPPA. The deadline for submission of a request form is April 26.



Ramirez named interim director of Egg Industry Center at Iowa State

Brett Ramirez has been appointed interim director of the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University.

Ramirez has served as the center’s assistant director since April 2023, leading alongside former EIC director Richard Gates, who passed away in November 2023.

Ramirez, who joined Iowa State’s faculty in 2018, is also an associate professor with research and extension appointments in Iowa State’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

“Brett has made tremendous impacts within the poultry and livestock industries in his professional career,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “I am confident he will successfully lead the Egg Industry Center in building upon its programs to help North American egg producers continue to provide this wonderful food source.”

Ramirez’s research spans several areas critical to the egg industry, including livestock housing and ventilation systems, environmental control, natural resource and energy efficiencies and precision livestock farming.

Through his extension appointment, Ramirez collaborates with industry members to address engineering, design, management and troubleshooting of livestock and poultry facilities. He has presented many ventilation workshops aimed at production employees and allied industry members.

His involvement with the Egg Industry Center has included his role in the EIC’s 2022 Environmental Protection Agency draft emissions model critical evaluation that considered ways to improve air emissions models applicable to the egg industry. He also has completed studies quantifying the energy usage of poultry operations’ manure handling systems.

“These are unfortunate circumstances - Rich was a great friend, colleague and mentor of mine. He is missed by many, and I know his impact on the industry is everlasting,” Ramirez said. “My goal is to continue the great things he started and add my unique style to accomplishing and furthering those goals. I will strive to drive the EIC’s mission forward and ensure we achieve our goal of supporting the nation’s egg industry through evidence-based research.”

In 2023, Ramirez received the Early Achievement in Research Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He also was named Young Engineer of the Year in 2021 by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Iowa Section.

Ramirez received his doctoral degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering from Iowa State in 2017. He also has a bachelor’s (2012) and master’s (2014) degree in agricultural and biological engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Egg Industry Center at Iowa State University works to add value to the nation’s egg industry by providing research and education for egg producers, processors and consumers through national and international collaboration. The center is committed to ensuring that the current and future needs of the egg industry can be answered through developing and promoting sound science-based information. The Egg Industry Center has funded more than $2.5 million in research since 2013. This research has helped advance knowledge on disease transmission, genetic resistance, keel bone abnormalities, new market development and more.



Clean Energy’s Renewable Natural Gas Facility at Marshall Ridge Dairy in Iowa Begins Production

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE) today announced the completion of its latest renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in Marshall County, Iowa. The Marshall Ridge Dairy project is expected to produce 1.7 million gallons of low carbon-intensity RNG annually.

The three-digester facility located in State Center, Iowa, is now producing pipeline quality RNG and injecting it into the national grid. RNG is a sustainable fuel derived from organic waste that provides an immediate and significant carbon reduction in transportation.

Financed through one of Clean Energy’s production joint ventures and developed by Dynamic Renewables, the project totaled $42 million. Methane from the approximately 240,000 gallons of manure produced by the 8,000-cow herd each day will be converted into biogas and ready-to-use clean fuel for heavy-duty fleets across the country. Clean Energy is in process of filing the necessary applications to generate federal and state environmental credits.

“We value working with forward thinking farmers, helping them create a new revenue stream from what would have been considered waste. RNG is an immediate, smart way to address harmful fugitive emissions, and the RNG produced at Marshall Ridge will directly help to cleanly fuel and decarbonize commercial transport,” said Clay Corbus senior vice president for renewables at Clean Energy.

“We have been in the business of milking cows for over 60 years, and that’s what our core business will always be. Adding an RNG facility to our farm will enable us to manage our manure much better while generating an additional revenue stream for our bottom line,” Kevin Blood, Marshall Ridge Dairy.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/9/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 9, ethanol production accelerated 4.8% to a 7-week high of 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.49 million gallons daily. Output was 6.8% more than the same week last year and 9.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.7% to 981,000 b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.04 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks mounted 4.2% to a 3-week high of 25.8 million barrels. Stocks were 1.9% more than the same week last year and 4.2% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, recoiled 7.3% to 8.17 million b/d (125.22 bg annualized). Demand was 1.3% less than a year ago and 5.0% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved 2.7% to a 7-week high of 862,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.21 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.4% less than a year ago but 0.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 107,000 b/d (4.5 million gallons/day), or 37.2% above the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 21st consecutive week.



Retail Fertilizer Prices See Only Slight Moves in Second Week of February

Average retail price moves were evenly mixed for the eight major fertilizers in the second week of February 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Breaking a streak of six straight weeks when most fertilizer prices declined, prices for half of the eight major fertilizers were slightly lower than last month while prices for the other half were slightly higher.

For the third week in a row, no fertilizer price was up or down substantially like we have seen in recent weeks. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Prices for four fertilizers were down just slightly from the previous month. Potash had an average price of $508 per ton, anhydrous $773/ton, UAN28 $335/ton and UAN32 $390/ton.

Prices for the remaining four fertilizers, meanwhile, were just slightly higher than last month. DAP had an average price of $736/ton, MAP $809/ton, urea $528/ton and 10-34-0 $610/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.57/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.61/lb.N.

All fertilizers except one are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 6% lower, DAP is 12% less expensive, 10-34-0 is 19% lower, urea is 24% less expensive, potash is 27% lower, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 33% less expensive and anhydrous is 37% lower compared to a year prior.



ASA Applauds EPA Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Ahead of Soy Planting

With millions of dollars of product on the line and few fast alternatives available before spring planting, the American Soybean Association is exceptionally appreciative of the Environmental Protection Agency’s swift actions to issue an existing stocks order and allow farmers planning to use dicamba product for 2024 to receive and use it this season.

Josh Gackle, ASA president and soybean farmer from North Dakota, said, “The court’s decision on dicamba instantly left tens of millions of acres of U.S. farmland in limbo—and in limbo a matter of weeks before spring planting. We appreciate the certainty EPA’s existing stocks order provides to farmers from North Dakota where I farm all the way to Florida and everywhere in between. This ruling potentially affects more than 50 million acres of dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton—an area larger than the state of Nebraska—so again, we are very appreciative of EPA’s decision to let us get through the 2024 growing season by using any product already in the delivery pipeline.”

EPA has declared farmers can accept “existing stocks”—previously registered pesticide products currently in the United States that were packaged, labeled, and released for shipment prior to February 6 (the effective date of the District of Arizona’s vacatur of dicamba registrations). The existing stocks order also clarified that dicamba product already in the possession of distributors, co-ops, and other parties for sale before that date can be sold and distributed, within set guidelines outlined in the order.

ASA is the national advocacy organization for the industry and led a letter to EPA last week signed by 26 soy state affiliates asking the administration for help following a dicamba ruling in a federal district court in Arizona. The court ruled EPA made a procedural error in issuing 2020 dicamba registrations for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. Because EPA did not offer a public notice and comment period before issuing the registrations, the court ruled the agency was in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and vacated 2020 registrations for XtendiMax, Enginia, and Tavium.

FIFRA gives EPA the authority to issue existing stocks orders for products that are cancelled, which is now a major priority for the soybean industry. ASA also asks for the administration’s support of an appeal of the ruling and help in seeking to stay the ruling from taking effect pending appeal.

In 2023, ASA, its 26 state soy affiliates, and several cotton associations submitted an amicus brief to the District Court of Arizona in this case urging the judge to avoid vacatur.



State agriculture officials commend EPA for issuing order on dicamba

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney issued a statement today following the EPA’s order on the use of existing stocks of the herbicide dicamba.  
 
“As co-regulatory partners with EPA committed to preserving environmental stewardship, protecting the rural economy and securing a healthy food supply chain, NASDA commends EPA on issuing an existing stocks order for dicamba that is inclusive of products that are in the possession of growers or in the channels of trade. Today’s action will prevent severe detrimental impacts to our food, fuel and fiber availability.” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney
 
Background:
Last week at the organization’s Winter Policy Conference, NASDA members passed an action item encouraging EPA to immediately use all available discretion regarding existing stocks to ensure channels of trade are not disrupted in light of the Feb. 6, 2024 U.S. District Court of Arizona decision on dicamba.



Farm Bureau Appreciates EPA Answering Farmers’ Concerns

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to allow farmers to use existing stocks of dicamba for the upcoming planting season. AFBF sent a letter to EPA earlier this week following a recent federal court ruling in Arizona, which vacated the registration of three dicamba products, critically important tools for farmers in fighting resistant weeds.

“We are grateful to EPA for hearing farmers’ and ranchers’ concerns and addressing them quickly to ensure we have access to the critical tools needed to protect our crops this season. Without EPA stepping in, farmers and ranchers across the country were facing uncertainty and financial risk.

“Farmers are committed to the safe use of all crop protection tools, and many had already made planting decisions with dicamba-tolerant crop systems in place for the season. We rely on science-based guidance from EPA, and we appreciate the agency standing by farmers and science in this decision today.”



ARA Commends EPA Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) update related to the Existing Stocks Order for dicamba product registations:

“ARA is extremely grateful for the quick action taken by EPA to issue an Existing Stocks Order for the dicamba product registrations vacated by the federal court in Arizona on February 6, 2024. This order will allow for the continued distribution, sale, and use of these products within the channels of trade and growers' possession consistent with the FIFRA approved labels.

"As EPA noted in the order, ARA’s consistent position has been that, absent an EPA order allowing for the limited sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks, there will be unnecessary chaos and economic harm to agricultural retailers, distributors, and the farmers they serve.”

ARA’s grassroots advocacy along with other agricultural organizations working with senior EPA officials shows the value of industry stakeholder involvement in shaping public policy.



USGC Winter Meeting Kicks Off With Speakers On Latin American Grain, Biofuel Markets

Members of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) gathered in Guatemala City, Guatemala, for the first day of the Council’s 21st International Marketing Conference and 64th Annual Membership Meeting, held Feb. 14-16, to discuss the current state of feed grain and biofuel markets around the world and update attendees on the Council's plans for 2024 and beyond.

USGC Chairman Brent Boydston opened the event with a welcome address and an overview of his tenure thus far. Boydston then introduced the day’s first speaker, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala Patrick Ventrell.

“My theme for this year, Growing the Future, reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the current trade environment,” Boydston said. “At this meeting, we gather to discuss issues facing our industry and explore future demand for feed grains, distiller’s dried grains with solubles and ethanol around the world.”

Chief Agricultural Negotiator from the Office of the United States Trade Representative Doug McKalip addressed attendees later in the morning, highlighting the importance of his office’s work in Guatemala and Central America.

Panels featuring deep dives into Guatemala’s feed grain and ethanol markets followed, beginning with a discussion moderated by Juan Antonio Assante, grain procurement manager at CMI Alimentos.

Renatto Tible, president of the Renewable Fuels Association of Guatemala, was next to moderate a panel centered on the challenges and opportunities for the future of the Guatemalan ethanol market. USGC Regional Director in Latin America Marri Tejada then took the stage to detail the Council’s programming and strategy in the region.

Wednesday’s agenda also included a panel on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), designed to reimburse nonprofit agricultural trade organizations for their work in international markets. USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath and USGC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz took the stage to explain what RAPP will mean for the Council and the scope of its work in the future.

“The amount of engagement this money will allow the Council to achieve is simply unprecedented,” LeGrand said. “The budget increases that cooperators have requested for so long will finally become a reality and the size and scope of our organization will be forever changed.”

On Thursday, members will split into their respective A-Teams for detailed discussions about the commodities and markets relevant to U.S. farmers.

The meeting will conclude on Friday with the Council’s Board of Delegates meeting, where A-Team and sector commodity reports will be presented and delegates will vote on a new set of bylaws for the Council.



Case IH Presence at National Farm Machinery Show Showcases New Combine, Steiger Options

National Farm Machinery Show is the site for several next-level announcements from Case IH, continuing to drive purposeful solutions for producers. Building on the legacy of Axial-Flow® and Steiger® , Case IH is not only showcasing the recently unveiled AF11 and the next generation corn head, designed to match its capacity, but also introducing the Quadtrac® Heavy Duty Suspension for Steigers that ups the ante in track technology.

For farmers looking to cover more acres in less time, the AF11, which Case IH announced earlier this month, sets the bar in maximizing time in field. To maximize capacity of the AF11, Case IH is introducing the C516 corn head, offering improved performance with a swift, clean harvesting solution.

“We know that farmers are looking to pick corn faster, cleaner and with as little downtime as possible,” says Leo Bose, harvesting segment lead for Case IH. “When paired with an Axial-Flow combine, like the AF11, this durable corn head will deliver maximized capacity and throughput.”

The C516 corn head is designed with runtime in mind. It boasts the largest cross auger in the industry for maximized throughput, independent drive lines that allow for row unit protection, and overall weight reduction for improved flotation and reduced soil compaction. The C516 corn head and AF11 will be available only in North America.

In addition to leadership in harvesting, Case IH once again sets the bar in track technology with the introduction of the Quadtrac Heavy-Duty Suspension (HDS), optional for model year 2025. HDS brings greater productivity through faster transport speeds of up to 26.5 mph and less shock is transmitted to the machine and operator due to the fully suspended track system conforming to the ground surface.

“We have significantly reduced vibrations felt in the cab for the operator, while also improving efficiency and performance in the field through a larger drive wheel and longer track,” says Morgen Deitrich, tractor segment lead for Case IH. “Building hydraulic suspension into our Quadtracs was the next evolution for Steiger tractors. It comes down to being purposeful in how we deliver solutions to our customers, whether it be comfort, maintenance or just overall experience.”

HDS is greaseless by design with an exclusive load sharing hydraulic suspension and self-tensioning tracks. Built for durability and agronomic principles in mind, HDS delivers unmatched comfort and reduced soil compaction via a larger footprint.



Side-Dress Applications Open Up Enzyme Technology to More Acres

Stabilized enzyme technology is ready for its debut in side-dress fertilizer applications in 2024. Helena Agri-Enterprises is announcing today the expansion of its Zypro® soil amendment label to include the common practice, which produced an 83 percent win rate and 5.8 bushel/acre yield increase in research trials in corn. Mike Powell, Senior Brand Manager of BioScience with Helena Products Group, says the label revision is intended to help farmers improve nutrient management on more acres.

“We’ve been testing this application of Zypro for several years because we know a lot of row crop farmers rely on side-dress as a way to efficiently deliver nitrogen early in the season,” says Powell. “By adding Zypro, you’re not only placing fertilizer in the right place at the right time, but you’re also using enzyme technology to create a more productive soil environment. This has a direct impact on how effective your roots are at feeding the growing crop.”

The United States Department of Agriculture cites enzymes as a key indicator of soil health. While native enzymes only survive in the soil for a few days, the stabilized phospholipase enzymes in Zypro produce chemical reactions in the soil for up to 60 days. They optimize the microbial community and improve nutrient cycling in the soil to enhance root effectiveness and strengthen early-season development and yield potential.

“Enzymes are known to boost natural processes in the soil,” says Powell. “What we offer with Zypro is a consistent way to produce those benefits using VersaShield® Formulation Technology. Through this patented production process, the enzymes in Zypro are stabilized to work with a variety of different products in all types of growing conditions and last longer in the soil.”

In fertilizer applications, VersaShield Formulation Technology enables Zypro to start working immediately, dispersing quickly through the soil for maximum effect in the root zone. It creates formulation longevity for a longer shelf life and extended application window. It also makes Zypro compatibile with other common tank-mix partners like fungicides and insecticides. According to Powell, the process provides a “seamless, cost-effective way to get more out of your side-dress fertilizer applications.”

Zypro has been used on over four million acres since its introduction in 2018. In addition to side-dress, Zypro can be applied through drip or flood irrigation and in-furrow applications. For more fertilizer recommendations and to make Zypro a part of your side-dress applications this season, visit HelenaAgri.com to find your local Helena representative.