Friday March 22 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Weakest Since June 2020 - One in Three Banks Tightened Farm Credit Standards

For a seventh straight month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral, according to the March survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading for March fell to 38.0, its lowest level since June 2020, and down from 46.2 in February. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Higher interest rates, weaker agriculture commodity prices and higher grain storage costs  pushed the overall reading to its lowest level since the early months of the pandemic,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranching land prices: The region’s farmland price index fell to a still solid 56.0 from February’s 57.7. The farmland price index has remained above growth neutral for 52 consecutive months. “Creighton’s survey continues to point to solid, but slowing, growth in farmland prices. Approximately 16.0% of bankers reported that farmland prices expanded from February levels,” said Goss.  

“Only approximately 1.1% of bankers reported an upturn in farm loan delinquencies over the past six months. This is only one percentage point higher than reported three months ago when the same question was asked,” said Goss.  

“As a result of weaker agriculture commodity prices, approximately one in three bankers, or 29.2%, indicated that their bank had tightened credit standards,” reported Goss.  

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index for March plummeted to 30.4, the lowest reading since May 2020, from February’s 49.5. “This is the ninth time in the past ten months that the index has fallen below growth neutral. Higher borrowing costs, tighter credit conditions and weaker grain prices are having a negative impact on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.  

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for March rose to 38.0 from 34.4 in February. The state’s farmland price index for March climbed to 54.3 from 53.1 in February. Nebraska’s March new-hiring index increased to 50.4 from 44.2 in February. Over the past 12 months, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that the state Rural Mainstreet Economy experienced a job gain of 2.2% compared to 1.4% for urban areas of the state.

Iowa: March’s RMI for the state decreased to 34.5 from 38.8 in February. Iowa’s farmland price index for March declined to 51.4 from 54.4 in February. Iowa’s new hiring index for March increased to 46.8 from 45.7 in February. Over the past 12 months, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that the state Rural Mainstreet Economy experienced a job gain of 1.1% compared to 0.7% for urban areas of the state.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally- and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.

 

Farmers and Ranchers Champion Agriculture to State Senators in Honor of National Agriculture Week

As Nebraskans are further removed from where their food, fiber, and energy are grown, it is important for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to share their story with state legislators. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) Promotion and Education (P&E) and Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committees, which are made up of farmers and ranchers across the state, did just that during National Agriculture Week.

Governor Jim Pillen declared March 17- 23, 2024 as National Agriculture Week in Nebraska. This week celebrates the history, inventions, careers, products, and trade of agriculture. To celebrate, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s P&E and YF&R Committee members provided beef sticks and popcorn made from products grown by farmers and ranchers to raise awareness to state senators of Nebraska’s number one industry: agriculture.

“When I get to share my story with my elected officials, I feel like I am making an impact,” said Karen Grant, NEFB P&E committee member from Madison County. “It is so important that senators hear from individuals who work on the farm or ranch and see how policy impacts us directly.”

P&E Committee members lead the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s volunteer promotion and education efforts through training and outreach education. Agriculture fuels the economy in Nebraska and the message shared with senators by committee members helps Nebraska inch closer to every Nebraskan understanding the impact of agriculture in the state.

In addition to raising awareness, YF&R committee members spoke to state senators about the challenges they face on their farms and ranches in Nebraska. Members advocated for reducing property taxes in the state.

“We are thankful for the tremendous gains made in property tax relief over the last four years,” said Jill England, Central Region YF&R Committee member from Hall County. “There is still progress to be made to ensure that property, income, and sales taxes provide equal footing in funding our state’s priorities.”

The YF&R program is comprised of men and women ages 18-35 who are Farm Bureau members and looking to develop their leadership skills while also meeting and networking with their peers. For more than 50 years, young farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska have come together to share their experiences and to gather ideas and information.

The success of agriculture is critical to the future of a prosperous Nebraska. Whether you live in a big city, small town, or farm or ranch, agriculture is a part of your everyday life. National Agriculture Week was celebrated March 17- 23, 2024 and is used as an opportunity to highlight how agriculture is a part of Nebraska.



NDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2024 AG POSTER CONTEST

National Ag Week is March 17-23, and it’s the perfect time to highlight and celebrate agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry. To add to this week’s celebration, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is announcing the winners of its annual poster contest. Students in grades 1-6 from all over the state submitted colorful posters depicting this year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Grow!”

“National Ag Week is a chance to give thanks to farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community for providing the food, fuel, and fiber that we rely on every day,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The students who participated in this year’s contest recognize and appreciate how agriculture impacts our everyday lives. Youth outreach efforts, like our annual poster contest, help instill a deep appreciation for agriculture in future generations.”

“NDA teammates always look forward to the poster contest and are amazed at the large number of talented, young artists in Nebraska,” said Vinton. “All the posters we received are winners in our eyes, and I’d like to thank everyone for participating. I’d also like to thank Nebraska parents and teachers for taking time out of their busy schedules to teach young people about agriculture and how important the ag industry is to Nebraska.”

NDA’s ag poster contest is in its 21st year. The posters were judged in three separate categories: first and second grade; third and fourth grade; and fifth and sixth grade. The winners will receive a certificate and letter from Gov. Jim Pillen and NDA Director Sherry Vinton.

In the First and Second Grade Division:
• 1st place: Adelaide Brophy, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
• 2nd place: Lakshanaa Vijay, 1st grade, Cavett Elementary School in Lincoln
• 3rd place: Ryker Exum, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
• Governor’s Choice: Risha Singh, 1st grade, Maxey Elementary School in Lincoln

In the Third and Fourth Grade Division:
• 1st place: Rex Campbell, 4th grade, Mary Our Queen School in Omaha
• 2nd place: Bailey Prinz, 4th grade, Clarkson Public Schools
• 3rd place: Ollie Adler, 4th grade, Ackerman Elementary School in Omaha
• Governor’s Choice: Hope Kling, 3rd grade, Gordon Elementary School

In the Fifth and Sixth Grade Division:
• 1st place: Sylvie Nieman, 6th grade, Holy Trinity Grade School in Hartington
• 2nd place: Trevor Czarnick, 6th grade, St. Francis Grade School in Humphrey
• 3rd place: Meredith Wortmann, 6th grade, St. Rose of Lima School in Crofton
• Governor’s Choice: Claire Sievers, 5th grade, Randolph Elementary School

NDA announces the winners of its annual poster contest during National Ag Week to highlight the diversity of Nebraska agriculture and to celebrate the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers, ranchers, and ag industry workers provide. The winning posters and the names of the schools submitting entries are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.



Record High Commercial Red Meat and Pork Production in February

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.55 billion pounds in February, up 7 percent from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in February 2023.

Beef production, at 2.17 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.61 million head, up 3 percent from February 2023. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,384 pounds.

Veal production totaled 3.6 million pounds, 6 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 19,600 head, down 24 percent from February 2023. The average live weight was up 57 pounds from last year, at 312 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.37 billion pounds, up 10 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.0 million head, up 10 percent from February 2023. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 290 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.9 million pounds, was up 8 percent from February 2023. Sheep slaughter totaled 171,800 head, 11 percent above last year. The average live weight was 124 pounds, down 5 pounds from February a year ago.

By State         (million lbs.  -  % Feb '23)
Nebraska ....:         655.1            110       
Iowa ...........:         809.9            116       
Kansas ........:         451.8            102       

January to February 2024 commercial red meat production was 9.32 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2023. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 6 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 6 percent.



NCBA Applauds Senate Vote to Block Paraguayan Beef Imports

Thursday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the U.S. Senate for passing a resolution to block Paraguayan beef imports. The resolution comes in response to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that lifted the longstanding ban on Paraguayan beef imports despite the country’s concerning animal health track record.

“Thank you to the strong bipartisan group of senators who voted to overturn the harmful decision to allow Paraguay beef imports into the United States,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “Our animal health standards are second to none, and we must be vigilant in protecting the U.S. cattle herd from harmful foreign animal diseases that could have a devastating impact on U.S. agriculture. Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease is a great concern, and anyone who wishes to trade with the United States must demonstrate they can meet our high standards.”

NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with Paraguayan beef imports since the proposed rule was issued last year. NCBA specifically called out the outdated animal health data used to reach this decision.

“We are greatly concerned that the U.S. government relied on 9-year-old data and site visits from 2008 and 2014 to justify access for Paraguayan beef imports” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “We should never rely on old information to make important decisions that could put the health and safety of the U.S. cattle herd at risk. NCBA has maintained from the beginning that USDA should not have proceeded with this rule without current information to accurately assess Paraguay’s ability to meet our strong animal health standards. We are extremely appreciative of the Senate demonstrating strong bipartisan support to block this rule, and we urge the House to advance this legislation as soon as possible.”

The legislation passed by the Senate Thursday is a joint resolution that would block USDA’s rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA is a tool Congress can use to overturn regulations from federal agencies. Legislation under the CRA must be voted on by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and be signed into law by the President. Having passed the Senate, this legislation now goes to the House for further consideration. NCBA urges the House to vote in favor of this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.



Soy Checkoff Partners With DEWALT® To Produce a Soy-Based Bar and Chain Oil Now Available at Home Depot

What’s the newest use for U.S. Soy? Try a biobased oil for chainsaws because the innovation isn’t slowing down – or bogging down in this case. Through a soy checkoff research and development investment, U.S. soybean farmers, in partnership with DEWALT® and Dynamic Green Products (DGP), introduce a groundbreaking sustainable solution: DEWALT®'s soy-based Bar & Chain Biodegradable Oil, now available at Home Depot stores nationwide. With over 1,300 Home Depot locations, as well as online platforms including Bomgaars, Mac Tools, Grainger and Amazon, among others, consumers and farmers alike have easy access to this environmentally friendly product.

“It’s exciting to see the checkoff investment in this bar and chain oil pay dividends as it becomes widely available to more farmers as well as the professionals who care for parks, forests and more,” said Steve Reinhard, United Soybean Board chair and soybean farmer from Ohio. “This oil is yet another example of U.S. Soy delivering performance and sustainability benefits.”

This USB initiative in partnership with DGP is part of a strategic collaboration with the Airable Research Lab, a division of the Ohio Soybean Council dedicated to bringing sustainable soy solutions to the market in 2024. Fifth-generation farmer Bret Davis, who grows soybeans, corn and wheat in Delaware County, Ohio, describes his eagerness to be an early adopter of the product.

“It’s really pretty simple: if you grow it, you should use it,” said Davis. “I’m proud to be part of the Ohio Soybean Council, which invested in the development of this high-performing, sustainable bar and chain oil that I’m now using on my farm. It works great in my battery-powered chain saw, which I use to clear downed trees and for general cleanup around the farm and fields. It lasts a long time and has excellent lubricating properties.”

The soy-based bar and chain oil has gained widespread acclaim among professionals, highlighting its high performance as a sustainable option. Buckin’ Billy Ray Smith, known for his adventures on the History Channel’s “Ax Men” series and YouTube, said that after he gave it a trial, the 30-year-old veteran of logging and tree falling was instantly impressed with the soy-based bar and chain oil.

“I found the soy-based oil so clean and easy to work with, and it has just the right amount of tack,” said Smith, who has tested almost every bar and chain oil on the market. “Now it’s the only thing I use, including in my vintage saws. It’s also better for the environment, especially in sensitive areas around watersheds, and for workers who get the oil on their hands and breathe it in.”

“I’m concerned about the environment, what’s on my body and what’s left behind. It’s a wonderful option that’s more sustainable and better for workers,” Smith shares.

More information about soy-based products can be found at www.soybiobased.org. To find the oil at Home Depot, search these product numbers: DXCC1200 (16oz), DXCC1201 (32oz) and DXCC1202 (1gal).



U.S. Farm & Biofuel Leaders Seek Certainty on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

A multi-state coalition of biofuel and farm advocates, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and many state corn advocates, called on President Biden’s Treasury Department to swiftly resolve any questions standing in the way of efforts to scale up U.S. production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Specifically, they urged the administration to quickly adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model for the calculation of SAF tax credits (40B) under the Inflation Reduction Act – completing a process that was originally scheduled to conclude by March 1.
 
“We are disappointed that the administration did not fulfill its commitment to release a modified GREET model by March 1, but we appreciate the importance of getting the modeling right,” wrote 26 organizations across 13 states, including Clean Fuels Alliance America, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Oilseed Processors Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association. “At the same time, we caution against contradictory changes to GREET that would stack unwarranted penalties on agricultural feedstocks, cut rural America out of a promising green energy market, and undermine any realistic path to achieving U.S. SAF goals.”
 
SAF advocates emphasized the availability of well-established methodologies for certifying climate smart agriculture practices, in contrast to speculative and unverifiable penalties for indirect land use change favored by opponents of U.S. agriculture.

“Failing to value regenerative and CSA advancements, as well as the full suite of biorefining innovations cited in guidance to date, would leave substantial carbon emissions reductions on the table and represent a missed opportunity to energize these promising sectors,” they wrote. “A consistent approach to ILUC and CSA is a vital part of giving farmers and SAF producers a credible, durable, and predictable framework for making the commitments necessary to effectuate IRA and the SAF Grand Challenge.”



Rapid Expansion of U.S. Soybean Processing Capacity Risks Industry Overbuild

Demand for soybean oil as a feedstock in the production of renewable diesel is rising as the U.S. aims to increase adoption of cleaner burning fuels. Renewable diesel has emerged as the preferred low carbon replacement for traditional diesel, and U.S. production is projected to increase sharply in the years ahead. To meet the growing demand for soybean oil, U.S. soybean processors are ramping up their production capacity, which is expected to increase by 23% over the next three years.

While soybean processors have benefitted from record-high profit margins in recent years, margins are expected to moderate as the market adjusts to the increase in domestic soy crush capacity and growing global competition. Soybean oil prices have come under pressure due to increasing competition from alternative renewable diesel feedstocks including imported vegetable oils, beef tallow and used cooking oil. And persistent weakness in soybean meal prices is likely as surplus grows.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, multiple years of record margins have left U.S. soybean processors well-prepared to weather the inevitable downturn in margins. However, overbuilding U.S. soybean crush capacity, combined with sustained levels of low processing margins could threaten the viability of new, high-cost plants in the long term.

“Legacy processing plants with low debt levels will still find profitability in an environment of sharply lower crush margins,” said Tanner Ehmke, lead grain and oilseed economist for CoBank. “But new crush plants built at substantially higher costs and interest rates will have higher breakeven costs. And destination plants located outside of soybean-growing regions are at greater financial risk due to increased reliance on transportation to acquire soybeans.”

Rising demand for soybean oil for use in renewable diesel will support soybean oil prices. But competition from imported vegetable oils like canola and palm is increasing. Soybean oil remains the most widely used feedstock for biobased diesel production and accounts for roughly 35% of monthly feedstock usage. However, that percentage has fallen from 50% a year ago as usage of competing oils, fats and greases increases. Beef tallow has climbed to more than 20% of total feedstuff usage, while yellow grease and used cooking oil account for 20%.

The expansion of U.S. soybean processing capacity will lead to growing supplies of soybean meal, which could also pressure processor margins. End users of soybean meal in the U.S., chiefly swine and poultry producers, hope to benefit from an abundance of supplies as production climbs. But for soybean processors, the question is whether domestic livestock supplies will be ample enough to absorb the additional soybean meal.

Plentiful feed inputs and steady demand has historically encouraged animal protein production to expand in the U.S. More recently, higher input costs and uncertainty about consumer demand trends has muted expectations for growth. U.S. animal protein production is flattening and still not back to 2019 levels.

“Swine and poultry producers are the top feeders of soybean meal, but the ratios are relatively small and somewhat inflexible,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist for CoBank. “Given their better long-term growth outlook relative to other sectors, we expect broiler integrators will be best positioned to leverage growing soybean meal supplies. But the opportunity is limited, which means export markets will be increasingly important.”

U.S. soybean meal exports grew in 2023 following the historic drought that reduced Argentina’s soybean crop. Barring similar crop failures in South America, competition for soybean meal export market share will intensify in the years ahead. That means the U.S. will likely need to compete on price in key markets like Southeast Asia.



ABA Report: Farm Bank Lending Increased to $110 Billion in 2023

Amid elevated production costs, commodity price volatility and a return to pre-pandemic levels of direct government payments, agricultural loan demand increased in 2023 and agricultural lending by U.S. farm banks grew 6.7% to $110.0 billion, according the American Bankers Association’s annual Farm Bank Performance Report.

“Farm banks continued to enjoy solid performance in 2023, with robust loan growth and historically low delinquency rates,” said ABA’s Chief Economist Sayee Srinivasan. “Moving forward in 2024, the agricultural sector will continue to face challenges due to monetary policy actions targeting persistent inflation in the U.S., as well as reduced federal support. Nevertheless, farm banks maintained their strong asset quality and consistent growth in high-quality capital, and they remain well-positioned to continue serving the needs of their customers and communities."

The report—an analysis by ABA's economic research team based on FDIC and USDA data—examines the performance of the nation's 1,442 banks that specialize in agricultural lending. ABA defines farm banks as banks whose ratio of domestic farm loans to total domestic loans is greater than or equal to the industry average.

The report shows that farm banks are also a major source of credit to small farmers. At the end of 2023 they held 639,694 small farm loans worth more than $44.6 billion, including $9.2 billion in micro farm loans at the end of 2023. A small farm loan is a loan with an original value of $500,000 or less and a micro farm loan is a loan with an original value of $100,000 or less.

In 2023, 98.1% of farm banks were profitable, with 53.5% reporting an increase in earnings. Credit quality at farm banks remained strong in 2023, according to the report. Coming off of historically low delinquency rates, the median noncurrent rate at farm banks (loans 90 days or more past due and loans in nonaccrual status) edged up by just 3 bps to 0.23%. By comparison, the noncurrent loan ratio for the broader banking sector was 0.27%.

While farm banks are typically smaller institutions, they have a large footprint throughout rural America employing about 75,500 workers across 7,253 branches. Employment at farm banks grew by 1.3% in 2023, adding nearly 988 jobs. Since 2013, employment at farm banks has risen 24.4%.

Farm banks have also built strong, high-quality capital reserves and remain liquid and prepared to manage potential economic headwinds. Equity capital at farm banks increased 14.0% to $47.2 billion in 2023, and Tier 1 capital increased by 6.8% to $53.7 billion.

The entire banking industry – not just farm banks – is a critical provider of credit to American farmers and ranchers. At the end of 2023, America’s banks held nearly $199 billion in farm and ranch loans, accounting for about 38% of total outstanding agricultural credit. The U.S. banking industry is also a major source of funding to small farmers. According to the report, banks reported holding over 1.1 million small farm loans worth $70 billion at the end of 2023, including more than 687,000 microloans worth over $15 billion.

“Banks provide much-needed access to credit throughout rural America, but the industry can do even more with the help of Congress,” said Ed Elfmann, senior vice president, agricultural and rural banking policy at ABA. “We strongly support the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act, or ACRE Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in both the House and Senate this Congress that will help lower interest rates for rural borrowers. If enacted, ACRE would free up more capital to help farmers and ranchers directly, and it would encourage local farm banks to provide even more sound and productive credit in support of rural communities across the country.”

The Farm Bank Performance Report also provides regional summaries:
    The Northeast region's 9 farm banks increased farm loans by 8.66% to $1.37 billion in 2023. Ag production loans grew 4.30% from the year before, while farmland loans increased 9.0%.
    The South region's 139 farm banks increased farm loans by 9.78% to $9.52 billion in 2023. Ag production loans grew 12.0% from the year before, while farmland loans increased by 9.02%.
    The Cornbelt region's 681 farm banks increased farm loans by 25.7% to $52.6 billion in 2023. Ag production loans grew 8.90% from the year before, while farmland increased rose by 5.7%.
    The Plains region's 572 farm banks increased their farm loans by 9.42% to $41.1 billion in 2023. Ag production loans grew 14.53% from the year before, while farmland loans increased 5.12%.
    The West region's 42 farm banks increased their farm loans by 6.66% to $5.42 billion in 2023. Ag production loans grew 9.79% from the year before, while farmland loans increased 4.53%.



The John Deere Foundation Commits Nearly $4 Million in Grants to the National FFA Organization

Today, the John Deere Foundation announced a three-year grant totaling $3.9 million to the National FFA Organization (FFA), the premier organization preparing youth for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

The investment builds on the Foundation's legacy of philanthropy since its founding in 1948, showcasing John Deere’s continued commitment to serving those who live, work, and learn within the communities that John Deere serves. The grants will provide access to resources and educational programs to students interested in exploring a broad range of agricultural career pathways and leadership opportunities. Through this investment, Deere will continue its nearly 80 years of support for FFA.

FFA plays a critical role in the personal and professional development of future leaders through agricultural education. The John Deere Foundation’s multi-year, unrestricted giving will support the National FFA Organization’s vision of growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.

“With shared values to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding, clothing, and fueling a growing global population, the John Deere Foundation supports the FFA mission to help the next generation rise up to tackle global challenges,” said Mara Downing, President, John Deere Foundation and Vice President, Global Brand and Communications at John Deere. “The John Deere Foundation will continue to invest in organizations like FFA that create meaningful, measurable, and long-lasting impact on the lives of others and provide them with the resources to help them get there.”

“We are incredibly grateful for John Deere’s continued support and longstanding partnership,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. “By making an unrestricted, multi-year gift, John Deere is able to have the greatest impact on FFA members. This support truly helps us work toward our mission of preparing members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.”



Helena Introduces Dual-Purpose Planter Box Treatment

Helena Agri-Enterprises is giving a boost to planting programs with the introduction of Quickshot™. Previewed earlier this year at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, this dual-purpose planter box treatment blends a fluency agent with a full nutrient package to streamline planting while increasing yield potential. Helena Products Group Brand Manager Jason Gregory says Quickshot is designed to improve yields without changing a single step in a grower’s planting program.

“Quickshot has the same functionality you’d expect from a quality talc:graphite product, but it allows you to get nutrition to the seed faster and improve uptake,” says Gregory. “Simply put, it’s a cost-effective, over-achieving product that delivers better results using the same familiar steps that growers are already taking.”

The benefits of fluency agents are well known. They enhance flowability through the planter and help ensure singulation with fewer skips. They also prevent residue buildup in the planter, making clean up more efficient. The difference with Quickshot is nutrition. With the addition of key nutritional elements, Quickshot not only improves planter efficiency, but also plant vigor.

Quickshot contains an 80:20 talc:graphite ratio with a unique blend of macro and micronutrients: 2% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 3% potassium, 2% sulfur, 4.5% zinc, 1.6% manganese and 0.6% copper. The combination helps increase nutrient uptake in seedlings, which aids in emergence and stand establishment and leads to increased crop uniformity.

“Because its nutrients reach the seed before it leaves the planter and hits the row, Quickshot sets up plants to emerge stronger and jump-starts the season,” Gregory says. “And the cost is minimal to put it to work.”

Research shows Quickshot produces an average seven bushel per acre advantage over the competition, equaling a $34.72 per acre ROI based on current market conditions and competitor pricing. Quickshot is registered for use on corn, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, alfalfa, wheat, canola, cotton, sunflowers and turfgrass. It is formulated as a powder that is added to the planter box and mixed in to cover seed. A limited supply of Quickshot will be available in 2024 at select locations only. Contact your local Helena retailer for availability in your area, and visit HelenaAgri.com for more information on Helena products and services.