Tuesday January 8 Ag News

Drought Strategies for Cow/Calf Producers
Larry F Howard, Extension Educator, Cuming County

Area livestock producers will want to make plans to attend the “Drought Strategies for Cow/Calf Producers meeting.  According to UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County, Larry Howard, the meeting will be held on Tuesday night, January 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cuming County Courthouse meeting room.  There is no fee to attend.

Topics that will be discussed are
·    Grazing Management for 2013 including alternative forages
·    Dry-lotting beef cows-Do’s and Don’ts
·    Harvesting (grazing/baling) crop residues-does it affect future crop yields?
·    Fencing and watering options on crop residues

The program is sponsored by UNL Extension and a meal will be sponsored by Quality Liquid Feeds and Central Valley Ag.  Since there will be a meal, a RSVP would be appreciated by calling the Cuming County Extension office at 402/372-6006.

Farmers Tax Guide Now Available
Farmers can better understand their 2012 tax returns with the help from a guide available through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.  The 2012 Farmers Tax guide has illustrated examples, a sample return and describes available deductions. Cuming County Extension Educator Larry Howard says the tax guides are in and are free to local producers.  They can be picked up at  the UNL Extension office in Cuming County, area tax preparers or  any Cuming County bank.



IRS Reporting Changes to IRS Form 1099-G and 1099-MISC
Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, announced that the agency has implemented some changes regarding issuing IRS Form 1099-G and 1099-MISC for payments issued in 2012.  FSA will no longer issue IRS Form 1099-G and/or 1099-MISC if a producer’s total reportable payments are less than $600.  In addition, FSA will only issue one IRS Form 1099-G and/or 1099-MISC for producers participating in multiple counties.  Producers receiving reportable payments that total $600 or more before withholdings were applied are still being issued an IRS Form 1099-G and/or 1099-MISC.

The changes to the report of payments on the IRS Form 1099-G and 1099-MISC are according to the Internal Revenue Code.

“Producers who have questions about 2012 payments and/or refunds should contact our agency.  Any FSA office can do a search of all payments and refunds using a Tax I.D. Number through our Financial Inquiries software,” said Steinkruger.



Nebraska looses Rep on House Ag Committee

Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming have been left out of the House Ag Committee.  Out of 46 committee members, there is no Congressional representation from the three states.   Previously Nebraska's first district Congressman Jeff Fortenberry had served on the House Ag committee.  In the 113th Congress, Fortenberry will selected to serve in the Appropriations Committee.   A spokesperson for Fortenberry says he is vying for a position on a subcommittee with jurisdiction over agriculture.

The Appropriations Committee writes the policies authorizing all expenditures made by the U.S. Government. It has been 22 years since a Nebraskan served on the House Appropriations Committee. The position was last held by Congresswoman Virginia Smith.

Previously, Third District Congressman Adrian Smith served on the House Ag Committee until Smith was appointed to a position on the Ways and Means Committee in 2012.



Nebraska Soybean Board January Meeting

The Nebraska Soybean Board will meet January 21 & 22, at the Country Inn and Suites, 5353 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.  The meeting will begin Monday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m. to meet with the UNL - Research Committee and recess at 6:00 p.m. to meet with Soybean Management Field Days Researchers in the evening. The meeting will reconvene on Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. for other Board business concluding around 4:30 p.m.  Business items to be considered: discussion for FY13 opportunities, and committee reports and actions.  A complete agenda for the public meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board office or website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Dupont, Pioneer Hi-Bred Intl, Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska.  The Board will address regular board business.  The meeting is open to the public.  A copy of the agenda is available by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE  68509, or calling either 402/471-2676 or 800-NECORN1.  The Nebraska Corn Board’s market development, research, promotion and education programs are funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest at a rate of 1/2 of a cent per bushel of corn sold.



Land Application Training Days Offered in February

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension workshops at eight extension offices across the state in February will provide livestock and crop farmers with information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.

Re-certification will be during the first two hours of the day-long Land Application Training. Dates, times and locations include:
                Feb. 4 – 9 a.m., Courthouse, 200 S. Lincoln St., West Point
                Feb. 4 – 9 a.m., UNL Extension Office, 2345 Nebraska Ave.,York
                Feb. 5 – 9 a.m., UNL Extension Office, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington
                Feb. 5 – 9 a.m., Boardroom, UNL Extension Office, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff
                Feb. 6 – 9 a.m., Courtroom, 250 South 8th Ave., Burwell
                Feb. 8 – 9 a.m., UNL Haskell Ag lab, 57905 866 Rd., Concord
                Feb. 12 – 9 a.m., UNL Extension Office, 148 West Fourth, Ainsworth
                Feb. 12 – 9 a.m., UNL Extension Office, 466 Road 10, Schuyler

Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified. A farm must complete an approved training every five years, and farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are also encouraged to attend.

The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska's Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL AMM coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.

This in-depth, one-day class targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended this initial training, but will need re-certification, may attend the morning portion of the training.

Attendance during the morning of one of the Land Application Training workshops will fulfill NDEQ requirements for re-certification of producers who have completed the initial land application training five or more years ago.

This portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and emerging manure management topics, such as winter manure application, managing liquid storages, how the 2012 drought impacts nutrient management and the manure value calculator spreadsheet that was released in 2012. Farm staff responsible for implementing the farm's nutrient plan are also encouraged to attend.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $50 fee per farm (includes one farm representative) will be charged for the day-long Land Application Training workshops plus a $10 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.

The Land Application Training Re-certification portion of the workshop is $10 for each participant.

These workshops are sponsored by the UNL Extension AMM Team which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize our states manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.

For additional information on these workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818, email ljohnson13@unl.edu.



2013 Leopold Conservation Award Applications Available

Nebraska Cattlemen, in partnering with Sand County Foundation and Cargill, is seeking nominations for the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska. The winner of the award will receive an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for $10,000. The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes Nebraska landowners who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and use sustainable management when working with the natural resources that are in their care.

The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible through the generous support of: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Cargill, Farm Credit Services of America, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Land Trust, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The Leopold Conservation Award recipient will be announced April 19, 2013 and presented at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Annual Convention in Kearney in December.

Landowners may nominate themselves or others and nominations are also welcome from groups or organizations. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2013. For the application/ nomination form visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org or contact Kristen Hassebrook, 402.475.2333.



LANDOWNERS SHOULD APPLY NOW FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION FUNDS

As farmers and ranchers across Nebraska begin thinking about the upcoming growing season, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds farmers and ranchers that now is the time to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Those interested in EQIP are encouraged to sign up before Feb. 15, 2013.

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program available to private landowners and operators. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers may receive financial and technical help with conservation practices on agricultural land.

According to Craig Derickson, NRCS State Conservationist, there are several options available to producers through EQIP.  “EQIP is one our most versatile programs.  It offers cost share and technical assistance to apply conservation measures on cropland, rangeland, as well as for animal feeding operations and establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat.  There are special initiatives to help conserve water in the Ogallala Aquifer, help producers conserve energy on the farm or ranch, and provide assistance to convert to organic agriculture.  There are many, many opportunities available, and NRCS staff can help landowners and operators sort out their EQIP options,” Derickson said.

EQIP has become the most widely applied conservation program in Nebraska with more than 7.7 million acres under contract.  The goal of EQIP is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to protect their natural resources, resulting in cleaner air, water and more wildlife habitat.

“EQIP provides a good option for working lands.  These contracts protect natural resources on land still in production and generating income.  That’s a win-win situation for all Nebraskans,” Derickson said.

Individuals interested in entering into an EQIP agreement may file an application at any time, but the ranking of applications on hand to receive funding will begin Feb. 15, 2013.  Producers are encouraged to sign up soon since all funding for EQIP in Nebraska could potentially be obligated by April 1, 2013.  The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.

For more than 75 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has helped agricultural producers with conservation plans.  NRCS Conservationists will work with landowners on their farm or ranch to develop a conservation plan based on resource goals.  Conservation planning assistance is free and does not require participation in financial programs.

For more information about EQIP and the other available conservation programs visit your local NRCS field office or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



USB Study Calls for Investment in Fixing Locks and Dams

The U.S. shipping industry received a reminder of how much a lock closure can cost when Lock 27 on the Mississippi River closed for five days this fall due to emergency repairs. According to the United Soybean Board, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that an unscheduled closure at this lock can cost up to $2.8 million per day. Emergency fixes and unscheduled maintenance cost shippers and those using shippers to move products. Additionally, the inadequacies of the aging U.S. lock and dam system can add burden, time and costs due to inefficiencies.

A recent study funded by the USB's Global Opportunities program in coordination with the Soy Transportation Coalition examined these inefficiencies and potential maintenance solutions for this vital part of U.S. infrastructure. The U.S. inland waterways serve as important and economical routes to transport U.S. soy to global markets. Fifty-nine percent of total 2011 soybean exports passed through Mississippi River ports in southern Louisiana. Of those soybeans, 89 percent passed through the locks on U.S. inland waterways on the way to the ports.

"We're shipping more than half of our soybeans out of this country to foreign markets," says Dale Profit, soybean farmer and USB farmer-leader from Van Wert, Ohio. "To get those beans to the end user as efficiently as we can and remain competitive in the world market, we need a properly maintained waterway system that meets our needs."

One approach recommended in the study would be to place greater emphasis on maintenance, rather than new construction, of the current lock and dam system, except in certain circumstances. Such an approach could take several forms, including minimal routine and preventative maintenance (this is also called a “fix as fails” strategy) or some routine and preventative maintenance.

The ideal situation would include providing regular routine maintenance and major rehabilitation. Currently it is estimated that within the next 50 years, major rehabilitation will be needed at all 171 U.S. lock sites.



Pork Profits on the Horizon

Pork producers have begun the chant "four more months" as they can now see the light of profits as they are set to emerge from a tunnel of losses. That tunnel of darkness stretched from the spring of 2012 through the winter of 2013, with average estimated losses of $18 per head, primarily due to high feed prices,according to Purdue University Extension economist Chris Hurt.

"Feed prices reached a summit in the third quarter of 2012 with the peak of the drought," Hurt said. "Estimated total hog production costs shot up $10 per live hundredweight, reaching an estimated $72. Costs last fall and this winter dropped about $4 per hundredweight and are expected to moderate an additional $8 with normal 2013 crop production. By fall that could put estimated costs of production around $60 per hundredweight," he said.

The December Hogs and Pigs report from USDA provides evidence that 2013 pork supplies will not be down as much as the 2 percent that had been anticipated, Hurt said. Rather, pork supplies for the year may be closer to unchanged with a 1 to 2 percent reduction in the first half offset by a 1 to 2 percent increase in the second half of the year. The size of the breeding herd was unchanged as of Dec. 1, 2012, when the expectation was that the herd had been reduced by at least 1 percent. In addition, winter farrowing intentions are unchanged, compared to a 2 percent reported reduction in the previous inventory report. Market weights will also contribute to increasing pork supplies in the second half of the year. First-half weights are expected to be down about 1 percent as long as feed prices remain high. But those weights will begin to rise late in the summer, assuming feed prices drop with more normal crop production.

"Hog prices are expected to be somewhat stronger in 2013 due to small beef supplies, continued strong pork exports, and modestly improving consumer incomes," Hurt said. "Live prices averaged about $62 in 2012 but are expected to rise to near $66 for 2013. Prices are expected to average near $63 in the first quarter, $71 in the second quarter, and $69 in the third quarter. Fall 2013 and winter 2014 prices are expected to reflect higher pork production with prices averaging around $61.

"For the immediate future, losses will continue in the first quarter of 2013 and are expected to average about $15 per head," Hurt continued. "The return to profitability is expected to come in late April or early May when the spring hog price rally is under way and as meal prices edge lower with the South American soybean harvest. Profits are projected at about $10 per head for the second and third quarters before returning to breakeven in the fall of 2013 and winter of 2014. Breakeven means that producers cover all costs, including full labor costs and full depreciation on buildings and equipment," Hurt said.

According to Hurt, with the return of a profitable pork production outlook, some producers will be discussing expansion plans. "Most realize that the level of feed prices are both the biggest threat to those anticipated profits and the greatest opportunity for extraordinary profitability over the next two years," he said. "The threat is, of course, related to the continuation of the extreme drought in the western Corn Belt and the Great Plains states. Poor crops there in 2013 could send corn and soybean meal prices to new record highs. Such an outcome would likely extend losses for another year. Alternatively, normal world yields in 2013 will likely send feed prices lower than current new-crop futures are indicating. Such an event would multiply pork profitability," he said.

Hurt said that the U.S. pork industry has suffered with high feed prices partially driven by three consecutive years of poor U.S. corn crops. "Eventually, better yields will likely result in lower and less volatile feed prices. Almost everyone in the animal production industries, including pork producers, hope 2013 is the year that scenario begins."



NCGA President Calls on Farmers to Make 2013 a Year of Action 

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson offers her outlook for corn growers in the new year. Emphasizing the importance of grassroots action, Johnson called on farmers across the country to push for a new, five-year farm bill that protects crop insurance programs.

"When I think about 2013, I immediately think about how critical it is to get a farm bill passed that goes beyond just an extension," said Johnson. "We were disappointed that we could not get a farm bill through the House, up for debate and passed in 2012. We start this new year ready and willing to go back to the table with our commodity group partners and get what needs to be done done."

Johnson went on to stress that crop insurance is included in the farm bill legislation. Thus, as negotiations over a new bill progress, these important programs could experience budget cuts.

"I think that many people overlook how important crop insurance is, but last year's drought highlighted its necessity for many farmers," she said. "The drought proved to us how important it is that we can explain why crop insurance is important to U.S. farmers not only to our representatives in Washington but also to consumers."

As president, Johnson strongly supports NCGA's work but reminds farmers that the association's grassroots nature requires each member to play an active role. By speaking together, they amplify one another's voices and increase the association's effectiveness exponentially.

"While NCGA does important working lobbying for farmers on the Hill and promoting their interests in the public sector, it is really just a shell game without the active support of our grassroots," said Johnson. "We need our members to be active and involved. Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen what it is going to take to make sure that our voices are heard. While we have great programs to accomplish that, like our communications programs such as the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, what we need now is for our members to make a solid, concrete show of support."

She then called on every member directly to take concrete action right now, again stressing the importance of reminding legislators of the key role crop insurance programs play in maintaining the security of our nation's farmers.

"Get your cell phone out and enter the number for the Capitol switchboard," she stated. "It is 202-224-3121. This will put your directly through to the office of your state's representation. Then, just explain to the person on the other end of the line, who will be an important staffer, the story of your farm. Talk about what it was like for you in 2012 and why the farm bill is important to you.

"When you are doing this, do not forget that crop insurance is going to be on the table in debates over the next five-year farm bill," she explained. "If crop insurance was important to you, your farm business and your family this past year, you need to explain why and tell your own personal story."

Johnson then added to her call, urging farmers to remain vigilant and open a face-to-face dialogue with their representatives.

"Beyond making calls, and maybe even more important, farmers need to make sure to see their legislators when they are back at home in your district," Johnson said. "Each of us needs to sit down and really talk with them and not just glad hand and feel recognized. You need to tell that personal story of what is important to you as a farmer and of what you need them to do to make sure you have help when you really need it."

She concluded by emphasizing the incredible ability to create positive change NCGA can have when its grassroots rise up together and demand that their representatives act in support of the men and women who provide our country with food, feed, fuel and fiber.

"I call each of our members to action in 2013 because I recognize how important each of your voices is and what a difference it can make," she concluded. "Together, we can work to build a strong safety net to support farmers in the coming years."



2012 NCGA Annual Report Now Available Online

The National Corn Growers Association's annual report for the 2012 fiscal year is now available online. A printed copy of the report, which highlights the association's achievements over the previous year and features current financial information, will also be sent to all active members and made available at upcoming meetings.

Click here to view the full report... http://www.ncga.com/news-and-resources/news-stories/article/2013/01/2012-annual-report-now-available-online. 

"As the nation's leading trade association representing corn growers, we're proud of the work we do to promote opportunities, expand markets and build a brighter future for agriculture," said NCGA Chairman Garry Niemeyer, a grower from Auburn, Ill., who served as president last year. "We've toiled tirelessly over the past year to proactively advance the image of corn growers and create opportunities to increase demand for their product. This report not only outlines the activities and programs grower contributions support; it also demonstrates their importance and effectiveness."

Themed "Staying the Course," the 2012 report spotlights efforts made by NCGA throughout the year to steadily, deliberately work toward a brighter future for corn farmers while pragmatically dealing with a myriad of drought-related issues.



CWT Assists with 3.9 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from Darigold, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 1.358 million pounds (616 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, 2.519 million pounds (1,143 metric tons) of butter and 44,092 pounds of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South America. The product will be delivered January through July 2013.

These are the first CWT-assisted sales of the New Year and will be sent to seven countries on three continents. When combined with the 2012 CWT-assisted export sales that will ship in 2013, the milk equivalent is 773.3 million pounds, or the same as the annual production of 36,800 cows.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



Record CWT Export Assistance Year Adds 45¢ to Farmers’ Milk Checks

2012 was a record year for the Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) Export Assistance program, featuring a flurry of activity to help its members. These included 1,028 requests for export assist from 11 member cooperatives.  Of those, 676 requests were accepted, helping sell:
-     124.953 million pounds of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese
-     72.779 million pounds of 82% milkfat content butter
-     127,868 pounds of anhydrous milkfat
-     171,961 pounds of whole milk powder
-     Shipments to 42 countries on six continents

On a milkfat basis, these sales are the equivalent of 2.743 billion pounds of milk, which is the annual milk production of 130,637 cows, and also equal to 72% the increase in 2012’s milk production.

Exports from 2011 that were shipped in 2012, along with the 2012-assisted exports shipped last year, totaled 103.6 million pounds of cheese and 58.9 million pounds of butter. CWT-assisted cheddar shipments equaled 71% of total cheddar exports, and total CWT-assisted 2012 cheese shipments equaled 18% of all 2012 cheese exports. CWT-assisted butter shipments accounted for 63% of all 2012 butter export shipments.

This quantity of additional dairy product shipments added an average of 45 cents per hundredweight to dairy farmers’ milk checks for 2012, an excellent return on an investment of just two cents per hundredweight of milk marketed.



Brazil to Audit for BSE

Brazil's agriculture ministry announced Sunday a top-to-bottom "audit" of its cattle industry as the world's top beef exporters try to stave off a growing crisis over a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

"We will review all procedures to be sure we are doing everything necessary," Celio Porto, international relations secretary for the agriculture minister, told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper.

"It's like an audit by the ministry of agriculture on state services," Porto said, adding it would follow guidelines set by the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health.

Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and China have suspended all beef imports from Brazil in connection with an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) that was confirmed last month in an animal that died in 2010 in the southern state of Parana.

Five other countries have imposed some restrictions on beef over the same case.

Brazilian officials insist the case poses no risk whatsoever to public health or to animal hygiene and have not ruled out complaining to the World Trade Organization over the restrictions.



MONSANTO’S INTEGRATED YIELD PIPELINE ADVANCES A RECORD 18 PROJECTS ACROSS MULTIPLE RESEARCH AREAS

Monsanto’s annual research and development update highlighted record project advancement across the company’s breeding, biotechnology, and improved agronomics platforms, all aimed at sustainably maximizing farmer productivity while conserving resources like water and land.

Through integrated research in breeding, biotechnology, and new technology areas such as Integrated Farming Systems℠ and agricultural biologicals, Monsanto is focused on offering farmers the best possible system of products to optimize the performance of their crops each growing season. This systems approach focuses on delivering multiple solutions for farmers to combat the challenges they face, using fewer inputs, while ensuring the solutions work together to maximize total yield potential.

“In this record year for our pipeline, we added next-generation agronomic trait solutions, advanced our work in the unique space of yield and stress with the launch of Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids, advanced breeding projects that combat yield-reducing pests and diseases, and also added projects in our newest area, agricultural biologicals,” said Robb Fraley, Ph.D., Monsanto chief technology officer.  “With our diverse and expanding pipeline of solutions, we’ll be able to deliver additional innovations to meet the needs of our customers in a sustainable way.”

In addition to the 18 project advancements, Monsanto has three projects in its Ground Breakers® on-farm testing program. Ground Breakers®, a testing program that informs the company’s commercial decisions and gives farmers a firsthand look at future products in their fields, continues Intacta RR2 PRO™ in Brazil, and added Roundup Ready® 2 Xtend soybeans (field trials under permit) and FieldScripts℠ under Integrated Farming Systems℠ in the United States.

Biotechnology Platform
Monsanto has a pipeline of exciting products in development, including yield and stress work in collaboration with BASF Plant Science, as well as next-generation insect control, designed to minimize yield risk and take production to a whole new level. This year’s advancements are comprised of eight projects, including the launch of Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids, developed in collaboration with BASF.  This drought-tolerant corn system is designed to enhance yield stability when water is limited, providing farmers in tough environmental conditions with an opportunity to improve yield and consistency.

Breeding Platform
Monsanto’s breeding program draws from a diverse genetic germplasm collection that is unparalleled in the industry. Combined with an extensive global testing program, an understanding of biotechnology traits and advanced breeding tools like molecular markers and seed chippers, these components help plant breeders deliver new and improved hybrids and varieties faster and with higher yield potential than ever before. In addition to annual germplasm improvements, this year’s breeding pipeline advanced four projects, including the launch of phytophthora root rot resistant soybeans which targets the second most significant soybean disease in the United States, with an average yield loss of 44 million bushels per year.

Agricultural Biologicals Platform
Within Monsanto’s agricultural biologicals platform, researchers are working on targeted and effective products for weed, insect, and virus control that could maximize growers’ yield potential. Monsanto’s first technology under agricultural biologicals is BioDirect™. The company’s two BioDirect™ projects in virus control and insect control would offer farmers protection from virus and insects across a wide variety of crops. Monsanto’s BioDirect™ technology glyphosate-resistant weed control would target glyphosate-resistant weeds and provide a broader spectrum of control.

Agronomic Solutions Platform
Monsanto featured two advancements in its agronomic solutions platform that are designed to provide farmers with multiple solutions to combating weeds and multiple nematode species that impair productivity.  Nematicide chemistry would provide farmers with control against nematode species in a wide variety of crops.  The company also advanced its improved dicamba formulation, which would provide farmers with an additional tool for weed management, to the final phase before commercialization. 

The following is a complete list of the 18 projects advancing phases in 2013...

Biotechnology Platform

Next-Generation Corn Rootworm (Advanced to Phase 1)
Next-Generation Corn Rootworm would provide farmers with multiple modes of action against corn rootworm. This project would build upon current corn rootworm technology, with multiple, new modes of action that would offer the opportunity for greater control and durability against corn rootworm.

Next-Generation Above-Ground Insect Protection for Corn (Advanced to Phase 1)
Next-Generation Above-Ground Insect Protection is designed to offer increased control and durability against key lepidopteran pests. This next-generation project would provide multiple modes of action against above-ground insects, providing a broad spectrum of efficacy on farmer’s fields.

Next-Generation Insect-Protected Soybeans (Advanced to Phase 1)
Next-Generation Insect-Protected Soybeans add additional modes of action, improving current yield protection and trait durability from previous generation products. This product is designed to provide multiple modes of action to primary and secondary insect pests with a broad spectrum of insect protection.

Next-Generation Genuity® Bollgard® Cotton (Advanced to Phase 1)
Next-Generation Genuity® Bollgard® Cotton is designed to enhance the insect protection in earlier Bollgard® products. This next-generation technology would provide season-long protection with multiple modes of action against key lepidopteran pests in cotton fields worldwide.

Herbicide-Tolerant Wheat (Advanced to Phase 2)
Herbicide-Tolerant wheat is designed to incorporate tolerance to multiple herbicide modes of action, giving growers multiple options for weed management. Early field trials showed excellent tolerance to dicamba and glufosinate.

Insect Protected­ + Roundup Ready® Sugarcane (Advanced to Phase 2)
Insect-protected + Roundup Ready® Sugarcane is designed to use the Bt technology widely adopted in corn and cotton to control economically damaging pests in Brazil, including sugarcane borer. The insect protection is combined with the Roundup Ready® gene for more flexible weed control.

Dicamba-, Glufosinate- and Glyphosate-Tolerant Corn (Advanced to Phase 3)
Dicamba-, Glufosinate- and Glyphosate-Tolerant Corn is designed to build on the Roundup Ready® Xtend crop system and provide farmers with additional herbicide-tolerance options. This product would contain multiple herbicide tolerance traits enabling use of herbicides with different modes of action, expanding growers’ options to protect their corn crop from weed infestations.

Dicamba- and Glufosinate-Tolerant Cotton (Advanced to Phase 4)
Dicamba-and Glufosinate-Tolerant Cotton would represent Monsanto’s first stack of herbicide-tolerant technologies in cotton, containing Genuity® Roundup Ready® Flex stacked with Dicamba-and Glufosinate-tolerance for three unique modes of action. Part of the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System, this would provide cotton growers with the most effective weed management system available.

Drought-Tolerant Corn (Launched) – Collaboration between Monsanto and BASF
Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids is Monsanto’s drought-tolerant corn system developed as part of a joint R&D collaboration with BASF on yield and stress. Monsanto will introduce Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids in the Western Great Plains for the 2013 growing season under stewardship requirements pending import approvals in key export markets. Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids combine germplasm selected for its drought-tolerant characteristics through breeding, the drought-tolerant biotechnology trait and agronomic recommendations. In the 2012 growing season, Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids experienced strong performance in trials, with commercially projected products showing a yield advantage of more than 5 bushels per acre over competitor hybrids.

Breeding Platform

Goss’s Wilt Resistance in Corn (Advanced to Phase 3)
Goss’s Wilt, caused by a bacterium that reduces yields in the Western Great Plains and expanding areas, affects approximately 30 percent of U.S. corn acres and can impair yields greater than 60 bushels per acre.  The Goss’s Wilt Resistance project would enhance disease resistance against Goss’s Wilt in corn crops.

Root Knot Nematode Resistance in Cotton (Advanced to Phase 4)
Root Knot Nematode Resistance technology in cotton can reduce root knot nematode populations by 60 percent. When combined with seed treatments, the system can provide enhanced seedling vigor, resistance management, and season-long protection against root knot nematodes. These new cotton varieties would offer more uniform, stable growing performance than is currently available.

Phytophthora Root Rot Resistance in Soybeans (Launched)
In field-testing, Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® Phytophthora Root Rot soybean varieties with double gene stack showed a significant yield advantage over the competition, providing enhanced season-long protection against the diverse pathogen strains of the second-most impactful soybean disease in the U.S.

Performance Series™ Broccoli (Launched)
Unlike ordinary broccoli, the crown in Performance Series™ Broccoli extends even with the leaf canopy. The stem is clean without large leaves to remove. The crowns mature uniformly, requiring fewer passes through the fields at harvest which makes them easier for farmers to harvest.

Agricultural Biologicals Platform
BioDirect™ Technology Virus Control (Advanced to Discovery)

Leveraging Monsanto’s core capabilities in genomics, BioDirect™ Technology Virus Control could significantly reduce the impact of viruses across a broad range of crops.
BioDirect™ Technology Insect Control (Advanced to Discovery)

Early testing indicates BioDirect™ Technology Insect Control could provide specific and precise protection against insect pests that significantly impact the health of a farmer’s crop.
BioDirect™ Technology Glyphosate-Resistant Weed Control (Advanced to Phase 1)

BioDirect™ Technology Glyphosate-Resistant Weed Control has the potential to be a game changer for managing weeds that have developed glyphosate resistance. Early testing indicates that BioDirect™ technology can be used with glyphosate to target weeds and provide a broader spectrum of control on problem weeds.

Agronomic Solutions Platform

Nematicide Chemistry (Advanced to Phase 3)
Monsanto’s nematicide chemistry would provide farmers with an additional tool to control pressure from multiple nematode species, one of the largest pest problems in agriculture.

Improved Dicamba Formulation (Advanced to Phase 4)
The Improved Dicamba Formulation, a complementary component of the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System, would control resistant and tough to control weeds with a dual-mode-of-action herbicide. The new low-volatility dicamba/glyphosate premix candidates could be used before, during and after planting with Roundup Ready Xtend Crops.