Two Nebraska Pig Farmers Named Finalists for 2017 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year
Two Nebraska pig farmers, Bill Luckey and Leslie McCuiston, both of Columbus, are two of the four finalists who are vying to become 2017 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. The goal of the program is to honor the U.S. pig farmer who best excels at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and is best able to share his or her farming story with the American public.
“To have two of the four finalists from our state is outstanding,” said Russ Vering, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. “They both represent the best in pig farming and they are two individuals who have taken the lead on environmental sustainability, animal welfare and continuous improvement.
Farming and raising pigs has been a family tradition for Bill Luckey who is a fourth-generation farmer. Luckey, along with his wife and three sons, market 10,000 pigs a year. They also raise cattle, corn and soybeans on their farm.
Focusing on people is Leslie McCuiston’s main goal as a Senior Production Manager for The Maschhoffs, LLC. McCuiston believes in equipping her employees with the right tools to provide the best animal care every day. She oversees 70 employees who help to take care of over 18,000 sows in Northeast Nebraska.
The four finalists are meeting today with an expert panel of third-party judges in Chicago. The judges will view on-farm videos produced at the finalists’ farms and will conduct an in-person interview with each of them.
From Aug. 30 through Sept. 8, the public can vote once a day per person per email address for their favorite finalist at www.americaspigfarmer.com. The winner will be announced Oct. 3.
Nebraska Corn Board elects Reiners as new at-large director and Merrell, Bruntz and Borg as officers at August meeting
The Nebraska Corn Board held a board meeting on August 25, 2017 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. During this meeting, the Board elected Jay Reiners, a farmer from Juniata, Nebraska, to serve as its at-large director. Reiners will replace Alan Tiemann from Seward, who is stepping down after 12 years with the Nebraska Corn Board.
“I’m honored and humbled the Board has chosen me to serve as a director on the Nebraska Corn Board,” said Reiners. “Alan left big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to hit the ground running to serve our state’s corn farmers.”
Reiners graduated with an associate’s degree in general agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) before serving in the Army National Guard. He currently grows field corn, seed corn and soybeans on his 1,700 acre farm. Jay is also very active in a variety of leadership roles. He is the vice president of the Adams County Lutheran Education Association, is involved with the Adams-Webster Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and is the vice chair of the National Corn Growers Market Access action team.
Nebraska Corn Board directors serve three year terms with opportunities to be reelected. Reiners began his role directly following the election. In addition to the at-large director selection, the Nebraska Corn Board also held officer elections at the August 25 board meeting.
David Merrell, District 7 director, was reelected as the chairman of the board. Merrell, who has been with the Nebraska Corn Board since 2006, has farmed for over 20 years on his farm near St. Edward, Nebraska. His family farm consists of 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans. He is active in the National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. He is a graduate of UNL with a bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture (mechanized systems management).
“It’s been a true privilege to work with the other eight members of the Board to help advance and expand Nebraska’s corn industry,” said Merrell. “Each board member is extremely dedicated. They bring unique interests and viewpoints to the table, which represent all of our state’s corn farmers.”
David Bruntz, District 1 director, was reelected as the vice chair of the Nebraska Corn Board. Bruntz has been farming for more than 30 years near Friend, Nebraska. He grows irrigated and non-irrigated corn and soybeans, and he also feeds cattle. Bruntz received his education from UNL’s Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture where he majored in production agriculture. He has been with the Board since 2013.
Debbie Borg, District 4 director, was elected secretary/treasurer of the Board. Debbie lives near Allen, Nebraska and is a partner in TD Borg Farms, a fifth generation farm. On their farm, they raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, feed cattle and are proactively engaged in establishing the sixth generation in the business. Borg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness from Colorado State University. She has served on the Nebraska Corn Board since 2013.
“We are fortunate in Nebraska to have a corn checkoff that actively works to engage in strategies to positively impact our corn farmers,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Each director devotes a significant amount of time and effort to promote the value of corn by creating opportunities.”
Each of the officer positions are effective immediately and will last one year. The Nebraska Corn Board is made up of nine farmer directors who serve three-year terms. Eight members represent specific Nebraska districts and are appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. The Board elects a ninth at-large member.
TIPS ON MAKING GOOD SILAGE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
It's hard to believe, but summer is nearing an end and silage harvest time soon will be here. Let's talk today about making good silage.
Good silage can reduce feeding costs for your livestock. And to get good silage, it doesn’t matter whether its drought damaged, hailed, or a normal crop, the same techniques are used.
There are three keys to making good silage. The first is chop at the right moisture. Silage in bunkers should be about 65 percent moisture, and in upright towers around 62 to 65 percent is best. Bags work well between 60 and 70 percent. Silage chopped too wet will run or seep, carrying away many valuable nutrients, and it often has a sour, smelly, unpalatable fermentation. Silage chopped too dry usually develops some mold and the silage heats. Cattle eat it really well but protein and energy digestibility can be low in heat-damaged silage.
Next, you must eliminate oxygen. Proper moisture, tight packing, rapid filling, uniform distribution, and correct length of cut all help force air out of the silage. Then cover the top with plastic to prevent oxygen in the air from penetrating and spoiling the outside two or three feet.
Finally, encourage rapid fermentation to lower silage pH. Proper moisture at chopping and tight packing are a great start. Adding inoculants can speed fermentation and can help reduce storage losses. Sometimes they also improve silage feeding value. Inoculants are especially valuable with wet silage but they also can improve drier or proper moisture silage.
Good silage provides economical animal production. Correct moisture, a tight pack, and rapid lowering of pH can get you there.
ICGA Commemorates 50 Years at Annual Grassroot Summit
Continuing the legacy became the theme echoed many times throughout the 2017 Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Grassroots Summit which took place this weekend in Altoona. While celebrating the many achievements of the last 50 years, ICGA delegates set the direction for the policies and priorities in the coming year.
“The hard work that our members put forth and their involvement supports sound policy decisions that will continue to aid in the success of the corn industry,” said ICGA President Mark Recker, a farmer from Arlington. “Our members are passionate about making a difference and cultivating a bright future for our industry for generations to come. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this next year.”
On Saturday, the nearly 150 delegates in attendance had the opportunity to review expiring policies and debate new resolutions. The Grassroots Summit is the year-end event in the policy development process. The process includes a member-wide survey in the spring, roundtable discussions held across the state in the summer and the Grassroots Summit in late August. Policies that are related to national issues are adopted and brought forth at the Commodity Classic meetings in March with National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) farmer delegates.
The delegates deliberated on many important state issues impacting Iowa corn farmers including these priority issues:
Ethanol – obtain funding for infrastructure cost-share program (RFIP)
Conservation/Water Quality – long-term, increased funding for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Regulations – reduce regulatory barriers where possible
Taxes – protect agriculture in comprehensive tax reform
Taxes – Section 179 coupling with State of Iowa
“This meeting reaffirmed our top federal priorities of maintaining a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and supporting international marketing of agricultural commodities by expanding trade agreements and the continued funding of USDA commodity export programs,” ICGA President Recker. “We are focused on supporting legislation that will build markets and create demand for corn and corn products.”
Delegates weighed several key federal issues:
Ethanol – Retain the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
Trade- Expanding bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements
Trade – Protect/expand funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program as part of the Farm Bill
Safety Net – Protect crop insurance funding as a part of the Farm Bill
Tax- Protect agriculture in comprehensive tax reform
During the Grassroots Forum on Friday, incoming ICGA President Recker welcomed attendees with a special video message from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds then Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, a graduate of the Iowa Corn I-LEAD program, addressed the group. Iowa Corn CEO Craig Floss moderated an Iowa Corn Leadership Panel of past ICGA farmer-leaders including Pam Johnson, a farmer from Floyd County who served as National Corn Growers Association President from 2012-13, Glen Moeller, a farmer from Scott County who served as ICGA President from 1995-96, and Pete Wenstrand, a farmer from Page County who served as ICGA President from 1988-89. The panel examined the many challenges and opportunities facing them as leaders then and how several of these issues impact the corn industry today. Attendees then divided into roundtable discussions facilitated by representatives of several of Iowa Corn’s partner organizations.
In addition, many of the Iowa Congressional Delegation recorded special 50th Anniversary congratulatory videos that were played throughout the two-day event and former ICGA President Varel Bailey of Anita who received the Walter Geoppinger Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the corn industry.
ICGA will release its finalized top 2018 state and federal policy priorities in December based on grassroots input provided during the Summit. The complete 2017-2018 policy resolution book is available upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242.
ICGA Recognizes Members Receiving the 2017 Iowa Farm Environmental Leaders Award
Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) recognized 28 members and their families who received the 2017 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during the Annual Grassroots Summit Awards Luncheon on Saturday.
This award is a joint effort between Governor Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Gregg, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It was created to identify farmers who are committed to water quality and soil health. Each recipient has demonstrated excellent voluntary efforts to help keep Iowa’s water clean and our soils healthy. These individuals were also acknowledged during a ceremony held at the Iowa State Fair on August 19th.
ICGA membership selected are as follows:
Mike and Rhonda Leonard, Harrison
Alan and LuAnn Bennett, Ida
Russ and Liz Davis, Sac & Calhoun
Keith and Sharon Mensing, Adair
Donald & Betty and Bruce & Deborah Richardson, Buena Vista
Julius and Cynthia Schaaf, Fremont
Mark and Melissa Schliesman (M&M Farms), Calhoun & Carroll & Sac
Paul and Linda Beckman, Des Moines
John Dingman, Lee
Roger and Susie Edwards (Ro-Sie View Farm), Louisa
Jim Goodhue and family, Warren
Chad Ingels, Fayette
Joe and Mary Jardon, Fremont & Montgomery
Eric & Annette Jellum (Jellum Farm), Mitchell
Bruce and Lisa Johnson, Mitchell
Wayne and Lisa Koehler, Floyd
Paul and Avriel Koester, Tama
Steve and Ann Mallams (Mallams Inc), Henry
Duane & Karen Martin (Duane Martin Family Inc), Fayette
John and Joan Maxwell (Cinnamon Ridge Farms), Scott
Mike and Jon McClure, Dallas
Moffitt Stock Farms, Warren
Jim and Mike Penick, Warren
Mark & Cindy Prevo (Prevo Farms Inc), Davis
Leon Sheets (Sheets Farms), Chickasaw
Henry and Meri Kay Shepard, Black Hawk & Benton
Kenneth Sieren, Washington & Keokuk
Loran Steinlage, Fayette
This is just one of many examples of how ICGA is leading the way on Iowa’s water quality efforts. ICGA also offers its members a monthly Stewardship Advocate e-newsletter to help them stay up-to-date with news and events related to their farms. The program features monthly updates from Iowa Corn Sustainable Program Manager, Ben Gleason, and other experts on the topics of soil health, conservation and water quality. Go to, www.iowacorn.org/water for more information.
Iowa Land Values Update
Sam Kain, Asst VP - Real Estate Operations - Farmers National Company
Land auctions lead the way in Iowa for Farmers National Company with a 30 percent growth in sales in the last year.
Auction sales were 78 percent of Farmers National Company’s transactions in Iowa for the first six months of our fiscal year. Despite a more cautious land market, 97 percent of our auctions were successful and the land sold. That is a testament to the local agent who knows the buyers and sellers in their market.
Good quality land in Iowa has been steady or experienced a slight decline in value in the past six months. Average quality land continues to see a slow decline in value, while pasture land has experienced some strengthening. Estates remain the primary sellers of land as the inherited land is sold and the proceeds divided among the inheritors. Farmers continue to comprise the majority of land buyers with interest by investors coming back into play in the market.
Overall, land values have stayed fairly stable due to the limited amount of land on the market over the past several years. Recent commodity prices indicate there is still room for a downward trend in land values. If we start to see more land available on the market, we may see values decrease more rapidly.
Soybeans Hit the Road in New Goodyear Tires
This fall when Goodyear introduces its Assurance WeatherReady tires for passenger vehicles, soybean farmers may want to pay attention to their newest customer. That’s because this all-season, innovative line of tires was made possible in part by the soy checkoff. The tires feature a soy-based rubber compound, bringing forward yet another market opportunity for soybean oil and, in return, a profit opportunity for soybean farmers.
“Goodyear and the soy checkoff share something special: a commitment to innovation,” says John Motter, United Soybean Board chair and farmer from Jenera, Ohio. “When we started working with them more than six years ago, it was just an idea, a way to build demand for soybean oil. Now, we have a tire that shows what soy can do on the road.”
Goodyear’s interest in soybean oil included a look at sustainability, a priority for many corporations throughout the United States; however, what they found was a competitive advantage – rubber compounds made with soybean oil remained soft at lower temperatures, leading to enhanced traction in dry, wet and winter conditions. Thus the name, WeatherReady.
“As we develop great products that anticipate and respond to the needs of consumers, soybean oil was one of the technologies enabling us to meet a challenging performance goal,” said Eric Mizner, Goodyear’s director of global material science.
A product advantage is something that is news to soybean farmers’ ears, as this market is just beginning.
“Businesses looking to use soy, even if for sustainable purposes, want to see not only a price-competitive product, but one that functions the same or better than their original product,” says Motter. “That’s why the checkoff works with companies such as Goodyear to test soybean oil and confirm its characteristics, so we can increase demand for our product and ultimately increase our profit opportunities.”
Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady tire will be widely available in September 2017, offered in a wide range of sizes, covering 77 percent of cars, minivans and SUVs on the road today.
Animal Agriculture Alliance issues statement on how to help farmers, ranchers and animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey continues to unleash havoc on farmers and ranchers in Texas with flood waters forcing cattle and other livestock to be moved to higher ground.
Texas ranchers in the affected areas are no strangers to severe weather and storms - many began preparing days before Harvey made landfall by moving cattle and stockpiling hay and feed. Many were also prepared to cut fences on Friday in an effort to allow any remaining cattle to get to roadways and higher ground when Harvey arrived.
“The dedication and hard work of farmers and ranchers is evident as we see cattle being herded from flooded fields to streets to avoid the rising water,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, vice president of communications at the Alliance. “Now it is time for our farmers and ranchers to receive the help they deserve.”
Several groups are on route to join forces with local organizations to help animals in need. One of those groups is American Humane Association. It is working with Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food “to deliver more than 100,000 pounds of free emergency food to displaced pet owners and frightened, hungry animals separated from their families.”
While animals are being moved to higher ground, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is moving funds into its account as the animal rights group uses the disaster in Texas to fundraise.
“HSUS is not affiliated with local humane societies and uses only about one percent of its budget to help animals in shelters,” said Kay Johnson Smith, president and CEO at the Alliance. “Instead, they use a significant amount of their funds to lobby against farmers and ranchers like the ones impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
It may seem like HSUS is helping rescue dogs and cats in the Southeast, but the group doesn’t have a good track record. In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, HSUS raised $34 million to supposedly help reunite lost pets with their families, but after an investigation was launched, the Louisiana Attorney General found that only a sliver of the money was spent for its intended purpose.
In 2010, HSUS used the earthquake in Haiti to fundraise and when the American Humane Association and American Veterinary Medical Association joined with fourteen other organizations to form the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), HSUS declined to participate. It instead began marketing itself as the sole provider of animal care to the devastated area and launched a massive advertising campaign to secure donations.
The Alliance encourages people that truly want to help the desperate animals in the Southeast this week to choose to support the State of Texas Agricultural Relief (STAR) Fund, the American Humane Association or local organizations that are actually concerned about helping animals and rebuilding communities.
The Texas Department of Agriculture established the STAR Fund to receive donations that will be redirected 100 percent back to livestock producers who need the help. A few local organizations include: Houston Food Bank, United Way of Greater Houston, Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Houston Humane Society and the San Antonio Humane Society.
An Increase in U.S. Beef Production and Exports
The U.S. has an overall mature beef industry with a steady consumption rate, however the industry has had several disruptions over the last five years leaving room for expansion in the near future. The second in a new series of reports from the RaboResearch Food and & Agribusiness group, provides a ten-year outlook that sees a rebuilding effort in the beef and cattle industries and increases in U.S. exports.
The report, “Expanding Beef Production Increases the Need for Exports: U.S. Long-Term Beef and Cattle Baseline Outlook,” provides an outlook through 2025 for U.S. beef and cattle industries. The purpose of the baseline is to create a point of comparison which can be utilized for strategic planning and scenario analysis.
“Population growth, along with improving middle-class incomes, are the global drivers behind the opportunity for increased beef exports,” notes RaboResearch Global Senior Data Analyst Sterling Liddell. “Conversely, beef imports into the U.S. face headwinds as an increased number of head available for slaughter combines with relatively persistent carcass weights to equal, or exceed, domestic demand levels.”
The report looks to offer ideas for new opportunities that can be explored and risks that must be monitored over the next five years.
“While the trend of increasing quality is difficult to quantify, the combination of genetic improvement, formula pricing that includes premium price structures, and additional days of feeding due to lower grain prices will continue to drive U.S. beef quality higher,” notes Don Close, Senior Animal Protein Analyst and co-author of the report. “The premiums in the U.S. are expected to increase relative to choice, branded, and select classifications.”
This U.S. Long-Term Beef and Cattle Baseline Outlook report is the second in a six part series. Earlier this month the U.S. Long-Term Grains and Oilseed Baseline Outlook was released. The remaining Rabobank North American Baseline Outlook publications will be released over the course of Q3 2017 will include:
1. U.S. Long-Term Pork & Poultry Baseline Outlook
2. Mexico Long-Term Grain, Oilseed, & Animal Protein Baseline Outlook
3. Canada Long-Term Grain, Oilseed, & Animal Protein Baseline Outlook
4. U.S. Farm Economics Baseline Outlook
USDA Integrates Recalls Information into 'FoodKeeper' Application
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new updates to its popular FoodKeeper application that will provide users with new information on food safety recalls. The app has been updated so users can choose to receive automatic notifications when food safety recalls are announced by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the update posted to the Google Play and iTunes stores, users can select to receive information on food safety recalls immediately when they’re announced or select to receive them daily or weekly. The update also adds instructional videos on proper handling and storage of food, and expands the list of food and beverage products from about 400 to more than 500 items.
“This is a great way for the public to stay informed when food is recalled,” said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg. “The FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy to use tool; and it reflects USDA's commitment to provide the public with information and knowledge to help them make informed decisions.”
The FoodKeeper app was developed by FSIS in partnership with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute, as a tool to help reduce food waste and improve public health by sharing storage methods that extend the shelf life of the foods and beverages in American homes. It now offers specific storage timelines for the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, for more than 500 products, including various types of baby food, dairy products and eggs, meat, poultry, produce, seafood and more. Since it was launched in April 2015, it has been downloaded nearly 150,000 times.
"These updates to the FoodKeeper are just one more example of FSIS' commitment to reducing the rates of foodborne illness nationally," said Rottenberg. "We want to make sure the valuable recall information FSIS and FDA publish is available to as many Americans as possible. With the expansion of products covered in the apps database, this app is helpful to any type of consumer, and I encourage anyone who hasn't already done so, to download and begin using the FoodKeeper app."
With the FoodKeeper application, each user can:
- Find specific storage timelines for the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, depending on the nature of the product;
- Learn cooking tips and methods for various types of meat, poultry and seafood products;
- Note in their device's calendar when products were purchased and receive notifications when they are nearing the end of their recommended storage date;
- Submit a question to USDA using the 'Ask Karen' feature of the application. 'Ask Karen' is USDA's 24/7 virtual representative. The system provides information about preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry and egg products;
- Submit items not included in the database for consideration in future updates;
- Receive information on food safety recalls immediately when they’re announced or select to receive them daily or weekly.
For those that do not have access to a smartphone, the FoodKeeper app can also be accessed at FoodSafety.gov/FoodKeeper.
NMPF: Vegan Petition to Alter Dairy Food Labeling Rules Would Cause Further Confusion in Marketplace
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should reject a petition filed by the Good Food Institute (GFI) that would undermine federal standards of identity for food and sanction existing misleading marketing tactics of imitation dairy products, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said in comments filed today.
In the latest salvo over the proper use of long-standing dairy food terms, the vegan advocacy organization GFI submitted a petition earlier this spring requesting that FDA permit manufacturers of plant-based products to use labels that employ standardized dairy terms such as “milk.” In response, NMPF said the petition is at odds with established laws and inconsistent with FDA regulations, which state that foods labeled “milk” must come from an animal.
“GFI’s petition flies in the face of established law and common sense,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “Nothing has happened in the last 20 years that makes it OK to combine plant or nut powders with water, sugar, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and other chemicals, and call it ‘milk.’ This request is wrong on its merits and is designed to further mislead consumers.”
In its comments, NMPF argued that when plant-based beverages use standardized dairy terms, “they typically do so to imitate milk and other real dairy products, and to benefit unfairly from the reputation that real dairy foods have for nutritional content and quality.” The organization argues that imitation dairy products seek to “bask in the halo” of milk’s healthy reputation in order to attract consumers seeking the attributes offered by real dairy.
NMPF said GFI’s proposed changes to FDA rules would undermine the agency’s standards of identity and create more confusion in the marketplace. Labeling non-dairy products with dairy terminology, the organization added, can mislead consumers into thinking the imitation contains the same nutritional benefits as the real thing. Data from a 2015 Mintel survey found that 49 percent of respondents said they consumed plant “milks” because they thought the products are nutritious. However, according to an NMPF survey of nearly 250 plant-based imitation dairy beverages, none of the products was nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk.
“Consumers do not understand that plant-based imitation ‘milks’ are not suitable replacements for the natural, nutrient-packed goodness of real milk,” said Dr. Beth Briczinski, NMPF’s vice president for dairy foods and nutrition. “GFI’s request would only exacerbate this misconception.”
NMPF argued that calling these foods what they really are – plant-based beverages – is the “simplest and most certain way to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interests of consumers.” NMPF cited examples of other “beverages” or “drinks” that both comply with federal labeling regulations and clearly state their composition.
NMPF dismissed GFI’s contention that enforcing standards of identity is “anti-competitive,” and said plant-based drinks are welcome in the marketplace so long as they are labeled appropriately. The group also rejected as specious GFI’s argument that there is a First Amendment conflict in placing limitations on how food products can describe themselves.
“Congress mandated standards of identity for milk and other dairy products more than 80 years ago. GFI’s argument that it is now suddenly unconstitutional for FDA to enforce laws that have been on the books for eight decades makes no sense,” Mulhern said. “In fact, the Supreme Court specifically affirmed in the Central Hudson case that the government may regulate commercial speech in a way that protects the public interest. Congress long ago determined that there is an important government interest in avoiding mislabeling of food products and misleading the public.”
Other nations have taken a more proactive stance on this issue, NMPF wrote, pointing out that brands marketing themselves as “almondmilk” in the United States do not use that term on their products sold in Canada or Europe.
“We have the same standard as the European Union, the United Kingdom and Canada when it comes to labeling plant-based dairy imitators,” Mulhern said. “The only difference is that the FDA does not enforce that standard, while regulators in other nations do.”
Ram Launches New 2018 Harvest Edition
Ram is celebrating its agricultural bonds with a new model designed specifically for America's farm families.
The Ram Harvest Edition is the industry's first agricultural market-specific truck and is visually distinguished by two new colors: Case IH Red and New Holland Blue.
"The Ram Harvest Edition marks the first time that Ram dealers will be able to stock trucks that exactly match the colors of two of the most popular lines of farm equipment in the nation," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands – FCA Global. "Farmers have been asking for these colors, and Ram is proud to be the first in the industry to be able to offer them. The Ram Harvest Edition truck will allow farm families to get their work done while proudly showing their agricultural brand loyalty."
Case IH and New Holland farm tractors and other agricultural equipment are manufactured by subsidiaries of CNH Industrial. CNH Industrial N.V. shares a common ancestry with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
The Harvest Edition will be available across the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 lineup, in all four-door Quad, Crew and Mega Cab configurations, all box lengths and all powertrains, including 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8, 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 and 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel.
Harvest Edition trucks are loaded with features that are designed to work. Among them, a ride-height increase of one inch and aggressive on/off-road tires on Ram 1500 Harvest Edition trucks are designed to help owners comfortably and confidently navigate rough farm roads and pastures.
Also included in the farm-life essentials are black tubular side steps, a durable spray-in bedliner, fold-out bumper step and mud flaps, rubber floor mats, skid plates and tow hooks (4x4) and heated seats. Ram Heavy Duty models also come with on/off-road tires and add a cargo-view camera.
Because Ram knows farmers are tech savvy, the Harvest Edition comes standard with an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen radio with navigation, 4G Wifi, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, which gives buyers seamless connectivity, fingertip access to smartphone map mirroring, and up-to-the minute weather maps and forecasts customizable to any location in the nation.
The Harvest Edition features a premium exterior appearance packed with bright highlights, including a chrome "Wave Mesh" luxury cross-hair grille, bright front and rear bumpers, 17-inch chrome wheels (1500 models, 18-inch polished aluminum on Heavy Duty models), chrome mirrors, chrome door handles and chrome-tipped dual exhausts (V-8 1500 models).
The Harvest package also includes body-color (or Bright Silver) wheel flares and upper facia (1500). In addition to Case Red and New Holland Blue, Harvest Edition Ram trucks are also available in Bright White and Brilliant Black. Monotone and two-tone with Bright Silver color schemes are available.
Ram 1500 Harvest Edition MSRP starts at $39,910, plus $1,395 destination charge. Ram Heavy Duty models start at $46,235.
Ram Harvest Edition trucks were unveiled today at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, and go on sale in the third quarter of 2017.
Mycogen Seeds Launches Hybrids with Enlist™ Trait to Meet Farmers’ Needs
For the 2017-18 season, the Mycogen® brand corn portfolio features more new, advanced genetics than ever before. Plus, for the first time, Mycogen brand hybrids include the Enlist™ trait so farmers have access to a more effective weed control program and options to help prevent future weed resistance.
“We’re excited to release new genetics for high-yielding hybrids that will drive real value on farms across the country,” says Brent Stauffacher, corn portfolio marketing leader, Mycogen Seeds. “That means higher yield potential and the ability for farmers to protect their investments with a more cost-efficient and effective weed control system.”
Enlist corn hybrids provide tolerance to Enlist Duo® herbicide — a combination of new 2,4-D choline and glyphosate — to help manage hard-to-control and herbicide-resistant weeds. Enlist Duo features Colex-D® technology, which enables near-zero volatility, minimized potential for physical drift, low odor and improved handling characteristics. The two modes of action in Enlist Duo, combined with a program approach, deliver control of weeds that would otherwise use crop moisture and nutrients and rob yield.
Farmers who’ve tried Mycogen brand hybrids with the Enlist trait as part of the stewarded launch are excited with the results they’ve seen.
“Now, we can use Enlist Duo as a new tool with our Mycogen hybrids,” says Illinois-based farmer Jim Koeller, who has trialed Mycogen Enlist hybrids.
“Some weed species are becoming harder and harder to manage,” Koeller says. “All you have to do is look at the list of glyphosate-resistant weeds and you’ll see that list is growing. And it’s also growing by region. Enlist Duo provides two modes of action that help control those hard-to-kill weeds.”
Hybrids available for the first time with the Enlist™ trait
New for next year, Mycogen Seeds offers 35 corn hybrids with the Enlist trait. The new Mycogen® Enlist™ hybrids also are available with Roundup Ready® Corn 2 technology, plus PowerCore® or SmartStax® trait technology, delivering best-in-class weed and insect control to help farmers protect the yield potential of Mycogen genetics.
“Farmers are using weed control options that often require tank mixes of multiple herbicides, on average costing $17.52 per acre for a postemergence application,” Stauffacher says. “Farmers who plant Mycogen brand hybrids with the Enlist corn trait now can apply Enlist Duo as part of a weed control program that will be a more cost-effective solution.”
Featured corn hybrids with the Enlist™ trait
MY01D86 — 101 RM: Widely adapted hybrid with consistent yield and reliable agronomics, including strong stalks, roots and late-season intactness.
MY04S86 — 104 RM: High-yielding hybrid with consistent performance across a wide range of soil types and environments.
MY05U06 — 105 RM: Widely adapted hybrid with excellent yield stability and wide east-to-west adaptation.
MY06R36 — 106 RM: Widely adapted hybrid for multiple soil types and environments with very good yield stability.
MY09V46 — 109 RM: High-yielding, widely adapted hybrid for a wide range of soil types and environments.
Additional new hybrids for 2018
MY00J47 RA — 100 RM: Widely adapted hybrid with consistent yield and reliable agronomics.
MY04Y97 RA — 104 RM: High-yielding, widely adapted hybrid with fast drydown and good Goss’s wilt tolerance.
MY09R37 RA — 109 RM: Consistent yield performance with dependable agronomics.
MY10Y47 RA — 110 RM: Great agronomics and consistent yield performance in the central and eastern Corn Belt.
MY11B25 RA — 111 RM: High-yielding, central- and eastern-adapted hybrid.
MY13C17 RA — 113 RM: Attractive product with solid agronomics and wide adaptability.
“I see Mycogen as a leader and that has a lot to do with our choice of hybrids,” Koeller adds.
“We work relentlessly to bring the best genetic options to farmers. Hybrids with the Enlist trait have some of the best genetics available from Mycogen to date with strong agronomics and high yield potential,” Stauffacher says. “With the latest genetics and the Enlist corn trait, our 2018 hybrid lineup is one way we can help farmers be better acre after acre.”
Greater investment in NK® seeds brand reinforces commitment to offering growers and retailers unique choice, greater value
Growers who purchase corn and soybean seeds from retailers will have even more choice and greater value through the reinvigorated NK® seeds brand. Syngenta today announced a comprehensive long-term commitment to NK seeds that includes boosting research and development, expanding staff and enhancing retailer support.
As part of the investment, the number of U.S. plant breeders will increase by 50 percent while the number of product selection leads will increase by 38 percent. In addition, trialing will increase by 30 percent.
“More than ever, today’s growers are looking for increased options to maximize returns. We are committed to investing in our NK seeds brand to deliver unique choice and greater value through our retail partners,” said David Hollinrake, president of Syngenta Seeds. “We will rapidly bring to market new hybrids and varieties, offering greater value for growers to help them achieve that better ROI.”
A boost in R&D
The new investment builds on a legacy of science-driven advancements for NK.
Innovations like high-speed trait conversion – executed at the state-of-the-art Syngenta Advanced Crop Lab in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina – have helped produce fully-traited NK seeds at a much quicker pace, with hybrids and varieties now coming to market an average of two years faster than before. This is the direct result of the $1.3 billion that Syngenta already spends each year on global research and development. And now, the company is committing to a significant incremental investment specific to U.S. seeds over the next five years.
“We expect to develop and deliver game-changing innovations that will keep improving growers’ performance – innovations like NK hybrids featuring Agrisure Duracade® 5222 E-Z Refuge® that offer the ultimate trait stack for premium insect control, choice and simplicity,” Hollinrake said.
Dedicated support in the field
On top of a boost to research and development, retailers will see an expansion of dedicated NK staff. Within the next year, Syngenta will more than triple the NK sales and agronomy teams, adding a dedicated team of NK agronomists and introducing intensified training opportunities – delivering more personalized support to both growers and retailers.
“We are committed to building a strong retail seed brand with NK,” Quinn Showalter, head of NK sales. “By increasing our investment not only in research and development, but also in our people, we’re able to provide greater local support and enable our retailers to better serve their growers’ needs and deliver greater value.”
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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