Wednesday June 27 Ag News

RESEARCH EXPLORES BENEFITS OF MANURE AND CEDAR MULCH

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will conduct a project transforming manure and cedar mulch from waste to worth. The project is funded by a $132,663 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Leading the research will be Amy Millmier Schmidt, assistant professor in biological systems engineering and animal science, and Rick Koelsch, professor in biological systems engineering and animal science. The project is designed to provide natural resource benefits to Nebraska through increased utilization of livestock manure and cedar mulch among crop farmers.

“When manure is applied to cropland at agronomic rates using recommended best management practices, it provides agronomic, soil health, and environmental benefits,” said Schmidt.

As the management of eastern red cedar trees has become a critical issue in many parts of the state, Schmidt and others have been studying practices that utilize the biomass created during forest management activities in ways that add value to this product.

“Combining wood chips with manure prior to land application could provide a market for the woody biomass generated during tree management activities and help offset the cost that landowners bear for tree removal,” she said.

The team’s on-farm research to date has demonstrated that manure-mulch mixtures improve soil characteristics without negatively impacting crop productivity. This new award will allow an expanded project team to demonstrate the practice more widely throughout the state, complete an economic analysis of the practice, and engage high school students in educational experiences related to soil health, conservation and cedar tree management. It will also introduce the students to on-farm research for evaluating a proposed practice change.

“On-farm research is at the core of extension and research programs at land-grant universities like Nebraska,” said Koelsch. “Giving high school students hands-on experience evaluating a practice to understand how it impacts farm profitability is a unique way to improve science literacy, critical thinking skills, and interest in agricultural careers.”

Outreach activities will focus on improving understanding among crop farmers of the benefits these amendments provide and motivating implementation of this new practice. The long-term goal of the project is to improve soil health properties for Nebraska soils, reduce nutrient losses to Nebraska water resources, and reduce eastern red cedar tree encroachment on Nebraska’s pasture and grassland resources.

The project is one of the 105 projects receiving $18,301,819 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year. The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $289 million in grants to over 2,000 projects across the state.



NEBRASKA EXTENSION FIELD DAY FOR MANAGEMENT OF GLYPHOSATE-RESISTANT PALMER AMARANTH

Growers, crop consultants and extension educators interested in management of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth are encouraged to attend Nebraska Extension's field day, supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 11 near Carleton.

Palmer amaranth is a member of the pigweed family and is one of the most troublesome weeds in soybean fields because of its resistance to glyphosate and some other herbicide groups. Greenhouse dose-response studies have confirmed resistance when glyphosate was applied even at higher rates.

At the field day, experiments will demonstrate how to control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, Enlist and Balance GT soybeans in Nebraska. Keynote speaker, Aaron Hager will share his experiences for management of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. Hager is a professor and extension weed scientist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Three certified crop adviser credits will be available.

There is no cost to attend the field day. However, pre-registration is required before 3 p.m. on July 10. To register, visit http://agronomy.unl.edu/palmer.

Directions to the field day: from Geneva, go south on Hwy 81 for 14.6 miles, turn west onto Hwy 4 for 5.3 miles. Farm field is located on the south side of Hwy 4 between C St. and Renwick St. in Carleton. GPS coordinates: 40°18’24.7”N 97°40’29.0”W

For more information, contact Amit Jhala at 402-472-1534 or Amit.Jhala@unl.edu.



O'DONNELL NAMED YEUTTER INSTITUTE DIRECTOR

Jill O'Donnell will become the first director of the Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on July 1.

O'Donnell brings extensive experience in the international arena, working with public- and private-sector partners to address 21st-century challenges with an interdisciplinary perspective. Most recently, she was a consultant to the NATO Communications and Information Agency. She will use that experience as she works with the faculties of the colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Business and Law to create Yeutter Institute programs and curricula that address challenges in international trade and finance.

O'Donnell has lectured on trends in international trade for corporate audiences and educators, taught courses in political science and U.S. foreign policy at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and examined economic and policy themes related to South Korea as a consulting researcher and author for the Council on Foreign Relations. A native of Columbus, Nebraska, O'Donnell began her international policy career in Washington, D.C., serving on the legislative staff of U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel. She earned her Master of Arts in international relations and international economics from Johns Hopkins University and her undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

"Clayton Yeutter had a tremendous impact on international trade and finance, along with boundless confidence in the potential for Nebraska students to play leadership roles in a changing world," O'Donnell said. "I look forward to building an institute worthy of his legacy."

The institute will prepare students to understand, participate in and shape global trade and finance in an increasingly interconnected world. It will build on the strengths of the partnering colleges to offer undergraduate and graduate education, facilitate faculty research and conduct outreach efforts related to international trade and finance. 

A renowned trade expert and University of Nebraska alumnus, Yeutter and his wife, Cristy, made a $2.5 million leadership gift to establish the Clayton K. Yeutter International Trade Program Fund, and the Nebraska legislature appropriated $2.5 million in 2015 to support establishing the institute. The Board of Regents formally approved the institute in December 2017, and the university and the University of Nebraska Foundation are continuing private fundraising.

To help fulfill Yeutter’s vision for the institute, Darci Vetter, former chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, served as diplomat in residence in 2017. Vetter will continue to work with the institute as the chair of its advisory board. Three endowed chaired professors will serve as the core faculty for the institute: the Duane Acklie Chair in the College of Business, the Michael Yanney Chair in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and the Clayton Yeutter Chair in the College of Law.

To learn more about the institute, visit https://ianr.unl.edu/yeutter-institute.



Ricketts Encourages Ag Producers, Agribusinesses to Sign Up for Trade Mission to Mexico

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts is encouraging Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness representatives to take part in the state’s upcoming trade mission to Mexico this August.  On the mission, Nebraska representatives will have opportunities to meet with Mexican agriculture officials and industry representatives.

“Trade is an essential part of growing Nebraska and continues to be a top priority for my administration and me,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Mexico is Nebraska’s second-largest ag export market and a major market for Nebraska beef, so we want to thank the people of Mexico for their past business and grow more opportunities for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.”

Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman, who will accompany Governor Ricketts on the trade mission, stressed the importance of growing agricultural trade opportunities in Mexico.

In 2016, total agricultural exports from Nebraska to Mexico equaled an estimated $956 million out of a total agriculture export value of $6.4 billion.  Mexico is Nebraska’s largest export market for corn, wheat, dairy, sugar and sweeteners, and animal fats, and the state’s second-largest export market for soybeans and soybean products, dry edible beans, sorghum, distillers grains, feeds and fodders, and planting seeds.

“Trade is important to all Nebraskans as we produce more ag products than we are able to consume,” said Director Wellman.  “Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders are the best people to share the story of Nebraska agriculture and the quality ag products we have to offer.”

Due to the nature of the trip and the meetings involved, the delegation group is limited in size.  Participants will be responsible for all costs associated with the trip including airfare, lodging, meals, and participation fees.  For more information about the trade mission or for those interested in attending, email Stan Garbacz, Nebraska ag trade representative, at stan.garbacz@nebraska.gov.



Bacon Earns Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” Designation

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NEFB-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Bacon, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, received the designation based on his work on several policy issues of high priority to Nebraska farmers and ranchers, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President Mark McHargue, who chairs the NEFB-PAC.

“While representing a largely urban district, Congressman Bacon has demonstrated time and again, his strong understanding of the importance of Nebraska agriculture to our state’s economy and how it translates into the well-being of his district,” said McHargue. “He’s consistently provided unwavering support for Nebraska agriculture, whether it’s advocating for opening international markets for agricultural goods, supporting federal tax reform to lower the tax burden on Nebraskans, or going to bat to provide regulatory relief for farmers and ranchers.”

Serving on the House Agriculture Committee, Bacon has also proven instrumental in helping craft a new farm bill that protects critical farm programs such as crop insurance, conservation programs, trade promotion programs, and agriculture research. Bacon has also demonstrated support for Nebraska’s livestock sector by advocating for mandatory funding in the farm bill for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program to help address livestock disease issues.

“We are proud to count Congressman Bacon among those receiving our “Friend of Agriculture” designation as he seeks re-election to represent the 2nd District. We thank him for his ongoing support of Nebraska agriculture and our state’s farm and ranch families,” said McHargue.



Raybould Stands with Nebraska Farmers; Kicks-Off “Fischer Failing Farmers” Effort in Washington County

U.S. senate candidate and grocery store owner Jane Raybould stood with Nebraska ag producers Wednesday to decry Senator Deb Fischer’s failure to protect farmers, ranchers and consumers in the escalating trade war. Corn prices continue to decline, soybeans hit a record-low this summer and the US Department of Agriculture named Nebraska, along with four other states, as those likely to be most affected by Chinese tariffs. [Lincoln Journal Star, 4/5/18]

Appearing at a farm outside Blair, in Washington County, Raybould said:

“This is a Washington-made trade crisis that is hurting Nebraska farmers and Senator Fischer is nowhere to be seen,” Raybould said. “Instead of fighting back on behalf of her constituents, Senator Fischer is sticking with her party bosses and the DC corporate lobbyists financing her campaign. We need a new senator who isn’t afraid to buck the powerful interests in our nation’s capital to stop this trade crisis that will ultimately hurt ALL Nebraskans.”

Among those appearing with Raybould were Tom Cady, a Blair farmer; Ben Steffen  owner/operator of Steffen Ag Inc. near Humboldt and former President of Nebraska Agriculture Builders;  and Don Hutchens, a native of Geneva, a farmer and former executive director of the the Nebraska Corn Board and assistant director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Highlights of speakers’ remarks:
Tom Cady: “If our exports of livestock, crop, soybeans, wheat, everything – if Washington, DC is going to use that as a pawn, we did that a long time ago. It broke half of us. We can’t stand that again. If you can remember the early 80’s, I survived – just by the hair of my teeth. A lot of guys didn’t. We used our exports as a ploy in trade negotiations and if we do that again, well, we’re trying to export beef to China and soybeans… if we can’t have that market, we’re in trouble.”

Ben Steffen:“Agriculture is what I love but I am very concerned about the way we’re conducting business in Washington right now. This artificial, manufactured trade crisis that we have on our hands right now is totally unnecessary. It’s counterproductive and it represents a loss to all of us.

“Nebraskans are in the driver’s seat here. We are the people electing someone to represent us. We send someone to Washington, DC to be a voice for us – not to be a voice for a party or a church mouse, or someone playing to the audience in Washington DC and seeking any other position. We are electing somebody to represent us and that’s what we need.”

Don Hutchens: “Nobody wins in a trade war… For Nebraska, we’ve got nearly a billion dollars of corn in the international marketplace. Nearly a billion dollars in ethanol and distiller’s grain and China is putting a 45% tariff on ethanol. We worked hard to develop that market. They didn’t just call us up and say, ‘hey, send us your ethanol,’ or this country asking us to send more corn. We negotiated those things. Farmers did. And so, those relationships are at-risk and the farmer gets hit in the middle.

“I want to thank Sen Fischer for her public service in the legislature and the commitment but right now, if you’re not willing to take it to the administration and advocate for your constituents, it’s time to step aside and let somebody else get in the mix. I’m willing to get my hands dirty on behalf of somebody that’s running for U.S. Senate.”

Senator Fischer was among 14 Republican senators to vote against plan that would have asserted authority over Trump administration decision-making on trade-related issues [Washington Post, 6/14/18] and when pressed on her lack of support for the Toomey-Corker proposal that would require congressional approval when the president enacts tariffs under the auspices of national security, Senator Fischer said: “I haven’t heard a compelling case. The sponsors of the bill need to make that.” [Washington Post, 6/11/18]. Earlier this year, Senator Fischer hadn’t even looked at Senator Jeff Flake’s bill that would nullify tariffs on steel and aluminum. She told Nebraska Radio Network, “A number of bills are introduced every year. I haven’t had Senator Flake approach me to visit with me about that bill either, so I don’t know how serious he is about pushing it forward.” [Nebraska Radio Network, 5/4/18]



NBC Director's Meeting Notice

The Nebraska Beef Council will hold a Board of Director's meeting on Friday, June 29, 2018 at the Nebraska Beef Council office located at 1319 Central Ave, Kearney. The meeting will begin at Noon central and will include discussions on elections and governance. 



Carroll County Corn Growers Brings Education Trailer to Carroll County Fair

The Carroll County Corn Growers will be at the Carroll County Fair in Coon Rapids, Iowa on July 14th. The highly-visible and interactive Iowa Corn mobile education trailer will be at the fair on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m., as well as on Saturday afternoon. The 60-foot state-of-the-art mobile display brings to life Iowa Corn's successful Corn It's Everything campaign. It takes visitors on a multi-media journey showing how Iowa Corn farmers conserve their land while growing corn that's used for food, feed, fuel and the 4,000 other products made from you guessed it, corn.

In addition, the Carroll County Fair and the Carroll County ISU Extension are celebrating their 100th Year Anniversary.

Iowa Corn launched Iowa Corn-fed Summer Road Trip to help you find restaurants, local events such as this and fuel retailers across the state. Go to Iowacorn.org/roadtrip to find award-winning corn-fed burgers and pork tenderloins and to sign-up for contests throughout the summer. Use our hashtag, #CORNFEDSUMMER to promote how you are using corn products all summer long.



Avoid Pesticide Drift During Spraying Season

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encouraged farmers and other pesticide applicators to ensure they are following all pesticide label requirements and taking the necessary steps to prevent pesticide drift this spraying season

Applicators should evaluate factors such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, spray pressure, nozzle height, any required set-backs and surrounding properties before they begin spraying a field.

"The recent wet weather has created some challenges as farmers and applicators look to spray for weeds and pests, but it is important they wait until conditions are right and that they carefully follow all of the product label requirements," Naig said. "Pesticides are important tools that help keep our crops healthy and it is important that they are used appropriately and do not impact neighbors."

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Pesticide Bureau is responsible for responding to complaints and investigating potential misuse of pesticides. In addition, education and testing on the safe use of pesticides is administered to all licensed pesticide applicators by the Department in conjunction with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

It is important all applicators read and follow the label directions on any pesticide when using. Product labels give applicators information about safe handling, application rates, personal protective equipment needed, appropriate crops to be treated, tank mixes, avoiding drift and more. It is a violation of state and federal law to use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with label directions.

If there is concern about a specific pesticide misuse incident, Iowans can file an "Incident Report" with the Department's Pesticide Bureau by phoning 515-281-8591 or by emailing the information to pesticides@IowaAgriculture.gov. This report must be filed within 60 days after the alleged date that damages occurred.

More information about activities of the Department's Pesticide Bureau can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/pesticides.asp.



USRSB Reminds Public of Opportunity to Comment on Sustainability Framework
The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) is reminding the public of a valuable opportunity to provide feedback to the group’s national Sustainability Framework by July 1. The Framework, the first-ever set of resources designed to help improve the overall sustainability of the U.S. beef value chain, was developed by USRSB’s diverse membership of producers, packers, processors, retailers, food service and environmental organizations.

“The USRSB membership has invested more than three years in developing the U.S. Sustainability Framework,” said Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, JBS USA Sustainability Director and 2018 – 2019 USRSB Chair. “We strongly encourage the public to contribute to this important work to ensure we create a valuable set of resources that can improve U.S. beef sustainability by addressing the challenges faced by the diverse beef communities who produce, buy and sell beef.”

The Framework highlights key areas important to U.S. beef sustainability including animal health and well-being, efficiency and yield, employee safety and well-being, land resources, water resources, and air and greenhouse gas emissions. It is designed to address the challenges and opportunities for each segment of the U.S. beef value chain – from producers to retailers – to help identify ways to improve and accelerate sustainable progress.

The feedback received through the public comment period will guide the USRSB as it finalizes the Framework. The Framework will be available for a final comment period later this year.

To participate in the Public Comment Period and to learn more about the USRSB Sustainability Framework, please visit www.USRSBFramework.org.



Fertilizer Prices Mostly Higher Third Week of June

Retail fertilizer prices continue to see extremely small movements with prices for most fertilizers slightly higher the third week of June 2018, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, but none were up by a significant percentage. DAP had an average price of $485 per ton, MAP $505/ton, potash $354/ton, urea $364/ton, 10-34-0 $440/ton, UAN28 $242/ton and UAN32 $277/ton.

One fertilizer, anhydrous, was lower in price compared to the previous month. As with the higher prices, the price move was just slightly lower. Anhydrous had an average price of $503 per ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year. 10-34-0, anhydrous and UAN32 are now up 1%, potash is 4% higher, MAP 7% more expensive, urea is 9% higher and DAP is 11% more expensive compared to last year.

The remaining fertilizer, UAN28, is lower in price compared to a year prior by 1%.



EIA: Ethanol Stocks Edge Up

Domestic ethanol stocks edged up slightly last week as production continued higher, rising to the highest level since late December, according to Energy Information Administration data released Wednesday, June 27.

EIA reports ethanol inventories added 27,000 barrels (bbl) to 21.674 million bbl during the week profiled, down 0.5% versus the same week in 2017.

Plant production rose 8,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.072 million bpd during the week-ended June 22, the highest level since the week-ended Dec. 22, 2017, at 1.090 million bpd and 5.6% higher than the same time in 2017. Four-week average production at 1.057 million bpd as of June 22 was 55,000 bpd higher than the corresponding four weeks in 2017.

Net refiner and blender inputs, a measure for ethanol demand, increased 12,000 bpd to 947,000 bpd during the week-ended June 22, 14,000 bpd lower than a year ago. For the four weeks ended June 22, blending demand averaged 932,000 bpd, down 4,000 bpd versus the same period in 2017.



Administrator Pruitt Issues Memo to Increase Regulatory Certainty in Permitting Process

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking an important step toward updating the regulations governing EPA’s role in permitting discharges of dredged or fill materials under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). In a memorandum to the Office of Water and Regional Administrators, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt outlined changes that EPA will propose that would increase predictability and regulatory certainty for landowners, investors, businesses, and other stakeholders

“Today’s memo refocuses EPA on its core mission of protecting public health and the environment in a way that is fair and consistent with due process,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “We must ensure that EPA exercises its authority under the Clean Water Act in a careful, predictable, and prudent manner.”

EPA’s current regulations on the implementation of section 404(c) of the CWA allow the Agency to veto – at any time –a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or an approved state that allows for the discharge of dredged or fill material at specified disposal sites. The memo directs EPA’s Office of Water to develop a proposed rulemaking that would consider the following changes:
-    Eliminating the authority to initiate the section 404(c) process before a section 404 permit application has been filed with the USACE or a state, otherwise known as the “preemptive veto.”
-    Eliminating the authority to initiate the section 404(c) process after a permit has been issued by the USACE or a state, otherwise known as the “retroactive veto.”
-    Requiring a Regional Administrator to obtain approval from EPA Headquarters before initiating the section 404(c) process.
-    Requiring a Regional Administrator to review and consider the findings of an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the USACE or a state before preparing and publishing notice of a proposed determination.
-    Requiring EPA to publish and seek public comment on a final determination before such a determination takes effect.

The robust National Environmental Policy Act explicitly requires federal agencies to consider environmental effects from proposed projects, and include opportunities for public review and comment. Additionally, in the four decades since EPA’s regulations were last revised, the environmental statutory and regulatory landscape has changed dramatically. Given these existing protections and significant changes, updating EPA’s authority under section 404(c) will advance EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment while improving predictability and regulatory certainty.

EPA’s proposal, after undergoing interagency review, will be available for public review and comment.



Alltech Crop Science attains organic certification

Alltech Crop Science, the agronomic division of Alltech, has attained organic certification in North America for two of its naturally based products: Grain-Set® and Agro-Mos®. The two micronutrient fertilizers, which are based on amino acid and fermentation technology, join the company’s other Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)-certified products, including Soil-Set®, Crop-Set® and Galvanize® Contact, increasing options for organic growers to meet the nutritional needs of their crops.

“Consumers are demanding more natural products that are sustainable and traceable, and we’re excited to be able to offer an expanded organically certified line to our growers who are looking to meet those demands,” said Dr. Steven Borst, Alltech Crop Science general manager.

Borst also noted that the company now offers a certified organic product for every stage of a plant’s growth cycle.

This certification further solidifies Alltech Crop Science’s commitment to Alltech’s founding ACE principle, the promise that in doing business, the company has a positive impact on agriculture, the consumer and the environment. To learn more about how the company’s organic product line provides growers with more options to sustainably manage their productions, visit alltechcropscience.com.



Commodity Classic Releases 2019 Schedule

Commodity Classic has released its tentative schedule for the 2019 show slated for Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla.  Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused educational and agricultural experience.

The 2019 schedule includes extended trade show hours, allowing attendees to spend even more time with the wide array of exhibitors on the huge trade show floor.  Exhibit space is selling out fast, ensuring that attendees will have the opportunity to visit hundreds of booths featuring the latest technology, innovation and equipment.

A full slate of educational sessions—selected by the farmer committee that leads Commodity Classic—will provide information on a wide range of critical topics important to America’s farmers.  The Main Stage on the trade show floor returns in 2019 and will offer a full slate of outstanding presentations from agribusiness leaders, well-known ag personalities and other speakers.

The popular General Session, which typically features an inspirational speaker and commodity association leaders, is scheduled for Friday morning.  In 2018, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue spoke to the thousands in attendance and he will be invited to do so again in 2019.

Other scheduled events include What’s New and Mini What’s New sessions which feature emerging services and technologies, and awards banquets and policy development sessions for the sponsoring commodity associations.  Commodity Classic also offers plenty of opportunities to network with thousands of fellow farmers from across the nation and around the world.

The 2019 Commodity Classic will conclude on Saturday night with the Evening of Entertainment, which traditionally features a nationally-known performer.

A detailed outline of educational sessions, speakers and events for 2019 will be available this fall.

To view the 2019 schedule and stay updated on the latest information about the 2019 Commodity Classic, visit CommodityClassic.com and sign up for email updates.



NMPF Statement on Failure of House Immigration Bill
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“We are extremely disappointed that Congress did not include an agricultural guestworker element as part of its compromise immigration reform bill that ultimately failed today. The U.S. dairy industry continues to face serious challenges obtaining and maintaining a reliable workforce, and we were hopeful that we can achieve a better outcome for farm employers.

“We were encouraged by negotiations over the weekend that would have added a farm guestworker visa program, including multiple NMPF-backed improvements. This effort to expand the appeal of the overall measure demonstrated the need to tackle the farm worker issue sooner rather than later. We commend Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Jeff Denham (R-CA) for their exemplary negotiations on this bill. We also thank House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for his ongoing efforts to establish a farm guestworker visa program, as well as House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) for his work to secure key improvements. Finally, we wish to thank the many members who elevated and prioritized the needs of dairy farmers in conversations with House leadership and committee chairmen over the course of many months.

“However, we are deeply disappointed that a small group of House members chose to undermine this good work by refusing to compromise, undermining good faith negotiations and ultimately preventing forward progress. This kind of hostage-taking cannot continue if Congress is to make meaningful progress on a critical issue for our country. We know there are many members in both parties who are eager to forge solutions to these complicated issues, and we are hopeful that this is not the end of the process. Dairy cannot wait any longer.

“We hope that the agriculture guestworker provision will be brought to the House for a vote later this summer as we continue to work with our congressional allies to create legislation that addresses our concerns.”



Farmer Co-ops Disappointed in Lack of Ag Labor Provisions in Compromise Immigration Bill
Chuck Conner, president & CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

"We are disappointed that immigration legislation under consideration by the House of Representatives later today will not include provisions to address the labor crisis faced by America’s farmers and ranchers. Over the past few weeks, several members of Congress have worked tirelessly to include provisions in the package that would create a workable guest worker program and address agriculture’s need for an authorized workforce. We specifically applaud Reps. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) for making significant progress to include long-overdue improvements to our untenable situation. Despite this progress, dynamics beyond their control or ours prevented inclusion of these provisions in the Leadership’s compromise bill. We continue to believe a proposal that addresses agriculture’s labor needs can garner majority support from House members if brought to a floor vote."



Golden Harvest® portfolio expands with 37 new corn hybrids and 17 new soybean varieties for 2019

Golden Harvest®  is growing its strong portfolio for the 2019 planting season with the release of 37 new corn hybrids—21 of which are from our 16 new genetic families—and 17 new soybean varieties. Earlier this year, Golden Harvest announced it would benefit from an incremental $400 million investment. The breadth and quality of its 2019 seed portfolio showcases that pledge.

“We’re excited about how well the new Golden Harvest hybrids are performing against the competition,” said Ashley Giese, Golden Harvest corn product manager. “When farmers choose Golden Harvest hybrids for next season, they are choosing to maximize the genetic potential of every acre.”

In trials against DeKalb®, Golden Harvest won an estimated 59 percent of plots with a 4.76 bushel-per-acre (bu/A) average yield advantage. Compared to Pioneer®, Golden Harvest corn hybrids won an estimated 57 percent of the plots and averaged 3.78 bu/A higher.2

“Our new hybrids are adapted to fit many unique field environments,” said Giese. “The new class provides additional yield potential and agronomic advantages in our earlier and mid- to late-season hybrids.”

The 2019 Golden Harvest hybrids span in relative maturity from 78 to 118 days and feature proven genetics protected by high-performing Agrisure® traits and technologies:
-    Twelve hybrids will include the Agrisure Duracade® trait, which provides a unique mode of action to control corn rootworm and preserve the yield potential of elite corn hybrids.
-    Ten hybrids will feature the Agrisure Viptera® trait, which offers the most comprehensive above-ground insect control and is the only trait available today that effectively controls western bean cutworm.
-    Four hybrids will contain Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge®, the most advanced trait stack on the market, combining the Agrisure Duracade and Agrisure Viptera traits for control of 16 above- and below-ground insects.
-    Two hybrids will contain Agrisure Viptera 3330 E-Z Refuge, the newest above-ground-only trait stack in the Agrisure portfolio that features three modes of action against above-ground insects, reducing the need for scouting and costly rescue treatments.
-    Eight Agrisure Artesian® hybrids will help maximize yield when it rains and increase yield when it doesn’t, via the most advanced corn water technology on the market.
-    Twenty-eight hybrids will be available as E-Z Refuge seed blend products, providing convenient, integrated single-bag refuge offerings.

In select geographies, Golden Harvest will also offer seven new Enogen® hybrids for a total of 31 options available for 2019 planting. Featuring an in-seed innovation that benefits farmers marketing grain to participating ethanol plants and those producing grain or silage for livestock feed, eight to 17 hybrids are available in each sales region. In the ethanol market, Enogen grain enhances the ethanol production process by improving process efficiency, while Enogen Feed helps increase the level of available energy when incorporated into dairy or beef cattle rations.

Golden Harvest soybeans are also more than standing their ground against competitor varieties. The 2019 Golden Harvest soybean class outyielded the Pioneer portfolio by 1.7 bu/A in more than 1,100 replicated trials and beat Asgrow® varieties by 0.8 bu/A in more than 500 replicated plots. 3

“When combining the strength of the Golden Harvest portfolio with our newly released Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® varieties, we’ve seen the performance of our portfolio improve exponentially,” said Dennis Storm, Golden Harvest soybean product manager. “As Golden Harvest R&D efforts are continually bringing forward the potentially highest-yielding genetics coupled with industry-leading agronomic defense packages, farmers planting Golden Harvest soybeans are going to win.”

The 17 new Golden Harvest varieties span in relative maturity from 0.06 to 4.9 and provide the following technology for additional defense against weed resistance:
·         Twelve contain Roundup Ready 2 Xtend technology, three of which are equipped with Sulfonyl-Urea Tolerant Soybeans (STS®) herbicide tolerance and may reduce resistance to ALS-inhibitors, allowing higher application rates on select herbicides.
·         Five include LibertyLink® technology, one of which has STS herbicide tolerance.

Golden Harvest soybeans protect against many of today’s toughest challenges, such as soybean cyst nematodes, sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot and Phytophthora root rot.

The new 2019 hybrids and varieties further build upon a portfolio engineered to equip farmers with agronomic options for all field types, soil characteristics and weather conditions. The Golden Harvest portfolio is available from Golden Harvest Seed Advisors, who combine high-yielding seed options with local agronomic knowledge and tailored field recommendations.