Tuesday July 31 Ag News

Interest and inflation rates, trade tensions could indicate coming economic downturn

Creighton University Professor Ernie Goss, PhD, said rising interest rates, trade tensions and rising inflation are warning signs of a possible economic downturn. While Goss emphasizes that the U.S. economy is strong, he expects the economy may be headed toward a downturn as early as the latter part of 2019 or in 2020. “As the last recession showed us, it’s very hard to predict the timing, but the U.S. economy is definitely headed toward higher risk,” Goss said.

Goss, director of Creighton University's Economic Forecasting Group and the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics in the Heider College of Business, said there are signs of trouble as the gap, or yield curve, between short-term and long-term interest rate decreases. The yield curve is currently at 0.30 percent, the lowest it’s been since the last U.S. recession, which was from 2007 to 2009.

“Since 1980, every U.S. recession has been preceded by a period in which short term rates climbed above long-term rates, or the gap between the two rates approached zero,” Goss said.

Another sign of a coming slowdown or recession concerns trade tensions between the U.S. and other global economies as well as current global trade restrictions. “The current trade tensions are a clear and present danger to the overall U.S. economy, particularly for those areas in the nation that spend heavily on exports and depend heavily on trade,” Goss said.  “The Chinese are raising tariffs on soy beans and pork. Those are two agriculture commodities where we’ve seen some significant declines in prices tied to trade tensions or tariffs.”

Goss also identified a rising inflation rate as a signifier of higher interest rates which lead to slower growth. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) set 2 percent as an inflation target. However, recent inflation rates have exceeded that target. If the inflation rate continues on this upward, Goss expects short-term interest rates will begin to rise more aggressively, leading to a negative yield, or short-term rates exceeding long-term rates. 

Debt also will play a major role in an upcoming recession or economic slowdown, Goss said, both at the consumer level and federal level.

On the consumer level, Goss said housing prices have continued to increase. “The housing price increases are different this time versus last time in 2006 and 2007. It’s supply-driven now rather than demand-driven,” Goss said. “The cost of materials is increasing. Individuals are seeing prices increase because of limited supply.”

Goss said he expects home price growth to come down, or “some of the air to come out of the bubble” as the U.S. economy slows down in the latter part of 2019 or 2020. 

Another sign of a downturn could be the federal deficit, which is approximately 16 percent higher currently than last year at this time, according to Goss, resulting in higher interest rates as the government continues to ratchet up borrowing to support rapidly expanding spending.

Goss said the economy often moves through periods of economic expansion and recession. He recommends taking action to prepare for the periods of recession by bracing for higher interest rates and inflation by investing in notes and bonds that are inflation-proof, such as Treasury and Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS).  Also, individuals should reduce their exposure to stock holdings of industrial stocks that are much more recession sensitive.



Communities Against Costco Are Calling on Local Officials To Stop Approving Poultry Barns Until Measures Are Taken To Protect The Public

Prior to the Lancaster Planning Department meeting tomorrow (August 1st) members of the public will be assembling at the east side of the Lancaster County/City of Lincoln Building (555 S. 10th Street, Lincoln, NE) calling on the Lancaster County Planning Department and Lancaster County Commissioners to deny the permit for 4 proposed poultry barns south of Lincoln near Denton until measures are taken to protect the public.  The Press Conference will start promptly at 12:30pm.  Members of the public, as well as speakers, will start to assemble shortly after noon in order to do interviews with the media prior to the press conference, and Planning Department Meeting which starts at 1:00pm.

Primary concerns include currently degrading area water quality, area water quantity issues to provide for over 18 million new birds in eastern Nebraska, air quality issues for surrounding residents, inadequate grower contracts that put Nebraska farmers at risk, the development of lower class systems in our rural communities with low wage jobs, the decrease of property valuations for land near the proposed location, and the blatant attempt by Costco to halt public input regarding concerns since the inception of the proposed project nearly two years ago.

Randy Ruppert of Nebraska Communities United, who will also be moderating the event said, “There has been little independent scientific evaluation on this project despite it being the largest proposed project in the U.S.  We are asking this project be halted until we have addressed public concerns, including updating our county and state regulations to deal with projects of this size and scale.”

Speakers will include:
Craig Watts - A former poultry contract-grower from North Carolina for agribusiness giant Perdue who stood up to the industry and the contractual shortcomings that put poultry growers at risk, and also Independent Consultant for the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project.

Mary Pipher – A community leader and nationally-renowned author from Lincoln that has published nine books including best seller “Reviving Ophelia”, as well as leader of the local group Guardians of the Aquifer.

Ken Tesar – A farmer from southern Lancaster County that farms directly across from the site of the proposed Lancaster County barns.

Jonathan Sebastian Leo – A Lincoln resident, a 38-year environmental and land use lawyer and consultant, who is also on the Board of Interfaith Power and Light.

“Strong communities are educated communities.  Due to the magnitude of this project it is important that our counties and state do their due diligence to thoroughly research all of the issues that have historically degraded communities in other parts of the country where industrial poultry development has occurred.  We simply ask our elected officials to raise their standards to meet the principles of Nebraska standards, instead of blindly following industry experts’ advice when they are more concerned about profit than the long-term viability of OUR Nebraska Communities,” stated Randy Ruppert.



NCGA Seeking a Few Good Leaders for Action Teams, Committees

The National Corn Growers Association is seeking applications from members interested in working on an NCGA action team in the 2019 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of their industry and to become a part of the national agricultural leadership community.

“NCGA’s action teams and committees offer unique, specific opportunities to participate in all of the areas the organization touches. As a grassroots organization, we rely on members to take an active role in shaping the course of our activities, programs and policies to unify and lead our industry forward,” said NCGA First Vice President Lynn Chrisp. “I encourage all interested members to take their involvement to the next level while exploring in great depth the areas which interest them the most.”

The teams, which will be entering their third fiscal year in this format include: Corn Productivity and Quality; Consumer Engagement; Ethanol; Feed, Food and Industrial; Freedom to Operate; Market Access; Risk Management and Stewardship. Positions are also available on Organizational Teams and Standing Committees, which include CornPAC and the Engaging Members Committee.

Qualified applicants must be an NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates should have interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.

Action Teams represent a cross-section of corn production. The teams may utilize staff, growers and industry members to serve as resources, as determined by the action team chair.
 
For the Action Team Application, click here... http://www.ncga.com/upload/files/documents/pdf/Applications/Request%20for%20Application%20Action%20Teams-Committees%20FY%202019.pdf.  Deadline for receipt of applications in the state corn association offices, where applicable, is August 10. State offices will then coordinate applications and submit directly to NCGA by August 17. Interested parties can contact Kathy Baker at the NCGA office with questions, at (636) 733-9004.



INITIAL STATEWIDE MAPPING OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES NOW COMPLETE

A statewide effort in Iowa to identify and map six types of conservation practices (terraces, ponds, grassed waterways, water and sediment control basins, contour strip cropping and contour buffer strips/prairie strips) has been completed and provides the most comprehensive inventory of conservation practices in the nation.

An analysis of the results shows the value of this public and private investment in conservation would be $6.2 billion in today’s dollars. Additional analysis work is underway to utilize the science of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to quantify the water quality impact these practices are having in terms of reduced sediment and phosphorus loads to Iowa streams.

“This mapping effort shows the scale and investment made by farmers, landowners, state and federal agencies, conservation partners and many others over several decades to reduce erosion and protect our natural resources. While the practices identified are focused on reducing soil erosion and phosphorus loss, seeing the progress that has been made illustrates how we can make similar progress with a long-term focus and investment in proven conservation practices targeted at reducing nitrogen loss,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

Iowa is the first state to analyze every watershed within its borders using LiDAR and aerial imagery to create a detailed assessment of conservation practice implementation. This data allows for a much more detailed and accurate analysis of soil conservation efforts focused on phosphorus reduction because it includes all practices implemented by farmers, including those done without government cost share.

Iowa DNR and researchers at Iowa State University lead the 3-year effort to use LiDAR derived elevation data and aerial imagery to identify and inventory the conservation practices present on the landscape. The analysis is based on LiDAR data and imagery that was taken from 2007 to 2010.

With this inventory completed, it provides a benchmark for measuring progress. Additional efforts are already underway to assess the status of these practices going back to the 1980’s and also to assess the recent status of practices from 2016-2018. Once completed, Iowa will have a robust timeline to show the progress that has been made over time.

Maps and additional information about the project can be found at  https://www.gis.iastate.edu/gisf/projects/conservation-practices. Not all of the information is available online yet as the Iowa DNR is still finalizing the process of quality assurance/quality control. That process is scheduled to be completed by next spring.

“This demonstrates that the consistent and persistent effort, year after year, of all the Iowans needed to educate, inform, fund, design, build, and maintain these practices can, practice by practice, change the landscape for the better. I’m excited and encouraged to see what we can do as we continue to scale up our collective efforts in support of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy”, said DNR Director Bruce Trautman.

Potential benefits of the project and uses of the information include:
·         Targeting resources where they are needed most by comparing conservation potential with actual implementation
·         Accurately benchmarking efforts to quantify nutrient reductions and compare with past and future progress
·         Creating a consistent, scientifically sound dataset vetted by both Iowa State University and the Department of Natural Resources
·         Detailed picture of all conservation structures regardless of whether or not cost share was utilized

“The ability to provide an accurate accounting of the progress being made under the Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a key mission of the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC). Coupling thorough assessments like this mapping project with the known science of conservation practices allows us to clearly show the impact of farmer efforts on a statewide scale,” said Shawn Richmond, INREC Director of Environmental Technology.

Practices mapped as part of the project include grassed waterways, contour strip cropping, contour buffer strips/prairie strips, terraces, ponds, and water and sediment control basins in 1,711 watersheds.

The initial number of practices identified by the mapping project include:
·         114,400 pond dams
·         327,900 acres of grassed waterways
·         506,100 terraces stretching 88,874 miles
·         246,100 water and sediment control basins stretching 12,555 miles
·         557,700 acres of contour buffer strips
·         109,800 acres of strip cropping

The project has garnered significant interest outside of Iowa as well. ISU was recently awarded a grant from a national remote sensing consortium to develop a handbook of the processes used for the project so other states can conduct a similar inventory of conservation practices. “Other states continue to look to Iowa as we set the standard for implementation of conservation practices and science-based progress measurement,” Naig added.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University GIS Facility, Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment provided the resources to complete the project.



Farm Sector Bankruptcy Rates Decline
AFBF

Based on caseload statistics from the United States Courts database, Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings decreased in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017. From January to June 2018, family farmer and family fisherman Chapter 12 filings totaled 251 cases, down 26 cases or 9 percent from 277 filings during the first half of 2017.

The decline in farm bankruptcies comes despite expectations for acceleration in 2018. This aligns with USDA projections for farm sector equity and debt to remain flat in 2018 after adjusting for inflation.  Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings by state were the highest in Wisconsin, at 26, followed by Georgia, Kansas and Nebraska at 16 each.  Iowa had 9 bankruptcies in the first six months of 2018. 



Navigating Trade Challenges Focus As Grains Council Meeting Kicks Off In Denver

Navigating the new global trade landscape while maintaining and strengthening relationships with key partners, including Mexico and China, was front and center as the U.S. Grains Council’s 58th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting began Monday in Denver.

The meeting kicked off with keynote speaker Ambassador Carla Hills, a former U.S. Trade Representative, who shared her perspective on how agriculture fits in today’s global trade puzzle.

“Global trade is the most effective development tool we have,” Hills said. “It enlarges economic opportunities for poor countries. It is not just a humanitarian effort; it creates tomorrow’s trade partners. One might call it an act of enlightened self interest.

“But these are turbulent times. The U.S. government has always used diplomacy to advance the well-being of our own nation, but it worries me...that we are turning inward.”
Ambassador Carla Hills, a former U.S. Trade Representative, who shared her perspective on how agriculture fits in today’s global trade puzzle at the U.S. Grains Council’s 58th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting.

Hills, now chair and chief executive officer of Hills and Company International Consultants, served as USTR as a member of President George H.W. Bush’s Cabinet. In that role, she negotiated and concluded the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“Knowing what NAFTA accomplished is critical to making sound decisions about the agreement. Today, 14 million jobs depend on trade with Mexico and Canada. Today, one-third of our total global trade is with our northern and southern neighbors. Our agricultural exports to Canada are up 300 percent and Mexico is up 500 percent. Last year, we sold 14 million tons of corn to Mexico," Hills told the audience of farmers and agribusiness delegates.

"Hopefully, we can find a way to resolve this tariff battle before it grows into a full-fledged tariff war and complete the NAFTA renegotiation that means so much to our economy," she said. "Once those customers are lost, they will be difficult to recover. We have no time to waste.”

Before Hills spoke, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown, an active member of the Colorado Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association, welcomed USGC members and delegates to Denver.

Zhenglin Wei, counsellor for Agricultural, Economic and Commercial Affairs for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, spoke during the same session about the status and future of the U.S.-China agricultural and trade relationship. He said the current tensions are worrisome because trade between the two countries is beneficial for the well-being of the two countries and the prosperity and stability of the world economy.

Dan Pearson, principal at Pearson International Trade Services and former chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), addressed the current political environment regarding global trade, especially regarding NAFTA and China trade relations and the economics of better trade policies.

Erich Kuss, director of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Agricultural Trade Office in Mexico City, offered an update on the current agricultural trade environment and political situation in Mexico after the recent election of Mexican President-Elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Attendees also heard a lunchtime update from Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, who discussed the importance of rebuilding U.S. consensus among farmers and ranchers for trade and activities of that coalition.

More from the meeting is available on social media, using the hashtag #grains18.



Gulf Dead Zone Surprisingly Small

(AP) -- Scientists say this year's Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" is surprisingly small but the oxygen-depleted water rose higher toward the surface than usual.

Tuesday's report describes the fourth-smallest area ever measured where water at and above the sea floor off Louisiana holds too little oxygen to support marine life.

Nancy Rabalais (RAB-uh-lay), with the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, began annual measurements in 1985. She says it's the world's second-largest human-caused dead zone, behind only the Baltic Sea.

Scientists had predicted an average-sized area this year.

Rabalais says winds over shallow areas probably mixed oxygen into water, while other winds squeezed oxygen-poor water into narrower confines. The dead zone covers about 2,720 square miles (7,040 square kilometers), rising in some areas about two-thirds of the way to the surface.



Cattle vs. Beef Cycles
Josh Maples, Extension Economist, Dept of Ag Econ, Mississippi State University

The latest USDA Cattle report provided the most recent pieces of information to the ever-evolving cattle inventory picture. The big news was the number of heifers held for replacement declined year-over-year and the 2018 calf crop is estimated to be about two percent larger than 2017. The calf crop number tells a story of continued larger beef production for 2019 while the lower heifer retention rate suggests herd growth is slowing. Combine the retention rate with cow and heifer slaughter data and they collectively points to a significantly slowing herd growth rate.

Taken at face value, these two pieces of information can seem a little contradictory. One suggests larger supplies while the other suggests lower supplies. Of course, timing is key. The calf crop number is a pretty definitive indicator of larger beef supplies in 2019 because those calves will be going through the beef production system next year. The heifer retention number is an indication that we are probably approaching the next cattle inventory peak over the next few years. Which is more important? The easy answer is both. But the dynamics of the two have changed over time as cycles move from lows (troughs) to peaks and back.

Cattle inventory cycles are getting flatter. By flatter, I mean the difference between the low point and high point has shrunk. The average trough to peak growth for the four cycles that occurred between 1938 and 1979 was about 20.3 million head. The same average for the three cycles that occurred between 1979 and 2014 was just 4.8 million head. For 2018, we are about 5.9 million head above the starting low point in 2014 for the current cycle.

The largest total cattle inventory on record was in 1975 at 132 million head of cattle - nearly 38 million more than the January 2018 report showed. The resulting beef production in 1976 was 25.7 billion pounds. In 2018 - with 38 million fewer total cattle than 1975 - beef production forecasts are around 27.3 billion pounds. Cattle inventory cycles are getting flatter because we are getting more beef from fewer cattle. It doesn't take a 20 million head increase to trigger enough beef supply pressure on prices to signal producers to retain fewer heifers.

Beef production and demand are drivers for cattle prices. The lower heifer retention rate is certainly welcome news for those looking for an end to the pressure of larger supplies on cattle prices. But a better measure will be the estimated beef production over the next few years.



Alliance releases report from 2018 Taking Action for Animals Conference

The Animal Agriculture Alliance released a report today detailing observations from the Taking Action for Animals Conference, held July 20 – 23 in Arlington, Va. The event was organized by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

“Farmers, ranchers and food companies are under constant pressure from animal rights activist groups who want to eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from everyone’s plate,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “HSUS may not seem as extreme as many activist groups, but they share the same vegan agenda. We hope this report along with our report from the 2018 National Animal Rights Conference will help farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and all those dedicated to providing a safe food supply prepare for activist tactics and threats. Likewise, we hope they shed light on groups that fundraise on pets to help consumers better understand their true agenda.”

Speakers at the conference focused on how to work with legislators on passing bills that make raising livestock and poultry more difficult for farmers and ranchers. “We are reaching in our toolbox and using everything we can,” said Kitty Block, HSUS acting president and CEO. “The single most important thing you can do is build a relationship with your legislator,” added Kristen Tullo, HSUS Pennsylvania state director. “We all want more laws for animals,” said Carol Misseldine, HSUS senior director of grassroots and engagement.

Local county and city officials should be prepared for increased efforts by activists as attendees at the conference were urged to take legislative action at the local level to build momentum for their state. “You can change the world with local ordinance," Misseldine said. Attendees were advised to stay focused on a single issue when meeting with their representative, yet were also encouraged to join forces with environmental activists.

Attendees were also urged to reach across party lines on animal-related issues with speakers saying, “The term Democrat or Republican doesn't really mean anything” (Joe Trippi, TNR Campaigns). “Over time, we will win, and the animals will win,” Trippi added. “You're not going to agree with someone one hundred percent of the time,” said Stephen Borg, a former congressional staffer now with The Keelan Group. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” added Borg.

Another topic discussed at this year’s conference was enacting change through corporate engagement. “We can do far more by engaging institutions,” said Kristie Middleton, HSUS managing director for farm animal protection and formerly with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Middleton discussed how it's easier to persuade a food director to change a menu for what thousands of people eat than trying to persuade individuals on the street to go vegan. "Be relentless and try to get these institutions to a 'yes'," Middleton added.

The 2018 Taking Action for Animals Conference Report, which includes personal accounts of speaker presentations and general observations, is available to Alliance members in the Resource Library on the Alliance website. The Alliance also has reports from previous animal rights conferences accessible to members on its website.



OSHA Cites Grain Company After Workers Die in Storage Bin

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Gavilon Grain LLC -- operator of a grain bin based in Wichita, Kansas -- after two workers were fatally engulfed in a soybean storage bin.

The company faces proposed penalties of $507,374, and OSHA has placed Gavilon Grain LLC in the Agency's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

OSHA cited Gavilon Grain LLC for failing to provide employees with lifelines and fall protection; lockout equipment; provide rescue equipment; and allowing employees to enter a bin in which bridged and/or hung-up grain was present.

"Moving grain acts like quick sand, and can bury a worker in seconds," said OSHA Regional Administrator Kimberly Stille.

"This tragedy could have been prevented if the employer had provided workers with proper safety equipment, and followed required safety procedures to protect workers from grain bin hazards."

The company has contested the citations and will appear before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.



AGCO Reports Improved Second Quarter Results

AGCO reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the second quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately 17.2% compared to the second quarter of 2017. Reported net income was $1.14 per share for the second quarter of 2018, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and costs associated with an early retirement of debt, was $1.32 per share. These results compare to a reported net income of $1.14 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, of $1.15 per share for the second quarter of 2017. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 3.3%, net sales in the second quarter of 2018 increased approximately 13.9% compared to the second quarter of 2017.

Net sales for the first six months of 2018 were approximately $4.5 billion, an increase of approximately 19.8% compared to the same period in 2017. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 5.9%, net sales for the first six months of 2018 increased approximately 13.9% compared to the same period in 2017. For the first six months of 2018, reported net income was $1.44 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and costs associated with an early retirement of debt, was $1.68 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.02 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and a non-cash expense related to waived stock compensation, of $1.13 per share for the first six months of 2017.



Caterpillar Reports Strong Quarter Earnings

Caterpillar Inc. announced second-quarter 2018 sales and revenues of $14.0 billion, compared with $11.3 billion in the second quarter of 2017, a 24 percent increase. Second-quarter 2018 profit per share of $2.82 was a second-quarter record. Profit per share was $1.35 in the second quarter of 2017. Adjusted profit per share in the second quarter of 2018 was $2.97, compared with second-quarter 2017 adjusted profit per share of $1.49.

"Caterpillar delivered record second-quarter profit per share," said Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby. "Our team is doing a great job executing our strategy for profitable growth, focusing on operational excellence, expanded offerings and services."

During the second quarter of 2018, Machinery, Energy & Transportation (ME&T) operating cash flow was $2.1 billion, and the company repurchased $750 million of Caterpillar common stock.

In June, the board of directors approved an increase to the quarterly dividend of 10 percent to $0.86 per share. The second quarter of 2018 ended with an enterprise cash balance of $8.7 billion.



Arysta LifeScience Launches BATALIUM Herbicide for Wheat

A unique high-performance herbicide with three modes of action that provides all-in-one weed control is now available to wheat growers. Arysta LifeScience announces the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted registration for BATALIUM™ Herbicide for use in spring, durum and winter wheat.

BATALIUM is a cross-spectrum herbicide that provides rapid and long-lasting control of tough grasses in wheat while also eliminating a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds, all in one application. Its three distinct modes of action, in Groups 2, 4 and 6, also make the herbicide a valuable resistance management tool.

“BATALIUM offers unmatched weed control and flexibility that meets the growing demands of wheat growers, today and in the future,” said Kathy Seitzinger, Marketing Manager – Herbicides, Arysta LifeScience. “By simplifying grass and broadleaf weed control with one application, BATALIUM is a better way to control weeds, helping wheat growers achieve more efficient weed control and simply get more done.”

Featuring best-in-class crop safety, BATALIUM can be used in a variety of crop rotation programs for control of a vast array of broadleaf weeds such as common lambsquarters, wild buckwheat, wild mustard, pigweed, Russian thistle and shepherd's-purse. BATALIUM also provides quick knockdown and residual control of tough grasses, such as green and yellow foxtail, wild oats and others. BATALIUM is also tank-mixable for even broader-spectrum control of weeds.

“For growers looking for a better way to control weeds, BATALIUM is a welcomed addition in their crop protection toolbox,” Seitzinger says. “Our extensive testing of the product has shown consistent performance in controlling competitive weeds in wheat while offering significant time-savings advantages of a one-pass application.”

Application should be made to the crop from 2-leaf stage up to 60 days prior to harvest. Winter wheat applications can be made in the fall or spring. As for weeds, make application to control grass weeds from 1-4 leaf stage. Application should be made to control broadleaf weeds up to 4 inches tall.