Monday September 24 Ag News

Cercospora Purple Seed Stain and Blight in Some Nebraska Fields
Nick Arneson - Research Technologist in Plant Pathology, UNL

With the warm temperatures following the recent rains in Nebraska, we are starting to see more Purple Seed Stain and Blight symptoms in some soybean fields.

Purple Seed Stain and Blight is caused by the fungus Cercospora kikuchii. Its inoculum source is infected seed and previous soybean crop debris. Sporulation of Cercospora kikuchii is favored by periods of high humidity and temperatures of 73-80°F.

Symptoms of Purple Seed Stain are usually observed in the seed as pink to purple spots that range in size from specks to large blotches. Blight symptoms often become prevalent during the mid to late reproductive stages (R3-R6) and are typically on young leaves on the upper portion of the canopy. These symptoms include dark reddish-purple bronzing of the leaf. Lesions typically occur on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces and can range from specks to blotches up to ½ inch in diameter. Severely affected upper leaves can drop with the petioles remaining on the plant while lower leaves are still attached.

There are commercially available resistant varieties for Cercospora Blight, but no known sources of resistance for Purple Seed Stain. There is also no clear relationship between the severity of Cercospora Blight and the severity of Purple Seed Stain. Extended crop rotations and residue incorporation will reduce the inoculum by breaking down infested residue. Foliar fungicides are registered for Cercospora Blight and can be applied during R3-R5 pod stages which can reduce blight incidence and severity, but this may not affect soybean seed stain symptoms. Seed lots with a high percent of infected seed should be treated with a seed treatment fungicide when used for seed. In most cases there will not be enough seed symptoms for any docking in price, but in severe cases this could happen.



New Methods Needed to Manage SCN in Soybean
John Wilson - NE Extension Educator, Burt County

Some Nebraska farmers managing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) are noticing something different: They aren't getting the control they expect from planting an SCN-resistant variety. Why are their control measures becoming less effective?

Greg Tylka, a nematologist at Iowa State University who researches soybean cyst nematodes, states, “Almost all SCN-resistant soybean varieties... were developed from the same soybean breeding line, or ‘source of resistance,' named PI 88788. These resistant varieties controlled most, over 90%, of SCN reproduction for many years. But researchers throughout the Midwest detected a troubling trend in recent years: SCN populations were becoming resistant to the resistance.”

SCN in Nebraska
SCN has now been confirmed in 59 counties covering almost the entire eastern half of Nebraska. These counties produce over 93% of Nebraska’s soybeans.

When SCN was first confirmed in Nebraska in Richardson County in 1986, only a few soybean varieties were resistant to it. By 2000, there were hundreds of SCN-resistant varieties. Today most varieties have some genetic resistance to SCN. (This resistance is transferred through normal breeding programs; SCN resistance is not a GMO.)

A recent survey in Nebraska showed almost half (47%) of the fields tested had SCN populations that reproduced on PI 88788. In other states where SCN has been present longer, SCN is reproducing on over 90% of the soybean varieties using this source of resistance. The reproduction is not as great as it would be on an SCN-susceptible variety, but it is occurring at a rate that allows SCN egg counts in the soil to build up and increase rather than decrease.

Sometimes the growth of an SCN population in a field is hard to imagine because most of its life it's a microscopic roundworm in the soil or soybean root. Rather, think of managing SCN as you would a weed that has developed resistance to a particular herbicide. Continuing to use that same herbicide will give you more weed control than not using any herbicide, but it does not give you satisfactory control. Over time the problem weed will become a greater problem in your field.

Tylka says the bottom line is, “soybean varieties with PI 88788 SCN resistance no longer control SCN well in many fields... and farmers are losing yield as a result of increased SCN reproduction on resistant soybean varieties.”

This SCN resistance requires growers to change their SCN management practices to maintain yields and profitability in their soybean fields.

The recommendations we made 20 years ago to control SCN ― “rotate soybeans with a non-host crop like corn and plant an SCN-resistant variety when planting soybeans” ― worked great then, but today additional measures are needed.

New SCN Management Practices Needed
So what should growers keep doing and what should they change?

Test. Testing fields for SCN is not a new recommendation, but retesting infested fields about every six years is a new recommendation. If SCN wasn’t present six years ago and is now, you will likely have caught it before the population reaches a level that would significantly reduce yield.

The new recommendation is to retest infested fields about every six years. If your previous test was positive for SCN, sample at the same time of year and following the same crop as your first sample. SCN populations vary throughout the growing season and depending on whether they follow soybeans or a non-host crop.

If you originally sampled in the fall following soybeans, make sure your new sample is also taken in the fall following soybeans. Depending on your rotation, you may need to retest after five or seven years. This retesting will let you know if your current management practices are reducing the SCN population density (egg numbers) over time.

Select SCN-resistant varieties and rotate with a non-host crop. Plant SCN-resistant varieties and rotate with a non-host crop like corn.

Consider adding a nematode-protectant seed treatment on your resistant variety. When managing SCN in your field, never use a seed treatment in place of a resistant variety, use it on a resistant variety.

Know Your Number and Adjust. If your SCN egg count is increasing, select SCN-resistant soybean varieties with sources of resistance other than PI 88788. Look for varieties that list “Peking” as the source of resistance. It is the most common source of resistance other than PI 88788, but is only found in about 2% of SCN-resistant varieties commercially available.

Free SCN Testing
To encourage testing, the Nebraska Soybean Board has a great program that covers the cost of analyzing soil samples for SCN, normally a $20/sample cost.

To get the bags for this free soil analysis or for more information on identifying and managing SCN, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.

SCN Coalition
The SCN Coalition was formed in the 1990s to encourage farmers and agronomic professionals to test for SCN and manage it as if it was detected in a field. Their primary focus was on detection.

This group recently reorganized to address the problem of SCN reproducing on varieties using the PI 88788 source of resistance. Their new message is, “What’s your number?” and encourages soybean growers to periodically test to see if the SCN density (egg counts) in their SCN-infested fields is increasing or decreasing.

The SCN Coalition is funded by the United Soybean Board and the North Central Soybean Research Program (checkoff dollars) as well as with support from private industry partners. Visit the SCN Coalition’s website for resources to help you manage SCN.



Meeting Cow Nutrient Requirements Workshop

University of Nebraska – Extension will be offering a workshop examining ways to address below average feed quality going into winter feeding. The program will help educate producers on nutrient requirements of different classes of livestock, nutrient qualities of current feed sources on hand, and nutrient qualities and costs of possible feed sources to help bridge any nutritional deficiencies in livestock diets. Additionally, feed rationing expertise and advice will be available to anyone who brings in a feed analysis from forage sampling. The workshop fee is $15/person or take advantage of the “Ranch Discount” at $10/person if you come with 3 or more people.

Upcoming Workshop Locations:
  - October 3; Holt Co Ext Office, O’Neill; 5:30-8:30 PM - Dinner Provided (RSVP by September 28) Contact Amy Timmerman (402) 336-2760
  - October 10; United Methodist Church, Bassett; 5:30-8:30 PM - Dinner Provided (RSVP by October 5) Contact Jace Stott (402) 387-2213
  - November 19; Fullerton; 5:30-8:30 PM  - Dinner Provided (RSVP by November 14) Contact: Mariah Woolsoncroft (308) 536-2691
  - December 4; Hartington; 5:30-8:30 PM - Dinner Provided (RSVP by November 28) Contact: Ben Beckman (402) 254-6821
  - December 6; Brewster; 11:00 AM-2:00 PM - Lunch Provided (RSVP by November 26) Contact: Bethany Johnson (308) 645-2267 or bjohnston3@unl.edu



Farm/Ranch Transition: When You Aren’t in Control

A rancher once said, “No one has the right to automatically inherit a family farm or ranch… but everyone has the right to know what is going on.”

Passing the farm/ranch on to the next generation is a tough job, especially if the next generation is unsure of what will happen when their parents pass. Because it is especially hard for those people, who are wondering what is going on, that a series of farm and ranch transition workshops are planned at Valentine, Ainsworth, O’Neill, Norfolk and York from Oct. 23 to Nov. 14.

The workshops will focus on the needs of the “sandwich generation” on whom farm/ranch transition and transfer often falls.  This generation is between parents who still own the land and children who might want to join the operation.

Lack of communication often hinders transitions. The Gen2, or Sandwich Generation, will learn how to communicate with family to understand the transition and practice asking difficult questions. A handbook and script will help farmers/ranchers to complete transition “homework.”

Legal topics presented at the workshops will center around Gen2 needs, including elements of a good business entity, levels of layers for on-farm heirs control and access, and turning agreements into effective written leases. Joe Hawbaker, estate planning attorney, and Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension transition specialist, will share stories and experiences to successfully plan on the legal side. 

Transition of the land is important, but farmers and ranchers should also work to transition the business. Dave Goeller, financial and transition specialist, will cover financial considerations, retirement, and compensation versus contribution.

Many families struggle to split assets fairly between on-ranch and off-ranch heirs, while continuing the ranch as a business. Goeller will discuss the family side and what to consider when dividing assets.  Vyhnalek will also cover less-than-ideal situations, negotiating, and looking for other business options.

Below are workshop dates and locations. The times are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. local time at each location. Pre-register one week prior for a meal count.
-     Oct. 23, Valentine, contact Jay Jenkins, 402-376-1850, jjenkins2@unl.edu.
-     Oct. 24, Ainsworth, contact Jace Stott or Chandra Murray, 402-387-2213, jstott3@unl.edu.
-     Oct. 25, O’Neill, contact Amy Timmerman, 402-336-2760, atimmerman2@unl.edu.
-     Nov. 13, Norfolk, contact Allan Vyhnalek, 402-472-1771, avyhnalek@unl.edu.
-     Nov. 14, York, contact Jenny Rees, 402-362-5508, jenny.rees@unl.edu.

Cost is $20 per person. If more than two people are attending per operation, the cost is $15/person.  Pre-register one week prior for a meal count to the local extension office. 

Funding for this project was provided by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Award Number 2015-49200-24226.



THISTLE CONTROL DURING OCTOBER
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

As October starts to arrive, our thoughts naturally turn towards crop harvest.  But don’t forget, it’s also thistle time again.  Even if they are hard to see, this is the time to control them.

Timing is everything.  That's particularly true with thistle control.  And October to early November is one of the best times to use herbicides.

Did you have thistles this year?  If so, walk out in those infected areas this week.  Look close.  I'll bet you find many thistle seedlings.  Most thistle seedlings this fall will be small, in a flat, rosette growth form, and they are very sensitive now to certain herbicides.  So spray this fall and thistles will not be a big problem next year.

Several herbicides are effective and recommended for thistle control.  Several newer herbicides like ForeFront, Milestone, and Chaparral work very well.  Two other very effective herbicides are Tordon 22K and Grazon.  Be careful with all these herbicides, but especially Tordon and Grazon, since they also can kill woody plants, including trees you might want to keep.  2,4-D also works well while it’s warm, but you will get better thistle control by using a little less 2,4-D and adding a small amount of dicamba to the mix.

Other herbicides also can control thistles in pastures – like Redeem, Cimarron, and Curtail.  No matter which weed killer you use, though, be sure to read and follow label instructions, and be sure to spray on time.  

Next year, avoid overgrazing your pastures so your grass stands get thicker and compete with any new weeds or thistle seedlings.

Give some thought now to thistle control during October and November.  Your pastures can be cleaner next spring.

MAKE THE MOST OF EXPENSIVE HAY
Much hay will be worth over one hundred dollars per ton this year.  Let’s identify what you need to know to get by with using as little as possible.

Minimizing the amount of hay fed over winter can be wise when hay is expensive like this year.  You don’t want to be wasteful.  But you shouldn’t short your cows just to save a few dollars, either.

The two most important bits of information you need are what does your cow need and what can your different feedstuffs provide.  A dry beef cow fed winter range, corn stalks, or even straw rarely needs more than one pound of extra protein per day.  Just six or seven pounds of average alfalfa hay will provide this protein; feeding any more probably is wasting hay.

Once she calves, or if you have grass hay instead of alfalfa, the feeding system will be drastically different because she needs more nutrients and grass hay usually has less protein than alfalfa.

With hay as expensive as it is, forage testing is just common sense.  It is the only way – let me repeat – the only way you will know for sure how much protein, energy, and other nutrients your hay can provide.  One more healthy calf, one more bred cow, one bale of saved hay will more than make up for the cost of testing your forages.

One final thing – store and feed your hay to reduce weather losses and waste.  Outdoor stored hay in Nebraska looses about one percent of its nutrients every month when stored properly; those losses can more than double if hay is stored carelessly.  Feeding waste can be similar.  Don’t give animals free access to your precious hay.  Control the amount and location of the hay so little of it gets stomped into the ground.

Remember – expensive hay deserves extra management.



USDA Cold Storage August 2018 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on August 31, 2018 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 6 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 6 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 14 percent from last month but up 82 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on August 31, 2018 were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 6 percent from the previous month and up 19 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 3 percent from last month and up 1 percent from August 31, 2017.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on August 31, 2018 were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from August 31, 2017.  Butter stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 4 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on August 31, 2018 were up 3 percent from last month but down 13 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 22 percent from last month but down 3 percent from a year ago.



NCGA Calls on Congress to Pass Farm Bill Before Heading Home

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today, called on leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees to put partisan differences aside and find common ground on a farm bill that can be signed into law before the current bill expires September 30.

In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., NCGA President Kevin Skunes said a new farm bill would provide certainty to farmers during increasingly uncertain times for agriculture.

“Members of Congress have just a few days to come together and reach agreement on a bipartisan farm bill. There is no good reason this task can’t be completed,” Skunes said. “Farm income forecasts remain low and farmers have been negatively impacted by trade tariffs and retaliation. A new farm bill would go a long way in providing some certainty during these challenging times.”

The NCGA letter also highlighted the importance of the farm bill’s Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, which would lose vital resources if a new bill is not completed by September 30.



Secretary Perdue Statement on Signing of New KORUS Trade Agreement
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the signing of the new United States-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS):

“We are entering into a new KORUS agreement that is a better deal for the entire United States economy, including the agricultural sector. This represents an important improvement in trade relations between our two nations, building on long-standing cooperation we have enjoyed. This agreement adds to the momentum building for President Trump’s approach to trade, which is to stand strong for America’s interests and strike better deals. I am optimistic that the dominoes will continue to fall: KORUS, then a new NAFTA, and new agreements with the European Union, Japan, and, most notably, China. As an avid sportsman, I would say ‘put this one in the bag and keep hunting for more.’”



Fischer Welcomes New U.S.-South Korea Trade Deal

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after President Donald Trump signed a new free trade agreement with South Korea:

“Nebraska ag producers need international market access so they can deliver their products to the world. South Korea is one of our state’s top customers. I have long supported modernizing trade agreements like this because it will provide certainty for our farmers and ranchers.”

South Korea is Nebraska agriculture’s fifth-largest international customer. Nebraska is South Korea’s second largest American supplier of beef and its fourth largest American supplier of pork. In 2017, South Korea imported $500 million of Nebraska agricultural products. 



KORUS "Tore Down" Trade Barriers, Helped Increase Beef Exports

Today National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Kevin Kester released the following statement in response to the signing of the modernized Korea-United States Trade Agreement (KORUS):

“KORUS is a prime example of how U.S. producers benefit from trade agreements that reduce tariffs and implement science-based standards. Less than a decade ago, U.S. beef exports to South Korea were severely limited by a 40 percent tariff and a host of non-tariff trade barriers. KORUS tore down those barriers, helping turn South Korea into a leading destination for U.S. beef. In fact, exports to South Korea accounted for over $1 billion annually over the last two years. We applaud President Trump for his leadership in improving KORUS for other sectors and we know that a modernized KORUS agreement will allow U.S. producers to continue focusing on what we do best: Providing safe, high-quality beef for Korean families to enjoy.” 



AFBF Encouraged by Korea Trade Agreement
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“President Trump’s approval today of the modernized U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement preserves a two-way trade relationship that greatly benefits America’s farmers and ranchers. South Korea bought $6.9 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods last year, making it our sixth-largest export market.

“Whether it’s corn, soybeans and wheat, or poultry, eggs and meat products, our agricultural exports to South Korea are growing thanks to the U.S. – Korea FTA.

“Renewal of our trade deal with South Korea is much-needed good news and help for our farmers and ranchers as the agricultural economy struggles. Securing export markets for our products is critical, and we encourage the administration to continue to push for conclusion of other trade agreements, such as an updated NAFTA agreement with Canada and Mexico.

“Our negotiators also should continue pushing to remove barriers to U.S. ag trade in other parts of Asia. As Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently stated, now would be a good time to take a fresh look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an agreement that Farm Bureau has estimated would boost U.S. agricultural exports by $4 billion per year. Rejoining TPP negotiations would send a clear message to other nations, such as China, that the U.S. is serious about growing key markets for our agricultural products around the world.”



Escalating Trade War with China Will Increase Damage to American Soybean Farmers

The Administration’s decision to impose 10 percent tariffs on an additional $200 billion in Chinese imports—and China’s subsequent retaliation on $60 billion of U.S. products—deepens and prolongs the trade war between the two countries, posing even more adverse consequences for American soybean farmers.

Davie Stephens, a soybean grower from Clinton, Kentucky, and American Soybean Association (ASA) vice president stated, “If this trade war is not resolved soon, we will see irreversible consequences. Beyond very real concerns about a continued price drop for our beans, we’re talking about the viability of our long-term relationship with the China market. We need negotiations now rather than tit-for-tat responses that hurt both countries.”

Since June, the price of U.S. soybeans at export terminals in New Orleans has dropped 20 percent, from $10.89 to $8.68 per bushel. Farm-gate prices have fallen even further. During the same period, the premium paid for Brazilian soybeans has increased from virtually zero to $2.18 per bushel, or $80 per metric ton.

Already, China has pursued new means to procure soybeans and other protein crops, including maximizing soybean imports from other exporting countries, particularly Brazil.

“With the situation worsening, these decisions could become long-term policies. Even if the Administration achieves its goal of changing China’s policies on forced technology transfer and intellectual property theft, which could end the tariff war, this trend could be irreversible. U.S. soybean farmers may become the supplier of last resort to what has been, by far, our most important foreign market,” Stephens explained.

U.S. soybean producers have spent more than 40 years and millions of farmer dollars building the China market for soy and livestock products.

James Lee Adams, a soybean producer from Camilla, Georgia, was ASA president in 1989 when these market development efforts were in full swing. According to Adams, building the China market was a long, arduous process. “We had a lot of opposition. People thought we were throwing money away, but we kept investing despite the pressure to cut our losses. It took many years, but we prevailed, and today, China is a $14 billion market for U.S. beans. This trade war is of grave concern because it could wipe out all those years of work. Knowing the difficulties we faced, we know how hard it will be to get this market back.”

Some trade analysts say it will be impossible for China to find enough soybeans and other protein feeds from other sources, and that it will continue to depend on the U.S. for a significant amount of its imports. But even if the U.S. keeps half of its soybean market in China, the value of exports due to lower prices will fall to an estimated $5.6 billion from the $14 billion sold in 2017. In the absence of other expanded and new markets, the outlook is for continued low prices and declining U.S. soybean production for years to come.

ASA has consistently opposed using tariffs to pursue the Administration’s trade objectives, and has called for the Section 301 tariffs to be rescinded.

Ryan Findlay, CEO of ASA, said, “Recognizing the long-term impact of China’s soybean tariff on our exports, we have implored the Administration to finalize NAFTA, including Canada, reconsider joining TPP and, if not, negotiate bilateral trade agreements with TPP countries, including Japan and Vietnam, and with other countries where soy and livestock product exports could be expanded, including Indonesia and the Philippines.”

“We are also asking the Administration and Congress to double funding for the Foreign Market Development and Market Access Programs for export promotion activities,” Ryan stated. “While the additional cost of $2.35 billion over ten years can’t be covered under the 2018 Farm Bill, revenues collected by the Treasury from the Administration’s Section 232 and 301 tariffs already more than meet this funding level. Another use of these revenues if the tariffs remain in place and additional revenues are collected would be to fund the $8 billion in inland waterway improvements needed to upgrade the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports in future years.”

Findlay concluded, “We need these market opening and competitiveness measures to help offset the expected long-term negative impact of China’s soybean tariff on the livelihoods of U.S. soybean farmers.”



Make Reservations Today For Export Exchange 2018: Hotel Cutoff Coming October 1

U.S. suppliers of coarse grains and co-products, industry representatives and members of the grain trade should make hotel reservations before the Oct. 1 cutoff for Export Exchange 2018. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Export Exchange 2018 is scheduled for Oct. 22-24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Make hotel reservations online at http://www.exportexchange.org/hotel.
Register online at www.exportexchange.org.

This biennial event focuses on bringing together international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products, including distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), with U.S. suppliers and agribusiness representatives. Export Exchange generates sales on a global scale, and relationships built at this conference help build future demand for in overseas markets.

In addition to networking opportunities, the conference will feature general sessions that will address critical issues facing U.S. agricultural exports, offering the customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. View a conference agenda at http://www.exportexchange.org/agenda.

Registration is available online via www.exportexchange.org. USGC, Growth Energy and RFA members will be eligible for discounted registration pricing and should identify themselves as such when registering. Reporters wishing to cover Export Exchange are eligible for complimentary registration by sending an email to info@exportexchange.org and asking for the registration code.

More information will be distributed in the coming months to members of the grains industries and will be made available online at www.exportexchange.org or on social media using the hashtag #ExEx18. Those interested can sign up for a mailing list to automatically receive conference updates by emailing info@exportexchange.org.



Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN debuts first-of-its-kind digital platform to support farmer-led stewardship

Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN today announced its plan to roll out the Truterra™ Insights Engine, an interactive on-farm digital platform that will help farmers advance their stewardship goals and return-on-investment in real time, acre-by-acre and help food companies measure sustainability progress. The platform will be available this year as the core tool under the new Truterra brand. The full suite of the Truterra offering aims to advance the agricultural industry's ability to enable conservation at scale across a variety of crops, commodities and commitments.

"Truterra holds tremendous potential to harness stewardship to drive value by providing data-driven insights from farm-to-fork," said Matt Carstens, senior vice president of Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN. "Using the Truterra Insights Engine, farmers and food companies will have the ability to establish and report clear metrics, create customized stewardship strategies that meet farmers where they are in their sustainability journey, and use a common language for on-farm stewardship that holds meaning and value. It's a major step forward in supporting food system sustainability that starts on the farm."

One of the biggest challenges in understanding and enhancing the sustainability of our food system remains a lack of comprehensive tools that can quantify economic and environmental benefits for farmers to identify farm management options. The Truterra Insights Engine, along with other technology services and tools under the new Truterra suite of offerings, will help to fill this need by providing tangible conservation options and benefits customized to every business.

The Truterra Insights Engine leverages agronomic expertise and technical capabilities from a variety of contributors to enhance the value of stewardship across the supply chain. Such collaborations include USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and integration of the sustainability metrics of Field to Market's Fieldprint® Platform. The Insights Engine even ties into major private-sector commitments such as Walmart's Project Gigaton.

For farmers and agricultural retailers, the Truterra Insights Engine will utilize soil, weather, economic, and farm management data to create customized reports showcasing the potential impacts of various stewardship practices – providing field-by-field insights, tracking against both economic performance and conservation practices. Together, the economic and environmental results will facilitate the long-term productivity and success of our farmers and food system.

A key differentiator for this platform from other data tools is its design to be of value for farmers first and foremost. It was created by a farmer-owned cooperative, to be used by farmers, agricultural retailers, and agricultural experts to improve on-farm economic and natural resource stewardship. The benefits of the platform span the food value chain, but it was built to start with the farmer and deliver value back to the farm.

Importantly, the Truterra Insights Engine will measure and track stewardship progress over time. In addition to helping farmers make the right choices for their business, these expanded metrics will help food companies achieve their sustainability goals – leading the industry toward a more sustainable food system.

While created by Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN, Truterra and the Truterra Insights Engine are bigger than Land O'Lakes or the Land O'Lakes member-owner network. Today's announcement underscores the importance of collaboration with industry peers and nonprofit organizations across the nation in support of farmer-driven stewardship to increase sustainability throughout the industry.

"Every farmer, farm and business is different both in how they operate and where they are in their sustainability journey," said Precision Ag Territory Lead Ashley Schmeling of Minnesota-based agricultural retailer Central Farm Service. "Our seed and agronomy professionals work beside our farmers every step of the production process to capture opportunities and support precision agriculture. It is our hope that the Truterra Insights Engine will help us do this more effectively and provide a more customized approach to each of our farmers."

"Companies like Land O'Lakes that are providing advice and services to farmers are critical as we create a sustainable agriculture system," said Larry Clemens, Director of The Nature Conservancy's North America Program. "In order to achieve our conservation goals of soil health and nutrient management across America's farmland, it's vital that companies across the supply chain work with the farmers and advisors to both promote and evaluate sustainable practices. Land O'Lakes is setting a great example to support farmers on a journey to a sustainable future."

"We've seen that the most effective way to encourage on-farm sustainability is to make data more available to farmers when making management decisions," said Dan Sonke, Director of Sustainable Agriculture, Campbell Soup Company. "Truterra is built on this same philosophy, and we are glad to be piloting this platform as we work with agricultural advisors The Mill, Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN, and Environmental Defense Fund on sustainable agriculture in our Chesapeake Bay wheat sourcing region."

"Data-driven on-farm conservation protects our most valuable natural resources and puts money back in farmers' pockets so they can continue growing food season-after-season," said Sara Kroopf, Supply Chain Manager at Environmental Defense Fund. "We are excited that Land O'Lakes is working hard to tackle the data and tracking challenge by developing a user-friendly program to collect and analyze data. This will allow agricultural retailers and other trusted advisers to write customized stewardship prescriptions for each farmer – and provides essential data to measure environmental progress in the Chesapeake Bay."