Friday October 26 Ag News

Weed Science School Oct. 31 near Mead

Update your weed science knowledge and skills at a Nebraska Extension Weed Science School Wednesday, Oct. 31.

University, government, and industry speakers will address current weed science issues as well recommendations for improving herbicide applications. The school will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, starting at 8:45 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.

“Dr. Kevin Bradley, professor of weed science at the University of Missouri is an invited speaker to present his 15 years of research experience for management of herbicide-resistant waterhemp,” said Amit Jhala, extension weed management specialist and program coordinator.

Tim Creger, pesticide/fertilizer program manager with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, will be discussing NDA's experience investigating dicamba complaints the last two years, including what evidence they look for, types of violations, and the regulatory action taken in response to violations.
Weed Science School 2018

Presentations and speakers will include:
-    An Overview of Weed Control and Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Nebraska ― Amit Jhala, extension weeds specialist
-    Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Procedure to Investigate Dicamba Off-Target Injury ― Tim Creger, NDA pesticide/fertilizer program manager
-    Herbicide Discovery in an Era of Industry Acquisition and Merger ― Arlene Cotie, senior product development manager, Bayer CropScience LP
-    What 15 Years of Researching Waterhemp Has Taught Me ― Kevin Bradley, weed scientist, University of Missouri
-    Forensic Analysis and Dicamba Injury ― Jenny Rees, extension educator (see related CW stories: Field Case Study of Dicamba-Injured Soybeans using Forensic Analysis; Dicamba's Effect on Soybean Node Numbers)
-    Ultra Micro Rates of Dicamba in Soybean ― Stevan Knezevic, extension weeds specialist (see related CW story: Research on the Impact of Dicamba Micro-Rates on Non Dicamba-Tolerant Soybeans)
-    Weed Identification ― Ethann Barnes, research assistant, and Parminder Chahal, research associate, both in the UNL Department of Agronomy
-    Cover Crops and Weed Suppression ― Chris Proctor, extension weed science educator
-    What Works and Doesn’t Work in Managing Herbicide Drift ― Bob Klein, Extension western Nebraska crops specialist

Registration
There is no cost to attend the field day, but participants are asked to register at https://agronomy.unl.edu/weedscienceschool. Share this event flyer with a friend and invite them to register and attend with you.

Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Continuing Education Units will be available.

For more information contact Amit Jhala at Amit.Jhala@unl.edu or 402-472-1534 or Extension Educator Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu or 402-624-8005.



RFN urges EPA to approve high octane blends, even playing field

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s proposed rule to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the trade association for Nebraska’s ethanol producers and industry, provided comments urging the EPA to approve the use of higher octane, ethanol based fuels in the future. Specifically, RFN is asking for the EPA to allow for high octane fuels that would utilize 25 to 30 percent ethanol in the blend. RFN also is urging EPA to level the playing field when it comes to incentives for alternative fuels and specifically, the current incentives that are skewed toward electric vehicles and away from other fuels.

“Our comments to the EPA pointed out that Nebraska’s ethanol industry would strongly support the EPA if they were to establish minimum octane standards for future fuels that would utilize 25 to 30 percent ethanol blends, and approve a corresponding alternative certification fuel so automakers can begin testing future engines on a high-octane blend” said Troy Bredenkamp, RFN Executive Director.
“it is our belief that high octane E25-30 blends would help bring down the cost for consumers compared to the premium-priced octane level manufactured and advocated by oil refiners, while being significantly better for the environment” said Bredenkamp.

RFN’s comments also focused on what they perceive as an unfair playing field that appears to be skewed to benefit the electric vehicle industry over other advanced fuels such as high octane, ethanol blended fuels. “It seems that when it comes to EPA’s current regulatory philosophy, the scales are being purposely tilted in a way to incent the future development and use of electric vehicles, rather than alternative fuels that would incorporate blends of cleaner burning, cost effective, American-made ethanol at much higher levels” said Bredenkamp. “We would hope that the EPA would consider our comments and not pre-determine winners and loser when it comes to future fuels and consumer choice.”



Nebraska Ethanol Board joins industry partners in comments to the EPA

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule to amend the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emission standards, the Nebraska Ethanol Board joined with industry partners to submit comments highlighting ethanol as an ideal octane choice in fuel.

“Auto manufacturers need higher-octane fuel options to get superior fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower prices for consumers,” said Sarah Caswell, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “Ethanol is high octane, low carbon and the safest component in gasoline today. Ethanol is the clear choice for a healthier environment.”

Mid-level ethanol blends have proven to provide a low-carbon, low-cost source of octane and industry partners provided specific recommendations on what regulatory barriers to address. This rule has the potential to eliminate major roadblocks for increased ethanol demand, Caswell noted.

The comments to the EPA focused on several key points, all centered on the role high-octane fuels can play in meeting the policy objectives of the proposed rule and identifying clean-burning, low-carbon, low-cost ethanol as a means of doing so. Industry partners provided detailed information on the health and economic benefits of an ethanol-based, high-octane program and some of the specific regulatory obstacles that EPA can remove.

Partner organizations signing on the comments included: Environmental and Energy Study Institute, Governors Biofuel Coalition, Urban Air Initiative, National Farmers Union, Farmers Union Enterprise, and Farmers Union chapters in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.



NCGA Urges EPA and NHTSA to Recognize Benefits of High-Octane Fuels

The National Corn Growers Association today emphasized the benefits for fuel economy and emissions reductions from the use of high-octane fuels in comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the proposed SAFE Vehicles Rule.

“As producers of the primary feedstock used for ethanol production, corn farmers have a strong vested interest in the future of transportation fuels,” NCGA President Lynn Chrisp wrote.

The organization’s comments urged regulators to consider fuels and vehicles as a system of high-octane fuel used with optimized engines. NCGA also believes high-octane, low-carbon fuel can help support harmonization between federal and state standards.

“Pairing advanced engines with certain higher-octane fuel improves vehicle performance and efficiency while using less energy and releasing fewer emissions, particularly when the octane source is a midlevel ethanol blend,” wrote Chrisp.

 Increasing octane requirements now would provide vehicle manufacturers the pathway to further develop technology options to meet GHG emissions and fuel economy standards, lower fuel costs to consumers, and support sustainable job growth in America well into the future. A transition to high-octane midlevel ethanol blend fuel, beginning with model year (MY) 2023, meets consumers’ vehicle preference for increased utility, acceleration and performance; provides automakers the quality liquid fuel needed for their advanced engine technologies; meets agency safety objectives; and reduces environmental impacts related to automobile transportation.     

“Using ethanol to meet a higher-octane level would minimize changes in fuel cost, compared to the increased use of costly and harmful hydrocarbon aromatics. While ethanol may not be the only source of fuel octane, it is the lowest cost - and lowest carbon - octane source currently available, and corn ethanol’s carbon footprint is shrinking,” wrote Chrisp.    



NFU Encourages Move to High Octane Fuels

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s proposed rule to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today submitted public comments highlighting the importance and value of moving to higher level blends of ethanol.

“There is widespread agreement regarding the need to move this country toward high octane fuels to take advantage of improved engine technologies for vehicles,” wrote Johnson, noting that mid-level ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E40 are the “most economical high-octane fuels available today.”

The proposed rule recognizes that there is greater potential for high octane fuels, and requested comment on the benefits of increasing fuel octane levels. Johnson was encouraged by the EPA’s acknowledgement, and emphasized that “the availability of high octane fuels is an important step toward better engine technology and, thereby, improved vehicle and fuel efficiency.” This can provide a number of benefits, Johnson said, including “air emissions reductions, better oil conservation, and greater energy security.”

But the advantages of high octane, low carbon fuels such as mid-level ethanol blends extend far beyond the environmental, as Johnson’s comments indicate. “The modern biofuels industry has brought billions of dollars of capital investment, millions of dollars of new tax base, and many thousands of new good paying jobs with benefits,” which is “particularly important at a time when rural America is facing a major financial crisis in the farm sector.” Johnson added that “using higher blends of ethanol also reduces costs to consumers, and automobile manufacturers often point to consumer preference as key to ensuring introduction of new technology.”

In the comments, Johnson also expressed appreciation for the EPA’s earlier decision to deemphasize the Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Rule in its Fall 2018 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan. The rule, for which NFU has previously voiced opposition, contained language codifying a ban on E16 or higher blends of ethanol in non-flex fuel vehicles. “This proposed provision should not be finalized,” wrote Johnson, “and EPA should focus its resources on regulatory actions that promote increased ethanol use.” To achieve this, Johnson recommended that the administration “take actions to support transition to higher blends” by immediately making E15 available year-round.



ACE submits comments on how high octane ethanol is the solution to improved fuel economy, emissions standards

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) set forth recommendations for removing regulatory barriers restricting market access to high octane midlevel ethanol blends in its comments submitted today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Below are a few excerpts from ACE CEO Brian Jennings’ written comments:

“We are grateful EPA and NHTSA are seeking comment on how fuel such as 100 E30 can help automakers meet CAFE-GHG standards. We are also encouraged EPA’s position on high octane fuel is evolving. While the correlation between octane and fuel economy has been disregarded in previous rulemakings, the SAFE rule correctly recognizes that ‘gasoline octane levels are an integral part of engine performance.’

“…high octane fuel in the 98-100 Research Octane Number (RON) range comprised of 25 to 30 percent ethanol would benefit consumers and enable automakers to reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel economy. Anything short of 98 RON E25 fails to maximize engine efficiency, GHG reductions, and consumer savings at the pump.

“Ethanol delivers the highest octane at the lowest cost, allowing automakers to benefit by continuing to develop high-compression engine technologies and other product offerings to achieve efficiency improvements and reduced emissions.”

Below are recommendations ACE encourages EPA to take during its final rulemaking to enable high octane fuel to play a role in helping automakers meet the 2021-2026 standards:
-    Establish a minimum octane standard for fuel in the range of 98-100 RON with 25-30 percent ethanol and provide automakers a corresponding certification fuel so they can test engines on high octane fuel.
-    In setting the new minimum octane rating, phase out 85 Anti-Knock Index (AKI) fuel used in some Mountain states; no automaker recommends the use of the substandard low octane fuel in their engines.
-    Restore CAFE-GHG compliance credits for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and consider a new incentive for engines designed to achieve optimal efficiency on high octane fuel.
-    Adopt the latest GREET model assessment of the lifecycle GHG emissions of corn ethanol.



Growth Energy Submits Comments Today on Proposed SAFE Vehicle Rule

Today, Growth Energy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their joint proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Rule (SAFE). In their comments, Growth Energy reiterated support of the use of a high-octane, midlevel ethanol blend to meet the future standards, regardless of where they are set. The rule would amend existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for vehicle model years 2021-26.

 “The science behind the benefits of midlevel ethanol-blended fuels like E25 and E30 is well documented by national laboratories, automobile manufactures, and scientific institutions,” said Growth Energy Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. “Stable policies and access to market drivers will enable our industry to provide low-carbon, more affordable, high-performing, sustainable vehicle fuel solutions.”

Growth Energy has long advocated for higher octane, midlevel ethanol blends and first submitted a proposal for a 100 RON, E30 fuel nearly seven years ago, when the agencies first developed joint standards for vehicles. Most recently, Bliley testified on this topic at an EPA/NHTSA hearing in Dearborn, Michigan, on Sept. 25, 2018.

Growth Energy will continue to encourage EPA and NHTSA to remove regulatory barriers to the adoption of high octane, midlevel ethanol blends like E25 and E30. This would include approving fuel blends like a 100 RON, E30 fuel for vehicle certification. It would also include requiring minimum octane standards, updating fuel economy formulas, re-establishing flex-vehicle credits, and ensuring year-round sales of E15 and higher blends by June 1, 2019, which would provide cleaner, more affordable fuel for our nation's drivers.



NAIG PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR OCT. 29 – NOV. 2

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today released his public schedule for Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.

Monday, Oct. 29, 2018
12:00 p.m. – Speak to Cherokee Rotary, Danny’s Sports Spot, 1013 S 2nd St., Cherokee
4:00 p.m. – Tour AGP soybean processing facility, 2753 Port Neal Circle, Sgt. Bluff

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018
8:00 a.m. – Tour Sioux Honey Association Co-op, 301 Lewis Blvd., Sioux City



NCB Co-op 100 List

Each year, the National Cooperative Bank announces the top 100 cooperatives in America; highlighting the business activity and economic power of these member-owned, member-controlled businesses. The only annual report of its kind, the NCB Co-op 100 is an important indicator of cooperative business activity across the country.

2017 Rank  -  Coop Name  -  Location  -  '17 Revenue
1 - CHS Inc., Inver Grove Heights, MN  -  $31.9b
2 - Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, MO  -  $14.7b
3 - Land O'Lakes, Inc., Arden Hills, MN  -  $13.7b
10 - Ag Processing, Inc., Omaha, NE  -  $3.6b
36 - FCS of America, Omaha, NE  -  $1.37b
37 - Producers Livestock Marketing Association, Omaha, NE  -  $1.33b
46 - Central Valley Ag Cooperative, York, NE  -  $1.075b
59 - Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company, Aurora, NE  -  $937m
70 - Farmers Cooperative, Dorchester, NE   -  $824m
94 - Cooperative Producers, Inc., Hastings, NE  -  $567m

All of the 100 top cooperatives across all types generated $214,439,000,000 in revenues in 2017.



USDA Lifts Restrictions on Some Polish Pork Imports

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has agreed to lift restrictions on imports of some fresh and frozen pork from Poland that were put in place Oct. 18 due to potential risk from African Swine Fever (ASF). After an expeditious review of export protocols, APHIS has notified Poland that we are lifting restrictions on all establishments located in the contiguous free zones.

APHIS said in a release Thursday that it is retaining restrictions on raw product and heat treated, but not fully cooked, product from two establishments while we complete a more thorough review.

Last week, APHIS announced it was suspending entry of all imports of fresh and frozen pork from Poland while it completed a review of that country's export protocols. There is minimal animal health risk posed by any pork products imported recently into the U.S. from Poland. There is no human health risk, as humans are not susceptible to ASF.

USDA continues to work to ensure consistency with the stringent, longstanding safeguards in place that protect U.S. animal health from ASF. USDA uses a strong series of interlocking protections against the entry of animal diseases like ASF, including restricting the entry of pork and pork products from ASF-affected countries or regions.

USDA is also working with Customs and Border Protection staff to enhance screening of passenger baggage coming from Poland or any ASF-affected country to ensure restricted products are not brought into the U.S.

ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and feral (wild) pigs in all age groups. It is spread by contact with the body fluids of infected animals. It can also be spread by ticks that feed on infected animals.



AGCO Appoints Eric Hansotia Chief Operating Officer
AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a world-leading manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, announced today that Eric Hansotia, Senior Vice President, Global Crop Cycle and Fuse Connected Services, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, a new position within AGCO. Effective January 1, 2019, Mr. Hansotia will assume responsibility for all of AGCO’s regional commercial operations as well as its global product management, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain functions. He will continue to report to Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President, and CEO of AGCO.

“Eric’s leadership and broad industry knowledge make him uniquely qualified for this important new position,” said Mr. Richenhagen. “He has made significant contributions to AGCO’s success over the past five years particularly in the areas of our precision agriculture and harvesting product offerings. His strong strategic view on the future trends in global agriculture along with his operational experience will ensure AGCO continues to be successful in meeting the changing needs of our customers. I look forward to working closely with Eric on our initiatives to achieve growth and improved returns.”

Mr. Hansotia has extensive experience in the agricultural equipment industry in the areas of engineering, quality, advanced technology, manufacturing, product management, and global business leadership. Prior to joining AGCO in 2013, Mr. Hansotia had a successful 20-year tenure with Deere & Company where he held a number of leadership positions including Senior Vice President, Global Harvesting and Vice President of Global Crop Care.