Friday November 2 Ag News

Join AFAN and WSA Annual Stakeholders Meeting Set for November 19

The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) and We Support Agriculture (WSA) have scheduled their joint 2018 annual stakeholders meeting for Monday, November 19, at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in downtown Lincoln.

All AFAN and WSA partners and stakeholders are invited to the meeting, which begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and conversation, followed by the meeting at 9:00 a.m. A buffet luncheon, sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board, will follow the meeting.

The meeting will include year-end reports by Kristen Hassebrook, Executive Director of AFAN and WSA, along with Will Keech, Livestock Development Director with AFAN.  The reports will communicate the year’s accomplishments and provide a look into future opportunities for both organizations

A highlight of the meeting will be a panel discussion focusing on the agricultural workforce shortage and housing issues.  The panel will include Bill Thiele of TLS Dairy, Elizabeth Babcock with Adams Land and Cattle, and Gary Person from North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce.

Craig Utter with the Sand County Foundation will present the 2018 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award to the O’Rourke Family of Chadron, Nebraska. 

Those interested in attending the stakeholders meeting to learn more about AFAN or WSA and the future of animal agriculture in the state must RSVP to Judy Stauffer by November 12 by calling (402) 421-4472 or by emailing Judys@a-fan.org.



GRAZING STOCKPILED GRASS DURING WINTER
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Grass remaining for winter grazing can really help cut feed costs for stock cows.  Your grazing strategy can greatly influence how effectively you use this pasture.

               Grazing winter range or pastures has many benefits.  It can save as much as a dollar a day per cow compared to feeding hay.  It removes old growth so pasture next spring and summer is fresher.  And some weeds may be eaten that cattle won’t touch during summer.  Plus, there is little risk of damage to your dormant pasture as long as grazing occurs while the ground is firm.

               But the way you manage your cattle during winter grazing can have a big effect on its success.  For instance, maybe you have a goal of feeding as little protein supplement as possible while winter grazing.  Then you must make sure your stocking level is light enough so cattle can select just the higher quality plants and plant parts to eat.

               Another strategy might be to stretch winter pasture as far as possible.  Then it might be best to restrict animal access to small areas at a time, like with strip grazing, and feed supplements as needed.  Or, if you use forage from winter range just as a filler to keep cattle from bellowing when you limit feed corn, corn by-products, or other nutrient dense feeds, then high stocking levels and unrestricted access might be best.

               Whatever your strategy, though, consider carefully what kind of nutrition animals are getting from the pasture so you neither underfeed nor overfeed expensive supplements.  Be sure to provide salt, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A free choice at all times.

               Winter grazing is a great opportunity to reduce winter feed costs.  With the right grazing strategy, it can help you meet many of your feeding goals.



Applications Now Open for Class III of PRIME Program

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is pleased to announce that applications for the next class of the PRIME Program are now available. The PRIME Program is a continuing education opportunity for younger or newer producers who are interested in learning more about the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and bettering their farming operation. Over the course of a year, participants will come together for three seminars to learn and discuss new ideas that can be incorporated into their own operations.

“Bringing the next generation into the association is crucial for the longevity of the association, and the PRIME Program is a great first step. I look forward to welcoming this next class into a great program,” said Dan Wesely, President of NeCGA.

The first session will be March 25th and 26th, with the second session taking place in late June. The final session will be in conjunction with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association annual meeting. Applications for the PRIME Program can be found at necga.org. The applications are due by Friday, December 28, 2018. All costs participate in the program are covered for those that are 3-year members of the association.

The PRIME Program is made possible with funding from our presenting partners, Northwestern Mutual and Farm Credit Services, along with the Nebraska Corn Board. For more information about the PRIME Program, please visit necga.org.

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is a grassroots organization that works to create and increase opportunities for Nebraska corn farmers through advocacy, education, partnerships, and leadership development.

Direct questions to Morgan Wrich, Director of Grower Services, at mwrich@necga.org. Applications can be found at www.necga.org. 



Bartels joins Extension in Butler and Polk Counties 

Waverly native Melissa Bartels recently joined Nebraska Extension as a crop and water systems educator for Butler and Polk counties. Her office is in the Butler County Courthouse in David City where she can be reached at 402-367-7410 or by emailing mbartels6@unl.edu.

Bartels said she’s excited to be working with growers in her area and looks forward to helping them find research-based answers to their crop production and water management questions.

Her career path began when she was pursuing her BS degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University. She worked in the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s sorghum plant pathology laboratory looking at hybrids with increased resistance to Fusarium that produced mycotoxins.

“It was fascinating to study the whole system of plants and pathogens. Sometimes they coexist and sometimes the pathogen takes over the plant. I wondered if this was career worthy and from my work I realized I wanted to go into plant science.”

Bartels continued her studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, receiving M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in plant pathology. Her graduate research focused on the evolutionary rate of wheat streak mosaic virus and triticum mosaic virus in wheat and closely related hosts. While pursuing her graduate degrees, she worked in the USDA ARS wheat virology lab.

After graduating she worked in Idaho as the Syngenta Seed Quality Control Manager for seed health testing for vegetables for North America. She was a part of the US International Seed Health Initiative, and worked with the National Seed Health Society on Syngenta becoming an accredited seed health testing laboratory.

A little over two years ago she and her husband, Ryan, decided to move back to Nebraska to be closer to family. She worked at the Bayer CropScience Wheat Breeding and Trait Development facility near Goehner and at the Syngenta Seed corn production site near Phillips before joining Extension.

As a youth, Bartels was heavily involved in horse 4-H in Lancaster County and when she graduated out of the program, she volunteered as a 4-H leader and later as a judge at area fairs.

Outside the office she enjoys trail riding, judging horse shows and giving riding lessons to the local youth in Lancaster County. She also enjoys gardening, caring for her family pets of two mastiffs and three cats, and antiquing with her husband.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting Monday, November 19, 2018 and Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at The Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Board will hold a joint Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board meeting the afternoon of November 19, 2018. The following day, November 20th, the Nebraska Corn Board will meet to address regular board business. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509, sending an email to nikki.bentzinger@nebraska.gov or by calling 402/471-2676.



NDA, UNL RECEIVE FUNDING FROM USDA FOR SPECIALTY CROP PROJECTS

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will receive nearly $700,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to: study hops, wine grapes and dry beans; monitor invasive pests; and encourage healthy snacking in schools.

The funding comes from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), which supports the research, development and marketing of specialty crops. NDA manages the Nebraska program.

“Nebraska’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program helps add value to the state’s agricultural industry by encouraging the growth and development of more distinctive crops,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “By focusing on research and production, this year’s SCBGP projects will benefit specialty crop producers across the entire state.”

Specialty crops are generally defined as fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey and some turf and ornamental crops. A full list of specialty crops is available on USDA’s website at www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.

Fourteen new specialty crop projects are being funded this year in Nebraska.

In four projects, NDA will conduct surveys and inspections across the state for:
•walnut twig beetles to look for Thousand Cankers Disease which has not yet been detected in Nebraska;
•Potato Cyst Nematodes to maintain Nebraska’s PCN pest-free status;
•Japanese Beetles to determine what steps, if any, are necessary to certify nursery stock; and
•Columbia Root-Knot Nematodes to maintain Nebraska’s CRKN pest-free status.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) is receiving funding for three projects related to the production of hops. Research results and educational programming will provide valuable decision making information to producers interested in growing this popular specialty crop.

In a project advancing the growth of wine grapes in Nebraska, UNL will graft an early bud breaking grape cultivar onto a rootstock of a grape cultivar that breaks winter dormancy later in the spring season. Delaying bud break by as little as 3 to 4 days could mean the difference between a productive year and a nonproductive year. If successful, this grafting technique will have an immediate and positive impact on the grape and wine industry not only in Nebraska, but everywhere spring frost and freeze events are an issue.

In another project, NDA is partnering with UNL to research specialty crops and the potential economic consequences of herbicide drift.

UNL is also receiving funding for projects related to dry bean, chickpea and field pea growth in western Nebraska. UNL will research chickpeas, dry yellow field peas, cowpeas and pinto beans, evaluate seed treatments, and evaluate optimal row spacings to maximize yields and quality. Nebraska is third in the nation in the production of all dry edible beans.

In another project, UNL’s Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) Program will use grant funds to increase consumption of specialty crops by distributing specialty crops at established mobile food pantries at Lincoln schools, provide educational materials to highlight specialty crops and offer free samples of food for children to taste.

All of the projects receiving SCBGP funding this year must be completed by Sept. 29, 2021. For more information about this year’s grants, go to USDA’s website at www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/awards and click on “FY2018 pdf.”

NDA administered a two-phase competitive grant application process for SCBGP funds. Phase I involved the submission of concept proposals, which allowed applicants to explain the main points of their project. The concept proposals were independently and competitively scored by a field review panel. Projects with the highest combined scores were asked to complete Phase II of the application process and include a more in-depth description of the project.



Cover Crops: Good for Water Quality and the Bottom Line

Caught between unpredictable trade conditions and uncooperative weather, Iowa farmers are under more pressure than ever. Perhaps that's why recently there has been a surge in interest in the practice of cover cropping: growing non-cash crops in between row crops or in the off-season.

The benefits range from faster drainage of water and reduced nutrient runoff to reduced quantities of herbicide needed and discounted crop insurance rates. The Iowa Farmers Union, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Soil Health Partnership, Iowa Seed Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Water Quality Initiative, Iowa Corn, Iowa Learning Farms, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance have all come together to present a series of field day events to provide more information about this exciting practice.

The events will take place in several locations around the state and are open to anyone who wants to learn more about cover crops and insurance incentives for cover cropping. Each day will include a farm tour, panel discussion with local farmers, and a presentation including information about making cover crops pay, crop insurance discount options, water quality and earthworm impacts. The events are free to attend and a complimentary meal is included!

- Nov. 13, hosted by Nick Meier, 5-7:30 p.m., Single Speed Brewing Co., 325 Commercial St., Waterloo
- Nov. 14, hosted by Dick Lund, 12-3 p.m., West Iowa Bank, 202 W Main St., Laurens
- Nov. 15, hosted by Mike Helland, 12-3 p.m., Huxley Learning Center, 1551 Hwy 210, Huxley

For more information or to register for an event, please visit iowafarmersunion.org/upcoming-events/events-calendar/.



Beef Quality Assurance Certification Sessions Set

The Iowa Beef Center is cooperating with the Iowa Beef Industry Council to host a series of Beef Quality Assurance training and certification sessions across Iowa before the end of 2018. BQA is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that raises consumer confidence through offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry.

BQA certification is increasingly being encouraged, and in some cases required, by market outlets for finishing cattle and this trend is expected to increase. BQA is a voluntary program and the Iowa BQA Program is funded by the IBIC and the Beef Checkoff.  The education component is delivered as a joint effort by IBC at Iowa State University and IBIC.

More sessions will be added so check the IBIC website for Iowa BQA Program and other upcoming certification trainings in your area. BQA certification also is offered online at the national level. Learn more about the BQA program and online certification option.

A chronological schedule of BQA sessions, including time, location, preregistration requirements and specific contact information, follows.

November
    Nov. 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Knoxville Regional Livestock Market, 1583 Iowa Highway 5, Knoxville. Contact: Patrick Wall, Region 6 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m. Oakland Community, Oakland. Meal to begin at noon. Preregister by calling the Pottawattamie County Extension Office 712-482-6449. Contact: Erika Lundy, Region 4 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Mediapolis City Hall, 510 Main Street, Mediapolis. RSVP: desmoines.county@ifbf.org or 319-752-2729. Contact: Patrick Wall, Region 6 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Country Junction Restaurant, 913 15th Ave., SE, Dyersville. Speakers at 11 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m., BQA training at 1:15 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 12 to Dave Rueber at 563-590-4775 or Patrick Bries at 319-480-9903. Contact: Denise Schwab, Region 3 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Waukon Sales Barn, 1645 Highway 76, Waukon. Contact: Denise Schwab, Region 3 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. New Dordt Ag Stewardship Center, Sioux Center. Preregister by Nov. 14 by calling 712-737-4230. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 19, 5 p.m. Creston Livestock Market Auction, 201 N. Cherry St., Creston. Contact: Chris Clark, Region 5 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 20, 4-6 p.m. Ridge Event Hall, Sioux Center. RSVP by Nov. 15 to 207-281-3064. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 20, 5:30-9 p.m. American Legion, 121 Bryant St., Walcott. Contact: Denise Schwab, Region 3 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-noon. Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon. Preregister by Nov. 14 by calling 712-957-5045. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m. Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, Ames. Preregister by Nov. 14 by calling 712-957-5045 or the BEEF line at 515-294-2333. Contact: Chris Clark, Region 5 ISU Beef Specialist, or Katy Lippolis, ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 29, 5:30-9 p.m. Timber Center, 1005 E. Platt St., Maquoketa. Contact: Denise Schwab, Region 3 ISU Beef Specialist
    Nov. 29, 6-8 p.m. Dunlap Livestock Auction, 701 US-30, Dunlap. Meal to begin at 5 p.m. Preregister by Nov. 27 by calling Harrison County Extension Office at 712-644-2105. Contact: Chris Clark, Region 5 ISU Beef Specialist, or Erika Lundy, Region 4 ISU Beef Specialist

December
    Dec. 3, 5:30-9 p.m. Durant Community Center, 606 5th Ave., Durant. Contact: Denise Schwab, Region 3 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Linn Grove Country Club, Rockwell. Preregister by Dec. 2 by calling or texting Mark DeVries at 641-425-2150. Contact: Russ Euken, Region 2 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-noon. Sac County Extension Office, Sac City. Preregister by Dec. 2 by calling 712-662-7131. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. Kalona Sale Barn. Meal to begin at 6 p.m. Contact: Patrick Wall, Region 6 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-noon. Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer. Preregister by Dec. 3 by calling 712-262-2264. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-noon. Plymouth County Extension, Le Mars. Preregister by Dec. 9 by calling 712-546-7835. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mahaska County Extension Office, 212 N. I St., Oskaloosa. Contact: Patrick Wall, Region 6 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m. Red Oak Livestock Market. Meal to begin at 5 p.m. Preregister by calling the Montgomery County Extension Office: 712-623-2592. Contact: Erika Lundy, Region 4 ISU Beef Specialist
    Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Archer Coop Grain Company, 5268 370th St., Archer. Morning program: Grain and Livestock Market Outlook, Matt Campbell, INTL FCStone; Cash Grain Marketing Tools, Mike Schon, Archer Coop. BQA training from 1-2:30 p.m. No cost to attend and meal provided by Archer Coop Grain Company. RSVP by Dec. 14 to Archer Coop Grain Company 712-723-5233. Contact: Beth Doran, Region 1 ISU Beef Specialist



Beef Blast Workshop to Showcase Best Beef Management Practices

Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to attend Beef Blast at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames, Iowa. The workshop is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa State Department of Animal Science, teaching participants about working with beef cattle.

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 1 and will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Workshop presenters include beef faculty, staff and graduate students from Iowa State.

The focus of the program is general beef management with youth participating in a variety of hands-on workshops that cover meat science and selection. Participants will examine yield and quality grade beef, select animals for breed characteristics, develop a general health and management place and learn how to advocate for their industry.

“The goal of this workshop is to provide youth with opportunities for learning that they cannot get in their county or school program,” said Amy Powell, youth STEM specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “I hope that they will share the information learned at Beef Blast when they go back home.”

The cost of the workshop is $40 and includes all materials and lunch. Registration is due by midnight, Nov. 20 and space is limited. To register visit www.ans.iastate.edu/4-h-beef-blast-0. Parents are also welcome to attend for a cost of $12 which covers meals.

 For further information contact Powell at 515-294-3441 or ampowell@iastate.edu.



FMH Offers New Cyber Risk Protection for Farmers

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) today announced the new FMH Cyber Risk Protection suite, which includes two new cyber risk products to provide protection and services in the event an individual, family, or farm is the victim of a computer attack, cyber extortion, online fraud, or a breach of personal information.

"From mobile devices for the family to farm management software for a farm operation, technology is more connected and more prevalent than ever before," said Pat Faga, FMH CMO and Executive Vice President of P&C. "Cyberattacks can happen to anyone. We want to make sure that the families and small businesses that rely on FMH to protect their homes and farms can have peace of mind knowing they can recover after a cyberattack as well."

FMH is among the first farm insurance companies to offer protection designed specifically for precision ag equipment and software. "Precision ag technology is an important tool for any farm operation. Many of these are family-run businesses that would struggle to recover if data is stolen, lost, or extorted. Both products provide a range of coverages to account for multiple cyberattack scenarios," added Faga.

The FMH Cyber Risk Protection suite includes two products, both of which can be added to an existing FMH Property & Casualty policy:
-    FMH Cyber Risk Protection Home is bundled coverage that protects families from losses such as compromised data on personal computers, mobile devices and other connected home technology, as well as damage to software and operating systems.
-    FMH Cyber Risk Protection Farm is comprehensive coverage that protects farm operations from losses such as compromised data on business computers, mobile devices and other connected farm technology, as well as damage to software and operating systems including precision ag technology.

"Farmers Mutual Hail has been protecting the livelihoods of America's farmers for over 125 years," said Faga. "We can attribute that longevity to innovation. FMH is continuously creating and offering new products and solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of farmers as technology and farming practices develop. These products reflect that innovation."

The FMH Cyber Risk Protection suite is available anywhere FMH property products are offered. FMH Cyber Risk Protection products were developed in partnership with Hartford Steam Boiler.



 FDA ANNOUNCES BIOTECHNOLOGY ACTION PLAN

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week announced the Plant and Animal Biotechnology Innovation Action Plan that prioritizes three areas: 1) advancing human and animal health by promoting product innovation and applying modern, efficient and risk-based regulatory pathways; 2) strengthening public outreach and communication regarding the FDA’s approach to innovative plant and animal biotechnology; and 3) increasing engagement with domestic and international partners on biotechnology issues.

The plan will begin with the FDA adopting a comprehensive policy framework for the development and regulatory oversight of animal biotechnology products, including genetically engineered animals and the products derived from them. The agency also will publish two guidance documents next year on how its regulatory oversight will be used to evaluate new animal biotechnology products. In addition, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine will hold a public webinar on Dec. 3 to discuss gene editing in animals. The plan is meant to assist the agency in ensuring the safety of animal and plant biotechnology products.

The National Pork Producers Counil supports shifting regulatory oversight of gene editing in agricultural animals from the FDA to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which already regulates it in plants, can ensure proper and risk-based regulatory review under the Animal Health Protection Act. FDA would treat gene edited livestock as animal drugs – and the farms that produce them potentially as drug manufacturing facilities – subject to lengthy and costly approval processes. That, says NPPC, would have a chilling effect on the technology.



Progress Being Made on Trade Issues in the Philippines

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez recently issued a joint statement noting that the two countries have made progress on several key trade issues of specific interest to the U.S. red meat industry.

These include collaboration on the development of cold chain requirements and best practices in the Philippines and an agreement to seek improvement in the valuation of agricultural imports for duty collection purposes.

Joel Haggard, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, notes that the Philippines is a rapidly growing destination for U.S. red meat--especially raw material used in further processing.

Through August, U.S. pork exports to the Philippines totaled 30,759 metric tons (mt), up 22% from a year ago, valued at $73.9 million (up 17%). Beef exports were 25% ahead of last year's pace in volume (11,408 mt) and 30% higher in value ($55.9 million).



GROWMARK Energy Offering Pre-Blended E15 at Terminals in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri

The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce that GROWMARK Energy has started offering pre-blended E15 at its company-owned terminals in Amboy, Ashkum, and Petersburg, Ill., Fort Dodge, Iowa, and St. Joseph, Mo.

RFA has been working with GROWMARK on a number of issues related to offering E15 at the terminals, including regulatory compliance, participation in the EPA’s required fuel survey, and adoption of RFA’s Misfueling Mitigation Plan (MMP).

“We are pleased to hear GROWMARK Energy will offer E15 at its terminals, helping to expand the market for the higher ethanol blend,” said Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “GROWMARK Energy’s announcement provides new opportunities for retailers and a greater choice for consumers. We thank GROWMARK Energy for its leadership and look forward to further growth expansion of higher octane, lower carbon E15.”

RFA will continue to work with interested retailers serviced by the six GROWMARK-owned terminals to assist them with the transition to offering E15 at retail.



Sept. Ethanol Exports Up From 2017

The U.S. Census Bureau said Friday that U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $212.6 billion in September, up $3.1 billion from August. Imports totaled $266.6 billion, up $3.8 billion on the month. The resulting trade deficit of $54.0 billion for September was up from $53.3 billion in August. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.

USDA said U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 89.8 million gallons in September, down from August, but up 7% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in September, accounting for 39% of the total and followed by Malaysia and Netherlands. In the first nine months of 2018, U.S. ethanol exports were up 25% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 26,825 metric tons in September, down from August, but up 90% from a year ago. Once again, Canada was the top destination in September, taking 78% of all U.S. exports, followed by Peru and Netherlands. So far in 2018, U.S. exports of biodiesel are up 6% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 1,028,254 metric tons in September, also down from August, but up 15% from a year ago. U.S. distillers grains continue to find broad interest with Mexico, Vietnam and South Korea listed as the top three destinations in September. The first nine months of U.S. distillers grains exports were up 10% in 2018 from a year ago.



WTO Members Support Policy Approaches to Enable Innovation in Agriculture

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the United States has joined with 12 other nations to support policies that enable agricultural innovation, including genome editing. The International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology was released in Geneva at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

“Precision biotechnologies such as genome editing hold great promise for both farmers and consumers around the world. These tools can play a critical role in helping farmers address many of the production challenges they face while improving the quality and nutritional value of foods available to consumers worldwide,” said Perdue.

“Unfortunately, such technologies too often face regulatory roadblocks that are based on misinformation and political posturing.  Therefore, it’s gratifying to see Argentina and other allies come together under the WTO umbrella to publicly embrace science-based regulatory systems that will allow us to unlock the huge potential of these new technologies.”

Countries and organizations supporting the statement, to date, are: Argentina, which led this effort, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Jordan, Paraguay, the United States, Uruguay, Vietnam and the Secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States.



Trade and Farm Bill Take Front and Center at 2018 NAWG/USW Fall Conference

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) concluded their joint annual Fall Conference this week in Tampa, FL. More than 100 wheat growers from across the United States met in policy committees to discuss a wide variety of priorities including the farm bill, trade, the National Wheat Yield Contest, and the 2018 midterm elections.

“This past week wheat growers from across the United States came together to communicate about the policy issues that are impacting their operations and work with one another to find solutions to common problems,” stated NAWG President and Oklahoma wheat grower Jimmie Musick. “The 2018 Fall Conference couldn’t come at a better time as Congress works to pass the 2018 farm bill during lame duck, and mid-term elections may bring in a wave of Democrat legislators which will significantly alter the congressional agenda.”

NAWG and USW’s Joint International Trade Policy Committee had a heavy agenda which covered such topics as USMCA, bilateral trade agreement negotiations with Japan, and the current U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Additional topics discussed during the conference ranged from issues around pesticides, investment in wheat research, and funding for conservation programs. 

“Additionally, NAWG’s and U.S. Wheat’s boards met during the conference and carried out a very robust program. I would like to thank Ambassador Gregg Doud, Chief Agriculture Negotiator of the U.S. Trade Representative, for taking the time to speak and meet our growers during the joint board meeting,” continued Musick. “NAWG and U.S. Wheat also heard from Ardent Mills and Bimbo Bakeries representatives on how consumer demand is molding the future of their companies and the impact this could have on wheat growers’ production practices.”



2018 Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship winners announced

Syngenta congratulates Tennessee State University master’s student Uzoamaka Abana and University of Minnesota bachelor’s student Sierra Williamson as the national winners of the fifth annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship.

Abana and Williamson were selected out of more than 150 eligible applicants who shared stories of how they found their passion in agriculture. Applicants were also asked how they hope to benefit today’s and tomorrow’s world through their work in the agricultural field.

“These students are the future of our industry, and Syngenta is proud to support them as they continue their education,” said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. “It is an honor to present these two promising students with the Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship.”

Abana and Williamson each received $6,000 in national awards, in addition to the $1,000 they received when selected as regional winners. These awards will assist them in meeting financial obligations and realizing their educational and career goals.

In her essay, Abana describes visiting her grandmother’s self-sufficient farm in Nigeria. These visits to the African country sparked her interest in helping farmers like her grandmother become more efficient in growing food for their communities and led to her pursuit of a degree and career in agriculture.

“My professional goal is to be a dedicated, proactive member of a dynamic and highly motivated research team that is committed to producing quality results,” said Abana. “Also, I aspire to be involved in agricultural extension practices, whether in my career or in the community.”

Williamson hopes to “benefit humanity by improving the quality and production of food.” Raised in rural Minnesota, she shared that her family instilled a great respect for the agriculture industry and an interest in meeting future challenges in food production around the world. Her involvement as an officer in the National FFA Organization and other volunteer organizations demonstrates her commitment to the agriculture industry.

“My greatest long-term professional objective is to assist in solving the global problem of providing adequate food to feed the world,” said Williamson. “I hope my career will contribute to meeting future food demands, ensuring food supplies are safe and nutritious, creating safe farming environments, and providing jobs to people who have none.”

Five additional students were awarded a $1,000 regional scholarship prize.  Recipients were undergraduate students Jake Johnson (Mississippi State University), Kayla Beechinor (Washington State University), and Dana Mulligan (Virginia Tech), and graduate students Alexa Davis (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and Kaitlin Hadaway (Washington State University).



CNH Industrial Enters Strategic Digital Agriculture Agreement With Farmers Edge

Case IH customers will benefit from the announcement that CNH Industrial and Farmers Edge, a Canadian-based agri-tech company focused on data-driven agricultural decision-support systems, have entered into a strategic digital agriculture agreement that will deliver a portfolio of connectivity and agronomic solutions to Case IH customers. Through this agreement, CNH Industrial will provide Case IH customers with access to FarmCommand, a unique platform that interfaces with the Case IH AFS Connect™ farm management system and further extends the range of planning, analysis, execution and agronomic decision-making information available to them.

As the exclusive OEM partner of Farmers Edge, this service offers Case IH customers a tiered approach to agronomic services. With increasing levels of data and support available, Farmers Edge enables them to select the service — with a transparent per-acre pricing structure — that best suits their needs. The entry-level services focus on FarmCommand, the Farmers Edge cloud-based farm data management platform which analyzes data in real time and satellite imagery. In partnership with Planet Labs, Farmers Edge provides daily satellite imagery for unsurpassed crop growth insights. This is progressively enriched with field-originated weather data — gathered from farm-based weather stations — vehicle data, and agronomic support, and tops out with variable-rate prescriptions with either generic or zoned soil sampling services. This partnership not only provides digital support, but also in-person support. Customers selecting the premium packages will have access to on-farm, in-person agronomist support, to develop and monitor tailored agronomic plans.
     
This agreement will allow Case IH customers to connect their current and legacy machinery fleets with CAN bus functionality to the Farmers Edge platform. This will deliver tangible gains in all three key stages of the crop data cycle: collection, planning and execution, and offers one of the most complete solutions on the market, going well beyond the standard API data sharing connection.

It can also be used with mixed-fleets, further enhancing customers’ choices. This is a fundamental element of CNH Industrial’s approach to precision farming solutions, which empowers customers to select the service or tool which is right for them and enables them to maintain control of their data with opt-in logic. As the system utilizes the 3G and 4G telecommunications network, connectivity is retained, even in the most remote areas.

Case IH dealers will offer the Farmers Edge suite of services, facilitating them in proactively supporting their customers, as this platform will enable sharing of real-time machine information with their local dealer, enabling them to receive enhanced product support services. This solution will undergo a phased roll-out, starting in the first quarter of 2019 in North America, and will subsequently become available in Latin America, Australia, Europe, Russia and Ukraine.

CNH Industrial and Farmers Edge are also committed to developing unique solutions for customers, to further enhance their whole-farm productivity and profitability.