Wednesday February 13 Ag News

53rd Annual TRIUMPH OF AG EXPO – Farm and Ranch Machinery Show Announces Steve Nelson – President from Nebraska Farm Bureau as the 2019 Agri-Award Winner

Over 700 booths with over 150,000 square feet of Exhibit space of the latest technology will be showcased at the 53rd Annual TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION Farm & Ranch Machinery Show, Wednesday, February 27th and Thursday, February 28th at the CHI Health Center Omaha formerly the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Regarded as one of the Area's Largest Indoor Short-line Farm Machinery Show, the EXPO has become a tradition for area farmers, ranchers, stockmen, and their families to come to the show and ask questions directly to the leading farm manufacturers and suppliers for ways to improve their farm operation right before spring fieldwork begins all at one time and under one roof. The Seminar schedule is listed below and provides a chance to learn more about some of the new products and services available at the Show. The Farm Show is open Wednesday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Thursday 9 AM to 3 PM.

Bob Mancuso, Jr , the Show’s Director, says, “Farming today is more challenging and Midwest farmers are interested in keeping up with the changes and ways to increase their profits and yields per acre while reducing their costs.” The Triumph of Ag Expo offers a one stop opportunity to see and compare hundreds of hands - on demonstrations from the newest farm machinery to the day-to-day supplies and product information that's available for today’s farming decisions. The TRIUMPH OF AG EXPO is proud that they have been able to keep the Admission to the Show FREE for the past 52 years. Advance Free admission tickets can be obtained from County extension agents, farm machinery and equipment dealers, or at the CHI Health Center Omaha’s door. There are over 4,500 parking spaces on site right at the convention center entrance.

At no other time this spring will area farmers be able to see all these agricultural suppliers indoors at one time and under one roof than on these two days at the Triumph of Ag Expo. Brent Pohlman, from Midwest Laboratories, said “Many first-time visitors cannot believe the wide selection of products on display and the tremendous opportunity for savings at the Show”. The Triumph of Ag Expo has something for every kind of farm operation, including tillage equipment, planters, monitor and control systems, soil testing equipment, mowers, cattle chutes, augers, fertilizers, various seed hybrids, feeders, tanks and pumps, hay moving and handling equipment, plows, combines, computers and software, tractors and many more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.

Bob Mancuso, Jr., said, “This year there are many show features. There will be antique tractors and equipment from the Camp Creek Threshers and the Elkhorn Valley Antique Power Association at the Show.

THE TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION Farm & Ranch Machinery Show is produced by Mid-America Expositions, Inc., sponsored by the Mid-America Farm & Ranch Machinery Council and is a member of the North American Farm Show Council consisting of the top 25 shows in the nation.



Women landowners connecting to resources leads to more profitability

Women who own or co-own more than 40 acres, may have inherited farmland, or are experiencing transition with farmland they own are invited to a workshop on Thursday, March 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Milady Coffeehouse, 105 E. Sixth St. in Fremont. This workshop is rescheduled from Jan. 22.

This “Empowering women through risk management,” workshop is designed for women non-operator landowners, and offers an opportunity for women to learn about areas of the operation that may be at risk, and how to address them.

“Women non-operator landowners face a variety of decisions and often rely on the advice of others,” said Sandra Renner, project associate at Center for Rural Affairs.

She said women who are feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions of farmland management will find this workshop especially helpful.

“Well-intended advice is not always in the best interest of managing the land or the landowner, so we’ve created this workshop for women to find answers and connect with resources while connecting with other women,” said Renner.

There is no cost to attend. Interested women are asked to register by Friday, March 1. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions or come to listen. Refreshments will be provided.

To register, contact Vicky at vickye@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1038. Visit cfra.org/events for more information.

This event is hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and made possible by funding from a U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Education grant.



Lindsay Announces FieldNET® Pivot Watch™, the Industry’s Most Universal Remote Irrigation Monitoring Solution

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced a new addition to its industry-leading Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offering: FieldNET Pivot Watch. The patent-pending innovation includes a solar-powered remote telemetry device that mounts onto any center pivot irrigation system, regardless of pivot age or brand, and a monitor-only subscription to Lindsay’s award-winning FieldNET irrigation management platform. FieldNET helps growers optimize water use efficiency, save time and ultimately improve yields and profit. Zimmatic® dealers will begin offering FieldNET Pivot Watch in North America in early summer 2019, and will become available in select international markets starting later in 2019.

Pivot Watch is compact, lightweight and attaches directly to the span pipe with a simple aluminum band, without the need to connect to the electric circuitry of the pivot. This means growers will have the ability to install Pivot Watch themselves. Though simple in design and low-cost, the device has integrated cellular connectivity, GPS positioning and other embedded sensors, enabling growers to remotely “watch” or monitor their pivot’s functions, such as current position, status, direction and speed, using the FieldNET app. With FieldNET Pivot Watch, growers will be able to monitor their irrigation operations around the clock, enabling seamless functionality, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of pivots operating in North America today do not have remote monitoring capability,” said Randy Wood, president of irrigation at Lindsay. “Pivot Watch was designed with exactly those growers, and their challenges, in mind. It essentially brings remote irrigation monitoring to anyone who wants it; its ultra-low price point, DIY installation and access to FieldNET, the industry’s leading irrigation management solution, makes the efficiency of remote irrigation management more accessible than ever before.”

Pivot Watch expands Lindsay’s aftermarket FieldNET offering, which also includes full remote monitoring and control with FieldNET Pivot Control, and FieldNET Pivot Control Lite, which offers monitoring and a mid-range of control. All three products fit any brand and age of electric pivot, and Pivot Watch will also work on hydraulic pivots. Through the FieldNET family of products, both growers and their agronomic advisors have access to Lindsay’s FieldNET Advisor, the industry’s first, automated irrigation scheduling solution, giving growers science-based recommendations to make faster, better-informed decisions about when, where and how much to irrigate. This helps growers increase efficiency and profit while also exercising more sustainable farming practices.

At launch, Pivot Watch will be available with or without a pressure transducer to indicate whether water is on or off, and to display end-of-system pressure. Pricing starts at $299 USD, including the first year, monitor-only FieldNET subscription. After the first year, the subscription will cost $100 USD per year.

For more information about FieldNET technology, visit www.myfieldnet.com.



“Tools for the Future” at Morningside Crop Fair

In the tradition of providing farmers the latest industry insights, the Iowa Corn District 4 Committee along with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will host “Tools for the Future” crop fair at Morningside College, Buhler-Rolfs Hall Room 202 (Weikert Auditorium) Sioux City, Iowa.

“The crop fairs give Iowa corn farmers access to information they might not get elsewhere,” explained Larry Buss, an ICPB director and farmer from Logan who chairs the Iowa Corn Grassroots Network, Membership & Checkoff (GNMC) Committee. “Crop fairs are customized to include topics that fit each region of the state, with opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning and a chance to interact with subject area experts on a variety of topics including legislative policy, water quality, market development and risk management.”

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 from 1:00PM - 3:30PM.
1 PM  Ag Policy 101 - Making a Positive Impact - Kelly Nieuwenhuis, ICPB Director, District 1
1:30 PM  Complexity, Strategy and Knowledge in Managing Production Risk - Cory Walters, Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Dept. of Economics

RSVPs are appreciated by February 18 to Janelle Kracht by calling 515-229-9980 or email jkracht@iowacorn.org.

“Through the power of your membership we are able to advocate at both the state and federal level for issues which directly impact your bottom-line. If you are not an ICGA member, I encourage you to join us today to have your seat at the table and get engaged on issues impacting your farm,” said GNMC Committee Vice Chair Roger Wuthrich, an ICGA director and a farmer from Bloomfield. You may join at the crop fair or at iowacorn.org/join.

Crop fair sponsors include Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn District 4 Committee, Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Morningside College.



Century and Heritage Farms Encouraged to Apply

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encouraged eligible farm owners to apply for the 2019 Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. It recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms.

"The Century and Heritage Farm Program recognizes the hard work that is necessary to keep a farm in the same family for 100 or 150 years," Naig said. "The awards ceremony at the Iowa State Fair is a great celebration of Iowa agriculture and the families that care for the land and produce our food. I look forward to recognizing Iowa's Century and Heritage awardees at the upcoming state fair and encourage those families to apply before June 1.

Applications are available on the Department's website at by clicking on the Century Farm or Heritage Farm link under "Programs".

Applications may also be requested from Becky Lorenz, Coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program via phone at 515-281-3645, email at Becky.Lorenz@IowaAgriculture.gov or by writing to Century or Heritage Farms Program, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Henry A. Wallace Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

Farm families seeking to qualify for the Century or Heritage Farms Program must submit an application to the Department no later than June 1.

The Century Farm program was started in 1976 as part of the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. To date, more than 19,000 farms from across the state have received this recognition. The Heritage Farm program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program, and more than 1,000 farms have been recognized. Last year 359 Century Farms and 148 Heritage Farms were recognized.

A full list of all past Century Farm recipients is available at www.iowacenturyfarms.com.

The ceremony to recognize the 2019 Century and Heritage Farms will be held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion.



Kansas State University researcher publishes study confirming experimental transmission of African swine fever virus through feed

As an African swine fever outbreak has moved rapidly throughout China and threatens to spread to new countries in Europe, a Kansas State University researcher continues to understand the possible routes for disease introduction and transmission.

Megan Niederwerder, Kansas State University assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is leading a team that is exploring how the currently circulating strain of African swine fever, or ASF, could spread in feed and feed ingredients. A new publication details the dose necessary to transmit the disease when pigs ingest virus-contaminated feed or liquid.

"Although feed and feed ingredients are a less recognized transmission route for African swine fever, the global distribution of feed ingredients makes this pathway important to consider for transboundary introduction of the virus," Niederwerder said. "This study is the first to demonstrate that African swine fever can be easily transmitted through the natural consumption of contaminated feed and liquid."

The study, "Infectious dose of African swine fever virus when consumed naturally in liquid or feed," was published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. Niederwerder and collaborators found that the level of virus required to cause infection in liquid was extremely low, demonstrating the high infectivity of African swine fever through the oral route. Although greater concentrations of virus were required to cause infection through feed, the high frequency of exposure may make contaminated feed a more significant risk factor.

"Working with statistician Trevor Hefley, we were able to model the probability of African swine fever infection when pigs consumed a contaminated batch of feed over time," Niederwerder said. "The likelihood of infection increased dramatically after even 10 exposures, or consumption of 1 kilogram of contaminated feed. Modeling multiple exposures increases the applicability of our experimental data to what would occur at the farm."

Agricultural processing methods for feed ingredients can put them at risk for contamination in countries with African swine fever. One common practice in China, for instance, is to dry crops on roadways. Those roadways could be contaminated by traffic from trucks containing infected pigs. Processing ingredients on contaminated equipment is another possible source of transmitting virus particles to feed.

"Millions of kilograms of feed ingredients are imported from countries where African swine fever virus is currently circulating," Niederwerder said. "Our previous work demonstrated that a wide range of feed ingredients promote survival of the virus after exposure to environmental conditions simulating transboundary shipment."

Introduction of African swine fever virus would be devastating to U.S. swine production because it is a trade-limiting disease that causes severe clinical signs and high mortality in pigs. Another costly swine disease, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, was introduced into the U.S. in 2013 and caused the death of an estimated 7 million pigs within the first year. Subsequent investigations unveiled the risk of feed for introduction and transmission of swine viruses. Niederwerder's goal is to prevent another catastrophic disease outbreak.

Peter Dorhout, Kansas State University vice president for research, said protecting U.S. producers and consumers against disease outbreaks is an area in which the university excels.

"K-State has world-renowned research strengths in providing biodefense for global threats to agriculture," Dorhout said. "We are proud to have some of the best, highly specialized facilities in which we can safely conduct this research, and Dr. Niederwerder's team is making great strides."

Niederwerder and her group conduct their work in the Biosecurity Research Institute, a biosafety level-3 facility that has helped them perform large studies. Their first study found that the African swine fever virus could survive in a simulated overseas feed shipment. Now that the group has confirmed African swine fever transmission through feed and has identified the oral dose necessary for infection, the next step will be to identify ways to reduce or eliminate this risk, including chemical additives, storage time, heat treatments or other steps.

"African swine fever is arguably the most significant threat to worldwide swine production," Niederwerder said. "With no effective vaccine or treatment, preventing introduction of the virus is the primary goal of countries free of the disease. Our hope is that this research will further define possible routes of disease spread and develop mitigation strategies to prevent introduction into the U.S. swine herd."

The National Pork Checkoff and the State of Kansas National Bio and Agro-defense Facility Fund provided funding for the study. Kansas State University co-authors on the publication include Ana Stoian, doctoral student in pathobiology; Raymond "Bob" Rowland, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Steve Dritz, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Vlad Petrovan, doctoral student in pathobiology; Laura Constance, concurrent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and doctoral student in pathobiology; Jordan Gebhardt, concurrent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and doctoral student in animal science; Matthew Olcha, concurrent Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and doctoral student in pathobiology; Cassandra Jones, associate professor of animal science; Jason Woodworth, research associate professor of animal science; Ying Fang, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology; Jia Liang, doctoral student in statistics; and Trevor Hefley, assistant professor of statistics.



EPA Proposal Promises Clean Water, Clear Rules
Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation

“Today’s release of a new draft Clean Water Rule is a major step toward fair and understandable water regulation on America’s farms and ranches and other working lands. The previous rule would have treated much of the landscape as though it were water itself. That wasn’t just confusing, but also illegal, which is why so many federal courts blocked its implementation.

“We haven’t yet examined every word of today’s proposal, but even a quick look shows many of the previous rule’s worst problems are on their way out. We will examine this rule in further detail in the coming days and look forward to a thorough discussion over the next few months.

“Until then, farmers and ranchers continue to work hard every day to preserve the world around us. Agriculture Department data shows farmers and ranchers are devoting more of their land to conservation than ever before, thanks to USDA programs that let them do well while doing good. Just one example: Duck populations have recovered strongly from previous lows in the upper Midwest’s Prairie Pothole Region, where they now number 17 percent above long-term averages: https://www.fb.org/market-intel/wetlands-farmers-just-ducky. We are proud of the progress farmers and ranchers have made in their fields and ranges, and we look forward to making even more progress with fair, clear and reasonable rules.”



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/8/2019

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production jumped 6.4% (up 62,000 barrels per day, or b/d) to an average of 1.029 million b/d—or 43.22 million gallons daily. However, the four-week average ethanol production rate declined to 1.010 million b/d, 3.3% lower than the level a year ago and equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.48 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol receded for the second week, decreasing 1.7% to 23.5 million barrels.

There were no imports for the thirteenth week in a row. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of November 2018.)

Average weekly gasoline supplied to the market subsided 4.7% as 8.648 million b/d (363.2 million gallons per day) reflected the lowest demand in four weeks. This is equivalent to 132.57 billion gallons annualized. The four-week average remains 0.7% above year-ago levels. Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol decreased 1.6% to 873,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.38 billion gallons annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production moved to a four-week high of 11.90%.



Prices for All Fertilizers Higher First Week of February 2019

Average retail fertilizer prices continued on the well-worn path higher the first week of February 2019, according to retailers surveyed by DTN. This marks the fourth consecutive week price for all eight of the major fertilizers have been higher.

While prices are higher compared to last month, only one was up a significant amount. UAN32 was 5% higher compared to the previous month with an average price of $318 per ton.

The remaining seven major fertilizers were slightly higher. DAP had an average price of $511 per ton, MAP $536/ton, potash $385/ton, urea $408/ton, 10-34-0 $470/ton, anhydrous $596/ton and UAN28 $271/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.48/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.

All eight of the major fertilizers tracked by DTN are now higher compared to last year with prices shifting higher. MAP is 9% more expensive, both DAP and potash are 12% higher, 10-34-0 is 13% more expensive, urea is 15% higher, UAN28 is 19% more expensive, anhydrous is 21% higher and UAN32 is now 22% more expensive compared to last year.



CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD NAMES NEW OFFICERS AT 2019 CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION

Cattle producers Chuck Coffey, Jared Brackett and Hugh Sanburg Sanburg are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff Program throughout 2019.

Coffey, Brackett and Sanburg were elected unanimously by their fellow Beef Board members during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans on Friday, February 1, 2019. Coffey will now serve as the CBB’s chairman, while Brackett will transition from his role as the 2018 secretary/treasurer to vice chair. Sanburg is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Brackett’s former responsibilities as secretary/treasurer.

The CBB’s new chair, Chuck Coffey, is a fifth-generation rancher who grew up on a ranch in the hill country of Harper, Texas. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in range science from Texas A & M. After completing his master’s degree in 1985, Coffey taught agriculture at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, eventually chairing the department until 1993 when he joined the Noble Foundation as a pasture and range consultant. Today, Coffey and his wife operate a cow/calf operation with approximately 1,000 head of cattle near Springer, Okla.

“I’ve been active in the cattle business most of my life,” Coffey said. “As I look forward to the year ahead, I truly believe that cattle producers have numerous reasons to be optimistic. As the CBB’s new chair, I plan to work closely with our officer team and do everything I can to successfully guide the checkoff as it continues to pursue its primary mission: increasing beef demand worldwide.”

Vice chair Jared Brackett is a fifth-generation cow/calf producer from Filer, Idaho. Brackett is a Texas A & M alum and diehard Aggie fan with a degree in agriculture economics. A past president of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association, Brackett continues to serve on a number of other livestock committees and boards in addition to his responsibilities with the Beef Checkoff program.

The CBB’s new secretary/treasurer, Hugh Sanburg, hails from Eckert, Colo., where he is a managing partner, with his brother, of their primarily Horned Hereford cow-calf operation, accompanied by a Registered Hereford operation to compliment the commercial herd. Sanburg graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a degree in mining engineering in 1983 before moving back to the home ranch in western Colorado. For the past 30 years, Sanburg has been an active member of the Colorado Farm Bureau serving on various boards. He is also a member of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and serves as chairman of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable.

“We have a tremendously talented and dedicated group of individuals leading the CBB throughout 2019,” said Scott Stuart, CEO of the CBB. “Chuck, Jared and Hugh personally understand the challenges that producers and other beef industry investors have today, but they also clearly see the many opportunities that lie ahead. I’m certain that they’ll work very hard to help the Beef Checkoff achieve new levels of success this year.”



American Lamb Board Elects New Chairman; Releases Results

Dale Thorne, a sheep producer from Michigan, has been elected chairman of the American Lamb Board (ALB). He is serving his second 3-year term on the Board, representing the lamb feeding sector. Thorne has previously served as ALB vice chairman, treasurer and chairman of the Research Committee.

"Being able to help increase demand for American Lamb is an honor. In particular, I am enthusiastic about the progress we are making regarding American Lamb quality and consistency, such as the flavor research we expect to complete in 2019," says Thorne.

Thorne and his family have a flock of 1,000 Polypay ewes, half of which lamb in the fall and half in the spring. Because he is near Detroit, which is the largest Muslim community in the US, Thorne sees first-hand the value of both traditional and non-traditional markets. The majority of the farm's lambs are marketed at about 80 pounds. The farm also produces hay for the horse market, and row crops such as corn and soybeans.

The Lamb Board's Fiscal Year 2018 annual report has also been released. The board directs the American Lamb Checkoff, which is focused on building awareness and expanding demand for American Lamb, and strengthening its position in the marketplace, thereby increasing the potential long-range economic growth of all industry sectors. The majority of lamb checkoff investments go towards promotions and marketing efforts. Funds are also invested in research and industry outreach programs that help improve lamb quality and industry collaboration.

FY 2018 result highlights include:    
-    Fine dining menus called out domestic lamb more than three to one.
-    Blogger Lambassadors developed 38 new American Lamb recipes, and their combined blogs and social media posts reached more than one million consumers.
-    2,353 consumers attended a Lamb Jam event and 54% were new attendees.
-    Lamb flavor research addressing quality factors entered final phases.
-    ALB showcased American Lamb at 24 festivals and events across the US.

During FY2018, the Lamb Board expenditures were $2,412,782, of which 66 percent ($1,599,675) were spent on promotion programs; 18 percent ($441,204) on communications, 5 percent on research, 7 percent on administration and 4 percent on USDA oversight. The complete annual report is available at https://lambresourcecenter.com/lamb-checkoff/resources/.

"An exciting year is ahead for the American Lamb Board as we complete landmark research that will benefit all of us in the industry and continue with innovative marketing to increase demand for our great product," Chairman Thorne said.



EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Signs MOU with National FFA Organization to Enhance Environmental Education

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National FFA Organization to advance educational outreach for EPA’s ongoing environmental and public health initiatives.

“Today’s MOU will expand EPA’s environmental education programs to an important and diverse new audience: the National FFA Organization’s 670,000 student members,” said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The MOU reflects the importance of agricultural practices in promoting environmental stewardship and builds on our recent collaborations with America’s farmers and ranchers.”

"This agreement between FFA and EPA recognizes how FFA members are ready to be leaders in environmental fields," said National FFA President Luke O'Leary. "Whether it's studying pH levels in soil or running experiments to reduce water runoff, we're active stewards in preserving and enhancing the resources needed to grow our food."

EPA will continue to work with FFA to ensure environmental education is learned and practiced by all Americans to achieve EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.



U.S. Tractor, Combine Sales Rose in January

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in 2018, were up 5% in January compared to 2017.

For the month of January, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 13% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 7%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 4%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 38%. Combine sales were up 15% for the month.

For the year, a total of 11,917 tractors were sold which compares to 11,315 sold in 2018 representing an 5% increase for the year.

For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 13% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 7%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 4%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are up 38%.  Sales of combines for the year totaled 216 compared to 228 in 2018, an 15% increase.



USGC Annual Meeting Attendees Share The Colombian Experience

More than 330 attendees at the U.S. Grains Council’s 16th International Marketing Conference and 59th Annual Membership Meeting - happening this week in Cartagena, Colombia - heard from Western Hemisphere trade experts about the importance of the Colombian market to the U.S. feed grains industry.

The event’s general sessions included an update on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by Minister Andres Valencia Pinzon from Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the latest news on the status of U.S.-Colombian relations from Philip Laidlaw, deputy chief of mission, U.S. Embassy in Colombia.

Laidlaw’s presentation was followed by a panel of Colombian industry executives including Jorge Bedoya, president, Sociedad de Agricultores de Colombia; Juan Jaramillo, vice president of purchases and logistics, Solla Animal Nutrition; Augusto Solano Mejia, executive president, Asocolflores; and Ron Gray, USGC past chairman, who offered their perspectives on the impacts of the U.S.-Colombia FTA. The panel was moderated by USGC Director of Trade Policy and Biotechnology Floyd Gaibler, who worked closely with Colombian partners during the FTA approval process.

“Hearing from the high-level U.S. and Colombian officials as well as a broad group of industry participants illustrates to attendees the breadth of our work in the Colombian market and how our international staff in Colombia work hand-in-hand with the U.S. government on behalf of U.S. grains,” said Jim Stitzlein, USGC chairman.

The day culminated with a second panel comprised of USGC Western Hemisphere staff working in the market – Marri Tejada, regional director; Ana Maria Ballesteros, marketing director; Juan Diaz, Latin American regional ethanol consultant; and Michael Conlon, agricultural counselor, Office of Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Embassy, Bogota. Each spoke to their views of grain demand in the region and the continued development of relationships with Colombian industry.

“The Western hemisphere in general, and Colombia specifically, holds so much promise for U.S. corn, value-added products and ethanol, and we are here on the ground to capture and grow that potential,” Tejada said. “With the help of USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds, and now Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program dollars, we hope to see commensurate growth in all markets in the region.”

The afternoon also featured a recognition of USGC Colombian consultant Jaime Cuellar who has spent more than 20 years in Colombia and Latin America working on various projects for the Council and who shared his perspective on how the country became a major feed grain importer.

Attendees at the meeting also heard from National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) CEO Jon Doggett and Mexico international affairs expert Gabriel Guerra Castellanos on the future of U.S.-Mexico relations and the road to ratification of the U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico is the top importer of U.S. grains in all forms, the largest buyer of U.S. corn, barley and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a large buyer of U.S. sorghum and a significant potential market for U.S. ethanol.

The agenda culminated with a Board of Delegates meeting with reports from each of the seven USGC Advisory Teams (A-Teams) as well as five commodity sector reports with ideas to help continue expanding U.S. exports of corn, sorghum, barley, DDGS and ethanol.



Procure® for Soybeans the Latest Breakthrough Technology in Soil Health

Agnition®, a leader in soil and plant health, announced today another breakthrough in soybean plant health with Procure® for Soybeans. This new product utilizes patented Microbial Catalyst® technology to increase nitrogen fixation, improve soybean plant health and help maximize profitability.

“Procure gives soybeans the boost they need,” said Rachel Raths, Agnition Microbiologist. “When introduced in-furrow next to the soybean seed, it stimulates the microorganisms in the soil that impact the nitrogen fixation and nodulation process for soybeans.”

Active microorganisms are critical to the nitrogen fixation process, where nitrogen is converted into ammonia and other compounds that can be metabolized by plants. Soybeans are legumes, which are the only plants that can fix nitrogen, making them an important part of any crop rotation.

For 40 years, with the help of top agriculture universities, Agnition has worked hard to enhance and perfect the use of Microbial Catalyst technology for soil and plant health. Through this process, microbes are stimulated to break down organic matter in the soil faster, releasing more of the micro- and macro-nutrients plants need. Procure for Soybeans is specifically formulated to target the microbes that drive nitrogen fixation that is critical to the health of soybean plants.

“Procure for Soybeans is a highly soluble and bioavailable form of nutrients. Most products try to supply the plant with nutrients, whereas we are able to use bioavailable forms that microbes can utilize,” said Raths. “Procure stimulates the specific microbes that are needed to give the plant its number one needed resource: nitrogen.”

Procure for Soybeans has been proven to enhance the performance of Agnition’s flagship product, Generate®. “Procure and Generate work best together since Generate focuses on overall plant health and Procure targets the specific beneficial microbes for nodulation in the roots,” said Mike Holmberg, Associate Brand Manager of Agnition. “When you add Procure to the mix, you are able to build on that healthy soil environment by stimulating the specific microbes that are needed to increase nodulation and nitrogen fixation.”

In field trials, Procure for Soybeans has demonstrated significant increases in stand count along with larger root mass and more nodules. Leaves are greener and healthier. The end result: increased yields and much improved drought resistance.