Thursday August 1 Ag News

UNL Student from Bassett Receives Keith R. Olsen Ag Policy Internship Award

Katie Nolles of Bassett, Neb., recently wrapped up a summer in Washington D.C. as the most recent recipient of the Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award.

Nolles is a member of the Rock County Farm Bureau and is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agricultural Education. The Olsen Internship Award enabled her to intern in Congressman Adrian Smith’s office in Washington, D.C., this summer. The monetary award helped cover Nolles’ living and housing expenses.

“I was truly able to observe and be involved with all aspects of working on Capitol Hill. I loved learning about all of the moving pieces that go into making policy happen, applying what I learned in all of my coursework, and connecting with fellow constituents,” Nolles said Aug. 5.

Noells described her experience in Washington D.C. as a dream internship since her early teenage years. Admittedly, life in D.C. and working on Capitol Hill was an adjustment since she comes from a town of 600 people. But everyone was so helpful.

“Visiting with interns from offices across the country, I quickly found out how fortunate I was to have interned in an office where I got to visit with Congressman Smith regularly, where the staff trusted me with projects, and where my values aligned,” Nolles said.

Nolles said her internship has given her valuable insight and understanding of the federal legislative process that she will utilize in her future teaching career. She is minoring in Leadership-Entrepreneurship through the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars.

“A question that I have been asked frequently since accepting the internship is, ‘Wait, if you want to be a teacher, why are you working in politics?’  I am fortunate that global awareness and understanding of government and democracy was instilled in me from a young age, but many youth don’t understand these concepts.  As a future teacher, I am excited to share my experiences with students while teaching them to analyze issues and how policy affects agriculture,” she said.

She is thankful for the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s support and recommends that any student members who are interested in agriculture policy to apply for the Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award and experience Capitol Hill first-hand.

“Last fall, when I took AECN 345, an agriculture policy course, with Dr. Brad Lubben.  I enthusiastically absorbed any information that was shared in his class, and met all of the guest speakers who shared their careers relating to ag policy. When Jordan Dux spoke to our class, I knew that I wanted to receive the Olsen Award. Finding a paid internship in D.C. is a challenge in itself. While I did receive payment for my internship, it was incredibly helpful to receive this award to help fund housing and living expenses. Especially as I student teach this semester and cannot work, I am so grateful to have Nebraska Farm Bureau supporting my growth and alleviating some financial burden, so that I can focus on doing my best work.” Nolles said.

The Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award was established in 2011 by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation to honor Olsen, who served as Farm Bureau president from 2002-2011 and on the board of directors for nearly 20 years. Olsen had emphasized creating opportunities in agriculture for young people during his years with the organization.

The award provides up to $3,000 to a UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources junior or senior to work as an intern in a Nebraska Congressional office, a Congressional Committee or approved agricultural organization.



2019 NEBRASKA HONEY BEE COLONIES

Data collection for July 2019 quarterly honey bee colonies has been suspended. Before deciding to suspend data collection, NASS reviewed its estimating programs against mission- and user-based criteria as well as the amount of time remaining in the fiscal year to meet its budget and program requirements while maintaining the strongest data in service to U.S. agriculture. Information about all NASS surveys and reports is available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Honey bee colonies for operations with five or more colonies in Nebraska as of January 1, 2019 totaled 13,500 according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. During 2018, honey bee colonies on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 were 6,500, 10,500, 52,000, and 45,000, respectively.

Honey bee colonies lost for operations with five or more colonies during the quarter of January-March 2019, was 2,500 colonies or 15 percent lost. The quarter of July-September 2018, at 6,500 or 12 percent, showed the highest number of lost honey bee colonies of any quarter in 2018. The quarter of January-March 2018 had a loss of 430 colonies or 3 percent, the lowest number of honey bee colonies lost in 2018.

Honey bee colonies added for operations with five or more colonies during the quarter of January-March 2019, was 0 colonies. The quarter of July-September 2018, added 8,500 colonies, the highest number of honey bee colonies added for any quarter in 2018. The quarter of January- March 2018, at 0 added, showed the lowest number of honey bee colonies added during 2018.

Honey bee colonies renovated for operations with five or more colonies during the quarter of January-March 2019, was 0 colonies. During July-September 2018, 5,000 colonies were renovated, the highest number of colonies renovated during 2018. The lowest number of honey bee colonies renovated for any quarter of 2018, at 0, occurred during January-March 2018. Renovated colonies are those that were requeened or received new honey bees through a nuc or package.

Varroa mites were the number one stressor for operations with five or more colonies during three of the four quarters of 2018. The quarter of July-September 2018 showed the highest percentage of varroa mites during 2018, at 24.1 percent. The percent of colonies reported to be affected by varroa mites during January-March 2019 was 32.3 percent.



2019 IOWA HONEY BEE COLONIES

Honey bee colonies for operations with 5 or more colonies in Iowa as of January 1, 2019, totaled 7,500 colonies. This is 82 percent below the 41,000 colonies on January 1 last year, and 64 percent below the 21,000 colonies during the October-December 2018 quarter. Producers boosted their January 1 inventory by moving colonies into Iowa and adding colonies to a maximum of 11,500 during the January-March 2019 quarter. Since January 2018 the July-September 2018 quarter had the largest maximum number of colonies, with 57,000, while January-March 2019 quarter had the smallest maximum number of colonies with 11,500.

Honey bee colonies lost for operations with 5 or more colonies for the January-March 2019 quarter was 1,600 or 14 percent. This was 9 percentage points above the same period last year but 6 percentage points below losses reported during the October-December 2018 quarter. Since January 2018 the largest percentage of the colonies lost, at 20 percent, or 4,200 colonies, occurred in the October-December 2018 quarter. The January-March 2019 quarter had the fewest number of colonies lost, at 1,600 colonies.

Varroa mites were the number one stressor for operations with 5 or more colonies since January 2018.  The January-March 2019 quarter showed varroa mites affected 34.8 percent of Iowa’s honey bee colonies, which is the second highest level since January 2018. Other Pests and Parasites, Diseases, Pesticides, and Other Causes categories all saw sharp declines in percent stressed in the January-March 2019 quarter from the October-December 2018 quarter.



January 1 Honey Bee Colonies Up 1 Percent

Honey bee colonies for operations with five or more colonies in the United States on January 1, 2019 totaled 2.67 million colonies, up 1 percent from January 1, 2018. During 2018, honey bee colonies on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 were 2.64 million, 2.67 million, 2.96 million, and 2.87 million colonies, respectively.

Honey bee colonies lost for operations with five or more colonies from January through March 2019, was 408 thousand colonies, or 15 percent. During the quarter of October through December 2018, colonies lost totaled 445 thousand colonies, or 16 percent, the highest number lost of any quarter in 2018. The quarter in 2018 with the lowest number of colonies lost was April through June, with 355 thousand colonies lost, or 13 percent.

Honey bee colonies added for operations with five or more colonies from January through March 2019 was 248 thousand colonies. During the quarter of April through June 2018, 676 thousand colonies were added, the highest number of honey bee colonies added for any quarter of 2018. The quarter of October through December 2018 added 220 thousand colonies, the least number of honey bee colonies added for any quarter of 2018.

Honey bee colonies renovated for operations with five or more colonies from January through March 2019 was 180 thousand colonies, or 7 percent. The quarter in 2018 with the highest number of colonies renovated was April through June with 740 thousand colonies renovated, or 28 percent. The quarter in 2018 with the lowest number of colonies renovated was October through December 2018, with 155 thousand, or 5 percent. Renovated colonies are those that were requeened or received new honey bees through a nuc or package.

Varroa Mites Top Colony Stressor
Varroa mites were the number one stressor for operations with five or more colonies during all quarters of 2018. The quarter of April through June 2018 had the highest percentage of colonies reported to be affected by varroa mites at 56.4 percent. The percent of colonies reported to be affected by varroa mites during January through March 2019 were 45.6 percent.

Colonies Lost with Colony Collapse Disorder Symptoms Down 26 Percent
Honey bee colonies lost with Colony Collapse Disorder symptoms on operations with five or more colonies was 59.9 thousand colonies from January through March 2019. This is a 26 percent decrease from the same quarter of 2018.



Soil Health Partnership Celebrates 5 Years of Growth and Collaboration

The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) has been fostering transformation in agriculture through improved soil health since 2014. This year, SHP celebrates its fifth anniversary and the foundational collaborations that developed the program.

SHP was founded by a diverse group of organizations with a shared vision of developing a farmer-led research network to measure the impacts of implementing soil health practices on working farms. The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Bayer, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), alongside the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), came together to see this vision through. This program was based upon work supported by the National Resources Conservation Service, U.S Department of Agriculture. 

“We are proud of the collaboration led to SHP’s establishment. That collaboration has continued to grow and evolve with many partners, bringing dynamic perspectives to the table. We would not be where we are today without our founding partners sharing the vision, then seeing it through,” said SHP Executive Director Dr. Shefali Mehta.

“Engaging with pragmatic, goal-focused groups like the Environmental Defense Fund and The Nature Conservancy, and bringing in agronomic expertise from Bayer, SHP was founded amongst a well-rounded, diverse group of organizations. We have accomplished a lot in five years thanks in large part to the support from our founding members and partner farmers,” said NCGA Vice President, Production and Sustainability, Nathan Fields. “The program is only just beginning. SHP is a priority to the NCGA board, and we can’t wait to see where we are in another five years and beyond.”

The SHP network now spans across 16 states and includes over 100 partner organizations at the federal, state and county levels. SHP has grown from 17 active farms in 2014 to 220 active farms in 2019 and represents over 7,000 acres.

SHP currently has a team of eight field managers that work alongside farmers in their region to design and implement experiments in fields across North America.

“It is encouraging to see the vast number of farmers interested in investing in their land that they are proactively inviting SHP into their operations. We continue seeking new ways to diversify our offerings to enable farmers from a broad range of geographies and operations can be part of our program,” stated SHP Lead Scientist, Maria Bowman. “We credit our growth in large part to the energy and investment by the farmers in the SHP network. Our farmers believe and trust the work that we do, owning the data and the outcomes that are collected.”

Mehta concludes, “We look forward to the future of continued collaboration, opportunities to learn and grow with other organizations, and working alongside a broad group of farmers as they ensure the sustainability of their farm operations. The foundation has been laid, and we are eager to see where the future takes SHP and soil health management for American farmers.”



Successful 2019 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting Wraps Up in Colorado

The 2019 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting wrapped up today with a meeting of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Board of Directors. The meeting kicked off on Monday at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center just outside Denver.

“I want to thank the hundreds of producers, state affiliates, and partners who took valuable time out of their busy schedules to help chart a better future for our entire industry,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “The decisions made this week will affect our industry’s marketing and policy priorities for years to come.”

NCBA’s policy committees met throughout the week to refine positions on public policy issues like international trade, access to public lands, dietary guidelines, and the marketing of fake meat. Producers also received updates on how their checkoff dollars are being invested to fund vital research and marketing efforts.

Attendees also heard from Randy Blach of Cattlefax in a standing-room-only General Session keynote address about what lies ahead for cattle markets. Seven cattle operations were also named regional finalists for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). This year’s regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be announced during the Annual Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in February 2020.

This year’s meeting also saw the rollout of a new NCBA podcast, Cattlemen’s Call, which focuses on the people who make up the beef industry. The podcast is hosted by ag broadcaster Lane Nordlund and can be accessed at https://www.ncba.org/CattlemensCall.aspx.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 509 million bushels in June 2019. Total corn consumption was down 1 percent from May 2019 and down 2 percent from June 2018. June 2019 usage included 91.5 percent for alcohol and 8.5 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.44 million bushels, up 3 percent from May 2019 and up 10 percent from June 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 457 million bushels, was down 1 percent from May 2019 and down 1 percent from June 2018. Corn consumed in June 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.1 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.96 million tons during June 2019, up 1 percent from May 2019 but down 3 percent from June 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.29 million tons in June 2019, down 4 percent from May 2019 and down 1 percent from June 2018.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 286,101 tons during June 2019, down 4 percent from May 2019 and down 5 percent from June 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 250,826 tons in June 2019, down 7 percent from May 2019 and down 4 percent from June 2018.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.73 million tons (158 million bushels) in June 2019, compared with 4.96 million tons (165 million bushels) in May 2019 and 5.09 million tons (170 million bushels) in June 2018. Crude oil produced was 1.81 billion pounds down 5 percent from May 2019 and down 6 percent from June 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.41 billion pounds during June 2019 decreased 6 percent from May 2019 and decreased 2 percent from June 2018.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 125,124 tons in June 2019, compared with 133,790 tons in May 2019 and 147,432 tons in June 2018. Canola crude oil produced was 108 million pounds, down 4 percent from May 2019 and down 16 percent from June 2018. Canola once refined oil production, at 110 million pounds during June 2019, was down 5 percent from May 2019 and down 12 percent from June 2018.

Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 40.3 million pounds during June 2019, was up 5 percent from May 2019 but down 15 percent from June 2018.

Edible tallow production was 87.7 million pounds during June 2019, up 2 percent from May 2019 and up 7 percent from June 2018. Inedible tallow production was 340 million pounds during June 2019, up 2 percent from May 2019 and up 9 percent from June 2018. Technical tallow production was 82.0 million pounds during June 2019, down 28 percent from May 2019 and down 22 percent from June 2018. Choice white grease production, at 110 million pounds during June 2019, decreased 4 percent from May 2019 but increased 11 percent from June 2018.



Flour Milling Products

All wheat ground for flour during the second quarter 2019 was 225 million bushels, up 1 percent from the first quarter 2019 grind of 223 million bushels but down 1 percent from the second quarter 2018 grind of 227 million bushels. Second quarter 2019 total flour production was 104 million hundredweight, up slightly from the first quarter 2019 but down 1 percent from the second quarter 2018. Whole wheat flour production at 5.27 million hundredweight during the second quarter 2019 accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the second quarter 2019 was 1.62 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the second quarter 2019 was 1.65 million hundredweight.

Durum wheat ground for flour and semolina production during the second quarter of 2019 totaled 16.0 million bushels, down 3 percent from the first quarter 2019 but up 2 percent from the second quarter 2018. Second quarter 2019 durum flour and semolina production was 7.62 million hundredweight, down 4 percent from the first quarter 2019 but up slightly from the second quarter 2018. Whole wheat durum flour and semolina production was 134 thousand hundredweight, down 11 percent from 150 thousand hundredweight in the first quarter 2019 but up 3 percent from 130 thousand hundredweight from the second quarter 2018. Second quarter durum wheat millfeed production was 111 thousand tons and the daily 24-hour milling capacity for durum and semolina production was 131 thousand hundredweight.

Rye ground for flour during the second quarter of 2019 was 414 thousand bushels, down 3 percent from the first quarter 2019 and down 12 percent from the second quarter 2018. Rye flour production during the second quarter of 2019 was 204 thousand hundredweight, compared to 210 thousand hundredweight in the previous quarter and 225 thousand hundredweight in the same quarter for the previous year. The daily 24-hour milling capacity for rye milling was 9.79 thousand hundredweight for the second quarter 2019.



Perdue Statement on Labor Agreement with Guatemala

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the Department of Labor and Guatemala on the signing of an agreement to improve H-2A visa program operations. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“Our farmers and ranchers are the most productive in the world, and they want to obey immigration law. This move by the United States and Guatemala will allow for greater cooperation and will safeguard against disturbances in the H-2A visa program by protecting workers from illegal recruitment activity, providing our farmers with a stable, legal workforce. President Trump is dedicated to securing our borders while continuing to support America’s farmers and ranchers. The signing of this agreement with Guatemala further solidifies our partnership and engagement with our neighbors and commitment to solving the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.”



Trump Adds Tariffs on China

The U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on $300 billion in Chinese goods because China has not moved to buy large amounts of agricultural goods, President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday.

The president increased the stakes of his trade war with China with a tweet at 11:26 a.m. CDT that his trade representatives "have just returned from China where they had constructive talks having to do with a future trade deal."

The president then added, "More recently, China agreed to ... buy agricultural product from the U.S. in large quantities, but did not do so." The president added China President Xi Jinping also had said he would stop the sale of the opioid drug Fentanyl to the U.S., but Trump stated that has not happened "and many Americans continue to die!"

Returning to the topic of trade, the president's third tweet stated the U.S. would put a 10% tariff on $300 billion more in goods and products from China. The tariff follows a 25% tariff now on $250 billion in other Chinese exports to the U.S.

The president then added, "We look forward to continuing our positive dialogue with China on a comprehensive Trade Deal, and feel that the future between our two countries will be a very bright one!"

The president increased the tariffs just a day after the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in 11 years. Among the reasons the Fed stated for the increase were uncertainty surrounding global growth and trade tensions.



Statement on New Tariffs on $300 Billion in Goods

Today, following the Trump administration's announcement to impose a 10% tariff on an additional $300 billion in Chinese goods, Tariffs Hurt the Heartland spokesman Jonathan Gold released the following statement. Tariffs Hurt the Heartland is a nationwide campaign against tariffs supported by over 150 of America’s largest trade organizations representing retail, tech, manufacturing and agriculture.

“The administration is doubling down on a failing strategy. Nobody wins in a trade war, and raising tariffs further on American businesses and consumers will only result in slower economic growth, more farm bankruptcies, fewer jobs and higher prices. These new tariffs will target the products American families buy every day, ranging from shoes and apparel to toys and electronics.
"We all agree China is a bad actor, but an unprecedented tax hike on hardworking Americans is not the answer. It's time for the administration to come up with a real strategy, put a stop to harmful tariffs and finally deliver the trade deal Americans were promised."



USDA Dairy Products June 2019 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.07 billion pounds, 0.6 percent above June 2018 but 3.3 percent below May 2019. Italian type cheese production totaled 469 million pounds, 4.0 percent above June 2018 but 1.3 percent below May 2019. American type cheese production totaled 427 million pounds, 0.6 percent below June 2018 and 3.9 percent below May 2019.  Butter production was 146 million pounds, 3.1 percent above June 2018 but 9.0 percent below May 2019.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with June 2018)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 156 million pounds, up 2.2 percent.
Skim milk powder - 44.4 million pounds, down 25.3 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with June 2018)
Dry whey, total - 81.1 million pounds, down 6.3 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 108 million pounds, up 13.1 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.1 million pounds, up 0.3 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with June 2018)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 65.5 million gallons, down 6.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 47.2 million gallons, up 3.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.39 million gallons, down 4.7 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.73 million gallons, down 7.1 percent.



CLAAS Introduces Next-Generation LEXION Combine

CLAAS of America today announces the launch of the all-new LEXION 8000-7000 series combine harvester, designed for farm business operators who want more from their combine, with no compromises. The new LEXION combine is more powerful and features the highest capacity in the industry, designed with a host of features to outperform in and between fields, streamlining harvest and saving the operator time and money.

"For the past 20-plus years, LEXION combines have built a reputation for delivering increased harvest efficiency and productivity, saving fuel and grain, driving down the cost of harvest," says Blake McOllough, Product Manager – Combines, CLAAS of America. "The redesign brings together significant engineering advancements from CLAAS that deliver on the superior productivity that today's ag business demands, offering the best return on investment and allowing the operator to get more done in less time."

Enhanced efficiency for greater productivity
The new LEXION combine has exceptional capacity to harvest all types of crops in all types of conditions, covering more acres per hour and achieving even better grain quality while protecting against overloading.

The APS SYNFLOW HYBRID system, an upgrade of the well-known APS HYBRID SYSTEM, is the industry's highest-capacity combine processor, meaning the new LEXION combine delivers 10 percent more capacity than the previous series. Grain handling is also improved, with unloading speeds as fast as 5.1 bushels per second and the industry's largest grain tank that features a whopping 510-bushel capacity.

"Operators can cover significantly more ground with a 25-mph transport speed, which all models — wheeled and TERRA TRAC — are now capable of,” McOllough says. "The operator also saves time with crop changeover capabilities that can be done from the cab, with just the touch of a button."

Maintenance time is also more streamlined with a central lubrication system and DYNAMIC COOLING, cutting maintenance time by more than half. The DYNAMIC COOLING feature also serves as a barrier from dust and debris while enhancing cooling for larger engines with larger horsepower demands.

Precise machine adjustments for optimal results
The new generation of LEXION combine allows for more precise adjustments. Its unique ability to independently adjust threshing and separation enables the operator to precisely adjust the machine to meet changing crop conditions and increase grain retention. Operators can engage the intensive threshing segment and adjust rotor cover plates with new push-button controls, increasing their control.

Additionally, CLAAS continues to be a leading innovator in autonomous machine adjustment. With its release in 2013, CEMOS AUTOMATIC technology has revolutionized the combine industry, improving operator performance by making automated machine adjustments. By using existing machine components and sensors, CEMOS AUTOMATIC is able to gain the operator 10 percent more capacity, 32 percent less foreign matter in the grain sample, and an increase of 58 percent in grain retention by continuously and autonomously adjusting and optimizing machine performance.

The new LEXION is the most precise combine built by CLAAS to date. With new adjustment options and CEMOS AUTOMATIC to precisely automate combine adjustments, operators are able to improve grain retention, maximize throughput, and get more return on investment.

"At CLAAS, we know that time is money, and achieving the highest possible productivity is paramount," McOllough says. "The newest LEXION combine was designed with those requirements in mind, delivering highly advanced engineering that streamlines the harvest and makes more money for our customers' farm businesses."



CLAAS of America Launches New AXION 900-800 Series Tractors

CLAAS of America announces the full commercial launch of the AXION 900 and 800 series high-efficiency tractors into the United States and Canadian markets. The new tractor lines provide a range of power options — from 200 to 440 horsepower — and other available technology options to match a wide range of applications.

The AXION series provides the comfort and flexibility needed to work faster and more efficiently. With the most fuel-efficient PTO horsepower in its class, excellent cab comfort and superior cab visibility, this tractor is ideal for the livestock and livestock input producer, and also has applications in other markets.

In the CLAAS product lineup, the AXION joins the XERION tractor, a larger and higher-horsepower rigid frame tractor that can also be used in multiple applications. The XERION features multiple steering modes for tighter turns, better flotation and rock-solid handling — even under the heaviest loads.

"We're extremely excited to introduce the AXION tractors into the North American market," said Drew Fletcher, Product Manager – Tractors, CLAAS of America. “This series is uniquely designed to help producers cover more ground faster and more efficiently.”

The AXION 800 series is being commercially launched after months of testing on real farms across the United States and Canada. CLAAS partnered with a select group of dealers in diverse areas to ensure all parts, service and training support mechanisms were in place to facilitate the best customer and operator experience.

Now available in the North America market, the AXION 900 series has been trusted by growers around the world and has proven to be a strong performer in multiple on-farm applications.

“Whether it's big square baling, round baling, manure handling, loading, tilling or any other function, AXION tractors are flexible enough to meet the needs of the operator and adapt to the situation,” Fletcher says.

Productivity, efficiency and comfort
The AXION 900 and 800 series tractors are enhanced by industry-leading fuel efficiency per PTO horsepower. While providing the same PTO horsepower as competitors, the AXION tractor can provide up to 20 more useable PTO horsepower while using up to one gallon per hour less fuel.

With a standard four-point suspended cab, PROACTIV front axle, shock-absorbing front and rear three-point hitches, a semi-active seat and a list of other cab conveniences, the AXION delivers premium comfort for long days and nights in all conditions. Not to be forgotten is the superior visibility, enhanced by rear curved glass and forward B-pillar posts.

The AXION 800 series features a powerful 6.7L Tier 4F engine with deep torque reserves to power through tough spots in the field and steep grades. Horsepower ranges from 200 to 280. The AXION 900 features an 8.7L Tier 4F engine with horsepower ratings of 320 to 440, depending on the model.

The 800 series is offered in a HEXASHIFT or CMATIC (CVT) transmission to fit the specific needs of the operator. The 900 series is available exclusively with the CMATIC transmission.

“The AXION is simply more efficient, which adds up to fewer gallons per acre, fewer hours per job and a lower cost per hour,” Fletcher says. “It was also designed with the comfort of the operator in mind, featuring a better ride quality and ease of use for less operator fatigue at the end of the day.”



CLAAS of America Announces Additions to Their Line of Balers and Hay Tools

CLAAS of America today announced additions to its range of balers and hay tools. New offerings include the DISCO 4000 TRC mower/conditioner, ROLLANT 520 round baler and VOLTO 55 TH tedder.

“We’re extremely pleased to introduce these new innovations to our full line of grain, hay and forage harvesting products,” said Matt Jaynes, Product Manager for Balers and Hay Tools, CLAAS of America. “The DISCO 4000 TRC, ROLLANT 520 and VOLTO 55 TH provide farmers with reliable and integrated systems featuring better feed quality, strength, durability and speed for when the going gets tough.”

DISCO 4000 TRC
Engineering advancements featured in the new DISCO 4000 TRC help deliver higher-quality feed, leading to improved milk production in dairy cattle. The MAX CUT cutterbar and ACTIVE FLOAT suspension result in a more evenly cut crop with less ash content. Also, new adjustable swath plates allow the operator to make any perfectly sized windrow.

Additional features of the DISCO 4000 TRC include:
– 12' 6" (3.8 m) working width
– Chevron rubber roller conditioner with double belt drive for less maintenance and more durability
– Spring-loaded pivoting cutterbar to keep the knives out of the soil for less ash and more protection of the stubble
– New windrow spreader plates make for a uniform density windrow

ROLLANT 520
CLAAS is also extending its range of round balers with the ROLLANT 520. The new ROLLANT 520 4 x 4 fixed-chamber round baler features an updated design and upgrades for better fermentation in properly formed bales. The result for the operator is reduced spoilage, improved milk production and reduced labor and materials loss. More efficiently packed bales mean fewer bales to handle and more feed per bale.

The ROLLANT 520 includes eight newly designed heavy-duty rollers that have 4 mm wall thickness and shafts bolted to 15 mm-thick flanges for improved strength and durability when baling tough crops.

Additional features of the ROLLANT 520 include:
– Updated drive concept for longer heavy-duty use
– Reinforced frame that's 20 percent thicker than the 300 Series
– 14-knife ROTO CUT chopping system for maximum throughput
– Hydraulic drop floor for blockage clearing
– 15 mm-thick flanges for improved durability

VOLTO 55 TH
The new VOLTO 55 TH helps operators spread the crop more evenly and faster for uniform dry down and preserved nutritional value of the crop. The tedder offers a faster ground speed and a more even spread pattern with the MAX SPREAD tine system. The very strong tube tine arms and PERMALINK drive system allow for high workloads for heavy windrow conditions. The innovative folding and tilt make it fast to move from field to field.

Additional features of the VOLTO 55 TH include:
– Reinforced tine arms and supports for longer life
– Equal length tines for less contact to reduce ash in the crop
– Hydraulic folding and tilt
– Adjustable tine angle for slower PTO speed to save leaves in alfalfa or clover

"For daily hay-based operations, growers need more than just robust machinery. They need harvesting systems that piece together seamlessly," Jaynes says. "Our coordinated machines support day-to-day operations and help customers achieve optimal results in forage harvesting."




ADM Reports Second Quarter Earnings of $0.42 per Share, $0.60 per Share on an Adjusted Basis

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

•  Net earnings of $235 million
•  Executed aggressive interventions amid challenging industry conditions; unfavorable weather impacts of approximately $65 million to segment OP
•  Strategic actions and long-term market opportunities point to stronger back half, and earnings and returns growth in 2020 and beyond

“We took aggressive action in the face of challenging external conditions, and we are confident that our work over the first half of the year will help deliver a stronger back half,” said Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano. “Just as important, our transformative changes are positioning ADM to capitalize on significant market opportunities, and grow earnings and returns in 2020 and beyond.

“Although the timing is uncertain, we remain confident in the resumption of significant food and agricultural trade flows between the U.S. and China, which will help bolster margins in the U.S. grain export and ethanol industries,” Luciano continued. “We are also seeing early signs of how African Swine Fever might impact global animal protein markets, and eventually support incremental soybean meal demand in key meat-producing regions outside of China. And, of course, fast-growing consumer trends such as plant-based proteins are creating long-term growth opportunities for our comprehensive portfolio of food and beverage solutions.

“We are focused on executing our strategic plan to ensure that ADM is poised to capitalize on these market opportunities and create value for our shareholders. We’re seeing the results of our efforts to turn around underperforming businesses. We continue to enhance our efficiency, customer service and competitiveness through Readiness. And we’re harvesting the benefits of Neovia and other growth investments. We are excited about our future. We are creating a company that is uniquely positioned to seize the opportunities ahead of us and deliver strong results for customers and shareholders alike.”

During the quarter, ADM advanced its strategic initiatives to enhance agility, accelerate growth and strengthen customer service, and took aggressive actions on a variety of fronts. These actions, which will also help offset the significant weather impacts of the last six months, include:
-    Combining the company’s Origination and Oilseeds business units into a single business, Ag Services & Oilseeds, which will report as a new segment beginning in the third quarter;
-    Completing significant organizational changes announced last quarter, including early retirement offers for colleagues in the U.S. and Canada;
-    Centralizing and standardizing business activities, including appointing a senior vice president, Global Operations, to lead a new operations structure; and
-    Aggressively harvesting the benefits of recent acquisitions, including planned synergies.