Thursday January 30 Ag News

NEBRASKA COVER CROP AND SOIL HEALTH CONFERENCE SET FOR FEB. 13

There are many benefits to utilizing cover crops, such as improved soil health and reduced erosion, but the details can present challenges. The Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference will provide information to growers who are just getting started with cover crops and to those who have already made them part of their operation.

The conference is 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

“This year’s conference will focus on establishment of cover crops in corn and soybeans during the growing season,” said Keith Glewen, Nebraska Extension educator. “Inter-seeding in some manner is gaining interest throughout the Midwest. We will have boots-on-the-ground growers who will share specific information about their successes and failures.”

Topics and presenters include:
> “Growing a Revolution: Finding the Right Fit with Cover Crops,” Abbey Wick, North Dakota State University;

> “Farming with 2020 Vision in Mind,” Loran Steinlage, FLOLO Farms, West Union, Iowa;

> “Selling Seed in Nebraska,” Steve Knox, director, Nebraska Crop Improvement Association;

> “Accelerating Soil Health Adoption by Quantifying Economic and Environmental Outcomes and Overcoming Barriers on Rented Lands,” Brian Brandt, director of ag conservation innovations, American Farmland Trust, Columbus, Ohio;

> “Review of Cover Crop Demonstrations in Central Platte NRD,” Dean Krull, farmer and University of Nebraska–Lincoln research technologist;

> “Understanding Soil Health, Measuring Success and Reducing Risk,” Aaron Hird, state soil health specialist, and Noah Seim, Merrick County farmer;

> “Thoughts from a First-Year Inter-seeder and Why You Should Give It a Try,” Jay Goertzen, Henderson farmer, and Jennifer Rees, Nebraska Extension educator;

> “Cover Crops by Helicopter: FAQ,” Brent Wulf, owner and chief pilot, Hexagon Helicopters Inc.;

> Cover crop panel — discussion with growers, landowners and consultants.

There is no fee to attend, but participants are asked to pre-register by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at https://go.unl.edu/ice9 to ensure resource materials are available and for meal-planning purposes. Seating is limited. Additional conference information and directions are available at the website above. Those with questions can call 402-624-8030 or email cdunbar2@unl.edu.

This year’s conference is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, the Nebraska Soybean Board, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District and the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.



USDA to Gauge Financial Well-Being of Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers

In late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) began gathering information about farm economics and production practices from farmers and ranchers across Nebraska, as the agency conducts the third and final phase of the 2019 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). 

“ARMS is the only survey that measures the current financial well-being of Nebraska producers and their households as a whole,” said Nick Streff, director of NASS’s Northern Plains Region. “The results of this survey will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs that affect Nebraska farms and farm families.”

In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to more than 30,000 producers nationwide, including over 1,500 in Nebraska, between December and April. The survey asks producers to provide in-depth information about their operating revenues, production costs, and household characteristics. The 2019 survey focuses on costs associated with producing agricultural commodities, with a special version focusing on sorghum sector costs and returns.

“In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those farmers who have not yet responded,” said Streff “We appreciate their time and are here to help them with the questionnaire so that their information will continue supporting sound agricultural decisionmaking.”

In addition to producing accurate information, NASS has strong safeguards in place to protect the confidentiality of all farmers who respond to its surveys. The agency will only publish data in an aggregate form, ensuring the confidentiality of all responses and that no individual respondent or operation can be identified. 

The expense data gathered in ARMS will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on July 31, 2020.  That report and others are available at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications. More reports based on ARMS data and more information about ARMS are available at www.ers.usda.gov/arms.

 

Agricultural Custom Operators Invited to Participate in the 2020 Nebraska Custom Rates Survey
Glennis McClure, NE Extension Educator - Farm and Ranch Management Analytics

Nebraska Extension’s 2020 custom rates survey is seeking participation from anyone in Nebraska who performs custom machine hire or contracts for specific farm services.

Interested participants should submit their information at agecon.unl.edu/custom-rate-participants to receive the survey by email. Printed copy may be requested by calling 402-472-0661.

The annual publication reflects current rates charged by custom operators for machine hire services and other work they provide for neighboring farms and ranches or as part of a business enterprise that covers a broader area. It includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying in part one. The second part surveys operators that provide custom machine hire typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations.

Results from the 2020 survey will be published by mid-2020. Custom rate information in Nebraska is grouped in the report by the eight Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Districts.



 Madison County Bank pledges $25,000 to Northeast’s Nexus agriculture and water project

A local bank founded to help develop the area more than 130 years ago is continuing that tradition with an investment in the Nexus project at Northeast Community College.

Jeff Warnemunde, president of Madison County Bank, said the bank is honored to be a part of the project and to invest in the future of agriculture education in Nebraska.

“The Nexus project to build new ag facilities at Northeast Community College is a great opportunity,” Warnemunde said, “right in the center of the communities we serve.”

The bank has pledged $25,000 to the project.

Madison County Bank was founded in 1888 to finance homes and businesses for residents of the area. The bank now has offices in Albion, Creighton, Madison, Norfolk, Plainview, Randolph and Winside. A second location in Norfolk, under construction on North 13th Street, is expected to open in May.

Warnemunde said Madison County Bank is owned by more than 1,000 residents of the communities the business serves.

“The bank has always been about the local community and all of our loans are made to local people and companies. Our main industry is agricultural finance,” Warnemunde explained. “Over 70-percent of our loans are direct loans to farmers, so agriculture is an enormous part of what our company is dedicated to.”

Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Community College Foundation, said the $25,000 investment by Madison County Bank will help train agricultural producers and agribusiness employees for area communities.

“We hope to break ground late this spring on the first three Nexus priorities,” Kruse said. “More contributions are needed to fully fund this project and I encourage anyone with an interest in agriculture or education to consider making an investment now.”

Funding for the $23 million Agriculture & Water Center for Excellence project is currently being solicited to enhance and expand the agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College. In addition to the College’s commitment of $10 million, Northeast is seeking at least $13 million in private funds to begin the initial phase of construction, which includes a new veterinary technology clinic and classrooms, a new farm site with a large animal handling facility and other farm structures for livestock operations, a farm office and storage. The new facilities will be located near the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex on E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk.

In August, the Acklie Charitable Foundation (ACF) announced a $5 million lead gift to the Nexus project. ACF was founded by the late Duane Acklie and Phyllis Acklie, both Madison County natives and graduates of Norfolk Junior College, a predecessor institution of Northeast Community College.

For more information on the Nexus Campaign, contact Kruse, at tracyk@northeast.edu, or call (402) 844-7056. Online donations may be made through agwaternexus.com.



NRDs Sign Agreement with NRCS to Continue Conservation Efforts

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) collectively signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jan. 28. This agreement is a renewal of a long-standing commitment between the NRDs and NRCS that reaches back to the Dust Bowl days.

“For more than 80 years Nebraska’s NRDs and the NRCS have been working side-by-side to provide natural resource management assistance to Nebraskans,” said David Eigenberg, Upper Big Blue NRD general manager. “We are committed to continuing our conservation efforts with NRCS to protect lives, property and the future.”

In 1935 President Roosevelt signed the Soil Conservation Act. The law was designed, “To provide for the protection of land resources against soil erosion, and for other purposes.”

A driving force behind the creation of the Soil Conservation Act was the severe drought that was occurring in the Great Plains. Beginning in 1932, persistent drought conditions caused widespread crop failures leaving soil exposed and vulnerable to wind. This period was prone to dust storms that would block out the sun.

The Soil Conservation Act formed the Soil Conservation Service, which today is called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. It didn’t take long for the newly-formed Soil Conservation Service to learn that they needed ways to extend conservation assistance to more farmers. There needed to be a locally-led approach, and the idea for the conservation district was born.

In 1937 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) drafted the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law, which President Roosevelt sent to the governors of all states. This law created Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

In 1938 the Papio Soil Conservation District became the first conservation district in Nebraska. By 1972 the Nebraska Unicameral created the NRD system, which combined the responsibilities of the 154 special-use districts into a modern network of 23 Natural Resources Districts established along river basins.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has 77 county offices in Nebraska divided into management areas that mimic NRD boundaries. This allows the NRD and NRCS staff to work together on the same, locally-identified natural resource concerns. Today, Nebraska’s unique NRD system of locally-controlled, tax-funded, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation.

“The signing of this agreement is a symbol of our commitment to continue the legacy of our conservation partnership established more than 80 years ago,” said NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson. “It was true back in the Dust Bowl that the issues facing agriculture couldn’t be solved alone. That’s still true today. By working together, we are able to accomplish more for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska.”

“Through partnerships like this, we help Nebraska farmers and ranchers remain productive and profitable while ensuring our natural resources are protected for generations,” said Annette Sudbeck, Lewis & Clark NRD general manager.

Each of the 23 NRDs will sign an agreement with NRCS, which reinforces the partnership between the agencies and will be in effect until mutually modified or terminated.

For more information about Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, visit www.nrdnet.org. To learn more about the programs and services available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



LOCAL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS PLANNED

            Local Working Groups that provide input on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will be holding meetings across the state over the next several weeks. A list of scheduled meetings is available on the Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ne/technical/stc/, or by contacting your local NRCS field office. The public is invited to attend.

            There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD). Local Working Group members include Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives. According to Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson with NRCS, whose agency guides the Local Working Groups, these work groups provide local input into how Federal dollars are spent.

           “The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), or the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area. Recommendations can include special target areas, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Derickson.

            Nebraska NRCS obligates funds to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs. These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife. This funding is allocated, in part, according to priorities set by Local Working Groups.

            For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Block and Bridle Club to recognize beef industry giant, Jerry D. Adams

Jerry D. Adams, a native of Broken Bow, Nebraska, will be recognized as the newest University of Nebraska–Lincoln Block and Bridle honoree. Each year the Block and Bridle Club selects an honoree that has contributed to Nebraska agriculture through leadership, service, youth projects, community activities and involvement with the university.

The Block and Bridle Club’s core objectives include the following: 1) to promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of Animal Science among student members; 2) to promote animal agriculture through development of a program of activities that will supplement students' study of the animal sciences; 3) to enhance professionalism of students who will one day be leaders in the animal agriculture industry; and 4) to bring about a closer relationship among all students pursuing some phase of animal agriculture as a profession. Consistent with these objectives, the leadership, innovation, and commitment to the next generation are attributes exhibited by Jerry which make him an ideal selection for this year’s honor.

Jerry Adams graduated from UNL (1971) with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Agricultural Economics, Animal Science and Mathematics. During his time at UNL, Adams was active on campus and a member of the FarmHouse fraternity. Jerry, along with his brother Bill, co-own Adams Land & Cattle (ALCC) which is one of the premier beef feedlot operations in the world. Currently, Jerry serves on the boards for ALCC, Bellevue University, Custer Economic Development Corp., Custer Campus, Cattle-Fax, Blueprint Nebraska, and is a founding leader of both the Beef Alliance and the Nebraska Beef Producers Committee. Throughout his career, Jerry has had extensive involvement with UNL and IANR strategic planning and he has been a strong supporter of youth, community, and social organizations. For example, Jerry has supported 4H (e.g., partnering with County Extension to host youth animal quality assurance training), FFA, Custer County Foundation and has served on numerous councils, boards, and committees that have impacted the community and industry in countless ways.

Over the course of his career, Jerry has received multiple awards and recognitions. In 2019, he was honored with the Nebraska Banker’s Association Agri-Business Recognition Award and the Broken Bow High School Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2018, he received the Ag Builders of Nebraska Award. In addition, Jerry has twice received the Custer Economic Development Corporation’s Wheel Horse Award.

In the words of those that contributed to Jerry Adams’ nomination, several quotes capture the essence of Jerry’s contributions:
    “I can think of no one who’s given more to his family, his community, county and State and his industry than Jerry Adams.”
    “His legacy includes tremendous gifts of service and leaving his communities much stronger than he found them.”
    “His vision has provided the roadmap for animal traceability in the feedlot industry that will be key to meeting consumer demand and enable the beef industry to maintain and grow market share domestically and internationally.”
    “Jerry has worked with the University across all leadership levels to position UNL, the Institute and the Animal Science Department to benefit from his experience, leadership, and most importantly, his vision for the future of the beef industry.”

Jerry and his family (wife, Linda, daughters, Amy Staples and Melissa Lynd, son, Scott Adams, and families) will be honored at the Block and Bridle Club Honors Banquet on April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr., Lincoln, NE 68508. Tickets to the banquet, which will feature a prime rib dinner, are $35. Tickets can be purchased by contacting a Block and Bridle Officer or Andi Hallberg at andi.hallberg@unl.edu. A reception for Jerry and his family, friends and past honorees will precede the banquet at 5:00 p.m.

The Block and Bridle Club is part of the Animal Science Department within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Nebraska.



Report Compares Costs of Crop Production in Iowa

Managing the cost of crop production will continue to be critical for farmer profitability this year, and farmers have some recent data to consider, found in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s “Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa” report.

Included in the January edition of the Ag Decision Maker, the report “provides average cost estimates for Iowa farms in 2020, and provides guidelines to help farmers calculate their own costs of production,” according to Alejandro Plastina, report author and assistant professor and extension economist at Iowa State University.

The report includes crop production prices for corn, corn silage, soybean, alfalfa and pasture maintenance, with data compiled from multiple state surveys.

On average, the total cost of corn and soybean production in Iowa is expected to decline by 4% from last year. However, producers will still need to be prudent to be profitable, as there is still substantial uncertainty regarding crop prices for the rest of 2020.

The estimated costs of production for continuous corn are $3.81, $3.78 and $3.76 per bushel, for expected yields of 164 bushels per acre, 182 bpa and 200 bpa, respectively. The estimated costs of production per bushel for corn following soybeans are $3.22, $3.23 and $3.23, assuming 179 bpa, 199 bpa and 219 bpa, respectively.

Cost of production estimates, per bushel, for herbicide-tolerant soybeans are $8.89, $8.72 and $8.57 assuming 50, 56 and 62 bushels per acre, respectively. The total cost per bushel of soybeans is projected at $8.72 for non-herbicide-tolerant beans at 56 bpa, according to the report.

The most recent United States Department of Agriculture projections for 2020-2021, published in October 2019, put the average U.S. farm prices for corn and soybean at $3.40 and $8.85. In this scenario, soybean production would only be profitable for operations with medium and high yields, but the profitability margins could be very tight. A continuous corn system would not be able to cover all costs, even with high yields, and corn production following soybean would generate $30-$40 per acre in profits. More optimistic price scenarios are found in futures prices, but uncertainty remains high.

“Producers need to have a strong grasp of their own production costs,” Alejandro said. “Costs of production are not seeing the rapid fluctuations that were seen in recent years, but the trade war and other events create a lot of uncertainty when it comes to profitability on an individual operation.”

For a more detailed crop production analysis, review the data found in the report and compare your own operation to these averages. Decision Tool spreadsheets for each budget are also available in this month’s Ag Decision Maker updates.



IA Dept of Ag Submits Comments on Hemp Interim Final Rule to USDA

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service on the Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program interim final rule (IFR).

“The Department is fielding questions about hemp production in Iowa every day. Producers are interested in purchasing hemp seed and obtaining a license in time for the 2020 growing season,” said Secretary Naig. “There are some uncertainties and inconsistencies in the federal regulatory framework and those issues need to be addressed. There must be a uniform and predictable set of standards for hemp producers and regulators across the country so growers have the opportunity to be successful.”

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is encouraging the USDA AMS to:
    Extend the sampling and harvest timeline from 15 days to 21 days.
    Require that all official hemp testing laboratories are ISO-17025 accredited to ensure they are held to the same quality, safety and efficiency standards.
    Increase the negligent violation range from 0.3 – 0.5 percent to 0.3 – 2.0 percent THC.
    Allow states to determine the appropriate duration of periodic corrective action plan reports based on the severity of the infractions.
    Work with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide direction to states on how to properly dispose of non-compliant cannabis crops.
    Allow states to work directly with local law enforcement, instead of DEA reverse distributors, to order and carry out the destruction of non-compliant cannabis crops.

To read the full comment letter, visit iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.

The Department submitted its plan to license and regulate the production of hemp in Iowa to USDA on Dec. 11, 2019. The USDA has 60 days to review and provide feedback. It is not legal to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp in Iowa until the USDA approves the state plan and the Department publishes notice of the approval in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.

Growers are advised to do their research and confirm there is a viable, profitable market for commercial hemp production before they make an investment in plant genetics and equipment.



Dairy Industry Applauds Secretary Perdue’s Commitment to Protect Common Names; Perdue Points at GIs as Trade Barriers

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) expressed appreciation for Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s denunciation of geographical indications (GIs) as trade barriers.

During recent meetings with European agriculture and trade officials, Secretary Perdue made it clear that the European Union (EU) must drop its aggressive campaign to confiscate common food names in order to successfully negotiate a trade deal with the U.S.

In response, USDEC, NMPF and CCFN issued the following joint statement:

“The EU’s patently unfair trade policies, including the misuse of GI protections, have resulted in a lopsided trade dynamic where trade benefits only flow one-way: toward Europe. As Secretary Perdue rightly noted, Europe’s unfair trade barriers have less to do with preserving the rights of legitimate GIs than with restricting competition from exceptional U.S. products.

“We commend Secretary Perdue for his firm stance defending the rights of U.S. farmers and food producers to use the common names consumers know and love. Dismantling EU trade barriers that drive the dairy deficit and cause undue harm to our industry must remain a top priority in negotiations with the EU.”



Registration Now Open for Industry-Leading Pork Management Conference

The National Pork Board will host its annual Pork Management Conference, April 20-23, 2020, in Destin, Florida.

The annual conference will feature a diverse set of experts from across the U.S. to address current business trends and challenges facing the pork industry. Through presentations, breakout sessions and networking, attendees will gain important insight into the pork industry while learning critical management practices to improve the performance and efficiency of pig farming.

“The Pork Management Conference is a must-attend event for pork producers,” says David Newman, president of the National Pork Board and producer representing Arkansas. “It provides an opportunity for interactions among pork producers and those working in the industry to learn more about the different sectors, ask questions and take new information back to their farms.”

In addition to the general sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, two concurrent afternoon sessions are planned for Wednesday. Topics will include benchmarking, producer response plans, risk management, blockchain, crisis management, finding and keeping talented workers, accounting and tax updates.

Registration is $425 per person through March 20 and $475 after that. No refunds will be made after March 20. A registration from and detailed list of events are available at pork.org/pmc. 



 Bayer Welcomes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Reaffirmation that Glyphosate Is Safe to Use, Not Carcinogenic

Bayer said today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s favorable conclusion about the safety of glyphosate in its Interim Registration Review Decision, based on the agency’s expert review over a 10-year period, reaffirms that the extensive body of science continues to support the safety of herbicides containing glyphosate and that this active ingredient is not carcinogenic.

In its Interim Registration Review Decision, EPA concluded that it “did not identify any human health risks from exposure to glyphosate.”

“EPA’s latest decision on glyphosate-based herbicides adds to the long-term evaluation of leading international health authorities that these products can be used safely, and that glyphosate is not carcinogenic,” said Liam Condon, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President Crop Science Division. “Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of the most thoroughly studied products of their kind, which is a major reason why farmers around the world continue to rely on these products not only for effective weed control, but also to minimize tillage farming practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve more land for native habitats, and provide enough food to meet the needs of a growing population worldwide. EPA’s science-based, in-depth assessment by its expert team reflects a gold standard for scientific rigor that is respected by regulators and scientists across the globe.”

The EPA had already confirmed its position on glyphosate earlier this year. Together with the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. government, EPA filed an amicus brief in the Roundup Litigation in the Hardeman appeal. In this brief both authorities are supportive of the company’s arguments. In August 2019 the EPA sent a letter to glyphosate registrants, which stated respectively that a cancer warning on products containing this active ingredient would be “inconsistent with the agency’s scientific assessment of the carcinogenic potential of the product” and would be a “false and misleading statement.”

The EPA also said in its Interim Registration Review Decision that “it used the most current science policies and risk assessment methodologies to prepare a risk assessment in support of the registration review of glyphosate. The EPA thoroughly assessed risks to humans from exposure to glyphosate from all registered uses and all routes of exposure and did not identify any risks of concern.” EPA also reiterated its conclusion that “glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans”, its most favorable rating.

Glyphosate-based products are the most widely used herbicides in the world, and today’s EPA announcement is just the latest instance of a regulatory agency reaffirming that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Since IARC’s assessment in 2015, regulatory and scientific bodies that have reaffirmed their conclusions about the safety of glyphosate-based products and that glyphosate is not carcinogenic include the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), German BfR, and Australian, Canadian, Korean, New Zealand and Japanese regulatory authorities, as well as the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR).

In January 2019, Health Canada concluded: “After a thorough scientific review,” concerns about glyphosate safety “could not be scientifically supported when considering the entire body of relevant data.” Health Canada also noted that the 20 scientists who conducted the review, who had not been involved in its 2017 re-evaluation of glyphosate, “left no stone unturned” and “had access to all relevant data and information from federal and provincial governments, international regulatory agencies, published scientific reports and multiple pesticide manufacturers.”

As part of Bayer’s Transparency Initiative, the company has committed to enabling access to all of the in-depth glyphosate safety and other crop protection studies submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that Bayer has permission to disclose on its transparency platform. Bayer remains committed to offering more choices for growers and announced last year an investment of approximately 5 billion euros to develop additional methods to combat weeds over the next decade.



EPA Releases Preliminary Interim Decision on Neonicotinoids

Today, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Preliminary Interim Decision (PID) on a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids (neonics), which specifically addresses steps EPA is taking to protect pollinator health. Since 2015, EPA has included a pollinator risk assessment as part of its rigorous pesticide Registration Review process, as well as for new pesticide registrations. We support this process and once we have reviewed the full PID, we look forward to a robust public comment period.

Farmers depend on and protect bees and other pollinators, which are essential for their crops. Many farmers are beekeepers themselves and go to great lengths to provide habitat and forage for bee colonies, such as planting wildflowers around their cropland. As farmers grow and protect their crops, neonics are a protective and effective tool to prepare seeds for healthy growth.

In urban and suburban settings, professionals and consumers rely on neonics to protect homes, control bed bugs, and manage destructive invasive insects such as the emerald ash borer.

Studies performed around the world demonstrate that neonics are effective in controlling harmful insects in agricultural and non-agricultural settings, with no unreasonable adverse effects on pollinator health when used according to label instructions.



RFA Responds to USDA on Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program

The Renewable Fuels Association today submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for information on the agency’s new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which was created to expand the availability and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

“We appreciate the opportunity to respond to USDA’s request for information and look forward to working with USDA and our partners in the retail community,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This program builds on the success of USDA’s original Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership, which helped increase the availability of E15, E85 and other higher ethanol blends at retail sites across the country. We stand ready to assist USDA and fuel retailers throughout the development and execution of this important program to promote high-octane, low-carbon renewable fuels.”

In its response, RFA recommended that available funding be primarily directed at offsetting the costs to install and/or upgrade retail and wholesale infrastructure compatible with higher biofuel blends. In addition, RFA stated that funding assistance should be accessible to retailers of all sizes and on a nationwide basis. This should include everything from small, single-store owners to mid-size retailers and large chains.

RFA also noted that many of the barriers that discourage broader expansion of higher ethanol blends are regulatory in nature and under the jurisdiction of EPA. RFA's comments ask USDA to encourage its peer agency to take action to resolve these many barriers.



RFA & NCGA Co-Title Sponsorship of 2020 Crappie Masters Tournament Trail Begins This Week
   
The 2020 season of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail begins later this week, with the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association signed on as co-title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year. The first tournament begins Friday, Jan. 31 at St. Johns River in Deland, Fla.

“We are excited to get the 2020 season kicked off in DeLand, Fla.,” said Crappie Masters President Mike Vallentine. “The St. Johns River is such a unique fishery that allows participants to try several methods to catch fish plus you can always expect to see some big weights. We are also thrilled to be representing the Renewable Fuels Association and American Ethanol by sharing the truth about ethanol and educating our anglers, listeners, viewers and followers. For five straight seasons, all winning teams with Crappie Masters have been running E10 fuel in their boat with no reported problems. We understand there is more work to do and we are honored to take on this challenge.”

This year, the competition includes state-level tournament trails in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, West Tennessee and North and South Louisiana.

“Nearly one-third of America’s corn crop goes into the production of ethanol, an environmentally friendly fuel additive that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent, keeping the waterways anglers’ fish clean,” said NCGA ethanol action team chair Mark Recker. "For the past five years, each winning team of the Crappie Masters National Tournament Trail has used ethanol in their boat engines, citing maximum engine performance.”

“We are looking forward to another great year on the water with an expanded schedule of tournaments,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “This national partnership with Crappie Masters helps more anglers and boaters learn about the benefits of high-octane, low-carbon ethanol—a fuel that’s cleaner and cheaper, and that has proven its value on the tournament trail for years. E10 has been used for decades in all types of marine engines, and the fuel blend is approved for use by all major marine engine manufacturers, helping to clean the air and water.”

Crappie Masters Television will also highlight each tournament. The weekly show can be found on the Pursuit Channel, which is on DIRECTV 604, Dish Network 393, Verizon, CenturyLink and Roku.

The next Crappie Masters Tournament Trail event is Feb. 28-29 at Lake D’Arbonne in Gadsden County, Fla. The 2020 Crappie Masters Tournament Trail season runs through Sept. 26.



SUPER BOWL AD: Can You Spell Ultra-Processed?

This Sunday, the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom will be running an ad during the Super Bowl in the Washington, D.C. market asking viewers to rethink what they eat when it comes to synthetic meat. CCF’s Super Bowl ad features a competition of its own--a spelling bee--in which children are asked to spell some of the chemical ingredients in synthetic meats.

Unbeknownst to many, plant-based meats are ultra-processed foods, which the National Institute of Health says may cause overeating and weight gain. According to the NOVA food classification system, ultra-processed foods are created by a series of industrial techniques and processes. Ingredients in synthetic meats include methylcellulose, which is commonly used in laxatives and lubricant, titanium dioxide, often used in paint, and propylene glycol, used in antifreeze.

CCF managing director Will Coggin commented: “Despite the perceived ‘health halo,’ synthetic meats are a long way off from being a magical mixture of vegetables. If you’re looking for a healthy snack, you can do better than these industrial foodlike substances.” In addition to ads CCF has run, the campaign has also been featured in articles by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.



Harrington Destructor Kills 100 Percent of U.S. Weed Seeds

In the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds, farmers are increasingly eager to add non-chemical control methods to their management toolbox. Impact mills, which destroy weed seeds picked up by a combine, have been shown to kill 70-99% of weed seeds in soybeans, wheat, and other small-statured cropping systems. And a recent Weed Science study from the University of Illinois shows even seeds that appear unscathed after impact milling don't germinate the following spring.

"Harvest weed seed control is really becoming an accepted part of integrated weed management," says Adam Davis, study co-author and head of the Department of Crop Sciences at U of I. "Producers are excited about it."

In the current study, Davis and his collaborators wanted to see how the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD), an impact mill developed and widely used in Australia, handled common U.S. agronomic weeds without the complications of real field conditions.

The researchers collected seeds from 10 common weed species in soybean fields in the U.S. Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. They fed the seeds through a stationary HSD, and then tried germinating them in a greenhouse and in the field following a typical Illinois winter.

Davis says 0 to 15% of the seeds appeared to be undamaged immediately after milling, regardless of species and seed size. But when the undamaged seeds were buried in the field and left through the winter, fewer than 10% survived. "Basically, almost zero survived overall."

Based on his previous research, Davis thinks microscopic abrasions from the impact mill damage the seed coat enough for microbes to enter and destroy the embryonic weed inside. Can producers expect nearly zero weed seed survival when using the HSD or other impact mills in the field? Probably not. Davis and his collaborators have been conducting U.S. field trials with the HSD for five years, and typically see a reduction in weed seed rain by 70 to 80%.

"The difference between its efficacy as a stationary device and its efficacy in the field is largely due to shattering of the weeds," Davis explains. "As the combine is going through, it's shaking everything and causing a lot of seed dispersal. By looking at the HSD as a stationary device, we're able to quantify the theoretical max."

Whether impact mills kill 70 or 99% of weed seeds, non-chemical control strategies are important in slowing the evolution of herbicide resistance. However, over-reliance on any one strategy could select for additional problematic traits in weeds.

"If producers start using this device on a large scale, they will ultimately select for earlier shattering. It's already been shown in Australia," Davis says. "That's just the nature of weed and pest management in general. Really what you're doing is managing evolution. In order for any tactic to be successful, you've got to change it up. You need to confuse them; add diversity in the time of year and life stages you're targeting. We're just proposing this as a new tactic that's effective -- not the only tactic."

The article, "Fate of weed seeds after impact mill processing in Midwestern and mid-Atlantic United States," is published in Weed Science. Co-authors include Lovreet Shergill, Kreshnik Bejleri, Adam Davis, and Steven Mirsky. The research was supported by USDA-ARS.