Wednesday June 17 Ag News

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Farm Service Agency County Committee

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Sarah Beck in Cuming County is reminding farmers, ranchers and landowners that nominations are now open for the 2020 FSA County Committee election.

The FSA County Committee candidate nomination period began on June 15, 2020. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the Cuming County FSA office by close of business on Aug. 3, 2020.

For election purposes, counties are divided into local administrative areas (LAAs). Each LAA nominates and elects one producer to serve a three-year term on the FSA County Committee. Each year an election is held in an LAA where a committee member’s three-year term is expiring. For 2020, an election will be held in LAA 3, which includes Wisner, Bismarck, Elkhorn, Monterey, and Lincoln Townships.

“Farmers and ranchers in LAA 3 are urged to participate in this year’s county committee elections by nominating candidates by the Aug. 3 deadline,” said Beck. “County committees are unique to FSA and allow producers to have a voice on federal farm program implementation at the local level.”
To be eligible to serve on an FSA County Committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the LAA in which the person is a candidate.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections is available at fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the local USDA service center by close of business on Aug. 3, 2020.

FSA county committees make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Committees consist of three to 11 members who are elected by eligible producers.

For more information on the FSA County Committee election, contact the Cuming County FSA office at (402) 372-2451.



Aksarben announces the 2020 Aksarben Farm Family Award Recipients for 100 or 150 years of consecutive farm ownership

Each year, Aksarben pays homage to the dedicated and hard-working Nebraskan families who have met the incredible milestone of owning at least forty-acres of farmland within one family for one-hundred or one-hundred and fifty years, respectively.

The Aksarben Foundation, along with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, announces this year’s 122 honorees for the Aksarben Pioneer Farm (100 years) and Aksarben Heritage Farm Awards (150 years).

Aksarben began awarding the Pioneer Award in 1956, and since that time, nearly 10,000 farm families have received the award statewide. The Heritage Award was established in 2014, has been awarded to nearly 100 farm families.

“We’re proud to recognize these Nebraska farm families each year. The dedication and perseverance demonstrated by these families is a testament to the strong Nebraska values that set our state apart and have been making Aksarben proud, for over 120 years,” said Sandra Reding, Aksarben Foundation President.

Due to COVID-19 many County Fairs are still questioning whether to have the fair this year. Instead of handing out the awards at County Fairs, we are working with both Nebraska Farm Bureau and the County Fair managers to get these awards out to our recipients across the state.

“Nebraska Farm Bureau will work with our regional managers, our county Farm Bureau leaders and county fair managers to set up times to deliver these prestigious honors! Nebraska Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor these farm family awards and are happy to share in this tribute. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s heritage and continuous mission is to serve Nebraska farm and ranch families, and these awards recognize the commitment to preserve and build Nebraska agriculture for future generations,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.

To commemorate this milestone, each of these families will receive an engraved plaque and gatepost marker at the county fair in the county where their farm is located.

The Aksarben Farm Families for 2020 from eastern Nebraska include: (** = Heritage Family Farms)
1.    Antelope County
a.    John and Patricia Sehi – Groveside Farm, John Albert Sehi Family, Established 1920
b.    Steven and Annette Rasmussen – Rasmussen Family Farm, Established 1920
c.    Chris Rasmussen – Rasmussen Family Farm, Established 1920                 

2.    Boone County
a.    Joseph and Connie Seier – Seier Family Farm, Established 1920

5.    Burt County
a.    Eugene Chamberlain – Chamberlain Family Farm, Established 1920

6.    Butler County
a.    Tamra Mick, Matthew Otto and Heidi Peeples – Otto Family Farm, Established 1904
b.    Ronald and Katherine Hotovy – Hotovy Family Farm, Established 1918
c.    Doug Gruntorad/Rosedale Acres, Inc. – Gruntorad Family Farm, Established 1917
d.    Lonnie and Kimberly Piitz – Henry Piitz Family Farm, Established 1915
e.    Lee and Mary Jo Fozzard – Fozzard Family Farm, Established 1919
f.     Carol Zimmer – Zimmer Family Farm, Established 1918

7.    Cass County
a.    Peters Family – Otto and Elsie Peters Family Farm, Established 1920
b.    Ellyn Meisinger and Aimee Cooper – Meisinger Family Farm, Established 1870**
c.    James and Michelle Group – John and Mary Group Family Farm, Established 1918

8.    Cedar County
a.    Wanda Philips – Robert Lenton Family Farm, Established 1869**
b.    Lawrence and Mary Ann Zavadil – Zavadil Family Farm, Established April 30, 1900
c.    Martin and Debra Sudbeck – Martin and Debra Sudbeck Family Farm, Established 1869**

10.  Colfax County
a.    Terry and Spring Wendt – Fred and Alma Wendt Family Farm, Established 1919
b.    Rudy and LaVaine Novak – Novak Family Farm, Established 1895

11.  Cuming County
a.    Bill McNamara – McNamara Farms, Established 1869**
b.    Tim and Sarah Rolf, Vincent and Agnes Rolf – Rolf Family Farm, Established 1920
c.    Tamara Sue Wendt Wheeler – Wendt Family Farm, Established 1869**

16.  Dodge County
a.    Bowman Farm, Inc. – Bowman Family Farm, Established 1865**

29.  Holt County
a.    Dan and Jean Roberts – Linza and Bertha Axtell Family Farm, Established 1919
b.    Jerry and Elaine Tasler – Tasler Family Farm, Established 1919

41.  Lancaster County
a.    Marilyn Nichols, Larry Williams, Joyce Britton – Williams Family Farm, Established 1869**
b.    Debra Schneider, Vera Ficke, Duane Burd and Beverly Nuttleman – Burd Family Farm, Established 1920

44.  Madison County
a.    Sherry Flood, Byron Flood, and Sarah Flood – Flood Family Farm, Established 1918
b.    Loren and Ruth Kment – Henry Amen Family Farm, Established 1916
c.    Derek and Jenny Zohner – Zohner Family Farm, Established 1905

46.  Nance County
a.    Elsie Siedlik – Pieczonka Family Farm, Established 1915
b.    Raymond and Betty Hebda – Uzendowski Farm, Established 1915
c.    Raymond and Betty Hebda – Shotkoski Farm, Established 1919

51.  Pierce County
a.    Dal Grooms, Cheryl Gerkins, Lori Gothier, Dawn Doherty and Kelly Hadid – Gerkins Family Farm, Established 1889
b.    The Home Place, LLC – Newton and Lula Lingenfelter Family Farm, Established 1920

52.  Platte County
a.    Larry and Lanette Stec – Stec Family Farm, Established 1904
b.    Mark and Jeanne Brockhaus – Brockhaus Family Farm, Established 1903                 

56.  Sarpy County
a.    Rodney and Maureen Nielsen – Nielsen Family Farm, Established 1920
b.    Elaine Startzer – Startzer Family Farm, Established 1920
c.    Kathlynn Wiese Haubensak – Wiese Family Farm, Established 1920

57.  Saunders County
a.    Louis Vanek – Vanek Family Farm, Established 1877
b.    James Kellner – Kellner Family Farm, Established 1920
c.    David Rezac – Rezac Family Farm, Established 1908

60.  Thurston County
a.    Leonard and Shirley Peters – Leonard and Shirley Peters Family Farm, Established 1919

62.  Washington County
a.    Jason Arp and Jennifer Arp – Arp Family Farm, Established 1920



Nebraska Farm Bureau Warns Imminent Legal Action Could End Use of Dicamba Stocks for Farmers in 2020

Nebraska famers could lose the ability to use previously purchased stocks of dicamba herbicides subject to a June 3, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that vacated the products’ labels. Following the court’s ruling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued cancellation orders for the products, but in those orders authorized limited and specific circumstances under which existing supplies of the herbicides could be used, including an allowance for farmers and commercial applicators to use existing stocks through July 31, 2020.

On June 11, the Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity, which filed the original suit, further filed an emergency motion in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals requesting the court enforce its earlier decision, which if granted, could override the EPA’s order and effectively end farmers ability to use remaining supplies. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the emergency motion later this week.

“We are extremely concerned about farmers losing access to these dicamba products in the middle of the growing season. Right now, we are in the window in which these products can be applied. While the initial court ruling could not have come at a worse time, EPA’s response provided some relief to farmers who had already purchased these products for use. A ruling later this week impacting EPA’s cancellation order could be damaging to many Nebraska farmers,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Nebraska Farm Bureau has been working to ensure continued access to the product for Nebraska farmers. Tuesday, June 16 the American Farm Bureau filed an amicus brief, arguing farmers should continue to have the ability to utilize existing stocks of these products for the remainder of the growing season.

“Not only are farmers facing a difficult situation, it’s possible many aren’t fully aware of these most recent legal developments that could eliminate the relief EPA provided in the orders allowing utilization through July 31,” said Nelson. “It’s important farmers are aware of the situation so they can act accordingly given the time sensitive nature and limited window for application of these products.”



“Respect EPA’s Dicamba Decision & Protect Farmers’ Livelihoods During Growing Season”

A coalition of national grower trade associations that represents farmers, ranchers, and their families nationwide is urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reject an NGO call to invalidate EPA’s dicamba existing stocks order for three dicamba products whose registrations were immediately vacated by the court earlier this month.

American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council of America, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, and National Sorghum Producers have filed an amicus brief supporting EPA’s position against the NGO petition that seeks to invalidate EPA’s dicamba existing stocks order and hold the agency in contempt, citing the catastrophic consequences that could result if the NGO’s request is granted.

The grower coalition’s brief, filed June 16, makes a case for farmers caught in a highly frustrating and costly situation amid prime planting season and the narrow weed-control window: “Neither a midseason cancellation nor a vacatur unplants a seed, retroactively tills a field, or clears a storehouse of products purchased for lawful use under the prior registration.”

Immediately banning use of existing stocks of Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan would financially devastate America’s soybean and cotton growers, who have invested an estimated $4.28 billion in seed and hundreds of millions on herbicides. An estimated 64 million acres of dicamba-tolerant seed is already in the ground—importantly, with no viable weed control alternative that can realistically be deployed over the next several weeks. Expected yield loss for soy and cotton is as high as 50%, with respective losses estimated at as much as $10 billion and $800 million.

If the court chooses to grant the NGO’s emergency motion, it will add financial insult to sustained injury. The economic damage that would be caused would exacerbate an already tenuous economic situation for America’s farmers, who face depressed market prices and increased uncertainty in commodity markets due to ongoing trade tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, granting the petitioners’ requested relief would (1) plunge the agricultural community back into the widespread uncertainty and confusion it experienced in the period between the court’s vacatur and EPA’s Cancellation Order and, even more critical to the long-term viability of the agriculture industry, (2) set a damaging precedent, short circuiting the proper administrative and judicial review framework that Congress prescribed for existing stocks under FIFRA. Farmers use countless FIFRA-regulated pesticide products, including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. This decision could set a disruptive precedent with profound, long-term consequences for all farmers and ranchers for years to come.

Investments and planting decisions have been made, and most planting has been completed—all based on the realistic expectation that over-the-top application of these dicamba products would be possible through the growing season. The court should respect EPA’s expertise in managing existing stocks of these formerly registered pesticide products and deny the emergency motion pending against EPA.



EPA Administrator Wheeler Appoints New Members from Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas to Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler is announcing the appointment of four new members from Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). Established in 2008, the FRRCC is a federal advisory committee that provides independent policy advice, information and recommendations to the EPA administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

“One of my priorities for EPA has been to restore trust for our Agency among agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” Wheeler said. “President Trump has been clear about the administration’s commitment to agriculture and rural America, and as part of that commitment, I am excited to reinstate the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee in 2020 with full membership. This committee will provide valuable input on how EPA’s decisions impact rural America, and I look forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations.”

“Within Region 7, agriculture is our largest industry and predominant land use with more than 286,000 farm operations across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford. “EPA strives to deliver innovative environmental solutions that work for rural America, and I am pleased to have voices from our region on the committee to help achieve this goal.”

The new FRRCC members selected from Region 7 states are:
    William (Bill) Couser - Couser Cattle Company; Nevada, Iowa
    Nicholas McCarthy - Central Valley Ag Cooperative; York, Nebraska
    Jesse McCurry - Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association; Colwich, Kansas
    William R. Pracht – Pracht Farms and East Kansas Agri-Energy; Garnett, Kansas

To build a broad and balanced representation of perspectives for the FRRCC, EPA selected 33 members across the nation to represent a variety of relevant sectors from across the U.S., including agricultural stakeholders and allied industries; academia; state, local, and tribal government; and nongovernmental organizations. In selecting committee members, EPA reviewed the quality of applications received between Nov. 7 and Dec. 31, 2019, for nearly 150 nominations and considered qualifications such as: whether candidates have experience in agricultural issues of relevance to EPA programs; are actively engaged in agricultural production; have related leadership experience; demonstrated ability to examine and analyze complex environmental issues with objectivity and integrity; have experience working on issues where building consensus is necessary; and are able to volunteer time to the committee’s activities.

The committee had no current members at the time of solicitation; therefore, these 33 nominees will constitute a new committee and each serve two- or three-year terms beginning on June 15, 2020. The new members of the FRRCC hail from 24 states and one territory in all 10 EPA Regions, with six of the members working in multiple states or at a national capacity. The committee expects to meet approximately twice a year beginning in late summer 2020.

For further information or a full list of all FRRCC members selected:
    Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) website: www.epa.gov/faca/frrcc
    General information on federal advisory committees at EPA: www.epa.gov/faca



Midwest Dairy Takes Dairy Experience Forum Virtual

Midwest Dairy announced registration is now open for the third annual Dairy Experience Forum to be held virtually on July 15. This one-day, online event will take place in three, 90-minute segments, featuring industry experts who will share actionable consumer insights, future forecasting and thought leadership--all to help the dairy supply chain drive demand during today's rapidly changing food and beverage climate. Discussions will address questions such as "How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food and beverage trends?" and "What's next for dairy?"

"Building on the foundation of the past two Dairy Experience Forum events, we're proud to bring representatives from the entire dairy supply chain together once again, especially given current circumstances and the rapidly changing shopping habits of consumers," said Molly Pelzer, CEO, Midwest Dairy. "During these challenging times, it's crucial we remain at the forefront of inspiring thought provoking conversations that will drive dairy innovation and fuel dairy demand. We're excited to bring this virtual format that will offer people across our 10-state region the opportunity to join these dynamic discussions from the comfort of their own home."

The 2020 Dairy Experience Forum will begin with a live consumer focus group where attendees will hear first-hand from consumers about how they make their purchasing decisions, how their shopping behaviors may have changed due to COVID-19 and their thoughts around dairy products and farming. Following the focus group, there will be virtual small group breakout sessions to discuss the information that was shared and brainstorm how the supply chain can learn from and use these key learnings to continue to connect with consumers and increase demand.

Other presentations will include:
- "The New Normal: Post-COVID-19 and the Dairy Category," presentation from Larry Levin, executive vice president of market and shopper intelligence at IRI. With milk currently one of the top 10 fastest growing e-commerce categories -- it's up 279 percent from one year ago -- and dairy outpacing total store dollar growth since the beginning of the pandemic, Levin will explore areas of opportunity for maintaining the category growth seen in-store and online during the pandemic.

- The Environmental Solutions Panel, comprised of a dairy farmer, cooperative processor and consumer branded product manufacturer will discuss how dairy is the environmental solution when it comes to producing food that is good for consumers and good for the planet, digging into the industry's 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals.

- Food trend expert Mike Lee will take a deep dive into how the 21st century eater is shaping the future of food and dairy, as consumers disrupt the marketplace and demand that food fulfills their needs at the intersection of health, sustainability and experience.

- "The Secret to Navigating Change," will come from Harris Ill, who will share about how important it is to tell your own story to create clarity and navigate change.

"This annual event provides important insights that spark continued conversations with dairy farmers and the dairy supply chain for months to come. It also provides an opportunity for us to come together and discuss how we can collaborate to build a strong future," said Allen Merrill, corporate board chairman, Midwest Dairy. "I look forward to this year's lineup of experts that are sure to push us outside of our comfort zones and move the dairy community forward together."

Dairy farmers and industry members alike can register by visiting www.dairyexperienceforum.com.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/12/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 12, ethanol production rose 0.5%, or 4,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 841,000 b/d—equivalent to 35.32 million gallons daily and a twelve-week high. However, production remains tempered due to COVID-19 disruptions, coming in 22.2% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 6.0% to 792,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.14 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks declined 2.1% to 21.3 million barrels, the lowest reserves this year and 1.2% below year-ago volumes. Inventories tightened in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) but increased across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, softened by 0.4% to 7.870 million b/d (120.65 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 20.7% lower than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol perked up, moving 3.1% higher to 789,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.10 bg annualized but 16.2% below the year-earlier level.

There were no imports of ethanol recorded for the fourteenth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of April 2020.)



Growth Energy Lauds Bill to Streamline Pathways for Low-Carbon Biofuels

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) for introducing legislation to reduce Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delays in the approval of applications to produce advanced biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“We applaud Senators Thune and Shaheen for working on a bipartisan basis to break the regulatory logjam holding back cellulosic biofuels,” said Skor. “Studies show that advanced biofuels can cut carbon emissions by 100 percent or more while providing a low-cost alternative to petroleum-based aromatics that poison our air and threaten our health.

“For too long, we’ve seen major investments in low-carbon biofuels held hostage by regulatory delays, even as farmers and biofuel producers work hand in hand to harness clean energy from agricultural residue, corn fiber, and waste. By keeping pathways frozen, EPA has put an artificial cap on advanced biofuels, limiting growth under the RFS. This important legislation will help clear the deck on long-overdue approvals and jumpstart growth at a time when revitalizing rural communities has never been more important.”

Introduced today, the bill would set a 90-day deadline for EPA to act on petitions that have been pending for more than six months, and it would fast-track approval for advanced biofuels that have already been certified under state-based low-carbon fuel programs. For example, biofuels are responsible for nearly 80 percent of all the carbon reductions credited under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with the recorded carbon intensity of ethanol declining nearly 33 percent since 2011.



ACE thanks Senators Thune, Shaheen for introducing a bill to approve long-stalled RFS pathway applications

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) thanks Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) for introducing bipartisan legislation today that would help approve certain Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathway applications, like corn fiber, which help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. ACE CEO Brian Jennings released the following statement thanking the Senators:

“ACE members are grateful to Senators Thune and Shaheen for their leadership in introducing a bill aimed at cutting the red tape currently holding up certain RFS pathway petitions for advanced biofuel. This legislation will help biofuel producers who continue to innovate and add technology to reduce the carbon intensity of their fuel production processes. The delay in application approvals causes headaches for ethanol producers and the companies poised to work with them on innovations such as corn kernel fiber technology.

“While the marketplace is slowly recovering from the steep and historic disruption caused by COVID-19, the most pressing priority for U.S. ethanol producers is direct aid in order to help recover from the ongoing economic downturn. We will continue to work with our biofuel champions in Congress to ensure the next stimulus package doesn’t again leave producers behind.”



U.S. Dairy Industry Criticizes Canada TRQ Allocations, Urges U.S. Government to Insist on Good Faith Implementation of USMCA

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) sharply criticized Canada’s allocation of its tariff-rate quotas (TRQ) under USMCA, released Tuesday, June 15. USDEC and NMPF call attention to the fact that these TRQ allocations undermine the intent of USCMA’s dairy provisions by thwarting the ability of the U.S. dairy industry to make full use of the trade agreement’s market access opportunities.

USDEC and NMPF have repeatedly warned that the full benefits of this carefully negotiated trade agreement will not materialize without careful monitoring and stringent enforcement of Canada’s USMCA commitments. The U.S. dairy industry urges the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to immediately raise this issue with Canada and insist that Canada adheres faithfully not just to the letter of its commitments under USMCA, but to its spirit as well.

“Canada’s administration of previous TRQs under existing free trade agreements gave the U.S. dairy industry ample cause for concern, which has unfortunately been confirmed by the announced TRQ allocations,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC. “Canada’s actions place the U.S. dairy industry at a disadvantage by discouraging utilization of the full use of the TRQs and limiting the market access granted by USMCA. We urge the U.S. government to act immediately to ensure that these provisions are implemented in good faith so that the U.S. dairy industry is able to reap the full range of benefits negotiated by USTR and its interagency partners at U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

USMCA will enter into force July 1, 2020 and contains important provisions to the U.S. dairy industry that will facilitate the smooth flow of U.S. dairy products throughout North America at a time of critical need and economic uncertainty. However, Canada has announced the distribution of the TRQs in such a way as to discourage high value food service or retail products from entering the market. Most of the TRQs are given to competitors who have no incentive to import products. 

“U.S. dairy farmers and cooperatives are ready to help increase deliveries of high-quality U.S. dairy products to the Canadian market, but Canada’s TRQ allocations fall far short of the full potential of its commitments under USMCA,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Canada has chosen once again to manipulate its access commitments in order to protect its tightly controlled dairy market and

U.S. farmers will bear much of the brunt of this biased interpretation of USMCA’s dairy provisions. USTR should act quickly to ensure Canada is held strictly responsible for abiding by the intent of USMCA to promote fairer trade between our nations.”



All Fertilizer Prices Decline

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of June 2020 are all lower compared to the previous month.

While all fertilizers are lower, only one fertilizer had a significant price move, which DTN designates as anything over 5%. Urea was 6% lower with an average price of $367/ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were lower in price compared to last month but not substantially. DAP has an average price of $406/ton, down $7; MAP $430/ton, down $3; potash $363/ton, down $7; 10-34-0 $468/ton, down less than $1; anhydrous $472/ton, down $20; UAN28 $235/ton, down $2; and UAN32 $276/ton, down $4.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.29/lb.N, UAN28 $0.42/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are all lower in price from a year ago. Anhydrous is 20% lower, both DAP and MAP are 18% less expensive, urea is 16% lower, UAN28 is 13% less expensive, UAN32 is 12% lower, potash is 7% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 4% lower from last year at this time.



Farm Progress Show 2020 is a 'GO' in Boone, Iowa

For more than 65 years, farmers have turned to the Farm Progress Show for the latest information about new products and tools they can use to boost productivity and profit for their operations. And that tradition continues for 2020. What attendees will find when they travel to Boone, Iowa, for the show is an important event modified to serve this essential industry during a challenging time.

"We know that the market is dealing with a lot of issues," says Matt Jungmann, events manager, Farm Progress. "But agriculture is a critical business for this country and farmers are seeking ways to be better at what they do. And nowhere is that more possible than the Farm Progress Show."

Important Business Gathering  State fairs across the Midwest have had to make the tough decision to cancel for 2020, often driven by the financial burden of losing key money-making components like concerts and midway carnivals. These are mass gatherings that serve a much different purpose than an Ag tradeshow. Of interest to many is that while the state fairs are canceled, many states and groups are working to hold on to livestock events – further proof that agriculture is essential.

What separates Farm Progress Show from a state fair is that this is an important business event for an essential industry where targeted business is conducted between exhibitors and farmers. And in light of the current crisis, farmers are seeking more information and tools to boost profitability than ever before.

"The Farm Progress Show is not the place you turn to get the latest deep fried anything," adds Jungmann. "We're focused on providing a venue where farmers can see new tools, talk to industry experts and work to enhance the way they farm."

State and Local Support
With support from officials in Iowa, show management is confident that hosting the Farm Progress Show in 2020 is filling an important service. "Farmers are challenged to find better ways to do everything from planting to spraying to harvest," says Don Tourte, senior vice president Farm Progress. "That's not easily done simply by sitting at home attending a virtual event. There's a need to see this equipment up close and gain a better understanding of how it will work in their operations."

Tourte adds that the Farm Progress events staff is working closely with a range of Iowa state agencies to ensure the show is conducted in a way that enhances safety of all those who participate while providing exhibitors the chance to reach key customers.

"Our events team has reviewed every aspect of this event with an eye toward exhibitor and visitor safety," says Tourte. "Long-time visitors to the show will see immediate changes the moment they arrive, from one-way streets to more space for physical distancing."

Health and Safety Commitments
The show staff is working diligently to deliver an impactful and engaging event that prioritizes the health and safety of our visitors and exhibitors. New carefully considered plans for safety precautions and procedures will be introduced for this year’s Farm Progress Show. From easily accessible hand sanitizer stations, to enhanced cleaning procedures for buildings and facilities, changes to the event are working to enhance safety for all participants. The show has a long-time history of safe operation, while offering visitors the most extensive gathering of exhibitors in the country.

Farm Progress parent company, Informa, which annually holds more than 600 in-person and virtual content-driven events, and to continue that effort has worked with a range of industry and event association partners to create AllSecure, a set of enhanced standards and guidelines to provide the highest level of hygiene and safety at all Informa’s events. Farm Progress Show will be organized in accordance with the AllSecure standard, providing visitors and exhibitors with reassurance and confidence they are participating in a safe and controlled environment.

"It's hard to quantify the amount of work that has gone into creation of these standards," says Jungmann. "The key for farmers, exhibitors and all who plan to attend is that your safety is critical at our events. That's really always been true, but AllSecure adds that needed, extra layer during a pandemic. We're excited to host farmers in Boone this year."



Ranchers Criticize Senate for Irresponsible Passage of Land Grab Legislation

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Natural Resources and the Public Lands Council Executive Director, Kaitlynn Glover, today released the following statement in response to the Senate passage of the Great American Outdoors Act:

"Today’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a disappointment to those who value conservation and active management of our natural resources. By making funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) mandatory, proponents of this bill sentenced existing and future lands and waters to the same fate facing current federal assets – billions of dollars in deferred maintenances. Today is indeed a landmark day – with this legislation, Congress has abdicated their responsibility and privilege to engage in these important conservation decision. I hope they are more prudent in representing their constituents when setting conservation priorities in future legislation.“ 



CLAAS Introduces the LEXION 6000 Series Straw Walker Combines

CLAAS of America today announces the launch of the all-new LEXION 6000 Series straw walker combines. The new technology offers an engineered mix of efficiency, precision and convenience that excels in crops like wheat, canola and grass seed — all in a reliable and easily-maintained package.

With two new models to choose from, the new LEXION straw walker combines are designed to save time and make the job easier for farmers who want efficient separation without over threshing grain or damaging straw.

“LEXION combines have built a reputation for delivering increased harvest efficiency and productivity, saving fuel and grain, and driving down the cost of harvest for more than twenty years,” says Blake McOllough, Product Manager – Combines, CLAAS of America. “Designed with efficiency in mind, the LEXION 6000 Series straw walker combine does that and more with new cutting-edge technology to keep operators harvesting acres in record time.”

Enhanced efficiency for more throughput
With the increased capacity of the new LEXION 6900 and 6800, the new machines provide up to 25 percent more throughput. The APS SYNFLOW WALKER threshing and separation system has the straightest crop flow in the industry and the only combine on the market with an accelerator drum for constant crop acceleration, efficient grain separation and gentle straw handling without having to make any sacrifices. It brings together the accelerated crop flow provided by APS with an additional separator drum after the threshing drum, delivering exceptional, fuel-efficient throughput and the highest straw quality.

Paired with the industry’s largest grain tank and fastest unloading speeds, the new LEXION straw walker combines are built to cut through more acres with zero compromise.

Heightened precision through advanced technology
The LEXION combine gives operators the advantages they’re looking for. The combine is equipped with more in-cab controls and on-the-fly adjustment capabilities, along with the highest-quality machine performance feedback for ensured success. At the peak of precision is the CEMOS AUTOMATIC combine automation system that makes autonomous and automatic real-time, in-field adjustments with more precision and speed than a seasoned operator.

Optimal convenience for minimal downtime
With the industry's fastest transport speed at 25 mph (40 kph), the new LEXION combine not only gets operators through the field faster, but it also gets them to the next field faster. New in-cab conversion capabilities make it simpler and faster to switch between crops when needed — reducing crop conversion time by more than 50 percent. Intuitive cab design enhancements were made for operator comfort. Daily maintenance time is shortened with features like the automatic central lubrication system and DYNAMIC COOLING to increase air filter service intervals by up to two weeks.

“The LEXION is the only combine that can get more done in the same amount of time,” says McOllough. “With exceptional, fuel-efficient throughput; gentler grain handling; and the highest straw quality, the new LEXION 6900 and 6800 combines make no compromises.”