Thursday August 20 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Index Inches Up for August:
Almost One-Half of Bankers Report Temporary Ethanol Shutdowns

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) increased slightly to a weak level from July’s frail reading. According to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, August’s  index represented the sixth straight month with a reading in a recessionary economic zone.       

Overall: The overall index for August increased slightly to 44.7 from July’s 44.1, but still well below growth neutral, though it was up from July’s 44.1 and April’s record low 12.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Farm commodity prices are down by 10.4% over the last 12 months. As a result, and despite the initiation of $32 billion in USDA farm support payments in 2020, only 8% of bankers reported their area economy had improved compared to July, while 18.4% said economic conditions had worsened,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.  

Farming and ranching: For only the second time in the last 81 months, the farmland price index moved above growth neutral with an August reading of 50.1, up from July’s 45.6.  

Approximately 45.8% of bank CEOs with ethanol plants in their area reported temporary shutdowns. The remaining 54.2% indicated ethanol production expanding at a slow pace.

The August farm equipment-sales index fell to 32.8 from 34.4 in July. This marks the 83rd straight month the reading has remained below growth neutral 50.0.  

This month, bankers estimated that farm loan defaults would rise by 5.3% over the next 12- month period. This is up slightly from the 5% recorded last month, and from 4.8% registered one year ago.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for August jumped to 52.9 from 49.3 in July. The state’s farmland-price index advanced to 51.1 from last month’s 48.0. Nebraska’s new-hiring index fell to 58.5 from July’s 64.0. Compared to the same month last year, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet economy has lost 5.8% of its employment representing 17,000 jobs.   

Iowa: The August RMI for Iowa increased to 46.8 from July’s 43.1.  Iowa’s farmland-price index grew to 53.2 from July’s 49.2 from June’s 48.3. Iowa’s new-hiring index for August rose to 51.7 from 43.4 in July. James Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora, reported, “There was tremendous storm damage in our southern trade territory including the towns of New Providence, and Union. We subtracted $100 per acre from our farm customers cash flows with the combined effects of the drought and storm.” Compared to the same month last year, Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet economy has lost 8.5% of its employment representing 58,000 jobs.   

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities, and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included.   

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.



Ricketts Names New Director of the State’s Department of Natural Resources

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced the appointment of Thomas Riley of Eagle as Director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR).  Riley currently serves as President of the Flatwater Group, a firm with offices in Lincoln and Imperial that specializes in water resources engineering, restoration design, and environmental engineering.

“Tom brings a wealth of experience in water resources planning and environmental engineering to the Department of Natural Resources,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “He has effectively managed a number of large-scale projects, such as hydrologic analyses and flood control efforts.  From our family farms to municipal water partners, Tom’s expertise and proven leadership will help Nebraska be a wise steward of our water resources as we grow our state.”

Riley is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering.  He is a registered professional engineer in Nebraska, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.  Riley’s first professional water project came while he was still in graduate school when he helped bring closure to a drainage dispute between neighbors.  He worked for over a decade as a senior engineer and project manager for a national firm.  He’s spent the past twenty years at the Flatwater Group, where he is a company founder.  At the Flatwater Group, he’s managed water projects across the state including irrigation and water supply, restoration of Nebraska’s unique saline wetlands, and stream and reservoir restoration.  Riley has also taught courses in UNL’s civil engineering department and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering.

“I was born and raised in this beautiful state and fortunate to visit so many areas over the years.  I’m still amazed of Nebraska’s beauty and plentiful water resources,” said Riley.  “I’m honored to have the opportunity to help grow Nebraska through the wise stewardship of our abundant natural resources.”

Riley’s first day as NeDNR Director will be November 1, 2020, and his salary will be $170,000.



Ethanol Industry Applauds Passage of LB 1107
 
The Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska applaud Governor Pete Ricketts’ final approval of LB 1107, which took place today on the steps of the Capitol.
 
Dubbed the great compromise, LB 1107 combined many of the business incentives of LB 720, otherwise known as the ImagiNE Act, with elements of property tax reform for all property owners including ethanol facilities. Critical to the ethanol industry were business tax incentives targeted toward renewable chemical operations which utilize ethanol and byproducts of the ethanol production process to create chemicals that are renewable-based.
 
“As we continuously seek other uses and opportunities for ethanol, the renewable chemical components of LB 1107 will add incentives for companies involved in renewable chemical processes to co-locate at a Nebraska ethanol facility,” said Roger Berry, Administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “This has the potential to lead to alternative and additional options for our state’s robust ethanol industry, which already impacts our economy by $5 billion each year.”
 
Other elements of LB 1107 will allow for tax credits based on future investments and job creation and potentially substantial property tax relief for ethanol facilities.
 
“Ethanol producers have been through some challenging times lately,” said Troy Bredenkamp, Executive Director for Renewable Fuels Nebraska. “As ethanol producers look to retool and reinvest in their plants, business incentives and property tax relief will influence future investments and upgrades in the Nebraska plant fleet.”
 
“We thank those in the Nebraska Legislature who persevered to make LB 1107 a reality,” Bredenkamp said. “While LB 1107 is not perfect legislation, it demonstrates collaboration by the Nebraska Legislature to act in the best interest of Nebraskans.”
 
Both the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska now turn their attention to LR 373, which will be the first comprehensive study of state policy impacting Nebraska’s ethanol in many years. Several policy-related issues will be researched and assessed with potential legislation during next year’s session to address policy impediments to Nebraska’s ethanol industry.
 
“As the state agency representing the ethanol industry, we look forward to assisting the Nebraska Legislation with this study process,” Berry said. “Ethanol and biofuel production is as important as ever as we take a serious look at air pollution and its harrowing effects on public health, especially those experiencing respiratory issues. Ethanol is proven to reduce greenhouse gases and toxic tailpipe emissions. It is important that Nebraska policies enhance the ethanol industry’s ability to thrive.”



Lindsay Unlocks Customized Crop Water Usage in FieldNET

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, Wednesday announced the launch of FieldNET with WaterTrend, a powerful new feature that gives growers critical crop water usage insights to aid in effective and efficient irrigation decision-making.

FieldNET, Lindsay's award-winning irrigation management platform, provides growers the ability to remotely monitor and control all aspects of their existing pivot and lateral irrigation systems, regardless of the equipment's age or brand. The platform delivers information so growers can monitor the operational status of their irrigation systems and control them quickly and easily from a smartphone, tablet or computer 24-hours a day from anywhere.

"FieldNET users are accustomed to getting new, software-enabled features and enhancements added to their service throughout the year - these are features driven by their requests and needs," said Brian Magnusson, vice president of the Americas at Lindsay. "FieldNET with WaterTrend is the latest example of this customer-focused innovation that is now included with every FieldNET subscription, at no additional cost. This new feature addresses our customers' desire to have better data available to help them make more informed irrigation decisions. It's a feature that isn't available through any remote irrigation monitor and control platform outside of FieldNET, further differentiating FieldNET in the marketplace."

Using advanced data, science and modeling technology, the new WaterTrend feature provides a 7-day water outlook on forecasted crop water usage and precipitation amounts. This is based on field-specific forecasted rainfall amounts, crop growth models and crop water usage information. Growers can see trends in how their crops will use water over the coming week, enabling them to make better, data-driven decisions on when and how much to irrigate. Another added benefit of the new feature is the ability for growers to view field-specific weather data, including the current field conditions plus hourly and daily forecasts.

Available globally to subscribers for FieldNET-equipped center pivots, WaterTrend can be accessed via the FieldNET app - no additional subscription or equipment is needed.

"FieldNET with WaterTrend uses the same science and data that goes into FieldNET Advisor to provide a 7-day water trend," said Albert Maurin, product manager at Lindsay. "Simply configure your crop information, and FieldNET takes care of everything else. Making informed irrigation decisions has really never been easier."

Maurin added that, at any time, growers can take their irrigation management to the next level and upgrade to FieldNET Advisor to receive daily, automated irrigation recommendations - including the ability to account for multiple crop types and planting dates, incorporate satellite imagery, further customize the irrigation parameters, and receive continuously updated variable-rate irrigation (VRI) prescriptions.

"From monitor-only options to complete monitoring, analysis and control, FieldNET offers solutions to meet every grower's needs," Maurin said. "And, while it's already unmatched in the industry, our customers benefit from these kinds of continuous improvements - we're always working to deliver additional value to our customers."

The global release of FieldNET with WaterTrend furthers Lindsay's commitment to creating a more sustainable future by equipping growers with data and insights to run their irrigation system with precision to conserve resources. The company has a goal to help growers save more than 700 billion gallons of water and more than one billion kilowatt hours of energy by the year 2022.



Record High Red Meat and Pork Production in July

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.81 billion pounds in July, up 5 percent from the 4.59 billion pounds produced in July 2019.

Beef production, at 2.42 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.92 million head, down 1 percent from July 2019. The average live weight was up 37 pounds from the previous year, at 1,363 pounds.

Veal production totaled 5.8 million pounds, 9 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 41,100 head, down 23 percent from July 2019. The average live weight was up 39 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.37 billion pounds, up 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.2 million head, up 6 percent from July 2019. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was up 1 percent from July 2019. Sheep slaughter totaled 195,100 head, 3 percent above last year. The average live weight was 125 pounds, down 2 pounds from July a year ago.

By State          (million lbs.  -  % July '19)
Nebraska ....:           712.2            105       
Iowa ...........:           769.2            111       
Kansas ........:           554.2            105       

January to July 2020 commercial red meat production was 31.6 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2019. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 6 percent.



Considerations for Using CRP Forages in Beef Cattle Diets

The USDA Farm Service Agency has released Conservation Reserve Program acres for emergency haying and grazing of 24 counties in western Iowa. Using this additional forage resource provides producers with opportunities as well as challenges.

Here are some considerations to think through when deciding how to utilize the forage. This information is being provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University.

Forage Quality
At best, forage quality of CRP acres harvested this late in the year is comparable to corn stalks. The last time the acres were hayed or grazed, the CRP program and forage species present determined quality. Additionally, plants have been stressed this summer due to lack of moisture, and therefore, are more mature than normal. Previous samples of CRP forage have demonstrated crude protein values as low as 2% to as high as 8%, and energy values are frequently below 50% TDN.  

Feeding Considerations
Due to the low forage quality, it is important to get a nutrient analysis on the forage resource to know what you are working with. Regardless of stage of production or class of cattle, additional energy and protein supplementation will be necessary to meet gestating cow or fed cattle nutritional requirements.

More importantly, be aware of unwanted products and debris (cans, shotgun shells, old fencing, garbage, etc.) that may be present. To decrease the risk, avoid harvesting acres immediately alongside the ditch or fence line.

Weed Presence
Pay attention to weed presence and make sure you know if there any toxicities associated with that weed. CRP acres tend to contain a large amount of weeds or other forages, and seed heads, that are not desired in pastures, hay fields or even crop fields. Carefully consider your feeding areas when utilizing CRP hay to reduce the area where new weeds are being introduced through seed dispersal of the hay or manure deposition or spreading. With drought stressed forages, bare ground will increase the likelihood of weeds next spring.

Water Sources
If grazing CRP acres, carefully evaluate water sources. Many ponds in Western Iowa have experienced prolonged periods of hot temperatures and minimal influx of new water, which is the perfect environment for algae blooms. Watch for blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which is a major health risk for cattle. Use caution when hauling water to cows. Avoid utilizing liquid fertilizer tanks to haul water, as it cannot be cleaned out well enough to prevent nitrate poisoning.

If you have questions regarding forage sampling or utilizing CRP forages in beef cattle diets, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist. For additional resources dealing with drought, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org/droughtresources.html.



No-Till Can Serve as a Moisture Management Tool

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, and Conservation Learning Group, is hosting a free virtual no-tillage and moisture management field day on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m.

Participants will visit long-time no-till farmer Doug Gronau’s farm in Crawford County and discuss the benefits of no-tillage, including soil moisture retention during dry conditions, with Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator.

“No-till has been a key to the quality of our crops this year. According to my weather station, this summer we are six inches short of rain compared to our average. However, when we went to take a look a week ago in our corn fields, there was still adequate soil moisture available for the crop,” noted Doug Gronau, who farms with his son near Vail in Crawford County.

For nearly 20 years, the Gronau family has been planting no-till corn and soybean to help reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and manage soil moisture. They have also implemented additional conservation practices such as live waterways and terraces, and used cover crops since 2014 to address soil erosion and help improve water quality.

Jodi Dejong-Hughes has been a regional extension educator with the University of Minnesota Extension for over 23 years. Her area of expertise includes tillage management systems, soil compaction and soil health management.

"Reducing tillage is a great way to build soil structure. A soil with good structure will have better water infiltration, letting a field capture more of the rainfalls, and also has the ability to hold onto that water for when the crop needs it,” said DeJong-Hughes.

To participate in the live virtual field day at 1 p.m., click this URL: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpduihpj8iE9ZHcjpsenc2DWQILG41wg0D or visit www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/events and click “Join Live Virtual Field Day.”

Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923. Meeting ID is: 914 1198 4892

The field day will be recorded and archived on the Iowa Learning Farms website so that it can be watched at any time. The archive will be available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/events.

Participants may be eligible for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live field day.



Growth Energy Slams Fresh Round of Exemption Requests at EPA

Growth Energy today reaffirmed its opposition to so-called ‘gap-year’ exemptions from the nation’s biofuel laws after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed nine new petitions from refiners seeking to skirt obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard – bringing the total to 98, including 67 retroactive exemption requests.
 
“Oil companies are pouring gasoline on the fire, while the EPA seems content to watch it burn,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “President Trump needs to put his foot down and demand the EPA send a clear signal to struggling rural communities that the demand destruction is over. These so-called ‘gap year’ refinery exemptions violate the letter and spirit of the law, but refiners still seem to think regulators will treat them like ‘trick or treat candy.’ Leaders in the House and Senate and governors across the heartland are all raising the alarm because these exemptions represent a direct threat to the rural recovery, which already faces fresh headwinds due to the spread of COVID-19. EPA must deny these exemptions without further delay.”



Growth Energy Cheers Strong Retail Interest in USDA Biofuel Infrastructure Program

Growth Energy hailed the latest efforts of retailers seeking to expand biofuel options at the pump, with last week's close of the application period under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Building on efforts through Prime the Pump, Growth Energy's unmatched network of retail partners submitted submitted grant applications for 293 sites, totaling $33 million for infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends.
 
“As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and motorists begin returning to the roadways, our retail partners are excited to offer more drivers access to lower-cost, low-carbon biofuel blends,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful to all the applicants, as well as our champions in Congress and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, for working with Growth Energy to ensure that HBIIP remains positioned to turbo-charge the installation of pumps and other infrastructure. With so many headwinds facing U.S. farmers and biofuel producers, the continued expansion of E15 and other biofuel blends offers a ray of hope that promises to drive rural growth for years to come.”

Background
The USDA’s HBIIP will expand domestic ethanol and biodiesel availability by supporting infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends (E15/B20 or higher). This effort will build on biofuels infrastructure investments and experience gained through the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). Growth Energy’s pioneering work with Prime the Pump helped make BIP a resounding success, supporting the installation of E15 at more than 2,200 retail locations.



Research on Respiratory Disease in Pigs Through Gut Microbiome

A new $500,000 grant will help a Kansas State University researcher look for ways to control one of the most important viral agents in pigs: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is the project director on the three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, "Assessing the Microbiome as a Tool for the Mitigation of Viral Disease in Nursery Pigs."

"Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, or PRRSV, causes the most costly disease to swine production in the United States," Niederwerder said. "The disease caused by this virus often involves secondary bacterial pathogens and results in polymicrobial lung infections, which exacerbate respiratory disease and increase antimicrobial administration in young growing pigs."

Although commercial vaccines are used to reduce the effects of PRRSV on swine health, Niederwerder said that currently available vaccines are generally considered inadequate for disease control. She said alternative strategies for control of PRRSV are needed to maintain swine health and welfare while lessening the economic effects of this disease on pork producers.

"The goal of our work is to investigate the gut microbiome as a novel tool for PRRSV control due to its impact on the immune system and nutritional outcomes after infection," Niederwerder said. "We plan to investigate the effects of microbiome modulation on the outcome of swine with respiratory disease and identify what beneficial microbes are associated with improved health. We anticipate the data generated in this project will allow us to characterize and determine the gut microbes that improve pig health in the presence of PRRSV."

Niederwerder hopes to determine how beneficial gut microbes may be used as a preventative medicine tool to reduce the effects of respiratory disease and decrease the need for antimicrobials in swine.



Growth Energy Welcomes Lawmaker Push Against Brazilian Ethanol Tariffs

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked farm-state lawmakers who called on the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to stand strong against Brazilian trade barriers targeting U.S. ethanol. Led by Reps. Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Adrian Smith (NE-03), 20 members of the House sent a letter calling on USTR Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer to demand a “level playing field for U.S. ethanol,” which faces a prohibitive 20 percent tariff on imports beyond a specified quota, while Brazil continues to be afforded virtually tariff-free access to the U.S.
 
“Brazil is a vital market for U.S. ethanol, but our exports to the nation plummeted by nearly a third last year under the nation’s unjustified and unfair approach,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “For years, the U.S.-Brazil trade relationship has been a source of strength and growth for both nations, and we cannot afford to see that progress destroyed. With agricultural communities struggling to get back on their feet in the wake of COVID-19, it’s vital that U.S. negotiators use every tool at their disposal to ensure American exports are placed on a level playing field with Brazilian exports. We applaud leaders in Congress who are stepping up to ensure rural families have a seat at the table.”



 Mexico Announces Plan to Ban Glyphosate by 2024

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced this week that his administration would ban the herbicide glyphosate by 2024, breaking its commitments to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement by violating the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions.

 Over the past year, the American Soybean Association has engaged with industry partners, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. government to voice the soybean industry’s concerns with actions taken by the Mexican government pertaining to crop protection and biotechnology tools. While these actions of the Mexican government have been alarming, ASA does not expect the situation to impact soybean trade between the two countries. Along with the National Corn Growers Association, CropLife America, and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, it continuea to press the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to work with the Mexicans to find a solution that continues to allow the free movement of U.S. soybeans to Mexico. This is a situation ASA will continue to raise in its advocacy efforts with the U.S. government.



Sale Of U.S.-Bred Heifers: Latest Benefit Of USGC Partnerships In Morocco

A load of U.S.-bred Holstein heifers - 1,750 head valued at $4 million - will leave U.S. shores for Morocco in December 2020, the latest downstream benefit of a long-lasting partnership between the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and COPAG, a Moroccan dairy cooperative.

“This is the third time COPAG has imported animals from the United States since the feedlot was inaugurated,” said Dr. Mustapha El Youssoufi, USGC beef consultant in Morocco. “Including the upcoming shipment, COPAG has imported 5,400 U.S. dairy cattle with a total value of $14.7 million.”

The Council has worked with COPAG leadership for more than 15 years. The organization is a 14,000 farmer-member cooperative with more than 85,000 Holstein cattle. Business operations have expanded beyond the original citrus and dairy operations to include dairy processing, beef production, beef processing and vegetable production.

The Council first signed a memorandum of understanding with the cooperative in 2003 to provide engineering and start-up support for an 11,000-head beef feedlot, the first of its kind in Africa. When the feedlot was officially inaugurated in 2005, a team from the USGC Board of Directors and sorghum sector attended.

Over the years, the Council also provided consultations for COPAG’s dairy operations and helped with the startup of the first private slaughterhouse in Morocco. COPAG also operated the only feed mill focused on producing feed concentrates for ruminants, using U.S. feed grains to ensure overall herd performance and maximum productivity.

In return for this support, COPAG granted the Council access to its facilities as a training center in Morocco for educating trade teams on the benefits of intensive production practices; highlighting the importance of feed concentrates for ruminants; and demonstrating the use of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), steam-flaked corn and sorghum to regional feed millers. Teams from the United States, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia and India have all participated in these training programs.

“When the Council started working with COPAG, our original goal was to highlight the benefits of corn, sorghum and DDGS in cattle feeds,” Youssoufi said. “The relationship between the Council and COPAG is so unique and complementary we have seen countless international teams visit COPAG to learn about dairy and beef production.”

Beyond the training programs and technical exchange, COPAG is also a steady importer of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. In addition to U.S. dairy genetics valued at $960,000, COPAG has imported 830,000 metric tons of U.S. corn, soybeans, DDGS, corn gluten feed and soy hulls - valued at $190 million - over the past 10 years.

“The return on the Council’s initial investment 15 years ago continues to yield results for U.S. exporters,” said Ramy Taieb, USGC regional director for the Middle East and Africa. “This program highlights the importance of relationships forged over time, demonstrating how they create value for U.S. agriculture in many long-lasting and sometimes unexpected ways.”



RFD-TV Partners With National FFA Organization for Live Broadcast of 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo

The National FFA Organization and RFD-TV are working in collaboration this fall to ensure FFA members and supporters across the country are able to view the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo.

The event, which will be Oct. 27, 28 and 29, will be virtual this year. Thanks to the generosity of RFD-TV, production of the convention general sessions, award recognitions, national officer retiring addresses and celebration of FFA members and partners will occur at the RFD-TV studio in Ft. Worth, Texas, Stockyards.

“The National FFA Organization has had a strong partnership with RFD-TV for the past 32 years,” said National FFA Organization CEO, Mark Poeschl. “Patrick Gottsch has been a great friend to the organization over the years and made it possible for the organization to launch the first live broadcast of our national convention and carry gavel-to-gavel coverage each year. Today, as we continue to navigate through the uncertainty of the pandemic, Patrick has once again stepped up to ensure our members and supporters across the country can continue to participate in our National FFA Convention & Expo. We are extremely thankful for his generosity to the organization and his desire to continue to help us tell the story of FFA and agricultural education.”

Both RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel will air the convention live, Oct. 27, 28 and 29. It can also be viewed on RFD’s streaming platform, RFD-TV Now and The Cowboy Channel+ apps.

"We are so proud to be entrusted with the responsibility of producing and hosting the video broadcasts for the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo. Our new studios in the Fort Worth Stockyards will be up to the challenge of making this year's National FFA Convention an experience that the National FFA Officer team, and all of the FFA members and ag teachers watching RFD-TV or The Cowboy Channel in the classroom and/or on digital devices, will never forget,” said Patrick Gottsch, Founder and President of RFD-TV.  

“Our partnership with the National FFA Organization is our most important relationship,” Gottsch continued. “Together, I believe that we will make history this year by recreating the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the Indianapolis stage for the benefit and enjoyment of all those stuck at home this year."

In addition to the convention broadcast, streaming channels will also be used to allow members and supporters to participate in the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo. More information on the national convention can be found at convention.FFA.org.



Not One More Vet Is Racing Around the World to Raise Awareness of Veterinary Suicide

To help raise awareness of veterinary suicide and promote well-being within the veterinary community, Not One More Vet (NOMV) is inviting everyone to join the Race Around the World, which will take place from Sept. 1 to Nov. 10, 2020. The goal is to accumulate 25,000 miles/40,000 kilometers representing the circumference of the Earth and illustrating NOMV’s goal to reach veterinary professionals around the world.  Donations to NOMV go toward some of our key programs, including our large peer support network that seeks to reduce isolation and provide personal support from caring and understanding peers, educational leadership programs, and our work with the University of Tennessee and Auburn University to develop a revolutionary online crisis support system specifically designed for veterinary professionals providing leadership.

Since 2014, NOMV has been pioneering online peer-to-peer support and mentorship, reaching over 26,000 veterinarians, support staff and veterinary students from around the world. In addition, NOMV is pioneering work on a revolutionary online crisis support system, leading the way in wellness education and focusing on meaningful research into mental health within the veterinary profession.

COVID-19 has created an elevated sense of urgency in providing wellness resources to those in the veterinary profession dealing with additional stresses due to the global pandemic. We are seeing unprecedented levels of workload, abuse and bullying as essential workers and veterinary professionals must balance their own needs — and the needs of their families — with their work.

To help address these needs, NOMV is raising crucial funds through a well-focused community-building fundraiser in the form of an online international virtual race. Zoetis has partnered with NOMV as the premier sponsor to help raise awareness. “Zoetis is committed to helping veterinarians care for their well-being so they can flourish both personally and professionally.  With that in mind, we are honored to sponsor Not One More Vet Race Around the World, which works to help veterinary professionals overcome challenges so they can remain dedicated to caring for animals as they take care of themselves,” said Jeannie Jeffery, vice president of the U.S. equine business at Zoetis.

Registration for the event is now open; participants can choose to register as an individual or as part of a team. Cost of registration is $25 and is open to both domestic and international participants.



Corn rootworm monitoring program guides growers in making informed management decisions

As corn rootworm (CRW) pressure spikes in the Midwest, Syngenta is helping growers minimize the long-term impact through a robust monitoring program to guide long-term management strategies.

So far this season, Syngenta monitoring has seen a rise in CRW threats, likely the result of a turbulent 2019 where less-than-ideal weather resulted in delayed planting, combined with dry conditions this spring.

"We've seen heavier than normal CRW pressure throughout the U.S., with the heaviest pressure observed in the key rootworm geographies of northern Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, southern Minnesota, Nebraska and Colorado," said Andy Heggenstaller, head of agronomy for Syngenta Seeds. "Although these are the highest populations we've recorded in the past five years, the good news is that our monitoring program is also finding that growers who are incorporating multiple management practices are getting ahead of the challenge."

Long-term CRW management requires a multi-year, whole-farm approach that includes the integration of multiple control measures, not a singular technology. For growers looking to effectively control CRW, Syngenta recommends having a plan in place for each field that includes multiple control strategies including crop rotation, corn rootworm-traited corn hybrids, soil-applied insecticides and adult beetle management.

The monitoring program, announced this spring, was designed to provide growers with the support they need to monitor adult CRW in their fields and supply knowledge to help make better, more informed management decisions. One tactic that has benefited growers is the use of yellow sticky traps, an easy and reliable tool for estimating CRW populations in corn fields.

"Every farm – and in many cases, every field – is unique, and effective CRW management requires year-by-year, field-by-field evaluation," said Heggenstaller. "Using yellow sticky traps, we are able to track the current year's beetle numbers and gauge the following year's larval threat. This information then helps us develop a long-term CRW management plan tailored to the specific needs of each field."

Because CRW has historically demonstrated the ability to overcome some management practices and control technologies, it's important to show CRW something different. Growers looking for a new trait rotational option for a healthier corn crop should consider planting Agrisure Duracade® trait stacks.

"Agrisure Duracade trait stacks feature a unique mode of action that demonstrates strong performance against CRW," said Tim O'Brien, PhD, Agrisure® traits manager for Syngenta. "The industry's most innovative solution for proactively protecting yield potential is the Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge® trait stack. Its novel, alternate modes of action help preserve trait durability and delay insect adaptation for long-term field health."

"When used in rotation with other industry trait technologies like Agrisure 3122 E-Z Refuge, Agrisure Duracade trait stacks provide a new trait rotation option for CRW management," he added.

The Agrisure traits portfolio is a direct result of a Syngenta commitment to address the increasing challenges for farmers. Syngenta continues to develop and invest in technologies that bring about positive lasting change for more sustainable agriculture.

Growers interested in utilizing the CRW monitoring program to make management decisions for next year should contact their local, independent Golden Harvest® Seed Advisor or local NK® retailer.