Wednesday August 26 Ag News

 Nebraska Corn "Farm Readiness Checklist"

We all know no one can learn the nuances of your farm overnight, like which tractor needs a shot of ether to get rolling regardless of temperature, but you can still have a plan in place. Being prepared can not only provide peace of mind in case something happens but can also help reduce stress by having a plan laid out now. Take a few minutes to write out your plan and put it where it can be easily found.  Give a copy to a trusted neighbor or friend.

Protect Yourself
- Always Take A Second for Safety, an extra second could save your life
- Wear proper PPE
- Drink plenty of water and get enough rest
- Make it a point to check in with family and loved ones regularly, even when fall gets hectic
- Practice gratitude
- Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a quick walk around the farm
- Monitor yourself for signs of stress, if you notice something, say something
- Follow all safety guidelines for equipment

General Farm Information
- Hired help contact info and primary job responsibilities
- Typical machinery dealership and/or repair services used
- Crop advisor and/or farm manager name & phone number
- Crop insurance agent name & phone number
- Ag lender name & phone number
- Locations of equipment needed for harvest

Field Plans      
- Field names & locations
    o Highlight in a plat book if possible
    o Note where the field entrance is and what side is best to start working from
    o Do you have tile inlets or irrigation equiptment that needs to be mov ed?
- What still needs to be done? Do you have pivots that need to be checked?

List compiled by the Nebraska Corn Board and the NE Corn Growers Association.  



NC WEBINAR: Adding Value to Feeder Calves
September 1 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm    

Nebraska Cattlemen, along with cattlemen in Minnesota and Kentucky, will host a webinar called "Adding Value to Feeder Calves" on Tuesday Sept. 1 at 7pm.  Featured presenters include:

Michelle Olson - University of Kentucky Extension Veterinarian
The beneficial effects of weaning and preconditioning on Calf Health.  How weaning and preconditioning can:
    decrease antibiotic use;
    allow calves to recover from the stress of weaning and boost immunity to respiratory disease;
    correctly transition calves from forages to grain, avoiding acidosis
    improve overall calf health throughout the feeding period

Alfredo DiCostanzo - University of Minnesota Professor-Beef Cattle Nutrition & Management
    Identifying market opportunities presented by feeder cattle price cycles
    Evaluating feeding and management approaches that result in growth management (backgrounding)

Galen Erickson - University of Nebraska Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science
    feedlot management
    nutrition
    how Nebraska feed yards turns all those feeder calves into great beef!

REGISTER HERE....  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-55TSeByTxeyXgo6-s4C-w.  



Saunders County Livestock Association Outlook Meeting
September 15 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saunders County 4H Bldg,  Wahoo, NE    
RSVP to Dan Kellner, Saunders Co President, 402-663-5197 or dkellnerfarms@gmail.com



Reynolds, Naig Introduce Program to Help Schools Purchase Iowa-Grown Produce, Protein for Students

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the creation of a Local Produce and Protein Program today. Gov. Reynolds has allocated $500,000 through CARES Act funding to help Iowa schools purchase locally-grown products from Iowa farmers impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions. The funding will be awarded through three grant programs administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“Iowa is at the foundation of our global food supply chain and the epicenter of the renewable fuels industry,” said Gov. Reynolds. “COVID-19 and a devastating derecho dealt a major blow to everything from the demand for ethanol to the supply of meat on grocery store shelves. But just as important are the livelihoods of thousands of Iowa farm families, agricultural industries and the communities they support. Today’s investment reflects the critical role Iowa’s ag industry has in our state's overall economic recovery.”

“Connecting Iowa farmers with schools, early care centers, and places of higher education creates more markets for their products and allows schools to serve students a larger variety of fresh, locally-grown foods,” said Secretary Naig. “Through this program and funding support from Gov. Reynolds, we can help strengthen local food systems and help support farmers and schools who have been impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions.”

These grant opportunities support the purchase of Iowa-grown and raised food by offering funding to purchase protein and produce, as well as equipment and supplies needed to make this food accessible to children.

Equipment Grant for K-12 Schools
Iowa K-12 schools can apply to be reimbursed for some of the costs associated with purchasing kitchen equipment and supplies that allow the food service program to offer more fresh produce and protein sourced from Iowa farmers. For example, school kitchens may purchase food sealer machines, coolers, dicers, single portion containers, and grab-and-go food supplies. To be eligible for this grant, the school must also apply for the local food sub-grant (listed below).

Up to $160,000 will be allocated for these sub-grants. The funds will be divided amongst approved K-12 schools. Each approved applicant may receive up to $5,000, depending on the number of applicants. The expenses must be incurred between March 1 and Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are due Sept. 7, 2020. Funds must be expended by Dec. 1, 2020.

Local Food Grant for All Iowa Schools
All Iowa schools, including K-12, colleges and universities and early care centers, can apply for the local food sub-grant. Approved schools will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs to purchase produce and protein from local farmers. At least half of the funds must be used to purchase fruits and vegetables. Produce, liquid and shelled eggs, and dairy products (excluding liquid milk) must be purchased directly from local producers, food hubs or food auctions. Meat and poultry products must be processed in-state or by a USDA-inspected meat locker.

Up to $220,000 will be allocated for these sub-grants. The funds will be divided amongst approved Iowa schools. The expenses must be incurred between March 1 and Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are due Sept. 7, 2020. Funds must be expended by Dec. 1, 2020.

Equipment Grant for Producers and Food Hubs
Iowa specialty crop producers and food hubs can apply to be reimbursed for the purchase of supplies and equipment needed to serve their products in schools, colleges, universities and early care centers. Some examples of eligible purchases include refrigerated trucks, cold storage units, and boxes and packaging equipment. Producers must be willing to sell to schools and enroll in the Farm to School directory to be eligible.

Up to $110,000 will be allocated to support these sub-grants. The money will be divided amongst approved producers and food hubs. Each approved applicant may receive $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of approved applicants. Applications are due Sept. 7, 2020. Funds must be expended by Dec. 1, 2020.

Eligible applicants can apply for the Local Produce and Protein Program grants online at www.iowaagriculture.gov/grants. Please contact Tammy Stotts, program administrator, with questions at 515.281.7657 or tammy.stotts@iowaagriculture.gov.



Reynolds, Naig Introduce Program to Help Small Meat and Poultry Processors Grow their Businesses

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the creation of a Meat Processing Expansion and Development Program today. Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 have placed significant demands on the state’s small (25 employees or less) meat and poultry processors. Gov. Reynolds has allocated $2 million through CARES Act funding to support these local processors during the recovery effort. The funding will be awarded through three grant programs administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“Iowa is at the foundation of our global food supply chain and the epicenter of the renewable fuels industry,” said Gov. Reynolds. “COVID-19 and a devastating derecho dealt a major blow to everything from the demand for ethanol to the supply of meat on grocery store shelves. But just as important are the livelihoods of thousands of Iowa farm families, agricultural industries and the communities they support. Today’s investment reflects the critical role Iowa’s ag industry has in our state's overall economic recovery.”

“COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of and increased the demand for locally-grown foods,” said Secretary Naig. “Thanks to this funding commitment from Gov. Reynolds, the Department will be able to invest in building strong markets for our local meat and poultry producers and resilient supply chains for their products. This is also an investment in our local meat lockers, which play an important role in their communities and the food supply chain.”

Eligible meat and poultry processors can use the recovery funds for business improvements, direct-to-consumer food marketing or continuing education programs.

Business Improvement Grant
The business improvement grant will reimburse meat and poultry processors for expenses incurred (up to $50,000) to purchase or upgrade equipment. Eligible expenses must allow the facility to increase its processing capacity to accommodate the increased demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, these upgrades may help a custom-exempt processing plant prepare to become an official plant, or help an official plant make the upgrades necessary to qualify for the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program.

To be eligible for a business improvement grant, the applicant must represent an official or custom-exempt processing plant that is licensed and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture, a federally-inspected plant with 25 or less full-time employees, or an Iowa-accredited meat science education program. The expenses must be incurred between March 1 and Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are due Sept. 7.

Direct Marketing Grant
The direct marketing grant will reimburse livestock producers for a portion of the expenses incurred (up to $2,000) to produce materials, develop services, or purchase equipment to help transition to a direct-to-consumer sales strategy. This may include developing an online sales platform, an alternative sales plan, or another project that would help their farm continue selling their meat products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Producers that direct-market less than 200 livestock or 2,000 poultry per year are eligible for this grant. The expenses must be incurred between March 1 and Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are due Sept. 7, 2020.

Tuition Grant
The grant will reimburse owners or employees of state-inspected and licensed meat and poultry establishments who attend and successfully complete a HACCP training program by an accredited program in meat sciences. The coursework shall commence on or after Sept. 8, 2020 and must conclude by Dec. 1, 2020. Applications are due Sept. 7, 2020.

Eligible applicants can apply for the Meat Processing Expansion and Development grants online at iowaagriculture.gov/grants. Please contact Maison Bleam, program administrator, with questions at 515.281.7808 or maison.bleam@iowaagriculture.gov.



Iowa Pork Producers Association Launches Podcast to Connect Iowans to Agriculture, Farmers and Food

Iowans forced to 'shelter in place' and wait out COVID-19 are hungry for new ways to feed their bodies and their curiosity about food. And, while there are nearly 1-million podcasts about cooking food, there are few that connect Iowans to those who grow or raise that food.
 
That is the focus of the new podcast, ChopTalk. ChopTalk is being produced by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), and features host Laurie Johns traveling the state to tell those stories to Iowans.
 
"Fewer than two percent of Iowans call farming their full-time job, and that often leads to more misinformation than facts out there about agriculture," said Mike Paustian, IPPA President and Walcott pig farmer.
 
"The simple truth is, there are more pigs than people in this state and that contributes to the disconnect that so many Iowans experience. We hope to change that by bringing farmers and those who support agriculture into the lives of those who are looking for new information, in the place where they are seeking it out: podcasts. It's time to use that tool to engage Iowans so they can learn about farming and the people who are called to the many challenges around being a farmer," Paustian said.
 
Podcasts are growing in popularity as a safe and personal way to both be entertained and informed. ChopTalk will look at pig farming and the many ways it impacts food choices, the environment, and even the local and state economy.
 
"Americans eat an average of 65 pounds of pork a year and have long relied on Iowa pig farmers to provide plentiful, affordable protein options for our family tables," said Johns, a former Des Moines TV anchor, reporter and a lifelong Iowan.
 
ChopTalk episodes can be found on IowaPork.org/ChopTalk or on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. The first episode is now available and gives Iowans a better picture of how COVID-19 sent ripples through many sectors of the state and how agriculture responded.



National Pork Board Launches Real Pork

In an environment where shoppers continually question what brands and products they can trust. Where increasingly diverse consumers seek to connect with the familiar flavors of their heritage. And home cooks are weary – both from meal preparation and an inability to travel to other cities, states and countries to experience authentic flavors. The National Pork Board is helping America wake up and get real.

Through its new master-brand strategy, the Pork Board invites consumers to experience the authenticity, flavor and ability to bring people together that Real Pork provides.

“Real Pork not only celebrates the authentic flavors of pork, it encompasses the values and beliefs of the pork industry from farm to fork,” said Angie Krieger, vice president of domestic marketing at the Pork Board.  “Our work began on this master-brand strategy before the coronavirus appeared in the United States, but the shift in buying and cooking habits the pandemic created certainly accelerated our efforts. Six months in, consumers are weary of meal preparation, they want new experiences and to travel.”

During the pandemic, retail sales of pork have surged as consumers are cooking more at home, purchasing different products than they normally do and experimenting with new recipes. Supported by extensive consumer research, Real Pork aims to not only sustain the growth from pandemic purchasing but extend it long term by highlighting pork’s advantages.

Those advantages begin in the barn, so telling the authentic stories of pig farmers and pig farms – and how pork’s sustainability creates a protein consumers can feel good about feeding their family – will be a critical part of how Real Pork comes to life.

The first introduction of Real Pork to consumers comes this September, and focuses on “Pork as a Passport,” which celebrates pork’s position as a culturally relevant protein around the world. It encourages small adventures for weary quarantine cooks by showcasing delicious pork dishes from next door and across the globe.

Pork as a Passport will help consumers travel through their taste buds via inspiration that will be found in digital, social media, video, and a new landing page at www.pork.org/realpork. A few examples of planned activities include:  
    Matching pig farmers with global chefs to connect over pork product
    Highlighting globally inspired pork recipes with modern photography
    Engaging a family psychologist to provide insight about the importance of family meals
    Sharing information on global recipes and flavors using pork through social media influencers
    Connecting U.S. chefs with international chefs to cook and together, create rich sharable videos for online and social media
    Highlighting pork in the most authentic, real and delicious way possible, through street food in a multicultural effort called Menu Urbano

As activities come to life, they will be posted on the new landing page, www.pork.org/realpork and the National Pork Board Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest accounts.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/21/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 21, ethanol production climbed 0.5% higher, or 4,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 931,000 b/d—equivalent to 39.10 million gallons daily. Production remained 10.3% below the same week in 2019 as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.8% to 926,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.20 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks increased 0.7% to 20.4 million barrels, which was 11.2% below year-ago volumes. Inventories bulked up in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3), Rocky Mountains (PADD 4), and West Coast (PADD 5) but shifted lower across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, popped up 6.2% to 9.16 million b/d (140.44 annualized). Gasoline demand remained 7.5% lower than a year ago.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol softened, down 0.7% to 854,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.09 bg annualized, which was 10.6% below the year-earlier level.

The U.S. imported 12,000 b/d of ethanol, or 3.53 million gallons for the week. This marks the fourth time over the last five weeks that imports were reported. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of June 2020.)



RFA Urges Immediate EPA Action on ‘Litany’ of Outstanding RFS Issues

Citing the need for more certainty and stability in uncertain times, as well as the legal requirement to meet statutory deadlines, the Renewable Fuels Association today urged EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to immediately address a number of unresolved issues related to the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“By disregarding statutory deadlines, flouting court decisions, and failing to make timely decisions, the Environmental Protection Agency is undermining predictability and confidence in the renewable fuels market and abetting longtime opponents of the RFS who perpetually seek the destabilize the program,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a letter to Wheeler. “Consequently, I write today imploring EPA to swiftly resolve a litany of unsettled RFS matters in a manner that is consistent with both the purpose of the Clean Air Act and the spirit of President Trump’s commitments.”

Cooper cited five areas where EPA decisions need to be made immediately:
    Adopting the Tenth Circuit Court decision on small refinery exemptions nationwide.
    Denying all 67 pending so-called “gap year” refinery waiver petitions (for compliance years 2011-2018).
    Deciding the 31 pending petitions for 2019 and 2020 SREs according to the Tenth Circuit Court criteria.
    Publishing the proposed rule for 2021 renewable volume obligations.
    Restoring the 500-million-gallon conventional renewable fuel volume that was illegally waived from the 2016 RFS requirements, as ordered by a federal court.

In the case of small refinery waiver requests, Cooper noted that the statute requires EPA to decide the petitions within 90 days of receiving them from the refiner. Combined, the 98 pending SRE petitions at EPA have the potential to erase another 4.6 billion gallons of RFS blending requirements, eclipsing the 4.0 billion gallons already lost as a result of the 85 SREs previously granted for the 2016-2018 compliance years.

Likewise, Cooper said, EPA is required by law to finalize the 2021 RVO by the end of November. In the past, Administrator Wheeler himself has stated meeting that deadline “provides greater regulatory certainty to farmers and refiners across the country” and “…is critically important to America’s farmers and all stakeholders impacted by the Renewable Fuel Standard program.”

“Mother nature, international trade disputes, and a global pandemic have created a perfect storm that is wreaking economic havoc across Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and countless other Midwest states,” Cooper concluded. “Today, more than ever, farmers need the certainty and stability that the RFS was intended to provide. … These actions will return integrity to the RFS and uphold the commitments of President Trump.”



DAP, MAP Prices Move Higher While Others Follow Seasonally Lower Trends

Retail fertilizer prices continued to be mixed the third week of August 2020, with six prices falling and two increasing, one of them significantly, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.

Of the six fertilizers that were lower in price compared to last month, none were down a noteworthy amount, which DTN designates as 5% or more. Potash has an average price of $353 per ton, down $7; urea $356/ton, down $2; 10-34-0 $465/ton, down $1; anhydrous $445/ton, down $5; UAN28 $220/ton, down $5 and UAN32 $259/ton, down $4.

DAP and MAP prices were both higher than last month, with DAP price increasing $20/ton, or 5%, to $427/ton. MAP was $434/ton, up $6 from last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.27/lb.N, UAN28 $0.39/lb.N and UAN32 $0.40/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be considerably lower in price from a year ago. Anhydrous is 16% lower, both urea and UAN28 are 14% less expensive, DAP is 13% lower, MAP is 12% less expensive, UAN32 is 11% lower, potash is 9% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 2% lower than last year at this time.



EPA and USDA Announce Competition to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States
 
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, a joint EPA-USDA partnership and competition to advance agricultural sustainability in the United States. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment.

“The shared goal here is to accelerate the development of next generation fertilizers for corn production that can either maintain or increase crop yields while reducing environmental impacts to our air, land, and water,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

“USDA is committed to encouraging the development of new technologies and practices to ensure that U.S. agriculture is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable for years to come,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “This challenge will stimulate innovation and aligns with USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda announced earlier this year.”

“By evaluating the efficacy of existing technologies while sparking research and development of new technologies, these challenges explore the potential innovation that can result from academia, industry, government, and NGOs working together to address the complex issues related to excess nutrients in our environment,” said Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science and EPA Science Advisor.

Along with EPA and USDA, the competition is coordinated with The Fertilizer Institute, the International Fertilizer Development Center, the National Corn Growers Association, and The Nature Conservancy.

The first challenge, the EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge, aims to identify existing Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. EEF is a term for new formulations that control fertilizer release or alter reactions that reduce nutrient losses to the environment. This challenge will not have a monetary prize, but winners will receive scientific evaluation of their product and recognition from EPA, USDA, and other collaborators and participants.

The second challenge, the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge, aims to generate new concepts for novel technologies that can help address environmental concerns surrounding agriculture practices while maintaining or increasing crop yields. A panel of expert judges will review the submissions. Each winner will receive at least $10,000.

The Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges open today, August 26, 2020. Registrants must submit their entries by October 30, 2020, for the EEFs: Environmental and Agronomic Challenge and by November 30, 2020, for the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge. Winners will be announced in the winter of 2021.

An informational webinar will be held on September 24, 2020 at 10:00 – 11:00 AM ET.

More information about the challenges and the webinar is available at https://www.epa.gov/innovation/next-gen-fertilizer-challenges.



Senators Seek Robust Enforcement of USMCA Dairy Agreements

A bipartisan group of 25 Senators today sent a letter identifying challenges with implementing several dairy-related provisions in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Underscoring USMCA’s importance to the dairy industry, the letter asks the U.S. government to use USMCA’s enforcement measures to ensure full compliance with the trade deal.

The letter, led by Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), was sent to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It reads, in part:

“As negotiated, the USMCA will create new export opportunities for America’s dairy industry and creates an equitable playing field for American dairy exports in Mexico and Canada. Given the importance of these provisions to our dairy farmers and to American dairy exports, we ask that you use USMCA’s enforcement measures to hold our trading partners accountable to their trade commitments. It is imperative that Canada and Mexico deliver upon their agreed upon commitments related to dairy products.”

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) commend the coalition of Senators for standing up for America’s dairy farmers, processors and exporters and pressing for fair and full implementation of USMCA’s dairy provisions.

“Canada has already begun implementing USMCA in a way that thwarts its market access promises and prevents U.S. dairy from making full use of the benefits that Congress and the Administration fought so hard to secure. There are also unanswered questions concerning how Mexico will translate its commitments to safeguard common name cheeses into action. These are unresolved concerns that affect everyday dairy farmers and workers across our industry. I appreciate Senator Smith and Senator Crapo’s proactive engagement and leadership on this letter underscoring that USMCA provides the tools necessary to take enforcement measures now,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC.

“Timely and complete enforcement of USMCA’s dairy-related provisions will allow America’s dairy industry to harness the full potential of this modernized trade agreement. This letter sends a strong message to Canada and Mexico: Efforts to maintain unjust trade practices or block market access will not be tolerated. This bipartisan support for fairer dairy trade in North America also demonstrates not only the importance of exports to America’s dairy farmers, but the key role that dairy plays in our national economy. Thank you, Senator Smith and Senator Crapo, for your leadership and support of a critical industry,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF.

Earlier this month, a bipartisan coalition of 104 Representatives also sent a letter urging the U.S. government to fully enforce USMCA.



Larry Schnell Installed as LMA President for 2020-2022 Term
 
Larry Schnell of Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange in Dickinson, North Dakota, was installed president of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) at the 2020 Annual LMA Membership Meeting, held virtually on Sunday, August 23. Schnell will complete a two-year term leading the nation’s largest, livestock marketing trade association that represents more than 800 local livestock auction markets and allied businesses.

Schnell’s family holds a strong history in the livestock marketing industry. In 1937, Schnell’s grandfather, Ray, founded Schnell’s Livestock Auction Market in Dickinson, N.D., using chicken wire fence for a sale ring. In 1977, Schnell became partners with his father and two other individuals, taking over as general manager in 1985. Currently, Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange has two locations in Dickinson and is owned by Larry and his partner, James Erickson.

As LMA President and a market owner, Schnell is actively involved in several livestock industry issues, including the ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) packer investigations.

“At this time, the most important industry issue we face is the finished cattle pricing system and how to make it more equitable,” Schnell said. “LMA has been very strong in supporting USDA’s and the DOJ’s investigations looking into the pricing system and seeing if there is anything illegal or unfair. We need to find a competitive pricing mechanism that better serves the cattle producers and cattle feeders our members work so heavily with.”

Additionally, Schnell looks forward to serving his two-year term as president, and continued involvement with LMA and its members.

“I look forward to working with the other committee members, and especially our members across the nation, on topics important to the cattle industry,” Schnell said. “I believe that LMA is a very effective organization for the industry and we hope to keep it that way.”

Aside from LMA, Schnell is also involved in a variety of other organizations and activities. He was formerly the Chairman of the North Dakota Beef Council, Regional Vice President for the Federation of State Beef Councils, President of the North Dakota Auctioneers Association and President of the North Dakota Livestock Marketing Associations. Schnell is a former team and calf roper, hockey coach and Elder at Evangelical Christian Church in Dickinson. He is also an avid golfer and adult bible school teacher.



New Case IH FA 1030 Air Boom Applicator Boosts Productivity, Efficiency

To help operators achieve high-efficiency application in challenging conditions, Case IH is launching the FA 1030 air boom applicator. Initially available for the Titan 4540 floater, this rugged applicator is built to carry more product, enhance productivity and deliver accurate application across changing terrain. The FA 1030 will be available for the Titan 3540 in July 2021.

With a rear-mounted 72-foot stainless steel boom and 350 cubic feet of struck capacity, the FA 1030 air boom applicator helps cover more ground. The ability to configure the FA 1030 to spread up to three products and up to 1,200 pounds per acre of total product at 10 mph further ensures maximized field efficiency. The FA 1030 also offers variable rate product application and left/right boom section control, giving operators the ability to optimize their product delivery.

“Not only do today’s operators demand application equipment that will help them cover more ground in less time, but they also need the flexibility and configurations to tailor their equipment, matching their customers’ needs and fields,” said Mark Burns, Case IH application equipment marketing manager. “This rugged applicator is built to carry more product and make the most of in-field time.”

More Options & Configurations
Operators can select from a range of bin options, including single-, double- and triple-bin configurations. An optional micro bin is also available for applications of granular fertilizer, granular chemicals or even cover crop planting with variable rate capabilities. On multiproduct hoppers, operators can use an adjustable divider to easily change from a 50/50 to a 60/40 split, with no tools required. If the micro bin is used for a third product, a 50/37/13 or 60/27/13 split can be selected for ultimate flexibility.

The FA 1030 factory-fit design for the Titan 4540 floater is made possible by the partnership between Case IH and Salford Group Inc., an application equipment manufacturer headquartered in Ontario, Canada.

“We’re pleased to team up with Salford Group to offer this new air boom applicator on the Case IH Titan 4540 floater,” Burns said. “Salford Group is known for developing durable, reliable equipment, and our shared dedication to innovating and helping operators be more productive makes us a great match.”



AGCO Introduces Fendt IDEAL 10, Highest HP Combine in North America

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, introduces the new model 10 and 10T Fendt® IDEAL® combines to North American producers. The IDEAL 10 and 10T deliver industry-leading maximum engine power of 790 HP, up to 20% more throughput capacity than previous models and harvesting automation that makes operation easier and ensures top grain quality. As another example of Fendt’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence, these new Class 10 combines are designed and built to efficiently harvest more grain in the toughest of harvest conditions.

“As AGCO expands its Fendt dealer network and product line in North America, we are excited to bring the IDEAL 10 and IDEAL 10T with the TrakRide™ system and IDEALdrive™ joystick steering to market for the 2021 harvest seasons,” says Kevin Forth, AGCO tactical marketing manager for Harvesting. “Our engineers have designed substantially more power and cleaning capacity into the IDEAL 10 without increasing the size of the combine. Add the new IDEALdrive steering and TrakRide in combination on the Model 10T combines, and these Class 10 combines will deliver more bushels harvested per day and even easier operation during long days harvesting.”

The IDEAL 10 and 10T join the family of Fendt IDEAL 7, 8 and 9 models introduced to North America in 2018. Harvesting capacity of the IDEAL 10 is up to 20% greater than the IDEAL 9, due to the increased horsepower of the MAN 16.2-liter engine and a 12% increase in separation area. The increased harvesting capacity hasn’t increased the overall size or maneuverability of the IDEAL 10, which maintains a sleek 11.5-foot chassis width. Equipped with wheels or the patented TrakRide system, IDEAL is available with 26-, 30- or 36-inch-wide rubber tracks, which allow operators to match the track to their respective operations and glide over fields with challenging soil conditions.

Higher cleaning capacity with added WavePan cleaning technology
For even higher cleaning capacity and great throughput, the IDEAL 10 offers a re-designed cleaning system compared to Class 8 and 9 models. The IDEAL Balance™ return pans have been optimized to evenly distribute large amounts of material to the cleaning system while keeping the same simple and efficient manner of operation to minimize grain loss and increase grain sample quality.

With the expanded cleaning system, grain now drops down to the top sieve from the stratification pan through the new WavePan™ cascades. The WavePan design adds curved double-drop steps that use stratification and gravity to help separate grain from foreign material. The enhanced design also maximizes airflow so the powerful cleaning fan can suspend light material in the WavePan area before any material reaches the cleaning shoe, pre-cleaning the crop before it reaches the top sieve. The powerful airflow is split between the two drop stages, so a constant airflow is generated over the entire length of the cleaning shoe for optimal cleaning and grain quality results.

Long, dual-rotor design is efficient and easy on grain
The Fendt IDEAL 10/10T combine includes the same major features and systems as the existing models to help producers optimize grain harvested and deliver cleaner, high-quality grain. The rotors in the dual helix processor are each 24 inches in diameter and nearly 16 feet long, almost 2 feet longer than the nearest competitor. The processor generates huge centrifugal force at a much lower speed, so the crop remains in the rotor longer, which is gentler on grain and straw. In addition, operators will spend less time unloading and more time harvesting with the fastest unload rate in the industry, 6.0 bu./second, with the IDEAL Streamer™ 6.0 auger as standard equipment.

AGCO headers to optimize the capacity of the new combine include the 9300 DynaFlex® draper heads in 45- and now 50-foot widths, along with the 15-foot 4300 pickup header and the CommandTM Series 16-row corn head in chopping and non-chopping versions.

Automation improves harvest efficiency, grain quality and acres harvested
All IDEAL combines feature the automated IDEALharvest™ system that makes operation easier, optimizes machine performance and ensures top grain quality. The IDEALharvest system uses a special grain-quality camera and numerous sensors that provide real-time crop-flow visualization and direct the system to change settings and compensate for conditions to achieve the operator’s pre-set harvest strategy. Preferences for minimizing grain damage, loss and material other than grain (MOG) in the bin are set by the operator using an easy-to-use touchscreen tablet.

The IDEALharvest system compensates for sudden changes such as crop density and field slope, adjusting to maintain machine performance and grain quality. This technology is especially important when crop maturity, crop quality, plant health, stand variability and harsh weather make harvest challenging. This convenient technology reduces the operator’s work as conditions change throughout the day.

IDEALdrive eliminates steering wheel for better visibility, more control, less fatigue
IDEALdrive, the first joystick steering system on a combine from a major manufacturer, is an option available in 2021 on the IDEAL 10T and all IDEAL TrakRide-equipped combines in North America. Eliminating the steering wheel and column gives the operator an unobstructed, end-to-end view of the combine header, especially the center of the header where the crop enters the feeder house. The clear view helps ensure crop is flowing smoothly into the machine for optimum productivity and grain quality.

With IDEALdrive, the left hand steers the combine by moving the joystick left or right with a slight movement of the hand. The operator achieves accurate steering with less muscle activity, taking strain off wrists, forearms, shoulders and back during long days in the cab. The steering sensitivity adjusts based on the speed of the machine for optimum control whether the combine is harvesting or in transport mode. Controls typically found on the steering wheel or steering column are now on the joystick at the operator’s fingertips, and all other left- and right-hand controls are within easy reach and designed with operator comfort in mind.

Uptime promise to keep you in the field
All Fendt IDEAL combines are backed by Fendt Gold Star Customer Care, which features a 24-Hour Uptime Assurance service option that provides customers with 24/7 access to their service specialists. It’s the centerpiece of a three-year extended warranty that offers a comprehensive customer support package, including a maintenance program with a 250-hour and out-of-season service package, including all fluids and filters, to ensure uptime.

Fendt IDEAL combines offer the full suite of AGCO Fuse® precision farming technology solutions to bring crop production decisions full circle from planning, field prep and planting through crop care to harvest and storage. Owners also receive three-year access to Fendt Connect, AGCO’s pioneering data management tool that includes Fendt SmartConnect®, the fleet monitoring and machine diagnostic program that is among the most comprehensive services of its kind.