Thursday September 3 Ag News

 Scheduling the Last Irrigation of the Season
Aaron Nygren - NE Extension Educator

What a year 2020 has been! After a year of record flooding over much of the state, we are now in various stages of drought. With limited rainfall over most of the state this year and fairly extended hot, dry periods, many irrigators may be wondering when is the irrigation season going to end? With the price of grain, it is also worth considering if you need to apply that last inch or two of water to get that last bushel or two. Scheduling the last irrigation can reduce your pumping costs, improve harvest conditions, and in allocated groundwater areas, may save some irrigation water for next year.

Usually by mid to late August, corn and soybeans have progressed enough in maturity that we have a good handle on how much water it will take to finish the crop out. Depending on soil type, some fields may have enough stored soil water to get the crop to maturity without additional irrigation or rainfall. So just how much water do we need to finish out the growing season? This chart gives you a good idea of the amount of water needed based on the growth stage of the crop.

Crop water use for the remainder of the growing season for corn and soybean
Stage of Growth - Approx. Days to Maturity  -  Water Use to Maturity
Corn
R4 – Dough - 34 - 7.5
R4.7 – Beginning Dent - 24 - 5
R5 – 1/4 milk line - 19 - 3.75
      – 1/2 milk line - 13 - 2.25
      – 3/4 milk line -  7  -  1.0
R6 – Physiological Maturity - 0 - 0.0
Soybean
R4 – End of pod elongation  -  37  -  9.0
R5 – Beginning seed enlargement - 29 - 6.5
R6 – End of seed enlargement  -  18  -  3.5
R6.5 – Leaves begin to yellow  -  10  -  1.9
R7 – Beginning maturity   -   0   -   0

During the heart of the irrigation season, we recommend keeping the available soil water level above the 50% depletion level. To do this we recommend irrigating as the soil water level approaches 35% depletion. This will allow a few days for the irrigation to be completed before the crop experiences any stress. As we near the end of the season, we can push the threshold to 60% depletion. The crop is using water at a lower rate per day so that allows us to use more than the 50% depletion and from a deeper depth.

The water-holding capacity of soil varies with its texture and needs to be considered when determining how much soil water is available. For example, loamy sand will hold about 1.1 inches of water per foot or 4.4 inches in top 4 feet while a silt loam soil can hold 2.2 inches per foot or 8.8 inches in the top 4 feet. If the silt loam is at field capacity and we draw down the available soil water to 40% (60% depletion), we would have about 5.3 inches of useable water in the top four feet of soil.

From the table, corn at the beginning dent stage needs 5 inches of water to reach maturity. Using the silt loam soil from above, the example field would have enough water to reach maturity and have an estimated 0.3 inches to spare if the corn is beginning to dent (5.3 – 5.0 = 0.3 inches). The loamy sand, at field capacity, would have 2.6 inches available above the 40% (60% depletion) level. This field would need an additional 2.4 inches of water to reach maturity.

One thing to note is that the time needed for corn to mature is dependent on growing degree days. If corn needs 5 inches of water to reach maturity and we receive some hot, dry windy days in early September the corn will still use 5 inches, it will just finish up a few days quicker. In contrast, soybean maturity is dependent on day length. Because soybeans may use more or less water than the averages listed in the table, and because it may be difficult to determine the actual correct growth stage, it is important to continue to monitor soil water until maturity. This is where tools such as an ETgage and soil water sensors come into play. An ETgage will give you potential crop water use and the soil water sensors will give you an idea of how much water is stored in the soil profile. Then you will be able to determine how much water the crop will need in either irrigation or precipitation to finish out the year.

For more information on this topic check out NebGuide G1871 “Predicting the Last Irrigation of the Season”.



PSC Issues Grain Producer Harvest Reminders

With the start of harvest, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds producers of the need to familiarize themselves with Nebraska Grain Laws.

“Understanding the law is key when it comes to protecting ones assets,” said Mike Bartels, PSC Grain Department Director. “Producers could be left holding the bag should a dealer go out of business and certain requirements haven’t been met.”

Under the Grain Dealer Act if a producer/seller wants to ensure their transactions with a grain dealer are covered by the grain dealer’s security posted with the PSC, they must demand payment within 15 days of completion of their contract with the dealer. Producers/sellers who choose not to demand payment within 15 days after completion of their contract will be unsecured creditors of that dealer and forfeit any protection from the grain dealers security.

Bartels said, “The law is clear. It is the responsibility of the producers to demand payment within the set timeframe to ensure they are covered.”

Grain Warehouse operators are also reminded by the PSC of the Emergency Storage Policy. In order to store grain on the ground, an Emergency Storage application must be filed with, and approved by the PSC. The Emergency Storage Application can be found on the Grain Department page of the PSC website.  



Cover Crops in Corn Systems: Opportunities for Dual Use
Mary Drewnoski - NE Extension Beef Systems Specialist

Can planting cover crops in corn systems provide the dual benefits of improving soil health and be an economical source of forage? This webinar will cover lessons learned on incorporating cover crops after corn silage, high moisture corn, and dry corn harvest in Nebraska. The session will consist of short presentations with ample time for questions and discussion.

Webinar Presentations
-    Soil impacts of planting oats after corn silage and high moisture corn - Lindsey Anderson, Master student in Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL and pathways intern with NRCS.
-    Grazing potential and economics of planting oats after corn silage and high moisture corn - Kallie Calus, Master student in Animal Science at UNL
-    Impacts of cover crop management on soil health - Sabrina Ruis, Research Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture with UNL
-    Winter hardy cover crops for spring grazing and silage - Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist with UNL

The webinar will be held via Zoom on September 15th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (central time). This webinar is free but registration is required to participate.

Register for the Cover Crops in Corn Systems Webinar here.... https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x1XX6KMrLsYSKV.  

If you have questions about this event, contact Mary Drewnoski (mdrewnoski2@unl.edu, 402-472-6289).

This webinar and the research discussed was made possible due to funding from Nebraska Environmental Trust, SARE, and USDA-NIFA-AFRI.



How Much Nitrogen Does My Cover Crop Take Up and When Do I Get It Back?
Katja Koehler-Cole - UNL Research Assistant Professor in Agronomy and Horticulture

With growing interest in cover crops, it is important to understand how cover crops might impact soil fertility for the following cash crop. Nitrogen (N) provided by cover crop biomass may be used in the short-term by the following crop, and in the long-term through improving soil N content and reducing fertilizer input costs. The availability of soil nitrogen is a function of residual soil N (or nitrogen present in the soil) and N mineralized (released by the organic pools in the soil) from previous crop residues. However, environmental and management factors greatly influence cover crop decomposition dynamics, making it a challenge to consistently and accurately predict the amount of N that will become available, or when it will become available, to a subsequent crop.

We compiled field studies from Nebraska and other corn-producing states that evaluated the range of biomass production of cover crops, the amount of N in their biomass, and their C:N ratio. While these studies do not provide exact estimates of when N is available to subsequent crops, they can give us some information to help inform nutrient changes following cover crops.

Nitrogen Uptake by Legume Versus Grass Cover Crops
Cover crops acquire N through the uptake of nitrate and ammonium from the soil. When cover crops decompose, N is recycled back to the soil. Leguminous cover crops, owing to their symbiosis with rhizobia, can acquire N from the air (biological N fixation). When this N is released during decomposition, it is a net gain of N, so legumes are typically thought of as an N source or supplier. However, not all N in legume biomass is fixed N, as legume may take up considerable amounts of N from the soil (Redfearn, 2016).

The N in clover and vetch varieties commonly used in annual cropping systems can vary widely (Tonitto & Drinkwater, 2006). Among the studies included in Table 1, Nebraska hairy vetch biomass production was in the lower range with 364 to 724 lb/ac, which contained 12 to 29 lb N/ac. Red clover was more productive with 78 lb N/ac. In the Eastern United States, cover crops, especially hairy vetch, had more biomass and N, probably due to milder and wetter climates.

Winter cereals are commonly used in the Midwest as cover crops because of their winter hardiness and high early-spring biomass production. They are also very effective in taking up mineral N and are ‘scavengers’ for nutrients that have moved to the lower part of the root zone, rescuing nutrients that may otherwise be lost (Bergtold et al., 2017). In Nebraska, rye produced between 1,312 and 2,072 lb/ac of biomass, which contained between 34 and 54 lb N/ac.

When Does the Nitrogen From Cover Crop Residue Become Available?
Cover crop N release should be synchronized with N demand of the succeeding crop. The N accumulated in the cover crop biomass will be available to crop absorption after mineralization, which depends on soil moisture and temperature, soil type, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio) of the biomass (Gil and Fick, 2001). The C:N ratio is the amount of carbon in cover crop biomass divided by the amount of N. It is often used to predict how fast soil microbes will breakdown residue and release residue N back to the soil. Microbes use the carbon in residues for energy and the N for protein (think growth). A C:N ratio of 24:1 is considered “ideal” as it has the balance of carbon to N that soil microbes need. Residues with greater C:N ratios will decompose slower because there is not enough N for microbial growth. To decompose residue with high C:N ratios, microbes take up N from the soil, thus immobilizing or “tying up” N. Residues with C:N ratios lower than 24:1 decompose quickly, and because there is more N than microbes need, N will be available for the next crop (USDA, 2011).

Legumes residues typically have lower C:N ratio (Table 1) and decompose more rapidly than grasses, providing readily available N to the subsequent crop. However, if the subsequent crop cannot take up the N, there is potential for loss. Cereal rye residues often have high C:N ratios and may immobilize soil N. Because of that starter fertilizer is typically recommended to overcome immobilization, with a rate between 30–50 pounds of actual N per acre (Midwest Cover Crop Council, 2019).

An experiment in 2015 in Carbondale, IL, assessed the time it took for N from a legume (in this case, hairy vetch) and grass cover crop (cereal rye) to be released. Hairy vetch rapidly decomposed and released about 70 lb N/ac within the first 4 weeks after corn planting (Fig. 1). Cereal rye residues released less than 10 lb N/ac during that same period, and overall released much less N (Sievers & Cook, 2018).

Some strategies, such the incorporation of the residues, can result in faster N release. The use of mixes of grasses and legumes can also modify the C:N ratio and speed up decomposition.

The Bottom Line: Consider Your Species, Biomass, and Environmental Conditions
Biomass production, N uptake, and C:N ratio vary widely across the United States, with Nebraska on the lower end of productivity. The N in cover crop biomass will be released within a few weeks after termination, however, decomposition varies with soil moisture, soil temperature and C:N ratios. Therefore, not all biomass N will be available for the subsequent crop. A better understanding of cover crop N release and cash crop N uptake can help to optimize crop synchrony and the choice of species to grow.

Some cover crop species have the potential to produce a high amount of biomass, providing great soil protection and reduce nitrate leaching, but they may not be suitable as an N source for a subsequent crop. Mixing cover crop species can overcome shortfalls of individual species and should be explored in more detail.



Ricketts Thanks Taiwan for Removing Trade Barriers to U.S. Beef and Pork Exports

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed news that Taiwan has agreed to alter its trade policies to give American beef and pork producers better market access.

“As we work to get Nebraska growing, we are actively seeking to strengthen relationships with markets in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Taiwan has been a reliable trade partner and growing market for our world-class ag products.  Its recent decision to remove trade barriers is great news for our cattlemen and pork producers.”

A year ago this month, Taiwanese trade leaders pledged to purchase over $2.1 billion of U.S. soybeans, corn, and distillers grain while on a trade mission to Nebraska.  Specifically, the Taiwan Feed Industry Association signed a letter of intent to purchase 197 million bushels of corn and 0.5 million metric tons of U.S. distillers grains with solubles in 2020 and 2021.  During the visit, the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association also pledged to buy over 96 million bushels of American soybeans over two years.

Taiwan currently ranks as Nebraska’s seventh-largest market for agricultural exports, buying $229 million of Nebraska-grown ag products in 2018.  Nebraska sells more corn to Taiwan than to Canada, China, or the European Union.  Taiwan is also Nebraska’s fourth-largest Asian market for soybeans, ranking ahead of South Korea and Vietnam.  Beef is Nebraska’s top ag export to Taiwan, at a value of more than $85 million in 2019.



USDA Designates 18 Iowa Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue designated 18 Iowa counties as primary natural disaster areas, enabling producers who suffered losses because of the recent Derecho, that occurred on August 10, 2020, to be eligible for emergency loans. Additionally, Perdue reminded producers about the suite of disaster assistance programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including program flexibilities and a special signup through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“The extent of damage to crops, equipment, facilities, and the ag sector as a whole from this storm is devastating,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump has already demonstrated his support for Iowa by immediately approving Iowa’s disaster declaration. He is committed to ensuring Iowa’s farmers get back on their feet and continue to produce the food and fuel America needs to thrive. The recovery process is in full swing, and USDA is working diligently to expedite financial and technical support for Iowa farmers and livestock producers who have suffered unprecedented losses. We are standing by to expand this designation as we learn more about the full impacts of the Derecho.”

Emergency Loans
These natural disaster designations allow the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or the refinancing of certain debts.

Iowa Counties – Primary Designation
Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, and Tama may be eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Iowa and Illinois – Contiguous Designation
Producers in the contiguous counties listed below are also eligible to apply for emergency loans:
    Iowa: Adair, Audubon, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler, Carroll, Cass, Delaware, Dubuque, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Iowa, Jackson, Keokuk, Louisa, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Muscatine, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Wright.
    Illinois: Carroll, Rock Island, and Whiteside.

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is May 3, 2021.

FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Flexibilities on Environmental Compliance Reviews
To assist producers in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and other states impacted by the Derecho, FSA has streamlined the environmental compliance review process for the Emergency Conservation Program, Emergency Forest Restoration Program, Emergency Loan Program, Farm Storage Facility Program, and Tree Assistance Program. Implementation of these programs has been determined to have potentially low impact to protected resources.

These program flexibilities are meant to address work required to restore existing crops, fields, orchards, barns, storage facilities, fences, equipment, and general debris removal. Work required on previously undisturbed ground, new land clearing, or work that would impact any water body, wetland, riparian buffer, or wetland would not be covered by the streamlined environmental review process.

EQIP Special Signup
Additionally, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available $4 million in recovery assistance through a special EQIP signup in parts of Iowa impacted by the Derecho. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 2, 2020. Eligible applicants will receive higher than normal EQIP practice payments rates during this signup.

These EQIP funds can be used for:
    Seeding cover crops on impacted fields;
    Replacing roofs, covers, or roof runoff structures previously funded through NRCS; and
    Replacing damaged high tunnel systems previously funded by NRCS.



ICGA Relays Corn Farmer Derecho and Drought Concerns to Sec. Sonny Perdue

Today, the Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) spoke directly with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue about assisting Iowa’s corn farmers due to the devasting drought and derecho that has impacted a majority of the state. ICGA presented several ideas for immediate financial relief to Sec. Perdue that came forward from ICGA farmer members. Also in attendance with Sec. Perdue was U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, as the officials attended a conservation field day sponsored by Iowa Corn. Officials also surveyed the drought and derecho crop damage throughout the day while in Iowa.

“Iowa corn farmers wish they didn’t have to request government assistance as they’d rather have a crop to harvest and market access,” said ICGA President and farmer from Randolph Carl Jardon. “Unfortunately, that is not our reality this year with natural disasters, trade disputes, and a global pandemic on top of waiting to hear the outcome of President Trump’s commitment to speaking with Wheeler about the refinery waivers. Iowa’s farmers need immediate aid so they can begin to rebuild for next year.”



IRFA PAC Announces 2020 Champion of Renewable Fuels Awards for Iowa Legislature

Today the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) PAC announced 15 Iowa state legislators are receiving the PAC’s recognition as a “Champion of Renewable Fuels.” The IRFA PAC Board selected state legislators seeking reelection who have maintained a clear voting record of support for renewable fuels and displayed leadership on biofuels issues in the Iowa Legislature. This is the sixth election cycle that the IRFA PAC has given such recognition.

“Today IRFA PAC is standing by Iowa legislators who have stood by Iowa biofuels” said IRFA PAC Treasurer Daryl Haack. “Renewable fuels add incredible value to Iowa farmers’ commodities, boost Iowa’s economy, and help keep Iowa’s air clean. But we cannot continue to provide these benefits without leaders supporting us and helping us grow. Today’s ‘Champions of Renewable Fuels’ have done exactly that, and we are proud to recognize them.”

Recipients of the 2020 Champion of Renewable Fuels awards are:

Senate Champions
Sen. Amy Sinclair               SD 14
Sen. Janet Petersen          SD 18
Sen. Craig Johnson           SD 32
Sen. Pam Jochum             SD 50

House Champions
Rep. Jacob Bossman         HD 6
Rep. Chris Hall                   HD 13
Rep. Matt Windschitl          HD 17
Rep. Dave Sieck                HD 23
Rep. Wes Breckenridge     HD 29
Rep. Pat Grassley              HD 50
Rep. Jane Bloomingdale    HD 51
Rep. Todd Prichard            HD 52
Rep. Dave Jacoby              HD 74
Rep. Dennis Cohoon          HD 87
Rep. Lee Hein                    HD 96
 


Sales of U.S. Ethanol Lose Momentum in July while U.S. DDGS Exports Post Big Gains
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.
    
U.S. ethanol exports were 74.0 million gallons (mg) in July 2020, a 6% decrease to the lowest volume in ten months. However, sales to Canada continued to brighten with 30.1 mg of ethanol crossing the border, rising 10% to a high for the year. Exports to India also climbed (up 3% to 13.0 mg) as did sales to the Netherlands (7.9 mg, +131%), South Korea (7.8 mg, +69%), and the Philippines (6.2 mg, up from zero). Other sizable customers of U.S. ethanol included Mexico (4.0 mg), Norway (1.8 mg), Peru (1.3 mg), and Vietnam (1.1 mg). The Brazilian market was conspicuously quiet for the second consecutive month. Global year-to-date exports of U.S. ethanol totaled 804.8 mg, implying an annualized total of 1.38 bg.
 
July U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol shipments more than doubled (+113%) to 26.4 mg, with India returning to the market (12.7 mg). However, total global sales in July remained 14.6 mg (36%) below year-ago volumes. The Philippines (6.2 mg, up from zero), Mexico (3.8 mg, -48%), and the Netherlands (2.2 mg, up from zero) also purchased significant volumes of American-made undenatured fuel ethanol.
 
Sales of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol relaxed in July, down 19% to 43.7 mg, although shipments to chief customer Canada rose 14% to 27.1 mg (accounting for 62% of global sales). Exports also surged to South Korea (up 78% to 7.7 mg) and the Netherlands (up 66% to 5.7 mg).
 
Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes declined 67% to 4.0 mg, the lowest volume for the year. Canada (2.6 mg), Sweden (0.6 mg), India (0.3 mg), and Mexico (0.2 mg) were our largest customers.
 
The U.S. imported 11.1 mg of cane ethanol from Brazil. Year-to-date imports total 57.6 mg.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—vaulted 23% in July to 1.08 million metric tons (mt), up 30% from a year ago. Shipments to Mexico intensified, increasing 66% to 162,234 mt, which reestablished our neighbor as the largest market for U.S. DDGS. Sales to Turkey spiked to a two-year high of 143,765 mt, up 65% over June. Despite a 32% decline from last month’s record high, exports to Thailand were robust as well at 141,749 mt. Rounding out the top five U.S. DDGS customers in July were South Korea (120,528 mt, +74%) and Vietnam (108,062 mt, +15%). Worldwide exports for the first seven months of the year were 6.06 million mt, implying an annualized total of 10.39 million mt.



Expanding Access to Higher Blends through Pump Infrastructure

Building out the infrastructure needed for future mid-level blends of ethanol continues to be a priority of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Over the past three-years, NCGA and state partners have worked with Wayne Fueling Systems to produce and sell fuel pumps certified to deliver fuel containing up to 25 percent ethanol.

Thanks to this key partnership, NCGA has supported the sale of more than 50,000 new fuel pumps across the U.S., building out the infrastructure needed to support future mid-level blends of ethanol.

“This lays the groundwork for growing ethanol demand and moving the industry forward,” said NCGA Market Development Vice President Jim Bauman. “Corn farmers' support of NCGA’s multi-year fuel pump infrastructure program supports the introduction of higher octane fuels delivered by low-carbon, affordable, corn-based ethanol.”

NCGA also recently partnered with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), assisting fuel retailers in applying for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The $100 million program included $86 million to expand the availability of higher blends of ethanol, like E15 and E85.

Corn farmer support for this program helped deliver program awareness and technical assistance for applications representing more than 1,100 fuel dispensers across 21 states and 222 locations. Combined, these locations sell more than 250 million gallons of gasoline annually.

“All of these initiatives complement each other and help us build future demand for ethanol and corn farmers,” Bauman added. “Long-term, if the U.S. were to move to a higher octane, mid-level blend of ethanol, it could equate to 5 billion gallons of new ethanol demand, or 1.8 billion bushels of corn annually.”

You can learn more about NCGA’s efforts at ncga.com/octane.  



USDA Dairy Products July 2020 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.11 billion pounds, 1.8 percent above July 2019 but 0.4 percent below June 2020.  Italian type cheese production totaled 457 million pounds, 1.5 percent below July 2019 and 4.2 percent below June 2020.  American type cheese production totaled 452 million pounds, 4.0 percent above July 2019 and 3.5 percent above June 2020.  Butter production was 152 million pounds, 0.7 percent above July 2019 and 1.1 percent above June 2020.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with July 2019)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 163 million pounds, down 5.2 percent.
Skim milk powder - 51.2 million pounds, up 9.7 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with July 2019)
Dry whey, total - 84.5 million pounds, up 2.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 99.6 million pounds, down 6.9 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.0 million pounds, down 2.1 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with July 2019)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 71.1 million gallons, up 9.6 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 46.4 million gallons, up 6.4 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.10 million gallons, up 10.7 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.65 million gallons, down 1.2 percent.



AGCO to Bring Fendt 300 Vario Series Tractors to North America

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, will bring the fourth generation of Fendt® 300 Vario® tractors to North American producers for delivery in early 2022. The 300 Vario tractors are light yet powerful, offering the features and superior quality of larger Fendt tractors in a range perfect for hay and livestock production, field work and general farm use. Customers will be able to choose from models that all deliver the fuel efficiency, maneuverability and comfort expected from a Fendt.

“Soon North American producers who want the excellence of Fendt engineering in an efficient, mid-size tractor will be able to order a Fendt 300 Vario model, configured and equipped with the features that best fit the needs of their operations,” says Tom Turner, AGCO strategic marketing manager. “We’re excited to begin previewing this tractor to customers now.

“Just like the Fendt 700 Gen6 tractors, the four 300 Vario models will be available with the new FendtONE™ operator station that allows each operator to customize the tractor to their individual preferences for each chore. And FendtONE provides the entire suite of Fendt smart farming technology for full connectivity from the tractor to the office.”

Light, agile, productive and efficient
Two characteristics that will set the Fendt 300 Vario tractors apart in the marketplace are their outstanding weight-to-power ratio and agility, traits particularly beneficial for loader work in the tight quarters of livestock operations, inside barns and when feeding livestock. The 300 Vario will include four models, the 311 (100 HP), 312 (113 HP), 313 (123 HP) and the new 314 with 132 HP and up to 142 HP with the Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) power boost. DynamicPerformance automatically adds 10 HP when it senses the need ‒ either pulling a load or when stationary, running a PTO-driven implement such as a feed grinder-mixer. Especially notable, the premium Fendt 314 ProfiPlus won AgriTechnica’s Tractor of the Year Best Utility award in both 2019 and 2020.

With an unladen weight of just 11,045 pounds, the 314 Vario boasts just over 83 pounds per horsepower yet can be ballasted up to 18,739 pounds when the work at hand calls for more weight. These agile machines provide all of Fendt’s suspension innovations for ride comfort and stability, with a mere 13-foot turning radius. They are powered with a 4.4L AGCO Power™ engine that works in unison with the Fendt tractor management system (TMS), automatic maximum load control and Fendt stepless VarioDrive™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum power, fuel efficiency and machine life.

Workhorse features excel at implement handling and productivity
“The role of a mid-range tractor on the farm is to do any job asked of it, reliably and economically,” Turner says. “The 300 Vario tractors have been doing that since they were first introduced in 1980. The latest 300 Vario tractors can be equipped to handle a full range of front and rear implements, and they are designed specifically to handle the constant reversing and speed changes needed for loader work.” The Fendt 300 Vario features live third-function loader operation controlled to make easy work of feeding livestock and other tasks around the farm with the Fendt Cargo™ loader that directly integrates into the tractor.

Fendt comfort is paramount
All the operator comfort features Fendt is renowned for can be found on the Fendt 300 Vario tractors coming to North America. In addition to front axle suspension, the 300 Series tractors will be available with either mechanical or pneumatic cab suspension for a comfortable, quiet ride. The standard comfort operator seat features air suspension and easy armrest adjustment. The optional super comfort seat has a seat heater, rotary adapter and pneumatic lumbar support, prerequisites for comfortable work during long days of field work and chores.

All tractor functions are easy to access at the operator’s fingertips. The tractors are controlled through the 12-inch primary display, the ergonomically designed multifunction joystick and control buttons, all integrated into the armrest itself. The new 10-inch “digital dashboard” is situated on the steering column. An optional 12-inch pull-down display recessed into the roof liner is available to provide up to 12 user-selected panels of information that can be shown across the armrest and pull-down displays.

Full suite of precision technology in a mid-sized tractor
Customers who desire the utmost in precision farming and connectivity across their entire fleet can now turn to the mid-sized Fendt 300 Vario tractors. Profi models will be available with Fendt Connect, a telemetry package with three-year subscription standard. It provides location, machine and other valuable operating information helpful to fleet equipment managers.

The ProfiPlus level includes the Fendt Connect package, plus the guidance-ready Fendt Guide package with a choice of either Trimble® (AG-382) or NovAtel® (SMART7) receivers. ProfiPlus models also come with Fendt TaskDoc®, which automates crop production documentation and provides the option of variable-rate control for up to five products and section control of up to 36 sections.

Comprehensive warranty and service
Each Fendt 300 Series tractor is backed by Fendt Gold Star Customer Care, assuring more value and more uptime. This includes a full 36-month/3,000-hour warranty, with no deductible, and covers all scheduled maintenance, including the cost of oil, filters, belts and maintenance items, during this time.