Thursday December 17 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Farmland Prices Show Strongest Growth Since 2013: Farm Equipment Sales Highest Since June 2013
 
For the second time in the past three months, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above growth neutral. According to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the index increased to its second highest level in the past 10 months.         

Overall: The overall index for December rose to 51.6 from November’s 46.8, but was down from October’s 53.2. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal farm support payments, and the Federal Reserve’s record low interest rates have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.  

Farming and ranching: For a third straight month, the farmland price index advanced above growth neutral. The December reading was unchanged from November’s solid 55.0. This is first time since 2013 that Creighton’s survey has recorded three straight months of rising farmland prices.

The December farm equipment-sales index increased to 50.2, its highest level since June 2013, and up from 42.9 in November. After 86 straight months of readings below growth neutral, farm equipment bounced into growth territory for the month.    

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for December jumped to 54.2 from 45.1 in November. The state’s farmland-price index declined to 56.2 from last month’s 58.7. Nebraska’s new-hiring index fell to 52.3 from 56.9 in November. Over the past 12 months, Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet economy has lost 2.6% of its nonfarm employment compared to a 2.5% loss for urban areas of the state.   

Iowa: The December RMI for Iowa increased to 50.2 from November’s 47.4. Iowa’s farmland-price index rose to 54.1 from 53.4 in November. Iowa’s new-hiring index for December fell to 50.3 from 54.0 in November. Over the past 12 months, Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet economy has lost 5.0% of its nonfarm employment compared to a 4.5% loss for urban areas of the state.   

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.



Extension record-keeping course for ag producers set for January

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course, will be held virtually on Tuesdays in January, from 10 a.m. to noon CST each week.

Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshops, scheduled for Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watching pre-recorded videos, completing assignments, and participating in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners, and lenders.

The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Register online at wia.unl.edu/know. Registration closes Dec. 29

This course is hosted by Nebraska Extension and made possible by Annie's Project, which is supported by Farm Credit Services of America in Nebraska. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2019-77028-30436.



Work progresses on new Northeast Community College agriculture facilities

Construction of new agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College in Norfolk is currently on schedule, despite some COVID-19-related delays.

That’s the word from Brandon McLean, executive director of physical plant at Northeast. He reported this week that the biggest problem posed by COVID-19 has been material shortages and delays. Overall, McLean said the project is still on target for completion for the fall 2021 semester.

“It’s been nice to see the area take shape,” McLean said. “The work has changed the look of the area dramatically.”

The project includes a new veterinary technology clinic and classroom building west of the existing Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave., as well as a combined farm operations building and large animal handling facility, commodity storage, small livestock shelter, and a feedlot and lagoon located north of the ag complex.

Altogether, construction has impacted nearly 65 acres, McLean said.

“All of the exterior site grading has been completed except for a retention pond that will be completed in the spring. A significant portion of the concrete paving has been placed including parking lots and interior roads.”

Concrete paving includes a large parking lot west of the Pohlman Ag Complex, in front of the new vet tech building.

“We’ve expanded parking by 380 concrete stalls and six accessible parking stalls,” McLean said. “This would bring the total concrete parking stalls between new construction and the existing Ag Complex parking to 480 stalls and 10 accessible stalls.”

This additional parking will be used by staff and students, and also by those who attend events such as the Northeast Nebraska Farm and Equipment Show, the Norfolk Area Home Builders Home Show, the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce Beef Expo and the Northeast Community College Livestock Classic Steer and Heifer Show.

Grading has been completed on the feedlot and lagoon, with fencing, bunks and other structures to be installed in the spring. McLean said infrastructure work on sanitary, electrical, water, and storm drainage has also been completed, and crews are working hard to finish the exteriors of buildings so they can work inside during cold weather.

“The vet tech building is nearly enclosed,” he said. “Exterior walls have been completed, the roof is three-quarters complete, interior metal stud framing is in progress, and electrical and mechanical rough-ins are in process. The interior slab-on-grade concrete has been completed.”

Cost of the agriculture facilities is $22.3 million, with funding coming from the College’s commitment of $10 million, as well as external fundraising to fill the gap. Northeast has raised enough funds for construction; however, fundraising for the Nexus campaign continues, as more is needed for equipment, technology and furnishings.

Cameras have been set up to allow real time viewing of construction progress. The cameras can be accessed at northeast.edu/webcams.



Nebraska Extension gears up for 2021 pesticide safety training

In the spring of 2020, the pesticide safety training season, like most everything else, was upended by COVID-19. Numerous in-person training sessions were canceled, and alternative training methods were devised. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture even offered a license extension to applicators who were unable to recertify their licenses by the April 15 deadline (applicators who received this extension must complete their training in 2021).

Now, with much uncertainty still surrounding the novel coronavirus, the 2021 training season has arrived.

One certainty is that some degree of flexibility will be needed from all involved. The Pesticide Safety Education Program’s (PSEP) primary goal is always to deliver quality training to Nebraska’s current and prospective applicators. Most agree that the best way to accomplish that is through conventional, in-person training sessions. For that reason, Nebraska Extension intends to host in-person training for both private and commercial/noncommercial applicators in 2021 while adhering to local and state health guidelines. This includes training for recertifying applicators and for people getting licensed as their initial, or first training.  

Most, if not all, training sites are expected to operate at reduced capacity during the training season. This will allow meetings to continue under state and local health guidelines, but will also mean space for participants will be limited. Some counties may schedule more meetings to accommodate for reduced capacities. Online training for private applicators is also available.

Preregistration is required to attend any of the training sessions:
    Private applicators (both initial and recertifying) can preregister by calling their county extension office.
    Initial commercial/noncommercial applicators can preregister online.
    Recertifying commercial/noncommercial applicators can preregister online.

While optimistic about the ability to hold in-person training, those involved in the pesticide program recognize that 2021 will not be a normal year. That has led to a statewide effort to prepare alternative training methods in the event that in-person meetings must be canceled.

‘Do I need a pesticide applicator license?’
By law, certain pesticides are classified as “restricted-use pesticides” (RUP) due to the risk involved in handling them, while others are “general-use” (GUP) for the general public. To purchase and use RUPs, one must obtain an applicator license from their state. Pesticide applicator licenses are classified as either private, commercial, or noncommercial.

Private applicators apply RUPs for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities on their own property, or on property they rent. Private applicators are generally farmers and ranchers who do their own spraying.

Commercial applicators apply RUPs on a contractual or “for hire” basis. If working in structural pest control, lawn care, or community-wide vector control (e.g., mosquito control), a license is also required to apply GUPs as a commercial applicator. Commercial and noncommercial licenses encompass a wide variety of pest control categories.

Noncommercial applicators apply RUPs on land or property owned by their employer. Examples of noncommercial applicators include a Dept. of Transportation employee who sprays rights-of-way, or a golf course employee who sprays the greens. If controlling mosquitos on behalf of a government entity (e.g., a health department employee), a license is also required to apply GUPs as a noncommercial applicator.

‘How do I become a licensed pesticide applicator?’
If you need a private applicator license, you have three options to certify for a license:
    Attend a private training session;
    Complete the online private training program; or
    Pass a private applicator exam administered by NDA.

Once you have become certified, NDA will contact you about licensing; you will need to pay a $25 licensing fee to NDA.

To recertify a private license, which lasts three years, you can repeat one of the above options, or attend a Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinic or the Nebraska Crop Management Conference. You must pay a $25 fee to renew the license.

If you need a commercial or noncommercial applicator license, you will need to pass at least two NDA-administered exams: one focused on the General Standards, or core competencies, and at least one focused on a specific applicator category. Exams are administered at initial training sessions and through the Pearson VUE computerized testing service.

You can prepare for your exams in two ways:
    Purchase study manuals and attend an initial training session; or
    Purchase comprehensive, digital study materials (i.e., FlipBooks)

If you choose to use FlipBooks, you don’t need to attend a training session, too. However, you can register to take your exams during one of these sessions (no training included) for a nominal fee of $5. This registration page will be available by Jan. 1, 2021.

After successfully passing the applicator exams, NDA will contact commercial applicators regarding payment of a $90 licensing fee to NDA. There is no licensing fee for noncommercial applicators.

To recertify a commercial/noncommercial license, you must attend a recertification training session or an approved conference. Commercial applicators must pay a $90 fee to renew a license; noncommercial applicators do not pay a license renewal fee.

Attending a Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinic or the Nebraska Crop Management Conference, all of which will be held online in 2021, allows recertification in the Agricultural Plant (01) category. The Nebraska Turf Conference offers recertification in the Ornamental and Turf (04) category. The Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Convention offers recertification in the Agricultural Plant (01) and Aerial Pest Control (12) categories.

‘What other pesticide-related training might I need?’
‘Chemigation’ is the practice of applying agrichemicals (including pesticides) to cropland using an irrigation system to distribute both the water and chemical. This practice requires training and certification. Initial and recertifying chemigators can train and test online.

This fall, the EPA (re)registered three dicamba products as RUPs through 2025. XtendiMax®, Engenia®, and Tavium® are registered for use only on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. In addition to requiring a pesticide applicator license, you must also take yearly dicamba-specific training before purchasing or applying any of these three herbicides. Dicamba-specific training will be provided by the products’ registrants for the 2021 growing season.

The highly toxic active ingredient paraquat dichloride (‘paraquat’) has caused a number of fatalities over the years due to negligence. All products containing paraquat are classified as RUPs. In addition, all paraquat products require paraquat-specific training before purchase and/or use. Paraquat training is good for three years. The national paraquat training is available online and can be completed at any time.

If you do agricultural work, including in greenhouses and nurseries, you should be aware of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), a set of regulations intended to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from pesticide exposure. Among other things, WPS requires workers and handlers to take yearly training. Because they have already taken more in-depth pesticide safety training, licensed pesticide applicators are exempt from taking WPS training. However, if you are the owner of an agricultural establishment, you have numerous responsibilities to your employees under WPS. For more information on those responsibilities, see the EPA manual, How to Comply With the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides.



NEW DECISION SUPPORT TOOL AVAILABLE TO SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCERS

Sam Wortman, associate professor of horticulture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Ali Loker, a doctoral student in plant health, have launched a new decision support tool for specialty crop producers and gardeners: the Vegetable Variety Navigator. The tool can guide specialty crop growers and gardeners as they look for high-yielding, high-quality vegetable varieties for their soil climate in the Midwest.

The university’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, along with Nebraska Extension’s Katie King and John Porter, received a grant last year through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to support on-farm variety trials for peppers, cucumbers and broccoli. The trials were to be performed on five farms in eastern and central Nebraska. Researchers had begun work on the project, and the plants were ready to be transplanted into plots at the participating farms, when COVID-19 caused the team to change its plans.

Wortman had already hired Loker, who still had an interest in working on the project even in the absence of on-farm variety trials. The idea of performing a meta-analysis seemed a good substitute. Loker dove into the scientific literature. Over the course of the summer, she analyzed data from more than 300 studies with the goal of helping to answer questions about which vegetable varieties perform best, and where. She then used the results to build an online tool to help growers visualize the data and make informed decisions about which varieties of specialty crops to plant.

After Loker had gathered the data, Wortman was ready to hire a software engineer for programming. However, Loker mentioned a program called Tableau that she had used previously to visualize data, volunteering to create the tool instead. The Vegetable Variety Navigator Tool began to take shape, with the final product surpassing Wortman’s expectations.

“Just seeing her take ownership of the project and really far exceed my expectations is pretty rewarding as a mentor,” Wortman said.

Before the launch of the tool, growers might have to perform hours of research on vegetable varieties to see how they might perform in various conditions. By contrast, the tool compiles that data and presents it in an easy-to-read format.

“We’re hoping to leverage all of the information out there to help growers in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest make better decisions,” Wortman said.

On-farm variety trials are expected to begin in 2021 to enhance the data in the Vegetable Variety Navigator. The tool will evolve based on this research and outside suggestions. The public can submit comments or data to help improve the tool at https://go.unl.edu/b790.

To learn more about the Vegetable Variety Navigator, visit https://go.unl.edu/pkdu.



Three-State Beef Conference Offered Virtually in 2021

For 35 years, the Three-State Beef Conference has provided beef cattle producers in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska an annual update on current and critical cow-calf and stocker topics.

Although the 2021 event will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will continue to provide quality speakers and valuable information, according to Chris Clark, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “For the safety of everyone involved and to ensure compliance with all public health guidance, we decided it was best to offer a virtual program this year,” he said.

The 2021 program, titled “Making Dollars out of Decisions,” is set for Jan. 12-14, with an hour-long webinar beginning at 7 p.m. each day.  Here are the conference dates and session titles, speakers and their affiliations:

Tuesday, Jan. 12 - “What’s on the horizon for the cattle industry: pricing changes, profit drivers and other possibilities in 2021,” with Scott Brown, University of Missouri.
     
Wednesday, Jan. 13 - “Making Selection Successful: Aligning trait emphasis with market endpoints,” with Bob Weaber, Kansas State University.
     
Thursday, Jan. 14 - “Value of Connected Data,” with Justin Sexten, Performance Livestock Analytics.

All sessions are free; however, registration is required. Participants will register once for all three days, and will then receive an email with the webinar link and sign-in details. Register online at: https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7OcoslzVSnqK9z9Rn5c1mg.

For more information on the conference or registration, contact Clark at caclark@iastate.edu or Erika Lundy, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, at ellundy@iastate.edu.



November Milk Production in the United States up 3.0 Percent

Milk production in the United States during November totaled 18.0 billion pounds, up 3.0 percent from November 2019.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,916 pounds for November,
43 pounds above November 2019.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.41 million head, 62,000 head more than November 2019, and 12,000 head more than October 2020.

Iowa Milk Production
Milk production in Iowa during November 2020 totaled 438 million pounds, up 2% from the previous November according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 219,000 head, was the same as last month and 3,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,000 pounds, up 20 pounds from last November.



Japan's Highest Civilian Order Awarded to Philip M. Seng

The Government of Japan has announced that Philip M. Seng has been named a recipient of the 2020 Autumn Imperial Decorations. Seng is to receive "The Order of the Rising Sun," which is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in areas such as international relations and promotion of Japanese culture.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended Seng, former president & CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), for his contributions to "strengthening Japan-U.S. economic relations, particularly in the meat field, and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States."

"I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from the Japanese government," said Seng. "However, the recognition should primarily go to the many Japanese colleagues who mentored me along the way, and to the numerous Japanese individuals and companies who introduced and championed U.S. meat products in Japan."

While the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is considered the highest ordinarily conferred order for civilians. The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians.

"On behalf of USMEF, I offer Phil a wholehearted congratulations on this honor," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "Phil deserves credit for advancing U.S. red meat interests around the world, and his impact was especially evident in Japan, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen relations between the U.S. and Japan."

Seng joined USMEF as its Asian director in 1982. He served in that capacity until 1988, when he became USMEF's vice president of international programs. Seng served as president and chief executive officer from 1990 to 2018.

"My strategy was to approach the market respectfully, with the perspectives of the Japanese trade and consumers paramount," explained Seng. "In this way, we were able to jointly satisfy customer demands and develop everlasting trade relationships that benefitted both the U.S. and Japan."

Seng is the only American to serve as president of the International Meat Secretariat, where he served four terms, and he also served on the President's Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. Seng is currently an affiliate professor in the Animal Science Department at Colorado State University.



U.S. Corn Sales And Shipments Boom Globally, Driven By China
US Grains Council

U.S. corn is leaving the country as quickly as it can be loaded, with 12,053,200 metric tons (MT) (nearly 475 million bushels) already sold and delivered in marketing year 2020/2021 and another 29,526,600 MT (nearly 1.2 billion bushels) waiting to head to their overseas destinations as of Dec.12, 2020.

The total of sales yet to be shipped and those that have been delivered is up by 242% over the last marketing year at this time, driven by increased sales to each of the top five 2020/2021 buyers including China, which is up 19,521% alone.

China is a big and unexpected player in global corn markets, having bought at least 11,673,300 MMT (460 million bushels) including 7,570,600 MT (298 million bushels) still yet to be shipped in the coming months. Corn sold to "unknown destinations" totals 7,007,700 MT (276 million bushels), a record. Almost certainly some of that corn is destined for China, as well.

The other top buyers so far in this marketing year - Mexico, Japan, Colombia and South Korea - have also increased purchases over a year ago at this time, by a total of 5,452,500 MT (214 million bushels), looking to lock in prices as global corn and soybean supplies tighten.

Additionally, sales of U.S. corn have been booked to Taiwan, Vietnam, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Israel - a turnaround from a year ago, when U.S. origin was facing stiff competition from South America and the Black Sea.

This diversity of buyers is being driven to the market by weather, internal demand factors and price - and speaks to the importance of strong trade policy and market development work to demonstrate the reliability of the U.S. as a supplier. The U.S. Grains Council, which carries out market development on behalf of the U.S. feed grains and ethanol industries, works in 50 countries and the European Union in a typical year, including all of those finding new needs for U.S. corn this year.




ADM Reopens Key U.S. Grain Terminal in Louisiana

Chicago-based Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. has reopened a key U.S. grain-export terminal after construction delays, according to a Bloomberg report.  The Reserve terminal in Louisiana, one of the three ADM owns in the Gulf of Mexico region, has now reopened, the company said in a statement in response to questions from Bloomberg on Monday.

The facility was brought back online earlier than the company expected in June, when it estimated it would be ready in early 2021.  "We're excited to have Reserve back to help support an extremely strong U.S. export program," the company said.

In June, ADM said it had two other elevators in the region as well as facilities in Texas and the Pacific Northwest to help it manage export volumes, which have surged due to Chinese purchases.



ACE Hopeful EPA Chief Nominee Will Bring a Change in Philosophy

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement on reports that President-elect Joe Biden will announce Michael Regan, who has been secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality since 2017, as the nominee to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Regan served at EPA for nearly 10 years during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, holding several positions dealing with air policy.

“We congratulate Secretary Regan on his nomination to be EPA Administrator and look forward to working with him to get the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) back on track, clear regulatory hurdles to E15 and higher blends, and ensure corn ethanol is part of the solution to new policies designed to tackle climate change.

“Decisions the EPA Administrator makes to implement the RFS play an outsized role in the economic vitality of rural America and ethanol’s ability to meet its potential in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by displacing oil. Unfortunately, previous EPA Administrators under President Obama and President Trump have improperly exercised their authority as confirmed through several court decisions. In other words, EPA’s mismanagement of the RFS has undercut ethanol’s ability to reduce GHG emissions in the near term.

“ACE is committed to driving federal policies forward that harness the incredible potential increasing the use of ethanol has to fight climate change while providing significant benefits to rural economies. We are hopeful for a change in philosophy at EPA and a constructive partnership with Mr. Regan to ensure the Agency isn’t an impediment to meeting this potential.”



USDA Releases Report about the Importance of Highways to U.S. Agriculture

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report, The Importance of Highways to U.S. Agriculture, prepared in close partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOT). The report was researched and written by DOT’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center through a cooperative agreement overseen by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and its Transportation Services Division.

Agricultural producers are the single largest user of freight services, comprising 17% of freight movements across all transportation modes in dollar value and 33% of all ton-miles (U.S. DOT, BTS and U.S. Census Bureau, 2017). In 2017, 2.9 billion tons of agricultural products worth $2.5 trillion moved on the freight network.

“Agricultural freight movement is essential for moving goods from the farm to the consumer’s table. Efficient transportation helps keep food prices low for consumers and enables the U.S. agricultural industry to compete in a global marketplace,” said USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach.

An earlier USDA report published in August 2019, The Importance of Inland Waterways to U.S. Agriculture, documents the critical role of barge transportation for agricultural products, particularly grains and oilseeds.

“Together the two reports can be used to identify important infrastructure investments, drive updates to state freight plans and long-range transportation plans, inform policy discussions, and help identify priorities for future research,” Ibach said.

The highways report examined the importance of highway infrastructure to the efficient movement of domestic agricultural products and continued market competitiveness. Nearly all agricultural products travel by highway for at least a portion of their journey. According to the report, highways provide critical “first and last mile” transportation connections to higher-capacity transportation modes such as rail, barge, and ocean vessel, and for many products requiring long distance transportation.

The report’s analysis of agricultural commodity flows shows that 80% of domestic agricultural commodities travel on 17% of the U.S. highway mileage. These “High-Volume Domestic Agriculture Highways” (HDAH) are important to U.S. farmers, the agriculture industry, and downstream producers. This report utilizes a novel analysis technique to combine and geo-reference public and proprietary data sets to project future roadway conditions and model proposed projects to help anticipate benefits on 17 HDAH corridors. In addition, the study uses key stakeholder input from state Departments of Transportation to analyze and quantify selected performance challenges that domestic agricultural shippers encounter. These challenges include optimal commodity flows, safety, congestion, infrastructure condition, and roadway reliability.

The report includes:
    A summary of the economic significance of highway infrastructure to the agriculture industry and awareness of importance of highways to economic competitiveness;
    Identification of High-Volume Domestic Agriculture Highways (HDAH) based on commodity flows;
    Detailed data and analysis of the performance of 17 HDAH corridors using a novel approach;
    Modeled projections of future highway freight conditions and performance, including planned projects;
    Notable practices for addressing the infrastructure needs of the agriculture industry through six case studies; and
    A framework for conceptualizing and coordinating efforts to improve infrastructure decision-making among federal, state, and regional decision makers for agricultural shipments via highways.

While the development of this report coincided with the advent of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the data sources, estimates, and future projections used in this study, including USDA’s agricultural projections, were largely developed prior to the pandemic. Therefore, the report does not discuss the impact of the pandemic.



RFA Ready to Assist with New Round of USDA Infrastructure Grants

The U.S Department of Agriculture has announced another round of funding for its successful Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP, and the Renewable Fuels Association once again offers itself as a technical resource to interested retailers. Approximately $22 million is being made available for fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, and fleet facilities to add higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85.

“We are very proud of our earlier work that helped fuel retailers across the country successfully apply for and receive funding under the HBIIP grant program, and the RFA staff is ready to roll up its sleeves again to help retailers tap into the remaining funds available,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This effort by USDA will make a significant difference in the availability of higher blends of low-carbon ethanol, and our technical resources can continue to help ease the burden for dozens of retailers planning projects at hundreds of locations.”

The short application window will open for just 30 days and will start on December 21, closing on January 19. RFA encourages anyone considering applying for this program to act immediately, as the process will take the bulk of the application window for most applicants. Awards to successful applicants will be in the form of cost-share grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, but not to exceed $3 million, whichever is less.

RFA assisted numerous fuel retailers and marketers with the application process earlier this year. With support from the National Corn Growers Association, RFA worked with others to assist three dozen retailer companies. These applications assisted by RFA covered more than 200 locations across 21 states. Combined, these locations sell more than 250 million gallons of gasoline annually. RFA provided services and assistance for $21 million in grant requests, which are being now being fulfilled and will be matched with another $31 million in private funding for a total investment in higher blends infrastructure of more than $52 million.



USDA Reopens HBIIP Grants

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a second round of grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) for infrastructure projects to facilitate increased sales of higher biofuel blends to new and returning applicants.  

The first round of Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grants was announced in May 2020 to expand the sale and use of ethanol and biodiesel fuels and share the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fueling equipment. In his announcement, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recognized “the importance of our ethanol and biofuels industries and the positive impacts they deliver to consumers and farmers with an affordable, abundant and clean-burning fuel.”

Growth Energy’s unmatched network of both large and small retail partners has already secured nearly $30 million in grants for over 290 sites selling more than 400 million gallons of gasoline annually. After USDA’s announcement of a second wave of grants, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:  

“We have heard countless success stories from our retail partners about how HBIIP grants have helped them grow their Unleaded 88 (E15) fuel offerings, strengthen their infrastructure, and increase store foot traffic and sales. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, these grants have been welcome relief for our industry and our hardworking men and women across the country, and we stand at the ready to assist retailers who hope to take full advantage of this growth opportunity.”

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 retailers large and small in size and diverse in geographic location, including Casey’s, Sheetz, Kwik Trip, Minnoco, Cumberland Farms, Family Express, Kum & Go, Murphy USA, NuVu Fuels, Protec Fuel, Pump & Pantry, Racetrac, Rutters, QuikTrip, and United Dairy Farmers. There are now nearly 2,300 retail locations offering E15 and in 2020 – despite COVID and the worst fuel drop in three decades – and retail sites offering E15 have increased 10%.  



ACE Notifies Retailers USDA is Re-Opening HBIIP Application Portal For 30 Days to Award Remaining Matching Grant Funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening a new, 30-day application period starting Dec. 21 to provide retailers one more opportunity to apply for grant money still available under its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). In October, USDA announced several recipients of the up to $100 million in matching grants to increase ethanol and biodiesel sales. ACE Senior Vice President and Market Development Director Ron Lamberty hopes this “re-opening” provides a second chance for retailers who got started during the original 90-day timeframe but couldn’t complete their grant applications before that window closed.

“We got feedback on the application process from marketers we worked with saying it took too long to gather the information they needed and get the ‘registrations’ they had to complete before they could even apply,” Lamberty said. “Those things are required to do business with the government, and most retailers weren’t expecting that.”

“Although 30 days seems like an impossibly short window, it can be an opportunity for station owners who started the process this summer, to finish their applications,” Lamberty said, adding that “realistically, someone just jumping in right now is going to have a challenge rounding up the necessary permissions and information in that timeframe.”

Knowing the crazy 24/7 lives of c-store owners and operators and understanding they may not have time to sit in on a webinar or workshop, in May, ACE launched a series of short, fuel marketer-focused videos breaking down the daunting HBIIP application process into manageable pieces to encourage retailers to apply. The videos were produced in coordination with USDA and can be found on the flexfuelforward.com website. Marketers can watch when they have time and can contact ACE with their questions. During the initial application period, ACE provided information to retailers nationwide, answering technical questions, helping some through the application and putting others in touch with ethanol supporters who provide funds for grant writers to help with more complicated applications.

Following USDA’s rollout of HBIIP, ACE is also helping retailers understand they may already have the equipment they need to add E15 by encouraging them to try the Flex Check E15 compatibility tool.

“Making sure station owners know what their equipment can do right now and helping more of them start to sell higher blends as soon as they can is the lowest cost way for us to sell a lot more ethanol in a short period of time,” Lamberty said. “If we are going to move significant new volumes of ethanol in E15, it's going to be because massive numbers of retail units are converted at little or no cost, on top of whatever stations are able to add new fueling infrastructure with HBIIP dollars.”



USDA Announces Six More Farm Service Agency County Committees for Urban Agriculture, Requests Nominations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced six additional locations for Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees focused exclusively on urban agriculture.

Organized under USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture, the new committees in Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New Orleans, Phoenix, and St. Louis join ones in Albuquerque, N.M, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore. and Richmond, Va. (announced earlier this year) and are part of a broader effort directed by the 2018 Farm Bill for USDA to enhance support for urban agriculture.

“County committees play a critical role in representing farmer priorities at the local level,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “These six FSA county committees will provide input and priorities unique to the opportunities and challenges of farming in urban environments.”

Added FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce: “Urban and suburban farmers’ service on the county committees can elevate the needs of their fellow growers, their communities, and address issues related to access to healthy food. I encourage urban growers in these locations to take this opportunity to nominate candidates to lead, serve, and represent their community on their county committee.”

The urban and suburban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices. Additionally, the new county committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote, and encourage community compost and food waste reduction.

Committees weigh in on important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Their input is vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment, and other agricultural issues.



USDA, NASA Sign Agreement to Improve Agricultural, Earth Science Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and NASA have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their longstanding partnership on space-based assets benefitting life on Earth.

The agreement brings together NASA’s experience with technology development and space-borne Earth science measurements and USDA’s scientific experience and knowledge of agricultural production, resource conservation, food security and safety, and forests and working lands.

USDA and NASA will explore research gaps of importance to the agricultural community that could be addressed through innovative Earth observation systems and technologies developed over the next decade. The collaboration also will address recommendations made in the 2017 National Academies’ Earth Science Decadal Survey.

“As we’ve seen over the past 100 years, increasing innovation in agriculture is limitless,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “This partnership between USDA and NASA will bring together the best research, science, and technology we have to offer to help produce more food to feed the growing world. We are continuing an already great collaborative effort to utilize space-based technologies across sectors and into agriculture.”

“When we combine research on the International Space Station with the amazing capabilities that Earth observation provides, I believe that NASA, in partnership with USDA, could transform farming and bolster agricultural production in ways we can’t even imagine today,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “Microgravity research can unlock secrets in a wide variety of fields, and I’m particularly excited about our agency’s potential impact on next-generation agricultural techniques.”

The agreement also will leverage USDA’s connections with the agricultural community and the global marketplace.

The partnership outlined in the agreement will benefit a variety of Earth and space-based goals, including activities in support of NASA’s Artemis program, which will land the first woman and the next man on the Moon and establish sustainable exploration with our commercial and international partners. Plant-related research on the International Space Station, and other space or ground platforms, may lead to creative new ways to improve American and global agriculture, protect the environment, and contribute to better human health.

In addition, the agencies collaborate on education and communication activities to inspire youth in America to pursue careers in STEM and agriculture through the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM Education.

For more information about NASA’s Earth science activities, visit: www.nasa.gov/earth.



Wounded Warrior Project Expands Support for Wounded Veterans and their Families with New Funding for Farmers in 2021

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) expanded partnerships to include 12 new and existing veteran and military service organizations to help meet the needs of our nation's wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families.

Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) was one of the dozen awarded. A national non-profit serving nearly 25,000 veterans turned farmers, FVC creates a new generation of farmers and food leaders while simultaneously offering our veterans a place to heal on America’s farms.

WWP funding will directly support the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. It’s a small grant program that provides assistance to veterans in the early stages of their agricultural careers with the purchase of a piece of equipment. For hundreds of members, the Fellowship Fund has made the difference in the viability of their farming operation.

Like WWP, FVC believes that every warrior has a next mission. Farming provides the kind of mission-oriented work that many veterans found satisfying while in the military, in addition to offering them a sense of purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.

As member Davon Goodwin of North Carolina puts it, “the camaraderie you lose when you exit the military, you gain that through FVC.”  Davon was injured in Afghanistan in 2010, which altered his life goal of pursuing a PhD in Botany. He transitioned into farming instead with the idea of providing the same commitment to his community as a farmer that he did as a soldier.

“When I got on the farm I felt reinvigorated, I felt life. I felt like there was a connection between humans and soil,” acknowledges the prior Fellowship Fund awardee. “When I put my hands in the dirt, it changed me.”

This funding from WWP will support 36 new fellowships - at least half of them designated for female veterans - on their next mission: they have served their country once by defending it, and now a second time in feeding it.

The Fellowship Fund program directly aligns with WWP’s mission by connecting, serving, and empowering wounded warriors that have experienced physical and emotional harm.

It connects recipients into FVC’s vast network of veterans to combat geographic and psychological isolation so common to farmers, while establishing a sense of community and camaraderie that mirrors the fellowship of military service.

It serves those who have served our country. For many, the purchase of equipment gives “wounded warriors” with physical limitations the ability to do work on their farms that their physical limitations would otherwise prohibit.

It empowers by giving veterans the financial assistance they need to launch a farming business, and the opportunity to use their existing skills from military service to succeed as an agricultural professional and earn a meaningful, financially sustainable place in the agricultural community.

WWP is providing their 2021 partners more than $2.3 million combined total in grants to expand the impact of WWP's existing efforts and to fill gaps in programs and services. "The military and veteran community organizations that we work with help us fill critical gaps in care, ensuring that America's injured veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "We're proud to support these amazing organizations and the diverse spectrum of services and programs they provide. Through these grants we are strengthening the communities where these warriors, and their families, work and live."

Since 2012, WWP has granted more than $271 million to 192 veteran and military service organizations.



ICASA Awards Three Grants to Advance Antimicrobial Stewardship

The International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA), a public-private partnership established by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) to advance research on antimicrobial stewardship in animal agriculture, is excited to announce the first grants awarded by the consortium. Collectively, these grants protect live-saving medications for human use, track antibiotic resistance in swine and increase knowledge of a harmful cattle disease.

Maintaining the efficacy of antibiotics is a complex issue affecting both human and animal health. The responsible use of antibiotics is a top priority for livestock producers. FFAR established ICASA in 2019 with an initial $7.5 million investment to fund research that promotes targeted antibiotic use, advances animal health and welfare and increases transparency in food production practices. The private sector is matching FFAR’s investment for a total $15 million investment in antibiotic stewardship research.

“I am impressed with the scale of these projects, which contribute to the consortium’s goals of advancing the judicious use of antimicrobials and understanding the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance on-farm, said Dr. Tim Kurt, FFAR’s Advanced Animal Systems Scientific Program Director. "The potential impact of the research, conducted in collaboration with commercial livestock producers and veterinary providers, is substantial.”

ICASA awarded funds to the following grantees for their bold research advancing antimicrobial stewardship:

    The Beef Alliance received $342,000 to evaluate how different use strategies with the antibiotic tylosin impacts beef cattle’s health. The research is being conducted by industry leading nutritionists and Beef Alliance members. The Beef Alliance and Cactus Research contributed matching funds to the project.

Tylosin is commonly administered to cattle in US feedlots to treat and prevent liver abscesses. However, tylosin belongs to an antibiotic class often used in human medicine and its use has become controversial among some stakeholders. The large-scale experiment, involving approximately 12,000 animals at six Beef Alliance member company feedyards across the US, is evaluating the impact of reduced tylosin dosage on the incidence and severity of liver abscesses. The results will enable cattle producers to make science-based decisions regarding the judicious use of tylosin, consistent with long-term goals set by the FDA and other stakeholders.

    Pipestone Veterinary Services received $313,840, matched by Pipestone Veterinary Services and the National Pork Board for a total $627,280 investment, to launch an on-farm antimicrobial resistance surveillance study for the US swine industry.

Currently, antimicrobial resistance data are not tracked on swine farms. The Pipestone team is collecting data on pathogens from 160 commercial swine farms in several states. These samples are being analyzed and the data will be correlated with antibiotic usage data at the farm level. This research is evaluating the relationship between antibiotic use, pathogen type, production practices and antimicrobial resistance across a large pig production system. Ideally, this information will form the basis for a standardized protocol to track antibiotic usage and conduct antimicrobial resistance surveillance that could be applied across the US swine industry.

    The Noble Research Institute received $186,643, matched by Noble Research Institute LLC, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services and HyPlains Research and Education Center for a total $373,287 investment, to identify causes of late-onset bovine respiratory disease in cattle.

Late-onset bovine respiratory disease affects nearly 10 percent of calves, resulting in pneumonia and widespread antibiotic use. Recently, a late-onset disease has been identified in some cattle that is similar to bovine respiratory disease. It is unclear whether this is the classical form of bovine respiratory disease, what causes the condition and how to treat it. Johnson collected DNA for genetic evaluation, nasal swabs for bacterial and viral analysis and blood samples for heart and lung analysis. Feed intake, stomach acidity levels and temperature were assessed on a subset of animals. The project is complete and final report will soon be released. This information will help researchers determine what health factors predispose calves to late onset bovine respiratory disease.



HELM Agro US Granted EPA Approval for Katagon Corn Herbicide

HELM Agro US, Inc., a global manufacturer of high-quality crop protection and fertilizer products today announced that Katagon™ herbicide has received federal registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Katagon is a next-generation HPPD premix herbicide for postemergence use in field corn, offering two modes of action with the added benefits of a low use rate formulation, crop safety profile and a wide application window.

A co-formulation of the active ingredients tolpyralate and nicosulfuron, Katagon delivers highly effective control of broadleaf weeds plus enhanced grass control when used in combination with atrazine.

Katagon and atrazine together in a tank mix also provides residual activity for longer-lasting weed control performance.

Katagon was developed by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. Earlier this year, HELM Agro US and ISK Biosciences Corporation, a subsidiary of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd., agreed to collaborate regarding the distribution of Katagon herbicide for the U.S. crop protection market.

Flexibility that fits
Katagon is labeled for use in field corn grown for grain, silage and seed, that are herbicide-resistant, conventional or non-GMO hybrids.

In product development trials, Katagon has demonstrated high performance ratings in crop safety and postemergence control of glyphosate, PPO, triazine and ALS-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, ragweed, lambsquarters and foxtails.

According to Dave Schumacher, President of HELM Agro US, Katagon‘s unique co-formulation of tolpyralate and nicosulfuron is the first of its kind in the U.S.

"In field trials, we’ve seen Katagon perform equal to if not better than several market leading post products on broadleaves and stubborn grasses," says Schumacher. “Katagon is an ideal solution to help break the cycle of resistance without limiting growers’ ability to rotate to soybeans the following season.”

Market-ready for 2021
Available to corn growers for the 2021 season, Katagon is classified as a Group 27 and Group 2 herbicide with a use rate of 2.3 to 3.4 fluid ounces per acre. It can be applied by itself or in combination with atrazine as an early to mid-season postemergence treatment.

When used alone, Katagon can be applied on corn up to 20-inches tall or the V5 growth stage, whichever is most restrictive. Post applications that include atrazine can be applied to corn up to 12-inches tall. In a tank mix with Katagon, the maximum single application rate for atrazine is 2.0 pounds per acre and not to exceed 2.5 pounds of atrazine per acre per year.

Katagon is formulated as an oil dispersion containing one pound of tolpyralate per gallon and one pound of nicosulfuron per gallon. With a low use rate, Katagon provides greater cost savings for grower and retailer alike, reducing container size, application rates, labor and transportation expenses.

According to Schumacher, corn growers will be encouraged to use Katagon as part of a two-pass sequential weed control program to ensure three or more modes of actions are used within a single growing season, and in accordance with university recommendations and industry standards for weed resistance management.

“Katagon is another example of how HELM is bringing new technology to market that addresses the ever-changing needs of growers,” says Schumacher. “Katagon is a total package solution that helps growers overcome resistance issues with the end result in driving up yield potential and profitability.”



AGCO Introduces All-New Challenger MT800 Series Track Tractors

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, introduces the all-new Challenger® MT800 Series track tractors. Building on proven innovations from AGCO’s 30 years of experience in track tractors, these machines boast new engine and transmission combinations, an enhanced track and chassis system, more hydraulic and hitch options and a redesigned operator-friendly cab. In fact, MT800 Series tractors, equipped with the AccuDrive™ powertrain, are the most powerful two-track tractors available with a stepless transmission.

“AGCO is excited to introduce the long-anticipated new Challenger MT800 Series track tractors to our loyal Challenger customers throughout North America,” says David Soliday, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager. “They’ve been asking for improved efficiency in a high-horsepower track tractor with the benefits of flotation and the ease of a stepless transmission. The new MT800 Series is a great addition to the Challenger line of track tractors and a perfect example of AGCO’s commitment to serve the producers who require a proven, dependable high-horsepower tractor to pull today’s heavy tillage and planting implements.”

Tremendous power and fuel efficiency
Whether the task at hand is deep ripping, subsoiling, installing tile or high-speed planting, the MT800 Series offers the power to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Producers can choose from among four models in the MT800 Series, all of which run reliable and proven engines by MAN. The MT851 (511 HP), MT856 (564 HP) and MT862 (618 HP) are powered by MAN 15.2-liter, 6-cylinder diesel engines, whereas the MT867 (673 HP) is equipped with a MAN 16.2-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine. Both power plants utilize a low engine speed approach that creates high torque even at lower speeds. AccuDrive allows for an engine speed range of 1,000 to 1,700 rpm, providing maximum torque from 1,100 to 1,450 rpm.

The Challenger Accu-VT™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) is engineered to optimize the benefits of track tractors. Accu-VT can achieve ground speed from 65 feet per hour to as much as 25 mph, all at reduced engine speed. The Tractor Management System (TMS) automatically controls engine speed and transmission ratio to ensure constant ground speed.

“The Accu-VT allows producers to pull the heaviest implements through the toughest conditions with maximum torque and minimum fuel usage,” Soliday says. “The transmission continually adjusts to optimize fuel consumption based on load. When no torque is needed, fuel savings are even more significant.”

Maximum power transfer, minimal soil compaction
This efficient powertrain is harnessed to an innovative undercarriage backed by more than three decades of track system experience.

“The MT800 Series offers a suspended undercarriage and the widest offering of track belt choices on the market,” Soliday says. “The longer wheelbase provides ideal track-to-ground contact, improving flotation and minimizing soil disturbance and compaction while also maximizing power transfer.”

The MT800 Series’ two-track design affords advantages over quad-track tractors. There are fewer components to maintain, which helps reduce operating costs. There’s also less weight, which allows horsepower to be directed to the task at hand, instead of moving the machine. Numerous ballasting options — including front and chassis weights — are available to improve machine balance, headland quality and drawbar pull capacity.

Whereas quad-track tractors have a fixed track width, the MT800 Series allows for track widths from 88 inches to 128 inches, so operators can select a width for the specific task at hand or maintain controlled traffic lanes to reduce soil compaction across a field. Four track styles are available in as many as four belt widths from 18 to 36 inches, depending on the style. Suspended mid-wheels help to maintain constant contact on all surfaces, providing excellent ride comfort.

Increased operator comfort and productivity
Further improvement in operator comfort in both field and road conditions is achieved through the Challenger SmartRide™ suspension. The hard-bar front axle is connected to the chassis via the suspension system that uses coil springs with rubber dampeners. An optional load-leveling system, SmartRide+™, integrates hydraulic cylinders within the springs, allowing the tractor’s pitch to be controlled. Not only does this help maintain the correct implement and linkage geometry, but a level tractor will also have an improved ride because suspension travel is optimized.

Sitting atop the chassis is the all-new MT800 Series cab. Customers can choose from either the standard suspension of four-point shock absorbers with rubber elements or the two-point cab suspension, a first among conventional track tractors.

“This cab has sturdy coil springs with integrated shock absorbers at the rear and two shock absorbers with rubber bumpers on the front,” Soliday says. “With nearly four inches of travel at the rear of the cab, the cushioning efficiently absorbs vibrations that are sent from the ground over the fixed rear axle.”

Inside the cab, operators have a choice of three air-suspended seats: cloth, leather with heat and leather with heat and ventilation. Integrated with the seat is the adjustable multifunction armrest with the 10.4-inch Challenger AccuTerminal™ that places both tractor and implement controls at the operator’s fingertips. The layout of the controls is similar to that of other Challenger equipment, allowing for familiarity as operators move from one machine to the next. The exclusive, single-spoke steering wheel is ergonomically shaped for effortless steering. Integrated audio system controls are optional.

Challenger Guide smart farming guidance package options allow an operator to connect the MT800 Series tractor to a multitude of systems available on the market today. Systems such as Challenger Guide Contour Assistant and the TI Headland automated operating sequence, for example, save operators time and improve the quality of work, especially on headlands. The AGCO Connectivity Module enables communication with Challenger Connect, the MT800 Series’ telemetry system, simplifying fleet management and quickly identifying error codes.

Hitch system options for every implement
Multiple rear hitch systems are available to connect the power of the Challenger MT800 Series to any number of implements. Customers can choose from three drawbars and two, three-point hitches.

A Category 5 fixed drawbar with an 11,000-pound vertical load rating is standard. Operators may also choose a wide-swinging roller drawbar with 11,000-pound load rating or a hydraulic-controlled drawbar with 15,000-pound load rating. These options offer 28 degrees of horizontal swing both left and right, so the tractor can turn more smoothly while under load, reducing fuel use and improving operator comfort.

AGCO offers the only tractors on the market available with a steerable three-point hitch. This feature allows the MT800 Series to make headland turns closer to the center point of wide implements when under high draft loads. It also reduces the amount of steering power needed while maintaining a higher draft force.

“This feature really allows an operator the ability to make steering adjustments and continue pulling a ground-engaged implement forward instead of sideways,” Soliday adds. “This reduces stress on the implement while allowing the operator to keep rolling.”

Both standard (15,000-pound lift capacity) and high-capacity (20,000-pound lift capacity) hitches are available. Each also includes a Category 5 free-swinging drawbar with 15,000-pound vertical load rating. With the drawbar unpinned and the hitch allowed to swing, the combination can achieve 23.5 degrees of horizontal swing both left and right.

High-performance hydraulics
To meet the needs of today’s most sophisticated implements, the Challenger MT800 Series is equipped with a hydraulic system that is entirely dedicated to the valves, hitch, drawbar control and power beyond.

Two options are available: a single pump providing 58.1 gpm at 1,700 rpm or the exclusive dual pump, dual circuit system for up to 116.2 gpm. This unique dual system dedicates one pump each to the left and right valve blocks, so implements can be connected according to their flow requirements. Each pump delivers only the flow that is required, whether high or low, without throttle losses.

“This dual system allows the operator to increase hydraulic efficiency and not work the pumps any harder than needed for the implement’s operation,” Soliday says. “For example, a central-fill planter will have a high-flow hydraulic requirement for its vacuum system and a low-flow requirement for the cylinders raising and lowering the transport wheels.”

In addition, separate oil reservoirs for the implement and tractor hydraulic systems prevent cross contamination and extend the service interval to 2,000 hours.

Challenger MT800 Series tractors, which will be available in 2021, come with a two-year or 2,000-hour limited warranty. For more information about these new tractors, visit the Challenger showroom within agcovirtualshowroom.com/, or to find a dealer near you and arrange a demonstration, visit http://www.challenger-ag.us/.



Trump Administration Sets the Pace for Food Loss and Waste Reduction Efforts to Continue

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the renewal of the joint agency formal agreement including the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative. The agreement reaffirms the agencies’ commitment to improve coordination and communication efforts to better educate Americans on the impacts and importance of reducing food loss and waste. Food loss and waste negatively impact food security, the economy, communities, and the environment.

Since the Trump Administration launched the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative, the collaborative effort has achieved great success. Public-private partnerships, like the United States Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions, are key to successfully reducing food loss and waste by implementing proven strategies and sharing best practices. In 2020, the Trump Administration welcomed ten new businesses and organizations to the 2030 Champions.

Today's renewed three-year agreement will continue to build on these successful partnerships and reiterate our shared commitment to work towards the national goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030.

“The United States is getting a handle on its serious food waste problem,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The three-year renewal of this joint agency agreement will help our country achieve its ambitious goal of cutting food waste by 50 percent by 2030.”

“Our nation’s agricultural abundance should be used to nourish those in need, not fill the trash,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “As the world’s population continues to grow and the food systems continue to evolve, now is the time to continue to educate consumers and businesses alike on the need for food waste reduction.”

“We’ve seen great strides in food loss and waste reduction since first entering the joint agency formal agreement with our Federal colleagues, and through collaborative efforts with our public and private partners,” said  FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. “At FDA, we’ve encouraged food manufacturers and retailers to standardize the way quality-based date labels are used on packaged foods and developed videos and materials to educate consumers. With these continued partnerships and important efforts, we’re on track to see a 50% reduction of food waste by 2030.”

As part of the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative, EPA, USDA, and FDA issued its FY2019-2020 Federal Interagency Strategy in April 2019, which identifies six priority areas on which the agencies will focus their efforts to reduce food loos and waste in the U.S. In May 2020, the Federal Interagency Strategy was updated by listing contributing efforts for each of the strategy's six priority action areas:
    Priority Area 1: Enhance Interagency Coordination
    Priority Area 2: Increase Consumer Education and Outreach Efforts
    Priority Area 3: Improve Coordination and Guidance on Food Loss and Waste Measurement
    Priority Area 4: Clarify and Communicate Information on Food Safety, Food Date Labels, and Food Donations
    Priority Area 5: Collaborate with Private Industry to Reduce Food Loss and Waste Across the Supply Chain
    Priority Area 6: Encourage Food Waste Reduction by Federal Agencies in their Respective Facilities

The agencies also launched partnerships with organizations at the forefront of food loss and waste reduction efforts. In April 2019, the agencies signed an agreement with ReFED, a network of the nation's leading business, nonprofit, foundation, and government leaders committed to reducing U.S. food waste. In October 2019, another partnership with the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, formalized collaboration on education and outreach efforts with three major sectors of the supply chain: food manufacturing, retail, and restaurant and food service.

BACKGROUND
The Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative is a collaborative effort among USDA, EPA, and FDA to reduce food loss and waste through combined and agency-specific actions. Individually and collectively, these agencies contribute to the initiative, encourage long-term food waste reductions, and work toward the goal of reducing food loss and waste in the U.S. These actions include research, community investments, education and outreach, voluntary programs, public-private partnerships, tool development, technical assistance, event participation, and policy discussion.

For more information on agency efforts contributing to the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food
https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste
www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-loss-and-waste

Meeting the national goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030 will take a sustained commitment from everyone. Success requires action from the entire food system.

FACTS ABOUT FOOD WASTE:
-    EPA estimates that more food (over 70 billion pounds) reaches landfills than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 24 percent of discarded municipal solid waste.
-    Landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S.
-    Food waste not only impacts landfill space and emissions, it negatively impacts the economy. USDA estimates the value of food loss and waste for retailers and consumers each year to be over $161 billion.
-    Wasted food also results in unnecessary expenditures of U.S. domestic energy resources. Every time food is lost or wasted, all the energy that went into producing that food is also wasted.

JOIN THE FOOD WASTE REDUCTION EFFORTS:
Details on becoming a U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champion can be found at www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food and www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/champions.

Businesses and organizations not in a position to make the 50 percent reduction commitment may be interested in participating in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-frc.

State, local, tribal and territorial governments interested in making a commitment to food waste reduction can sign the Winning on Reducing Food Waste pledge.