Wednesday January 6 Ag News

 Farmers Union Condemns Violent Efforts to Undermine Democracy

As Congress prepared to verify the results of the 2020 presidential election today, a group of far-right insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol building, vandalizing and stealing federal property, assaulting Capitol police officers, and threatening lawmakers with violence.

The event, which occurred mere blocks from National Farmers Union's (NFU) D.C. office, is a disturbing attempt to undermine the will of American voters and the very democracy that guarantees our freedoms and protections. NFU President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response:
“National Farmers Union and its members support all Americans' right to free speech and peaceful protest, but these acts of intimidation and terror have no place in this country, and they cannot be condoned or brushed aside.
 
“More than that, this event demonstrates just how fragile democracy truly is. It doesn't exist simply because it is written in the Constitution; it requires action of the part of every American. Every day, we must commit anew to upholding its core tenets of social equality, personal liberty, sovereignty, and a peaceful transfer of power. Following today's riot, the Farmers Union family redoubles our dedication to these ideals and to the constant progress of this country we hold so dear.”



NE Senators Elect Committee Chairs

Speaker - Mike Hilgers, LD21
Chair of Committee on Committees - Robert Hilkemann, LD4
Chair of Executive Board - Dan Hughes, LD44
Vice Chair of Executive Board - Tony Vargas, LD7  

Committees
Agriculture Committee   - Steve Halloran, LD33  
Appropriations - John Stinner, LD48
Banking, Commerce and Insurance - Matt Williams, LD36
Business & Labor  - Ben Hansen, LD16
Education - Lynne Walz LD15  
General Affairs - Tom Briese, LD41
Gov., Military, Veteran Affairs - Tom Brewer, LD43  
Health and Human Services  - John Arch, LD14  
Judiciary - Steve Lathrop, LD12
Natural Resources - Bruce Bostelman, LD23  
Retirement Systems - Mark Kolterman, LD24  
Revenue  - Lou Ann Linehan, LD39
Transportation/Telecommunications - Curt Friesen, LD34
Urban Affairs  - Justin Wayne, LD13
Rules - Robert Clements, LD2   
Enrollment & Review - Julie Slama, LD1  



Women in Agriculture Conference scholarships available to new producers, students

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will award up to 50 scholarships to students, and up to 10 scholarships to aspiring and beginning producers to attend the 2021 virtual conference.

The two-day hybrid event will offer both livestreaming and on-demand opportunities for attendees to learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners. The livestream portion of the conference will be held Feb. 18-19, from noon to 2:15 p.m. Central time each day, via Zoom.

Scholarship applications are open to any aspiring or current agricultural producer with less than 10 years of experience; any student attending a two-year or four-year college, university, vocational or technical school; or any 4-H or FFA member.

Applicants will need to prepare an essay explaining why they want to attend the conference. Essay responses are limited to 3,000 characters.

More details and the application are available at wia.unl.edu/scholarships. Applications must be submitted online by midnight on Jan. 31. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than Feb. 5.



Governor Kim Reynolds to Address the 2021 Virtual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

From floods, a derecho storm, to COVID-19 response, Governor Kim Reynolds’ tenure in office has been marked by several challenges. But through it all, it has also been marked by a relentless support for Iowa biofuels. This month, she will join other biofuel supporters from around the country at the Virtual Iowa Renewable Fuel Summit to look back on past obstacles overcome and future growth opportunities within the state for biofuels.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said he is excited to have the Governor share her perspective at the beginning of a new year.

“Governor Kim Reynolds has been a true champion for biofuels and has taken every opportunity to seek growth opportunities for ethanol and biodiesel,” Shaw said. “The governor understands the direct lifeline biofuels provide for Iowa farmers and Iowa’s economy. We look forward to hearing her thoughts on a path forward for biofuels in 2021.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is taking place on January 26th on IowaRenewableFuelsSummit.org. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend and learn more, visit IowaRenewablFuelsSummit.org.



Naig Reminds Farmers to Apply for Cover Crop Crop Insurance Discounts by Jan 15

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds farmers and landowners who plant cover crops to apply for the state’s cover crop crop insurance discount program by Jan. 15, 2021. Applicants may be eligible for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums. Farmers can sign up now for the cover crop insurance premium reduction program at apply.cleanwateriowa.org. To qualify, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs.

“Farmers and landowners across the state are recognizing the benefits of planting fall cover crops to improve the health of their fields and water quality in their communities and downstream,” said Secretary Naig. “I encourage everyone who planted fall cover crops to take advantage of this opportunity to save some money on spring crop insurance premiums.”

Cover crops, like rye and oats, prevent soil erosion and lock in nutrients, especially during extreme weather events. Cover crops are proven to reduce nitrogen loads by 28-31 percent and phosphorous loads by 29 percent, which helps improve water quality. They also offer weed control and livestock grazing benefits for producers.

Secretary Naig encourages farmers and landowners to speak with their agronomist or seed representative about cover crop varieties as they’re finalizing their spring planting decisions.

Program Details
This is the fourth year the crop insurance discount program is being administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). Interest in the program continues to grow and new farmers and fields join each year. To date, about 1,700 farmers have enrolled nearly 500,000 acres of cover crops in the program.

Some insurance policies may be excluded, like Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, or those covered through written agreements. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.

Farmers should visit their local USDA service center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices.



National Poll Shows COVID-19 Taking Heavy Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health

A strong majority of farmers/farmworkers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, and more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a new American Farm Bureau poll.

The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers explores how the pandemic has affected their mental health personally and in their communities, as well as how attitudes and experiences around mental health have changed in rural and farm communities since AFBF conducted its first rural mental health survey in 2019.

“My takeaway from this survey is that the need for support is real and we must not allow lack of access or a ‘too tough to need help’ mentality to stand in the way,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are stepping up our efforts through our Farm State of Mind campaign, encouraging conversations about stress and mental health and providing free training and resources for farm and ranch families and rural communities. The pandemic added a mountain of stress to an already difficult year for farmers and they need to know that sometimes it’s OK not to be OK, that people care, and that there’s help and hope.”

The results of the new poll clearly demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic is having broad-ranging impacts among rural adults and farmers/farmworkers. Key findings include:
    Two in three farmers/farmworkers (66%) say the pandemic has impacted their mental health.
    Rural adults were split on COVID-19’s impact. Half of rural adults (53%) say the pandemic has impacted their mental health at least some, while 44% say it has not impacted their mental health much or at all.
    Younger rural adults were more likely than older rural adults to say the pandemic has impacted their mental health a lot.
    Farmers and farmworkers were 10% more likely than rural adults as a whole to have experienced feeling nervous, anxious or on edge during the pandemic (65% vs. 55%).
    The percentage of farmers/farmworkers who say social isolation impacts farmers’ mental health increased 22% since April 2019, a significant finding given the long hours many farmers work alone.
    Half of rural adults (52%) aged 18-34 say they have thought more about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than other age groups.
    Three in five rural adults (61%) say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health in rural communities. Farmers/farmworkers were more likely than rural adults to say COVID-19 has impacted mental health in rural communities a lot (37% vs. 22%).

The survey of 2,000 rural adults was conducted by Morning Consult in December. It also identified the main obstacles to seeking help or treatment for a mental health condition, the most trusted sources for information about mental health, impressions of the importance of mental health in rural communities and the importance of reducing stigma surrounding mental health. A presentation with additional detail on the full survey results is available here.

AFBF will host a session at its 2021 Virtual Convention titled Farm State of Mind – Responding to the Challenges of Rural Mental Health on Tues., Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. Eastern time. The session will feature diverse perspectives on the issue of rural mental health and highlight Farm Bureau’s efforts to respond to this key moment in agriculture. Visit https://annualconvention.fb.org/ to register for the convention and view this session.

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or has concerns about their mental health, visit the Farm State of Mind website at farmstateofmind.org where you can find crisis hotlines, treatment locators, tips for helping someone in emotional pain, ways to start a conversation and  resources for managing stress, anxiety or depression.



NCBA Rolls Out New Event for 2021

Brand new for 2021, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is hosting a two-day virtual event for cattlemen and women across the country to come together for industry news, updates, education and networking.

The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention Winter Reboot, scheduled for Feb. 23-24, is your opportunity to connect with NCBA and serves as a kickoff event for the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show that will take place Aug. 10-12 in Nashville, Tenn., at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Winter Reboot attendees will receive a sneak peek into plans for the Cattle Industry Convention and the Cattlemen’s College.

“Despite the move of the main event in August, we’re excited to host this event allowing cattlemen and women to engage in industry-leading content in a way that is accessible for everyone,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “NCBA continues to focus on meeting the needs of our members and the industry. This virtual experience will provide vital industry updates and education as we start the New Year.”

Winter Reboot sessions include an NCBA D.C. issues update and expectations with the new administration. Ten educational programs will be offered covering topics such as sustainability, as well as a tech tool introduction. A virtual marketplace will also be featured during the Winter Reboot to allow attendees interaction with leading agribusinesses.

Registration for the Winter Reboot is now open and details about the event can be found at www.convention.ncba.org/winter-reboot.



No-till on the Plains’ Annual Conference Moves Virtual

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions in Wichita, the 25th Annual Winter Conference hosted by No-till on the Plains on January 26, 2021 has moved to a virtual format, canceling the in-person portion of our 2021 Winter Conference.

“We had held out hope that we might be able to gather, knowing that this annual networking experience is one of the most anticipated and valued aspects of the Winter Conference. We promise to return to in-person opportunities as soon as possible. Because we had planned for this contingency, your conference lineup will continue as advertised and will have the same great quality content you would have received on-site,” said Steve Swaffar, executive director of No-till on the Plains.

Each year, the conference welcomes growers, industry partners and soil health enthusiasts to attend the soil health educational event. Speakers this year will include author, Darin Qualman; producer and the most requested speaker from the last five years, John Kempf; regenerative agriculture producer, Chris Teachout; and Dr. Dwayne Beck, Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Sponsors for the 2020 Winter Conference are: Advancing EcoAgriculture, Green Cover Seed, Exapta Solutions, Upfield, Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Conservation, General Mills and the #NoRegrets Initiative. To register or learn more about the conference, including agenda or speakers, visit notill.org or call (785) 210-4549.



Anhydrous Prices Jump 10% From Last Month, Leading Broad Price Rally

Fertilizer prices pushed sharply higher into the end of 2020. All eight of the major fertilizers tracked by DTN had higher prices compared to last month, with half of those increasing 5% or more, a level DTN considers significant.

Anhydrous was up 10% compared to last month. The average price was $470/ton, up $43/ton. Both MAP and potash were up 8% compared to the prior month. MAP had an average price of $537/ton, up $38/ton, and potash was at $366/ton, up $26/ton.  DAP was 5% more expensive compared to last month. The phosphorous fertilizer had an average price of $475/ton, up $20/ton.

The remaining four fertilizers were just slightly higher in price compared to the prior month. Urea had an average price of $367/ton, up $8; 10-34-0 $464/ton, up $5; UAN28 $209/ton and UAN32 $250/ton, both up $1 from last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.29/lb.N, UAN28 $0.37/lb.N and UAN32 $0.39/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly lower in price from a year ago, but there are a few exceptions. Urea is 1% more expensive, DAP is 8% higher while MAP is 21% more expensive compared to last year.  10-34-0 is 1% less expensive, potash is 3% lower, anhydrous is 4% less expensive, UAN32 is 9% lower and UAN28 is 12% less expensive from last year at this time.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/1/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 1, ethanol production ticked 0.1% higher, or 1,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 935,000 b/d—equivalent to 39.27 million gallons daily. Production remained 12.0% below the same week last year. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 1.5% to 950,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.56 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks decreased for the first time in ten weeks, down 0.9% to 23.3 million barrels, which was 3.7% above a year-ago. Inventories drew down across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slumped 8.5% during the holiday week to 7.44 million b/d (114.07 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 8.5% less than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol sank 12.1% to a 32-week low of 719,000 b/d, equivalent to 11.02 bg annualized. This was 10.2% below the year-earlier level as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2020.)



Risk Management and Transportation Action Team Focusing in 2021 on Infrastructure Improvements and Strong Risk Management Tools

The National Corn Growers Association’s Risk Management and Transportation Action Team (RMTAT) oversees much of NCGA’s public policy work on issues including the farm bill’s commodity, crop insurance and disaster programs; commodity markets; and transportation and infrastructure.

RMTAT plays a key role in the development of NCGA policy and is looking to have an impactful 2021 and beyond. The team has a full plate of issues to consider for the coming year. U.S. infrastructure improvements, including waterways and rail systems, to keep a competitive edge for American agriculture, along with implementation of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), will be a focus for the team.

RMTAT will also look ahead to the next farm bill reauthorization, evaluating current farm bill programs, looking for areas of improvement to existing programs, and continuing to support strong risk management tools essential to corn growers. Federal responses to weather-related disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic will also be on the team’s agenda for the year.

With a new Administration and a new Congress convening this month, RMTAT will be working to deepen existing relationships with policy makers on both sides of the aisle and building ties with new leaders in Congress and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

RMTAT consists of 13 NCGA grower leaders, including a liaison from the NCGA Board of Directors; 2 state staff; and 3 NCGA staff members. The 2021 RMTAT Chairman is South Dakota farmer Doug Noem.

“One farmer doesn’t have a lot of clout on their own but when we all work together, we have a powerful voice. NCGA and the organization’s Action Teams are a great example of what grassroots organizations can accomplish,” said Noem.

The 2021 RMTAT team will hold its first meeting next week. NCGA’s January 2021 Action Team meetings, held virtually this year, kick off next week with members of NCGA’s seven Action Teams meeting to set the organization’s priorities for the year.



USDA Dairy Products November 2020 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.10 billion pounds, 0.6 percent above November 2019 but 2.7 percent below October 2020. Italian type cheese production totaled 457 million pounds, 3.1 percent below November 2019 and 2.4 percent below October 2020. American type cheese production totaled 449 million pounds, 3.9 percent above November 2019 but 2.8 percent below October 2020. Butter production was 168 million pounds, 4.0 percent above November 2019 and 1.8 percent above October 2020.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with November 2019)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 152 million pounds, up 9.2 percent.
Skim milk powder - 54.4 million pounds, up 6.8 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with November 2019)
Dry whey, total - 70.6 million pounds, down 5.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 89.8 million pounds, up 1.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.9 million pounds, down 1.9 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with November 2019)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 53.0 million gallons, up 13.0 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 29.9 million gallons, up 2.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.36 million gallons, up 15.1 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.86 million gallons, down 0.1 percent.



Spirits and Bakery Items see the most increase in purchases amidst Covid

Shopping trends and consumer behavior have changed during the pandemic, and Ibotta, the leading cash-back app helping people save money with their everyday purchases, has shared some interesting data on what products people bought more of at the start of the pandemic.

Based on their purchase data comparing what people bought in 2019 to what they bought in the first half of 2020, here’s what people nationwide are buying more of:
Spirits - 33%
Bakery Items - 17%
Meat, Poultry & Seafood - up 16%
Condiments, Sauces & Seasonings - 15%
Deli Products - 15%
Beauty & Grooming - 14%
Canned Goods & Soup - 13%
Wine - 12%
Frozen Foods - 12%
Health & Wellness Products - up 10%
Beverages - 9%
Dairy - up 9%
Snacks, cookies & chips - up 7%
Household Essentials - up 7%
Produce - up 6%
Candy - 4%

Apparel shows stark declines in purchase behavior nationwide with a drastic 37% decline. While this data is not surprising, it validates what researchers have been seeing and a growing understanding of how the pandemic has impacted spending habits.



FFAR Grant Improves Soil Health Through Phosphorus Management
 
Phosphorus, a nutrient commonly found in manure and commercial fertilizers, is essential to plant growth. Despite phosphorus’ importance, there are relatively few studies examining the effect of soil health practices like cover cropping has on phosphorus availability. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded Kansas State University a $490,541 Seeding Solutions grant to optimize phosphorus management strategies in cover crop systems, preventing costly overuse of fertilizer. The Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Fertilizer Research Fund are providing $500,000 in matching funds for a $990,541 total investment.
 
“Farm management strategies that can reduce excessive fertilizer use are critical to protecting farmer profitability while maintaining high quality yields,” said FFAR Executive Director Dr. Sally Rockey. “This research is developing efficient, cost effective strategies that promote soil health practices and reduce environmental strain.”
 
To maximize crop production, farmers monitor the level of phosphorus in the soil to ensure plants are absorbing enough phosphorus. Most farmers use a phosphorus management strategy known as “feed the soil,” which involves using more fertilizer at regular intervals to bolster phosphorus levels in the soil. This method maintains high soil fertility to ensure maximum yield but can increase production expenses and pose environmental concerns. If too much phosphorus is applied, rain or irrigation may wash it to nearby water bodies, causing contamination.
 
Overapplication of fertilizer may mask the benefits that healthy soil practices have on phosphorus cycling, the way phosphorus moves through soil and sediment. Phosphorus, an  essential nutrient for both plants and animals, plays a crucial role in cell development and is a key component of molecules like DNA. When there is insufficient phosphorus in soil, that can result in a decreased crop yield. However, soil health promoting practices like using cover crops, non-harvested crops which help preserve the soil, could increase organic soil phosphorus quantities and cycling in soil, eliminating the need for excessive fertilizer application.
 
Kansas State University researchers are filling research gaps by studying how cover crops and phosphorous management strategies interact to influence soil health. Over a five-year span, the research team is studying six soil treatments to determine the effect of cover crop planting and optimal timing and placement of fertilizer on soil health and water quality. By identifying mechanisms that affect phosphorus availability and cycling, Kansas State researchers are developing bold management strategies that enhance soil health, reduce environmental impacts and bolster farmer profitability.
 
“Understanding the impacts of soil health on P availability and cycling is key to identifying the fertilization strategies that will maintain soil productivity and protect water quality,” said Dr. Nathan Nelson, project director and Professor in the Kansas State University Department of Agronomy. “Our research will investigate the interactions between crop management, soil microbial communities, and phosphorus cycling. Information from our research will help farmers manage phosphorus fertilizer and protect water quality while also building soil health.”



Leading corn and soybean seed performers excel despite demanding 2020 season

Golden Harvest® corn and soybean seed products once again outperformed competitors in fields across the U.S., despite a season filled with weather and economic challenges. Many Midwest farmers saw strong yield performance from Golden Harvest seed products, while also benefiting from the powerful combination of genetics, agronomy and service. Farmers will have even more options next growing season, as Golden Harvest expands its seed portfolio for 2021.

Golden Harvest offers one of the industry's most rapidly evolving corn portfolios. Results from recent trials1 show the promise this holds for farmers. For example:
    Golden Harvest corn G10L16-5222A E-Z Refuge® brand outyielded Channel® 209-53STX by 13 bu/A in 78 comparisons.
    Golden Harvest corn G15J91-3220 E-Z Refuge brand outyielded Pioneer® P1464AML by 11.9 bu/A in 65 comparisons.
    Golden Harvest corn G00H12-5122 E-Z Refuge brand outyielded Channel 199-11STX by 7.9 bu/A in 79 comparisons.
    Golden Harvest corn G10D21-3330 E-Z Refuge brand outyielded Pioneer P1138AM by 5.4 bu/A in 51 comparisons.

"Yield performance remains a key factor in making 2021 seed selections," said Ryan Fuller, Golden Harvest corn product manager, West Commercial Unit. "As 2020 trials proved, Golden Harvest hybrids continue to outperform the competition through excellent drought tolerance, moderate plant structure for residue management and excellent drydown for an early harvest option."

Andy Ackley, Golden Harvest corn product manager, East Commercial Unit, added, "Golden Harvest hybrids delivered outstanding roots and stalks for season-long standability, combined with a great disease package, helping farmers maximize yield potential and performance by planting higher seed populations."

Golden Harvest soybeans had a similarly strong season. Offering the industry's broadest selection of herbicide traits, the Golden Harvest soybean portfolio beat key competitors across the Midwest:
    Golden Harvest soybean GH2788X brand outyielded Asgrow® AG31X0 by 7 bu/A in 6 comparisons.
    Golden Harvest soybean GH3195X brand outyielded Pioneer P30T92E by 3.5 bu/A in 24 comparisons.
    Golden Harvest soybean GH3582E3 brand outyielded Pioneer P37A27X by 2.8 bu/A in 19 comparisons.

"Behind the strength of the latest trait technologies, Golden Harvest soybean varieties excelled at delivering yield performance despite tough conditions," said Stephanie Porter, Golden Harvest soybean product manager. "Successfully navigating this season further demonstrates that on top of industry-leading trait choice, Golden Harvest offers valuable guidance and in-season agronomic management recommendations to help maximize yield potential."

2021 Golden Harvest lineup
As farmers consider their options for the next growing season, Golden Harvest has expanded its product portfolio for 2021 with 12 new corn hybrids and 22 new soybean varieties.

Featuring a proprietary germplasm with elite genetics, the new corn hybrids range in relative maturity from 96 to 115 days. The portfolio is packed with products that have strong agronomics, yield potential and standability, as well as the most-ever hybrids available with above- and below-ground insect control through the Agrisure Duracade® and Agrisure Viptera® traits. Additionally, Enogen® corn hybrids for feed or ethanol can help farmers maximize their overall profit potential.

On the soybean side, Golden Harvest offers access to the most in-demand soybean herbicide trait choices with some of the best germplasm and technology available. For 2021, 22 new Golden Harvest soybean varieties range in relative maturity from .05 to 5.1 and join an industry-leading portfolio at the forefront of weed control technology. The Golden Harvest soybean portfolio offers farmers access to Enlist E3® as well as Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans and LibertyLink® GT27®. The varieties contain the industry's broadest choice of herbicide trait options, and their high-yielding genetics are proven performers.

The Golden Harvest portfolio is available from Golden Harvest Seed Advisors, who combine high-yielding seed options with local agronomic knowledge and deliver a Service 365 year-round commitment to doing whatever it takes to yield results for farmers. With over 1,600 local trials, they can help pick the right products for each operation.