NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending February 21, 2021, topsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 32% short, 51% adequate, and 3% surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 20% very short, 42% short, 37% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 9% very poor, 13% poor, 44% fair, 33% good, and 1% excellent.
The next report was will be issued March 29, 2021.
Webinar to focus on farm program, crop insurance decisions for 2021
A Nebraska Extension webinar on March 1 at noon will present updates on farm programs, crop insurance and marketing to assist producers who are facing decisions in these areas for the 2021 crop production year.
The presentation will include discussion of newly finalized crop insurance price information, marketing strategies and factors that may impact ARC and PLC programs in the coming year. It will also explain the new Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) that offers additional area-based coverage for a portion of an underlying crop insurance policy deductible.
Presenters from Nebraska Extension will include Brad Lubben, a policy specialist; Cory Walters, a grain marketing specialist; and Jessica Groskopf, the agricultural economist for the panhandle region.
The webinar will be presented as part of the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management weekly series.
Registration is free at farm.unl.edu/webinars.
2021 Nebraska Dairy Convention Set for Thursday, March 18
On March 18th, 2021 the dairy industry will gather at the Ramada by Wyndham Columbus Hotel & Conference Center in Columbus, Nebraska to partake in the 2021 Nebraska Dairy Convention. The convention will open with a trade show starting at 9:30am and run until 6:15pm.
Throughout the day attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts on various topics to include; transition and estate planning, Midwest Dairy checkoff update, NSDA annual meeting, dairy nutrition update and a dairy girl network event. Also happening during the Event will be an ice cream bar, wine and cheese reception, banquet, and awards ceremony. To cap off the night attendees will hear from US Dairy Export Council CEO, Krysta Hardin.
Kris Bousquet invites all remarking “If you are involved in the dairy industry, this event is a must. The networking opportunity farmers and businesspeople experience here is unmatched. We encourage all sectors of dairy to come learn and grow with us.”
To register visit www.nebraskamilk.org.
Ricketts Warns Against Federal Overreach on Energy, Climate, & Conservation Issues
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement regarding Executive Order 14008, also know as the “Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.” It was signed by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on January 27, 2021.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are our state’s original conservationists. They work day in and day out to cultivate the land and manage water they’ve known for generations in a way that helps grow our state. With a new administration taking office, Nebraskans should be on the lookout in their communities for attempts by federal agencies and their partners to regulate land and water use. We are already seeing big changes in how the federal government is approaching energy, climate, and conservation issues.”
“From canceling the presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline to rejoining the Paris Agreement, the Biden Administration has taken a number of actions that harm our national security, energy independence, and working American families. I am especially troubled by President Biden’s recent executive order on climate. The executive order blocks significant amounts of oil and gas development and outlines far-reaching plans to lock away staggering portions of our nation’s land and natural resources.”
“In particular, I want to draw the attention of Nebraskans to the executive order’s goal of restricting ‘at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.’ Federal interventions that purport to aim at conservation or that regulate land and natural resource uses are only likely to hurt agriculture and to hinder growth in our economy. Nebraska will stand up against federal government overreach to protect our family farms and our way of life. Just as we defeated President Obama’s Waters of the U.S. regulation, we will work together to stop new federal overreach.”
In response to President Biden’s recent Executive Order, Governor Ricketts has signed a letter along with 16 other Governors.
Drought Planning for the Grazing Season
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist
The start of the growing season is just a couple of months away and last year’s drought conditions across much of Nebraska should inspire us to complete grazing and forage plans for the upcoming year.
Within these plans, options for a possible drought are essential. A drought plan can have varying levels of detail and complexity and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your operation. Key considerations should include projected cattle numbers (or stocking rates), turnout dates, the possibility of an extended period of hay feeding, the level of utilization on pastures last year, possible culling and weaning strategies, and a pasture use sequence for multiple pasture rotations. In addition, some farmer and ranchers have the opportunity to use planted annual forages to increase grazing capacity or to provide extra hay. Sourcing seed for this possibility should begin soon.
Some plans place an emphasis on critical or trigger dates. These are dates where one evaluates their total local precipitation up to that date. On May 1, for example, one could determine their total spring precipitation and compare that to long-term averages for their area. If precipitation totals are significantly below the averages, that could trigger a choice of several possible management actions such as an extended period of feeding hay or culling of some livestock. These actions are adjusted to account for varying levels of drought. Other important dates in relation to critical periods for rapid grass growth might include May 15, June 1, June 15, and July 1.
While we always hope for the perfect amount of rain for the growing season, being prepared for droughty conditions can reduce the impact.
Cryptosporidiosis: A Potential Source of Illness in Calves and People Alike
Russ Daly – South Dakota State University Extension Veterinarian
Cryptosporidiosis is a pertinent example of a disease with zoonotic potential: one that can be passed from animals to people. Symptoms of “crypto” in people include the miserable experiences of diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, affected people require hospitalization for treatment of their dehydration.
The protozoa that cause cryptosporidiosis can be divided into two main categories: human-only Cryptosporidia species and animal-related Cryptosporidia species. People can be affected by both. Human-only forms are often associated with summertime swimming pool and water park outbreaks.
In Animals
Animal-related Cryptosporidia are very common in manure from calves, healthy or sick. Calves affected by cryptosporidiosis have diarrhea ranging from pudding-like to watery. The resulting fluid and electrolyte losses can be fatal, especially when other scours-causing bacteria and viruses are involved.
Calves are first exposed to Cryptosporidia right after birth, with higher exposures in dirty, manure-filled environments compared to clean pens or pastures. It takes about a week for the germs to disrupt the calf’s gut sufficiently to create observable illness. Illness due to Cryptosporidium is age-dependent, almost exclusively affecting calves between a week and month of age. Older calves are more resistant to illness but can still pass the germ in their manure. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments or vaccines for cryptosporidiosis in calves.
In Humans
Between 100 and 200 human crypto cases are reported in South Dakotans in an average year. This is very likely an undercount since many affected people do not seek medical treatment. In reported cases, the causative Cryptosporidia species is usually not categorized between human-only or animal-related strains.
Work at SDSU with the South Dakota Department of Health in 2012 revealed that almost 90% of South Dakotans diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis had exposure to animals, with about half of all patients living or working on a farm. Most reports of human Cryptosporidiosis involve only one person, but larger Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks occur. These have occurred in groups of people working with clinically ill calves and in petting zoo environments where young calves were present.
Preventative Measures
Since all young calves should be considered sources of Cryptosporidia regardless of their health status, people directly working with them should protect themselves. Manure is the main source of these germs, but they will also contaminate bedding, haircoats, and saliva. Creating barriers between contaminated materials and our mouths is of particular importance. These efforts should include use of disposable gloves and hand washing immediately after working with calves (hand sanitizers are ineffective at inactivating Cryptosporidia). Face masks will help prevent splashes of unwanted materials into the mouth. Boots and coveralls should be worn and properly managed, so they do not move manure and other contamination into the farmhouse or other areas of the farm.
Human Cryptosporidia infections do occur despite the use of such preventive measures. This illustrates the low infectious dose of Cryptosporidia for people. While 100 to 200 Cryptosporidia germs are sufficient to cause illness in a person, millions of organisms per gram of feces can be shed by a clinically affected calf. Cryptosporidia are very hardy in the environment and won’t be killed by most disinfectants.
While any young calf is a potential source of Cryptosporidia, those clinically sick with diarrhea are the most problematic. This highlights the importance of calf health -- providing clean calving and housing environments. While many calf outbreaks occur in young dairy-breed calves grouped together, transported, and otherwise stressed, beef calves exposed to overwhelming exposures in calving areas are also at increased risk.
Dairy and beef producers should work with a veterinarian to determine the extent to which Cryptosporidia are involved in calf illnesses and take general steps to limit exposure. Along with that, they should also consider the potential for Cryptosporidiosis to affect them, their fellow workers, and family members.
Explore Opportunities for Livestock with Silvopasture Management
Silvopasture management is the topic of the Iowa Learning Farms webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Silvopasture is an agroforestry practice that involves intentionally managing livestock, trees and forage in the same productive space. There are several strategies to implementing silvopasture, and the wide variety of strategies depends on the space, animals and trees being managed. During this webinar, Ashley Conway, assistant research professor at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, will provide a brief introduction to silvopasture management.
“Despite being a very old practice, silvopasture is gaining mainstream momentum as a way to raise livestock that enhances economic and environmental resiliency,” said Conway. She hopes webinar participants will gain a strong understanding of what silvopasture is, and also what does not constitute a silvopasture system.
Conway is working to develop a research program investigating the logistical, economic, environmental and social dynamics of silvopasture systems in Missouri and the Midwest through the lens of efficient and responsible animal production.
Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 p.m. CST on Feb. 24:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172. Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364-284-172.
Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing +1-312-626-6799 or +1-646-876-9923, meeting ID 364-284-172.
The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
After Careful Consideration, EPA Supports Tenth Circuit’s Renewable Fuels Association Decision
EPA is today announcing that, after careful consideration of the 2020 decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA, 948 F.3d 1206 (“Decision”), EPA supports that court’s interpretation of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) small-refinery provisions. This conclusion, prompted by a detailed review following the Supreme Court’s grant of certiorari in the case, represents a change from EPA’s position before the Tenth Circuit. The change reflects the Agency’s considered assessment that the Tenth Circuit’s reasoning better reflects the statutory text and structure, as well as Congress’s intent in establishing the RFS program.
RFS Program Background
Congress created the RFS program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. This program was authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. In enacting the RFS program, Congress recognized the need to allow small refineries (those with aggregate crude oil throughput less than or equal to 75,000 barrels per day) to transition into the program. Small refineries were exempted from the RFS program in its earliest years, 2006-2010, after which a small refinery could petition EPA for and receive an extension of its exemption if it could demonstrate the refinery would suffer “disproportionate economic hardship” as a result of complying with its RFS obligations. See CAA section 211(o)(9).
Surge in Small-Refinery Petitions Granted in Past Four Years
In calendar year 2017 (largely for the 2016 RFS compliance year), EPA began granting a large number of petitions for extensions of Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs). By 2018, the number of SREs issued for the 2017 compliance year was more than quadruple the number issued for the 2015 compliance year. For example, for the 2015 compliance year, only 290 million renewable identification numbers (RINs) were not retired due to SRE petitions granted, yet for the 2017 compliance year, that number grew to 1.82 billion non-retired RINs. The large increase in SRE petitions granted and associated unretired RINs represents a significant decline in the required use of renewable fuel volumes, which in turn decreased the incentives for the production and use of renewable fuels.
Tenth Circuit’s Decision
In January 2020, the Tenth Circuit vacated and remanded three EPA decisions granting SRE petitions for the 2016 and 2017 RFS compliance years which were issued in calendar years 2017 and 2018, holding that a small refinery’s petition can be granted only if the refinery satisfies two conditions:
Demonstrate an existing exemption: Emphasizing the dictionary definitions of the word “extension” as “an increase,” the court held that EPA could not extend or increase a small refinery’s exemption unless the exemption was “in existence.” In the court’s view, “a small refinery which did not seek or receive an extension in prior years is ineligible for an extension, because at that point there is nothing to prolong, enlarge, or add to.” The court also described CAA section 211(o)(9)(b)(i) as “funnel[ing] small refineries towards compliance over time.”
Demonstrate disproportionate economic hardship caused by RFS compliance: The court held that any alleged hardship justifying the grant of an SRE petition must be “caused by” RFS compliance. The court also held that EPA had acted arbitrarily and capriciously by deviating, without acknowledgment or a stated reason, from its prior position that refineries generally do not incur disproportionate economic hardship from purchasing RINs on the open market because the refineries “pass through most or all of their RIN purchase costs” to their customers.
Supreme Court Case and EPA’s Position
On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the small refineries’ petition for a writ of certiorari asking the Court to review the Tenth Circuit’s holding regarding the SRE eligibility of small refineries that lack an existing exemption. HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al. v. Renewable Fuels Assn., et al., United States Supreme Court, Case No. 20-472.
After further, careful review of the RFA Decision following the change of Administration, EPA has reevaluated the statutory text and now agrees with the Tenth Circuit’s reading of CAA section 211(o)(9)(B)(i) that an exemption must exist for EPA to be able to “extend” it. EPA agrees with the court that the exemption was intended to operate as a temporary measure and, consistent with that Congressional purpose, the plain meaning of the word “extension” refers to continuing the status of an exemption that is already in existence.
For background on EPA’s RFS Program, see https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard-program/news-notices-and-announcements-renewable-fuel-standard.
Ricketts Applauds EPA Decision to Follow Court Ruling on Ethanol Blending
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would follow a recent Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on small refinery exemptions from ethanol blending requirements.
“Today’s announcement by the EPA is good news for Nebraska’s farm families and our 25 ethanol plants,” said Governor Ricketts. “We are the second largest producer of ethanol, and Nebraskans want to see a robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We appreciate the EPA’s commitment to following the court’s decision, which will help ensure the agency is following the law and maintaining a robust RFS.”
Fischer Applauds EPA Decision to Protect Biofuels
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its support of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit’s ruling in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA.
“The Biden administration’s EPA listened to our warnings and reversed course in their interpretation of the Small Refinery Exemption process. This is a critical win for Nebraska’s economy. I will continue to push the EPA to ensure it is upholding the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard.”
IRFA Praises EPA Decision to Enforce 10th Circuit Court Decision on RFS Exemptions
Today the EPA announced that it has decided it agrees with the logic laid out in the decision from the 10th Circuit Court decision from January of 2020 regarding Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exemptions. In particular, EPA agrees that the exemptions need to be an extension of an exemption a refinery has always maintained and only if that refinery can continue to demonstration disproportionate economic harm.
In response to support for this decision, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
“We are excited and pleased to hear EPA finally embrace the common-sense 10th Circuit Court decision on RFS exemptions. The RFS exemption program was always intended to be a tool to provide temporary relief to truly small refineries and it has been abused for far too long. Hopefully this signals an end to the dark days of undermining the RFS through illegal exemptions and waivers, and we can look forward to the law being applied in a way that actually grows demand for ethanol and biodiesel blends as was always intended.”
Growth Energy Applauds EPA’s Decision to Stand with 10th Circuit’s Ruling on SREs
Growth Energy welcomed news that, despite the Trump administration’s previous view of the 10th Circuit’s interpretation of small refinery exemption (SRE) eligibility under the RFS, the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not file a brief supporting that position by the Supreme Court’s deadline in HollyFrontier today. In response, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement:
“We are pleased to see the Biden EPA signal support for the 10th Circuit’s ruling and repudiate the prior administration EPA’s misguided attempt to distort the plain language of the RFS to serve oil industry interests at the expense of America’s biofuel producers and farmers.”
Background
HollyFrontier v. Renewable Fuels Association (Case No. 20-472) is challenging the Tenth Circuit decision (Renewable Rules Association v. EPA, Case No. 18-9533). In January 2020, the lower court rightly found that the plain language of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) required refineries to have been granted small refinery exemptions (SREs) in all prior years as a condition of eligibility for any additional SREs.
Farm, Biofuel Leaders Embrace EPA’s New Position on Tenth Circuit’s Small Refinery Waiver Decision
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is supporting the Tenth Circuit Court’s January 2020 decision in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA. After careful review of the decision, EPA’s new leadership agrees with both the court and the biofuel litigants that small refinery exemptions were meant to be temporary and that only pre-existing exemptions may be “extended” by the agency.
EPA states that it “agrees with the court that the exemption was intended to operate as a temporary measure and, consistent with that Congressional purpose, the plain meaning of the word ‘extension’ refers to continuing the status of an exemption that is already in existence.”
The four petitioners in the case—the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union—released the following statement:
“Our nation’s biofuel producers and farmers appreciate EPA’s careful review of the Tenth Circuit Court’s decision, and we are pleased the agency’s new leadership is reversing the previous administration’s flawed position on small refinery exemptions. This announcement marks a major step forward by the Biden administration to restore the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard and honor the intent of Congress. We wholeheartedly agree with EPA’s conclusion that the small refinery exemption was intended to be a temporary measure and we are pleased to see the agency confirming that only previously existing exemptions may be extended.”
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court granted a request from two refiners to review the Tenth Circuit case, even though EPA did not ask the high court to examine the ruling. Arguments before the Supreme Court are expected in the spring.
Commodity Classic Farmer-Leaders Excited About Digital Edition of 2021 Event
Commodity Classic’s pivot from a live show—originally scheduled to take place in San Antonio— to a digital online format has created some unique opportunities, according to the two farmers who are co-chairing the 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic.
The 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic features more than 50 educational sessions that will be delivered digitally direct to farmers across the nation and around the world March 2-5, 2021. Registration is open at CommodityClassic.com and the first 5,000 farmers to register can do so at no charge.
Anthony Bush, an Ohio corn farmer and co-chair of the 2021 Commodity Classic, said this year’s digital event provides a platform for the event to bring together top agribusiness executives for a series of live, first-ever Executive Roundtables. “We will hear from CEOs from various stakeholders in our industry. I'm not sure what other venue would exist that we would be able to do this. I think that's going to be pretty exciting to get their perspective on what's going on in our industry right now.”
Brad Doyle, an Arkansas soybean farmer and co-chair of the 2021 Commodity Classic, noted that Commodity Classic is created by farmers, for farmers.“ It separates us from just a media-based platform or an industry-based platform because Commodity Classic is farmer-led and farmer-focused. The message is just more sincere and more honest that we, as farmers, get to choose the program, what's in the program, who our speakers are, what content we have.”
Doyle added that, each year, the farmer committee develops the entire Commodity Classic agenda, including the selection of the educational sessions. “We want this information, too. We want to hear from the speakers. We look at it that way—create a program that will help our fellow farmers. That's the great thing about this show.”
Bush said that in a year of incredible challenge, the education at Commodity Classic is more valuable than ever before. “There is so much going on right now in agriculture, just like any other year; but this year the marketing trends can make you or break you right now,” he said. “It's the same way with the equipment purchases and decisions. The people you will be available to connect with at Commodity Classic will be incredibly valuable. I'm really looking forward to it.”
Premier Sponsors of the 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic are AGCO, Bayer, Case IH, Corteva Agriscience, John Deere and United Soybean Board/Soy Checkoff.
Champion Sponsors are BASF and Syngenta. Key Sponsors are Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc., Kubota, New Holland, Pioneer, Precision Planting and Valent U.S.A.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Federal Maritime Commission demands information from carriers
The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance applauds the Federal Maritime Commission’s decision last week to issue an information demand to ocean carriers and marine terminal operators to answer questions on detention and demurrage practices, as well as policies and practices related to container returns and container availability to exporters.
In a statement issued Feb. 17, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced that Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye issued the order to determine if “ocean carriers operating in an alliance and calling the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of New York & New Jersey” are meeting their legal obligations, along with marine terminal operators (MTOs) at those ports.
According to the FMC press release:
The orders are being issued under the authority Commissioner Dye has as the Fact Finding Officer for Fact Finding 29, “International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement.” …
Failure of carriers and MTOs to operate in a way consistent with the Interpretive Rule on Detention and Demurrage that became effective on May 18, 2020, might constitute a violation of 46 USC 41102(c) which prohibits unjust and unreasonable practices and regulations related to, or connected with, receiving, handling, storing, or delivering property.
Information received from parties receiving demands may be used as a basis for hearings, Commission enforcement action or further rulemaking.
In October, SSGA was among the first national agricultural associations to shine a light on the disruption of the food supply chain and other critical problems facing containerized ag exports after members had been informed that some ocean carriers were suspending containerized and other overseas ag shipments in order to keep up with import demand of goods from Asia.
"In their haste to meet increased demands for foreign imports to the United States, the ocean carriers have left U.S. ag exporters behind while clogging the ports and disrupting the supply chain throughout the system, including rail and trucking," said Eric Wenberg, SSGA executive director. "That's why the Federal Maritime Commission needed to step in. But more needs to be done.
“Now, ocean carriers and marine terminal operators must cooperate with the FMC, and the hope is this can be resolved quickly so our members’ products and ingredients can get to the foreign food manufacturers who have been patiently waiting for them.”
On Feb. 9, SSGA representatives had the opportunity to give testimony to the FMC, along with a large contingent of national ag organizations, including the National Grain and Feed Association and the Agriculture Transportation Coalition.
For more on the container shipping crisis, see the latest IP-ODCAST, in which SSGA Secretary/Treasurer and Competitive Shipping Action Team Chair Darwin Rader spoke about the ongoing situation.
The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is the premier business alliance of U.S. companies focused on production, processing and shipping of specialty soya and grains worldwide. Its mission is to provide resources that communicate the quality, diversity, and availability of IP soya and specialty grain products.
Deere Reports First-Quarter Net Income of $1.224 Billion
Deere & Company reported net income of $1.224 billion for the first quarter ended January 31, 2021, or $3.87 per share, compared with net income of $517 million, or $1.63 per share, for the quarter ended February 2, 2020. Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 19 percent in the first quarter of 2021 to $9.112 billion. Equipment operations net sales were $8.051 billion for the quarter, compared with $6.530 billion in 2020.
"John Deere started 2021 on a strongly positive note," said John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our results were aided by outstanding performance across our business lineup and improving conditions in the farm and construction sectors. In addition, our smart industrial operating strategy is making a significant impact on the company's results while it also helps our customers be more profitable and sustainable."
Company Outlook & Summary
Net income attributable to Deere & Company for fiscal 2021 is forecast to be in a range of $4.6 billion to $5.0 billion.
"We are proud of our success executing the strategy and creating a more focused organization that can operate with greater speed and agility," May said. "As our recent performance shows, these steps are leading to improved efficiencies and helping the company target its resources and investments on areas that have the greatest impact. At the same time, even as we ramp up factory production and intensify our efforts to serve customers, we are mindful of the continuing challenges associated with the global pandemic. We remain committed, above all else, to safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees."
AGCO to Temporarily Close Kansas Hesston Plant
AGCO has slowed operations at its facility in Hesston, Kansas, due to rising natural gas prices in the area. It was reported that the plant currently employs around 1,000 workers.
AGCO announced the shutdown in relation to a potential $2.1 million gas bill. "Something has to be done about the price gouging and what's going on with (natural) gas prices. It's going to affect all of us," said union president Glen Davis, noting that floor employees will be missing out on average of $200 per day.
When asked about the shutdown, a spokesperson for AGCO said like many businesses and residents in the Kansas area, AGCO's Hesston plant is experiencing fuel and heating costs that have skyrocketed in recent weeks.
CNH Industrial Reman Extends Warranty Coverage to Industry Leading 24-months Parts and Labor
CNH Industrial Reman is excited to announce its industry-leading replacement parts warranty has been extended to 24-months parts when dealer-installed. The newly extended, two-year warranty has dealers and customers covered from day-one on remanufactured parts for Case IH, Case Construction, New Holland Agriculture and New Holland Construction equipment.
“Unlike competitors, rebuilds or after-market replacement parts, CNH Reman parts are backed by an industry leading warranty that provides peace of mind from day one” said Presley Parish, marketing and communications manager at CNH Industrial Reman. “The new extended warranty coverage protects dealers and end-users from warranty liability associated with point of failure repairs.”
The CNH Industrial Reman replacement parts warranty exceeds OEM and replacement part warranties and is backed by CNH Industrial Parts & Service.
Parts covered under the extended 24-month warranty include: long block, short block and replacement engines; fuel injection pumps; fuel injectors; turbocharger; axles; clutches; torque converters; manual, power shift and power shuttle transmissions; rotor drives; torque amplifiers; wobble boxes; alternators; controllers; ECUs; generators; starters; hydraulic cylinders, motors and pumps; AC compressors; ATS and wheels.
Cylinder heads, connecting rods, camshafts, crankshafts, oil coolers and all other reman products are covered under a 12-month warranty on parts when dealer installed.
If a customer chooses to install the Reman part themselves or use options other than an approved CNH dealer location, CNH Reman parts are backed by industry leading 12-month warranty protection.
For Reman Repair & Return Programs, the new warranty includes 12-months of parts coverage for wiring harnesses and 18-months of parts coverage for electrical components.
CNH Industrial Reman is committed to providing the best remanufactured product on the market, leading to increased reliability and lower cost of ownership. This value is reflected not only in the extended warranty, but in every aspect of the continued development of parts and leading-edge processes. CNH Industrial Reman stands behind the products they provide to give dealers and customers peace of mind.
Solectrac launches reservation program for its all-electric tractors
As demand has grown quickly for Solectrac's first to market all-electric tractors, the company announced its new reservation campaign. With a $1000 deposit, reduced from fifty percent of the total cost, customers can now reserve their place in the productions line. "We've decided to decrease the initial deposit to allow customers to express their interest and intent. This is good for our customers and good for our production line," said Steve Heckeroth, CEO/Founder.
Solectrac Inc., North America's first manufacturer and distributor of quiet, zero emission electric tractors came to the attention of the marketplace last year with their very successful crowdfunding campaign, followed by double investments from Ideanomics. Solectrac has since grown their manufacturing capabilities to ramp up production and meet demand while pursuing their long-term goal to reduce carbon output in farming and utility work.
Solectrac is taking reservations for its 40 HP-equivalent eUtility tractor and the 4-wheel drive 30 HP-equivalent compact electric tractor (CET). Both tractors are built to outperform their diesel counterparts by eliminating exhaust and noise and with the benefit of instant torque at low RPM. Solectrac tractors accommodate existing implements and are perfectly suited for farm and utility operations, as well as in livestock and equestrian environments where noise is an important consideration. Additionally, the low noise level and absence of exhaust makes electric tractors desirable in any environment by improving workers' health and safety.
Solectrac's electric tractors can be charged either from the utility grid or from renewable energy, like solar and wind. Electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel and Solectrac tractors only have one moving part in the motor. Consequently, maintenance and fuel cost over the lifetime of the electric tractor is estimated to be one-third that of a diesel tractor. Using solar or wind energy in the charging infrastructure completely eliminates fossil fuel inputs thereby reducing the users' carbon footprint and helping meet climate goals.
In 2019 Solectrac became a California Benefit Corporation and a Certified B Corp "to use business as a force for good." The company is also the recipient of the World Alliance's Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label. Through the World Alliance the Solar Impulse Foundation is selecting 1,000 of the most efficient and profitable solutions that can transition society to being economically viable while being environmentally sustainable.
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