Wednesday March 24 Ag News

 Managing Soybean Cyst Nematode Starts Now
Melissa Bartels - NE Extension Educator

Planting will be here before we know it. But even in the winter, management decisions can be made to reduce losses caused by some important diseases. The most damaging pathogen of soybean is soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and winter is the time to make decisions to control it. If you have confirmed soybean cyst nematode on your farm, it’s important to actively manage them to reduce population densities and keep them low to minimize the damage they can cause.

Management of SCN can be easy and may not require additional input costs. In fact, the first management recommendation is to rotate the infested field(s) with a nonhost crop — most Nebraska producers are doing this already by rotating soybean with corn. For the first 1-2 years of corn production, SCN population densities are expected to decline 50-75% each year. Growing continuous corn for additional years still helps reduce SCN, but the rate of reduction is expected to decline and population densities will never reach zero SCN eggs. Other nonhost crops, such as small grains and alfalfa, are also good nonhost crop rotation options to help reduce SCN populations.

In addition to growing corn or other nonhost crops, it’s very important to carefully select soybean varieties that have SCN-resistance and rotate the sources of resistance year-to-year that are used. Unfortunately, we have historically had limited choices for SCN resistance. More than 95% of SCN-resistant varieties were derived from a single source of resistance — PI 88788. In Nebraska, almost 50% of SCN populations are able to reproduce on PI 88788 (Broderick, 2016). In some other states, up to 100% of their SCN populations can reproduce on PI 88788!  When selecting your resistant varieties, try to identify ones with SCN resistance that comes from other sources, such as Peking, which is becoming increasingly common in commercially available varieties. The good news is we now have another source of resistance — PI 89772 —which is available this year in two new varieties from Syngenta brands: Golden Harvest and NK. These varieties are in maturity group 2.3. Sometimes you may find it difficult to find a resistant soybean variety in your desired maturity group with a different source of resistance (other than the common PI 88788). In that case, you should at least select soybean varieties with a high level of PI 88788 resistance and switch varieties. That information is available in ratings printed in seed company catalogs or contact your seed company representatives for more information.

In addition to selecting the best SCN-resistant variety for your farm and rotation, you also have several seed treatment nematicide products now available. These products may provide some additional protection and can increase yield 1-5 bushels per acre, based on the results from Iowa State University. Seed treatments are not a substitute for the use of effective SCN-resistant varieties whose yield can vary by 10 or more bushels per acre in fields infested with SCN.

Remember, weed management can be important as there are several common winter annual weeds that are hosts for SCN and can allow them to infect and reproduce to higher population densities, even when there’s no crop in the field. Winter annuals henbit and purple deadnettle are strong hosts for SCN. Field pennycress, shepherd’s purse, small-flowered bittercress and common chickweed can also be hosts for SCN.

If you don’t know or haven’t tested a field(s) recently to check SCN numbers, you can collect a sample any time of the year, in any crop field, as long as you can get a soil probe into the ground. Submit a soil sample for SCN analysis at no charge thanks to support from the Nebraska Soybean Board. Send samples to the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic or contact your local Nebraska Extension Educator for more information.



SCN Survey Update and 10th Annual ‘Tode Awards
Kyle Broderick - Extension Educator and Coordinator of the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic

For the past 15 years, the Nebraska Soybean Board has provided funded a free soybean cyst nematode sampling program for Nebraska farmers (normally a $25/sample expense). Since 2005, we have processed over 11,000 samples from across the state and confirmed SCN in an additional 32 Nebraska counties. Almost one third of all samples have been positive for SCN.

In 2020, we processed 459 soil samples and 148 (32.2%) were positive for SCN. These soil samples represented 37 different counties, primarily in the eastern half of the state. Fortunately, most of the positive samples had low populations with only 14 (3% of all samples) having moderate to high populations (over 4,000 eggs/100 cc’s of soil).

With the help of the Nebraska Soybean Board and the SCN sampling program, we have confirmed the nematode in 59 Nebraska counties that are responsible for over 93% of soybeans grown in Nebraska. Last year SCN was estimated to cause yield losses over $40 million for Nebraska farmers and $1.5 billion annually.

In order to continue the tradition started by John Wilson, former Extension Educator in Burt County, the winners of the 2020 10th Annual ‘Tode Awards are:

Most Samples Submitted
Winner: Cass County (70)
Honorable Mention: Otoe (61) and Saunders (60)

Most Samples Positive for SCN
Winner: Cass County (33)
Honorable Mention: Otoe (25) and Saunders (24)

Highest Percentage of Samples Positive for SCN (5 sample min.)
Winner: Douglas County (80%)
Honorable Mention: Antelope (56%) and Holt (55%)

Highest Egg Count (# eggs/100 cc's of soil)
Winner: Antelope County (85,760)
Honorable Mention: Antelope (57,600) and Otoe (23,280)

We did not detect SCN in any new counties in 2020. However, just because SCN has not been detected in your county does not mean testing is not necessary. SCN often goes undetected while continuing to reduce the profitability of Nebraska soybean producers. Control of this pest requires an integrated approach — growers should start thinking about management of this pest now. Catching infestations early is key to management, as SCN may complete four lifecycles in a single growing season. Each female is capable of producing 40-400 eggs, which can cause populations to increase drastically in a short amount of time.

Soil sampling is the best way to check for the presence of SCN in your fields. To learn more about SCN or pick up bags for submitting soil samples, contact your local UNL Extension office or the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.



FERTILIZING COOL SEASON GRASS PASTURES
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator

Fertilizing cool season grass is something many producers do each year, but one should consider forage needs, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs.

Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should occur late March through April. If the nitrogen is a single application, usually between 80 to 100 lbs. of actual N per acre is suggested for eastern Nebraska.  The recommended application rate declines westward across the state with about 30 to 40 lbs. N per acre suggested for the Panhandle.

If doing split applications, usually it's 2/3 in the spring and 1/3 in the fall when growth resumes on the cool season grasses. With fertilized pasture, be sure to include a rotational grazing plan that will effectively harvest the extra forage and provide the greatest return on the fertilizer investment.

Something to consider when deciding to fertilize cool season grass pastures, or any pasture for that matter, is that during drought years the forage quality might still be very high even though yield might be reduced.

Work done in Eastern Nebraska has shown a 30% increase in forage yield with fertilization and the economic optimum is between 80 to 120 lbs. per acre of actual N. A crude protein increase from 16 to 20% was seen with fertilizer applications up to 160 lbs. That is a lot of fertilizer, but it did increase crude protein and organic matter digestibility while decreasing NDF or neutral detergent fiber. Always use best management practices when applying fertilizer especially in pastures and fields near water sources such as ponds. Assure phosphorous and potassium levels are adequate for forage as well.

Brome pastures are hardy and we can and do graze them hard in Nebraska. Haying or grazing operations can benefit if managed correctly with fertilizer.



Brand Reform Bill now Includes Accountability & Enforceability. Still awaiting Equity.
Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska

This week the Nebraska Legislature acted further on LB572 which reforms the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act. Senator Erdman withdrew his AM484 and replaced it with AM686; this new amendment passed and was adopted. Erdman’s amendment exclusively included two of ICON’s proposals.

Senator Erdman’s AM686 put to pen two of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska’s (ICON) core proposals. These proposals were brought to the Senator this past week, as well as to the Brand Committee and Brand Task Force earlier this year and the last quarter of 2020. The Amendment includes ICON’s proposals requiring:
-    The Nebraska Legislature to approve the Governor’s appointments to the Nebraska Brand Committee. (Accountability)
-    Require Penalties and Enforcement of penalties for removing, damaging or replacing any radio frequency identification tags (RFID’s/non-visual identifiers) as there are no laws or penalties in place for this, however, there are laws and penalties for altering hot brands. (Enforceability)

Erdman’s amendment for enforceability regarding non-visual identifiers is now the same as for altering hot brands, which is a “Class III Felony”.

Don Cain, ICON Board member stressed that independent inspection, verification, enforcement and penalties are essential requirements for an effective Statewide Livestock Ownership Verification system.

Although all of ICON’s proposals have not yet been adopted, the Board will continue to promote what is right and fair for the Independent Cattlemen/women & Producers of Nebraska.

One important issue which was not advanced to the Legislative floor is that of Equity.

This equity comes in part by way of eliminating the registered feedyard program; this elimination will restore a level playing field among cattle owners when it comes to fees for ID inspections, renewals and services.
 
The need for equity was addressed in AM484 and is part of LB614 which ICON still strongly supports.

“All in all”, Director Don Cain says, “It was a good day for the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska – The ‘Voice of the Mother Cow’ has been heard.” Now let’s see if we can get the Bills passed!



Reintroduced 50/14 Legislation: A Step In The Right Direction

Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), alongside Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), reintroduced 50/14 legislation. The bill aims to increase competition and transparency in the fed cattle market by requiring packers to procure a fraction of their cattle in the cash market.  

“The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to support the reintroduction of the legislation that sparked discussion on cattle market reform in 2020: 50/14. Our producer members have continually expressed that all participants in the fed cattle market share responsibility in providing price discovery and transparency. This legislation better balances the distribution of responsibility across U.S. fed cattle inventories. To make informed decisions, buyers and sellers must have access to more reportable market data. With two bills on the table and a dialogue set to recommence, now is the time to work together to negotiate the best possible solution for the cattle industry,” Matt Deppe, CEO of Iowa Cattlemen’s Association said.

Since the introduction of Sen. Grassley’s bill last May, we’ve witnessed a groundswell of support for cattle market reform in Iowa and throughout the beef belt. The support for this initiative doesn’t stop at our gates—it extends all the way to the halls of Hart in Washington D.C. The bill has a tally of eight bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate.

Looking ahead, we welcome the opportunity to work together with legislators and industry stakeholders to develop the best possible solution for the cattle industry. With two bills reintroduced and the clock ticking on Livestock Mandatory Reporting reauthorization, the time to act is now. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, once again, calls for a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing centered on cattle market reform.



Grassley Bill Not Solution Industry Needs

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a response to the introduction of legislation commonly referred to as “50/14,” led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in the U.S. Senate.

“NCBA has and will continue to work alongside our affiliates, Congress, and USDA to increase price discovery and improve the business climate for producers across the country. However, simply put, Senator Grassley’s bill misses the mark. The industry – from leading livestock economists to NCBA state affiliates – agrees that any legislative solution to increased price discovery must account for the unique dynamics within each geographic region. As we have seen in other sectors, a one-size-fits-all government mandate rarely achieves the intended goal. Per our grassroots policy, NCBA supports a voluntary approach first to increased negotiated trade. If a voluntary approach is unsuccessful, that same policy provides guidance toward a legislative solution that more closely resembles Senator Fischer’s Cattle Market Transparency Act. We will continue to work toward a more level-playing field for producers, and we invite Senator Grassley to join the majority of stakeholders in reaching a collaborative solution,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.



Webinar Explains Why Soil Erosion Occurs and How to Control It

Soil erosion and how to control it is the topic of the Iowa Learning Farms webinar on Wednesday, March 31 at noon.

Soil erosion negatively affects soil productively, water quality, economics and food security. These impacts will be amplified as a less friendly climate evolves, making soil conservation today critical for a food-secure tomorrow.

Determining when and where soil erosion occurs is critical to identifying best management options for limiting soil loss. Rick Cruse, professor at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Water Center, will share examples of temporal soil loss patterns during the year, as well as locations most susceptible to soil loss. He will also illustrate the impact of spring planting time and production of biomass crops on soil erosion rates.

“Soil erosion has created more soil damage than most of us recognize,” said Cruse. “Understanding when and where this process is most serious can help us implement targeted conservation practices that can improve soil health while reducing soil degradation.”

Cruse’s primary research focus is soil erosion and he has years of experience addressing a wide range of soil management topics.

Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on March 31:
    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.

About Iowa Learning Farms
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable.

Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319) and GROWMARK Inc.



New Calf Care & Quality Assurance Program Launched

The U.S. calf-raising sector now has a program to help ensure optimal calf health and welfare via the Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program. CCQA is the first, collaborative educational tool that provides guidelines for calf raisers. The CCQA program is a joint initiative led by NCBA’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, funded by the Beef Checkoff, and the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, managed by the National Milk Producer’s Federation (NMPF) with support from the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, and the Beef Checkoff-funded Veal Quality Assurance (VQA) program.

“The Calf Care & Quality Assurance program not only exists to support calf raisers, but it helps the consumer understand the attention given to calves, as well,” said Dr. Brett Boyum, Dairy Production Veterinarian for Riverview, LLP and member of the CCQA task force. “Ultimately, the consumer should feel good about knowing that calf-raisers sites following this program will be raising their calves in a responsible manner with their health and welfare as the top priority.”

A reference manual sets the foundation for the CCQA program. The program has been developed understanding the diversity of calf-raising enterprises, being science and outcomes based while maintaining facility type and size neutrality. While the practices identified in the manual are not the only practices that can meet the desired outcomes, the program provides a framework that will serve as great resource for anyone working in the calf-raising industry. In addition to the manual, the CCQA program will roll out producer-focused training modules that will certify producers in the principles of excellent calf care highlighted throughout the manual later in 2021.

“This program represents a leading industry collaboration FOR the calf. It’s an impressive achievement to bring representatives from BQA, FARM, DCHA and VQA together to actively challenge and establish guidelines and standards that align with the values, commitment and passion of calf raisers, shared Stuart Hall, MRCVS, California dairy farmer and task force member. “It’s this passion for calf health and well-being that I plan to nurture using the CCQA manual as an educational tool and reference to challenge our practices and optimize our outcomes for the calf. I think we can all be proud of what we do and why we do it and confidently communicate this with the consumer.”

To learn more about The Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA), please go to: calfcareqa.org.



UAN, Anhydrous Lead Fertilizer Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to push higher, although at a much slower clip than past weeks, according to locations tracked by DTN for the third week of March 2021. Only seven of the eight major fertilizers were up a significant amount, which DTN designates as 5% or more, breaking a streak of six weeks in a row all eight were higher.

The average retail price of UAN28 was up 35% from last month at $331/ton. UAN32 was 29% more expensive compared to the prior month with an average price of $373/ton.  Anhydrous prices were 27% higher compared to a month ago at an average of $671/ton. 10-34-0 was up 14% with an average price of $596/ton.

The remaining four fertilizers had slightly less sharp price spikes compared to the previous weeks. Urea was 9% more expensive looking back to last month with an average price of $496/ton.  MAP was 7% higher from last month and had average price of $693/ton. Potash was 5% higher compared to last month and had average price of $424/ton.  DAP prices increased by 3% from the prior month. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $616/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer prices moving higher over recent months, all fertilizers are now higher in price from a year ago. Potash is now 15% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 28% higher, urea is 30% more expensive, UAN32 34% higher, anhydrous is 37% more expensive, UAN28 is 41% higher, DAP is 51% more expensive and MAP 60% is higher compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/19/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 19, ethanol production scaled back by 5.0%, or 49,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 922,000 b/d, equivalent to 38.72 million gallons daily. Production remained 8.3% below the same week last year. However, the four-week average ethanol production rate increased 7.7% to 920,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.10 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks grew 2.2% to 21.8 million barrels, which was 9.7% below a year-ago. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 2.1% to 8.62 million b/d (132.08 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 2.5% less than a year ago, when the initial effects of the pandemic were starting to be experienced, but it was 5.6% below the same week in 2019.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked 0.4% higher to 839,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.86 bg annualized. This was the highest level in 21 weeks yet was still 4.0% below a year ago and 8.8% below 2019.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the fourteenth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of January 2021.)



Biofuels Coalition Files Brief in Supreme Court Case
    
Today, the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Corn Growers Association and the National Farmers Union, working together as the Biofuels Coalition, filed their response brief in the Supreme Court case HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al., v. Renewable Fuels Association, et al.

In the brief, the coalition argues in support of the challenged Tenth Circuit decision, which held that only small refineries that have remained continuously exempt from obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard program are eligible for future extensions of the compliance exemption.

“We believe the Tenth Circuit got it right the first time, and we will continue to defend the court’s ruling and stand up for the farmers and renewable fuel producers harmed by the granting of these illegal waivers,” the coalition said. “We strongly believe the Tenth Circuit Court’s ruling is consistent with both the Clean Air Act and Congressional intent.”

The coalition underscored that the statute only authorizes extensions of the initial temporary exemption that Congress granted to all small refineries at the start of the RFS program. The brief also maintains that the structure and purpose of the temporary exemption were meant to serve as a “bridge to compliance” for all refineries, rather than a permanent regulatory relief program, as the refineries argued in their opening brief.

EPA will also file a brief today in support of the Tenth Circuit’s decision. The agency announced last month that it had reviewed the Tenth Circuit’s decision and it now supports the court’s interpretation. The refineries have until April 16 to file a brief replying to the arguments raised by the Biofuels Coalition’s and EPA’s briefs. Oral arguments will be held on April 27.



Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge Recipients Identified for Phase Two Trials

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), along with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), The Nature Conservancy, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), announced the organizations and products selected for Phase two trials in the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges. Collectively, the challenges aim to accelerate the development of innovative fertilizer product technologies and to increase the use of existing enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFS) that maintain or increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts to air, land, and water. The organizations partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the challenges.

“For generations, we’ve seen how innovation has shaped modern U.S. agriculture into the most successful and efficient production system in the world,” said Corey Rosenbusch, TFI president and CEO. “This public-private partnership represents the next generation of fertilizer technologies that will produce results for farmers and the land. I am proud to see several TFI members selected here as industry leaders in adopting and promoting these new technologies.”

“Corn farmers have a vested interest in using new technology that improves their operations and minimizes their environmental impact,” said NCGA President John Linder. “We are pleased to be a part of these Challenges and to work with these partners to promote sustainable farming practices that build up soil health, allowing farmers to improve productivity and profitability while also preserving natural resources for future generations.”

The first of two Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges, EEFs: Agronomic and Environmental Challenge, aims to identify existing EEFs currently on or near-market that meet or exceed certain environmental and agro-economic criteria. Phase one included review and selection of product nominations by an expert judging panel. Phase two, to be initiated this spring, will include greenhouse trial evaluations of the winning products by researchers at IFDC. The products will be evaluated based on environmental, agronomic, and economic performance factors.

"I am pleased to see the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge bridging the gap between good ideas and their implementation," said Albin Hubscher, IFDC president and CEO. "Strategic partnerships such as this will continue to catalyze innovation in improving global soil health and closing the yield gap. IFDC anticipates exciting results from our evaluations of these products."

Fertilizers facilitate the growth of crops at yields that provide sustained global food production. However, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied without consideration of the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (source, rate, time, and place) can have harmful economic, environmental, and social effects. EEFs and other new product technologies and formulations control fertilizer release or alter reactions to increase nutrient uptake by the plant and reduce nutrient losses to the environment. These technologies can be an important addition to a conservation practice system that helps reduce row crop agriculture impacts on the environment, while maintaining or increasing agricultural productivity and profitability.

“The Nature Conservancy is excited to be part of the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges as a way to drive new innovations that will help farmers better understand which enhanced efficiency fertilizers may work best on their farm,” said Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, director of strategic engagement for agriculture, The Nature Conservancy in North America. “We are strong advocates of the 4R approach to nutrient management and believe that the EPA and USDA’s science-based approach to the challenge will help farmers implement the 4Rs on their cropland.”

The winners include (listed by company and product name):
•          AgroLiquid: Pro-Germinator
•          CHS Agronomy: Trivar
•          Corteva Agriscience: Optinyte
•          EuroChem Agro: DMPSA
•          Harrell’s: POLYON
•          Koch Company Services: CENTURO
•          Koch Company Services: SUPERU
•          MicroSource: Hi-Test
•          Nutrien: ESN
•          Pursell Agri-Tech:  PurYield
•          Renuvix: Renuvix CRFs
•          SABIC: BCRU
•          The Andersons: Struvite DG
•          Timac Agro USA: Duo Maxx
•          Timac Agro USA: Top-Phos
•          Verdesian Life Sciences: AVAIL

The second component of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovation Challenge will identify novel pre-market technologies for fertilizers that can reduce the environmental effects from modern agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields. Winners are expected to be announced in spring 2021.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is the leading voice of the nation’s fertilizer industry. Tracing its roots back to 1883, TFI’s membership includes fertilizer producers, wholesalers, retailers and trading firms. TFI’s full-time staff, based in Washington, D.C., serves its members through legislative, educational, technical, economic information and public communication programs. Find more information about TFI online at TFI.org. Learn more about TFI’s nutrient stewardship initiatives at nutrientstewardship.org.

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers.

An independent non-profit organization, IFDC is active in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. Combining science-backed innovations, an enabling policy environment, holistic market systems development, and strategic partnerships, the organization bridges the gap between identifying and scaling sustainable soil solutions, resulting in improved household food security and enriched family livelihoods around the world. Using an inclusive approach, IFDC employs locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions that bring change at local, regional, and national levels.



New agronomy research book equips farmers for 2021 growing season success

Golden Harvest® released its Agronomy in Action 2021 Research Review today to help corn and soybean farmers across the country prepare for the upcoming season. With all-new updates that build on last year's edition, the book is a testament to Golden Harvest's commitment to delivering best-in-class agronomy and service.

[The Agronomy in Action 2021 Research Review provides farmers with more than 150 pages of agronomic insights tailored to the Golden Harvest portfolio. Photo source: Syngenta, 2021.]

The Agronomy in Action 2021 Research Review provides a comprehensive review of applied and practical agronomic studies conducted during the 2020 growing season at Golden Harvest Agronomy in Action research sites, with more than 150 pages of insights to help farmers make research-based decisions this season. Agronomy in Action research sites are set up at eight main locations and upward of 70 locations for a few specific trials across the Corn Belt to provide localized research studies and applicable findings, so that farmers can focus their valuable time on their crop production.

"Not only does the book provide great agronomic information that is beneficial for any corn or soybean farmer to have, but it also provides specific data and recommendations tailored to the Golden Harvest portfolio," said Bruce Battles, technical agronomy manager at Syngenta. "This year's edition of the Agronomy in Action Research Review features a wide range of topics, such as narrow row corn response, innovative seed treatments, fertility responses and biologicals."

The book features close to 50 research articles, organized by the six stages in the season that correspond with the Golden Harvest Service 365 commitment to deliver the ultimate service experience to farmers, all year round:
    Season Prep
    Establishment
    Plant Growth
    Yield Potential
    Harvest Prep
    Harvest and Post-Harvest

Each section includes trial results and learnings to help Golden Harvest farmers mitigate risk and adjust management techniques for each stage of the 2021 growing season and beyond.

"Some of our trials focused on management systems that the average farmer might not have implemented yet," Battles said. "The results captured in this book might not change what a farmer does today, but they can help them prepare and adapt for the future."

The Agronomy in Action 2021 Research Review is now available for download at GoldenHarvestSeeds.com.

Hard copies will be sent to existing Golden Harvest farmers.



After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute Resources More Equitably

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was needed, said Vilsack, after a review of previous COVID-19 assistance programs targeting farmers identified a number of gaps and disparities in how assistance was distributed as well as inadequate outreach to underserved producers and smaller and medium operations.

“The pandemic affected all of agriculture, but many farmers did not benefit from previous rounds of pandemic-related assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to helping as many producers as possible, as equitably as possible,” said Vilsack. “Our new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will help get financial assistance to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, small and medium sized producers, and farmers and producers of less traditional crops.”

USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

The payments announced today (under Part 3, below) will go out under the existing CFAP rules; however, future opportunities for USDA Pandemic Assistance will be reviewed for verified need and during the rulemaking process, USDA will look to make eligibility more consistent with the Farm Bill. Moving forward, USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers will utilize existing programs, such as the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach, and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, and others to enhance educational and market opportunities for agricultural producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers – 4 Parts Announced Today

Part 1: Investing $6 Billion to Expand Help & Assistance to More Producers
USDA will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding that went unspent by the previous administration. Where rulemaking is required, it will commence this spring. These efforts will include assistance for:
    Dairy farmers through the Dairy Donation Program or other means:
    Euthanized livestock and poultry;
    Biofuels;
    Specialty crops, beginning farmers, local, urban and organic farms;
    Costs for organic certification or to continue or add conservation activities
    Other possible expansion and corrections to CFAP that were not part of today’s announcement such as to support dairy or other livestock producers;
    Timber harvesting and hauling;
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm workers and specialty crop and seafood producers, processors and distributors;
    Improving the resilience of the food supply chain, including assistance to meat and poultry operations to facilitate interstate shipment;
    Developing infrastructure to support donation and distribution of perishable commodities, including food donation and distribution through farm-to-school, restaurants or other community organizations; and
    Reducing food waste.

Part 2: Adding $500 Million of New Funding to Existing Programs
USDA expects to begin investing approximately $500 million in expedited assistance through several existing programs this spring, with most by April 30. This new assistance includes:
    $100 million in additional funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which enhances the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.
    $75 million in additional funding for the Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, which encourages and assists socially disadvantaged, veteran, and beginning farmers and ranchers in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches.
    $100 million in additional funding for the Local Agricultural Marketing Program, administered by the AMS and Rural Development, which supports the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises and value-added agricultural products.
    $75 million in additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, administered by the NIFA, which provides funding opportunities to conduct and evaluate projects providing incentives to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers
    $20 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to improve and maintain animal disease prevention and response capacity, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
    $20 million for the Agricultural Research Service to work collaboratively with Texas A&M on the critical intersection between responsive agriculture, food production, and human nutrition and health.
    $28 million for NIFA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture to expand or sustain existing farm stress assistance programs.
    Approximately $80 million in additional payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton based on a formula set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 that USDA plans to deliver through the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills program.

Part 3: Carrying Out Formula Payments under CFAP 1, CFAP 2, CFAP AA
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020 requires FSA to make certain payments to producers according to a mandated formula. USDA is now expediting these provisions because there is no discretion involved in interpreting such directives, they are self-enacting.

    An increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers with approved CFAP 1 applications will automatically receive these payments beginning in April. Information on the additional payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Eligible producers do not need to submit new applications, since payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $1.1 billion to more than 410,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
    Additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of eligible crops identified as CFAP 2 flat-rate or price-trigger crops beginning in April. This includes alfalfa, corn, cotton, hemp, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets and wheat, among other crops. FSA will automatically issue payments to eligible price trigger and flat-rate crop producers based on the eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application. For a list of all eligible row-crops, visit farmers.gov/cfap. USDA estimates additional payments of more than $4.5 billion to more than 560,000 producers, according to the mandated formula.
    USDA will finalize routine decisions and minor formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance program in the following categories:
    Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass sod;
    A formula correction for row-crop producer applications to allow producers with a non-Actual Production History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield in the calculation;
    Sales commodity applications revised to include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus payments, as required by statute; and
    Additional payments for swine producers and contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold and are likely to require modifications to the regulation as part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however, FSA will continue to accept applications from interested producers.

Part 4: Reopening CFAP 2 Sign-Up to Improve Access & Outreach to Underserved Producers
As noted above, USDA will re-open sign-up for of CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021.
    FSA has committed at least $2.5 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach efforts intended to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.

Please stay tuned for additional information and announcements under the USDA Pandemic Assistance to Producers initiative, which will help to expand and more equitably distribute financial assistance to producers and farming operations during the COVID-19 national emergency. Please visit www.farmers.gov for more information on the details of today’s announcement.



NMPF Statement on USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern

“U.S. dairy farmers and their cooperatives thank USDA for its support for the Dairy Donation Program, a critical means for connecting nutritious dairy products with the consumers who need them, as well as its examination of additional payments for milk producers that will better reflect the losses they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NMPF looks forward to working with the department on the swift and effective implementation of USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiatives.”