Monday September 30 Ag News

 Preventing and Responding to Combine Fires
Amy Timmerman - NE Extension Educator - (article origionally published Sept 29, 2023)

As we move into fall harvest, fire is of high concern due to weather conditions conducive for fires to move quickly throughout the landscape.

Beyond conducive weather conditions, equipment has changed dramatically over the last couple of decades. Compared to older machines, today’s equipment is bigger, more complex, and carries more oil and fuel. On combines, shields, panels and fuel tanks used to be made out of metal but are now mostly synthetic, which can easily catch on fire. When smoldering crop residue meets a hydraulic leak or fuel, a fire quickly starts and spreads throughout the machine.

It is important to note that improvements have been made on newer equipment to reduce fires. Radiator fans have increased in power over the years, with many spinning at 60 mph to keep debris off hot engine components.

For example, John Deere moved the air intake of the radiator on its 70 series combine to the top in 2007, compared to the 60 series where the air intake was lower down on the side, allowing flammable crop residue to more easily enter.

A study of about 9,000 combine fires completed several years ago confirmed that crop residue typically starts the fire by coming into contact with hot manifold, exhaust or turbocharger. The majority of fires — 76.7% — start in the engine area of the combine (Venem, M.T. et al 2002). However, the most devastating fires spread rapidly to other areas of the machine.

Fires become especially severe when fuel lines rupture from the heat or when a fire burns through a hydraulic hose. Soon the combine becomes an inferno, especially if the engine is still pumping out fuel or hydraulic fluid under pressure. Typically, when fires ignite one or more tires, the result is complete loss of the machine. Availability of fire extinguishers and quick response from local fire departments can prevent total loss.

The following is a guide that can help ensure a smoother and safter harvest season without fire emergencies.

Preventing Combine Fires

Keep Combines Clean
Keeping your equipment clean is the best way to prevent fires, especially around the engine, turbo charger and exhaust system. Keep in mind that the majority of fires are caused by crop residue. It is easy for crop residue to accumulate on the engine, wiring harnesses, lights and other cracks and crevices.  The majority of combine manufactures recommend cleaning the machine after shutting down at the end of the day at least. Battery or gas-powered leaf blowers are great tools to provide high quantities of air to move debris off the machine while out in the field. If machines are returned to the shop between fields, large air compressors can also be used to clean machines.

Also consider power-washing to remove grease and oil, which can allow a small fire to spread rapidly.  By removing excess grease and oil, this aids in improving machine efficiency and keeps equipment cool.  The exhaust components and turbochargers can reach 1,000-1,200oF, with surface temperatures reaching around 900oF. Crop residues have been reported to ignite at approximately 500oF and above.

Don’t Park Equipment Near Flashy Fuels
Let combines cool down before parking them inside a machine shed after harvesting all day. If leaving the combine in the field at the end of the day, try to park on a fire-resistant surface rather than in the middle of a harvest field. Sparks and malfunctions can occur at any time, and crop debris can continue to smolder if the machine is not cleaned at the end of the day. Parking combines in a recently disked part of the field or a grassy area away from standing stubble and the unharvested crop is advised. Alternately, consider disking a fire break around parked equipment if parking in areas with heavy fire fuels.

Reduce Combine Engine Load
Increasing harvest speed and putting combine engines under a lot of stress increases the chances of fires. It is important to note that new combine engines have been designed to meet new emission standards, which has resulted in higher engine temperatures. The new exhaust systems use diesel particulate filters to trap pollutants. As the filter become filled with pollutants, the engine cleans the filter by burning the soot out. In return, we get a very clean but extremely hot exhaust, especially during diesel particulate filter regenerations.

Keep Bearings Cool
A study out of Spain conducted in 2018 and 2019 found that bearings and belts caused 18% of combine fires. One way to ensure bearings are operating efficiently and staying cool is using an infrared thermometer with lasers, which can be purchased for around $50.

Check bearings once the machine has warmed up. Bearings typically run between 125-150oF. Once bearings are reaching temperatures above 180oF, damage can occur. If bearing reach temperatures above 300oF, shut the machine off immediately.

Avoid Harvesting During Extreme Fire Weather
Postponing harvest because weather is conducive for fires when it is hot, dry and strong winds are occurring can be very challenging. A study conducted by Venem, M.T., et al found that 48.5% of combine fires occurred between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. when temperatures have peaked, and relative humidity is the lowest. Days when wind speed is greater than 20 mph, temperatures are at or above 90oF and relative humidity below is 30% are more conducive to combine fires and crop fires.

More tips here:  https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022/preventing-and-responding-combine-fires.



NeFU 111th Annual State Convention to be Held in Columbus

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) announced their Board of Directors have selected Columbus’s Quality Inn and River’s Edge Convention Center, December 6-7 to host their 111th annual State Convention. Participants will elect officers, set policy, conduct the organization’s business, and hear from speakers on issues facing agriculture.

The Nebraska Farmers Union block rates for rooms is $115 for King Beds and $125 for Queen Beds. Call (402) 564-1492 to book rooms by the November 20th booking deadline. NeFU reminds members it is easy to cancel a reservation if needed. Reservations after the deadline are always a gamble as to both availability and price.

NeFU President John Hansen said “It is important that our members attend and participate in the operation of their general farm organization at all levels, local, state, and national. Members are the grassroots that drives our service organization. The Quality Inn and River’s Edge Convention Center is an excellent facility and their staff does an outstanding job with their food and services. We strongly encourage area members and the public to join us for our 111th NeFU state convention. It is in a good central location.”

NeFU delegates will elect three delegates and three alternates from Nebraska to the 124th National Farmers Union Convention to be held at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel in Oklahoma City March 9-11, 2025. “President Hansen said “When our NFU Conventions are within comfortable driving distance, it gives more of our members the opportunity to attend. Our National Farmers Union Conventions are impressive events, and they always draw top flight speakers. They are a great way to appreciate the size, scope, and diversity of our national family farm and ranch advocacy organization. The local issues facing agriculture is a bit different in Hawaii, Alaska, Texas, Nebraska, California, and New England states, but the big picture issues facing agriculture are very similar.”

In addition, Delegates will also elect NeFU Board of Directors in Districts 2, 4, and 6 to three-year terms.

Graham Christensen, NeFU District 6 Board of Director from Oakland said, “District 6 is looking forward to hosting this year’s State Convention. NeFU is in the middle of the action on a wide range of issues that impact family farmers and ranchers. It is always good to get together and break bread with folks from around the state that share our passion for family farm agriculture and protecting our precious soil and water resources for future generations. We have a lot to celebrate, and a lot to plan for as we work together to build a better and more sustainable future.”



Allen FFA Test Plot Nite is Oct 1

Allen FFA is hosting its test plot night on Tuesday October 1st from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.  The location of the plot is two miles south and one mile west of Allen... at the junction of 866 Rd. and 584th Ave.  There are 6 brands and 20 different varieties represented in the plot.  For more information email amrastede@nntc.net.  



CAP Webinar: Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance for Livestock Producers
Oct 24, 2024 12:00 PM
With Jay Parsons, Professor and Director, Center for Agricultural Profitability

With coverage on over 8 million acres in Nebraska, Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance has become a part of doing business for many livestock producers in Nebraska. The signup deadline for 2025 PRF insurance coverage is December 1. In this webinar, we will discuss several PRF coverage strategies, associated implications, and historical performance of PRF using examples for Nebraska grids. An overview of the PRF insurance product and performance will be provided to help producers decide if and how they may want to incorporate PRF insurance into their risk management plans.

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. Use this link also to register for the webinar.  



Determining a Fair Rent for Farm Buildings
Glennis McClure, Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst

Establishing a fair rent for farm buildings and storage facilities involves multiple factors. There isn’t a universal formula, as conditions vary depending on building type, usage, and local market conditions. However, a comprehensive evaluation of both fixed and variable costs, as well as cash and non-cash expenses, is essential.

Fixed Costs
Fixed costs persist whether the facility is in use or not and include:
    Depreciation: Buildings lose value over time, a non-cash cost factored into rent. Depreciation can be calculated by subtracting the building's salvage value from its initial value (excluding land) and dividing it by its estimated useful life.
    Property Taxes: Taxes must be paid regardless of whether the building is in use (cash expense).
    Insurance: Buildings should be insured for liability and physical damages. Insurance is a cash-fixed cost but may vary based on the condition and usage of the building.
    Repairs: While repair costs can vary depending on usage, they are generally considered a cash-fixed cost.
    Interest Costs: Loan interest is a cash-fixed cost if the building is financed. There is also the opportunity cost of ownership (a non-cash cost), which reflects what could be earned if the building were sold and the funds invested elsewhere.

Variable Costs
Variable costs fluctuate based on the building's usage. These are typically cash costs and include:
    Repairs Based on Usage: Higher usage may lead to increased wear and tear, resulting in higher repair costs.
    Insurance: More frequent use could lead to higher insurance premiums.
    Utilities: Utility costs, such as electricity, water, and heating, vary with the intensity of the building's use.

Additional Factors to Consider When Setting Rental Rates
When determining a fair rent, also consider the following:
1.     Size: Larger buildings with greater capacity generally command higher rent due to  increased utility.
2.     Repair Costs: The building's current condition will affect maintenance costs. Consider who will handle repairs, and how security or monitoring of the facility will be managed.
3.     Insurance: Depending on the building’s condition, location, and usage, insurance costs could be a significant figure to consider.
4.     Condition: Newer, well-maintained buildings may command higher rent than older, deteriorating ones.
5.     Location: Proximity to main roads, markets, or infrastructure can increase a building’s desirability and rental rate.
6.     Risk of Accidents or Type of Usage: Buildings used for high-risk operations or intensive farming may require higher rent to cover potential liabilities.
7.     Other Factors: Noise, odor, and traffic generated by building use can also influence rent, especially if the building is near residential areas.

See several calculations and senarios here:  https://cap.unl.edu/management/determining-fair-rent-farm-buildings.

Calculating building costs can provide a starting point or guide to begin negotiations. Determining rent does not need to be just from the owner’s perspective. It is also essential to understand what a user or the renter is willing to pay.  Rental agreements should always be in writing. Written agreements can provide details for better understanding by both the owner and renter and as a reminder of their obligations.



Smith, Craig, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify Year-Round E15

Friday, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. Smith, Craig, and Johnson are co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus.

The bill is the House companion to the Senate bill S. 2707 introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).

"At a time when agricultural producers are struggling, uncertainty in the energy market is looming, and consumers are paying more at the pumps, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to boost energy production on the table," said Rep. Smith. "Since I first introduced similar legislation, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15. Flexibility and greater consumer choice strengthens the U.S. fuel market, and Nebraska's farmers have the capacity to meet demand. I thank Rep. Craig, Sen. Fischer, and my House colleagues for their cooperation to unlock this sustainable fuel source and provide relief for hard-working Americans at the fuel pump."

"E15 supports our farmers, is cleaner for the environment, and lowers the price of gas. Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. I am confident that a path forward exists in both the Senate and the House and look forward to working with Congressman Smith to ensure our bill becomes law," said Sen. Fischer.


In the House, additional cosponsors of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act include Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mike Flood (R-NE), Sam Graves (R-MO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mary Miller (R-IL), Mark Alford (R-MO), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Greg Pence (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Robin Kelly ( D-IL), Mike Bost (R-IL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Don Bacon (R-NE), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Buddy Carter (R-GA).

Sen. Fischer’s Senate companion to the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

BACKGROUND:

In Congress, Rep. Smith has long championed the issue of year-round availability of E15. This past year, he pushed the administration to extend the availability of E15 during the summer to provide American consumers with access to an affordable biofuel alternative at their local gas station.

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has broad support from stakeholders. Below are statements in support of the bipartisan legislation:

"Drivers across Nebraska deserve year-round access to E-15 fuel — and thankfully, Representative Smith is answering that call. Families nationwide will benefit from the lower prices and lower emissions it will bring — and hardworking ethanol producers here in Nebraska will gain the certainty they deserve when filling that demand. We appreciate Representative Smith and his colleagues for taking up this bill in the House, and we call on every member of Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation in both chambers as soon as possible," said Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell.

"Providing for year-round access to E15 is a practical step in saving money for consumers, reducing emissions for our environment and is approved for 95% of the vehicles on the road today," said Chris Grams, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. "We deeply value and appreciate the continual leadership of Representative Smith in his efforts to introduce this much needed approach to advance the use of ethanol across the United States. Year-round E15 creates a positive impact and develops demand for farmers locally, statewide and nationally."




Growers Applaud Move by U.S. House Members to Expand Ethanol Access

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauded a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House for introducing the “Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act” today, providing consumers with year-round access to higher blends of ethanol.

“This legislation would remove needless limits on the sale of ethanol, particularly during the summer months, helping us further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut prices at the pump while helping corn growers by providing a steady market for ethanol.” said Minnesota corn grower and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “The members of Congress introducing and co-sponsoring this legislation clearly care deeply about the economic wellbeing of farmers and rural America.”  

Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) are sponsoring the legislation.

Under current federal policy, 15% blends of ethanol, often called E15, cannot be sold at terminals during the summer months. But the Clean Air Act gives EPA authority to temporarily waive these requirements to address pressing concerns, such as fuel shortages.

The policy has left corn growers who rely on the sale of ethanol with a great deal of uncertainty. Drivers have also been faced with higher gas prices during the summer vacation season.

The Biden administration has issued waivers over the last few years. But growers and many Midwest governors have called for a permanent fix to the problem. Today’s legislation would offer that solution.

Similar legislation, introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), Sen.  Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), has been pending in the Senate. Corn grower leaders have also supported that legislation.

"Our champions in both chambers of Congress have sponsored and co-sponsored sound and sensible legislation that will remove a major market barrier, for us” Wolle said. “Now we call on their colleagues and the president to do what it takes to ensure this legislation becomes law.”



RFA Welcomes House Introduction of Year-Round E15 Legislation

The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded members of the U.S. House for introducing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation that would make permanent the year-round availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 fuel nationwide. RFA specifically thanks Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN), along with Mariannette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) for leading introduction of the bill, which had an additional 29 co-sponsors at the time of introduction.

“This bipartisan legislation would finally bring nationwide consistency and stability to the marketplace and eliminate the need for last-minute emergency waivers. Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, farmers, and consumers have all rallied behind this commonsense approach,”  said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We thank Reps. Adrian Smith, Craig, Miller Meeks, Budzinski, Johnson and Davids, and their fellow renewable fuel supporters in the House for continuing to fight for fair market access for our nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. With just a few months left in this Congress, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options.”

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would harmonize fuel volatility regulations for ethanol-blended fuels across the country, allowing for the year-round sale of E15 in conventional gasoline markets. It also would supersede a regulation allowing eight Midwest states to offer year-round E15 starting in 2025, as that regional approach would no longer be necessary with a federal fix in place.

Additional House bill co-sponsors include Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mike Flood (R-NE), Sam Graves (R-MO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mary Miller (R-IL), Mark Alford (R-MO), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Greg Pence (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Robin Kelly ( D-IL), Mike Bost (R-IL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Don Bacon (R-NE), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Jason Smith (R-MO).

The bill is the House companion to the Senate bill S. 2707 introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

Background
In 2023 and continuing through 2024, RFA and the American Petroleum Institute assembled a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations that called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation to permanently resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. RFA estimates that nearly 97 percent of registered vehicles on the road today are legally approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use E15, and the vast majority also carry the manufacturer’s endorsement to use E15. A recent CSP survey found that one out of every five fuel retailers plan to add the E15 blend at their locations in the coming year; more than 2,800 fuel stations currently carry the blend.



Biofuel Champions Introduce Bipartisan E15 Fix in House of Representatives

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, commended a bipartisan group of House lawmakers for introducing a bill today that would allow for the year-round nationwide sale of E15—a fuel blend made with 15% American bioethanol that's more affordable and better for the environment than standard gasoline.

“E15 is one of the best ways to lower costs for consumers while also reducing our carbon emissions. For the past six summers, hardworking families across America have enjoyed big summer savings on E15 ranging from 10 to 30 cents per gallon, with some locations selling the fuel for more than a dollar less per gallon,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “But over the last three summers, those savings were only possible thanks to last-minute intervention by EPA. This bill will finally fix the outdated law that threatens to take E15 off the market when consumers need it most during the busy summer driving season.  

“We thank Representative Smith (R-Neb.), Representative Craig (D-Minn), and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for their leadership to ensure we preserve consumer access to lower-carbon, more-affordable fuel options nationwide all year round. With bipartisan bills now introduced in both chambers of Congress, this is our chance to finally get this commonsense legislation across the finish line."

The bill introduced today is the House version of S. 2707, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The legislation would allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10%, provide limited retroactive relief to small refiners, and supersede a recent effort to ensure year-round access to E15 in eight Midwest states.   



ACE Welcomes House Bill to Allow Nationwide E15 Year-Round

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomed the introduction of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act by House Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS). The bill is the House companion to the Senate bill S. 2707 introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“We’re grateful to bipartisan leaders in the House for introducing this critically important legislation which would once and for all ensure nationwide and permanent E15 availability. This bipartisan House companion legislation demonstrates support for year-round E15 is growing in Congress. We will continue working with our Senate and House supporters to push for enactment of this legislation.”




Three Things Farmers Need to Know About Evolving Weather Patterns

Changing precipitation patterns continue to challenge farmers across the Corn Belt, according to Dennis Todey, director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub.

“As the agricultural landscape evolves, it’s vital to keep farmers informed with the latest data and insights,” said Todey. “Understanding changes in weather patterns and other factors empowers them to make better decisions and optimize their operations.”

Speaking to farmers in the Pivot Bio booth at the 2024 Farm Progress Show, Todey covered a range of topics, from the potential threat of an early freeze to the changing dynamics of precipitation and its implications for growing seasons. Here are three key takeaways from Todey that every farmer should know to stay ahead of evolving weather patterns:

1.      Early-Freeze Concerns Are Minimal
Todey reassured farmers that based on current weather models and historical data, there is no imminent threat of an early freeze this season. He highlighted that freeze-risk assessments are generally guided by trends such as seasonal temperature patterns and climatic conditions, which currently do not indicate a high probability of frost.

2.      Growing Seasons Are Extended Due to Warming Trends
Warming trends have resulted in longer growing seasons, with the average dates for last spring and first fall freezes shifting. This provides more time for crop growth but also introduces new challenges for farmers, such as an increase in insects and weeds.

3.      Rainfall Patterns Are Shifting
The Corn Belt will still experience moderate rains; however, farmers should expect larger intense rainfalls. These heavy rainfalls, especially in the spring, can lead to rapid soil saturation, runoff, and potential erosion, impacting crop health and soil structure. Todey says this change in rainfall distribution affects soil-moisture levels. Additionally, rainfall is becoming more variable as to when or where it occurs during the year.

“While farmers in the Corn Belt faced many challenges this year, the potential for nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification was especially prevalent during the early planting season, when there was so much rain,” said Clayton Nevins, Ph.D., Pivot Bio senior agronomic scientist.

“Not only is a farmer’s nitrogen investment gone, but it can also lead to nitrogen deficiencies in crops. This is evident when we see standing water and yellow corn leaves, like we did this year. Our goal at Pivot Bio is to help farmers solve for a percentage of nitrogen loss by diversifying their fertilizer sources with nitrogen-fixing microbes that live on the plants’ roots and provide consistent access to nitrogen.”