John Deere Announces Final Tier 4/Stage IV Engine

During a press conference at the 2012 Commodity Classic, John Deere unveiled its final stage Tier 4 solution, the John Deere Integrated Emissions Control System.

Deere’s Barry Nelson said this is a major announcement that continues John Deere’s 175 years of innovation. “The past few years we have been spending millions and millions of dollars to develop new technology for the engines and the integrated technology we need in the vehicles to make everything work as a very productive package.”

John Deere Manager Worldwide Marketing Geoff Stigler gave an overview of how the technology was developed and why. “Engine technology is just one piece of the puzzle,” he said. “It’s really all about meeting customer expectations, delivering on the performance, durability, reliability and operating efficiency requirements.”

Geoff said the road to Final Tier 4 was a building block approach, starting with Tier 2 when the first electronic engines were implemented and moving through Interim Tier 4 which have been delivered for the past 18 months. “We have nearly 20,000 engines in the field right now that are Interim Tier 4 compliant,” he said. “We’ve been able to monitor those through our JD Link technology and have over 2 million customer hours on those engines already.”

Listen to or download the press conference here: John Deere Tier 4 Press Conference

Final Tier 4/Stage IV regulations for off-highway diesel engines begin as early as 2013 for engines 55 kW (74 hp) and below. Regulatory dates for engines 56 kW (75 hp) and above will be implemented in stages starting in 2014 and 2015, and require particulate matter (PM) levels established by Interim Tier 4/Stage III B regulations to be maintained while requiring an additional 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) from previous regulations.

Consisting of an exhaust filter and SCR aftertreatment components that are optimized and fully integrated, the Integrated Emissions Control system will allow John Deere engines to utilize less diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) than alternative Interim Tier 4/Stage III B SCR technology solutions. Lower DEF consumption means DEF tank size can be smaller — minimizing the impact on vehicle applications, extending DEF filter service intervals and reducing operator involvement. Monitored and controlled by proprietary electronics within John Deere’s enhanced engine control unit (ECU), the Integrated Emissions Control system also provides outstanding fluid efficiency without sacrificing overall performance.

For more information on John Deere’s Final Tier 4/Stage IV engine technology, go to www.JohnDeere.com/tier4.

2012 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Partnerships at Commodity Classic Important to BASF

BASF Crop Protection is one of the biggest sponsors of Commodity Classic, encompassing everything from the hotel shuttle buses to scholarships and other awards programs to the final banquets.

BASF participated in both the American Soybean Association (ASA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) banquets during the 2012 Commodity Classic and was honored to have company executives speak during those events about the importance of partnerships aimed at strengthening the future of agriculture. BASF Senior Vice President North America Crop Protection Nevin McDougall (pictured) spoke at the ASA banquet, while Paul Rea, Vice President U.S. Crop Protection, spoke at the NCGA banquet.

Nevin says BASF’s partnerships with ASA and NCGA showcase how they are sustaining and supporting the future of agriculture. “The future for BASF is very bright,” Nevin said. “The ag economy in North America is very robust and with our investment in R&D and bringing new solutions that can help growers be more efficient and more productive with less impact on the environment we’ll help them to achieve the goal of feeding the world.”

Listen to or download a quick interview with Nevin here: BASF Senior VP Nevin McDougall

We sincerely appreciate our partnership with BASF as well, which helped to bring coverage of the Commodity Classic to AgWired readers. Thanks BASF!

2012 BASF Science Behind Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 Commodity Classic Show is sponsored by BASF and New Holland

2012 Farm Bill Priorities From Commodity Classic Groups

It’s almost like a tradition now. The Presidents of the farm organizations that participate in Commodity Classic take the stage for a few minutes of lighthearted discussion about their priorities. Emceeing the general session with them this year again was Mark Mayfield. You can listen to their interaction below. All of the organizations released a joint statement yesterday about their farm bill priorities which I’ve included below as well.

First up on the stage with Mark was Gary Niemeyer, a corn grower from Auburn, Ill and President of the National Corn Growers Association.

Listen to Gary’s comments here: Comments from Gary Niemeyer

Next up on stage was Steve Wellman, soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb. and President of the American Soybean Association.

Listen to Steve’s comments here: Comments from Steve Wellman

Next we heard from Terry Swanson, a sorghum grower from Walsh, Colo. and President of the National Sorghum Producers.

Listen to Terry’s comments here: Comments from Terry Swanson

Finally, we heard from Wayne Hurst, a wheat producer from Burley, Idaho and President of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Listen to Wayne’s comments here: Comments from Wayne Hurst

“Commodity Classic provides our organizations an opportunity to come together to discuss important policy issues facing our industry. As Congress continues work on the next farm bill, our organizations agree that an affordable crop insurance program is our No. 1 priority. We also stand ready to work with House and Senate Ag Committee leaders to create farm programs that provide risk-management tools to growers when they are facing a loss beyond their control.

“We urge Congress to pass a new farm bill this year to provide the level of certainty in America that a short-term extension cannot.The nation is currently facing record high federal deficits and this requires difficult decisions. We stand ready to do our part to develop more efficient farm policy that will be responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping farms remain viable and productive.

“Our organizations represent more than 70 percent of all crop acres in the United States. Agriculture is a bright spot in our nation’s economy, sustainably meeting the expanding demands to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber to the world. We are pleased to see the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have produced such an aggressive schedule and we thank them for their efforts.”

2012 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 Commodity Classic Show is sponsored by BASF and New Holland

BASF Supports Scholars with ASA, NCGA and Now NAWG

BASF Crop Protection is expanding its support of young people pursuing careers in agriculture by joining with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Foundation to establish a memorial scholarship to honor longtime wheat industry friend and BASF employee Jerry Minore. As a BASF Senior Market Manager, Minore was a liaison to the wheat industry, including NAWG and the Foundation, and an advocate for wheat growers.

Paul Rea, Vice President of U.S. Crop Protection for BASF, says Jerry passed away suddenly just a few weeks ago. “It was a real loss and everyone was looking for a way we could remember his service so what better way than to award a memorial scholarship in his name,” said Paul.

Listen to or download Paul talking about BASF’s commitment to the future of agriculture and the new scholarship: BASF VP U.S. Crop Protection Paul Rea

BASF has funded the Jerry Minore Memorial Scholarship for up to $5,000 per year the next three years. Applications for the scholarship program will be accepted through the end of 2012, with the first recipients to be announced at next year’s Commodity Classic.

This year, for the fifth consecutive year, BASF partnered with the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to present another six students with scholarships.

Recipients of the $1,000 NCGA scholarships, pictured here with Paul Rea and NCGA Chairman Bart Schott, are (left to right): Andy Chamra, a junior at Iowa State University pursuing agricultural business; Denise Beam, a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University pursuing a degree in animal sciences with an agricultural business management minor; Gracie Weinzierl, a sophomore at Illinois State University majoring in agricultural education in addition to crop and soil science; Andrew Perry, a sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying agricultural economics and plant science; and Bethany Olson, a junior at Iowa State University specializing in agricultural business and international agriculture.

Melissa Schenck of Boston, Kentucky – pictured here with Paul and ASA president Steve Wellman – was chosen as the 2012-2013 ASA SOY scholarship recipient. Schenck, a senior at Nelson County High School, will pursue a degree in agriculture communications at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, beginning this fall.

Melissa says she plans to go to Murray State University and major in ag communications or ag business. “Getting a scholarship from ASA and BASF means that college is going to be easier to pay for,” she said. “This scholarship has taken a load off my shoulders” and her parents too! She’s never been to Commodity Classic before and is really enjoying it.

Listen to or download an interview with Melissa here: ASA-BASF Scholarship Winner Melissa Schenck

See video of all scholarship winners here:

2012 BASF Science Behind Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 Commodity Classic Show is sponsored by BASF and New Holland

Ready For Record Commodity Classic

ZimmCast 340I’d like to thank New Holland for sponsoring the media room at Commodity Classic once again this year. And I’d especially like to thank them for being one of our sponsors for AgWired coverage of the event again this year. New Holland was one of the first companies to support our unique brand of “live” event blogging. This is the 7th year the company has been our sponsor for Commodity Classic. Thank you to Gene Hemphill and to Abe Hughes. I’m looking forward to seeing Abe this afternoon in the New Holland exhibit at the trade show. Now back to our program.

Here are (l-r) Patrick Delaney, Communications Director, American Soybean Association and Ken Colombini, Communications Director, National Corn Growers Association. These two organizations coordinate the media room that we have the privilege to work out of. Cindy caught up with both of them yesterday to find out how attendance at this year’s Classic is looking as well as what some of the important issues are facing each farm group.

Listen to this week’s ZimmCast here: A Look At 2012 Commodity Classic

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page.

Coverage of the 2012 Commodity Classic Show is sponsored by BASF and New Holland

BASF Sponsors ASA Educational Podcasts

BASF is sponsoring a series of educational podcasts for the American Soybean Association. Here are three currently in the list that you might be interested in:

This podcast recaps the 2011 soybean growing season with BASF Technical Market Manager, Nick Fassler. Developed by the American Soybean Association, this educational podcast is designed to provide growers with the latest information about soybean production, including ways to maximize their soybean yields. Fassler reviews harvest results and factors affecting this year’s soybean production.

Listen: ASA Educational Podcast - Season Review

This podcast, developed by the American Soybean Association, provides soybean growers with tips on how to get the most out of every acre for the upcoming 2012 growing season. Nick Fassler, BASF Technical Market Manager, provides growers with the latest information about soybean production, including proactive management strategies to prevent challenging disease outbreaks throughout the season.

Listen: ASA Educational Podcast - 2012 Tips

Implementing a complete weed management program that incorporates multiple sites of action is a key way to keep resistant weeds at bay and prevent them from damaging yields. In this educational podcast from the American Soybean Association, BASF Technical Market Manager Dr. Dan Westberg discusses the important role that planning and other best practices will play in the future of weed resistance prevention.

Listen: ASA Educational Podcast - Weed Resistance Prevention

Patrick Delaney Joins ASA As Communications Director

Here is Patrick Delaney in action prior to joining the American Soybean Association as Communications Director. Patrick will be based in ASA’s Washington Policy Representative Office of Gordley Associates in Washington, DC.

“ASA is pleased to welcome Patrick to our team,” Censky said. “His experience in ag policy communications will serve him well in his role with ASA, where he will craft timely communications on policy decisions and issues happening in Washington, as well as talking points and analysis to keep ASA’s farmer-leaders and state affiliates informed.”

Delaney comes to ASA from the United Fresh Produce Association, where he managed staff, advised leadership and communicated to key audiences and stakeholders on all publicity matters, including advocacy and crisis communications on nutrition, labor, food safety, immigration, trade, sustainability and farm policy. He has worked in various public relations roles with agencies and the radio broadcast industry.

Bob Callanan, who has served as ASA Communications Director based in St. Louis, moves into a new position as ASA’s Project Development Director, where he’ll develop program concepts and proposals to be presented to state soybean affiliates, qualified state soybean boards, and industry partners.

Communications Coordinator Cassandra Langley will have an expanded role at ASA’s headquarters in St. Louis, assisting Delaney in the implementation of communications developed there.

Congratulations to Patrick, Cassandra and Bob on your new responsibilities!

Wellman Elected President of American Soybean Association

The American Soybean Association announced today that Steve Wellman from Syracuse, Nebraska, is President and Alan Kemper from Lafayette, Indiana, is confirmed as Chairman. Also elected was Danny Murphy from Canton, Mississippi, to serve as First Vice President, an office that places Murphy in line to be ASA President in 2013.

Also elected were Randy Mann from Auburn, Kentucky, as Secretary, and Bob Henry from Robinson, Kansas, as Treasurer. Four Vice Presidents were also elected: Ray Gaesser from Corning, Iowa; Bob Worth from Lake Benton, Minnesota; Richard Wilkins from Greenwood, Delaware; and Wade Cowan from Brownfield, Texas. These soybean farmer-leaders form the nine-member ASA Executive Committee. Elections were held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, during ASA’s winter Board of Director’s meeting in Saint Louis.

“My goals include increasing demand for soybeans and soybean products, addressing regulatory issues to keep farmers competitive globally, seeking fair farm bill provisions for growers, promoting more ag trade and continuing ASA’s leadership development programs,” Wellman said. “Global demand for soy has increased 145 percent since 1990 and it is anticipated demand will continue to increase. Policy including a sound crop insurance program complemented by a revenue program that does not distort planting decisions is needed to help ensure the U.S. soybean farmer can manage production and price risk while producing soybeans to meet the needs of our consumers domestically and internationally.”

Biotech and Trade on Minds of Soybean Farmers

farm progress show 2011One of the many farmer leaders who stopped by the media tent at Farm Progress show was Steve Wellman, a soybean producer from Syracuse, Nebraska who is First Vice President of the American Soybean Association (ASA). I chatted with Steve about some of the issues on his mind these days.

At the top of the list is approval of biotech traits to help increase production to meet growing world demand. “When biotech traits were first introduced about 20 years ago, it took 18 months to get through the approval system here in the U.S. Now it takes four years,” Steve says. ASA and the National Corn Growers Association held a joint conference with other stakeholders the week after FPS to discuss actions the industry could take toward getting timely regulatory clearances for biotech traits and avoid trade disruptions.

Listen to or download my interview with Steve here. Steve Wellman at FPS 2011

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album


AgWired Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by New Holland GROWMARK Trellis Growing Systems

Importance of Panama Canal Highlighted

With soybean  exports doubling over the last ten years and the continued demand for US soy, the question arises can we handle it?  Now, we know we can physically make that happen.  We plant, grow and harvest more efficiently and effectively than any other country in the world, the concern arises if our ports and infrastructure will last the next ten years.

Early last week, the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Panama Canal Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a promise to continue to develop global commerce.  Also involved in Monday’s MOU signing was the American Soybean Association and the United Soybean Board.  The objectives of the agreement are to undertake joint marketing efforts, data exchange to forecast future trade flows and market trends, and the sharing of information related to modernization and improvement projects.

With the Panama Canal increasing in size to be able to accommodate “Suezmax” ships – it could be a great thing for American Agriculture, especially since 60% of our exports currently travel through the Panama Canal.  Except our infrastructure is failing and the Department of Commerce thinks existing ports will be incapable of handling the shipments within the next decade.

I sat down with immediate past Chairman of the United Soybean Board and a farmer from Griggsville, Ill. and he detailed Monday’s announcement. Bradshaw Talks Panama

BASF-ASA Scholarship Winner

A high school senior from Iowa now has $5000 toward his college education in an agriculture field, thanks to the American Soybean Association and BASF Crop Protection.

2011 commodity classicThis is the fourth year that the ASA Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Scholarship, sponsored by BASF, has been presented to an outstanding high school senior planning to pursue agriculture as a degree area of study in college.

Kevin Berkland, a high school senior from Sibley, Iowa, (pictured here with BASF VP Paul Rea) was named the 2011-2012 scholarship recipient. Kevin plans to study microbiology at Iowa State University beginning next year. “As an active member in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, I have developed a strong interest in different agricultural production practices,” Berkland said. “This scholarship will provide me the resources I need to jump-start my education towards a career in a field I’m very passionate about.”

Congrats to Kevin and thanks to BASF for helping to support the next generation of agriculture!

Listen to or download a brief interview with Kevin here: SOY Scholarship winner

More photos of the scholarship winners for both soybeans and corn can be found in the
BASF Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

A Record-Setting Commodity Classic

Commodity ClassicThe 2011 Commodity Classic is one for the record books.

Attendance at the annual meeting of corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers shattered previous records. Total attendance was more than 4826, breaking the previous record at Nashville three years ago by almost 300. Total number of growers was over 1600, compared to the previous record of 1513 in 2009 in Grapevine. The number of media was down a bit, but still a pretty substantial 126. Next year, Classic is back in Nashville, maybe to set yet another record!

Commodity ClassicIn a show of unity, the leadership of the National Corn Growers Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Soybean Association and the National Sorghum Producers issued a joint statement on the federal deficit and debt reduction following the conclusion of the Classic business sessions.

“We note that agriculture made a down payment in cutting spending when the Department of Agriculture directed $4 billion in savings under the Standard Reinsurance Agreement for federal crop insurance toward deficit reduction. We believe any further reduction in discretionary spending should recognize and reflect this contribution. We would also note that agriculture-related programs represent less than one-half of one percent of the federal budget.

“Looking forward, we believe any meaningful approach to deficit and debt reduction in the FY2012 budget must encompass all entitlement programs and all discretionary spending. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to develop a budget that successfully addresses the need for federal deficit and debt reduction balanced with the need of ensuring a successful agricultural economy.”

2011 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

Classic Commodity Group Unity

Commodity LeadersWe’re talking commodity group unity here at Commodity Classic. Here’s the leaders of each of the participating groups, Bart Schott, NCGA, Alan Kemper, ASA, Gerald Simonsen, NAWG and Jerry McReynolds, NSP.

Emceeing this morning’s general session once again was Mark Mayfield. He asked them each to answer the question, “What are you doing to enhance public trust and what efforts do you have to make ag more sustainable?” Listen to their answers in this entertaining part of the session.

You can listen to them here: Commodity Group Leaders at Classic

Visit our photo album often: 2011 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

BASF Announces NCGA and ASA Scholarships

2011 commodity classicAlong with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)and the American Soybean Association (ASA), BASF Crop Protection announced the winners of six scholarships during the 2011 Commodity Classic on Thursday in Tampa. This is the fourth year for both scholarship programs.

“BASF is dedicated to providing the next generation of agricultural industry leaders with resources to further their education and advance the agriculture industry,” said Paul Rea, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “Together with the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association, we’re happy to support future leaders in agriculture through scholarships.”

The NCGA Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program awarded five $1,000 scholarships to college students pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field. The winners are Hayley Bunselmeyer, a junior at the University of Illinois majoring in crop sciences; Kristin DeSutter, a junior at the University of Illinois pursuing agricultural communications; Amy Peyton, a junior at Iowa State University majoring in agricultural business, economics, and public service and administration; Andy Pringnitz, a junior at Iowa State University studying agricultural business, economics and international agriculture; and Jessica Schwartz, a first-year graduate student at Ohio State University specializing in horticulture and crop sciences.

“Providing students with the financial resources to complete their education is the key to building strong agricultural leaders of tomorrow,” said Pam Johnson, a Corn Board member and liaison to the Grower Services Action Team. “We thank BASF for its integral role and support in these scholarships.”

Listen to or download brief interviews with all five scholarship award winners here: NCGA-BASF Scholarship Winners

2011 commodity classicThe ASA Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Scholarship, sponsored by BASF, is a $5,000 award presented to an outstanding high school senior planning to pursue agriculture as a degree area of study in college.

Kevin Berkland, a high school senior from Sibley, Iowa, was named the 2011-2012 scholarship recipient. Kevin plans to study microbiology at Iowa State University beginning next year. Unfortunately, his flight from Iowa was delayed and he was unable to make it to the awards presentation press conference on Thursday, but he will receive recognition at the ASA banquet on Friday night.

We did get a chance to hear from Laura Stevens of Falls City, Nebraska, who is now a junior at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was the very first ASA SOY Scholarship winner in 2008. “This was just a really helpful scholarship to me as it helped me to be able concentrate on my studies during my first year in college and also strengthened my commitment to stay in agriculture,” Laura said.

Listen to or download a brief interview with Laura here: 2008 ASA-BASF Scholarship winner

More photos of the winners can be found in the
BASF Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

Trade Top Issue for Corn and Soybean Leaders

2011 commodity classicThe issue at the top of the list for the farmer leaders of the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is trade.

“In the last marketing year, over 60% of the soybeans in the U.S. were exported, compared to 55% just a year ago,” said ASA president Alan Kemper of Indiana during a press conference on Thursday. That represented the equivalent of 1.9 billion bushels of soybeans, valued at over $21 billion, setting a record for the fourth straight year. “China again was our top customer for U.S. soybeans, importing over 25% of all soybeans grown,” he added.

“Given the importance of exports and market development to the U.S. soybean industry, ASA is urging the administration and Congress to maintain full authorized funding for USDA’s export programs,” he said. In addition, ASA is calling for the approval of pending free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama and South Korea.

Also at the ASA press conference, chairman Rob Joslin of Ohio talked about the organization’s Farm Bill objectives and first VP Steve Wellman of Nebraska discussed an EU proposal that would disallow the use of biodiesel produced from U.S. soybeans.

Listen to or download the opening statements of the ASA press conference here: Commodity Classic ASA Press Conference

2011 commodity classicApproval of the pending FTAs was also one of the main issues NCGA president Bart Schott’s discussed during the corn growers press conference. “We were encouraged by President Obama’s mention of them in his state of the union address and we hope this means movement,” said Schott. “Frankly, we need quick action on these three agreements which have been languishing in Washington for years.”

Other important issues for NCGA are updating locks and dams on inland waterways for grain transportation and the review of atrazine by EPA.

Listen to or download Bart Schott’s opening statement here: Commodity Classic NCGA president

2011 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

Secretary Tom Vilsack, Chairman Frank Lucas to Speak at Commodity Classic

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is returning to the Commodity Classic and will be joined this year by U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas. The two will deliver keynote addresses during the General Session on March 4th in Tampa, Florida.

“We are honored to welcome two of the most respected and influential men in Washington on agriculture issues to Commodity Classic,” National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott said. “With a new farm bill and election year looming, our growers will value their attendance and appreciate hearing about their positions on future farm policy.”

This is the 16th year for the Commodity Classic, where the U.S. corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum industries join forces. This year’s trade show will host nearly 900 booths showcasing the latest agricultural equipment, technology, products and services, and more than 4,500 are expected to attend. In addition to walking the trade show floor, participants will also have numerous opportunities to take part in policy discussions, view demonstrations and attend learning sessions.

American Soybean Association President Alan Kemper added, “It will be a pleasure to have both the Secretary and the new House Ag Chairman join us in Tampa. I am looking forward to hearing how the Administration and Congress are going to work together to support the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) goal of doubling exports in the next five years.”

Classic Comments From ASA VP

Smooth Sailing at Commodity Classic in Tampa, FL sounds really good right now. I spoke with American Soybean Association VP, Bob Worth, about the upcoming annual event. He farms in Minnesota and was in between a rain storm and a blizzard so I know he’s looking forward to heading south at the beginning of March.

Bob says we’re going to have a classic Commodity Classic with farmers able to learn while catching up with old and new friends. He says the event helps farmers better their bottom line. Some of the top issues he thinks will be topics of discussion and probably part of farm group policy sessions and resolutions include water quality, biodiesel tax credit extension and the farm bill. You can listen to my conversation with Bob here: Bob Worth Interview

Soybean Growers Appeal to Congress

Soybean farmers are in Washington D.C. this week for a little lame duck.

In addition to uniting with other agriculture groups urging Congress to fix the “death tax,” American Soybean Association (ASA) farmer-leaders are participating in a biodiesel fly-in to discuss renewing the biodiesel tax incentive that expired at the end of last year.

Participating from ASA are grower-leaders Joe Steiner of Ohio, Bob Henry of Kansas and Darryl Brinkmann of Illinois. These ASA leaders are joining with farmers from state soybean associations, biodiesel producers and others in the biodiesel industry to push for passage of legislation to extend the biodiesel tax incentive during the lame duck session.

American Soybean Association Update

Commodity group leaders always make time to visit with the media at Farm Progress Show. One of them I spoke with yesterday was Rob Joslin, President, American Soybean Association. Rob is a soybean grower from Ohio. In the photo he’s on the left and speaking with Stu Ellis. I asked him about the issues that ASA is working on and the biodiesel tax extension is number one since with Congress allowing it to expire last year it has “virtually idled the vast majority of the domestic biodiesel industry” which he finds very disappointing.

You can listen to my interview with Rob here: Interview With Rob Joslin

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

Taking the SOY Challenge

Each year, soybean growers around the country take the American Soybean Association (ASA) and BASF up on their challenge to reduce weed competition, increase plant health and protect yields – but only three are chosen.

BASF SOY Winners JonasWe already met first place winners David and Sue Roehm in an earlier post. Today we meet Dave and Mary Jonas of Pinnconning, Michigan, one of two runners up in the 2009 Secure Optimal Yield (SOY) Challenge, which won them a trip to Commodity Classic and $2000 in cash.

Dave says the SOY Challenge worked out well for them with a two and a half bushel increase in yield. “They had a certain program they wanted you to follow just to see the difference,” Dave said. Test acres received an application of a BASF residual herbicide, such as Prowl® H20, Scepter® or Extreme® herbicides, and a treatment of Headline® fungicide for disease control and Plant Health benefits. Control acres were treated with a single pass of glyphosate in-crop only – no fungicide or residual herbicide.

The goal is not so much to see how much of a yield bump they get with the program, but how taking part in the ASA/BASF SOY Challenge has helps them to be more successful soybean producers. Contestants must submit a testimonial in words or video to explain how the challenge worked for them. Dave says it worked well enough that they plan to use it on more acres this year.

Listen to an interview with Dave and Mary in the player below.

Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF and New Holland