FMC Seeking Registration for Anthem on Cotton

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Cindy

FMC Corporation is working on registration of a new herbicide for resistant weed control in cotton by 2014. Growers at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences had a chance to hear more about it this week from Scott Akin with FMC.

“Anthem is going to be a valuable pre-emergence herbicide I think for cotton growers across the belt for use against grasses and small seeded broadleaf weeds, particularly Palmer ameranth,” Scott said.

As growers heard at the Beltwide, and most already know, glyphosate-resistant Palmer ameranth pigweed continues to spread across the cotton belt – showing up in even Arizona this past year, so FMC is working hard on field testing for the registration of Anthem in 2014. Anthem has already been registered for use on corn and is expected on soybeans soon.

To find out more, listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Akin interview

2013 Beltwide Cotton photo album

Nobody is Happy with Farm Bill Extension

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Cindy

*UPDATED with audio*

Congress spent the New Year’s holiday working and actually managed to pass a “fiscal cliff” bill that even addressed agriculture – but no one seems to be very grateful for all of our lawmakers’ hard work and sacrifice except the lawmakers themselves.

The nine month extension of the current farm bill, which actually expired months ago, is being pretty universally panned by agricultural interests. It was the looming specter of $8 a gallon milk that motivated the Senate to include a farm bill extension in the package but National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jerry Kozak called it “a devastating blow” to the nation’s dairy farmers. “After months of inaction, the plan that passed overnight as part of the fiscal cliff package amounts to shoving farmers over the dairy cliff without providing any safety net below,” said Kozak. “These stop-gap efforts don’t even qualify as kicking the can down the road. It’s little more than a New Year’s Day, hair-of-the-dog stab at temporarily putting off decisions that should have been made in 2012 about how to move farm policy forward, not offer more of the same.”

I talked to NMPF Senior VP of Communications Chris Galen about their concerns and how they intend to address them in the 113th Congress. Interview with Chris Galen

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson of Iowa says they are “tired of the endless excuses and lack of accountability” by Congress in failing to address a five year farm bill. “Once again Congress’ failure to act pushes agriculture aside hampering farmers’ ability to make sound business decisions for the next five years,” said Johnson. “The system is clearly broken.”

I got to chat with Pam about her personal feelings and NCGA’s positions on the farm bill extension and her hopefulness that the new year will bring a new attitude in Congress. Interview with Pam Johnson

American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman called the extension “little more than a stop-gap measure” and said they are “disappointed that Congress was unable or unwilling to roll a comprehensive five-year farm bill proposal into the fiscal cliff package. Now, it will be up to the new 113th Congress to put a new farm bill in place.” National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson was more critical, calling the extension “a short sighted, temporary fix that ultimately provides inadequate solutions that will leave our farmers and ranchers crippled by uncertainty.”

Looking for a brighter side, American Soybean Association (ASA) President Danny Murphy of Mississippi said they are disappointed in Congress but noted that the extension of the 2008 Farm Bill “allows important foreign market development, disaster assistance, and farm safety net programs to continue.”

The nine-month extension means that Congress can now ignore the farm bill until at least September, then allow it to expire, then wait until the end of the year again and pass another extension – or hopefully actually get a new bill passed at the very last possible moment or later.

Happy Holidays from Illinois Corn Growers

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Chuck

Let’s have an end of the week Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Illinois Corn Growers.

Wishing you and your family the Christmas season’s joys and wonders.

Enjoy the holiday.

Happy Holidays from the staff at Illinois Corn.

Wish I could share all the holiday message we’ve received. Keep ‘em coming though. Plenty of time left and I’ll do my best to share yours here if you’d like.

2012 National Corn Yield Contest Winners

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Melissa

Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2012 National Corn Yield Contest. Despite a severe drought that plagued most of the Corn Belt, entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, even doubling it in some circumstances.

The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 48th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. With 8,262 entries, the 2012 NCGA National Corn Yield Contest neared the participation record set last year of 8,425 entries. Notably, 2012 still marks a dramatic trend toward higher entry rates, far surpassing the previous entry record set in 2010 of 7,125 entries.

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 316.3222 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 122.3 bushels per acre in 2012. Notably, while the national average declined significantly from a projection of 146.7 bushels per acre at this time in 2011, the contest average rose by more than three bushels per acre. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 384.3609.

The national and state contest winners will be honored at the 2013 Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Fla. Feb. 28 – March 2. Contest winners will also be featured in a special edition of Progressive Farmer magazine.

Click here for the complete list of National winners.

MOU Importance for China and US Seed Companies

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Cindy

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Chairman Blake Curtis calls the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US and China seed organizations Monday “monumental.”

“Everything has to start somewhere and this is a great start,” said Blake, with Curtis and Curtis Seed Company of New Mexico. “China is a very aggressive force in our world today and we’re excited about the things they’ll be able to develop using the ideas we bring to the table.”

Listen to interview with Blake here: ASTA Chairman Blake Curtis

Zhang Shihuang with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences says the MOU means new opportunities for his country. “Most of the seed companies in China are very young compared with American seed industry,” he said. “Next year we want to send groups of young scientists to visit American seed companies and we can also send young managers of companies to be trained in America.”

Zhang also notes that seed companies in China are very small so they are very excited about working with the smaller U.S. seed companies, in addition to the powerhouses like Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer. “We want to invite American seed companies to go to China and invest in joint ventures,” he said.

Listen to interview with Zhang here: Zhang Shihuang of China

ASTA-CSS Photo Album

US and China Seed Groups Sign MOU

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Cindy

Leaders from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and the China National Seed Association (CNSA) signed an historic Memo of Understanding today to promote cooperation relating to innovation in the seed industry, said ASTA president Andrew W. LaVigne.

“This agreement achieves two extremely important goals,” said LaVigne. “First, it is an important first step in providing new business opportunities for the world’s two largest seed industries; and second, it will ultimately work toward increased farmer productivity.”

The MOU reflects both parties’ desire to promote mutual interests through cooperation, information exchange and training in the areas of intellectual property rights, quality seed, science-based phytosanitary measures, seed movement and innovation in the seed industry on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

Listen to remarks from ASTA Chairman Blake Curtis and several members at MOU signing: ASTA-China MOU Signing

Listen to Brownfield’s Meghan Grebner interview with Andy LaVigne on MOU: Andy LaVigne Interview

ASTA-CSS Photo Album

Syngenta Shares New Product Lines at NAFB

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Jamie

It was obvious Syngenta was excited to talk about all the new and innovative things they have going on in the soybean and corn labs at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s annual Trade Talk.

I spoke with Scott Erickson, Soybean Genetics Portfolio Manager for Syngenta. He shared how they are tackling all the things that can rob yields during the growing season and save farmers time and money.

“Well, we work on the seed part of the business which would be NK brand soybean varieties. Our focus is how do we put together the best genetic package that can deliver the most yield potential to todays soybean growers.”

“A lot of soybean farmers know CruiserMaxx Beans from Syngenta. That’s a registered insecticide and fungicide that we sold under the CruiserMaxx label, but now we have also launched a new fungicide focused on root strength called Vibrance. Soybeans from Syngenta this year, if purchased with treatment on them, will all come with CruiserMaxx Beans plus Vibrance. That is a great way to get the seedling off to a great start.”

Listen to my complete interview with Scott here: Scott Erickson - Syngenta

I also sat down with Chuck Lee, who is head of the corn division for Syngenta. He shared his enthusiasm for a great new product that will create drought tolerance in corn fields all season long.

“So, obviously we have lots invested in corn. We have lots of exciting things just this year that are coming out in the corn space. And probably one of the most exciting is our Agrisure Artesian technology. It’s a drought tolerant technology. It provides season long drought protection. It has really been an effective trait. We have more than 1,000 farmer strip trials out this year and in those strip trials they have increased yields up to 15% in moderate and severe drought environments.”

Listen to my complete interview with Chuck here: Chuck Lee - Syngenta

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Deeper Roots, Strong Yield With Drought-Tolerant Corn

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Melissa

A root comparison study conducted this season at Monsanto’s Gothenburg Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenburg, Neb., provided a dramatic demonstration of just how important a deep, strong root structure is to help corn plants withstand drought conditions.

The research program evaluated the performance of a DEKALB® drought-tolerant corn product versus two competitor products – a Pioneer® Optimum® AQUAmax™ hybrid and a shallow-rooted product. A root dig conducted in mid-September showed that the DEKALB product had a significantly deeper, more evenly spread root structure than the other two products.

The result was healthier ears and a yield advantage for DEKALB of 12 bu./A versus Pioneer Optimum AQUAmax and 15 bu./A versus the shallow-rooted product.

This December DEKALB will continue a tradition of introducing innovative new products with the stewarded introduction of Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids in the Western Great Plains for 2013 planting. These products combine the DEKALB brand’s drought-tolerant genetics, developed through the brand’s industry leading breeding program, with the industry’s first drought-tolerant biotech trait and agronomic practices. The DEKALB DroughtGard Hybrids available for planting in 2013 delivered farmers more than 5 bu./A versus competitor products in field trails this year.

Click here to see time-lapse photos of the root dig and video interviews with the participants.

Optimum AQUAmax For Water-Limited Environments

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Jamie

Drought hasn’t yet been moved to the back burner as companies like Dupont Pioneer make it a priority to engineer products to help farmers in times of uncontrollable circumstances. National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk gave agri-businesses a voice to share their latest products.

I sat down with Janelle Buxton, Marketing Communication Manager in Corn for Dupont Pioneer. She was excited to share a fairly new product farmers can take advantage of, Optimum AQUAmax. This corn hybrid is for water-limited environments, but also increases yield in normal conditions.

“One of the primary products that I work on is a drought tolerant corn hybrid. It’s one of Pioneers newest elite class of hybrids. Essentially what these Optimum AQUAmax products do is help deliver yield advantage in water-limited environments, much like the year we have had would be considered water limited. It then offers top-end yield potential in more normal growing conditions. Optimum AQUAmax products were launched in January 2011 in the western US in those areas that are chronically dry and then expanded to about 2 million acres in 2012.”

“In yield performance we saw that in over 11,200 on-farm grower competitive trials, with similar traited products, we saw a yield advantage of Optimum AQUAmax of about 8.9% in those water-limited environments. In more favorable growing conditions we saw 1.9% yield advantage.”

Listen to my complete interview with Janelle here: Janelle Buxton - Dupont Pioneer

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

EPA Denies Ethanol Waiver Request

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Cindy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied a petition by the governors of poultry producing states that would have waived the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its requirement for ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.

In its decision to deny the request, EPA said Friday that the RFS itself is not causing economic harm and that suspending the standard would reduce corn prices by only 1%. “We recognize that this year’s drought has created hardship in some sectors of the economy, particularly for livestock producers,” said EPA’s Gina McCarthy in a statement. “But our extensive analysis makes clear that congressional requirements for a waiver have not been met and that waiving the RFS will have little, if any, impact.”

The ethanol industry is obviously pleased with the decision and so are corn farmers. “The National Corn Growers Association supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to deny the Renewable Fuel Standard waiver request,” said NCGA President Pam Johnson “We believe Administrator Jackson appropriately recognized petitioners did not properly prove severe nationwide economic harm had occurred thereby creating no justification for a waiver of the RFS.”

“The RFS is working as designed,” said Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen. “The flexibility that is built into the RFS allows the marketplace to ration demand, not the government. Indeed, the ethanol industry has responded to the market by reducing output by approximately 12%.”

Listen to or download interview with Bob Dinneen. RFA reacts to RFS Waiver Denial

Livestock and poultry producers, however, are not so happy. A coalition of livestock, poultry and dairy organizations issued a statement expressing “extreme disappointment” with the denial.

“We are extremely frustrated and discouraged that EPA chose to ignore the clear economic argument from tens of thousands of family farmers and livestock and poultry producers that the food-to-fuel policy is causing and will cause severe harm to regions in which those farmers and producers operate,” the coalition said.

In fact, dozens of poultry, pork, beef and dairy operations have filed for bankruptcy, been sold or simply gone out of business over the past several months because of rising feed grain prices.

“How many more jobs and family farms have to be lost before we change this misguided policy and create a level playing field on the free market for the end users of corn?” the coalition asked. “It is now abundantly clear that this law is broken, and we will explore remedies to fix it.”

Corn Farmers Have Anthem Option

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Cindy

After years of planning, research and development, FMC has finally received EPA registration on the new herbicide, Anthem for broad spectrum weed control.

“What we’re really excited about is that it brings excellent control to the table of resistant weeds, whether it be trazine or glyphosate resistant,” said Roger Webster with FMC Corporation. “We’re seeing longer lasting control with this product, particularly on those small seeded broadleafs.” That includes waterhemp, lambsquarter, pig weed, palmer ameranth, and velvet leaf.

Roger says they plan to introduce Anthem for corn growers in next year and for soybean growers in 2014. “It brings a new mode of action to the marketplace that the grower is interested in,” said Roger.

Listen to an interview with Roger about Anthem here: Interview with Roger Webster

Ag Group Leaders Trade Talk on Policy

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Cindy

ZimmCast 373 Having the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual meeting start the day after a presidential election gives leaders of agricultural organizations plenty to talk about at Trade Talk.

In this edition of the ZimmCast, we hear from farmer leaders, lobbyists and staff members with eight different agricultural and renewable energy organizations commenting on the election, farm bill, fiscal cliff and other related issues.

Chuck, Jamie and I did about 65 interviews total at Trade Talk this year and we would have liked to have done more but there’s just not enough time! In this podcast, we have comments from Bob Stallman with American Farm Bureau, Luther Markwart with the American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Tom Buis of Growth Energy, Missouri cattle producer Don Pemberton on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board, National Corn Growers VP for Public Policy Jon Doggett, Bob Dinneen with the Renewable Fuels Association, US Grains Council CEO Tom Sleight, and US Wheat Associates farmer leader Dan Hughes.

Listen to this week’s ZimmCast here: Policy Comments from NAFB Trade Talk

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong and Monsanto, Roundup Ready Plus, 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.

New NCGA President Meets Press at NAFB

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Cindy

Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa has been president of the National Corn Growers Association for just over a month now and Thursday she had her first real opportunity in that position to “meet the press” at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).

Pam is the first woman president of NCGA but she takes exception to the idea that she is a “token” in a man’s world. “I’m a sixth generation farmer and I come from a long line of strong men AND women,” she said. “Just like anybody else, male or female, I had to work very hard, learn a lot, work together and compromise and come up through the chain.”

Pam says there is lots more opportunity for farm women to get involved in leadership positions than ever before. “I’ve got a lot of respect for women in agriculture, young and old,” said Pam, noting the great enthusiasm she witnessed at the Executive Women in Agriculture conference last year in Chicago.

Pam’s goals as president for NCGA are very simple. “To bring all that I am and all that I’ve learned to this position and be the best president that I can be for NCGA. That means that I will continue to advocate for the policies that we worked very hard to develop and advocate for our priorities as we move forward into this new year,” Pam said.

I also talked with Pam about her crop this year, how farming has changed in six generations on her farm, and the 2013 Commodity Classic.

Listen to my interview with Pam – one of dozens done Thursday with farm broadcasters! Interview with Pam Johnson

2012 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Generational Differences Among Farmers

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Melissa

New research shows how the management style of younger dairy producers and corn growers compares and contrasts with that of their older counterparts. The survey, commissioned by McCormick Company, considered management practices, ownership structures, decision-making processes, business and transition planning, and the role of information — including digital media — in running respondents’ operations.

What the study found was that younger managers embrace the same values and reasons for farming, but they often consider new ways to get information and manage their operations.

McCormick’s goal is to share proprietary insights from this research with select companies seeking innovation as they connect with key customers.

An independent research firm interviewed more than 600 corn farmers and dairy producers, half of which were younger than 45 years of age. The vast majority of their farms were owned by two or more family generations; but one in four of the younger dairy producers were first-generation owners. Continue reading →

Soybeans Up, Corn Crop Down a Bit

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Cindy

The October USDA crop production report out this morning took a little bit more off the corn crop but increased the soybean crop by nine percent.

Corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, down slightly from the September forecast and down 13 percent from 2011. This represents the lowest production in the United States since 2006. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 122.0 bushels per acre, down 0.8 bushel from the September forecast and 25.2 bushels below the 2011 average. If realized, this will be the lowest average yield since 1995. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 87.7 million acres, up less than 1 percent from the September forecast and up 4 percent from 2011. Acreage updates were made in several States based on administrative data.

Soybean production is forecast at 2.86 billion bushels, up 9 percent from September but down 8 percent from last year. Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 37.8 bushels per acre, up 2.5 bushels from last month but down 4.1 bushels from last year. Compared with last month, yield forecasts are higher or unchanged across all States. Area for harvest
in the United States is forecast at 75.7 million acres, up 1 percent from September and up 3 percent from last year. Acreage updates were made in several States based on administrative data.

The cotton forecast was increased by one percent to 17.3 million 480-pound bales and the new citrus crop production report has oranges up four percent from last season at 9.37 million tons.

*POST UPDATE with audio*
The Minneapolis Grain Exchange crop conference call this morning featured Randy Martinson, Progressive Ag, who also provided commentary on the October WASDE report, which lowers ending stocks for wheat by 44 million bushels, and beginning stocks for corn by 193 million bushels.

Listen to the MGEX crop call here: MGEX October crop report call

Corn Harvest More than Double Time Ahead

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Cindy

Farmers are more than double-timing it on the corn harvest this season.

As of this past weekend, USDA reports that 69 percent of the crop was harvested, compared to 28 average for this time of year. Several corn belt states are running way, way ahead of normal, like Minnesota and Iowa, which normally have around 11-17% of the corn harvest complete by now. This year – over three-quarters of the crop in both states is harvested!

National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa says farmers are working diligently to get the crop into the U.S. corn supply.

“While this summer’s drought certainly took its toll, corn farmers are working tirelessly to get the crop out of field and into bins. Their commitment to maximizing the crop drives them forward, often late into the night, harvesting now to make sure they provide the most abundant, highest quality corn possible,” said Johnson, who notes that the rapid harvest pace means that the October USDA reports due out Thursday will provide a much clearer picture of the size of the U.S. corn supply.

“For months, we have asked that those interested in the corn supply practice patience and remain calm while we wait for an accurate accounting of the crop to emerge,” said Johnson. “The vast majority of media coverage has relied upon preliminary data and projections to draw conclusions which may prove premature or inaccurate.”

The September crop production report estimated this year’s corn crop at 10.7 billion bushels, the lowest since 1995 but still the eighth-largest in history.

Iowa BASF Great Grower Happy With Yields

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Cindy

The Iowa harvest is coming along well ahead of schedule according to the latest USDA numbers – 56% of corn harvested compared to 8% average for this time of year and soybeans are 54% harvested compared to 21% average. The condition of the crops is not as bad as some of the Corn Belt states, although nearly half the corn is rated poor to very poor, beans are doing better with nearly 70% rated at least fair.

I caught up with BASF Great Grower Steve Miller in the middle of his harvest to see how the season has been for him and he is pretty happy with the yields he has seen so far, considering the weather. He finished harvesting his soybean fields Sunday night. “We average 64 on our further west farms and 58 the further west we went,” Steve told me. “Corn, on the other hand, we go from zero to 230 in the same field and the corn on corn is worse than the corn in bean stubble.” With his corn harvest about one third complete, Steve says his yields are actually exceeding his expectations given the fact that they had virtually no rain from June until the end of August.

The weather impacted Steve’s weed control, which was difficult for soybeans, since they do have some glyphosate resistance. “We got some waterhemp that just laughed at us when we sprayed, dandelions, giant ragweed,” he said. “We were spraying 44 ounces of Roundup and it didn’t seem to do much.”

Steve did use Headline fungicide for plant health this year. “When we sprayed, beans were $16 and it wouldn’t take much to make up for the product, so we thought that was a good decision.”

Listen to or download my interview with Steve here: BASF Great Grower Steve Miller

Fund Established for Injured Kansas Grains Exec

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Cindy

A farmer, friend and colleague of the agriculture industry is in critical condition at a Springfield, Missouri hospital and a fund has now been set up to help his family with related expenses.

Kansas Corn and Sorghum Growers executive director Jere White was involved in a motorcycle accident on September 28 in northwest Arkansas. Jere is an avid motorcyclist and is pictured here at the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with his son Robert, who is Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association. Chuck took that photo and it’s one that Robert has been using on his Facebook page. It really shows Jere’s character as a fun-lover and father.

Jere was wearing a helmet in the crash but still suffered a head injury and his family has been with him constantly in Springfield since the accident. They have set up a Facebook page for Jere where updates can be found and comments of encouragement can be posted. The link is http://www.facebook.com/GetWellJere.

Jere’s colleagues with the Kansas grains groups are helping out with expenses for the family by setting up a fund for donations.

Donations to the fund can be sent to:
Jere White Fund
c/o Bank of Greeley
PO Box 80
Greeley, KS 66033

Cards for Jere and his family will be collected at the association office and may be mailed to:
Jere White
KCGA/KGSPA
PO Box 446
Garnett, KS 66032

Please join us in praying for Jere’s complete recovery and the strength of his family for support.

USDA Lowers Grain Stocks

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Cindy

USDA’s Quarterly Grain Stocks report out this morning shows declines in stocks of corn, soybeans and wheat compared to this time last year.

The report shows corn stocks down 12% from September 2011, soybean stocks down 21% and all wheat stocks down 2%. Old crop corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2012 totaled 988 million bushels, soybeans totaled 169 million bushels, and wheat totaled 2.10 billion bushels.

On the Minneapolis Grain Exchange crop conference call this morning to analyze the report, Brad Paulson of Northern Crops Marketing & Investment said the numbers wheat and corn were lower than expected, while the soybean number was higher. “We fed quite a bit of wheat and feed demand for corn is still quite strong,” he said. “(The soybean number) would suggest that they underestimated or raised the 2011 soybean crop.”

Listen to the MGEX crop call here: MGEX Grain Stocks crop call