BASF Showcases Cotton, Soybean Varieties

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

BASF showcased successful cotton and soybean varieties during a recent field day in Louisiana.

Regional agronomist Kyle Fontenot shared strengths of Stoneville 5471 GLTP, which includes the Twin Link Plus trait package and had some of the highest yields in 2017. It will be a key variety moving forward, boasting a good fiber package and solid disease package. Complementing that variety are Stoneville 5122 GLT and Stoneville 5818 GLT, which also fit well into the Mid-South growing environment.

On the soybean side, Credenz 4540 LL and Credenz 4918 LL are highlights in the portfolio, as 4540 brings yield potential, a good disease package, and holds up well even during challenging harvest seasons. 4918 is a great complement to that, especially on irrigated, lighter ground. Other varieties to watch include Credenz 4222 LL and Credenz 4308 LL. Both show good yield potential and have the right plant type and a good disease package.

“From a portfolio standpoint we have a lot of options there to bring growers the diversity they need on the farm,” said Fontenot, who works in the South Delta region.

Fontenot said growers can be looking for new soybean varieties, including Credenz GT27 with glyphosate, Liberty and HPPD tolerance.


Listen to Chuck’s Hot Topics interview here: Hot Topics Interview with Kyle Fontenot, BASF

Listen to Chuck’s in-depth interview with Kyle here: Full Interview with Kyle Fontenot, BASF

2018 BASF Field Day – Louisiana Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, BASF, Cotton, Soybean, Video

Farmers for Free Trade Expands Coalition

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Over 80 of the nation’s leading trade associations representing thousands of businesses and workers today announced the formation of Americans for Free Trade a multi-industry coalition aimed at opposing tariffs and highlighting the benefits of international trade to the U.S. economy. This new coalition will immediately join Farmers for Free Trade, the coalition backed by the nation’s largest ag commodity groups, in a multi-million dollar national campaign called Tariffs Hurt the Heartland. The campaign will focus on telling the stories of the American businesses, farmers, workers and families harmed by tariffs through town-hall style events, grassroots outreach to Congress and the administration, social media, rapid response and digital advertising.

The campaign includes a geographically searchable map (TariffsHurt.com) that allows users to find stories of job losses, deferred investments, higher prices and other negative consequences for farmers and businesses in communities across the country impacted by tariffs.

“This campaign will show how tariffs are squeezing the average American family and community from every direction,” Farmers for Free Executive Director Trade Brian Kuehl said during a telephone press announcement today. “If you are in Des Moines, Iowa or Harrisburg, Pennsylvania it’s not just that tariffs are dropping the value of corn, soy or pork. Increasingly it’s that the price of buying a dishwasher has gone up, or that a local business has put off expansion because of the price of steel or aluminum. By joining with leading retailers, manufactures and services organizations, Farmers for Free Trade will play a big role in showing the comprehensive damage the trade war is having on American communities.”

Kristen Duncanson, a 3rd generation farmer from Minnesota, was among those who spoke during the press conference to tell her story about how tariffs are hurting her community. “Right now my husband and I figured we are losing about 18-20 dollars per pig at market time,” she said.

Listen to comments here from moderator Matt McAlvanah, David French with National Retailer Federation, Farmers for Free Executive Director Trade Brian Kuehl, and Minnesota farmer Kristen Duncanson –
Americans/Farmers for Free Trade press conference

AgWired Animal, Audio, Trade

Deere’s 6R Series Tractors Feature Single-Lever Control

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

John Deere showcased new features available on 6R Series tractors at the 2018 Farm Progress Show.

“The main new feature for 6Rs this year is this new CommandPro multi-function control lever we have on the tractor,” said Lyle McMillan, product marketing manager. “And really what that is, is giving operators the ability to control their tractor and their implement all in the palm of their right hand, within fingertip reach.”

McMillan said the new lever increases efficiency and operator comfort, with lots of technology built in. Operators can configure 11 different buttons to suit the activity they are trying to accomplish.

“When you reconfigure these 11 buttons on the CommandPro, you can save them in the display and then bring them up whenever you need. For instance, if you have a certain set of buttons that you want to be configured for baling, you can save that profile for baling, and then you can retrieve it at any point in the future if you want to. Or, you can save your settings according to operator if you have multiple operators running this machine.”

Traditional controls are still available if that’s what an operator prefers. Other new features on the 6R include standard JD Link, as well as larger hydraulic pump and variable ratio steering on some tractors.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Lyle here: FPS18 Deere 6R series updates interview with Lyle McMillan

Deere at FPS18 Photo Album

2018 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, John Deere, Tractor

Ethanol and Farm Groups Getting Impatient for Answers

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

In the wake of repeated promises and assurances from the Trump Administration, but no actions, ethanol stakeholder groups are running out of patience.

In a joint letter to President Trump today, the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, and Renewable Fuels Association urged the administration to act immediately to restore the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and allow year-round sales of E15 and other mid-level ethanol blends. The groups also expressed concern that any benefit from year-round E15 sales and proper implementation of the RFS could be nullified if refiners are given further regulatory bailouts that undercut the spirit and intent of the law.

The letter follows comments made by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Aug. 29 that President Trump was anxious to get an answer on the RFS and E15 to announce.

“He said…we need to get this RFS straightened out and get E15 twelve months,” said Perdue. “He wants something done quickly. He said, ‘you get with that EPA Administrator and bring me something next week that I can announce.'”
Over 80 of the nation’s leading trade associations representing thousands of businesses and workers today announced the formation of Americans for Free Trade a multi-industry coalition aimed at opposing tariffs and highlighting the benefits of international trade to the U.S. economy. This new coalition will immediately join Farmers for Free Trade, the coalition backed by the nation’s largest ag commodity groups, in a multi-million dollar national campaign called Tariffs Hurt the Heartland. The campaign will focus on telling the stories of the American businesses, farmers, workers and families harmed by tariffs through town-hall style events, grassroots outreach to Congress and the administration, social media, rapid response and digital advertising.

The campaign includes a geographically searchable map (TariffsHurt.com) that allows users to find stories of job losses, deferred investments, higher prices and other negative consequences for farmers and businesses in communities across the country impacted by tariffs.

The day before, in an exclusive interview with RFD-TV on August 28, President Trump said “I’m going to be making some statements on that very soon. We’re working very hard on the ethanol situation.” He also said it was “complex because as you take care of ethanol, someone else gets hurt.”

RFD-TV Interview with Pres. Trump comments on ethanol

Last week, which was the week Secretary Perdue said the president wanted something to announce, the secretary told reporters,”We’re working feverishly to resolve the RFS issue…I think we can resolve it to the satisfaction of both our ethanol industry as well as our refinery industry,” Perdue said.

Audio from USDA – Secretary Perdue comments on RFS issue progress

But the farm and ethanol groups say time is running out for rural America, as corn prices are below the cost of production, while ethanol prices, RIN credit prices, and ethanol profit margins are falling.

“Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt already gave refiners far more than their end of a deal in the form of 2.25 billion gallons of biofuels demand destruction, and they are reaping the rewards of that windfall today,” the letter continued. “Now, with the corn and ethanol industries hurting, it’s rural America’s turn to get its end of the deal.”

AFBF, Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Growth Energy, NCGA, NFU, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

National Biodiesel Celebrates Ten Green Years

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

NBB celebrates 10th anniversary of green headquarters

On Monday, September 10th, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated 10 green years in their Jefferson City office biulding.

“The National Biodiesel Board was started here in Jefferson City 25 years ago,” said Chief Executive Officer Donnell Rehagen. “This building has served NBB for the last ten years, allowing us to grow our industry across the nation.”

In 2008, NBB moved into their home in Jefferson City after remodeling a previously vacant building on the East side of town. The office itself was designed with sustainability in mind, with energy efficient indoor lighting, recycled carpet, and solar powered outdoor lights. NBB wanted to follow biodiesel’s lead with clean, green energy. Since moving into their celebrated space, the biodiesel industry has made significant strides and continues to see progress each year.

NBB cuts ribbon on new building – 9/10/08

AgWired reporter John Davis was there when the building was opened in 2008 and did a nice job documenting the event, complete with the ribbon cutting, a tour of the building, and comments from dignitaries.

Get a blast from the past and listen to some opening day 2008 comments from Missouri’s governor at the time, Matt Blunt, and (now former) Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), who remains active in the biodiesel industry.

Missouri Gov Matt Blunt, 9/10/08

Rep. Kenny Hulshof, 9/10/08
Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels

Agencies to Hold Meeting on Lab Grown Fake Meat

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a joint meeting next month, Oct. 23-24, to discuss the use of cell culture technology to develop products derived from livestock and poultry – better known to producers as lab-grown fake meat.

The joint public meeting, hosted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the FDA, will focus on the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.The first day of the meeting will focus primarily on the potential hazards that need to be controlled for the safe production of animal cell cultured food products and oversight considerations by regulatory agencies. The second day of the meeting will focus on labeling considerations.

Danielle Beck, Director of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), says they are encouraged by USDA involvement in the discussion.

“Consumers depend on a regulatory system that ensures their food is safe and accurately labeled. That is why it is encouraging to finally see USDA involvement on the issue of regulating lab-grown fake meat,” said Beck. “USDA’s stringent food safety inspection processes and robust labeling protections make the agency the best choice for leading oversight of these new products. NCBA looks forward to participating in the public meeting and will continue to advocate for USDA’s primary oversight role.”

Representatives of industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register to attend the meeting. Pre-registration is available at the Meetings and Events page on the FSIS website.

AgWired Animal, Food, Livestock, NCBA, USDA

ASTA Requests Seed Exemption on Chinese Tariffs List

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is requesting that seeds for sowing be exempted from the proposed list of supplemental retaliatory tariffs on China.

“While we support the administration’s push for stronger intellectual property protection and enforcement globally, at the end of the day, the majority of these proposed tariffs will be levied on seeds owned by small and medium U.S.-based companies, not Chinese-owned corporations,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew LaVigne. “For 2019, small and medium seed companies estimate tariff-related losses could range from $80,000 to $2,000,000 per company, depending on the company’s footprint in China. And the resulting cost will ultimately be felt by American farmers and consumers.”

The United States is the largest market for seed in the world, and the largest global seed exporter, and China is the second largest market for planting seeds after the U.S. ASTA has worked with the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture for over a decade and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China National Seed Association (CNSA) with the ultimate goal of developing stronger intellectual property understanding and protection for plant breeders in China.

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Seed, Trade

Precision Ag Bytes 9/12

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The University of Missouri and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced that The Ohio State University professor R. Keith Slotkin, and Iowa State professor Bing Yang, have been appointed to joint faculty positions at MU and the Danforth Center.
  • Raven Industries and Topcon Agriculture, announced a licensing agreement for Topcon Agriculture’s use of the Slingshot Application Programming Interface in its various software platforms.
  • The A & L research agronomy team has developed and launched VitTellussm Soil Health, next generation Soil Health Test and recommendation package to help farmers and crop consultants make more informed decisions on application of nutrients, and managing and improving their soil. The VitTellus Soil Health test is available worldwide and can be accessed through the VitTellus website.
  • HELM Agro US, Inc. has received EPA registration for FEARLESS® and FEARLESS® XTRA herbicides, two acetochlor-based weed control tools for corn.
  • Syngenta announced the release of 32 new NK® corn hybrids for the 2019 growing season, further revitalizing the brand’s corn product lineup to support farmers.
  • Soil experts Ray Archuleta, Dave Brandt, Gabe Brown and Allen Williams, Ph.D. have teamed up to help other producers practically and successfully apply soil health-focused, regenerative agriculture systems through their new venture, Soil Health Consultants, LLC.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

Deere Adds to Tillage Lineup

Carrie Muehling

John Deere featured its 2680H High-Performance Disk at the 2018 Farm Progress Show.

For use in both spring and fall, the equipment boasts a productive top speed of 14 miles per hour and compact transport dimensions for ease of transitioning on the roadways. The medium to high intensity disk will incorporate more residue into the soil, allowing it to break down more quickly, according to Paul Richardel with John Deere.

“This was a tool that we were really proud to announce alongside of our 2660VT, knowing that both of these tools are engaging in different parts of the market from low to medium intensity. This tool, the 2680H, is addressing the medium to high intensity. We really wanted to show how they complement each other but really they’re different and are addressing different parts of our market,” said Richardel.

Options for operators include 15 different models ranging from 8-foot to 45-foot wide for use in multiple applications from orchards to row crops and commercial agriculture. The 2680H high-performance disk will be available for order beginning in the spring of 2019.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Paul here: FPS 18 Deere 2680H High-Performance Disk Interview with Paul Richardel

Deere at FPS18 Photo Album

2018 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, John Deere, Tillage

Agriculture Youth Benefit From GROWMARK Support

Carrie Muehling

Illinois FFA State Officers including Treasurer Taylor Hartke helped to bring in the flags during a moving ceremony to open the GROWMARK Annual Meeting in Chicago. The Illinois FFA members joined FFA officers from Iowa and Wisconsin and 4-H youth from Ontario in marching in the 4-H and FFA flags along with the American and Canadian flags. Hartke said FFA members across the country appreciate organizations like GROWMARK and the opportunity to learn and explore career paths in agriculture.

“The support we get from GROWMARK as well as the other family of companies in Farm Bureau is really important for our organization in propelling youth to the next level, especially when we talk about career success begin part of our motto and mission statement for FFA,” said Hartke.

She said networking opportunities and relationships like those with GROWMARK are vital for students, whether they are headed into traditional production agriculture or a career in communications, marketing or another area that supports agriculture.

Listen to Carrie’s interview with Taylor here: Interview with Taylor Hartke, Illinois FFA Treasurer at GROWMARK Annual Meeting

4-H, Audio, Cooperatives, FFA, GROWMARK